EP3851732B1 - Container for gas with display of flow rate and corresponding autonomy - Google Patents

Container for gas with display of flow rate and corresponding autonomy Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3851732B1
EP3851732B1 EP21150011.1A EP21150011A EP3851732B1 EP 3851732 B1 EP3851732 B1 EP 3851732B1 EP 21150011 A EP21150011 A EP 21150011A EP 3851732 B1 EP3851732 B1 EP 3851732B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
autonomy
flow
user
gaz
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.)
Active
Application number
EP21150011.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3851732A1 (en
Inventor
Federica BELLINGERI
Adrien CAMPAGNAC
Alexis Mary
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 SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Publication of EP3851732A1 publication Critical patent/EP3851732A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3851732B1 publication Critical patent/EP3851732B1/en
Active 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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • F17C13/025—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the pressure 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
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • 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
    • F17C13/026—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment having the temperature 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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • 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
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • 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
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • 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
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0188—Hanging up devices
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically actuated
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • 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
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/014—Nitrogen
    • 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • 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
    • F17C2223/036—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
    • 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
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • 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
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/036—Control means using alarms
    • 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
    • F17C2250/043—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
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0439—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
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0473—Time or time periods
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0478—Position or presence
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside 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
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0495—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location the indicated parameter is a converted measured 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
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—Flow or movement of content
    • 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
    • F17C2250/07—Actions triggered by measured parameters
    • F17C2250/072—Action when predefined value is reached
    • F17C2250/075—Action when predefined value is reached when full
    • 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
    • F17C2250/07—Actions triggered by measured parameters
    • F17C2250/072—Action when predefined value is reached
    • F17C2250/077—Action when predefined value is reached when empty
    • 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
    • F17C2260/026—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer by calculation
    • 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
    • F17C2270/025—Breathing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a gas container, such as a gas cylinder, for storing or dispensing gas, which is equipped with a gas dispensing tap allowing the gas to be delivered at different flow rates selectable by the user, and on which an electronic gas autonomy measuring device is mounted comprising a display, such as a digital screen, for displaying gas flow and autonomy values.
  • a gas container such as a gas cylinder
  • a gas dispensing tap allowing the gas to be delivered at different flow rates selectable by the user
  • an electronic gas autonomy measuring device comprising a display, such as a digital screen, for displaying gas flow and autonomy values.
  • SAMU emergency unit
  • fire intervention services etc.
  • nurses, doctors, firefighters, etc. are regular users of pressurized gas containers, in particular gas cylinders, in particular medical gases, such as oxygen or medical air.
  • Such a gas container is generally equipped with a gas distribution valve usually comprising flow selection means to allow a user to choose a desired gas flow and a gas outlet connection or socket to deliver the gas to the desired gas flow having been selected.
  • a gas distribution valve usually comprising flow selection means to allow a user to choose a desired gas flow and a gas outlet connection or socket to deliver the gas to the desired gas flow having been selected.
  • the gas distribution valve is protected by a cowling or protective cap forming a protective shell against shocks, dirt, etc.
  • gas containers are for example described by EP-A-3006810 , EP-A-2940370 , EP-A-2937620 and WO2017/165414 A2 .
  • a practical problem for users of gas bottles or the like is that they often have to choose between several bottles stored, for example in a depot or an intervention vehicle, depending on the patient to be treated and the prescription they have to do to this patient, i.e. the gas flow (e.g. expressed in L/min) that they must administer to him for a determined period of time. For example, a patient may need 2 L/min of oxygen for a duration of 1 hour.
  • the gas flow e.g. expressed in L/min
  • a cylinder of gas to be used to treat a given patient should be made by the user in such a way that the chosen cylinder can be used for the full duration of treatment desired and at the selected flow rate, i.e. so as to respect the prescription given to the patient to be treated.
  • the various gas cylinders do not all have the same gas capacity or capacity and/or the same quantity of gas rarely remains in the various gas cylinders stored in the same place.
  • the autonomy estimate is generally made by means of an electronic device comprising a pressure sensor, which is fixed to the gas distribution valve fitted to the gas container and makes it possible to measure the gas pressure within the container, then to provide a pressure signal to signal processing means, such as a microprocessor, used to calculate the autonomy of the container from the pressure signal provided and the gas flow rate selected by the user.
  • the calculated autonomy is then displayed by a screen or the like carried by the electronic device. This is particularly described by WO-A-2005/093377 , EP-A-3440605 Where EP-A-3421866 .
  • the display screen can be touch sensitive as taught by EP-A-3002498 .
  • the display screen is located in a high position to facilitate reading, as described by EP-A-3117136 .
  • the user must also make calculations because some electronic devices display a quantity of remaining gas expressed in liters for example, and this does not make it possible to know the duration of use without making a calculation taking into account the flow rate. prescribed gas.
  • this is tedious, a source of errors and therefore of risk for patients, and can also take up a lot of time for the user when he does not necessarily have it, especially when he has to intervene in emergency/quickly and/or take care of several patients at the same time.
  • the problem that arises is to provide a user, typically a nursing staff, with quickly and immediately knowing the autonomy of a gas container, typically a bottle of medical gas, equipped with a dispensing tap and containing gas under pressure, i.e. compressed (i.e. > 1 bar), and this, for several different gas flow rates, without having to perform the slightest calculation and/or manipulate the gas flow rate selector to select the different flow rates that interest him from among the plurality of possible flow rates, that is to say all the flow rates that can be supplied by the valve fitted to the gas container.
  • a gas container typically a bottle of medical gas, equipped with a dispensing tap and containing gas under pressure, i.e. compressed (i.e. > 1 bar)
  • the means for displaying data in response to successive digital actuations by the user of the selection member, the means for displaying data successively displays the different selectable flowrate values and the different corresponding autonomy in the form of flowrate/autonomy pairs, each flowrate/autonomy pair comprising a flowrate value and the corresponding autonomy having been determined for the flowrate value considered.
  • the user By successively pressing the selection device, the user therefore scrolls through the data display means through the various flow rate/autonomy pairs that can be determined for the various possible selectable flow rates, for example flow rate values between 0 and 30 L/min.
  • gas autonomy values are expressed and/or displayed in the form of a possible duration of use, for example in minutes or in hours and minutes.
  • the invention also relates to a use of the gas container according to the invention, typically a gas cylinder, for storing or distributing gas, in particular medical gases, such as oxygen, air, an NO mixture /N 2 , a He/O 2 , O 2 /N 2 O or other mixture.
  • gas container typically a gas cylinder
  • medical gases such as oxygen, air, an NO mixture /N 2 , a He/O 2 , O 2 /N 2 O or other mixture.
  • the invention also relates to a patient ventilation assembly comprising a gas container, such as a gas cylinder, according to the invention, a respiratory interface for supplying gas to a patient, and a flexible conduit connecting said container to said respiratory interface.
  • a gas container such as a gas cylinder
  • a respiratory interface for supplying gas to a patient
  • a flexible conduit connecting said container to said respiratory interface.
  • the breathing interface is a breathing mask or the like.
  • Fig. 1 schematizes an embodiment of a gas container 1 according to the invention, namely here a cylinder or cylinder of gas with a cylindrical body made of steel or aluminum alloy, equipped with a gas distribution valve 2, also called valve, on which is mounted an electronic device 3 for displaying the autonomy and the gas flow comprising means 34 for displaying data, for example a digital screen 4, for example of the segment LCD type.
  • a gas distribution valve 2 also called valve
  • the gas distribution valve 2 comprises a brass body for example, which is crossed by an internal gas circuit, that is to say one or more passages, ducts or gas channels, in fluid communication with the internal volume 10 of gas container 1.
