CN107957290B - Calibration device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a calibration device for an apparatus for filling gas such as hydrogen gas and capable of efficiently and safely measuring the weight and amount of gas such as hydrogen gas filled at high pressure. The calibration device (100), (200), (300), (400) according to the invention comprises: a measurement tank (1) housed in a tank main body (10), high-pressure fuel gas being fed from outside the tank main body (10) to the measurement tank (1); and a weight scale (3) for measuring the weight of the fuel gas fed to the measuring tank (1), wherein the inside of the measuring tank (1) is visible from the outside of the tank main body (10).

Description

Calibration device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a calibration device for a device for filling gas such as hydrogen gas, and more particularly to a calibration device capable of effectively and safely measuring the weight and amount of gas such as hydrogen gas filled under high pressure.

Background

Gas meters installed in gas stations must be flow certified every seven years to maintain a fair trade and require meter error of the meter to be within ± 0.5%. In response to such a demand, the applicant proposed a gas meter having a meter check mechanism in japanese patent publication No. heisei 07-33197.

In recent years, as a countermeasure for environmental problems, a fuel cell automobile using hydrogen as a fuel has been developed, and therefore a hydrogen-charging device and a calibration apparatus for the hydrogen-charging device have been studied.

In a typical calibration apparatus for a hydrogen-filling device, when filling hydrogen from a fuel gas-filling device such as a hydrogen-filling device to the calibration apparatus, the temperature of the hydrogen rises, which causes the hydrogen to expand to boost the pressure thereof. Therefore, while hydrogen is being charged into the calibration device, it is necessary to visually check the temperature, pressure, and the like in order to consider the safety of the calibration device.

However, a calibration device for a hydrogen filling apparatus has not been produced for visually checking temperature, pressure, etc. while filling hydrogen into the calibration device and effectively and safely measuring the weight of the filled hydrogen gas.

The entire contents of Japanese patent publication No. Heisei 07-33197 are incorporated herein by reference.

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

The present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a calibration device for a gas filling apparatus, such as hydrogen gas, which is capable of effectively and safely measuring the weight of the filled gas.

Means for solving the problems

The calibration device 100,200,300,400 according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises: a measurement tank 1 accommodated in a tank main body 10, to which measurement tank 1 a high-pressure fuel gas such as hydrogen gas is fed from the outside of the tank main body 10; and a weight scale 3 for measuring the weight of the fuel gas fed to the measuring tank 1, wherein the measuring tank 1 is visible from the outside of the tank main body 10.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the measuring chamber 1 is made of a transparent resin having an antistatic function, particularly a polycarbonate resin.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable to transmit data measured by the condition monitoring devices such as the thermometer 11, the manometer 12, and the flow meter 15 disposed in the measurement tank 1 to the outside of the tank main body 10. Here, the transmission may be performed through wired/wireless communication.

Then, it is preferable that a flow meter 15 is installed in the measurement tank 1 to monitor whether there is an excessive flow rate of the fuel gas.

In the present invention, a pressure relief valve 16 is preferably provided in the filling gas discharge conduit 8 in the measuring chamber 1.

It is then preferred that the filling gas discharge duct 8 is made of a duct having high pressure resistance in the same manner as the filling gas feed duct 7.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the measuring box 1 is separated from the weight scale 3 in the up-down direction or is mounted on the weight scale 3 by the first elevating device 24.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable that the box main body 10 is elevated via the second elevating means 25 to adjust and secure the horizontal state of the weight meter 3. In this case, it is preferable to directly lift the weight scale 3 using the second lifting means 25 to secure its horizontal state.

Further, it is preferable that a level sensor 37 is mounted on the weight scale 3 to determine the level state of the weight scale 3.

Effects of the invention

With the present invention having the above-described structure, the inside of the measurement box 1 can be seen from the outside of the box main body 10, so that the thermometer 11, the pressure gauge 12, and the flow meter 15, which are state monitoring devices installed in the measurement box 1, can be easily inspected by visual inspection. Furthermore, the presence or absence of condensed water (dew) condensed on the filling container 2, the filling gas feed pipe 7, the filling gas discharge pipe 8, and the like of the measuring tank 1 can be easily checked. Thus, when an abnormality other than those described above occurs in the measurement box 1, the abnormality can be checked immediately and safely to deal with it.

In the present invention, forming the measurement chamber 1 using a transparent resin having an antistatic function makes the inside of the measurement chamber 1 visible from the outside of the chamber main body 10, and prevents static electricity from being generated on the measurement chamber 1, which improves the safety of the calibration device.

Thus, forming the measurement box 1 with the polycarbonate resin having the antistatic function reduces the weight of the measurement box 1 by thinning the wall thereof, and ensures a predetermined strength since the polycarbonate resin is a high-strength material.

Here, in the calibration means for determining the weight of the filled hydrogen gas by measuring the total weight of the measuring chamber 1 to determine the hydrogen gas filling amount from the weight of the filled hydrogen gas, the reduction in weight realizes measurement with high accuracy.

Further, in the present invention, transmitting data measured with monitoring devices such as the thermometer 11, the pressure gauge 12, and the flow meter 15 arranged in the measurement tank 1 to the outside of the tank main body 10 enables a worker to check the state when fuel gas such as hydrogen gas has been filled through display of each meter at the site where calibration is performed. Further, at a site separate from the site where the calibration is performed, such as an office of a hydrogen station, a worker or a manager may remotely check the state when the fuel gas has been filled.

