EP2354627A1 - Process and system for filling gas bottles - Google Patents

Process and system for filling gas bottles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2354627A1
EP2354627A1 EP10190321A EP10190321A EP2354627A1 EP 2354627 A1 EP2354627 A1 EP 2354627A1 EP 10190321 A EP10190321 A EP 10190321A EP 10190321 A EP10190321 A EP 10190321A EP 2354627 A1 EP2354627 A1 EP 2354627A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
filling
buffer capacity
valve
supply line
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP10190321A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2354627B1 (en
Inventor
Celso Zerbinatti
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP2354627A1 publication Critical patent/EP2354627A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2354627B1 publication Critical patent/EP2354627B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/06—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with compressed gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F17C13/025—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the pressure as the parameter
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • F17C9/02—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure with change of state, e.g. vaporisation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F17C2205/0142—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels bundled in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0335—Check-valves or non-return valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/031—Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/043—Localisation of the removal point in the gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/043—Localisation of the removal point in the gas
    • F17C2223/045—Localisation of the removal point in the gas with a dip tube
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2225/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/036—Very high pressure, i.e. above 80 bars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0302—Heat exchange with the fluid by heating
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0388—Localisation of heat exchange separate
    • F17C2227/0393—Localisation of heat exchange separate using a vaporiser
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/04—Methods for emptying or filling
    • F17C2227/043—Methods for emptying or filling by pressure cascade
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/01—Intermediate tanks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/025—Reducing transfer time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/02—Applications for medical applications
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/02—Applications for medical applications
    • F17C2270/025—Breathing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of filling gas cylinders, in particular oxygen and medical air.
  • the filling of the gas bottles 4 is generally carried out by successive filling cycles by means of one (or more) packing ramp (s) 3 each supplying several pressurized gas bottles 4, such as illustrated in Figure 1 .
  • Each ramp 3 is itself fed with pressurized gas from a buffer capacity 1, that is to say a gas storage tank.
  • the buffer capacity 1 is full of gas at an initial maximum pressure, for example a pressure of 240 bar.
  • the buffer capacity 1 is fluidly connected by a gas supply pipe 2 to the conditioning ramp 3, said main pipe 2 being equipped with a control valve 5, commonly called a filling valve or isolation valve, used to control, that is to say allow or interrupt, sending gas buffer 1 to the ramp 3 and therefore the bottles 4 to fill.
  • a control valve 5 commonly called a filling valve or isolation valve, used to control, that is to say allow or interrupt, sending gas buffer 1 to the ramp 3 and therefore the bottles 4 to fill.
  • the gas contained in the buffer capacity 1 is conveyed by the pipe or main gas line 2 to the ramp 3 and is used to pre-fill the gas cylinders 4.
  • the pressure then drops in the buffer capacity 1 until a pressure equilibrium is obtained with the bottles 4, that is to say until an equal equilibration pressure is obtained in the buffer capacity 1 and in the bottles 4, as well as in the main supply line 2.
  • This balancing pressure is lower than the maximum starting pressure, for example a pressure of 110 bar.
  • an external gas source 7 such as a storage tank, a gas supply pipe or a network of pipes
  • cryogenic pump 6 simultaneously sends pressurized gas, possibly heated in an atmospheric heater 16 or the like, to the buffer capacity 1 and the bottles 4 of the ramp 3 so as to fill them concomitantly.
  • the document is also known WO-2009/013415 which describes a method of filling the tank of a bus or the like with hydrogen, in which the hydrogen is, as the case may be, from low pressure hydrogen sources connected to a compressor or from a storage of hydrogen liquid associated with a pumping and vaporization system.
  • the hydrogen gas can be conveyed directly to the bus tank or to buffer storage facilities.
  • the control of gas flows is via valves, sensors, filters ...
  • WO-A-01/77574 teaches a gas tank filling plant, in particular fuel gas for combustion engines, comprising gas sources connected to sites using the gas, via gas pipes equipped with valves.
  • An optional compressor is arranged on a bypass line connected to the gas lines.
  • the problem to be solved is to be able to improve the conditioning efficiency of the gas cylinders by proposing a method and an installation for faster filling of the bottles and the buffer capacity.
  • the solution proposed by the present invention relates to a gas conditioning installation comprising at least one buffer tank containing a gas under pressure, a gas container filling ramp, a main gas supply pipe fluidly connecting the buffer capacity.
  • said at least one filling ramp, and a filling valve arranged on the main supply line characterized in that it further comprises a control valve arranged on the supply line, between the buffer capacity and the filling valve; a bypass duct fluidically connected to the main pipe, upstream and downstream of the control valve, considering the flow direction of the gas from the buffer capacity to said at least one ramp; a gas anti-return device arranged on the bypass pipe allowing the passage of the gas only in the direction of said at least one ramp; and the main supply line is fluidly connected to a cryogenic pump powered by a gas source.
  • the invention also relates to a use of an installation according to the invention for filling gas conditioning containers, in particular gas bottles, in particular with oxygen or air, or even with another gas such as argon, xenon, nitrogen, NO, CO, CO 2 or N 2 O, or a mixture of several of these gases.
  • gas conditioning containers in particular gas bottles, in particular with oxygen or air, or even with another gas such as argon, xenon, nitrogen, NO, CO, CO 2 or N 2 O, or a mixture of several of these gases.
  • the buffer capacity 1 of the installation is full of gases, such as oxygen or medical grade air, at an initial maximum pressure, typically between 200 and 350 bar, by example of the order of 240 bar.
  • gases such as oxygen or medical grade air
  • control valve 8 arranged on the supply pipe 2, still called main pipe, and which is normally open, closes.
  • This control valve 8 can be controlled remotely by conventional control means, that is to say any valve control device of known type, so that, as soon as the filling valve 5 is opened, the control valve 8 closes.
  • the gas contained in the buffer capacity 1 is then diverted by a bypass pipe 10 which is connected to the main supply pipe 2, upstream and downstream of the control valve 8 so as to put in fluidic communication the pipe portion main supply 2 located upstream of the control valve 8 with that located downstream of the control valve 8, considering the flow direction of the gas from the buffer capacity 1 to the control valve 8.
  • Bypass line 10 comprises a non-return device 9 of gas, for example a non-return valve, which allows the passage of the gas from the buffer capacity 1 to the bottles 4 but prevents any rise of the gas towards the buffer capacity 1.
  • a non-return device 9 of gas for example a non-return valve
  • the gas delivered by the buffer capacity 1 therefore flows through the bypass line 10, through the non-return valve 9, to the ramp 3 and finally to the bottles 4.
  • the gas from the source 7 is in fact compressed by a cryogenic pump 6 and then distributed in the secondary supply line 11.
  • a vaporizer or atmospheric gas heater 16 may be arranged between the source 7 and the pump 6 or preferably between the pump 6 and the filling valve 5.
  • the cryogenic pump 6 which has started at a given pressure, completes the filling of the bottles 4 only because the valve 8 is closed and the non-return valve 9 prevents the filling of the buffer capacity 1 by opposing any pressure build-up to said buffer capacity 1.
  • the manual isolation valve 12 in normal use mode, is always open. Its closing by the operator makes it possible to isolate the buffer capacity 1.
  • a first pressure gauge 13 installed upstream of a safety valve 14 makes it possible to ensure the absence of pressure in the main supply pipe portion 2 , near the buffer capacity 1.
  • the pressure gauge 13 and the safety valve 14 are connected to the pipe 2 via a pipe fluidly connected to said pipe 2, between the capacity 1 and the valve. Isolation 12.
  • a second manometer 15 is arranged on the main supply pipe 2, downstream of the control valve 8.
  • the buffer capacity 1 is filled with gas from the external source 7.
  • the control valve 8 is open, which allows a recovery pressurized gas in the line 2 to the buffer capacity 1. It stops filling the capacity 1 when the pressure therein reaches the desired maximum value, for example 240 bar.
  • the equilibrium pressure reached (for example 110 bar)
  • the pump 6 increases the pressure of the line (viewable on the manometer 15) while the pressure of the pressure gauge 13 located near the buffer capacity 1 remains stable at the pressure previous balance.
  • the line 2 pressure rises to the calculated filling pressure (depending on the temperature).
  • control valve 8 opens, thus enabling the buffer capacity to be refilled, the two gauges 13, 15 then displaying the same pressure until the maximum pressure, for example 240 bar, is reached. which corresponds to the stopping instruction of the cryogenic pump.
  • the method and the installation of the invention make it possible to fill the bottles and buffer capacity more quickly by implementing a sequential rather than simultaneous filling of the bottles and the buffer capacity.