  • the gas distribution valve 2 comprises flow selection means 5, namely here a rotary wheel or the like, allowing a user, such as a nursing staff, to select a desired gas flow from among a plurality of selectable gases, preferably a dozen possible flow rates between 0 and 25 L/min, for example the following flow rates: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L/min.
  • the gas flow is supplied to the user by a gas outlet socket or connector 6, that is to say a nozzle or the like.
  • a second gas outlet socket 8 called a notched socket, allowing the specific fluidic connection of a ventilation device or the like for example.
  • the gas distribution valve 2 also comprises integrated gas expansion means 7, that is to say it is a valve 2 with an integrated pressure regulator (RDI), making it possible to operate a reduction in the pressure of the gas from the pressure at which it is in the internal volume or compartment 10 of the gas container 1, called high pressure, typically a pressure that can reach 350 bar abs, down to its operating pressure, called low pressure, which is generally less than 10 bar abs, for example of the order of 4 bar abs or less.
  • high pressure typically a pressure that can reach 350 bar abs, down to its operating pressure, called low pressure, which is generally less than 10 bar abs, for example of the order of 4 bar abs or less.
  • the gas expansion means 7 usually comprises an expansion valve and a valve seat (not shown) cooperating with each other to reduce the gas pressure.
  • the gas expansion means 7 are arranged on the internal gas circuit, that is to say one or more passages, ducts or gas channels, passing through the body of the valve 2 and putting the internal volume 10 of the gas container 1 and the gas outlet socket 6 serving to deliver the gas at the desired gas flow selected by the user by actuating the flow selection means 5.
  • the part of the gas circuit located upstream of the gas expansion means 7 is subjected to the high pressure, that is to say the pressure prevailing in the internal volume 10 of the container 1, while that located downstream of the gas expansion means 7 is subjected to the low pressure, that is to say the pressure of the gas after expansion.
  • the electronic device 3 for its part comprises a pressure sensor 31 used to measure the pressure of the gas within the container 1 and supply at least one pressure signal, and signal processing means 32, such as an electronic card with a microcontroller, to determine at least one gas autonomy from the pressure signals supplied by the pressure sensor 31 and from at least one gas flow, and preferably from a temperature measured by a temperature sensor 33 arranged so as to measure ambient temperature, i.e. of the environment around the device 3, and/or an internal temperature of the device 3.
  • the temperature inside the device 3 corresponds to the ambient temperature and its variations reflect the variations of the ambient temperature, ie of the 'ambiant air.
  • the pressure sensor 31 is coupled to the gas temperature sensor so as to supply at least one gas pressure signal correlated, associated with or corresponding to a gas temperature measured at the instant of the pressure measurement.
  • the electronic device 3 also comprises a position sensor to determine the position of the flow selection means 5, typically a rotary selector, that is to say the position sensor is configured to determine the gas flow chosen by the user from a determination of the angular position of the rotary selector, such as a rotary wheel.
  • a position sensor to determine the position of the flow selection means 5, typically a rotary selector, that is to say the position sensor is configured to determine the gas flow chosen by the user from a determination of the angular position of the rotary selector, such as a rotary wheel.
  • the pressure sensor 31 is preferably connected to the part of the gas circuit of the valve body which is located upstream of the gas expansion means 7, which is subjected to the high gas pressure.
  • the pressure sensor 31 comprises or is associated with an integrated gas temperature sensor making it possible to supply a pressure signal relating to the temperature of the gas measured at the moment of the pressure measurement.
  • the pressure sensor 31 and the signal processing means 32 are arranged in a rigid casing 30, for example made of polymer or metal.
  • Data display means 34 are also provided, such as a digital screen 4, making it possible to display useful information for the user, in particular the gas autonomy calculated by the signal processing means 32 and the flow rate of corresponding gas, as explained below.
  • the digital screen 4 is carried by the rigid casing 30.
  • means for supplying electric current electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the various components requiring electricity to operate in particular to the signal processing means. 32, to the sensor 31, 33, to the display means 34 of the rigid box 30 so as to supply them directly or indirectly with electric current and thus allow their operation.
  • the means for supplying electric current comprise a electric battery advantageously having an electric autonomy of at least 5 years, ideally about 10 years.
  • the signal processing means 32 are configured to determine gas citeds from the pressure signal supplied by the pressure sensor 31 and from the plurality of selectable gas flow rates, and preferably also from the measured temperatures, for example ambient temperature and /or gas.
  • the signal processing means 32 determine flow rate/autonomy pairs from at least the pressure signal and the various possible flow rates, preferably between 0 and 25 L/min, for example the following flow rates: 0.5, 1 , 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L/min.
  • Each flow corresponds to a given autonomy, calculated from said flow and the measured gas pressure, or even one or more parameters (i.e. temperatures, etc.).
  • a selection member 9 with digital actuation that can be activated by a user, such as a button or a key.
  • This selection member 9 is preferably arranged next to the screen 4 of the data display means 34, as illustrated in Fig. 1 to Figs. 3 .
  • the selection member 9 that is to say a button or the like, is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means 32 and the data display means 34 to display successively, that is that is to say scrolling, in response to successive digital actuations by the user of the selection member 9, the different selectable flowrate values and the different corresponding autonomy, each flowrate value being displayed simultaneously at a determined corresponding autonomy for said flow value considered, that is to say that the screen 4 successively displays range/flow pairs, as illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .
  • the signal processing means 32 make it possible to estimate the gas autonomy, ie the possible duration of use of the container 1, for each flow rate selectable by the flow rate selection means 5 and the gas pressure measured. These pairs comprising an estimated autonomy and a corresponding gas flow are then displayed successively on the screen 4 when the user presses several times on the selection member 9, ie a button or the like, that is to say when the user commands a scrolling of the various autonomy/flow pairs obtained for the measured gas pressure, or even other data, such as one or more temperatures.
  • the signal processing means 32 comprise an electronic card with microprocessor(s) receiving measurement signals from the pressure sensor 31 and from the gas temperature sensor associated with it, and from the temperature sensor 33 of temperature ambient or equivalent, when container 1 is used. These pressure and temperature measurement signals are processed by one or more algorithms implemented by the microprocessor(s) of the electronic card.
  • the gas autonomy is expressed in time of possible use, typically in hours and minutes or simply in minutes.
  • the determined gas autonomy (A) and the corresponding gas flow rate value (Q) are displayed as a couple, as illustrated on the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .
  • the staff wishing to use a gas bottle 1 is able to choose the bottle that suits them best, without making any calculations or complicated manipulations, but simply by scrolling through the different autonomy/flow pairs corresponding to the pressure of measured gas.
  • the flow rate and the autonomy are displayed one above the other on the screen 4; however, they could also be displayed next to each other, or otherwise.
  • the flow rate/autonomy pairs are displayed successively by taking the flow rates in their ascending order, that is to say that the lowest flow rate is displayed first, for example 0.5 L/Min, then the other flow rates, in an increasing manner, during the various activations of the button 9 by the user, for example 1, then 2, then 3, .... and finally 25 L/min, taking up the example given below above.
  • the scrolling is reset after a given delay, for example after a few seconds, for example after 3 seconds to 10 seconds. Pressing button 9 again, after this given time, will again display the flow rate/autonomy pair for the lowest selectable flow rate.
  • V gas P gas V cylinder P ATM
  • P gas is calculated from the direct measurements made by the pressure sensor 31 and the temperature sensor 33, which make it possible to estimate a gas pressure value.
  • a corresponding gas autonomy A can then be calculated, as illustrated in Table 1 for the 12 flow rates (Q) mentioned above.
  • a given patient needs a prescription of 2 L/min of oxygen for 30 minutes.
  • Each cylinder 1 is equipped with an electronic device 3 for measuring gas autonomy comprising a display screen 4 according to the invention, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 .
  • the user such as nursing staff, cannot know how long and at what rate each bottle 1 can be used.
  • the user can easily know if which bottle can be used for how long and at what rate by simply pressing the button 9 several times in succession to scroll through the different throughput/autonomy pairs, which are then displayed, one after the other, on the screen 4 of the electronic device 3, as shown schematically in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .
  • the flow rate/autonomy pairs that the user can scroll through by activating button 9 and which are then displayed there successively on the screen 4 of each gas cylinder 1 are for example those given in Table 2 below.
  • Table 2 Flow rate/autonomy pairs displayed on the cylinder screen with 1000L Flow rate/autonomy pairs displayed on the cylinder screen with 200L 0.5L/min 2000 mins 0.5L/min 400 mins 1L/min 1000 mins 1L/min 200 mins 2L/min 500 mins 2L/min 100 mins 3L/min 333 mins 3 Umin 67 mins 5L/min 200 mins 5L/min 40 mins 8 L/min 125 mins 8 L/min 25 mins 10L/min 100 mins 10L/min 20 mins 12 L/min 83 mins 12 L/min 17 mins 15L/min 67 mins 15L/min 13 mins 20L/min 50 mins 20L/min 10 minutes 22 L/min 45 mins 22 L/min 9 mins 25L/min 40 mins 25L
  • the user can quickly and immediately know the autonomy of each gas container, i.e. each bottle of medical gas 1, for the various possible gas flow rates, and this, without having to perform any calculation and/or manipulating the gas flow rate selector to select the various flow rates of interest from among the plurality of possible flow rates.
  • the pressurized gas container in particular a gas cylinder, according to the invention is particularly suitable for use for storing and/or distributing medical grade gas, namely a pure gas or a gas mixture.

