EP2553298A1

EP2553298A1 - Gas-dispensing device and facility comprising such a device

Info

Publication number: EP2553298A1
Application number: EP11712938A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Laurent Allidieres
Original assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Current assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date: 2010-04-02
Filing date: 2011-03-01
Publication date: 2013-02-06
Also published as: US20130019957A1; CN102822578B; WO2011121200A1; US8931502B2; CA2788945A1; FR2958368B1; CN102822578A; FR2958368A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas-dispensing device for connecting a plurality of pressurized gas sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) to a user (U), the device including a housing (20, 30) provided with a plurality of gas inlets (1, 2, 3, 4) to be connected to respective gas sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) and an outlet (S1) to be connected to a user member (U), a dispensing member (9) that selectively movable, relative to the body (20, 30), into separate dispensing positions for selectively putting each inlet (1, 2, 3, 4) in communication with the outlet (S1) in turn, while the other inlets are isolated from the outlet (S1), characterized in that the device comprises an emergency discharge system (7, 1 1, 17, 27) that is movable into an operative position in which all the gas inlets (1, 2, 3, 4) are simultaneously forcedly connected to a gas discharge outlet.

Description

Gas distribution device and installation comprising such a device.

The present invention relates to a device and a gas distribution installation.

More particularly, the invention relates to a gas distribution device for sequentially relating multiple sources of pressurized gas to a user, the device comprising a housing having a plurality of gas inlets for connection to gas sources. respective and an output intended to be connected to a user member, a selectively movable distribution member relative to the body in different distribution positions allowing the selective communication and in turn of each input with the output while the other inputs are isolated from the exit.

Industrial applications, in particular using hydrogen gas, include a gas distribution system connected to one or more pressure tanks.

For example, in some applications using hydrogen as an energy carrier, several pressurized hydrogen tanks can be connected in parallel to a fuel cell. The emptying of the tanks is done sequentially, that is to say one after the other.

Most of the existing installations use reversing units to preferentially empty one tank relative to the other. These plants are typically composed of two regulators mounted in parallel and set at two different expansion pressures. The tank connected to the line with the regulator set at the highest expansion pressure is then emptied first. These reversing units are adapted to the case of two tanks connected to the application. The safety gas shutdown function is provided downstream by a solenoid valve on the common circuit.

To avoid the consequences of a fire, it is possible to install a thermal fuse on each line, upstream of the reversing unit.

In the case where more than two tanks are connected in parallel, the reversing units must be replaced by other devices. For example, a known system uses a bayonet comprising as many solenoid valves as tanks connected in parallel to the same user output. A PLC ensures the opening sequences of the solenoid valves according to the tank to be drained. To protect the fire tanks via a heat-sensitive discharge valve (particularly thermal fuse), it is then necessary to install such a valve on each line (in addition to each solenoid valve). These installations require a large number of valves and fuses as well as a programming logic of the control automaton of the assembly. This architecture is expensive and not very compact and increases the probability of nuisance tripping of the fuses.

An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above.

To this end, the device according to the invention, furthermore in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that the device comprises an emergency evacuation system movable in an active position. wherein all the gas inlets are forced into forced connection simultaneously with a gas exhaust outlet.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

the emergency evacuation system comprises a thermal fuse, the emergency evacuation system comprises a selectively movable actuator manually or electromechanically,

the actuator is movable in translation and comprises an end protruding outside the casing with a view to its actuation,

- the emergency evacuation system is movable from a neutral position to the active position, in the neutral position the emergency evacuation system allowing the selective displacement of the dispensing member in the dispensing positions, in position active, the emergency evacuation system moving the dispenser member in a disengaged position preventing said dispensing positions,

- The dispenser member is constrained by a return member to the disengaged position and that in neutral position the emergency evacuation system forms a removable stop preventing the displacement of the dispensing member to the disengaged position ,

- The dispensing member is rotatable relative to the body, said dispensing positions being defined by respective angular positions of the dispensing member relative to the body and the inputs,

- The dispensing member is movable in translation relative to the body to the disengaged position,

the dispensing member comprises an internal channel having a downstream end in communication with the outlet and an upstream end capable of being placed in communication with one or all the inlets according to the position of the dispensing member relative to the body; - the emergency evacuation system is repositionable in its neutral position after being moved to the active position,

the emergency evacuation system comprises a thermal fuse comprising a metal eutectic having a determined melting temperature of between 85 ° C. and 120 ° C. and preferably between 105 ° C. and 115 ° C.,

the housing consists of one or more assembled parts,

the housing comprises an outlet for evacuating any internal leaks,

the device comprises one or more seals ensuring the fluidic sealing of the gas path between the moving parts relative to each other

(in particular between the housing and the dispensing member),

the dispenser member is rotatably mounted relative to the housing about an axis mounted on the housing;

the gas evacuation outlet coincides with the outlet intended to be connected to a user organ of the gas.