Abstract

The installation has a buffer capacity (1) containing pressurized gas. A filling ramp (3) is placed for filling gas containers (4). A gas supply line (2) enables fluidic connection of the buffer capacity with the filling ramp. A filling valve (5) is arranged on the supply line. A control valve (8) is arranged on the supply line between the buffer capacity and the filling valve. A non-return device (9) i.e. non-return valve, is arranged on a by-pass line (10) to authorize a passage of gas in a direction of the filling ramp. An independent claim is also included for a method for filling gas containers.

Description

La présente invention concerne le domaine du remplissage des bouteilles de gaz, en particulier d'oxygène et d'air médical.The present invention relates to the field of filling gas cylinders, in particular oxygen and medical air.

Actuellement, dans les centres de conditionnement, le remplissage des bouteilles de gaz 4 est généralement réalisé par cycles de remplissage successifs au moyen d'une (ou plusieurs) rampe(s) 3 de conditionnement alimentant chacune plusieurs bouteilles en gaz 4 sous pression, comme illustré en Figure 1.Currently, in the packing centers, the filling of the gas bottles 4 is generally carried out by successive filling cycles by means of one (or more) packing ramp (s) 3 each supplying several pressurized gas bottles 4, such as illustrated in Figure 1 .

Chaque rampe 3 est elle-même alimentée par du gaz sous pression provenant d'une capacité tampon 1, c'est-à-dire un réservoir de stockage de gaz.Each ramp 3 is itself fed with pressurized gas from a buffer capacity 1, that is to say a gas storage tank.

Au démarrage d'un cycle de conditionnement, la capacité tampon 1 est pleine de gaz à une pression maximale initiale, par exemple une pression de 240 bar.At the start of a conditioning cycle, the buffer capacity 1 is full of gas at an initial maximum pressure, for example a pressure of 240 bar.

La capacité tampon 1 est reliée fluidiquement par une conduite 2 d'alimentation en gaz à la rampe de conditionnement 3, ladite conduite 2 principale étant équipée d'une vanne 5 de contrôle, couramment appelée vanne de remplissage ou vanne d'isolement, servant à contrôler, c'est-à-dire autoriser ou interrompre, l'envoi de gaz de la capacité tampon 1 vers la rampe 3 et donc les bouteilles 4 à remplir.The buffer capacity 1 is fluidly connected by a gas supply pipe 2 to the conditioning ramp 3, said main pipe 2 being equipped with a control valve 5, commonly called a filling valve or isolation valve, used to control, that is to say allow or interrupt, sending gas buffer 1 to the ramp 3 and therefore the bottles 4 to fill.