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Description

L'invention concerne un récipient de gaz, telle une bouteille de gaz, pour stocker ou distribuer du gaz, lequel est équipé d'un robinet de distribution de gaz permettant de délivrer le gaz à différents débits sélectionnables par l'utilisateur, et sur lequel est monté un dispositif électronique de mesure d'autonomie en gaz comprenant un afficheur, tel un écran numérique, pour afficher des valeurs de débits et d'autonomie en gaz.The invention relates to a gas container, such as a gas cylinder, for storing or dispensing gas, which is equipped with a gas dispensing tap allowing the gas to be delivered at different flow rates selectable by the user, and on which an electronic gas autonomy measuring device is mounted comprising a display, such as a digital screen, for displaying gas flow and autonomy values.

Les personnels soignants exerçant au sein des bâtiments hospitaliers, des unités d'urgence (SAMU, Services d'intervention incendies...) ou autres, par exemple les infirmiers/ières, les médecins, les pompiers... sont des utilisateurs réguliers de récipients de gaz sous pression, en particulier de bouteilles de gaz, notamment de gaz médicaux, tel l'oxygène ou l'air médical.Healthcare personnel working in hospital buildings, emergency units (SAMU, fire intervention services, etc.) or others, for example nurses, doctors, firefighters, etc. are regular users of pressurized gas containers, in particular gas cylinders, in particular medical gases, such as oxygen or medical air.

Un tel récipient de gaz est généralement équipé d'un robinet de distribution de gaz comprenant habituellement des moyens de sélection de débit pour permettre à un utilisateur de choisir un débit de gaz désiré et un raccord ou prise de sortie de gaz pour délivrer le gaz au débit de gaz souhaité ayant été sélectionné.Such a gas container is generally equipped with a gas distribution valve usually comprising flow selection means to allow a user to choose a desired gas flow and a gas outlet connection or socket to deliver the gas to the desired gas flow having been selected.

Avantageusement, le robinet de distribution de gaz est protégé par un capotage ou chapeau de protection formant une coque protectrice contre les chocs, les salissures etc... De tels récipients de gaz sont par exemple décrits par EP-A-3006810 , EP-A-2940370 , EP-A-2937620 et WO2017/165414 A2 .Advantageously, the gas distribution valve is protected by a cowling or protective cap forming a protective shell against shocks, dirt, etc. Such gas containers are for example described by EP-A-3006810 , EP-A-2940370 , EP-A-2937620 and WO2017/165414 A2 .