The invention also relates to a gas distribution installation from several pressurized gas sources used sequentially to supply a user, the installation comprising a dispensing device according to any one of the above characteristics or below. said sources being respectively fluidly connected to the gas inlets of the housing, the user being fluidly connected to the outlet of the housing.

The invention may also relate to any alternative device or method comprising any combination of the above or below features.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the description below, with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic and partial view illustrating the structure of an exemplary gas distribution installation according to the invention,

FIG. 2 represents a schematic and partial rear view of a first example of a gas distribution device according to the invention,

FIG. 3 represents a view in longitudinal section along the line AA of the gas distribution device of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 represents a schematic and partial rear view of a second example of a gas distribution device according to the invention,

FIG. 5 represents a view in longitudinal section along the line AA of the gas distribution device of FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 illustrates a nonlimiting example of an installation comprising four gas sources (E1 to E4) such as pressurized gas tanks (for example hydrogen). The four sources E1 to E4 are connected in parallel to a gas distributor device comprising an output S1 connected to a user U of gas (for example a fuel cell). The four sources E1 to E4 are fluidly connected to respective inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 of the disassembly device 14. The allocation device is operable to supply the user U from the drained sources sequentially.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the dispensing device 14 has an emergency evacuation system 7, 27 for purging the gas coming from said sources E1 to E4, the emergency evacuation system 7, 27 being common to all four gas sources. This emergency evacuation system 7, 17 evacuates the gas to an outlet in a controlled manner and / or in response to a dangerous situation (in the event of a fire, for example).

In the non-imitative exemplary embodiment described in FIGS. 2 and 3, the gas distribution device 14 comprises a housing 20, 30, for example consisting of two parts 20, 30. The housing 20, 30 comprises at one of its several orifices forming gas inlets 1, 2, 3, 4 intended to be connected to respective gas sources E1, E2, E3, E4. Another end of the housing 20, 30 comprises an orifice forming a gas outlet S1 intended to be connected to a user unit U of the gas supplied by the sources E1, E2, E3, E4.

A dispensing member 9 is movably disposed in the body 20, 30. The dispensing member 9 is selectively movable relative to the body 20, 30 and the inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 in different dispensing positions allowing the selectively and successively placing each input 1, 2, 3, 4 with the output S1 (while the other inputs are isolated from the output S1).

For example, the dispensing member 9 is rotatable in the housing 20, 30 about a longitudinal axis 1 1 1 mounted in the housing 20, 30. The detecting member 9 includes a can 1 ntern e having u not end downstream in communication with the output S1 and an upstream end may be placed in communication with one or all the inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 according to the position of the dispensing member 9 relative to the body 2, 13. The angular position of the dispensing member 9 is for example controlled via an electromagnetic actuator or quite the appropriate control system (not shown).

For example, the four inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 are arranged at 90 degrees relative to each other with respect to the axis 1 1 1. In this way, at each rotation of 90 degrees, the inputs 1 to 4 can therefore be put successively in communication with the output S1 via the channel 10. As shown, between two distribution positions, the distribution member 9 passes through positions at 45 ° in which there is an isolation between the output S1 the inputs 1 to 4. According to one possible architecture, the dispensing member 9 is sealed against the face of the housing 20 provided with the inputs 1 to 4 via a return element such as one or more springs 17 and / or one or more washers of Belleville . The seal between the channel 10 and the orifices may be provided by one or more O-rings or any other suitable means.

The return element 17 which forces the dispensing member 9 against the inlets 1 to 4 is supported for example on a thermal fuse 7 and an actuator forming a mechanical spacer 27.

Another element 1 1 reminder such as a spring (including a compression spring) biases the dispensing member 9 towards the output S1. In this so-called neutral position, the emergency evacuation system 7, 17, 27 allows a normal (sequential) operation of the dispenser 14.

The emergency evacuation system 7, 1 1, 17, 27, however, is movable in a so-called active position in which all the gas inlets 1, 2, 3, 4 are forced in relation simultaneously with an evacuation outlet. gas.

For example, in the event of a fire, the fuse 7 melts from a determined temperature threshold. The return member 1 1 then slides the dispensing member 9 longitudinally to the outlet S1. The seal between the channel 10 and the face of the housing 20,30 is then lost. In this position, all the inputs 1 to 4 are then simultaneously in communication with the output S1 and an optional natural leakage orifice 13.