The vicinity of the measurement box 1 is dangerous because high-pressure combustible gas such as hydrogen gas is used, so that detection of abnormal temperature, pressure, flow rate, and the like using a condition monitoring device such as a thermometer 11, a pressure gauge 12, or a flow meter 15 enables workers and managers to monitor calibration work and calibration equipment in a safe condition at a place separated from a place where calibration is performed, for example, an office of a hydrogen station, which is a non-dangerous place separated from the measurement box 1. Notifying workers and managers by, for example, an alarm when abnormal temperature, pressure, flow rate, or the like is detected enables the workers and managers to quickly and surely detect an abnormality generated in the calibration work or in the charging so that the worker or manager can quickly cope with the abnormality.

In the present invention, not only abnormality and danger are detected using the condition monitoring devices such as the temperature sensor 11, the pressure gauge 12, and the flow meter 15, but also normal measurement and measurement result storage can be performed at a non-dangerous place (such as an office of a hydrogen station) separate from the measurement box 1, so that measurement and storage can be accurately and continuously performed for a long period of time using various information processors such as a PC.

Further, when high-pressure gas such as hydrogen gas is discharged from the charging container 2, for example, after the calibration work, installing a pressure reducing valve 16 on the charging gas discharge pipe 8 in the measuring tank 1 makes it possible to reduce the pressure of discharged fuel gas such as hydrogen gas to less than 1MPa to further discharge the fuel gas from the measuring tank 1 to the outside of the tank main body 10. Therefore, the discharge of high-pressure fuel gas from the measurement tank 1 can be prevented, which avoids the danger accompanying the discharge of high-pressure gas.

Furthermore, since the filling gas discharge duct 8 is prevented from being disconnected from the outer discharge duct 22 in a state where the filling gas has a high pressure, the possibility of gas leakage in a case where the filling gas discharge duct 8 and the outer discharge duct 22 are disconnected from each other can be reduced.

Further, in the present invention, even if the pressure reducing valve 16 does not operate due to breakage or erroneous operation by a worker and gas having the same pressure as the charged fuel gas flows into the charge gas discharge pipe 8, the charge gas discharge pipe 8 formed of a pipe having the same high-pressure resistance as the charge gas feed pipe 7 is safe and does not break.

The installation of the pressure reducing valve 16 described above achieves a double safety measure.

In the present invention, the first elevating device 24 is provided to separate the measuring box 1 from the weight meter 3 in the up-down direction or to mount the measuring box 1 on the weight meter 3 so that the measuring box 1 can be easily and safely mounted on the weight meter or separated from the weight meter 3 at the time of weight measurement.

Thus, not mounting the measurement box 1 on the weight scale 3 except when performing weight measurement can prevent the zero point of the weight scale 3 and the span (range) as the variation range from varying because vibration and impact generated in the measurement box 1 when the calibration device 200,300,400 is moved are not transmitted to the weight scale 3.

Further, the first lifting device 24 can automatically lift the measuring box 1 having a weight as high as several hundred kilograms without using manpower, which frees a worker from a heavy work of lifting several hundred kilograms of heavy objects and ensures safety when lifting the measuring box 1.

Here, conventionally known devices using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure may be used as the first elevating device 24, and for example, each device may be disposed in four corners of the measuring tank 1.

Further, in the present invention, the provision of the second lifting device 25 for lifting the box main body 10 to adjust and ensure the horizontal state of the weight scales 3 enables the horizontal balance of the weight scales 3 to be easily and safely maintained in a short time regardless of the installation position of the calibration device 300, and even when the installation position of the calibration device 300 is inclined and uneven, a worker does not have to perform a heavy work for lifting the box main body 10.

Even when the second lifting device 25 is installed, the first lifting device 24 can be installed, and the horizontal state thereof can be ensured by lifting the weighing scale 3 via the first lifting device 24. As the second elevating means 25, conventionally known means using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure may be used, for example, each means may be disposed in four corners of the measuring tank 1.

Further, mounting the level sensor 37 for determining the horizontal state of the weight scale 3 on the weight scale 3 enables the horizontal state of the weight scale 3 to be easily checked.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 2 is a flowchart showing a calibration procedure using the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described next with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2.

In fig. 1, a calibration device according to a first embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The calibration device 100 is provided with: a measuring box 1; and a weight scale 3 for measuring the weight of the fuel gas fed to the measuring tank 1. The measuring tank 1 is accommodated in the tank main body 10, and high-pressure fuel gas such as hydrogen gas is fed to the measuring tank 1 from a fuel gas filling apparatus 20 located outside the tank main body 10.

The tank main body 10 that houses the measurement tank 1 and the weighing meters 3 has moving means 10A such as wheels on the bottom surface thereof, and the calibration means 100 is movable to a position where the hydrogen filling device 20 to be calibrated is mounted.

The following description will be made in the case of using hydrogen gas as the fuel gas.

The weights of the measuring tank 1 before and after filling with hydrogen gas are measured by the weight meter 3, and the weight of hydrogen gas fed to and filled in the filling container 2 is calculated from the difference between the two weights.

