EP1717510B1 - System and method for filling a vessel with a gas or a gas mixture - Google Patents

System and method for filling a vessel with a gas or a gas mixture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1717510B1
EP1717510B1 EP06112218A EP06112218A EP1717510B1 EP 1717510 B1 EP1717510 B1 EP 1717510B1 EP 06112218 A EP06112218 A EP 06112218A EP 06112218 A EP06112218 A EP 06112218A EP 1717510 B1 EP1717510 B1 EP 1717510B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
filling
gas
filled
filling gas
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06112218A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1717510A3 (en
EP1717510A2 (en
Inventor
Hermann Grabhorn
Friedhelm Herzog
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.)
Messer Group GmbH
Original Assignee
Messer Group GmbH
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 Messer Group GmbH filed Critical Messer Group GmbH
Publication of EP1717510A2 publication Critical patent/EP1717510A2/en
Publication of EP1717510A3 publication Critical patent/EP1717510A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1717510B1 publication Critical patent/EP1717510B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • F17C13/021—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the height 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
    • F17C7/02—Discharging liquefied gases
    • F17C7/04—Discharging liquefied gases 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • 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
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • F17C2221/017—Helium
    • 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
    • F17C2223/04—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
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • 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
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/04—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid after transfer
    • F17C2225/042—Localisation of the filling point
    • F17C2225/046—Localisation of the filling point in the liquid
    • 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
    • F17C2227/0337—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling
    • F17C2227/0341—Heat exchange with the fluid by cooling using another fluid
    • 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
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0376—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact
    • F17C2227/0383—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact outside the vessel
    • 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
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0408—Level of content in the vessel
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0626—Pressure
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0631—Temperature
    • 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
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for filling a container with a filling gas or filling gas mixture.
  • this method is suitable for inexpensively filling pressure vessels permitted for pressures of 700 bar or more.
  • this is suitable Method for filling small-volume tanks, in particular gas generators for airbags, fuel tanks for gas-powered vehicles or fuel cell systems.
  • a refueling device is known by means of which vehicle tanks are filled with liquid cryogenic fuel.
  • a dosing tank is received within a pressure vessel which is filled with a heat exchange means for subcooling the dosing. By subcooling ensures that the fuel remains in the tank to be filled during filling in the liquid state and so relatively short refueling periods can be realized.
  • a filling of a pressure vessel with gas is not provided in this item.
  • Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a way to fill pressure vessels with gases or components of gas mixtures, in which the filled gas is set as accurately as possible.
  • the container to be filled is flow-connected to a metering container.
  • the dosing is maintained by means of a heat exchange medium to a temperature which is below the boiling point of the filling gas or the Basgaskomponente, but above its melting temperature or its pour point.
  • the container to be filled is in a bath containing a heat exchange medium of the same or another type, in heat exchange with the Heat exchange medium and is maintained at a temperature lower than the temperature in the dosing.
  • the filling gas or the filling gas component is therefore present in the dosing container in the liquid but not in the boiling state and can be determined very accurately in its quantity.
  • the heat exchange medium for the metering container and / or for the container to be filled is a liquefied gas whose boiling temperature is varied by adjusting the pressure.
  • the temperature of the gas can be adjusted in a wide range according to the requirements and in particular kept at a value which is sufficiently far above the freezing point or the pour point of the filling gas, so that the filling process is not disturbed by ice deposits.
  • the container to be filled with the same heat exchange medium is heated, which is also provided for controlling the temperature of the dosing, wherein the temperature difference between the containers is realized by different pressures of the heat exchange medium.
  • a further embodiment of the invention provides that the container partially filled with one or more filling gas components is subsequently filled with a filling gas component held in the gaseous state.
  • the mixing ratio of the gaseous Gugaskomponente to the other Gugaskomponenten can be advantageously adjusted by varying the gas pressure of the gaseous component.
  • the filled container is then filled with a gas mixture whose composition is known with great accuracy.
  • a device for filling a container with a filling gas or a filling gas mixture is provided with a metering, the Heat exchanger surfaces is in thermal contact with a heat exchange medium and is equipped with a filling gas supply for supplying the filling gas or a filling gas component in the liquid or gaseous state and with a filling line for connecting the container to be filled.
  • the tempered dosing container allows the supply of a liquefied filling gas or a filling gas component at a temperature below its boiling point and thus without the disturbing influences that would occur during boiling of the filling gas.
  • the device of the dosing is arranged in a provided for receiving the heat exchange means pressure vessel.
  • the dosing container is received in a bath of heat exchange medium, the temperature of which can be adjusted in a targeted manner by varying the pressure in the pressure vessel. The heat transfer between the heat exchange medium and the filling gas via the walls of the dosing.
  • a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the container to be filled is added during its filling in a fillable with a heat exchange medium bath.
  • the metering container is advantageously equipped with a control device for fixing the liquid level in the metering container.
  • a control device for fixing the liquid level in the metering container may be, for example, an overflow, or a measuring and control device which prevents the addition of filling gas above a certain filling level.
  • the device 1 for filling a container 2 with a filling gas or filling gas mixture comprises a metering container 3, which is accommodated in the interior of a pressure vessel 4.
  • a gas supply line 6 for supplying filling gas in the gaseous state in its upper region.
  • the gas supply line 6 is connected to a vent line 7.
  • Gas supply line 6 and vent line 7 can be closed or opened with valves 8.9.
  • a liquid gas feed line 11 opens for supplying a liquefied filling gas.
  • the liquefied gas supply line 11 is provided with a fitting 12, which can be actuated by means of a control device 13 as a function of a measured liquid level 14 in the interior of the metering container 3.
  • the dosing 3 is equipped with a filling line 15, which in the operating state of the device 1 via a releasable connection means 10 establishes the flow connection to the container 2 to be filled.
  • the filling line 15 is equipped with a shut-off valve 16.
  • the pressure vessel 4 provided with an insulation 17, which is only partially shown here, is shut off with a supply line 18 for a heat exchange medium.
  • a valve 19 is arranged, which can be controlled by means of a controller 20 in response to a measured liquid level 21 in the interior of the pressure vessel 4.
  • a Gäsab In an upper region of the pressure vessel 4, a Gäsabtechnisch 22 opens.
  • a device 23 for pressure control ensures the maintenance of a certain pressure in the pressure vessel. 4
  • the container 2 should be filled with the most precisely metered amounts of argon and helium.
  • the dosing tank 3 is first filled via the liquid gas supply line 11 with liquid argon, which was taken from a storage container, not shown here in liquid form.
  • the dosing tank 3 is accommodated in the pressure tank 4 in a bath of a coolant, in the example liquid nitrogen.
  • the liquid nitrogen is supplied to the pressure vessel via the supply line 18. The heat exchange between the dosing tank 3 and the liquid nitrogen bath via the walls of the dosing 3.
  • the nitrogen evaporates in the pressure vessel 4 partially and thus increases the pressure in the pressure vessel 4.
  • the pressure in the pressure vessel to a maintained predetermined value of, for example, about 3 bar.
  • the liquid nitrogen in the pressure vessel 4 is at a temperature of about minus 187 ° C, ie at a temperature below the boiling point of argon under normal pressure conditions (minus 186 ° C) or at higher pressures, but above the melting point of Argon (minus 189 ° C) is.
  • the present in the dosing 3 at a low pressure of, for example, about 1.1 bar argon is thus in the liquid, but not in the boiling state. In this state, the liquid argon is easy to handle and in particular allows the exact filling of the dosing container 4 up to a predetermined liquid level 14th
  • the valve 12 is completely closed and the valve 16 is opened.
  • the argon flows into the container 2.
  • the container 2 is received in an insulated dip tank 25 and is also cooled with liquid nitrogen.
  • the nitrogen in Tauchbad einer 25 has a lower pressure than in the pressure vessel 4, for example, atmospheric pressure, and is therefore at a lower temperature.
  • the argon vapor pressure in the container 1 is always lower than in the dosing tank 2, so that the filling process is not hindered by evaporating argon.
  • the liquid nitrogen in the dip tank 25 at atmospheric pressure its temperature is minus 196 ° C and the filled argon in the container 2 freezes. The resulting suction effect (cryopump effect) supports and accelerates the filling process.
  • the filling of the container 1 with liquid argon is also possible if the connecting device 10 is not gas-tight, but designed in the manner of a syringe: Furthermore, instead of the previously described filling of the dosing 3 with liquid argon and argon in the gaseous state on the Gas supply 6 are introduced, which then liquefied in the dosing 3 by the heat dissipation through the container wall of the dosing 3. Instead of the metering container 3 receiving pressure vessel 4 or in addition to this, the temperature in the metering 4 can also be adjusted by another technique, such as a heat exchanger.
  • the metered addition of a further gas which can be supplied in the liquid or gaseous state takes place.
  • gaseous helium is introduced via the gas supply line 6 into the metering tank 3.
  • the control of the amount of gas supplied takes place by regulating the pressure in the gas supply line 6 or in the metering 3.
  • the helium remains in the metering 3 in the gaseous state.
  • the addition of helium can take place after the cached in the dosing 3 Argon has been completely filled in the container;
  • the supply of helium on the gas supply line 6 already make during the argon filling of the container 2 and thus to accelerate the filling of the container 2 in total as a result of the gas pressure.
  • shut-off valve 16 After completion of the Heliumbe Chelfung the shut-off valve 16 is closed, the container 2 is closed and separated from the connecting device 10. The metering container 3 is depressurized by opening the valve 9, and the device 1 is available for filling a further container available.
  • the container 1 can be decoupled from the device 1 in a different procedure even after filling with argon and transported to a..weiteren filling device in which then the Heliumb, e hypolEung done. Because of the low argon vapor pressure in the container 1 escapes during transport almost no argon from the container 2, even if it is not closed for the transport process. This approach has the advantage that existing helium-Follanlagen could be used for this purpose.
  • the device 1 is also suitable for filling containers with gas mixtures, which consist of more than two components. In this case, the individual components are added successively in the manner described above. The device 1 enables accurate and rapid filling of containers 2 with low filling pressure and an exactly predictable final pressure.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

