EP1495273A1 - Compressed gas monitoring system - Google Patents

Compressed gas monitoring system

Info

Publication number
EP1495273A1
EP1495273A1 EP03722742A EP03722742A EP1495273A1 EP 1495273 A1 EP1495273 A1 EP 1495273A1 EP 03722742 A EP03722742 A EP 03722742A EP 03722742 A EP03722742 A EP 03722742A EP 1495273 A1 EP1495273 A1 EP 1495273A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
weight
vessel
control
gas
data logging
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03722742A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
James Barrington Rhue
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.)
Frostpack Ltd
Original Assignee
Frostpack Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Frostpack Ltd filed Critical Frostpack Ltd
Publication of EP1495273A1 publication Critical patent/EP1495273A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B45/00—Arrangements for charging or discharging refrigerant
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
    • F25B2345/001—Charging refrigerant to a cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
    • F25B2345/002—Collecting refrigerant from a cycle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2345/00—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor
    • F25B2345/007—Details for charging or discharging refrigerants; Service stations therefor characterised by the weighing of refrigerant or oil

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring the transfer of compressed gas between a portable container and another gas reservoir (e.g. the delivery of refrigerant gas from a compressed gas bottle to a refrigeration system and/or the recovery of refrigerant gas from a refrigeration system to a compressed gas bottle) .
  • another gas reservoir e.g. the delivery of refrigerant gas from a compressed gas bottle to a refrigeration system and/or the recovery of refrigerant gas from a refrigeration system to a compressed gas bottle.
  • the present invention seeks to provide improved compressed gas monitoring and logging systems that obviate or mitigate the disadvantages of existing systems.
  • apparatus for monitoring and logging transfers of compressed gas between a first, portable vessel and a second vessel via a charging line incorporating valve means comprising: a control and data logging means; and a weighing device adapted to weigh the portable vessel and to output signals representing the weight of the portable vessel; the control and data logging means being adapted to be connected to said valve means for controlling operation thereof and to the weighing device for receiving said weight signals, and being further adapted to calculate an amount of gas transferred to or from the portable vessel from the weight of the portable vessel at the beginning and end of a transfer operation.
  • the control and data logging means is preferably adapted to log records of gas transfers, including the amount of gas transferred and the time and date of transfers.
  • the control and data logging means is preferably also adapted to monitor the weight of the portable vessel during gas transfers and to detect if the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits.
  • the control and data logging means is adapted to close the valve means and/or to generate an alarm signal and/or to log such events.
  • the control and data logging means may be a stand alone device and may be adapted to receive and/or download data from and/or to other data processing or control systems. Alternatively, the control and data logging means may be integrated as part of a wider data processing and/or control system.
  • a method of automatically monitoring and logging transfers of compressed gas between a first, portable vessel and a second vessel via a charging line incorporating valve means comprising: providing a control and data logging means and a weighing device adapted to weigh the portable vessel and to output signals representing the weight of the portable vessel; connecting the control and data logging means to said valve means for controlling operation thereof and to the weighing device for receiving said weight signals; and operating the data logging and monitoring device to : record the weight of the portable vessel and open the valve means at the beginning of a gas transfer operation; record the weight of the portable vessel and close the valve means at the end of the gas transfer operation; calculate an amount of gas transferred to or from the portable vessel from the weight of the portable vessel at the beginning and end of a transfer operation and store the amount of gas transferred and the time/date of the transfer.
  • the method preferably also comprises operating the control and data logging means to monitor the weight of the portable vessel during gas transfers and to detect if the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits.
  • the control and data logging means operates to close the valve means and/or to generate an alarm signal and/or to log such events .
  • a compressed gas monitoring system comprises a control and logging unit 10 and a weighing device 12 such as electronic scales adapted to output weight signals to the control and logging unit 10.
  • a charging line 14, incorporating valve means such as a solenoid valve 16 is adapted to connect a portable compressed gas vessel 18 such as a gas bottle to plant such as a refrigeration system (not shown) , for transferring gas from the vessel 18 to the plant, or vice versa.
  • the valve 16 is connected to the control and logging unit 10 for control thereby.
  • the control and logging unit 10 may be a stand-alone device, suitably based on a programmable logic controller or the like and typically incorporating an alphanumeric display 20 and control buttons 22 or the like allowing user input of commands, menu selections etc.
  • the unit may be adapted to download data to, and/or receive data from a separate data processing system such as a PC.
  • the functions of the unit may be provided as an integrated part of a wider control and/or monitoring system.
  • the scales 12 are connected to the logging unit 10 and the vessel is placed on the scales and connected to the charging line 14.
  • the initial weight of the vessel 18 is recorded by the logging unit 10 and the valve 16 is opened to begin the transfer operation.
  • the valve 16 is closed and the final weight of the vessel is recorded.
  • the amount of gas transferred is then calculated from the difference between the initial and final weights and logged together with the time/date of the transfer.
  • the logging unit 10 may log gas transfers in any required manner, including details of individual transfer operations, cumulative totals of transfers etc. Transfers from the plant to the vessel 18 may be monitored and logged in a similar manner.
  • the unit 10 is adapted to detect errors or attempted fraud, by monitoring the rate of change of the weight of the vessel during gas transfers, so as to detect whether additional weight is applied to the vessel or the vessel is lifted from the scales during the transfer. If the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits during a transfer then the valve 16 can be closed, and/or an alarm may be generated, and/or the event may be logged.
  • the logging unit may provide a variety of operational modes, selectable using the buttons 22 or the like.
  • the display will typically display the current weight of the vessel 18 and the cumulative total of gas transferred.
  • the display may also be used to review records of transfers .
  • a user operates the logging unit to manually start and stop a transfer operation, and the unit calculates and logs the amount of gas transferred.
  • the user enters an amount of gas to be transferred and manually starts the operation.
  • the unit 10 determines when the required amount of gas has been transferred and automatically stops the transfer. An automatic transfer may also be stopped or interrupted manually.
  • the invention thus enables simple and accurate monitoring and logging of gas transfers in a manner that is resistant to errors and fraud. Improvements and modifications may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A Compressed Gas Monitoring system is enabled to monitor and log transfers of compressed gas from or to a portable vessel, such as a compressed gas bottle, and other plant, such as a large refrigeration system. The control and logging means within the system enables accurate measurement and recording of the transfer of pressurised gas by monitoring the weight of the portable vessel an controlling the valve between the two vessels. The system also monitors the rate of change of the weight of the portable vessel which gives the ability to detect tampering during transfer.