The measuring chamber 1 is made of polycarbonate resin having an antistatic function. Since the polycarbonate resin is a transparent material having high strength, the inside of the measurement box 1 is visible from the outside of the box main body 10, and a predetermined strength of the measurement box 1 is ensured even when the measurement box 1 is lightened by thinning the thickness of the wall of the measurement box 1. Further, the measurement chamber 1 is made of polycarbonate resin having an antistatic function, which prevents static electricity from being generated to ensure safety of the calibration device 100 as a device for processing hydrogen gas.

A socket 6 is provided as a hydrogen receiving port on the side of the measuring chamber 1. When hydrogen gas is filled into the filling container 2 for calibration, coupling the filling nozzle 21 with the receptacle 6 allows the hydrogen filling device 20 to be connected with the measuring tank 1 and hydrogen gas is fed from the hydrogen filling device 20 to the filling container 2.

The filling container 2 is fixed to the bottom surface of the measuring chamber 1 via a support member 4.

In the measuring chamber 1, the receptacle 6 and the filling container 2 are connected by a filling gas supply conduit 7.

In fig. 1, reference numeral 2A denotes a filling gas inlet portion in the filling container 2, and reference numeral 9 denotes a check valve provided on the filling gas supply pipe 7 for preventing backflow of hydrogen gas.

A temperature sensor 11 and a pressure gauge 12 are provided on the charging gas supply pipe 7 as a state monitoring means for feeding gas. Further, a temperature transmitter 13, a pressure transmitter 14, and a flow meter 15 are provided on the filling gas supply pipe 7, and data measured by the temperature sensor 11 is transmitted to a location separate from the measurement tank 1 by wired/wireless communication using the temperature transmitter 13, for example, an information processor, not shown, installed in an office of a hydrogen station, and data measured by the pressure sensor 12 is transmitted to a location separate from the measurement tank 1 by wired/wireless communication using the pressure transmitter 14.

A worker can check the measurement results of the temperature sensor 11 and the pressure gauge 12 as the condition monitoring means through the measurement box 1 on the spot, the measurement box 1 being visible from the outside of the box main body 10 and made of polycarbonate resin having an antistatic function. The manager can also remotely check the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, and the flow meter 15 at a site separate from the site, for example, in the office of the hydrogen station, in which the information processor, not shown, is installed.

The temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, and the flow meter 15 respectively have commonly known alarms, not shown, and when an abnormal value is detected as each measurement result, the abnormality can be notified via the alarms to a worker at the site where the calibration apparatus 100 is installed, and a manager at a site, separate from the site, in an office such as a hydrogen station, where an information processor, not shown, is installed.

Further, since the data measured by the temperature sensor 11, the pressure gauge 12 and the flow meter 15 can be transmitted to the information processor installed in the office of the hydrogen station, the measured data can be accumulated to the information processor, and accurate and continuous measurement and storage can be performed for a long period of time.

The flow meter 15 is provided in the charging gas supply line 7 to monitor an abnormality of an excessive flow rate of the hydrogen gas.

A branch portion 7A is formed in the charge gas supply duct 7, and the charge gas discharge duct 8 is installed so as to connect the branch portion 7A to a shutoff valve 17, and the shutoff valve 17 is disposed at a side portion of the measurement chamber 1. Then, a pressure reducing valve 16 is installed on the charge gas discharge pipe 8.

Since the filling gas discharge duct 8 is formed of a material having high pressure resistance equal to that of the filling gas feed duct 7, the duct 8 is hardly broken even if the pressure reducing valve 16 is broken or mishandled by a worker and high-pressure gas flows into the filling gas discharge duct 8.

Although not clearly shown in the drawings, the shut-off valve 17 provided on the filling gas discharge pipe 8 is closed when hydrogen gas is filled into the filling vessel 2 and is opened when hydrogen gas is discharged from the filling vessel 2.

Further, a main valve 26, which is an electromagnetic valve, is installed between the branch portion 7A and the filling container 2, and the main valve 26 is remotely and instantaneously opened/closed from the outside of the tank main body 10, which can stop the flow of hydrogen gas in the filling gas supply pipe 7 in the emergency mode.

When hydrogen gas is discharged from the filling vessel 2, the hydrogen gas discharged from the filling vessel 2 flows in the filling gas supply pipe 7 to the filling gas discharge pipe 8 via the branch portion 7A. The discharged hydrogen gas flowing in the charge gas discharge conduit 8 is depressurized to a low pressure, for example, below 1 MPa. Then, the hydrogen gas having a low pressure is discharged from the opened shut valve 17 through the external discharge pipe 22 and a gas discharge mechanism, not shown, outside the tank main body 10. Further, reference numeral 23 is a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the hydrogen gas flowing through the external discharge pipe 22.

Even when hydrogen gas flows from the branch portion 7A of the filling gas supply pipe 7 to the receptacle 6, the check valve 9 cuts off the flow, thereby preventing the hydrogen gas from leaking on the receptacle 6 side.

A filling gas outlet 5 is provided on the upper surface of the measurement chamber 1, and when dry gas or inert (inert) gas is filled into the measurement chamber 1, gas containing moisture such as air in the measurement chamber 1 is discharged to the outside of the measurement chamber 1 through the filling gas outlet 5. The gas having moisture is discharged to the outside of the tank main body 10 through a gas discharge mechanism, not shown.