In a process to charge an airbag cartridge with a precisely-defined quantity of gas, the gas is introduced into the cartridge under thermal contact with a heat exchanger at a temperature which is lower than the boiling point, but higher than the freezing temperature. The temperature within the container is lower than that of the dosing container.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Befüllen eines Behälters mit einem Füllgas oder Füllgasgemisch.The invention relates to a method for filling a container with a filling gas or filling gas mixture.

Um Gase mit einer hohen Speicherdichte lagern zu können, erfolgt die Speicherung entweder in flüssigem Zustand oder gasförmig unter hohen Drücken. Die Lagerung im flüssigen Zustand ermöglicht zwar eine sehr hohe Speicherdichte, sie ist jedoch nur unter Inkaufnahme mehr oder minder großer Abdampfverluste möglich, die auch bei gut wärmeisolierten Behältern unvermeidlich sind. Zur Druckspeicherung von Gasen wurden bislang überwiegend Kompressoren eingesetzt, die einen Betriebsdruck im Druckbehälter von etwa 200 bis 300 bar erlauben. Die Kompressoren sind jedoch in Bau und Betrieb sehr aufwendig, zudem führen neuere Anwendungen, beispielsweise Anwendungen in der Brennstoffzellentechnik oder Gasgeneratoren für Airbags, zum Bedürfnis nach weitaus höheren Drücken von 700 bar oder mehr. Derartige Drücke sind mit konventioneller Kompressionstechnik nicht oder nur mit unvertretbar hohem Aufwand zu realisieren.In order to store gases with a high storage density, storage takes place either in the liquid state or in gaseous form under high pressures. Although the storage in the liquid state allows a very high storage density, but it is only at the cost of more or less large evaporation losses possible, which are unavoidable even with well-insulated containers. Up to now compressors have mainly been used for pressure storage of gases, which allow an operating pressure in the pressure vessel of about 200 to 300 bar. However, the compressors are very complex in construction and operation, also lead newer applications, such as applications in fuel cell technology or gas generators for airbags, the need for much higher pressures of 700 bar or more. Such pressures can not be realized with conventional compression technology or only with unacceptably high costs.