Description

Compressed Gas Monitoring System
The present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for monitoring the transfer of compressed gas between a portable container and another gas reservoir (e.g. the delivery of refrigerant gas from a compressed gas bottle to a refrigeration system and/or the recovery of refrigerant gas from a refrigeration system to a compressed gas bottle) .
The invention will be described with particular reference to refrigeration systems, but it will be understood to be applicable to other applications involving the transfer of compressed gas between portable vessels and other plant.
Large refrigeration systems, such as those employed in supermarkets, have to be charged or topped up with refrigerant gases. It is also sometimes necessary to recover gases from such systems. Generally, the refrigerants are transported in portable compressed gas bottles . When a system is to be charged, the gas bottle is connected to a charging line and the gas is transferred from the bottle to the system, and vice versa when gas is recovered from the system. It is desirable to monitor the transfer of gas to and from the system, and to log such transfers for auditing purposes. Conventionally, gas transfers are monitored by manually weighing gas bottles and logged by manually recording transfers in log books. Such procedures are obviously vulnerable to errors and/or fraud. One existing system for automating the monitoring and logging of gas transfers employs a metering vessel of known volume. The gas transfer is performed in a cyclical manner, by repeatedly filling and then emptying the metering vessel. The volume of gas transferred is determined by counting the number of metering cycles. This method is both cumbersome and time consuming.
The present invention seeks to provide improved compressed gas monitoring and logging systems that obviate or mitigate the disadvantages of existing systems.
In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided apparatus for monitoring and logging transfers of compressed gas between a first, portable vessel and a second vessel via a charging line incorporating valve means, comprising: a control and data logging means; and a weighing device adapted to weigh the portable vessel and to output signals representing the weight of the portable vessel; the control and data logging means being adapted to be connected to said valve means for controlling operation thereof and to the weighing device for receiving said weight signals, and being further adapted to calculate an amount of gas transferred to or from the portable vessel from the weight of the portable vessel at the beginning and end of a transfer operation.
The control and data logging means is preferably adapted to log records of gas transfers, including the amount of gas transferred and the time and date of transfers.
The control and data logging means is preferably also adapted to monitor the weight of the portable vessel during gas transfers and to detect if the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits. Preferably, when the rate of change of the vessel weight changes outwith said limits, the control and data logging means is adapted to close the valve means and/or to generate an alarm signal and/or to log such events.
The control and data logging means may be a stand alone device and may be adapted to receive and/or download data from and/or to other data processing or control systems. Alternatively, the control and data logging means may be integrated as part of a wider data processing and/or control system.
In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of automatically monitoring and logging transfers of compressed gas between a first, portable vessel and a second vessel via a charging line incorporating valve means, comprising: providing a control and data logging means and a weighing device adapted to weigh the portable vessel and to output signals representing the weight of the portable vessel; connecting the control and data logging means to said valve means for controlling operation thereof and to the weighing device for receiving said weight signals; and operating the data logging and monitoring device to : record the weight of the portable vessel and open the valve means at the beginning of a gas transfer operation; record the weight of the portable vessel and close the valve means at the end of the gas transfer operation; calculate an amount of gas transferred to or from the portable vessel from the weight of the portable vessel at the beginning and end of a transfer operation and store the amount of gas transferred and the time/date of the transfer.
The method preferably also comprises operating the control and data logging means to monitor the weight of the portable vessel during gas transfers and to detect if the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits. Preferably, when the rate of change of the vessel weight changes outwith said limits, the control and data logging means operates to close the valve means and/or to generate an alarm signal and/or to log such events .
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a block diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of a compressed gas monitoring system in accordance with the invention.
Referring now to the drawing, a compressed gas monitoring system according to the invention comprises a control and logging unit 10 and a weighing device 12 such as electronic scales adapted to output weight signals to the control and logging unit 10. A charging line 14, incorporating valve means such as a solenoid valve 16 is adapted to connect a portable compressed gas vessel 18 such as a gas bottle to plant such as a refrigeration system (not shown) , for transferring gas from the vessel 18 to the plant, or vice versa. The valve 16 is connected to the control and logging unit 10 for control thereby.
The control and logging unit 10 may be a stand-alone device, suitably based on a programmable logic controller or the like and typically incorporating an alphanumeric display 20 and control buttons 22 or the like allowing user input of commands, menu selections etc. The unit may be adapted to download data to, and/or receive data from a separate data processing system such as a PC. Alternatively, the functions of the unit may be provided as an integrated part of a wider control and/or monitoring system.