Dès que la vanne de remplissage 5 s'ouvre, le gaz contenu dans la capacité tampon 1 est acheminé par la conduite ou canalisation principale de gaz 2 jusqu'à la rampe 3 et y est utilisé pour pré-remplir les bouteilles de gaz 4.As soon as the filling valve 5 opens, the gas contained in the buffer capacity 1 is conveyed by the pipe or main gas line 2 to the ramp 3 and is used to pre-fill the gas cylinders 4.

La pression chute alors dans la capacité tampon 1 jusqu'à obtenir un équilibre de pression avec les bouteilles 4, c'est-à-dire jusqu'à obtenir une pression d'équilibrage égale dans la capacité tampon 1 et dans les bouteilles 4, ainsi que dans la conduite d'alimentation principale 2. Cette pression d'équilibrage est inférieure à la pression maximale de départ, par exemple une pression de 110 bar.The pressure then drops in the buffer capacity 1 until a pressure equilibrium is obtained with the bottles 4, that is to say until an equal equilibration pressure is obtained in the buffer capacity 1 and in the bottles 4, as well as in the main supply line 2. This balancing pressure is lower than the maximum starting pressure, for example a pressure of 110 bar.

Ensuite, une pompe cryogénique 6 alimentée par une source de gaz extérieure 7, tel un réservoir de stockage, une canalisation d'amenée de gaz ou un réseau de canalisations, prend le relais et finit le remplissage des bouteilles 4 et le re-remplissage de la capacité tampon 1, en même temps, jusqu'à obtenir la pression souhaitée dans les bouteilles 4 et dans la capacité 1, c'est-à-dire par exemple la pression maximale initiale de 240 bar.Then, a cryogenic pump 6 fed by an external gas source 7, such as a storage tank, a gas supply pipe or a network of pipes, takes over and finishes filling the bottles 4 and refilling the tank. the buffer capacity 1, at the same time, until the desired pressure is obtained in the bottles 4 and in the capacity 1, that is to say for example the initial maximum pressure of 240 bar.

En d'autres termes, la pompe cryogénique 6 envoie simultanément du gaz sous pression, éventuellement réchauffé dans un réchauffeur 16 atmosphérique ou analogue, à la capacité tampon 1 et aux bouteilles 4 de la rampe 3 de manière à les remplir concomitamment.In other words, the cryogenic pump 6 simultaneously sends pressurized gas, possibly heated in an atmospheric heater 16 or the like, to the buffer capacity 1 and the bottles 4 of the ramp 3 so as to fill them concomitantly.

Une fois les bouteilles 4 et la capacité 1 remplies, les bouteilles pleines sont retirées de la rampe 3 de conditionnement et remplacées par des bouteilles vides devant être remplies.Once the bottles 4 and the capacity 1 filled, the full bottles are removed from the packaging ramp 3 and replaced by empty bottles to be filled.

Cependant, cette manière de procéder pose un problème de perte de temps du fait de l'obligation de réaliser un remplissage simultané de la capacité tampon 1 et des bouteilles 4 de la rampe car il est nécessaire d'attendre un remplissage total des bouteilles et de la capacité tampon avant de procéder au remplacement des bouteilles pleines par des bouteilles vides à remplir.However, this way of proceeding poses a problem of waste of time because of the obligation to perform a simultaneous filling of the buffer capacity 1 and bottles 4 of the ramp because it is necessary to wait for a full filling of the bottles and the buffer capacity before proceeding to replace the full bottles with empty bottles to be filled.

Par ailleurs, on connaît également le document WO-A-2009/013415 qui décrit un procédé de remplissage du réservoir d'un bus ou analogue avec de l'hydrogène, dans lequel l'hydrogène provient selon le cas, de sources d'hydrogène à basse pression reliées à un compresseur ou d'un stockage d'hydrogène liquide associé à un système de pompage et de vaporisation. L'hydrogène gazeux peut être acheminé directement vers le réservoir du bus ou bien vers des stockages tampons. Le contrôle des flux gazeux se fait via des vannes, des capteurs, des filtres...Furthermore, the document is also known WO-2009/013415 which describes a method of filling the tank of a bus or the like with hydrogen, in which the hydrogen is, as the case may be, from low pressure hydrogen sources connected to a compressor or from a storage of hydrogen liquid associated with a pumping and vaporization system. The hydrogen gas can be conveyed directly to the bus tank or to buffer storage facilities. The control of gas flows is via valves, sensors, filters ...

En outre, le document WO-A-01/77574 enseigne une installation de remplissage de réservoir de gaz, notamment de gaz combustibles pour moteurs à combustion, comportant des sources de gaz reliées à des sites utilisateurs du gaz, via des canalisations de gaz équipées de vannes. Un compresseur optionnel est agencée sur une ligne de bipasse raccordée aux canalisations de gaz.In addition, the document WO-A-01/77574 teaches a gas tank filling plant, in particular fuel gas for combustion engines, comprising gas sources connected to sites using the gas, via gas pipes equipped with valves. An optional compressor is arranged on a bypass line connected to the gas lines.

Au vu de cela, le problème à résoudre est de pouvoir améliorer l'efficacité de conditionnement des bouteilles de gaz en proposant un procédé et une installation permettant de réaliser un remplissage plus rapide des bouteilles et de la capacité tampon.In view of this, the problem to be solved is to be able to improve the conditioning efficiency of the gas cylinders by proposing a method and an installation for faster filling of the bottles and the buffer capacity.