Aus der EP 0 033 386 A1 und der WO 99/05465 sind Verfahren zum Befüllen von Druckbehältern bekannt, bei dem das Füllgas vor der Zuführung an den zu befüllenden Druckbehälter verflüssigt oder im gasförmigen Zustand auf eine Temperatur, die nur geringfügig über seiner Siedetemperatur liegt, gekühlt wird. Als bevorzugtes Kühlmittel dient dabei flüssiger Stickstoff. Aus der WO 02/066884 A1 ist ein weiter verbessertes Verfahren bekannt, bei dem auch der Druckbehälter vor und/oder während der Zuführung des kalten oder verflüssigten Füllgases gekühlt wird, beispielsweise durch Eintauchen in ein Bad aus flüssigem Stickstoff. Nach Beenden des Befüllvorgangs wird der Druckbehälter druckdicht verschlossen. Da sich das Gasvolumen mit dem Abkühlen - bei gleich bleibendem Druck - ungefähr proportional zur Temperatur verhält, gelingt auf diese Weise eine Vergrößerung der effektiven Speicherkapazität um einen Faktor von ca. 2-3. Mit dem Aufwärmen des Gases steigt der Druck im Druckbehälter sehr stark an. Dieses Verfahren ist beispielsweise geeignet, um Druckbehälter, die für Drücke von 700bar oder mehr zugelassen sind, kostengünstig zu befüllen. Insbesondere eignet sich dieses Verfahren zum Befüllen kleinvolumiger Tanks, insbesondere Gasgeneratoren für Airbags, Kraftstoffbehälter für gasbetriebene Fahrzeuge oder Brennstoffzellensysteme.From the EP 0 033 386 A1 and the WO 99/05465 Methods for filling pressure vessels are known in which the filling gas is liquefied before being fed to the pressure vessel to be filled or cooled in the gaseous state to a temperature which is only slightly above its boiling point. The preferred coolant used here is liquid nitrogen. From the WO 02/066884 A1 a further improved method is known in which the pressure vessel is also cooled before and / or during the supply of the cold or liquefied filling gas, for example by immersion in a bath of liquid nitrogen. After completion of the filling process, the pressure vessel is sealed pressure-tight. Since the gas volume with the cooling behaves - at constant pressure - approximately proportional to the temperature, succeeds in this way an increase in the effective storage capacity by a factor of about 2-3. As the gas warms up, the pressure in the pressure vessel rises sharply. For example, this method is suitable for inexpensively filling pressure vessels permitted for pressures of 700 bar or more. In particular, this is suitable Method for filling small-volume tanks, in particular gas generators for airbags, fuel tanks for gas-powered vehicles or fuel cell systems.

Aus der DE 197 04 362 C1 ist eine Betankungseinrichtung bekannt, mittels dessen Fahrzeugtanks mit flüssigem kryogenen Kraftstoff befüllt werden. Beim Gegenstand dieser Druckschrift ist ein Dosiertank innerhalb eines Druckbehälters aufgenommen, der mit einem Wärmeaustauschmittel zum Unterkühlen des Dosierbehälters gefüllt ist. Durch die Unterkühlung wird gewährleistet, dass der Kraftstoff im zu befüllenden Tank während der Befüllung im flüssigen Zustand bleibt und so verhältnismäßig kurze Betankungsdauern realisiert werden können. Eine Befüllung eines Druckbehälters mit Gas ist bei diesem Gegenstand jedoch nicht vorgesehen.From the DE 197 04 362 C1 a refueling device is known by means of which vehicle tanks are filled with liquid cryogenic fuel. In the subject matter of this document, a dosing tank is received within a pressure vessel which is filled with a heat exchange means for subcooling the dosing. By subcooling ensures that the fuel remains in the tank to be filled during filling in the liquid state and so relatively short refueling periods can be realized. A filling of a pressure vessel with gas is not provided in this item.

Bei der Befüllung mit verflüssigtem Gas tritt jedoch das Problem auf, dass die Handhabung des im siedenden Zustand vorliegenden Füllgases mit großen Schwierigkeiten verbunden ist. Insbesondere ist eine exakte Bestimmung der eingefüllten Stoffmenge und somit - im Falle eines Gasgemisches - eine genaue Angabe des Mischungsverhältnisses der einzelnen Gaskomponenten im befüllten Behälter kaum zu bewerkstelligen.When filling with liquefied gas, however, the problem arises that the handling of the filling gas present in the boiling state is associated with great difficulties. In particular, an exact determination of the amount of substance charged and thus - in the case of a gas mixture - a precise indication of the mixing ratio of the individual gas components in the filled container can hardly be accomplished.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es demnach, eine Möglichkeit zur Befüllung von Druckbehältern mit Gasen oder Komponenten von Gasgemischen anzugeben, bei der die eingefüllte Gasmenge möglichst genau festgelegt ist.Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a way to fill pressure vessels with gases or components of gas mixtures, in which the filled gas is set as accurately as possible.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1.

Nach den erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren ist also der zu befüllende Behälter mit einem Dosierbehälter strömungsverbunden. Der Dosierbehälter wird mittels eines Wärmeaustauschmittels auf eine Temperatur gehalten, die unterhalb der Siedetemperatur des Füllgases bzw. der Füllgaskomponente, jedoch oberhalb seiner Schmelztemperatur bzw. seines Stockpunktes liegt. Gleichzeitig befindet sich auch der zu befüllende Behälter in einem Bad, das ein Wärmeaustauschmittel der gleichen oder einer anderen Art enthält, in Wärmeaustausch mit dem Wärmeaustauschmittel und wird auf eine Temperatur, die niedriger ist als die Temperatur im Dosierbehälter, gehalten. Das Füllgas oder die Füllgaskomponente liegt im Dosierbehälter also im flüssigen, jedoch nicht im siedenden Zustand vor und kann in seiner Menge sehr genau bestimmt werden. Zugleich verhindert die niedrigere Temperatur im zu füllenden Behälter eine Verdampfung des Gases beim Befüllen und begünstigt aufgrund des Kryopumpeneffekts die Förderung des Gases aus dem Dosierbehälter in den zu befüllenden Behälter.According to the method of the invention, therefore, the container to be filled is flow-connected to a metering container. The dosing is maintained by means of a heat exchange medium to a temperature which is below the boiling point of the filling gas or the Füllgaskomponente, but above its melting temperature or its pour point. At the same time, the container to be filled is in a bath containing a heat exchange medium of the same or another type, in heat exchange with the Heat exchange medium and is maintained at a temperature lower than the temperature in the dosing. The filling gas or the filling gas component is therefore present in the dosing container in the liquid but not in the boiling state and can be determined very accurately in its quantity. At the same time prevents the lower temperature in the container to be filled evaporation of the gas during filling and favors the promotion of the gas from the dosing into the container to be filled due to the cryopump effect.