In use, when transferring gas from the vessel 18 to the plant, the scales 12 are connected to the logging unit 10 and the vessel is placed on the scales and connected to the charging line 14. The initial weight of the vessel 18 is recorded by the logging unit 10 and the valve 16 is opened to begin the transfer operation. At the end of the operation, the valve 16 is closed and the final weight of the vessel is recorded. The amount of gas transferred is then calculated from the difference between the initial and final weights and logged together with the time/date of the transfer. The logging unit 10 may log gas transfers in any required manner, including details of individual transfer operations, cumulative totals of transfers etc. Transfers from the plant to the vessel 18 may be monitored and logged in a similar manner.
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the unit 10 is adapted to detect errors or attempted fraud, by monitoring the rate of change of the weight of the vessel during gas transfers, so as to detect whether additional weight is applied to the vessel or the vessel is lifted from the scales during the transfer. If the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits during a transfer then the valve 16 can be closed, and/or an alarm may be generated, and/or the event may be logged.
The logging unit may provide a variety of operational modes, selectable using the buttons 22 or the like. During gas transfer operations, the display will typically display the current weight of the vessel 18 and the cumulative total of gas transferred. The display may also be used to review records of transfers .
In a manual mode of operation, a user operates the logging unit to manually start and stop a transfer operation, and the unit calculates and logs the amount of gas transferred. In an automatic mode of operation, the user enters an amount of gas to be transferred and manually starts the operation. The unit 10 determines when the required amount of gas has been transferred and automatically stops the transfer. An automatic transfer may also be stopped or interrupted manually.
The invention thus enables simple and accurate monitoring and logging of gas transfers in a manner that is resistant to errors and fraud. Improvements and modifications may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims
1. Apparatus for monitoring and logging transfers of compressed gas between a first, portable vessel and a second vessel via a charging line incorporating valve means, comprising: a control and data logging means; and a weighing device adapted to weigh the portable vessel and to output signals representing the weight of the portable vessel; the control and data logging means being adapted to be connected to said valve means for controlling operation thereof and to the weighing device for receiving said weight signals, and being further adapted to calculate an amount of gas transferred to or from the portable vessel from the weight of the portable vessel at the beginning and end of a transfer operation.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the control and data logging means is adapted to log records of gas transfers, including the amount of gas transferred and the time and date of transfers.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the control and data logging means is adapted to monitor the weight of the portable vessel during gas transfers and to detect if the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein, when the rate of change of the vessel weight changes outwith said limits, the control and data logging means is adapted to close the valve means and/or to generate an alarm signal and/or to log such events .
5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control and data logging means is a stand alone device.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control and data logging means is adaptable to receive and/or download data from and/or to other data processing or control systems .
7. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control and data logging means is integrated as part of a wider data processing and/or control system.
8. A method of automatically monitoring and logging transfers of compressed gas between a first, portable vessel and a second vessel via a charging line incorporating valve means, comprising: providing a control and data logging means and a weighing device adapted to weigh the portable vessel and to output signals representing the weight of the portable vessel; connecting the control and data logging means to said valve means for controlling operation thereof and to the weighing device for receiving said weight signals; and operating the data logging and monitoring device to: record the weight of the portable vessel and open the valve means at the beginning of a gas transfer operation; record the weight of the portable vessel and close the valve means at the end of the gas transfer operation; calculate an amount of gas transferred to or from the portable vessel from the weight of the portable vessel at the beginning and end of a transfer operation and store the amount of gas transferred and the time/date of the transfer.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising operating the control and data logging means to monitor the weight of the portable vessel during gas transfers and to detect if the rate of change of the weight of the vessel changes outwith predetermined limits.
10. A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein, when the rate of change of the vessel weight changes outwith said limits, the control and data logging means operates to close the valve means and/or to generate an alarm signal and/or to log such events.
EP03722742A 2002-04-16 2003-04-15 Compressed gas monitoring system Withdrawn EP1495273A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0208677 2002-04-16
GB0208677A GB0208677D0 (en) 2002-04-16 2002-04-16 Compressed gas monitoring system
PCT/GB2003/001622 WO2003089853A1 (en) 2002-04-16 2003-04-15 Compressed gas monitoring system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1495273A1 true EP1495273A1 (en) 2005-01-12