In fig. 1, a dry gas pipe 18 for feeding dry gas into the measurement chamber 1 is detachably provided on the side surface of the measurement chamber 1. Dry gas is fed from a supply not shown via a dry gas duct 18 and fills the measuring chamber 1. Filling dry gas into the measurement chamber 1 discharges gas containing moisture such as air to the outside of the measurement chamber 1, and only dry gas is filled into the measurement chamber 1. Thus, even when hydrogen gas which has been cooled at, for example, -40 ℃ is fed into the filling container 2, condensation of water on the surfaces of the equipment in the measuring tank 1 is prevented.

Here, inert gases such as nitrogen, argon and helium, carbon dioxide and dried air may be used as the dry gas. Any gas that is available at low cost, easily filled into or discharged from the measuring chamber 1 in a short time, and has features contributing to improved safety can be used as the dry gas.

Furthermore, a dew point instrument 19 is mounted on the side of the measuring chamber 1 in order to perform a suitable humidity management in the measuring chamber 1 on the basis of the measurement results of the dew point instrument 19.

When the dew point temperature of the dew point instrument 19 reaches a predetermined temperature, for example-20 c, which can be determined to have been sufficiently dry in the measuring chamber 1, the fuel gas, such as hydrogen, which has been cooled to-40 c is fed by observing the dew point temperature, which reduces the amount of condensed water that condenses on the filling container 2, the filling gas supply pipe 7, the socket 6, etc., and has little influence on the weight measurement. For example, it is expected that lowering the dew point to, for example, below-40 ℃ results in the amount of condensed water becoming zero, but the difference between the amount below-40 ℃ and the amount below-20 ℃ is small. Therefore, it is realistic and economical to set the dew point temperature to-20 ℃ to-25 ℃ as the reference dew point temperature that can be determined as necessary and sufficient drying.

In the embodiment shown in the figures the dew point instrument 19 is mounted outside the measurement chamber 1, but may also be mounted inside the measurement chamber 1.

Furthermore, a control device, not shown, for transmitting the measured values of the dew point instrument 19 to the hydrogen filling apparatus 20 via infrared communication may be provided on the dew point instrument 19, which control device can control the hydrogen filling apparatus 20 with a simple structure so as to start filling when the dew point temperature in the measuring chamber 1 reaches a predetermined temperature.

Although not clearly shown in the figures, the measuring chamber 1 is of a semi-closed construction. Here, the "semi-closed structure" refers to a structure that achieves an incompletely sealed state but a nearly sealed state. When the measurement chamber 1 is a semi-closed structure, feeding dry gas in the measurement chamber 1 causes the inside of the measurement chamber 1 to be slightly pressurized, thereby preventing air containing moisture from entering the measurement chamber 1.

When weight measurements are taken in calibration, the connection of the filling nozzle 21, the outlet discharge duct 22, the dry gas duct 18 and various not shown sensors to the measuring chamber 1 will transmit the stresses occurring at the filling nozzle 21, the outlet discharge duct 22, the dry gas duct 18 and the sensors to the weighing scale 3, so that there is a possibility that the stresses affect the measurement results of the weighing scale 3.

To eliminate this possibility, the filling nozzle 21, the outlet discharge duct 22, the dry gas duct 18 and the sensor are separated from the measuring chamber 1 when weight measurement is performed at calibration.

The dew point instrument 19 can also be separated from the measuring chamber 1 during the weight measurement of the chamber 1.

Next, a procedure of performing calibration using the calibration apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in fig. 2.

In fig. 2, the weight of the measuring tank 1, which is not connected to the dry gas duct 18, the filling nozzle 21, the outlet discharge duct 22, the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14 and the flow meter 15, is measured with the weighing meter 3 in step S1.

In the weighing and weighing of step S1, the dry gas duct 18 and the filling nozzle 21 are connected to the measuring chamber 1, which is a connecting operation; discharging air and other gases containing moisture in the measuring tank 1, which is a cleaning operation; filling hydrogen gas from the hydrogen filling apparatus 20 to be calibrated to the filling vessel 2, which is a filling operation; and the dry gas duct 18 and the filling nozzle 21 are disconnected (separated) from the measuring chamber 1, which is a disconnection operation.

More specifically, in the connecting operation of step S1, the side of the measurement box 1 is connected to the dry gas pipe 18. Then, the filling nozzle 21 of the hydrogen filling device 20 is connected to the socket 6 provided on the side of the measurement chamber 1.

Furthermore, a temperature transmitter 13, a pressure transmitter 14 and a flow meter 15 are connected to the filling gas supply line 7 as occasion demands.

In the purging operation of step S1, dry gas is fed and filled into the measuring chamber 1 from a dry gas supply source, not shown, through the dry gas pipe 18. Filling dry gas into the measurement chamber 1 discharges gas containing moisture, such as air, present in the measurement chamber 1 to the outside of the measurement chamber 1 from the gas discharge port 5.

In the cleaning operation of step S1, the measured value of dew point instrument 18 is monitored at all times. The dew point temperature gradually decreases as the sweeping progresses, and the humidity in the measurement tank 1 decreases. Then, when the dew point temperature in the measurement chamber 1 reaches a predetermined temperature of, for example, -20 ℃, it is determined that the inside of the measurement chamber 1 has been dried necessarily and sufficiently to such an extent that condensed water does not condense on the equipment in the measurement chamber 1 even when hydrogen gas cooled at-40 ℃ is fed.