Vorteilhafterweise handelt es sich bei dem Wärmeaustauschmittel für den Dosierbehälter und oder für den zu befüllenden Behälter um ein verflüssigtes Gas, dessen Siedetemperatur durch Einstellung des Drucks variiert wird. Dadurch kann die Temperatur des Gases in einem weiten Bereich entsprechend den Erfordernissen genau eingestellt und insbesondere auf einen Wert gehalten werden, der hinreichend weit oberhalb des Gefrierpunktes bzw. des Stockpunktes des Füllgases liegt, damit der Füllprozess nicht durch Eisablagerungen gestört wird.Advantageously, the heat exchange medium for the metering container and / or for the container to be filled is a liquefied gas whose boiling temperature is varied by adjusting the pressure. As a result, the temperature of the gas can be adjusted in a wide range according to the requirements and in particular kept at a value which is sufficiently far above the freezing point or the pour point of the filling gas, so that the filling process is not disturbed by ice deposits.

In einer zweckmäßigen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der zu befüllende Behälter mit dem gleichen Wärmeaustauschmittel temperiert wird, das auch zur Temperierung des Dosierbehälters vorgesehen ist, wobei die Temperaturdifferenz zwischen den Behältern durch unterschiedliche Drücke des Wärmeaustauschmittels realisiert wird.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the container to be filled with the same heat exchange medium is heated, which is also provided for controlling the temperature of the dosing, wherein the temperature difference between the containers is realized by different pressures of the heat exchange medium.

Eine weiter ausgestaltende Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass der mit einer oder mehreren Füllgaskomponente/n teilweise befüllte Behälter anschließend mit einer im gasförmigen Zustand gehaltenen Füllgaskomponente befüllt wird. Das Mischungsverhältnis der gasförmigen Füllgaskomponente zu den übrigen Füllgaskomponenten kann vorteilhaft durch Variation des Gasdrucks der gasförmigen Komponente eingestellt werden. Im erwärmten Zustand ist der befüllte Behälter dann mit einem Gasgemisch befüllt, dessen Zusammensetzung mit großer Genauigkeit bekannt ist.
eine Vorrichtung zum Befüllen eines Behälters mit einem Füllgas oder einem Füllgasgemisch ist mit einem Dosierbehälter versehen, der an Wärmetauscherflächen mit einem Wärmeaustauschmittel in thermischen Kontakt steht und mit einer Füllgaszuführung zur Zuführung des Füllgases oder einer Füllgaskomponente im flüssigen oder gasförmigen Zustand und mit einer Füllleitung zum Anschließen des zu befüllenden Behälters ausgerüstet ist. Der temperierte Dosierbehälter ermöglicht die Zuführung eines verflüssigten Füllgases oder einer Füllgaskomponente bei einer Temperatur unterhalb seines Siedepunktes und somit ohne die störenden Einflüsse, die beim Sieden des Füllgases auftreten würden.A further embodiment of the invention provides that the container partially filled with one or more filling gas components is subsequently filled with a filling gas component held in the gaseous state. The mixing ratio of the gaseous Füllgaskomponente to the other Füllgaskomponenten can be advantageously adjusted by varying the gas pressure of the gaseous component. In the heated state, the filled container is then filled with a gas mixture whose composition is known with great accuracy.
a device for filling a container with a filling gas or a filling gas mixture is provided with a metering, the Heat exchanger surfaces is in thermal contact with a heat exchange medium and is equipped with a filling gas supply for supplying the filling gas or a filling gas component in the liquid or gaseous state and with a filling line for connecting the container to be filled. The tempered dosing container allows the supply of a liquefied filling gas or a filling gas component at a temperature below its boiling point and thus without the disturbing influences that would occur during boiling of the filling gas.

Bei einer besonders zweckmäßigen Ausgestaltung der Vorrichtung ist der Dosierbehälter in einem zur Aufnahme des Wärmeaustauschmittels vorgesehenen Druckbehälter angeordnet. Innerhalb des Druckbehälters ist der Dosierbehälter in einem Bad aus Wärmeaustauschmittel aufgenommen, dessen Temperatur durch Variation des Drucks im Druckbehälter zielgerichtet eingestellt werden kann. Die Wärmeübertragung zwischen dem Wärmeaustauschmittel und dem Füllgas erfolgt über die Wände des Dosierbehälters.In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the device of the dosing is arranged in a provided for receiving the heat exchange means pressure vessel. Within the pressure vessel, the dosing container is received in a bath of heat exchange medium, the temperature of which can be adjusted in a targeted manner by varying the pressure in the pressure vessel. The heat transfer between the heat exchange medium and the filling gas via the walls of the dosing.

Eine weiter vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass auch der zu befüllende Behälter während seiner Befüllung in einem mit einem Wärmeaustauschmittel befüllbaren Bad aufgenommen ist.A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the container to be filled is added during its filling in a fillable with a heat exchange medium bath.