La solution proposée par la présente invention concerne une installation de conditionnement de gaz comprenant au moins une capacité-tampon contenant un gaz sous pression, une rampe de remplissage de récipients de gaz, une canalisation d'alimentation principale en gaz reliant fluidiquement la capacité-tampon à ladite au moins une rampe de remplissage, et une vanne de remplissage agencée sur la canalisation d'alimentation principale, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre une vanne de contrôle agencée sur la canalisation d'alimentation, entre la capacité tampon et la vanne de remplissage ; une canalisation de bipasse reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation principale, en amont et aval de la vanne de contrôle, en considérant le sens de circulation du gaz depuis la capacité tampon vers ladite au moins une rampe ; un dispositif anti-retour de gaz agencé sur la canalisation de bipasse autorisant le passage du gaz uniquement en direction de ladite au moins une rampe ; et la canalisation d'alimentation principale est reliée fluidiquement à une pompe cryogénique alimentée par une source de gaz.The solution proposed by the present invention relates to a gas conditioning installation comprising at least one buffer tank containing a gas under pressure, a gas container filling ramp, a main gas supply pipe fluidly connecting the buffer capacity. said at least one filling ramp, and a filling valve arranged on the main supply line, characterized in that it further comprises a control valve arranged on the supply line, between the buffer capacity and the filling valve; a bypass duct fluidically connected to the main pipe, upstream and downstream of the control valve, considering the flow direction of the gas from the buffer capacity to said at least one ramp; a gas anti-return device arranged on the bypass pipe allowing the passage of the gas only in the direction of said at least one ramp; and the main supply line is fluidly connected to a cryogenic pump powered by a gas source.

Selon le cas, l'installation de l'invention peut comprendre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • le dispositif anti-retour est un clapet anti-retour.
  • une vanne d'isolement manuelle est agencée sur la canalisation principale entre la capacité tampon et la vanne de contrôle.
  • un premier manomètre est agencé sur la canalisation principale entre la capacité tampon et la vanne d'isolement manuelle.
  • un second manomètre est agencé entre la vanne de contrôle et la vanne de remplissage située en amont de la ou des rampes de remplissage.
  • la vanne de contrôle est commandée par des moyens de pilotage, de préférence en opposition à la vanne de remplissage, c'est-à-dire que la vanne de contrôle est normalement ouverte alors que la vanne de remplissage est normalement fermée.
  • un vaporiseur ou un réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz est agencé entre la source de gaz et la vanne de remplissage.
  • un vaporiseur ou un réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz est agencé entre la pompe cryogénique et la vanne de remplissage.
  • la source de gaz, la pompe cryogénique et le vaporiseur ou réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz sont agencés en série sur la ligne d'alimentation secondaire reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation d'alimentation principale.
  • la ligne d'alimentation secondaire est reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation principale, entre la vanne de contrôle et la vanne de remplissage.
  • la canalisation de bipasse est reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation principale, du côté amont, entre la vanne d'isolement manuelle et la vanne de contrôle et, du côté aval, entre la vanne de contrôle et le point de liaison entre la canalisation d'alimentation principale et la ligne d'alimentation secondaire.
Depending on the case, the installation of the invention may include one or more of the following features:
  • the non-return device is a non-return valve.
  • a manual isolation valve is arranged on the main line between the buffer capacity and the control valve.
  • a first manometer is arranged on the main pipe between the buffer capacity and the manual isolation valve.
  • a second manometer is arranged between the control valve and the filling valve located upstream of the filling ramp or booms.
  • the control valve is controlled by control means, preferably in opposition to the filling valve, that is to say that the control valve is normally open while the filling valve is normally closed.
  • an evaporator or an atmospheric gas heater is arranged between the gas source and the filling valve.
  • an evaporator or an atmospheric gas heater is arranged between the cryogenic pump and the filling valve.
  • the gas source, the cryogenic pump and the atmospheric gas vaporizer or heater are arranged in series on the secondary supply line fluidly connected to the main supply line.
  • the secondary supply line is fluidly connected to the main line between the control valve and the filling valve.
  • the bypass line is fluidly connected to the main line, on the upstream side, between the manual isolation valve and the control valve and, on the downstream side, between the control valve and the point of connection between the supply line main and secondary power line.

L'invention porte aussi sur une utilisation d'une installation selon l'invention pour remplir des récipients de conditionnement de gaz, en particulier des bouteilles de gaz, notamment avec de l'oxygène ou de l'air, voire avec un autre gaz tel l'argon, le xénon, l'azote, le NO, le CO, le CO2 ou le N2O, ou un mélange de plusieurs de ces gaz.The invention also relates to a use of an installation according to the invention for filling gas conditioning containers, in particular gas bottles, in particular with oxygen or air, or even with another gas such as argon, xenon, nitrogen, NO, CO, CO 2 or N 2 O, or a mixture of several of these gases.

Par ailleurs, l'invention a également trait à un procédé de remplissage d'un ou plusieurs récipients de gaz, dans lequel :

  1. a) on alimente un ou plusieurs récipients de gaz avec du gaz provenant d'une capacité tampon contenant un gaz à une pression initiale donnée jusqu'à obtenir un équilibrage de pression entre la pression régnant dans la capacité tampon et la pression régnant dans le ou lesdits récipients de gaz, puis on stoppe l'alimentation en gaz du ou des récipients de gaz avec du gaz issu de ladite capacité tampon,
  2. b) on alimente le ou les récipients avec du gaz sous pression issu d'une source additionnelle de gaz et envoyé dans le ou les récipients de gaz au moyen d'une pompe cryogénique,
  3. c) on arrête l'alimentation de l'étape b), lorsque la pression du gaz dans le ou les récipients de gaz atteint une valeur maximale souhaitée,
    caractérisé en ce qu'à l'étape b), le gaz sous pression délivré par la pompe cryogénique est envoyé uniquement vers le ou les récipients de gaz, toute remontée de gaz vers la capacité tampon étant interrompue.
Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method of filling one or more gas containers, in which:
  1. a) one or more gas containers are supplied with gas from a buffer capacity containing a gas at a given initial pressure until a pressure equalization is achieved between the pressure in the buffer capacity and the pressure prevailing in the said gas containers, then stopping the supply of gas or gas containers with gas from said buffer capacity,
  2. b) the one or more containers are supplied with pressurized gas from an additional source of gas and sent into the gas container (s) by means of a cryogenic pump,
  3. c) stopping the feed of step b), when the pressure of the gas in the gas container (s) reaches a desired maximum value,
    characterized in that in step b), the pressurized gas delivered by the cryogenic pump is sent only to the gas container (s), any gas lift to the buffer capacity being interrupted.