Then, when the dew point temperature in the measuring chamber 1 reaches a predetermined temperature (which is, for example, -20 ℃), which is a dew point temperature that can be judged to be sufficiently dry in the measuring chamber 1, and hydrogen gas cooled at-40 ℃ is fed, for example, the amount of condensed water condensed on the receptacle 6, the filling gas supply pipe 7, the filling vessel 2, and other portions becomes small, so that the amount has little influence on the weight measurement. Here, it is expected that lowering the dew point to, for example, -40 ℃ or lower causes the amount of condensed water condensed to become zero, but the difference between the amount below-40 ℃ and the amount below-20 ℃ is small. Therefore, it is realistic and economical to set the dew point temperature to-20 ℃ to-25 ℃ as the reference dew point temperature that can be determined as necessary and sufficient drying.

When the dew point temperature reaches the predetermined temperature in the cleaning operation of step S1 and it can be determined that drying is necessary and sufficient in the measuring tank 1, the charging operation in step S1 is performed.

The filling operation is performed while a worker at the site where calibration is performed or a manager at a site separate from the site (such as an office of a hydrogen station) checks the condition monitoring devices mounted on the filling gas supply pipe 7, such as the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, and the flow meter 15. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the temperature, pressure, or flow rate of hydrogen gas flowing into the filling gas supply pipe 7, it can be promptly handled after the abnormality is detected.

The filling of hydrogen gas is performed until the pressure gauge 12 or the pressure transmitter 14 of the calibration device 100 determines that a predetermined amount of hydrogen gas is fed.

After the charging operation, the disconnection operation in step S1 is performed.

In the disconnection operation, the dry gas duct 18, the filling nozzle 21, the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, the flow meter 15 and the external discharge duct 22 are disconnected. In the weight measurement of step S2, disconnecting the dry gas piping 18 from the measurement box 1 eliminates the influence of the stress generated in the parts constituting the dry gas piping 18 on the measurement performed using the weight meter 3, and prevents the stress from changing the result of the weight measurement.

When step S1 is completed, the process goes to step S2.

In step S2, after hydrogen gas is filled into the filling container 2 of the measuring tank 1 from the hydrogen filling device 20, the weight of the measuring tank 1 is measured with the use of the weighing meter 3.

When measuring the weight of the measuring tank 1 after hydrogen gas has been filled into the filling container 2, condensed water does not condense on components such as the filling container 2, so that errors due to condensed water can be eliminated and accurate measurements can be performed.

Then, the weight of hydrogen gas filled into the filling container 2 was calculated from the difference between the weights of the measurement tank 1 before and after the filling of hydrogen gas, and the filling amount of hydrogen gas was calculated. The hydrogen filling device 20 is then calibrated by comparing the calculated charge with a charge determined based on a flow meter of the hydrogen filling device 20 to be calibrated. When step S2 is completed, the process proceeds to step S3.

In the next step S3, the weight value of hydrogen gas as the measurement result in step S2, the charging amount of hydrogen gas calculated based on the weights of the measurement tank 1 before and after charging, and the calibration result are displayed.

Further, the filled amount of hydrogen gas, which is the result of the measurement in step S2 or the weight of the filled hydrogen gas, is stored on a storage device, not shown, of an information processor, such as a PC for management, along with an identification number, such as a product number, of the hydrogen filling apparatus 20 to be calibrated and the date and time at which the calibration is performed. Data measured by condition monitoring devices such as the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, and the flow meter 15 are stored and accumulated on the PC for management, and the data can be used for continuous measurement and recording.

Then, the calibration procedure is completed.

Although not clearly shown in fig. 2, if, after the step S3, calibration is performed on a hydrogen filling device different from the hydrogen filling device 20 shown in the drawing using the calibration apparatus 100 after calibration is performed on the hydrogen filling device 20, the external discharge piping 22 is connected, and the hydrogen gas filled into the filling vessel 2 is discharged to the outside of the measuring tank 1 via the filling gas discharge piping 8 and the stop valve 17.

Upon discharge of the hydrogen gas, the pressure in the charging container 2 is reduced by the pressure reducing valve 16 to, for example, less than 1MPa, so that the low-pressure safe hydrogen gas is discharged to the outside of the measuring tank 1.

Then, the routine returns to "start" in fig. 2, and the jobs in steps S1-S3 are performed.

For the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the measuring chamber 1 is made of polycarbonate resin having an antistatic function, and the polycarbonate resin is a high-strength material.

Therefore, the thermometer 11, the pressure gauge 12, and the flow meter 15, which are state monitoring devices provided in the measurement box 1, can be easily inspected by visual inspection. Furthermore, the presence or absence of condensation on the filling container 2, the filling gas feed conduit 7, the filling gas discharge conduit 8, etc. in the measuring chamber 1 can be easily checked. In addition to condensation of condensed water, when an abnormality occurs in the measurement tank 1, it can be promptly handled after the abnormality is detected.

Further, forming the measuring chamber 1 with a polycarbonate resin having an antistatic function can prevent the generation of static electricity, which can ensure safety required for a device that handles hydrogen gas as fuel gas.