Um die Zugabe des Füllgases bzw. der Füllgaskomponente möglichst zuverlässig steuern zu können, ist der Dosierbehälter vorteilhafterweise mit einer Kontrolleinrichtung zur Festlegung des Flüssigkeitspegels im Dosierbehälter ausgerüstet. Dabei kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Überlauf handeln, oder um eine Mess- und Steuereinrichtung, die die Zugabe von Füllgas ab einer bestimmten Füllhöhe unterbindet.In order to be able to control the addition of the filling gas or the filling gas component as reliably as possible, the metering container is advantageously equipped with a control device for fixing the liquid level in the metering container. This may be, for example, an overflow, or a measuring and control device which prevents the addition of filling gas above a certain filling level.

Anhand der Zeichnung (Fig. 1) soll ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung näher erläutert werden.Based on the drawing ( Fig. 1 ) An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail.

Die Vorrichtung 1 zum Befüllen eines Behälters 2 mit einem Füllgas oder Füllgasgemisch umfasst einen Dosierbehälter 3, der im Innern eines Druckbehälters 4 aufgenommen ist. In den Dosierbehälter 3 mündet in seinem oberen Bereich eine Gaszuleitung 6 zum Zuführen von Füllgas im gasförmigen Zustand ein. Die Gaszuleitung 6 ist mit einer Entlüftungsleitung 7 verbunden. Gaszuleitung 6 und Entlüftungsleitung 7 können mit Armaturen 8,9 geschlossen oder geöffnet werden. In einen mittleren Bereich des Dosierbehälters 3 mündet eine Flüssiggaszuleitung 11 zum Zuführen eines verflüssigten Füllgases ein. Die Flüssiggaszuleitung 11 ist mit einer Armatur 12 versehen, die mittels einer Steuereinrichtung 13 in Abhängigkeit von einem gemessenen Flüssigkeitspegel 14 im Innern des Dosierbehälters 3 ansteuerbar ist. Ferner ist der Dosierbehälter 3 mit einer Füllleitung 15 ausgerüstet, die im Betriebszustand der Vorrichtung 1 über eine lösbare Verbindungseinrichtung 10 die Strömungsverbindung zum zu befüllenden Behälter 2 herstellt. Die Füllleitung 15 ist mit einer Absperrarmatur 16 ausgerüstet.The device 1 for filling a container 2 with a filling gas or filling gas mixture comprises a metering container 3, which is accommodated in the interior of a pressure vessel 4. In the metering 3 opens a gas supply line 6 for supplying filling gas in the gaseous state in its upper region. The gas supply line 6 is connected to a vent line 7. Gas supply line 6 and vent line 7 can be closed or opened with valves 8.9. In a central region of the dosing 3, a liquid gas feed line 11 opens for supplying a liquefied filling gas. The liquefied gas supply line 11 is provided with a fitting 12, which can be actuated by means of a control device 13 as a function of a measured liquid level 14 in the interior of the metering container 3. Furthermore, the dosing 3 is equipped with a filling line 15, which in the operating state of the device 1 via a releasable connection means 10 establishes the flow connection to the container 2 to be filled. The filling line 15 is equipped with a shut-off valve 16.

Der mit einer - hier nur teilweise dargestellten - Isolierung 17 versehene Druckbehälter 4 ist mit einer Zuleitung 18 für ein Wärmeaustauschmedium ausgertistet. In der Zuleitung 18 ist eine Armatur 19 angeordnet, die mittels einer Steuerung 20 in Abhängigkeit von einem gemessenen Flüssigkeitspegel 21 im Innern des Druckbehälters 4 gesteuert werden kann. In einem oberen Bereich des Druckbehälters 4 mündet eine Gäsableitung 22 ein. Eine Einrichtung 23 zur Druckkontrolle gewährleistet die Aufrechterhaltung eines bestimmten Drucks im Druckbehälter 4.The pressure vessel 4 provided with an insulation 17, which is only partially shown here, is shut off with a supply line 18 for a heat exchange medium. In the supply line 18, a valve 19 is arranged, which can be controlled by means of a controller 20 in response to a measured liquid level 21 in the interior of the pressure vessel 4. In an upper region of the pressure vessel 4, a Gäsableitung 22 opens. A device 23 for pressure control ensures the maintenance of a certain pressure in the pressure vessel. 4

Die Funktionsweise der Vorrichtung 1 soll anhand eines Beispiels nun näher erläutert werden. Im Beispiel soll der Behälter 2 mit möglichst exakt dosierten Mengen von Argon und Helium befüllt werden. Hierzu wird zunächst der Dosierbehälter 3 überdie Flüssiggaszuleitung 11 mit flüssigem Argon befüllt, das aus einem hier nicht gezeigten Vorratsbehälter in flüssiger Form entnommen wurde. Um zu gewährleisten, dass das Argon im Dosierbehälter 3 im flüssigen Zustand vorliegt, ist der Dosierbehälter 3 im Druckbehälter 4 in einem Bad aus einem Kühlmittel, im Beispiel flüssiger Stickstoff, aufgenommen. Der flüssige Stickstoff wird dem Druckbehälter über die Zuleitung 18 zugeführt. Der Austausch von Wärme zwischen Dosierbehälter 3 und dem Flüssigstickstoffbad erfolgt über die Wände des Dosierbehälters 3. Beim Wärmeübergang verdampft der Stickstoff im Druckbehälter 4 teilweise und erhöht damit den Druck im Druckbehälter 4. Mittels der Einrichtung 23 zur Druckregelung, wird der Druck im Druckbehälter auf einen vorgegebenen Wert von beispielsweise etwa 3 bar aufrechterhalten. Bei diesem Druck liegt der Flüssigstickstoff im Druckbehälter 4 bei einer Temperatur von ca. minus 187°C vor, also bei einer Temperatur, die unterhalb des Siedepunktes von Argon unter Normaldruckbedingungen (minus 186°C) oder bei höheren Drücken, jedoch oberhalb des Schmelzpunktes von Argon (minus 189°C) liegt. Das im Dosierbehälter 3 bei einem geringen Überdruck von beispielsweise ca. 1,1 bar vorliegende Argon liegt damit im flüssigen, jedoch nicht im siedenden Zustand vor. In diesem Zustand ist das flüssige Argon leicht zu handhaben und ermöglicht insbesondere die exakte Befüllung des Dosierbehälters 4 bis zu einem vorgegebenen Flüssigkeitspegel 14.The operation of the device 1 will now be explained in more detail with reference to an example. In the example, the container 2 should be filled with the most precisely metered amounts of argon and helium. For this purpose, the dosing tank 3 is first filled via the liquid gas supply line 11 with liquid argon, which was taken from a storage container, not shown here in liquid form. In order to ensure that the argon is present in the dosing tank 3 in the liquid state, the dosing tank 3 is accommodated in the pressure tank 4 in a bath of a coolant, in the example liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen is supplied to the pressure vessel via the supply line 18. The heat exchange between the dosing tank 3 and the liquid nitrogen bath via the walls of the dosing 3. When heat transfer, the nitrogen evaporates in the pressure vessel 4 partially and thus increases the pressure in the pressure vessel 4. By means of the device 23 for pressure control, the pressure in the pressure vessel to a maintained predetermined value of, for example, about 3 bar. At this pressure, the liquid nitrogen in the pressure vessel 4 is at a temperature of about minus 187 ° C, ie at a temperature below the boiling point of argon under normal pressure conditions (minus 186 ° C) or at higher pressures, but above the melting point of Argon (minus 189 ° C) is. The present in the dosing 3 at a low pressure of, for example, about 1.1 bar argon is thus in the liquid, but not in the boiling state. In this state, the liquid argon is easy to handle and in particular allows the exact filling of the dosing container 4 up to a predetermined liquid level 14th