Un problème pratique pour les utilisateurs de bouteilles de gaz ou analogues est qu'ils doivent souvent choisir entre plusieurs bouteilles stockées, par exemple dans un dépôt ou un véhicule d'intervention, en fonction du patient à traiter et de la prescription qu'ils doivent faire à ce patient, c'est-à-dire du débit de gaz (e.g. exprimé en L/min) qu'ils doivent lui administrer pendant une durée déterminé. Par exemple, un patient peut avoir besoin de 2 L/min d'oxygène pendant une durée de 1 heure.A practical problem for users of gas bottles or the like is that they often have to choose between several bottles stored, for example in a depot or an intervention vehicle, depending on the patient to be treated and the prescription they have to do to this patient, i.e. the gas flow (e.g. expressed in L/min) that they must administer to him for a determined period of time. For example, a patient may need 2 L/min of oxygen for a duration of 1 hour.

Le choix d'une bouteille de gaz à utiliser pour traiter un patient donné doit être fait par l'utilisateur de manière à que la bouteille choisie puisse servir pendant toute la durée de traitement souhaitée et au débit sélectionné, c'est-à-dire de sorte de respecter la prescription faite au patient à traiter.The choice of a cylinder of gas to be used to treat a given patient should be made by the user in such a way that the chosen cylinder can be used for the full duration of treatment desired and at the selected flow rate, i.e. so as to respect the prescription given to the patient to be treated.

Cependant, les différentes bouteilles de gaz n'ont pas toutes la même capacité ou contenance en gaz et/ou il reste rarement la même quantité de gaz dans les différentes bouteilles de gaz stockées en un même endroit.However, the various gas cylinders do not all have the same gas capacity or capacity and/or the same quantity of gas rarely remains in the various gas cylinders stored in the same place.

Actuellement, il est connu d'estimer l'autonomie en gaz d'un récipient de gaz, telle une bouteille de gaz, c'est-à-dire d'estimer la durée pendant laquelle le récipient de gaz peut encore fournir du gaz en fonction d'un débit sélectionné par l'utilisateur. L'estimation d'autonomie se fait généralement au moyen d'un dispositif électronique comprenant un capteur de pression, lequel est fixé au robinet de distribution de gaz équipant le récipient de gaz et permet de mesurer la pression du gaz au sein du récipient, puis de fournir un signal de pression à des moyens de traitement de signal, tel un microprocesseur, servant à calculer l'autonomie du récipient à partir du signal de pression fourni et du débit de gaz sélectionné par l'utilisateur. L'autonomie calculée est ensuite affichée par un écran ou analogue porté par le dispositif électronique. Ceci est notamment décrit par WO-A-2005/093377 , EP-A-3440605 ou EP-A-3421866 .Currently, it is known to estimate the gas autonomy of a gas container, such as a gas bottle, that is to say to estimate the duration during which the gas container can still supply gas in based on a rate selected by the user. The autonomy estimate is generally made by means of an electronic device comprising a pressure sensor, which is fixed to the gas distribution valve fitted to the gas container and makes it possible to measure the gas pressure within the container, then to provide a pressure signal to signal processing means, such as a microprocessor, used to calculate the autonomy of the container from the pressure signal provided and the gas flow rate selected by the user. The calculated autonomy is then displayed by a screen or the like carried by the electronic device. This is particularly described by WO-A-2005/093377 , EP-A-3440605 Where EP-A-3421866 .

L'écran d'affichage peut être tactile comme enseigné par EP-A-3002498 . Avantageusement, l'écran d'affichage est situé en position haute pour faciliter la lecture, comme décrit par EP-A-3117136 .The display screen can be touch sensitive as taught by EP-A-3002498 . Advantageously, the display screen is located in a high position to facilitate reading, as described by EP-A-3117136 .

Or, ceci implique pour l'utilisateur, qui hésite entre plusieurs bouteilles de gaz, de devoir actionner le sélecteur de débit du robinet de chaque bouteille pour sélectionner le débit souhaité et d'attendre que l'autonomie s'affiche sur les écrans d'affichage des dispositifs électroniques des différentes bouteilles. Ces opérations doivent être répétées autant de fois que nécessaire lorsque plusieurs débits doivent être évalués. A la fin, l'utilisateur doit se rappeler de toutes les informations afin de choisir la bouteille de gaz la plus adaptée.However, this implies for the user, who is hesitating between several gas cylinders, to have to activate the flow rate selector on the valve of each cylinder to select the desired flow rate and to wait for the autonomy to be displayed on the screens of display of the electronic devices of the different bottles. These operations must be repeated as many times as necessary when several flows must be evaluated. At the end, the user must remember all the information in order to choose the most suitable gas bottle.

Dans certains cas, l'utilisateur doit aussi faire des calculs car certains dispositifs électroniques affichent une quantité de gaz restant exprimée en litres par exemple, et ceci ne permet pas de connaître la durée d'utilisation sans opérer un calcul en prenant en compte le débit de gaz prescrit. Or, on comprend que ceci est fastidieux, source d'erreurs donc de risques pour les patients, et peut en outre prendre beaucoup de temps à l'utilisateur alors qu'il n'en dispose pas forcément, notamment lorsqu'il doit intervenir en urgence/rapidement et/ou s'occuper de plusieurs patients en parallèle.In some cases, the user must also make calculations because some electronic devices display a quantity of remaining gas expressed in liters for example, and this does not make it possible to know the duration of use without making a calculation taking into account the flow rate. prescribed gas. However, we understand that this is tedious, a source of errors and therefore of risk for patients, and can also take up a lot of time for the user when he does not necessarily have it, especially when he has to intervene in emergency/quickly and/or take care of several patients at the same time.

Dans ce contexte, le problème qui se pose est de proposer à un utilisateur, typiquement un personnel soignant, de connaître rapidement et immédiatement l'autonomie d'un récipient de gaz, typiquement une bouteille de gaz médical, équipé d'un robinet de distribution et contenant du gaz sous pression, i.e. comprimé (i.e. > 1 bar), et ce, pour plusieurs débits de gaz différents, sans qu'il n'ait à réaliser le moindre calcul et/ou à manipuler le sélecteur de débit de gaz pour sélectionner les différents débits qui l'intéressent parmi la pluralité de débits possibles, c'est-à-dire tous les débits pouvant être fournis par le robinet équipant le récipient de gaz.In this context, the problem that arises is to provide a user, typically a nursing staff, with quickly and immediately knowing the autonomy of a gas container, typically a bottle of medical gas, equipped with a dispensing tap and containing gas under pressure, i.e. compressed (i.e. > 1 bar), and this, for several different gas flow rates, without having to perform the slightest calculation and/or manipulate the gas flow rate selector to select the different flow rates that interest him from among the plurality of possible flow rates, that is to say all the flow rates that can be supplied by the valve fitted to the gas container.