Further, forming the measurement box 1 with a high-strength material such as a polycarbonate resin enables the measurement box 1 to be manufactured while reducing the weight thereof and securing a predetermined strength by thinning the wall of the measurement box 1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the calibration device 100 determines the hydrogen filling quantity on the basis of weight, so that the total weight of the measuring chamber 1 needs to be measured. Therefore, making the measurement box 1 lighter contributes to improving the accuracy of determining the amount.

It is dangerous in the vicinity of the measuring chamber 1 because a high-pressure combustible gas such as hydrogen is used. With the first embodiment, data measured by the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, and the flow meter 15 accommodated in the measurement tank 1 is transmitted to the outside. Therefore, in addition to the fact that a worker who calibrates the site can check the status by the display of each meter in the measurement box 1, at a site separated from the site, such as an office of a hydrogen station, a manager can check the status remotely by measurement data transmitted from the site. That is, the safety monitoring can be performed at a non-dangerous place separated from the measuring chamber 1.

Then, when an abnormality in temperature, pressure or flow rate is detected by the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14 or the flow meter 15, the detected abnormality can be notified to a worker and a manager with an alarm, so that the abnormality can be detected immediately and with confidence to deal with it.

Further, transmitting data measured by the condition monitoring means such as the temperature transmitter 13, the pressure transmitter 14, or the flow meter 15 to an information processor such as a PC installed at a place separate from the measurement tank 1 (such as an office of a hydrogen station) enables accurate and continuous storage to be performed for a long period of time.

Further, with the first embodiment, since the relief valve 16 is provided on the charging gas discharge pipe 8 of the measuring tank 1, when high-pressure gas such as hydrogen gas is discharged from the charging container 2, the gas can be relieved to a low pressure, for example, lower than 1MPa, by the relief valve 16 to discharge it further outward from the measuring tank 1 to the outside of the tank main body 10. Therefore, the hydrogen gas discharged from the measurement tank 1 becomes low in pressure and safe.

Thus, it is not necessary to perform disconnection of the charge gas discharge duct 8 from the outer discharge duct 22 in a state where high-pressure gas is present, which reduces the possibility of occurrence of an abnormality such as gas leakage.

Further, in the first embodiment, even if the pressure reducing valve 16 does not operate due to breakage or erroneous operation by a worker, and high-pressure gas having the same pressure as the charged fuel gas flows into the charging gas discharge duct 8, forming the charging gas discharge duct 8 in a material having high-pressure resistance equal to that of the charging gas feed duct 7 prevents the charging gas discharge duct 8 from being broken, so that it is safe.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to fig. 3.

In fig. 3, a calibration device according to a second embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 200. The calibration device 200 further includes a first lifting device 24 for separating the measurement box 1 from the weight meter 3 in the up-down direction or mounting the measurement box 1 on the weight meter 3.

The structure of the second embodiment other than the above is the same as that of the calibration device 100 of the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 1 and 2.

In fig. 3, first elevating means 24 are provided in, for example, four corners of the weight scale base part 3B and on the bottom of the box main body 10, respectively, so as to support a substantially rectangular flat surface of the weight scale base part 3B. The weighing meter base part 3B is provided with a measuring box 1.

The first lifting device 24 is a generally known vertical lifting device using hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or other hydrostatic pressure, such as a jack, and is provided with: a main body portion 24A including a hydraulic cylinder not shown; a telescopic rod 24B of the hydraulic cylinder; and a support portion 24C.

The first lifting devices 24 are provided in the four corners of the weight scale base part 3B; the supporting portions 24C of the first lifting device 24 support the four corners of the weight scale base portion 3B; and the hydraulic pressure elongates/shortens the extendable rod 24B to raise and lower the weight gauge base part 3B on which the measuring box 1 is mounted.

Except during the process for measuring the weight, the extensible rod 24B of the first elevating device 24 is extended, and the weight gauge base part 3B on which the measuring box 1 is mounted is separated from the weight gauge main body part 3A in the up-down direction. That is, in addition to the weight measurement, a state in which the measurement box 1 is separated from the weight scale 3 is maintained, which is a state in which the weight of the measurement box 1 is not measured.

Further, maintaining the state where the measurement box 1 is separated from the weight scale 3 in addition to the weight measurement can prevent the vibration and the impact from being transmitted to the weight scale 3 even when the vibration and the impact are transmitted to the measurement box 1 due to the movement of the calibration device 100. Therefore, the weight gauges 3 are prevented from being damaged and the zero point and the span as the variation range of the weight gauges 3 are prevented from being changed.

Meanwhile, at the time of weight measurement, the retractable rod 24B of the first lifting device 24 is shortened to move the weight scale base portion 3B downward. Therefore, the weight gauge base part 3B on which the measurement box 1 is mounted is changed from a state of being separated from the weight gauge main body part 3A to a state of being mounted on the weight gauge 3.

That is, at the time of weight measurement, the measurement box 1 is mounted on the weight scale 3. Then, the extensible rod 24B of the measurement box 1 is further shortened to separate the first elevating device 24 from the weight gauge base part 3B.

When the measurement box 1 is lifted and lowered by the first lifting and lowering devices 24 arranged in the four corners of the weight gauge base part 3B, in order to maintain the horizontal state of the measurement box 1, the position and the lifting and lowering rate of the support part 24C of the first lifting and lowering device 24 in the up-down direction are adjusted.