Wenn der Dosierbehälter 3 auf diese Weise mit einer definierten Flüssigargonmenge befüllt ist, wird die Armatur 12 vollständig geschlossen und die Armatur 16 geöffnet. Das Argon fließt in den Behälter 2. Der Behälter 2 ist in einem isolierten Tauchbadbehälter 25 aufgenommen und wird ebenfalls mit flüssigem Stickstoff gekühlt. Der Stickstoff hat im Tauchbadbehälter 25 jedoch einen geringeren Druck als im Druckbehälter 4, beispielsweise Atmosphärendruck, und liegt demzufolge bei einer niedrigeren Temperatur vor. Dadurch ist der Argondampfdruck im Behälter 1 stets niedriger als im Dosierbehälter 2, sodass der Befüllvorgang nicht durch verdampfendes Argon behindert wird. Liegt der Flüssigstickstoff im Tauchbadbehälter 25 bei atmosphärischem Druck vor, beträgt seine Temperatur minus 196°C und das eingefüllte Argon im Behälter 2 friert aus. Die hierdurch erzeugte Sogwirkung (Kryopumpeneffekt) unterstützt und beschleunigt den Befüllvorgang.If the dosing 3 is filled in this way with a defined amount of liquid argon, the valve 12 is completely closed and the valve 16 is opened. The argon flows into the container 2. The container 2 is received in an insulated dip tank 25 and is also cooled with liquid nitrogen. However, the nitrogen in Tauchbadbehälter 25 has a lower pressure than in the pressure vessel 4, for example, atmospheric pressure, and is therefore at a lower temperature. As a result, the argon vapor pressure in the container 1 is always lower than in the dosing tank 2, so that the filling process is not hindered by evaporating argon. If the liquid nitrogen in the dip tank 25 at atmospheric pressure, its temperature is minus 196 ° C and the filled argon in the container 2 freezes. The resulting suction effect (cryopump effect) supports and accelerates the filling process.

Die Befüllung des Behälters 1 mit flüssigem Argon ist im übrigen auch dann möglich, wenn die Verbindungseinrichtung 10 nicht gasdicht, sondern nach Art einer Spritze ausgebildet ist: Weiterhin kann anstelle der zuvor beschriebenen Befüllung des Dosierbehälters 3 mit flüssigem Argon auch Argon im gasförmigen Zustand über die Gaszuleitung 6 herangeführt werden, welches sich dann im Dosierbehälter 3 durch die Wärmeabfuhr über die Behälterwand des Dosierbehälters 3 verflüssigt. Anstelle des den Dosierbehälter 3 aufnehmenden Druckbehälters 4 oder ergänzend zu diesem kann die Temperatur im Dosierbehälter 4 auch durch eine andere Technik, etwa durch eine Wärmetauscher, eingestellt werden.The filling of the container 1 with liquid argon is also possible if the connecting device 10 is not gas-tight, but designed in the manner of a syringe: Furthermore, instead of the previously described filling of the dosing 3 with liquid argon and argon in the gaseous state on the Gas supply 6 are introduced, which then liquefied in the dosing 3 by the heat dissipation through the container wall of the dosing 3. Instead of the metering container 3 receiving pressure vessel 4 or in addition to this, the temperature in the metering 4 can also be adjusted by another technique, such as a heat exchanger.

Nachdem das flüssige Argon in den Behälter 2 eingefüllt wurde, erfolgt die Zudosierung eines weiteren Gases, das im flüssigen oder gasförmigen Zustand zugeführt werden kann. Im Beispiel wird gasförmiges Helium über die Gaszuleitung 6 in den Dosierbehälter 3 eingebracht. Die Kontrolle über die zugeführte Gasmenge erfolgt dabei durch Regelung des Drucks in der Gaszuleitung 6 oder im Dosierbehälter 3. Das Helium bleibt im Dosierbehälter 3 im gasförmigen Zustand. Die Zudosierung des Heliums kann erfolgen, nachdem das im Dosierbehälter 3 zwischengespeicherte Argon vollständig in den Behälter eingefüllt worden ist; es ist jedoch auch möglich, die Zuführung des Heliums über die Gaszuleitung 6 bereits während der Argon-Befüllung des Behälters 2 vorzunehmen und damit infolge des Gasdrucks die Befüllung des Behälters 2 insgesamt zu beschleunigen.After the liquid argon has been introduced into the container 2, the metered addition of a further gas, which can be supplied in the liquid or gaseous state takes place. In the example, gaseous helium is introduced via the gas supply line 6 into the metering tank 3. The control of the amount of gas supplied takes place by regulating the pressure in the gas supply line 6 or in the metering 3. The helium remains in the metering 3 in the gaseous state. The addition of helium can take place after the cached in the dosing 3 Argon has been completely filled in the container; However, it is also possible, the supply of helium on the gas supply line 6 already make during the argon filling of the container 2 and thus to accelerate the filling of the container 2 in total as a result of the gas pressure.