Selon le cas, le procédé de l'invention peut comprendre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • on commence à alimenter la capacité tampon avec du gaz provenant de la source additionnelle de gaz seulement après l'arrêt d'alimentation de l'étape c).
  • le gaz est de l'oxygène, de l'air, de l'argon, du xénon, de l'azote, du NO, du CO, du CO2 ou du N2O, ou un mélange de plusieurs de ces gaz.
  • le gaz est de l'oxygène ou de l'air, en particulier de qualité médicale.
  • les récipients sont des bouteilles de gaz, typiquement des bouteilles de type B50.
  • la pression initiale donné, c'est-à-dire la pression maximale régnant dans la capacité tampon est comprise entre 150 et 400 bar, typiquement entre 200 et 300 bar, par exemple de l'ordre de 240 bar.
Depending on the case, the method of the invention may include one or more of the following features:
  • the buffer capacity is started with gas from the additional source of gas only after stopping power in step c).
  • the gas is oxygen, air, argon, xenon, nitrogen, NO, CO, CO 2 or N 2 O, or a mixture of several of these gases.
  • the gas is oxygen or air, in particular of medical quality.
  • the containers are gas bottles, typically type B50 bottles.
  • the initial pressure given, that is to say the maximum pressure in the buffer capacity is between 150 and 400 bar, typically between 200 and 300 bar, for example of the order of 240 bar.

L'invention va maintenant être mieux comprise grâce à la description suivante faite en référence à la Figure 2 annexée qui schématise une installation selon l'invention dont le principe de fonctionnement par cycle de remplissage est décrit ci-après.The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following description made with reference to the Figure 2 attached schematically an installation according to the invention, the operating principle per filling cycle is described below.

Au démarrage d'un cycle de remplissage, la capacité tampon 1 de l'installation est pleine de gaz, tel de l'oxygène ou de l'air de qualité médicale, à une pression maximale initiale, typiquement entre 200 et 350 bars, par exemple de l'ordre de 240 bar.At the start of a filling cycle, the buffer capacity 1 of the installation is full of gases, such as oxygen or medical grade air, at an initial maximum pressure, typically between 200 and 350 bar, by example of the order of 240 bar.

Dès que la vanne de remplissage 5 s'ouvre, la vanne de contrôle 8, agencée sur la canalisation d'alimentation 2, encore appelée canalisation principale, et qui est normalement ouverte, se ferme. Cette vanne de contrôle 8 peut être commandée à distance par des moyens de pilotage classique, c'est-à-dire tout dispositif de commande vanne de type connu, de sorte que, dès ouverture de la vanne de remplissage 5, la vanne de contrôle 8 se referme.As soon as the filling valve 5 opens, the control valve 8, arranged on the supply pipe 2, still called main pipe, and which is normally open, closes. This control valve 8 can be controlled remotely by conventional control means, that is to say any valve control device of known type, so that, as soon as the filling valve 5 is opened, the control valve 8 closes.

Le gaz contenu dans la capacité tampon 1 est alors dévié par une canalisation de bipasse 10 qui est reliée à la canalisation d'alimentation principale 2, en amont et aval de la vanne de contrôle 8 de manière à mettre en communication fluidique la partie de canalisation d'alimentation principale 2 située en amont de la vanne de contrôle 8 avec celle située en aval de la vanne de contrôle 8, en considérant le sens de circulation du gaz depuis la capacité tampon 1 vers la vanne de contrôle 8.The gas contained in the buffer capacity 1 is then diverted by a bypass pipe 10 which is connected to the main supply pipe 2, upstream and downstream of the control valve 8 so as to put in fluidic communication the pipe portion main supply 2 located upstream of the control valve 8 with that located downstream of the control valve 8, considering the flow direction of the gas from the buffer capacity 1 to the control valve 8.

La canalisation de bipasse 10 comporte un dispositif anti-retour 9 de gaz, par exemple un clapet anti-retour, qui autorise le passage du gaz de la capacité tampon 1 vers les bouteilles 4 mais empêche toute remontée du gaz en direction de la capacité tampon 1.Bypass line 10 comprises a non-return device 9 of gas, for example a non-return valve, which allows the passage of the gas from the buffer capacity 1 to the bottles 4 but prevents any rise of the gas towards the buffer capacity 1.

Le gaz délivré par la capacité tampon 1 circule donc au travers de la ligne de bipasse 10, au travers du clapet anti-retour 9, jusqu'à la rampe 3 et enfin aux bouteilles 4.The gas delivered by the buffer capacity 1 therefore flows through the bypass line 10, through the non-return valve 9, to the ramp 3 and finally to the bottles 4.

La pression de gaz chute alors dans la capacité 1 jusqu'à l'équilibre avec les bouteilles 4, comme expliqué ci avant pour la Figure 1.The gas pressure then drops in the capacity 1 until equilibrium with the bottles 4, as explained above for the Figure 1 .

Ainsi, à titre d'exemple, le remplissage de 12 bouteilles 4 de type B50 (soit 600 litres de volume) avec de l'oxygène provenant d'une capacité tampon 1 de 500 litres de volume, à une pression initiale de 240 bar, conduit à une pression d'équilibrage de l'ordre de 110 bar, le volume de gaz dans les canalisations 2, 10 et la rampe 3 étant considéré comme négligeable.Thus, for example, the filling of 12 bottles 4 of type B50 (600 liters of volume) with oxygen from a buffer tank 1 of 500 liters of volume, at an initial pressure of 240 bar, led to a balancing pressure of the order of 110 bar, the volume of gas in the pipes 2, 10 and the ramp 3 being considered negligible.

