EP3271646B1

EP3271646B1 - A valve for a gas cylinder

Info

Publication number: EP3271646B1
Application number: EP16710965.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Derrick Ernest Hilton; Christine KANDZIORA; Andy RHODES; Brian Jacobsen
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2015-03-17
Filing date: 2016-03-17
Publication date: 2021-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-17
Also published as: AU2016232161B2; GB201504451D0; CA2979590A1; EP3271643A1; EP3271646A1; AU2016232161A1; WO2016146773A1; WO2016146772A1; CA2979591A1; AU2016232162A1

Description

The invention relates to a valve for attachment to a cylinder for pressurised fluid, such as a gas cylinder.
Although reference is made to a "cylinder", it will be understood that the invention is applicable broadly to all portable pressurised gas containers whether they are strictly in the form of a cylinder or not.
Such cylinders are used to supply gas for a range of applications including welding and cutting hoses and torches, gas packaging machines and laboratory equipment.
The provision of digital valves on gas cylinders is a recent development in the field. The term digital valve encompasses at least manual valves with electronic sensors, electrically-actuated valves with or without sensors, and valves comprising locating and communication devices.
There is a very wide variety of devices that may be employed on digital valves, including sensors, actuators, locating devices, display devices, communication devices, etc. However, not all of the available functionality is required in every application. Since the devices are expensive, unnecessarily complicated valves are uneconomical.
Moreover, cylinders are often kept in uncontrolled environments in which they may be knocked or damaged.
WO 02/12779 A1 and CA 2 389 207 A1 disclose valves for attachment to a cylinder.
Accordingly, there is provided a valve as defined by the appended claims.
Embodiments of the valve can provide a convenient base unit having a number of essential components safely housed within the shell of the cylinder.
Embodiments of the valve can also provide users with the ability to tailor a valve so as to include only the essential functionality for a particular application.
For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference is now made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention;
Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the components that may be included in a valve;
Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a valve in accordance with the invention; and
Figure 5 shows an alternative example of the third embodiment.