Nach Abschluss der Heliumbefülfung wird die Absperrarmatur 16 geschlossen, der Behälter 2 verschlossen und von der Verbindungseinrichtung 10 getrennt. Der Dosierbehälter 3 wird durch Öffnen des Armatur 9 druckentlastet, und die Vorrichtung 1 steht zur Befüllung eines weiteren Behälters zur Verfügung.After completion of the Heliumbefülfung the shut-off valve 16 is closed, the container 2 is closed and separated from the connecting device 10. The metering container 3 is depressurized by opening the valve 9, and the device 1 is available for filling a further container available.

Der Behälter 1 kann in einer anderen Vorgehensweise auch nach der Befüllung mit Argon von der Vorrichtung 1 abgekoppelt und zu einer..weiteren Abfüllvorrichtung transportiert werden, in der dann die Heliumb,efülEung erfolgt. Wegen des niedrigen Argon-Dampfdrucks im Behälter 1 entweicht beim Transport nahezu kein Argon aus dem Behälter 2, auch wenn dieser für den Transportvorgang nicht verschlossen wird. Diese Vorgehensweise hat den Vorteil, dass bereits vorhandene Helium-Follanlagen hierfür genutzt werden könnten. Die Vorrichtung 1 eignet sich auch zur Befüllung von Behältern mit Gasgemischen, die aus mehr als zwei Komponenten bestehen. In diesem Falle werden die einzelnen Komponenten sukzessive in der zuvor beschriebenen Weise zudosiert. Die Vorrichtung 1 ermöglicht eine genaue und schnelle Befüllung von Behältern 2 mit niedrigem Befülldruck und einem genau vorausberechenbaren Enddruck.The container 1 can be decoupled from the device 1 in a different procedure even after filling with argon and transported to a..weiteren filling device in which then the Heliumb, efülEung done. Because of the low argon vapor pressure in the container 1 escapes during transport almost no argon from the container 2, even if it is not closed for the transport process. This approach has the advantage that existing helium-Follanlagen could be used for this purpose. The device 1 is also suitable for filling containers with gas mixtures, which consist of more than two components. In this case, the individual components are added successively in the manner described above. The device 1 enables accurate and rapid filling of containers 2 with low filling pressure and an exactly predictable final pressure.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1.1.
Vorrichtungcontraption
2.Second
Behältercontainer
3.Third
Dosierbehälterdosing
4.4th
Druckbehälterpressure vessel
5.5th
--
6.6th
Gaszuleitunggas supply
7.7th
EntlüfturlgsleitungEntlüfturlgsleitung
8.8th.
Armaturfitting
9.9th
Armaturfitting
10.10th
Verbindungseinrichtungconnecting device
11.11th
Flüssiggaszuleitungliquid gas supply line
12.12th
Armaturfitting
13.13th
Steuereinrichtungcontrol device
14.14th
Flüssigkeitspegelliquid level
15.15th
Fülleitungfill line
16.16th
Armaturfitting
17.17th
Isolierunginsulation
18.18th
Zuleitungsupply
19.19th
VentilValve
20.20th
Steuerungcontrol
21.21st
Flüssigkeitspegelliquid level
22.22nd
Gasableitunggas discharge
23.23rd
Einrichtung zur DruckkontrolleDevice for pressure control
24.24th
--
25.25th
TauchbadbehälterTauchbadbehälter

Claims (6)

  1. Method for filling a container (2) with a filling gas or filling gas mixture, in which
    - the filling gas or a filling gas component is brought into thermal contact with a heat exchange medium in a metering container (3) and is kept at a temperature which is below its boiling point and above its freezing point,
    - the container (2) to be filled is held in a bath, which contains a heat exchange medium, and is brought by this heat exchange medium to a temperature which is lower than the temperature in the metering container (3), and
    - the container (2) to be filled is then filled with the filling gas or the filling gas component from the metering container (3).
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the heat exchange medium for the metering container (3) and/or the container to be filled is a liquefied gas and a predetermined temperature of the heat exchange medium is set by setting the pressure of said liquefied gas.
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the temperature difference between the metering container (3) and the container (2) to be filled is realized by different pressures of the respective heat exchange medium.
  4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (2) partially filled with one or more filling gas components is subsequently filled with a filling gas component held in the gaseous state.
  5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the mixing ratio of the gaseous filling gas component to the remaining filling gas components is set by varying the gas pressure of the gaseous filling gas component supplied to the container (2).
  6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling gas or the filling gas component freezes out during the filling process.
EP06112218A 2005-04-25 2006-04-04 System and method for filling a vessel with a gas or a gas mixture Not-in-force EP1717510B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102005019413A DE102005019413A1 (en) 2005-04-25 2005-04-25 Process to charge an automotive airbag cartridge with gas under defined conditions of temperature and pressure

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1717510A2 EP1717510A2 (en) 2006-11-02
EP1717510A3 EP1717510A3 (en) 2008-07-09
EP1717510B1 true EP1717510B1 (en) 2011-09-14

Family

ID=36273435

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06112218A Not-in-force EP1717510B1 (en) 2005-04-25 2006-04-04 System and method for filling a vessel with a gas or a gas mixture