Il est donc nécessaire de compléter le remplissage avec du gaz provenant d'une source additionnelle 7 de gaz, par exemple un réservoir d'oxygène liquide de plusieurs milliers de litres. Le gaz issu du réservoir 7 est amené jusqu'aux bouteilles via une ligne d'alimentation secondaire 11 qui est reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation 2, entre la vanne de contrôle 8 et la vanne de remplissage 5.It is therefore necessary to complete the filling with gas from an additional source 7 of gas, for example a liquid oxygen tank of several thousand liters. The gas from the tank 7 is fed to the bottles via a secondary supply line 11 which is fluidly connected to the pipe 2, between the control valve 8 and the filling valve 5.

Le gaz issu de la source 7 est en fait comprimé par une pompe cryogénique 6 puis distribué dans la ligne d'alimentation secondaire 11.The gas from the source 7 is in fact compressed by a cryogenic pump 6 and then distributed in the secondary supply line 11.

Il est à noter qu'un vaporiseur ou réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz 16 peut être agencé entre la source 7 et la pompe 6 ou préférentiellement entre la pompe 6 et la vanne de remplissage 5.It should be noted that a vaporizer or atmospheric gas heater 16 may be arranged between the source 7 and the pump 6 or preferably between the pump 6 and the filling valve 5.

La pompe cryogénique 6 qui a démarrée à une pression donnée, termine le remplissage des bouteilles 4 uniquement car la vanne 8 est fermée et le clapet anti-retour 9 empêche le remplissage de la capacité tampon 1 en s'opposant à toute remontée de pression vers ladite capacité tampon 1.The cryogenic pump 6 which has started at a given pressure, completes the filling of the bottles 4 only because the valve 8 is closed and the non-return valve 9 prevents the filling of the buffer capacity 1 by opposing any pressure build-up to said buffer capacity 1.

En d'autres termes, en mode normal d'utilisation, la vanne 12 d'isolement manuelle est toujours ouverte. Sa fermeture par l'opérateur permet d'isoler la capacité tampon 1. Un premier manomètre 13 installé en amont d'une soupape de sécurité 14 permet de s'assurer de l'absence de pression dans la partie de canalisation d'alimentation principale 2, à proximité de la capacité tampon 1. De préférence, le manomètre 13 et la soupape de sécurité 14 sont reliés à la canalisation 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit raccordé fluidiquement à ladite canalisation 2, entre la capacité 1 et la vanne d'isolement 12.In other words, in normal use mode, the manual isolation valve 12 is always open. Its closing by the operator makes it possible to isolate the buffer capacity 1. A first pressure gauge 13 installed upstream of a safety valve 14 makes it possible to ensure the absence of pressure in the main supply pipe portion 2 , near the buffer capacity 1. Preferably, the pressure gauge 13 and the safety valve 14 are connected to the pipe 2 via a pipe fluidly connected to said pipe 2, between the capacity 1 and the valve. Isolation 12.

Par ailleurs, un second manomètre 15 est agencé sur la canalisation d'alimentation principale 2, en aval de la vanne de contrôle 8.Furthermore, a second manometer 15 is arranged on the main supply pipe 2, downstream of the control valve 8.

Une fois que le remplissage des bouteilles 4 est terminé, celles-ci sont enlevées de la rampe de remplissage 3 et remplacées par des bouteilles vides devant être à leur tour remplies.Once the filling of the bottles 4 is finished, they are removed from the filling ramp 3 and replaced by empty bottles to be filled in turn.

Or, pendant la durée nécessaire à cette opération de substitution de bouteilles, on procède au remplissage de la capacité tampon 1 avec du gaz provenant de la source extérieure 7. Pour ce faire, la vanne de contrôle 8 est ouverte, ce qui autorise une remontée de gaz sous pression dans la ligne 2 jusque dans la capacité tampon 1. On stoppe le remplissage de la capacité 1 lorsque la pression qui y règne atteint la valeur maximale souhaitée, par exemple 240 bar.However, during the time required for this bottle substitution operation, the buffer capacity 1 is filled with gas from the external source 7. To do this, the control valve 8 is open, which allows a recovery pressurized gas in the line 2 to the buffer capacity 1. It stops filling the capacity 1 when the pressure therein reaches the desired maximum value, for example 240 bar.

A tout moment, il est possible de vérifier le bon fonctionnement du système de régulation au cours d'un cycle de remplissage en comparant les pressions affichés sur les deux manomètres 13, 15.En conditions normales de fonctionnement, lors du démarrage d'un remplissage, les manomètres 13, 15 affichent la même pression initiale (240 bar), puis on peut y lire et constater une diminution progressive de pression au fur et à mesure du remplissage des bouteilles 4 avec du gaz issu de la capacité tampon 1 jusqu'à l'équilibre à une pression donnée, qui dépend de la taille/du volume des bouteilles 4 en rampe 3.At any time, it is possible to check the correct operation of the control system during a filling cycle by comparing the pressures displayed on the two pressure gauges 13, 15. In normal operating conditions, when starting a filling , the manometers 13, 15 display the same initial pressure (240 bar), then it is possible to read and observe a gradual decrease in pressure as the bottles 4 fill with gas from the buffer capacity 1 to the equilibrium at a given pressure, which depends on the size / volume of the bottles 4 ramp 3.