La solution selon l'invention concerne un récipient de gaz, telle une bouteille de gaz, équipé d'un robinet de distribution de gaz comprenant, c'est-à-dire sur lequel est monté, un dispositif électronique de mesure d'autonomie en gaz, dans lequel :

  • le robinet de distribution de gaz comprend des moyens de sélection de débit permettant à un utilisateur de sélectionner un débit de gaz souhaité parmi une pluralité de débits de gaz sélectionnables, et
  • le dispositif électronique comprend :
    • ▪ au moins un capteur de pression configuré pour mesurer la pression du gaz contenu dans le récipient et fournir au moins un signal de pression,
    • ▪ des moyens de traitement de signal configurés pour déterminer une pluralité d'autonomies en gaz à partir au moins du signal de pression fourni par ledit au moins un capteur de pression et de la pluralité de débits de gaz sélectionnables,
    • ▪ des moyens d'affichage de données configurés pour afficher une autonomie en gaz et une valeur de débit correspondante, et
    • ▪ un organe de sélection à actionnement digital activable par un utilisateur,
caractérisé en ce que l'organe de sélection est configuré pour coopérer avec les moyens de traitement de signal pour afficher successivement sur les moyens d'affichage de données, en réponse à des actionnements digitaux successifs de l'utilisateur de l'organe de sélection, les différentes valeurs de débit sélectionnables et les différentes autonomies correspondantes, chaque valeur de débit étant affichée simultanément à une autonomie correspondante déterminée pour ladite valeur de débit considérée.The solution according to the invention relates to a gas container, such as a gas bottle, equipped with a gas distribution valve comprising, that is to say on which is mounted, an electronic device for measuring autonomy in gas, in which:
  • the gas dispensing valve includes flow select means allowing a user to select a desired gas flow from a plurality of selectable gas flow rates, and
  • the electronic device comprises:
    • ▪ at least one pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the gas contained in the container and provide at least one pressure signal,
    • ▪ signal processing means configured to determine a plurality of gas autonomies from at least the pressure signal provided by said at least one pressure sensor and the plurality of selectable gas flow rates,
    • ▪ data display means configured to display a gas autonomy and a corresponding flow rate value, and
    • ▪ a selection device with digital actuation that can be activated by a user,
characterized in that the selection member is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means to display data successively on the data display means, in response to successive digital actuations by the user of the selection member, the different selectable flow values and the different corresponding autonomy, each flow value being displayed simultaneously with a corresponding autonomy determined for said flow value considered.

Autrement dit, selon l'invention, en réponse aux actionnements digitaux successifs de l'utilisateur de l'organe de sélection, les moyens d'affichage de données affichent successivement les différentes valeurs de débit sélectionnables et les différentes autonomies correspondantes sous forme de couples débit/autonomie, chaque couple débit/autonomie comprenant une valeur de débit et l'autonomie correspondante ayant été déterminée pour la valeur de débit considérée.In other words, according to the invention, in response to successive digital actuations by the user of the selection member, the means for displaying data successively displays the different selectable flowrate values and the different corresponding autonomy in the form of flowrate/autonomy pairs, each flowrate/autonomy pair comprising a flowrate value and the corresponding autonomy having been determined for the flowrate value considered.

En appuyant successivement sur l'organe de sélection, l'utilisateur fait donc défiler sur les moyens d'affichage de données les différents couples débit/autonomie pouvant être déterminés pour les différents débits possibles sélectionnables, par exemple des valeurs de débit comprises entre 0 et 30 L/min.By successively pressing the selection device, the user therefore scrolls through the data display means through the various flow rate/autonomy pairs that can be determined for the various possible selectable flow rates, for example flow rate values between 0 and 30 L/min.

Il est à souligner que les valeurs d'autonomie en gaz sont exprimées et/ou affichées sous forme d'une durée d'utilisation possible, par exemple en minutes ou en heures et minutes.It should be emphasized that the gas autonomy values are expressed and/or displayed in the form of a possible duration of use, for example in minutes or in hours and minutes.

Selon le mode de réalisation considéré, le récipient de gaz de l'invention peut comprendre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes :

