EP2821687A1 - Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Füllen von Gasen in Hochdruckgaszylinder mit unterschiedlichen Füllendgeräten - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Füllen von Gasen in Hochdruckgaszylinder mit unterschiedlichen Füllendgeräten Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2821687A1
EP2821687A1 EP13175090.3A EP13175090A EP2821687A1 EP 2821687 A1 EP2821687 A1 EP 2821687A1 EP 13175090 A EP13175090 A EP 13175090A EP 2821687 A1 EP2821687 A1 EP 2821687A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
gas
intermediate piece
different
terminal
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Withdrawn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
EP13175090.3A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Johann Pongraz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH
Priority to EP13175090.3A priority Critical patent/EP2821687A1/de
Publication of EP2821687A1 publication Critical patent/EP2821687A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C5/00—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures
    • F17C5/06—Methods or apparatus for filling containers with liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases under pressures for filling with compressed gases
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/056—Small (<1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0103—Exterior arrangements
    • F17C2205/0107—Frames
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • F17C2205/0134—Two or more vessels characterised by the presence of fluid connection between vessels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308—Protective caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/037—Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/037—Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
    • F17C2205/0373—Adapters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/054—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by bar codes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/057—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by chips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—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
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/04—Methods for emptying or filling
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/025—Reducing transfer time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/02—Applications for medical applications
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use
    • F17C2270/059—Mass bottling, e.g. merry belts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to filling high-pressure gas cylinders, it being possible for the gas cylinders to have different filling terminals.
  • Gas cylinders comprising technical or medical gases are widely used, and after emptying or when they only have a predetermined residual pressure they have to be filled again with the correct gas at the desired pressure in each case. This is typically carried out on an industrial scale at suitable filling stations.
  • a fixed reservoir system comprising a reservoir container for the respective gas is connected to a filling terminal of the gas cylinders to be filled by way of a flexible line, and subsequently the filling process is started up.
  • a fixed reservoir system contains a plurality of reservoir containers comprising different gases, which are connected via valves to a shared primary supply line. From there, via a metering unit and a shared primary discharge line, the respectively required gas reaches the flexible lines, which are in turn connected to the gas cylinders to be filled.
  • a plurality of groups of primary discharge lines may also be provided with flexible lines.
  • modern gas cylinders typically comprise a protective cap, which protects the filling terminal and various fittings which are mounted on the gas cylinder.
  • protective caps of this type, but all of them restrict the available free space for connecting a flexible line.
  • Modern filling terminals are also equipped with various systems for maintaining a residual pressure in the gas cylinders or for meeting other specifications.
  • For reliable filling - and, especially in the case of gas mixtures, correct filling - it is generally necessary for a central pin to be introduced into the filling terminal, where it actuates a valve or the like. The length of this pin or the penetration depth thereof into the filling terminal is different for different filling terminals.
  • the present invention involves relatively high pressures, which can be controlled by all of the lines and valves of the system as a whole. All of the components therefore have to be configured for corresponding pressures of 10-500 bar, in particular 150-350 bar. At pressures of this type, most gases used on an industrial scale are liquid, but they are generally gaseous during refilling, and so in terms of fluids the installation as a whole has to be configured for gaseous gases in any case. This should be noted when sizing all of the lines and valves.
  • connection coupling for pressurised gas valves which makes it possible to couple a connector to the end of a flexible line system using a quick coupling, is already known from DE 197 44 558 A1 .
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device and a method for filling gases into high-pressure gas cylinders comprising different filling terminals, in which the described drawbacks are overcome in so far as possible.
  • the same filling station should be adapted for filling as many different gas cylinders as possible comprising different protective caps and/or filling terminals, without complex refittings and removal of a large number of complex components being involved when changing between different types of gas cylinders.
  • simplification of the filling processes for different gases at one filling pressure level should at least be achieved.
  • a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 12 are used to achieve this object.
  • Advantageous configurations which may occur individually or in technically reasonable combinations are specified in the respective dependent claims.