The same result occurs when shim 27 is moved (manually or automatically). For example the actuator 27 is movable in translation in the housing 20, 30 and comprises an end projecting outside the housing to allow its actuation.

That is to say that two separate commands (via a thermal fuse 7 and / or via an actuator 27) allow an emergency evacuation of gas.

Preferably, a new thermal fuse 7 and / or the actuator 27 are repositionable (reset in neutral position).

The evacuation of the gas when switching to the active position is performed for example via the output S1. Of course it is possible to provide that this evacuation of the gas borrows another dedicated orifice for this purpose. For example, in the active position the inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 can be placed in fluid communication with another discharge port.

The housing 2, 30 may also include an orifice 13 for collecting and evacuating natural leaks which would occur at the seal 12 and between the inputs 1 to 4 and the outlet S1. As shown, the outlet S1 may coincide with a pipe 15 which engages inside the housing 20, 30 or even within a housing of the body of the dispensing member 9. One or more seals 16 may be provided to seal between the pipe 15 and the housing 20, 30 and the dispensing member 9. This piping can also provide a guiding function of the dispensing member 9 in its translation between the neutral position and the active position.

The embodiment variant shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 differs from those of FIGS. 2 and 3 only in that it does not comprise an actuator. That is, only a thermal fuse keeps the dispensing member 9 in the dispensing positions. For the sake of brevity, the elements identical to those described above are not described a second time and are designated by the same reference numerals.

The invention thus makes it possible to achieve a sequential supply of several gas sources with a safety evacuation system which purges the installation in case of fire and / or in case of a situation deemed dangerous via a separate command.

The structure is simpler and less expensive than existing solutions.

Claims

1. Gas distortion device for sequentially connecting a plurality of sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) of pressurized gas with a user (U), the device comprising a housing (20, 30) having a plurality of gas inlets (1, 2, 3, 4) for connection to respective gas sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) and an outlet (S1) for connection to a user member (U), a member (9) ) of selectively movable distribution relative to the body (20, 30) in discrete distribution positions allowing the selective communication and in turn communication of each input (1, 2, 3, 4) with the output (S1) while the other inputs are isolated from the output (S1), characterized in that the device comprises an emergency evacuation system (7, 1 1, 17, 27) movable in an active position in which all the inputs (1, 2, 3, 4) are forcedly connected simultaneously with an evacuation outlet of gas, the emergency evacuation system (7, 1 1, 17, 27) being movable from a neutral position to the active position and that in the neutral position the system (7, 1 1, 17, 27) for emergency evacuation allows the selective displacement of the dispensing member (9) in the dispensing positions in that, in the active position, the exhaust system (7, 1 1, 17, 27) emergency moves the dispensing member (9) into a disengaged position preventing said dispensing positions, the dispensing member (9) being constrained by a return member (1 1) to the disengaged position and in that neutral position the emergency evacuation system (7, 1 1, 17, 27) forms a removable stop (7, 27) preventing movement of the dispensing member (9) towards the disengaged position and in that the emergency evacuation system (7, 11, 17, 27) comprises a thermal fuse (7).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the system (7, 1 1, 17, 2 7) emergency evacuation comprises an actuator (27) selectively movable manually or electromechanically.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuator (27) is movable in translation and comprises an end projecting outside the housing (2,3) for its actuation.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the dispensing member (9) is rotatable relative to the body (20, 30), said dispensing positions being defined by respective angular positions. the dispensing member (9) with respect to the body (2, 3) and the inlets (1, 2, 3, 4).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the member (9) of distribution is movable in translation relative to the body (2, 3) to the disengaged position.

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the member (9) of distribution comprises an internal channel (10) having a downstream end in communication with the output (S1) and an upstream end susceptible to be placed in communication with one or all the inputs (1, 2, 3, 4) according to the position of the dispensing member (9) relative to the body (2, 13).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the emergency evacuation system comprises a thermal fuse (7) comprising a metal eutectic having a determined melting temperature of between 85 ° C and 120 ° C. ° C degrees and preferably between 105 ° C and 1 15 ° C degrees.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the housing consists of one piece or several assembled parts.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the gas discharge outlet coincides with the outlet intended to be connected to a user member of the gas.

10. Installation for distributing gas from a plurality of sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) of pressurized gas used sequentially to supply a user (U), the installation comprising a distribution device in accordance with any one of Claims 1 to 9, said sources (E1, E2, E3, E4) being respectively fluidly connected to the gas inlets (1, 2, 3, 4) of the housing (2, 3), the user (U) being fluidly connected with the output (S1) of the housing (2, 3).