La pression d'équilibre atteinte (par exemple 110 bar), la pompe 6 fait augmenter la pression de la ligne (visualisable sur le manomètre 15) alors que la pression du manomètre 13 situé à proximité de la capacité tampon 1 reste stable à la pression d'équilibre précédente.The equilibrium pressure reached (for example 110 bar), the pump 6 increases the pressure of the line (viewable on the manometer 15) while the pressure of the pressure gauge 13 located near the buffer capacity 1 remains stable at the pressure previous balance.

La pression de la ligne 2 monte jusqu'à la pression de remplissage calculé (en fonction de la température).The line 2 pressure rises to the calculated filling pressure (depending on the temperature).

Une fois le remplissage fini, la vanne de contrôle 8 s'ouvre, permettant ainsi le remplissage en différé de la capacité tampon, les deux manomètres 13, 15 affichent alors la même pression jusqu'à atteindre la pression maximale, par exemple 240 bar, qui correspond à la consigne d'arrêt de la pompe cryogénique.Once the filling is finished, the control valve 8 opens, thus enabling the buffer capacity to be refilled, the two gauges 13, 15 then displaying the same pressure until the maximum pressure, for example 240 bar, is reached. which corresponds to the stopping instruction of the cryogenic pump.

Le procédé et l'installation de l'invention permettent de réaliser un remplissage plus rapide des bouteilles et de la capacité tampon grâce à la mise en oeuvre d'un remplissage séquentiel et non plus simultané des bouteilles et de la capacité tampon.The method and the installation of the invention make it possible to fill the bottles and buffer capacity more quickly by implementing a sequential rather than simultaneous filling of the bottles and the buffer capacity.

Ceci permet de diminuer la productivité et le temps global de remplissage, c'est-à-dire l'efficacité du remplissage, puisque le remplissage des bouteilles est plus rapide et que par ailleurs le remplissage de la capacité tampon se fait pendant un temps normalement « mort », c'est-à-dire pendant que l'opérateur remplace les bouteilles pleines par des bouteilles vides devant être remplies durant le cycle suivant de remplissage.This makes it possible to reduce the productivity and the overall filling time, that is to say the efficiency of the filling, since the filling of the bottles is faster and, moreover, the filling of the buffer capacity is done for a period of time normally. "Dead", that is to say while the operator replaces the full bottles with empty bottles to be filled during the next filling cycle.

Claims (15)