  • le dispositif électronique est configuré pour afficher successivement les différents couples débit/autonomie, après des appuis successifs sur l'organe de sélection par l'utilisateur, lorsqu'il est en état inactif ou passif, c'est-à-dire lorsqu'aucun débit de gaz n'existe.
  • l'organe de sélection est configuré pour coopérer avec les moyens de traitement de signal de manière à ce que des actionnements digitaux successifs de l'utilisateur engendrent un défilement et un affichage sur les moyens d'affichage de données des différentes valeurs de débit (Q) sélectionnables et des différentes autonomies (A) correspondantes.
  • les moyens d'affichage de données sont configurés pour afficher un couple autonomie/débit comprenant une valeur de débit (Q) et une autonomie (A) correspondante.
  • les débits (Q) de gaz sélectionnables sont compris entre 0 L/Min et 30 L/min, de préférence entre 0 et 25 L/min.
  • l'organe de sélection est configuré pour coopérer avec les moyens de traitement de signal de manière à ce que les actionnements digitaux successifs de l'utilisateur dudit organe de sélection, engendrent un défilement et un affichage successif des couples débit/autonomie dans l'ordre croissant des débits. Par exemple, pour les valeurs de débit suivantes, prises dans l'ordre croissant des débits, à savoir 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 et 25 L/min, le premier couple affiché suite au premier actionnement digital de l'utilisateur comprend le premier débit sélectionnable (e.g. 0.5 L/min), le deuxième couple affiché suite au deuxième actionnement digital de l'utilisateur comprend le deuxième débit sélectionnable (e.g. 1 L/min), le troisième couple affiché suite au troisième actionnement digital de l'utilisateur comprend le troisième débit sélectionnable (e.g. 2 L/min)... et ainsi de suite jusqu'au dernier débit sélectionnable (e.g. 25 L/min, ici).
  • les moyens de traitement de signal sont configurés pour, qu'après affichage du dernier couple débit/autonomie incluant le débit maximal sélectionnable (i.e. dernier débit sélectionnable), par exemple ici le débit maximal de 25 L/min, un actionnement digital supplémentaire de l'utilisateur de l'organe de sélection engendre un affichage, sur les moyens d'affichage, à nouveau du premier couple débit/autonomie incluant le débit minimal sélectionnable (e.g. 0.5 L/min), c'est-à-dire que le défilement est opéré en boucle.
  • les moyens de traitement de signal sont configurés pour, qu'après une suspension ou un arrêt de l'actionnement digital de l'utilisateur de l'organe d'activation (e.g. bouton ou analogue) pendant une durée donnée, par exemple une durée supérieure ou égale à 3 secondes, typiquement entre 3 et 20 secondes, par exemple entre 5 et 10 secondes, l'affichage des couples débit/autonomie est réinitialisé de manière à ce que tout nouvel actionnement digital de l'utilisateur de l'organe d'activation engendre un affichage, sur les moyens d'affichage, du premier couple débit/autonomie incluant le débit minimal sélectionnable (e.g. 0.5 L/min).
  • les moyens d'affichage de données comprennent un écran d'affichage.
  • le dispositif électronique comprend un boitier externe portant les moyens d'affichage de données et contenant les moyens de traitement de signal.
  • le robinet de distribution de gaz comprend en outre un raccord de sortie de gaz pour délivrer le gaz au débit de gaz souhaité sélectionné par lesdits moyens de sélection de débit.
  • les moyens de traitement de signal comprennent au moins un microprocesseur, de préférence un microcontrôleur.
  • l'organe de sélection à actionnement digital comprend une touche, un bouton de sélection ou analogue.
  • le récipient est une bouteille de gaz sous pression, i.e. une bonbonne de gaz.
  • le récipient comprend un corps de récipient délimitant un volume ou compartiment interne contenant un gaz ou mélange gazeux comprimé, c'est-à-dire sous pression (> 1 atm).
  • le corps de récipient comprend un volume interne ayant un volume inférieur ou égal à 50 L (équivalent en eau).
  • le corps de récipient a une forme cylindrique, de préférence une forme en ogive.
  • le corps de récipient comprend un col comportant un orifice de sortie en communication fluidique avec le volume interne.
  • le robinet de distribution de gaz est fixé au col du corps de récipient.
  • le col du corps de récipient est en matériau(x) métallique(s), en particulier en acier ou en alliage d'aluminium, ou en matériau(x) composite(s).
  • le gaz ou mélange gazeux stocké dans le volume interne du récipient de gaz est de l'oxygène, de l'air, un mélange NO/N2, un mélange He/O2, O2/N2O ou tout autre gaz, en particulier tout autre gaz médical.
  • le robinet de distribution de gaz comprend des moyens de détente de gaz intégrés, c'est-à-dire qu'il s'agit d'un robinet à détendeur intégré (RDI).
  • les moyens de détente de gaz comprennent un clapet de détente et un siège de clapet.
  • le gaz ou mélange gazeux est comprimé à une pression inférieure ou égale à 350 bar abs, typiquement moins de 300 bar abs.
  • le robinet de distribution de gaz est en alliage de cuivre, en particulier en laiton, ou en acier, ou les deux.
  • les moyens de sélection de débit permettent à un utilisateur de sélectionner un débit de gaz souhaité parmi une pluralité de débits de gaz sélectionnables compris entre 0 L/Min et 30 L/min, de préférence entre 0.5 L/Min et 25 L/min.
  • les moyens de sélection de débit permettent de sélectionner un débit de gaz souhaité parmi de 5 à 30 débits de gaz différents, de préférence entre 8 et 25 débits de gaz différents, par exemple de 10 à 20 débits de gaz différents.
  • les moyens de sélection de débit permettent de sélectionner un débit de gaz souhaité parmi une pluralité de débits de gaz sélectionnables comprenant au moins une partie des valeurs de débit suivantes : 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 et 25 L/min.
  • il comprend des moyens de mémorisation, telle une mémoire flash ou autre, permettant de mémoriser la pluralité de valeurs de débit et/ou de pression.
  • les moyens de sélection de débit comprennent un sélecteur de débit rotatif qui est manipulable/actionnable par l'utilisateur.
  • le sélecteur de débit rotatif est de type volant rotatif.
  • les moyens de traitement de signal comprennent une carte électronique.
  • de préférence la carte électronique porte ledit au moins un microprocesseur, de préférence un microcontrôleur.
  • le microcontrôleur met en œuvre au moins un algorithme.
  • avantageusement, la carte électronique porte en outre ledit au moins un capteur de pression servant à mesurer la pression du gaz au sein du récipient.
  • avantageusement, la carte électronique comprend en outre ledit au moins un capteur de température servant à mesurer la température ambiante et/ou du gaz et à fournir au moins un signal de température.
  • le dispositif électronique comprend un capteur de température du gaz pour mesurer la température du gaz, c'est-à-dire configuré pour déterminer la température du gaz contenu dans le récipient de gaz sous pression.
  • le dispositif électronique comprend un capteur de température ambiante pour mesurer la température ambiante, c'est-à-dire configuré pour déterminer la température de l'environnement (i.e. air) situé autour du dispositif électronique ou dans le boitier dudit dispositif électronique.
  • le dispositif électronique comprend par ailleurs un capteur de position pour déterminer la position des moyens de sélection de débit, c'est-à-dire configuré pour déterminer le débit de gaz choisi par l'utilisateur à partir d'une détermination de la position angulaire d'un sélecteur rotatif, tel un volant rotatif.
  • le capteur de pression est couplé au capteur de température de gaz de manière à fournir au moins un signal de pression du gaz corrélé, associé ou correspondant à une température de gaz mesurée à l'instant de la mesure de pression.
  • le capteur de pression est associé à un capteur de température du gaz de manière à fournir aux moyens de traitement de signal, un signal de pression correspondant ou associé à une température de gaz mesurée.
  • les moyens de traitement de signal sont configurés pour déterminer une autonomie en gaz à partir dudit d'au moins un signal de pression fourni par le capteur de pression, d'au moins un signal de température de gaz fourni par le capteur de température de gaz, d'au moins un signal de température ambiante fourni par le capteur de température ambiante et d'au moins un débit de gaz correspondant à une position du sélecteur de débit.
  • le robinet de gaz comprend un corps de robinet traversé par un circuit de gaz, c'est-à-dire un ou plusieurs conduits de gaz.
  • le circuit de gaz relie fluidiquement le volume interne du récipient de gaz à la prise de sortie de gaz, i.e. raccord de sortie de gaz servant à fournir le gaz.
  • les moyens de détente de gaz sont agencés sur le circuit de gaz.
  • ledit au moins un capteur de pression est relié au circuit de gaz en amont desdits moyens de détente de gaz, c'est-à-dire dans la partie du circuit de gaz soumis à la haute pression de gaz car en communication fluidique avec le volume interne du récipient.
  • ledit au moins un capteur de pression est configuré pour mesurer la pression du gaz contenu dans le récipient via une prise de pression opérée sur le circuit de gaz dans la partie du circuit de gaz soumis à la haute pression de gaz.
  • le microprocesseur, typiquement un microcontrôleur, met en œuvre au moins un algorithme permettant de calculer une ou des autonomies en gaz à partir de signaux de mesure de pression, de température du gaz, de température ambiante et d'une ou plusieurs valeurs représentatives de la position du sélecteur de débit.
  • les moyens d'affichage de données comprennent un écran numérique, par exemple un écran à LED, à cristaux liquides (LCD), à segments ou autre.
  • le dispositif électronique comprend un boitier externe portant les moyens d'affichage de données, de préférence un écran encastré dans l'une des parois dudit boitier, typiquement la paroi supérieure dudit boitier externe.
  • les moyens d'affichage de données sont reliés électriquement aux moyens de traitement de signal.
  • le dispositif électronique comprend un boitier externe contenant les moyens de traitement de signal.
  • il comprend des moyens de fourniture de courant électrique reliés électriquement, directement ou indirectement, aux moyens de traitement de signal, à au moins un capteur et/ou aux moyens d'affichage pour les alimenter directement ou indirectement en courant électrique.
  • les moyens de fourniture de courant électrique comprennent une (ou plusieurs) pile ou batterie électrique, de préférence ayant une autonomie électrique d'au moins 2 ans, de préférence au moins 5 ans, idéalement environ 10 ans.
  • le boitier externe est en matériau rigide, de préférence en métal ou en polymère.
  • le boitier externe forme une carcasse protégeant les composants qui s'y trouvent, tel que les moyens de traitement de signal, le ou les capteurs, les moyens de fourniture de courant électrique...
  • les valeurs de débits de gaz affichées sont préférentiellement exprimées en L/min.
  • l'autonomie est exprimée préférentiellement en heures et minutes ou en minutes.
  • l'autonomie affichée pour chaque débit sélectionnable est une durée, i.e. temps d'utilisation estimé.
  • les valeurs d'autonomie en gaz et les valeurs de débit de gaz correspondantes sont affichées sous forme de couples de valeurs autonomie/débit.
  • le robinet de distribution de gaz est protégé par un capotage ou chapeau de protection formant une coque protectrice contre les chocs, les salissures...., de préférence en polymère ou en métal ou alliage métallique.