Figure 1 shows a valve 100 for a cylinder 5 in which the valve 100 has a valve body that can be considered as having a lower body portion 20 and an upper body portion 10. The upper and lower body portions 10, 20 may be separate units attached to one another at a junction 19 to form the valve body, or may be notional parts of a single integral valve body, extending outwardly from the junction 19.
The upper body portion 10 of the valve 100 includes a port 11 through which fluid may pass. The port 11 is arranged for attachment to external piping, hosing, or valuing. For example, it is shown in Figure 1 as having a threaded section for connection to a corresponding thread on a connector.
The lower body portion 20 of the valve is arranged such that it may extend entirely into the cylinder 5. The lower body portion 20 encloses the main components of the valve, namely: a valve inlet 21; a valve member 22; and actuating means 23 for actuating the valve member 22.
The actuating means 23 is electrical and is driven by components 24 that are also enclosed within the lower body portion 20. The actuating means 23 may comprise one or more of: a solenoid; a motor; gearing; and/or a linkage.
Preferably, the lower body portion 20 is generally cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, a flange 18 may extend outwardly from the upper body portion 10 at the junction 19 so as to form a stop for abutment with the opening of the cylinder 5 when the lower body portion 20 is fully inserted within the cylinder 5.
It is intended that such a valve 100 may be used in cylinders already in circulation. However, it may be preferable if the cylinder 5 has an opening of greater diameter than is conventional. Conventionally, the diameter of the opening in the neck of a cylinder is no more than 40% of the diameter of the cylinder body at its widest (perpendicular to its longitudinal axis). It is envisaged that the valve 100 may be used in conjunction with a cylinder 5 having an opening with a diameter of at least 40% of the diameter of the cylinder body at its widest.
A flow path extends from the valve inlet 21 in the lower body portion 20 to the port 11 in the upper body portion 10.
The valve member 22 is for allowing or preventing a flow of fluid along the flow path.
The actuating means 23 is used to actuate the valve member 22 between an open position, in which it allows the flow of fluid along the flow path, and a closed position, in which it prevents the flow of fluid along the flow path. It is preferable that the actuating means 23 provides for variable control of the valve member 22, thereby providing control of the opening degree of the flow path.
The valve member 22 may be biased towards a closed position. For example, a spring may bias the valve member 22 towards the closed position.
The valve 100 comprises a cylinder engagement means adjacent the junction 19. The cylinder engagement means 15, 25 is for engaging the valve 100 with the cylinder 5.
In the first embodiment of Figure 1, the cylinder engagement means 25 is part of the lower body portion 20. Specifically, in this example, the cylinder engagement means 25 is a generally cylindrical surface of the lower body portion 20 with a male thread formed thereon for engagement with a female thread formed in the neck of a cylinder.
In the second embodiment of Figure 2, the cylinder engagement means 15 is part of the upper body portion 10. Specifically, in this example, the cylinder engagement means 15 includes the flange 18 adjacent the junction 19, along with an annular member extending therefrom (preferably in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lower body portion 20). A female thread is formed on the annular member for engagement with a male thread formed on the neck of a cylinder 5. This is the only difference between the first and second embodiments.
Components 24 housed entirely within the lower body portion 20 include a store of charge 24a; and a wireless receiver 24b. Preferably, and as shown in Figure 3, components 24 housed (and preferably entirely enclosed) by the lower body portion 20 further include one or more of: a wireless transmitter 24c; a solenoid 24d; a regulator 24e; a processor 24f; and/or a sensor 24g.
The store of charge is preferably a battery or capacitor.
The wireless receiver and the wireless transmitter preferably form part of the same device or separate devices and may be arranged to receive and/or transmit by one or more of: bluetooth, UHF, Wi-fi, GPRS, and/or GSM.
The sensor is one or more of: a flow sensor; a temperature sensor; a pressure sensor; an accelerometer; a humidity sensor; a moisture sensor. The pressure and temperature sensors are arranged to sense the fluid in the flow path, preferably on the cylinder 5 side of the valve member 22 (i.e. arranged to sense the content of the cylinder 5 irrespective of the position of the valve member 22). However, it may be desirable to position the flow sensor to sense the flow of fluid through the flow path externally (with respect to the cylinder 5) of the valve member 22.
A third embodiment of a valve 300 comprises a primary module 110 and at least one secondary module(s) 120, 125, 130.
The valve 100 of the first and second embodiments is suitable for use as the primary module 110 of the valve 300 of the third embodiment.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the primary module 110 comprises a minimal set of components. Specifically, the depicted primary module 110 comprises: a port 11 for attachment to external piping, hosing, or valving; a valve inlet 21 for receiving a flow of fluid from the cylinder 5; a valve member 22 for opening or closing the flow path; and actuating means 23 for actuating the valve member 22 between the open and closed positions. As will be appreciated, these components may be as set out in respect of the first two embodiments.
The valve 300 further comprises one or more secondary module(s) 120, 125, 130, detachably connected to the primary module 110. In some embodiments, the primary module 110 may be arranged to be connected directly to a plurality of secondary modules 120, 125, 130, whereas in other embodiments the secondary modules 120, 125, 130 may be stacked.
That is, the primary module 110 may be arranged to be connected directly to a first secondary module 120, which itself may be arranged to be connected directly to a second secondary module 125. Likewise, the second secondary module 125, may be arranged to be connected directly to a third secondary module 130. In this latter case, the valve 300 may be formed from a kit of parts comprising a primary module 110 and a plurality of secondary modules 120, 125, 130, in which each secondary module 120, 125, 130 comprises means for attachment to at least two other modules 110, 120, 125, 130.
Combinations of these two approaches are also envisaged.
The connection between modules 110, 120, 125, 130 may be achieved by any known method achieving both mechanical and electrical connectivity.
For example, the primary module 110 may comprise a plurality of spaced recesses, slots or holes. Each secondary module 120, 125, 130 may comprise one or more catches for engaging a recess, slot or hole on the primary module 110. Conversely, each secondary module 120, 125, 130 may comprise a plurality of spaced recesses, slots or holes. The primary module 110 may comprise one or more catches for engaging a recess, slot or hole on one or more secondary modules 120, 125, 130.
In an alternative example, shown in Figure 5, the primary module 310 may comprise a recess 312 and a cover 314 for providing or preventing access to the recess 312 (the cover 314 may be a hinged door, or a completely removable cover). The recess 312 may enclose one or more expansion slots 316.
Each secondary module 120, 125, 130 may be arranged to be engaged with one or more of the expansion slots 316.
It is envisaged that the/each secondary modules 120, 125, 130 may either comprise one each of the following, or combinations thereof: a display; a memory; a wireless transmitter; a wireless receiver; a sensor; a processor; a battery; a capacitor; an RFID chip; an NFC chip; a flow meter; a flow sensor; a phone dock arranged for physical connection with a smart phone; a GPS receiver; a battery; a data cable connection port (such as Ethernet or USB); a power transfer port; an inductive charging receiver and/or a gas/fluid interface connection.
The primary module 110 may comprise: a processor; a memory; and a communications bus to enable it to communicate with a wide variety of secondary modules 120, 125, 130. Preferably, the primary module 110 comprises a pressure regulator. Optionally, the primary module 110 comprises a pressure regulator that can be controlled electrically (for example, by a motor and gearing).
In more preferred embodiments, a secondary module 120, 125, 130 may contain a plurality of such components and be configured for a particular application.
In industrial settings it is pressure rather than flow which is the main target variable. As such, a further exemplary secondary module 120 may be an industrial secondary module, in which there is provided a pressure sensor and an input for receiving an input signal representing a desired output pressure of the flow path. The module may provide a command signal to an electrically-controlled regulator on the primary module 110 (if one is provided) for modulating the output pressure based on the received input signal.
Another exemplary secondary module 125 may be a short-range communication secondary module. This preferred secondary module 125 may comprise a communications device that is arranged to communicate via one or more of bluetooth, Zigbee, Near-field communications (NFC), RFID, and/or wi-fi.
Yet another exemplary secondary module 125 may be a long-range communication secondary module. This preferred secondary module 125 may comprise a communications device that is arranged to communicate via one or more of GSM, GPRS, CDMA, LTE, satellite phone, radio transmission in the frequency range from 700 to 2700MHz and/or UHF. Optionally, this secondary module 125 may also comprise a GPS and/or GLONASS unit for locating the valve 300.
The features of both the long-range and short-range modules may be provided collectively to form a general communications module.
A further exemplary secondary module 130 may be a smart-phone interfacing secondary module. This preferred secondary module may have a smart-phone docking station via which the primary module 110 may communicate with the phone for use of the phone as one or more of: a controller; a display of sensed parameters; a communications device; means for downloading data stored on a memory of the valve 300; and/or a source of electrical power.