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1717510B1 (en)
CN (2) CN100552278C (en)
AT (1) ATE524691T1 (en)
DE (1) DE102005019413A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101315545B (en) * 2008-06-27 2010-06-09 浙江大学 Three-level charging-up system for hydrogenation station high-efficiency hydrogenation
JP5332933B2 (en) * 2009-06-17 2013-11-06 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Hydrogen filling system
CN102494514B (en) * 2011-12-09 2014-10-15 张立永 Freezing reactor
CN105392870B (en) 2013-05-17 2019-01-08 恩特格里斯公司 High pressure BF3/H2The preparation of mixture
CN104075104B (en) * 2014-06-24 2016-02-10 北京控制工程研究所 Satellite electric propulsion system hot supercharging xenon charging method
DE102014112059A1 (en) * 2014-08-22 2016-02-25 Proton Motor Fuel Cell Gmbh Fuel cell system reaction gas container with optimized space utilization
WO2017181180A1 (en) * 2016-04-15 2017-10-19 Scott Technologies, Inc. Real time analysis logging of various gases and contaminants for specific breathing air cyclinders
ITUA20163553A1 (en) * 2016-05-18 2017-11-18 Vrv S P A STORAGE CONTAINER, TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID OR LIQUEFIED GAS
CN107747678A (en) * 2017-11-13 2018-03-02 国网内蒙古东部电力有限公司检修分公司 A kind of extremely cold area high voltage electric equipment mixed gas making-up air device
CN109444218B (en) * 2018-12-17 2024-02-20 西南科技大学 Improved environment state simulation device in oxidation kinetics reaction and use method
CN111425755A (en) * 2019-12-13 2020-07-17 凯馺国际股份有限公司 Filling equipment and filling method for gas in steel cylinder for bubble water machine

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL6512548A (en) * 1965-09-28 1967-03-29
DE1501291A1 (en) * 1966-12-24 1969-12-04 Max Planck Gesellschaft Device for refilling a helium bath at temperatures below the? Point and operating procedures for this
DE3003355A1 (en) * 1980-01-31 1981-08-06 Messer Griesheim Gmbh, 6000 Frankfurt METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AND STORING PERMANENT GASES
DE3714424C1 (en) * 1987-04-30 1988-06-09 Messerschmitt Boelkow Blohm Storage of noble gas for electrical space propulsion
JPH10259898A (en) * 1997-01-14 1998-09-29 Daikin Ind Ltd Method for transferring and filling liquefied gas
DE19704362C1 (en) * 1997-02-05 1998-01-02 Linde Ag Vehicle tank filling device for cryogenic fuel
US5860282A (en) * 1997-07-24 1999-01-19 Winterlab Limited Process for preparing ice substitutes
US5960633A (en) * 1998-05-14 1999-10-05 Limbach; John N. Apparatus and method for transporting high value liquified low boiling gases
DE10107895B4 (en) * 2001-02-20 2007-07-05 Air Liquide Deutschland Gmbh Method and device for filling pressure vessels with low-boiling permanent gases or gas mixtures
EP1353112A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-15 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Cryogenic liquid transfer method
FR2840971B1 (en) * 2002-06-12 2004-08-06 Air Liquide METHOD FOR STORING IN THE GASEOUS PHASE OF A COMPRESSIBLE FLUID AND CORRESPONDING STORAGE DEVICE
US6688115B1 (en) * 2003-01-28 2004-02-10 Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. High-pressure delivery system for ultra high purity liquid carbon dioxide

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1717510A3 (en) 2008-07-09
DE102005019413A1 (en) 2006-10-26
EP1717510A2 (en) 2006-11-02
CN1854596A (en) 2006-11-01
CN101180495A (en) 2008-05-14
CN100552278C (en) 2009-10-21
CN1854596B (en) 2010-06-09
ATE524691T1 (en) 2011-09-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1717510B1 (en) System and method for filling a vessel with a gas or a gas mixture
DE69934923T2 (en) Method for filling bottles with cryogenic fluid
EP1364152B1 (en) Method and device for filling pressure containers with low-boiling permanent gases or gas mixtures
EP2035739B1 (en) Method for operating a device for filling a container with cryogenically stored fuel
EP2863103B1 (en) Device and method for supercooling carbon dioxide
EP3676529B1 (en) Process for filling a mobile refrigerant tank with a cryogenic refrigerant
EP1695001A1 (en) Method for filling compressed-gas containers
EP1381807B1 (en) Pressure container
EP1180637A2 (en) Method and device for pressure regulated liquefied gas supply from a gas tank with heat exchanger
DE102006025657B4 (en) Device for conveying cryogenically stored fuel
EP1846691B1 (en) Method and device for filling pressure vessels with non-liquefied gases or gas mixtures
DE3114319C1 (en) Method for filling up the tank of a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen-hydride reservoir
EP0849550B1 (en) Process for low temperature cooling of a load and liquefied gas refrigeration system for performing the process
EP2711601B1 (en) Method for filling a coolant tank of a refrigerated vehicle and refrigerated vehicle
EP1379807B1 (en) Method and device for storing liquids and liquefied gases
DE102008001710A1 (en) Reducing corrosion susceptibility in liquid circuit such as fuel cell cooling circuit, comprises discharging gas from gaseous phase of compensating reservoir through overpressure valve or flowing the gas from atmosphere into the reservoir
DE4427710B4 (en) Arrangement for gas guidance and pressure control on cold gasification plants
EP3450819A1 (en) Method for filling a mobile coolant tank with a cryogenic coolant
DE19717621A1 (en) Deep-cooling of liquid gases for cooling systems, tools
DE102015221537A1 (en) Motor vehicle with a pressure tank
DE3128243A1 (en) Pressure control in an installation for storing and dispensing very cold liquid media
DE102022000752A1 (en) Device and method for filling a container with compressed gaseous hydrogen
EP3879164A1 (en) Method and device for filling
DE4404344A1 (en) A valve to withdraw mixed cryogenic liq. from its vessel in safety
DE102017002827A1 (en) Method for transporting hydrogen

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F17C 5/06 20060101ALI20080530BHEP

Ipc: F17C 13/02 20060101ALI20080530BHEP

Ipc: F17C 7/04 20060101ALI20080530BHEP

Ipc: F17C 5/00 20060101AFI20060512BHEP

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090109

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20090211

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502006010159

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20111110

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20110914

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

LTIE Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension

Effective date: 20110914

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111215

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: MESSER GROUP GMBH

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120114

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120116

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20120615

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502006010159

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120615

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: MESSER GROUP G.M.B.H.

Effective date: 20120430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120404

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120404

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120430

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120430

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120430

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111225

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 524691

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120404

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20111214

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120404

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20110914

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120404

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20060404

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20150430

Year of fee payment: 10

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20150408

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502006010159

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20161230

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160502

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161101