  • le capotage de protection comprend au moins une poignée de portage et/ou un système d'accrochage à un support, notamment à un barreau de lit d'hôpital ou analogue.
  • le dispositif électronique de mesure d'autonomie en gaz est fixé au robinet et le capotage de protection comprend au moins une ouverture dans laquelle est logé le dispositif électronique.
According to the embodiment considered, the gas container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:
  • the electronic device is configured to successively display the different flow rate/autonomy pairs, after successive presses on the selection member by the user, when it is in an inactive or passive state, that is to say when no gas flow does not exist.
  • the selection member is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means so that successive digital actuations by the user generate scrolling and display on the data display means of the different flow rate values (Q ) selectable and the various corresponding autonomy (A).
  • the data display means are configured to display an autonomy/throughput couple comprising a throughput value (Q) and a corresponding autonomy (A).
  • the selectable gas flow rates (Q) are between 0 L/min and 30 L/min, preferably between 0 and 25 L/min.
  • the selection member is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means so that the successive digital actuations of the user of the said selection member, generate a scrolling and a successive display of the flow rate/autonomy pairs in the order increasing flow rates. For example, for the following bitrate values, taken in ascending order of bitrates, i.e. 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L/min, the first torque displayed following the user's first digital actuation includes the first selectable flow rate (eg 0.5 L/min), the second torque displayed following the user's second digital actuation includes the second selectable flow rate (eg 1 L/min), the third torque displayed following the user's third digital actuation includes the third selectable flow rate (eg 2 L/min)... and so on until the last selectable flow rate (eg 25 L/min , here).
  • the signal processing means are configured so that, after display of the last flow rate/autonomy pair including the maximum selectable flow rate (ie last selectable flow rate), for example here the maximum flow rate of 25 L/min, an additional digital actuation of the user of the selection device generates a display, on the display means, again of the first flow rate/autonomy pair including the minimum selectable flow rate (eg 0.5 L/min), that is to say that the scrolling is operated in a loop.
  • the signal processing means are configured so that, after a suspension or a stoppage of the user's digital actuation of the activation member (eg button or the like) for a given duration, for example a longer duration or equal to 3 seconds, typically between 3 and 20 seconds, for example between 5 and 10 seconds, the display of the flow rate/autonomy pairs is reset so that any new digital actuation by the user of the organ of activation generates a display, on the display means, of the first flow rate/autonomy pair including the minimum selectable flow rate (eg 0.5 L/min).
  • the data display means comprises a display screen.
  • the electronic device comprises an external box carrying the data display means and containing the signal processing means.
  • the gas delivery valve further comprises a gas outlet fitting for delivering gas at the desired gas flow rate selected by said flow rate selection means.
  • the signal processing means comprise at least one microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller.
  • the digitally actuated selection member comprises a key, a selection button or the like.
  • the container is a bottle of pressurized gas, ie a gas bottle.
  • the container comprises a container body delimiting an internal volume or compartment containing a compressed gas or gaseous mixture, that is to say under pressure (> 1 atm).
  • the container body comprises an internal volume having a volume less than or equal to 50 L (water equivalent).
  • the container body has a cylindrical shape, preferably an ogive shape.
  • the container body includes a neck having an outlet in fluid communication with the internal volume.
  • the gas dispensing valve is attached to the neck of the container body.
  • the neck of the container body is made of metallic material(s), in particular steel or aluminum alloy, or of composite material(s).
  • the gas or gaseous mixture stored in the internal volume of the gas container is oxygen, air, an NO/N 2 mixture, a He/O 2 , O 2 /N 2 O mixture or any other gas, in particular any other medical gas.
  • the gas distribution valve comprises integrated gas expansion means, that is to say it is a valve with integrated regulator (RDI).
  • the gas expansion means comprise an expansion valve and a valve seat.
  • the gas or gaseous mixture is compressed to a pressure less than or equal to 350 bar abs, typically less than 300 bar abs.
  • the gas distribution valve is made of copper alloy, in particular brass, or steel, or both.
  • the flow rate selection means allow a user to select a desired gas flow rate from among a plurality of selectable gas flow rates comprised between 0 L/min and 30 L/min, preferably between 0.5 L/min and 25 L/min.
  • the flow rate selection means make it possible to select a desired gas flow rate from among 5 to 30 different gas flow rates, preferably between 8 and 25 different gas flow rates, for example from 10 to 20 different gas flow rates.
  • the flow rate selection means make it possible to select a desired gas flow rate from among a plurality of selectable gas flow rates comprising at minus part of the following flow values: 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L/min.
  • it comprises storage means, such as a flash memory or the like, making it possible to store the plurality of flow rate and/or pressure values.
  • the flow selection means comprise a rotary flow selector which can be manipulated/operated by the user.
  • the rotary flow selector is of the rotary wheel type.
  • the signal processing means comprise an electronic card.
  • preferably the electronic card carries said at least one microprocessor, preferably a microcontroller.
  • the microcontroller implements at least one algorithm.
  • advantageously, the electronic card also carries said at least one pressure sensor used to measure the pressure of the gas within the container.
  • advantageously, the electronic card further comprises said at least one temperature sensor serving to measure the ambient and/or gas temperature and to provide at least one temperature signal.
  • the electronic device comprises a gas temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas, that is to say configured to determine the temperature of the gas contained in the pressurized gas container.
  • the electronic device comprises an ambient temperature sensor for measuring the ambient temperature, that is to say configured to determine the temperature of the environment (ie air) located around the electronic device or in the casing of said electronic device.
  • the electronic device further comprises a position sensor for determining the position of the flow rate selection means, that is to say configured to determine the gas flow rate chosen by the user from a determination of the angular position a rotary selector, such as a rotary wheel.
  • the pressure sensor is coupled to the gas temperature sensor so as to supply at least one gas pressure signal correlated, associated with or corresponding to a gas temperature measured at the instant of the pressure measurement.
  • the pressure sensor is associated with a gas temperature sensor so as to provide the signal processing means with a pressure signal corresponding or associated with a measured gas temperature.
  • the signal processing means are configured to determine a gas autonomy from said at least one pressure signal supplied by the pressure sensor, at least one gas temperature signal supplied by the gas temperature sensor , at least one ambient temperature signal provided by the ambient temperature sensor and at least one gas flow corresponding to a position of the flow selector.
  • the gas valve comprises a valve body traversed by a gas circuit, that is to say one or more gas conduits.
  • the gas circuit fluidically connects the internal volume of the gas container to the gas outlet socket, ie the gas outlet connector serving to supply the gas.
  • the gas expansion means are arranged on the gas circuit.
  • said at least one pressure sensor is connected to the gas circuit upstream of said gas expansion means, that is to say in the part of the gas circuit subjected to the high gas pressure because it is in fluid communication with the volume inside the container.
  • said at least one pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of the gas contained in the container via a pressure tap operated on the gas circuit in the part of the gas circuit subjected to the high gas pressure.
  • the microprocessor, typically a microcontroller, implements at least one algorithm making it possible to calculate one or more gas autonomy from pressure measurement signals, gas temperature, ambient temperature and one or more values representative of the flow selector position.
  • the data display means comprise a digital screen, for example an LED, liquid crystal (LCD), segment or other screen.
  • the electronic device comprises an external casing carrying the data display means, preferably a screen embedded in one of the walls of said casing, typically the upper wall of said external casing.
  • the data display means are electrically connected to the signal processing means.
  • the electronic device comprises an external box containing the signal processing means.
  • it comprises means for supplying electric current electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the signal processing means, to at least one sensor and/or to the display means in order to supply them directly or indirectly with electric current.
  • the means for supplying electric current comprise one (or more) cell or electric battery, preferably having an electric autonomy of at least 2 years, preferably at least 5 years, ideally about 10 years.
  • the outer casing is made of rigid material, preferably metal or polymer.
  • the external box forms a casing protecting the components located there, such as the signal processing means, the sensor(s), the means for supplying electric current, etc.
  • the gas flow rate values displayed are preferably expressed in L/min.
  • the autonomy is preferably expressed in hours and minutes or in minutes.
  • the autonomy displayed for each selectable rate is a duration, ie estimated time of use.
  • the gas autonomy values and the corresponding gas flow values are displayed in the form of pairs of autonomy/flow values.
  • the gas distribution valve is protected by a cowling or protective cap forming a protective shell against shocks, dirt, etc., preferably made of polymer or metal or metal alloy.
  • the protective cover comprises at least one carrying handle and/or a system for attaching to a support, in particular to a bar of a hospital bed or the like.
  • the electronic device for measuring gas autonomy is fixed to the valve and the protective cover comprises at least one opening in which the electronic device is housed.