  • the device according to the invention for filling at least one gas cylinder having a filling terminal out of a group of gas cylinders which have different filling terminals with gas at a high pressure, a fixed reservoir system being connectable to the filling terminal of the gas cylinder by way of a flexible line and the flexible line comprising a line terminal which is adapted to the filling terminal of the gas cylinder, is distinguished in that the line terminal comprises a filling head having a geometric longitudinal axis and comprising a receiver for an intermediate piece out of a group of at least one intermediate piece, on which receiver is changeably mountable an intermediate piece which is adapted to the filling terminal of the gas cylinder, and in that the filling head comprises a pin which can be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis into at least two different positions.
  • High pressure refers to a pressure in the range of 20 to 500 bar, in particular of 100 to 350 bar.
  • different types of filling terminals are used for different pressure levels, different thread diameters of the filling terminals also being provided for different gases, for example.
  • Different-length pins, for operating residual pressure valves and the like which are integrated into the filling terminal are also required.
  • a single filling head can be used at least for one pressure level, and comprises a receiver for an intermediate piece, only the intermediate piece having to be changed so as to be able to connect different filling terminals for all of the gas cylinders in the relevant group of gas cylinders of the respective pressure level.
  • the filling head can be refitted for filling a different filling terminal from the relevant group of gas cylinders having different filling terminals.
  • the device according to the invention can still be used with only one kind of intermediate pieces for filling only one kind of filling terminals in a filling station, but it also allows filling different kinds of filling terminals in a single filling station by just quickly exchanging the intermediate pieces.
  • the central pin can be moved from the outside by way of an adjusting lever, the adjusting lever preferably being arranged and dimensioned in such a way that, when the filling head comprising the intermediate piece is manually connected to a filling terminal, said lever has to be brought into a rest position from which it can be brought into one or more operating positions which can be distinguished using the position of the lever.
  • the adjusting lever is arranged at an end of the filling head opposite the receiver for the intermediate piece.
  • a latching or fixing device for holding the pin in at least two different positions, preferably three or more, makes safe handling easier.
  • the latching or fixing can be brought about at the adjusting lever and/or at the pin itself.
  • mechanical locks can be configured in such a way that the possibility of incorrect operation is largely excluded. It is also possible to determine the lever positions with suitable sensors so as to exclude the possibility of automatically false settings.
  • each intermediate piece comprises a marking from which the properties thereof can be detected, the marking preferably being machine-readable, in particular being a bar code.
  • the marking preferably being machine-readable, in particular being a bar code.
  • the fixed reservoir system may comprise reservoir containers comprising different gases, which can be connected to the flexible line via valves.
  • gas cylinders can be filled with different gases at a single filling station, only relatively simple rinsing processes and a change of the intermediate pieces being required for the change from one gas to another.
  • a plurality of flexible lines for simultaneously filling a plurality of gas cylinders with the same gas are generally connected in parallel on the fixed reservoir system.
  • each intermediate piece carries a machine-readable marking and there is a safety means which reads the marking before each filling process and blocks any gas supply for which the intermediate piece is not intended.
  • the flexible line opens into the filling head approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a line flange whereby this filling flange makes it possible to twist the line.
  • This construction is particularly favourable if the flexible lines are to extend to the gas cylinders approximately vertically from above at a filling station, and the filling heads can be connected approximately horizontally to the filling terminals of the gas cylinders which are to be filled.
  • the filling head and the intermediate piece are preferably dimensioned in such a way that the two can be used at least in an approximately diagonal direction in a gap between the filling terminals of gas cylinders which are arranged tightly against one another.
  • the intermediate piece can be inserted into the receiver of the filling head using a quick fastener and can preferably be locked therein. This may for example take place using a coupling according to DE 19744558 A1 , wherein it has to be suitable for the pressures which occur.
  • the intermediate piece is preferably twistable on the receiver as also described in the cited document to allow fastening its free end including a threaded portion to a filling terminal of a gas cylinder.
  • the object of the invention is also achieved by a method for filling at least one gas cylinder out of a group of gas cylinders having different filling terminals and/or different gases or gas mixtures at high pressure on a fixed reservoir system, a plurality of flexible lines connected in parallel to the reservoir system being provided, each flexible line comprising a filling head, having a pin which can be moved into at least two different positions parallel to a geometric longitudinal axis and having a receiver for a changeable intermediate piece, and a specific intermediate piece having a corresponding marking being inserted into the receiver for each type of filling terminal and/or for each different gas or gas mixture, and the gas supply only being released when the marking of the intermediate piece has been recognised by a safety means as suitable for the provided filling process.