Family

ID=9934911

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03722742A Withdrawn EP1495273A1 (en) 2002-04-16 2003-04-15 Compressed gas monitoring system

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1495273A1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003229905A1 (en)
GB (1) GB0208677D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2003089853A1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7905095B2 (en) 2004-07-16 2011-03-15 Spx Corporation System for refrigerant charging with constant volume tank
US7254954B2 (en) 2005-04-25 2007-08-14 Snap-On Incorporated Refrigerant charging system and method using cartridges and scale
US7619523B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2009-11-17 American Air Liquide, Inc. Gas cylinders monitoring by wireless tags
US8468840B2 (en) * 2008-07-24 2013-06-25 Praxair Technology Method and apparatus for simultaneous gas supply from bulk specialty gas supply systems
EP2661595B1 (en) * 2010-09-13 2016-10-12 MAHLE International GmbH A method of measuring the refrigerant recovered

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US4513578A (en) * 1983-05-23 1985-04-30 Murray Corporation Weight-monitored air-conditioner charging station
US4688388A (en) * 1985-04-29 1987-08-25 Kent-Moore Corporation Service station for refrigeration equipment
US4967567A (en) * 1987-12-10 1990-11-06 Murray Corporation System and method for diagnosing the operation of air conditioner systems
US5046322A (en) * 1989-05-08 1991-09-10 Kent-Moore Corporation Electronic refrigerant transfer scale
US5249434A (en) * 1992-07-06 1993-10-05 Wynn's Climate Systems, Inc. System and method for automatic charging of refrigeration systems
JPH06273004A (en) * 1993-03-23 1994-09-30 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Refrigerant recovery apparatus
US5758506A (en) * 1996-07-03 1998-06-02 White Industries, Llc Method and apparatus for servicing automotive refrigeration systems
US5802859A (en) * 1996-12-16 1998-09-08 Hudson Technologies, Inc. Apparatus for recovering and analyzing volatile refrigerants
JP2001324097A (en) * 2000-05-12 2001-11-22 Toyo Densen Kk Automatic stopping device of gas charge

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0208677D0 (en) 2002-05-29
AU2003229905A1 (en) 2003-11-03
WO2003089853A1 (en) 2003-10-30

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