Claims

A valve (100) for a cylinder (5), comprising:
an upper body portion (10) having a port (11) for attachment to external piping or hosing;

a lower body portion (20) extending from a junction (19) with the upper body portion (10) and having a valve inlet (21) for communicating with the interior of a cylinder (5) when the valve (100) is installed thereon;

a flow path extending from the port (11) to the valve inlet (21);

a valve member (22) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20) for allowing or preventing a flow of fluid along the flow path;

electrical actuating means (23) for actuating the valve member (22), the actuating means (23) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20),

cylinder engagement means (15, 25) adjacent the junction (19) for sealing engagement with a cylinder (5),

characterized in that the valve (100) further comprises:
a store of charge (24a) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20);

a wireless receiver (24b) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20),

wherein the electrical actuating means (23) is driven by the store of charge (24a) and the wireless receiver (24b).
The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein the cylinder engagement means (15, 25) is a generally cylindrical surface of the lower body portion (20) with a male thread formed thereon for engagement with a female thread formed in the neck of a cylinder (5).
The valve (100) of claim 1, wherein:
the cylinder engagement means (15, 25) is a flange (18) extending outwardly from the upper body portion (10) adjacent the junction (19);

the flange (18) having an annular member extending therefrom; and

a female thread is formed on the annular member for engagement with a male thread formed on the neck of a cylinder (5).
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a wireless transmitter (24c) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20).
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a sensor (24g) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20), preferably the sensor (24g) is one or more of: a flow sensor; a temperature sensor; a pressure sensor; an accelerometer; a humidity sensor; a moisture sensor.
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a processor (24f) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20).
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a solenoid (24d) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20).
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, further comprising a regulator (24e) housed entirely within the lower body portion (20).
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the valve member (22) can be actuated to control a rate of flow of fluid along the flow path.
The valve (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the upper body portion (10) and lower body portion (20) form a primary module (110), and the valve (100) further comprises one or more secondary module(s) (120, 125, 130) detachably connected to the primary module (110), the/each secondary module (120, 125, 130) comprising at least one of: a display; a memory; a wireless transmitter; a wireless receiver; a sensor; a processor; a store of charge; an RFID chip; an NFC chip; a flow meter; a flow sensor; a GPS receiver; a phone dock arranged for physical connection with a smart phone; a battery; zigbee; a data cable connection port; a power transfer port; an inductive charging receiver and/or a gas/fluid interface connection.
The valve (100) of claim 10, wherein:
the primary module (110) comprises a plurality of spaced recesses, slots or holes; and

the/each secondary module(s) (120, 125, 130) comprises one or more catches for engaging a recess, slot or hole.
The valve (100) of claim 10, wherein:
the/each secondary module(s) (120, 125, 130) comprises a plurality of spaced recesses, slots or holes; and

the primary module (110) comprises one or more catches for engaging a recess, slot or hole.
The valve (100) of claim 10, wherein:
the primary module (110) comprises a recess (312) and a cover (314) for providing or preventing access to the recess (312);

the recess (312) encloses a plurality of expansion slots (316); and

the/each secondary module(s) (120, 125, 130) is arranged to be engaged with one or more expansion slot(s) (316).
The valve (100) of claim 10, wherein:
a first secondary module(s) (120) is detachably connected to the primary module (110); and

a second secondary module(s) (125) is detachably connected to the first secondary module (120).
A cylinder assembly, comprising a cylinder body and the valve (100) of any preceding claim, wherein:
the cylinder body has an opening formed therein for receiving the valve (100);

the cylinder body has an outer diameter; and

the diameter of the opening is at least 40% the outer diameter.