  • the present invention makes it possible to fill gas cylinders comprising different filling terminals merely by changing intermediate pieces.
  • the risk of incorrect operation is excluded in that the intermediate pieces comprise a marking for identifying them, and a safety means prevents a gas cylinder from being filled with a gas which is not provided for this gas cylinder.
  • a safety system of this type can be further improved in that each gas cylinder which is to be filled comprises a machine-readable cylinder marking relating to the gas to be filled in and/or the permissible filling pressure and/or the type of filling terminal, and the intermediate piece is selected in accordance with this information, and after the insertion thereof into the filling head the correspondence of the marking of the intermediate piece is checked before the filling process is released. Since it is usual in any case to provide gas cylinders with a machine-readable cylinder marking, for example bar codes or else electronic chips, the selection of the intermediate piece can thus be facilitated and the safety can be increased.
  • the present invention is also applicable to batches of gas cylinders which are interconnected and comprise a shared filling terminal. The above statements apply analogously to batches of this type.
  • Fig. 1 shows the upper part of a gas cylinder 1, in particular a high-pressure gas cylinder for typical industrial or medical applications, comprising a sketched protective cap 2 which protects any fittings or valves positioned on the gas cylinder 1.
  • a filling terminal 3 Inside the protective cap 2 there is a filling terminal 3, the shape of which is typically standardised for different gases and pressure levels and which generally comprises an external thread.
  • a valve one-way valve or residual gas pressure valve, not shown
  • a pin 15 which is pressed into the centre of the filling terminal 3.
  • a line terminal 5 with a filling head 6 is connected to the filling terminal 3 via an intermediate piece 8, and keeps the intermediate piece 8 twistable in a receiver 7, in particular a quick fastener 13.
  • the filling head 6 comprises a lateral line flange 18, to which a flexible line 4 can be connected.
  • An adjusting lever 16 for operating a pin also projects laterally from the filling head 6, and can take on various axial positions.
  • the lateral line flange 18, the filling head 6 with the lever 16 and the intermediate piece 8 are the basic components of the line terminal 5.
  • Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a filling head 6 according to the invention, which has a geometrical longitudinal axis 12.
  • a flexible line 4 twistable on a line flange 18, opens into the filling head 6 approximately perpendicular to this geometric longitudinal axis 12.
  • a gas path 14 passes through the line flange 18 into the region of the geometric longitudinal axis 12 of the filling head 6 and from there along the geometric longitudinal axis 12 to a region which is formed as a counter piece for a filling terminal 3 of a gas cylinder 1 (not shown here).
  • Seals 10, in particular adapted to high pressures, are associated therewith.
  • the filling head 6 is not formed for a particular type and size of filling terminal, but has a receiver 7 for an intermediate piece 8 which can be changed, a different intermediate piece 8 being used for each size of terminal.
  • the filling terminals for different gases typically differ in terms of the diameter of the external thread thereof, in such a way that the intermediate piece 8 comprises an internal thread 9 which is adapted to a particular type of gas cylinders.
  • the principle according to the invention of adapting a filling head 6 to different terminal sizes may also be implemented by means other than different thread sizes, for example using differently offset projections and grooves or the like. So as to make it possible to change the intermediate piece 8 rapidly, the receiver 7 is preferably formed on the filling head 6 as a quick fastener 13.
  • the intermediate piece 8 is mounted twistable on the receiver 7. This allows rotating the intermediate piece 8 to fastening its internal thread 9 to the filling terminal 3 of a gas cylinder 1.
  • the intermediate piece 8 according to the present embodiment has a tubular shaped portion which can be mounted around a portion of the filling head 6, preferably shaped to be fitted into the tubular portion and to stabilize the rotation.
  • Each intermediate piece 8 carries a marking 11, which should preferably be machine-readable, in particular in the form of a bar code.
  • the filling head 6 comprises a pin 15, which can be actuated mechanically via an adjusting lever 16. This adjusting lever 16 is arranged at an end 17 of the filling head opposite the receiver 7 for the intermediate piece 8.