The calibration flow using the calibration apparatus 200 shown in fig. 3 is substantially the same as the calibration apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 2. However, in the embodiment shown in fig. 3, prior to the weight measurement at the time of calibration, the work for mounting the measurement box 1 on the weight scale 3 by shortening the extendable rod 24B of the first elevating device 24 is performed.

With the second embodiment shown in fig. 3, when weight measurement is performed at the time of calibration, the measuring box 1 can be automatically and safely mounted on the weight scale 3 without using human power.

Separating the measurement box 1 from the weight scale 3 prevents the vibration and impact transmitted to the measurement box 1 from being transmitted to the weight scale 3 except at the time of weight measurement, which prevents the weight scale 3 from being damaged or the zero point or the span as the range of variation from being changed.

The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2 in structure and effect other than the above.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to fig. 4.

In fig. 4, a calibration device according to a second embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 300. The calibration device 300 includes a second lifting device 25 in addition to the first lifting device 24. Then, the second elevating device 25 adjusts and ensures the horizontal state of the box main body 10, which can adjust and ensure the horizontal state of the weight meter 3 mounted in the box main body 10.

The third embodiment is the same as the calibration device 200 of the second embodiment except for the above-described structure.

As shown in fig. 4, the second lifting device 25 is disposed at each of the four corners of the box main body 10 on the floor surface to support the box main body 10. Further, a first lifting device 24 is installed in the box main body 10, and the first lifting device 24 may mount the measurement box 1 on the weight meter 3 or separate the measurement box 1 from the weight meter 3.

The second lifting device 25 is a generally known vertical lifting device using hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or other hydrostatic pressure, such as a jack, and is provided with: a main body portion 25A including a hydraulic cylinder not shown; a telescopic rod 25B of the hydraulic cylinder; and a support portion 25C.

In order to adjust and secure the horizontal state of the box main body 10, the second elevating device 25 is disposed in the four corner portions, respectively, and the support portions 25C are in contact with the four corner portions, respectively.

When the second elevating device 25 is disposed below the bottom surface of the tank main body 10, the hydraulic cylinder, not shown, of the main body portion 25A is sufficiently shortened.

The extensible rod 25B of the second elevating device 25, which is gradually lengthened, allows the support portion 25C to contact the bottom surface of the box main body 10. In this case, the extension amount of the hydraulic cylinder, not shown, of the main body portion 25A in the second elevating device 25 is controlled in such a manner that the tank main body 10 is in a horizontal state.

When the position where the calibration device 300 is installed is inclined or uneven, the projecting amount of the hydraulic cylinder, not shown, of the main body portion 25A is controlled in accordance with the inclination and roughness of the installation position, which controls the horizontal state of the tank main body 10.

The second elevating device 25 also maintains the horizontal state of the box main body 10 and the weight gauge 3. Then, the weight meter 3 held in the horizontal state performs weight measurement at the time of calibration.

Here, the second elevating device 25 is accommodated in the box body 10 and taken out from the box body 10 to fix the calibration device 300. Alternatively, the second lifting device 25 is stored in a storage position, not shown, different from the measuring chamber 1 and can be removed therefrom for use in fixing the calibration device 300.

Further, instead of disposing the second elevating device 25 in the four corners of the box main body 10, the second elevating device 25 may be disposed at three points so as to maintain the balance thereof when supporting the box main body 10.

Although not shown in the drawings, instead of adjusting and ensuring the horizontal state of the box main body 10 by supporting the box main body 10 via the second elevating device 25, the second elevating device 25 may directly support the weight scale 3 via, for example, the base 3B of the weight scale 3 to adjust and ensure the horizontal state of the weight scale 3.

Further, when the third embodiment is implemented, only the second elevating device 25 may be provided to omit the first elevating device 24.

The calibration flow using the calibration apparatus 300 shown in fig. 4 is substantially the same as the calibration apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 2.

However, before performing the weight measurement at the time of calibration, a work for adjusting and securing the horizontal state of the weight scale 3 or the box main body 10 by the extension/contraction of the extensible lever 25B of the second elevating device is performed. Then, the extensible rod 24B of the first elevating device 24 is shortened to mount the measuring box 1 on the weighing meter 3.

In the third embodiment shown in fig. 4, since the horizontal state of the box main body 10 is adjusted and ensured by lifting the second lifting device 25, the worker does not have to perform a heavy work for lifting the box main body 10. Therefore, the horizontal balance of the weight meter 3 mounted in the box main body 10 can be easily and safely maintained in a short time.

Especially when the position where the calibration means 300 is installed is inclined or uneven, the effect of lifting the second lifting means 25 to adjust and ensure the level state of the weighing scale 3 is enhanced. In the third embodiment, the structure and effects other than the above are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in fig. 3.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to fig. 5.

A calibration device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 400. The calibration device 400 includes: a lifting device 34 in place of the first lifting device 24, and bases 36 respectively arranged on four corners of the weight-meter base portion 3B; and a level sensor 37 for adjusting the level state of the weight scale 3 and adjusting the height of the weight scale main body portion 3A. Then, the calibration device 400 is configured to mount the measurement box 1 on the weight scale 3 and to separate the measurement box 1 from the weight scale 3. The fourth embodiment is the same as the calibration device 200 of the second embodiment except for the above-described structure.

In fig. 5, lifting devices 34 are provided on, for example, four corners of the weight scale main body portion 3A and on the bottom of the box main body 10, respectively, so as to support the weight scale main body portion 3A.