Installation de conditionnement de gaz comprenant au moins : - une capacité-tampon (1) contenant un gaz sous pression, - une rampe (3) de remplissage de récipients (4) de gaz, - une canalisation d'alimentation principale (2) en gaz reliant fluidiquement la capacité-tampon (1) à ladite au moins une rampe (3) de remplissage, et - une vanne de remplissage (5) agencée sur la canalisation d'alimentation principale (2), caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre : - une vanne de contrôle (8) agencée sur la canalisation d'alimentation (2), entre la capacité tampon (1) et la vanne de remplissage (5), - une canalisation de bipasse (10) reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation principale (2), en amont et aval de la vanne de contrôle (8), en considérant le sens de circulation du gaz depuis la capacité tampon (1) vers ladite au moins une rampe (3), - un dispositif anti-retour (9) de gaz agencé sur la canalisation de bipasse (10) autorisant le passage du gaz uniquement en direction de ladite au moins une rampe (3), et - la canalisation d'alimentation principale (2) est reliée fluidiquement à une pompe cryogénique (6) alimentée par une source de gaz (7). Gas conditioning installation comprising at least: a buffer capacity (1) containing a gas under pressure, a ramp (3) for filling gas containers (4), a main gas supply pipe (2) fluidly connecting the buffer capacity (1) to the at least one filling ramp (3), and a filling valve (5) arranged on the main supply pipe (2), characterized in that it further comprises: - a control valve (8) arranged on the supply line (2), between the buffer capacity (1) and the filling valve (5), a bypass duct (10) fluidly connected to the main pipe (2), upstream and downstream of the control valve (8), considering the flow direction of the gas from the buffer capacity (1) to the at least one a ramp (3), a non-return device (9) for gas arranged on the bypass pipe (10) allowing the passage of the gas only in the direction of the said at least one ramp (3), and - The main supply line (2) is fluidly connected to a cryogenic pump (6) fed by a gas source (7). Installation selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que le dispositif anti-retour (9) est un clapet anti-retour.Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the non-return device (9) is a non-return valve. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la vanne de contrôle (8) est commandée par des moyens de pilotage de manière à être ouverte lorsque la vanne de remplissage (5) est fermée, ou inversement.Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control valve (8) is controlled by control means so as to be open when the filling valve (5) is closed, or vice versa. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la source de gaz (7) est une source d'oxygène, d'air, d'argon, de xénon, d'azote, de NO, de CO, de CO2 ou de N2O, ou un mélange de plusieurs de ces gaz.Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas source (7) is a source of oxygen, air, argon, xenon, nitrogen, NO, CO, CO 2 or N 2 O, or a mixture of several of these gases. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'une vanne d'isolement manuelle (12) est agencée sur la canalisation principale (2) entre la capacité tampon (1) et la vanne de contrôle (8).Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a manual isolation valve (12) is arranged on the main pipe (2) between the buffer tank (1) and the control valve (8). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'un premier manomètre (13) est agencé sur la canalisation principale (2) entre la capacité tampon (1) et la vanne d'isolement manuelle (12) et/ou un second manomètre (15) est agencé entre la vanne de contrôle (8) et la vanne de remplissage (5).Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first pressure gauge (13) is arranged on the main pipe (2) between the buffer capacity (1) and the manual isolation valve (12) and / or a second pressure gauge (15) is arranged between the control valve (8) and the filling valve (5). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'un vaporiseur ou un réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz (16) est agencé entre la source de gaz (7) et la vanne de remplissage (5).Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vaporizer or an atmospheric gas heater (16) is arranged between the gas source (7) and the filling valve (5). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le vaporiseur ou réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz (16) est agencé entre la pompe cryogénique (6) et la vanne de remplissage (5).Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vaporizer or atmospheric gas heater (16) is arranged between the cryogenic pump (6) and the filling valve (5). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la source de gaz (7), la pompe cryogénique (6) et le vaporiseur ou réchauffeur atmosphérique de gaz (16) sont agencés en série sur la ligne d'alimentation secondaire (11) reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation d'alimentation principale (2).Plant according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas source (7), the cryogenic pump (6) and the atmospheric gas vaporizer or heater (16) are arranged in series on the secondary supply line. (11) fluidly connected to the main supply line (2). Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la ligne d'alimentation secondaire (11) est reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation principale (2), entre la vanne de contrôle (8) et la vanne de remplissage (5).Plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary supply line (11) is fluidly connected to the main pipe (2) between the control valve (8) and the filling valve (5) . Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce que la canalisation de bipasse (10) est reliée fluidiquement à la canalisation d'alimentation principale (2), du côté amont, entre la vanne d'isolement manuelle (12) et la vanne de contrôle (8) et, du côté aval, entre la vanne de contrôle (8) et le point de liaison entre la canalisation d'alimentation principale (2) et la ligne d'alimentation secondaire (11).Plant according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bypass line (10) is fluidly connected to the main supply line (2), on the upstream side, between the manual isolation valve (12) and the control valve (8) and, on the downstream side, between the control valve (8) and the point of connection between the main supply line (2) and the secondary supply line (11). Utilisation d'une installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes pour remplir des bouteilles (4) de gaz avec de l'oxygène ou de l'air médical.Use of an installation as claimed in any one of the preceding claims for filling gas cylinders (4) with oxygen or medical air. Procédé de remplissage d'un ou plusieurs récipients (4) de gaz, dans lequel on met en oeuvre une installation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 11 et dans lequel: a) on alimente un ou plusieurs récipients (4) de gaz avec du gaz provenant d'une capacité tampon (1) contenant un gaz à une pression initiale donnée jusqu'à obtenir un équilibrage de pression entre la pression régnant dans la capacité tampon (1) et la pression régnant dans le ou lesdits récipients (4) de gaz, puis on stoppe l'alimentation en gaz du ou des récipients (4) de gaz avec du gaz issu de ladite capacité tampon (1), b) on alimente le ou les récipients avec du gaz sous pression issu d'une source additionnelle (7) de gaz et envoyé dans le ou les récipients de gaz au moyen d'une pompe cryogénique (6), c) on arrête l'alimentation de l'étape b), lorsque la pression du gaz dans le ou les récipients de gaz atteint une valeur maximale souhaitée,
caractérisé en ce qu'à l'étape b), le gaz sous pression délivré par la pompe cryogénique (11) est envoyé uniquement vers le ou les récipients de gaz (4), toute remontée de gaz vers la capacité tampon (1) étant interrompue. Process for filling one or more gas containers (4), in which an installation according to one of Claims 1 to 11 is used and in which: a) one or more gas containers (4) are fed with gas from a buffer capacity (1) containing a gas at a given initial pressure until a pressure equalization between the pressure prevailing in the buffer capacity (1) and the pressure prevailing in the at least one gas container (4), then stopping the gas supply of the at least one gas container (4) with gas said buffer capacity (1), b) the one or more containers are supplied with pressurized gas from an additional source (7) of gas and sent into the gas container (s) by means of a cryogenic pump (6), c) stopping the feed of step b), when the pressure of the gas in the gas container (s) reaches a desired maximum value,
characterized in that in step b) the pressurized gas delivered by the cryogenic pump (11) is sent only to the gas container (s) (4), any gas lift to the buffer capacity (1) being interrupted. Procédé selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce qu'on commence à alimenter la capacité tampon (1) avec du gaz provenant de la source additionnelle (7) de gaz seulement après l'arrêt d'alimentation de l'étape c).Process according to Claim 13, characterized in that the buffer capacity (1) is fed with gas from the additional source (7) of gas only after stopping of supply of step c). Procédé selon l'une des revendications 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que le gaz est de l'oxygène ou de l'air, et les récipients (4) sont des bouteilles de gaz.Method according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the gas is oxygen or air, and the containers (4) are gas cylinders.
EP10190321.9A 2010-01-20 2010-11-08 Process and system for filling gas bottles Active EP2354627B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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FR1050343A FR2955372B1 (en) 2010-01-20 2010-01-20 METHOD AND INSTALLATION FOR FILLING GAS BOTTLES

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EP2354627A1 true EP2354627A1 (en) 2011-08-10
EP2354627B1 EP2354627B1 (en) 2019-06-05

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CN108506733A (en) * 2018-05-10 2018-09-07 江苏南大光电材料股份有限公司 Material bulking device

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FR3054285B1 (en) * 2016-07-21 2019-05-24 Engie ANTICIPATED PURGE OF A CRYOGENIC RESERVOIR
CN107726042B (en) * 2017-09-06 2019-10-01 武汉钢铁集团气体有限责任公司 A kind of continuous fill system of gas and its method

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US20050016185A1 (en) * 2002-08-30 2005-01-27 Emmer Claus D. Liquid and compressed natural gas dispensing system
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CN105757448A (en) * 2016-04-07 2016-07-13 核工业理化工程研究院 Accurate gas sub-packaging device
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CN108506733A (en) * 2018-05-10 2018-09-07 江苏南大光电材料股份有限公司 Material bulking device

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FR2955372B1 (en) 2012-12-14
EP2354627B1 (en) 2019-06-05
FR2955372A1 (en) 2011-07-22

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