  • the pin extends within the gas path 14 and centrally within the intermediate piece 8, in such a way that it can be slid into the filling terminal 3, where it can actuate a valve, by moving the adjusting lever 16.
  • the mechanical configuration of the pin 15 and the adjusting lever 16 and the cooperation thereof depend on the spatial conditions and the safety requirements during operation.
  • Fig. 3 shows a somewhat differently dimensioned embodiment of the invention, the reference numerals for like components corresponding to those in Fig. 2 .
  • the embodiment of Fig. 3 shows a somewhat different form and dimensioning of the thread 9 and the seals 10 in the start region of the gas path 14 in connection with a final form of the gas path 14 and pin 15 which is configured for a different pressure level.
  • the embodiments of Fig. 2 and 3 each lead to forms known per se of filling heads for conventional filling terminals 3 of different pressure levels, only according to the present invention it is not necessary to use a completely different filling head or a complex adapter for each pressure level and each different gas, but it is sufficient for the intermediate piece 8 to be changed and for the pin 15 to be suitably positioned, at least when a particular group of gas cylinders are filled.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates the size of the filling head 6 and the intermediate piece 8, in particular in the direction of the geometric longitudinal axis 12 of the filling head 6 or intermediate piece 8. If a plurality of gas cylinders 1 are combined into a pallet 34 or filled side by side, the geometric peaks of the gas cylinders are generally located on the corners of adjacent squares, as indicated by dashed lines. Any protective caps 2 which are present further restrict the available space for filling heads. Nevertheless, Fig. 4 shows that filling heads 6 according to the invention comprising intermediate pieces 8 can be used for filling groups of gas cylinders 1 arranged tightly against one another even if the filling heads 6 are arranged in an approximately diagonal direction in gaps 19 between the gas cylinders 1.
  • the overall axial length of a filling head 6 with a mounted intermediate piece 8 should be less than 20 cm, especially less than 15 cm or even less than 10 cm.
  • the filling terminals 3 of the gas cylinders 1 may be orientated in a particular manner, in such a way that outer gas cylinders 1 in the batch 34 can be connected laterally to filling heads 6, whilst inner gas cylinders 1 can be connected to filling heads 6 arranged in the gaps 19. This principle can still be implemented even if the gas cylinders 1 are arranged even more tightly.
  • Fig. 5 is an overview of a filling station for industrial-scale filling of gas cylinders 1, in particular including batches 34 (not shown in this fig.) of gas cylinders 1 or gas cylinders 1 arranged as pallets 31, which can be moved in the filling station by a transport system 30.
  • the filling station comprises a fixed reservoir system 20, comprising reservoir containers 21 for different gases and also a reservoir container 23 for a rinse gas if required.
  • These reservoir containers 21 are connected via typical valve arrangements to a shared primary supply line 22, from which they reach a shared primary discharge line 29 (or two or more shared primary discharge lines 29 simultaneously if a plurality of pallets 31 of gas cylinders 1 are being filled) via a metering unit 25.
  • the metering unit 25 may for example comprise a small admission valve 26, a medium admission valve 27 and a large admission valve 28.
  • Conventional rinse outlets 24 for rinsing out all of the lines when changing between different gases, as well as typical connections (not discussed in greater detail) to a vacuum pump and overpressure safeguards are provided in a known manner.
  • a safety means 32 comprising a marking reader 35 is provided, and can stop any filling via one or more valves which are connected to the safety means 32, or prevent it from starting, if the read cylinder markings 33 on the gas cylinders 1 and the markings 11 on the intermediate pieces 8 do not confirm the correct cooperation of these parts.
  • the marking reader 35 may be a bar code reader.
  • the position of the adjusting lever 16, for example detected using sensors, can also be included in a safety system of this type.
  • Fig. 6 shows schematically that it is also possible to fill batches 34 of gas cylinders, which each comprise at least one shared filling terminal 3, using the system according to the invention.
  • the invention makes it possible to dispense with highly specialised filling stations for only one or a few types of filling terminals, pressure levels or gases in favour of universal filling stations which can be used in various manners and can thus be operated at high capacity.