The lifting device 34 is a generally known vertical lifting device using hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or other hydrostatic pressure, such as a jack, and is provided with: a main body portion 34A including a hydraulic cylinder not shown; telescopic rods 34B of the hydraulic cylinders; and a support portion 34C. The lifting devices 34 are provided on four corners of the weight scale main body portion 3A; the supporting portions 34C of the lifting device 34 support the four corners of the weight scale main body portion 3A; and the hydraulic pressure extends/shortens the extendable rod 34B to raise/lower the weight scale main body portion 3A.

In addition to the process for measuring the weight, as shown in fig. 5(a), the extensible rod 34B of the lifting device 34 is shortened, and the weight scale main body portion 3A is separated in the up-down direction from the weight scale base portion 3B on which the measurement box 1 is mounted. That is, in addition to the weight measurement, a state in which the measurement box 1 is separated from the weight scale 3 is maintained, which is a state in which the weight of the measurement box 1 is not measured.

Further, maintaining the state where the measurement box 1 is separated from the weight scale 3 in addition to the weight measurement can prevent the vibration and the impact from being transmitted to the weight scale 3 even when the vibration and the impact are transmitted to the measurement box 1 due to the movement of the calibration device 100. Therefore, the weight scale 3 is prevented from being damaged and the zero point and the span as the variation range of the weight scale 3 are prevented from being changed.

Meanwhile, at the time of weight measurement, the extensible rod 34B of the lifting device 34 is extended to move the weight scale main body portion 3A upward. Thus, the upper surface of the weight gauge main body portion 3A is in contact with the lower surface of the weight gauge base portion 3B on which the measurement case 1 is mounted, and the weight gauge base portion 3B is separated from the base 36 in the up-down direction, which allows the weight gauge base portion 3B to be mounted on the weight gauge main body portion 3A. That is, at the time of weight measurement, the measurement box 1 is mounted on the weight scale 3.

When the measuring box 1 is lifted and lowered by the lifting device 34 arranged in the four corners of the weight scale main body portion 3A, in order to maintain the horizontal state of the weight scale 3, the position and the lifting rate of the support portion 34C of the lifting device 34 in the up-down direction are adjusted. Here, the level sensor 37 may determine whether the horizontal state of the weight meter 3 is maintained.

The calibration flow using the calibration apparatus 400 shown in fig. 5 is substantially the same as the calibration apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment described with reference to fig. 2. However, in the embodiment shown in fig. 5, prior to the weight measurement at the time of calibration, a work for mounting the measurement box 1 on the weight scale 3 by extending the extendable rod 34B of the elevating device 34 is performed.

With the fourth embodiment shown in fig. 5, when weight measurement is performed at the time of calibration, the measuring box 1 can be automatically and safely mounted on the weight scale 3 without using human power. Separating the measurement box 1 from the weight scale 3 prevents the vibration and impact transmitted to the measurement box 1 from being transmitted to the weight scale 3 except at the time of weight measurement, which prevents the weight scale 3 from being damaged or the zero point or the span as the range of variation from being changed.

The effects other than the above in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the second embodiment shown in fig. 3.

As in the third embodiment, a second elevating device 25 for adjusting and ensuring the horizontal state of the weighing scale 3 by supporting the box main body 10 may be provided in addition to the elevating device 34.

The embodiments shown in the drawings are merely examples, and the technical field of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, the calibration apparatus for a hydrogen filling apparatus is described, but the present invention is also applicable to the calibration apparatus for a CNG filling apparatus.

Description of the reference numerals

1 measuring box

2 filling container

3 weighing meter

3A weighing meter main body part

Base part of 3B weighing meter

4 support part

5 gas outlet

6 socket (Hydrogen receiving port)

7 charging gas supply pipeline

8-charge gas discharge duct

9 check valve

10 case main body

10A Mobile device (wheel, etc.)

11 thermometer

12,23 pressure gauge

13 temperature emitter

14 pressure transmitter

15 flow meter

16 pressure reducing valve

17 stop valve

18 dry gas pipeline

19 dew point instrument

20 hydrogen charging apparatus

21 filling nozzle

22 external discharge conduit

24 first lifting device

25 second lifting device

26 main valve

34 lifting device

36 base

37 level sensor

100,200,300,400 calibration device

Claims (6)

1. A calibration device, comprising:

a metering tank accommodated in a tank main body, to which high-pressure fuel gas is fed from outside the tank main body; and

a scale for measuring the weight of the fuel gas fed to the measuring tank,

wherein the measuring box is made of transparent resin having an antistatic function, and the inside of the measuring box is visible from the outside of the box main body.

2. The calibration device of claim 1, further comprising: a condition monitoring device disposed in the measurement box,

wherein the data measured by the state monitoring device is transmitted to the outside of the box main body.

3. The calibration device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a charge gas discharge duct connected to the measurement tank; and

and a pressure reducing valve provided in the charged gas discharge pipe.

4. The calibration device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: and the first lifting device is used for separating the measuring box from the weighing meter in the vertical direction or installing the measuring box on the weighing meter.

5. The calibration device of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: and a second lifting device for lifting the box main body to adjust and ensure the horizontal state of the weighing meter.

6. Calibration device according to claim 1 or 2,

wherein the weight scale has a level sensor for determining a level state of the weight scale.

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