  • a filling station with a transport system 30, for example a floor conveyor, which transports pallets 31 or batches 34 of gas cylinders 1 from an empty container region 37 to the filling station and from there to a storage region 38.
  • filling processes can be prepared in a suitable sequence (and intermediate pieces 8 may already be mounted in advance), in such a way that the filling station can carry out filling processes in relatively quick succession. It is also conceivable for filling stations to be configured for a large number of gases and different purity levels, in such a way that only gases which are relatively easy to fill, but also high-purity gases or precisely specified mixtures, can be handled at a single filling station, which has to comprise all of the means for even the complicated filling processes in this case. In any case, according to the present invention the large number of different filling terminals no longer restricts the use of a filling station, and which types of gas cylinders are filled in what sequence in a filling station can instead be decided on the basis of economic considerations.
  • the invention makes economical industrial-scale use of filling stations for gas cylinders possible, it being possible to change between different gases to be filled rapidly and safely at least for the same pressure level.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP13175090.3A 2013-07-04 2013-07-04 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Füllen von Gasen in Hochdruckgaszylinder mit unterschiedlichen Füllendgeräten Withdrawn EP2821687A1 (de)

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109612329A (zh) * 2018-12-27 2019-04-12 中国人民解放军陆军工程大学 双平衡机连通注气装置及注气方法
CN117053092A (zh) * 2023-10-11 2023-11-14 常州优达电子科技有限公司 一种sf6抽真空充气装置

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1532770A (fr) * 1967-07-21 1968-07-12 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Installation pour remplir des récipients à gaz comprimé
DE3620304A1 (de) * 1985-07-10 1987-01-22 Ossigeno Emiliana Seo Spa Um 90(grad) drehbare kupplung zum fuellen von hochdruckflaschen fuer komprimierte, verfluessigte oder geloeste gase
US4662654A (en) * 1985-05-06 1987-05-05 Mg Industries Automated cylinder connector
EP0400897A1 (de) * 1989-06-02 1990-12-05 Ronald Glossop Hochdruckgasfüllgerät
EP0658719A1 (de) * 1993-12-14 1995-06-21 Sergio Castelli Apparat mit schnell lüftendem Ventil zum Füllen von Zylindern mit industriellen Hochdruckgasen
DE19744558A1 (de) 1997-10-09 1999-04-15 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Anschlußkupplung für Druckgasventile
US20090001714A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-01 Fastest, Inc. Modular connector
WO2012095810A1 (en) * 2011-01-14 2012-07-19 Tof S.R.L. Connecting device for cylinders of various shapes and sizes

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1532770A (fr) * 1967-07-21 1968-07-12 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Installation pour remplir des récipients à gaz comprimé
US4662654A (en) * 1985-05-06 1987-05-05 Mg Industries Automated cylinder connector
DE3620304A1 (de) * 1985-07-10 1987-01-22 Ossigeno Emiliana Seo Spa Um 90(grad) drehbare kupplung zum fuellen von hochdruckflaschen fuer komprimierte, verfluessigte oder geloeste gase
EP0400897A1 (de) * 1989-06-02 1990-12-05 Ronald Glossop Hochdruckgasfüllgerät
EP0658719A1 (de) * 1993-12-14 1995-06-21 Sergio Castelli Apparat mit schnell lüftendem Ventil zum Füllen von Zylindern mit industriellen Hochdruckgasen
DE19744558A1 (de) 1997-10-09 1999-04-15 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Anschlußkupplung für Druckgasventile
US20090001714A1 (en) * 2007-06-29 2009-01-01 Fastest, Inc. Modular connector
WO2012095810A1 (en) * 2011-01-14 2012-07-19 Tof S.R.L. Connecting device for cylinders of various shapes and sizes

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109612329A (zh) * 2018-12-27 2019-04-12 中国人民解放军陆军工程大学 双平衡机连通注气装置及注气方法
CN117053092A (zh) * 2023-10-11 2023-11-14 常州优达电子科技有限公司 一种sf6抽真空充气装置
CN117053092B (zh) * 2023-10-11 2023-12-22 常州优达电子科技有限公司 一种sf6抽真空充气装置

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