L'invention concerne aussi une utilisation du récipient de gaz selon l'invention, typiquement une bouteille de gaz, pour stocker ou distribuer du gaz, en particulier des gaz médicaux, tel que de l'oxygène, de l'air, un mélange NO/N2, un mélange He/O2, O2/N2O ou autre.The invention also relates to a use of the gas container according to the invention, typically a gas cylinder, for storing or distributing gas, in particular medical gases, such as oxygen, air, an NO mixture /N 2 , a He/O 2 , O 2 /N 2 O or other mixture.

Par ailleurs, l'invention concerne aussi un ensemble de ventilation de patient comprenant un récipient de gaz, telle une bouteille de gaz, selon l'invention, une interface respiratoire pour fournir du gaz à un patient, et un conduit flexible reliant ledit récipient à ladite interface respiratoire. De préférence, l'interface respiratoire est un masque respiratoire ou analogue.Furthermore, the invention also relates to a patient ventilation assembly comprising a gas container, such as a gas cylinder, according to the invention, a respiratory interface for supplying gas to a patient, and a flexible conduit connecting said container to said respiratory interface. Preferably, the breathing interface is a breathing mask or the like.

L'invention va maintenant être mieux comprise grâce à la description détaillée suivante, faite à titre illustratif mais non limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :

  • Fig. 1 schématise un mode de réalisation d'un récipient de gaz selon l'invention,
  • Fig. 2 illustre l'affichage d'un premier couple autonomie/débit de gaz selon l'invention, et
  • Fig. 3 illustre l'affichage d'un second couple autonomie/débit de gaz selon l'invention.
The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the appended figures, among which:
  • Fig. 1 schematizes an embodiment of a gas container according to the invention,
  • Fig. 2 illustrates the display of a first autonomy/gas flow pair according to the invention, and
  • Fig. 3 illustrates the display of a second autonomy/gas flow pair according to the invention.

Fig. 1 schématise un mode de réalisation d'un récipient de gaz 1 selon l'invention, à savoir ici une bouteille ou bonbonne de gaz à corps cylindrique en acier ou alliage d'aluminium, équipé d'un robinet de distribution de gaz 2, aussi appelé vanne, sur lequel est monté un dispositif électronique 3 d'affichage de l'autonomie et du débit de gaz comprenant des moyens d'affichage 34 de données, par exemple un écran numérique 4, par exemple de type LCD à segments. Fig. 1 schematizes an embodiment of a gas container 1 according to the invention, namely here a cylinder or cylinder of gas with a cylindrical body made of steel or aluminum alloy, equipped with a gas distribution valve 2, also called valve, on which is mounted an electronic device 3 for displaying the autonomy and the gas flow comprising means 34 for displaying data, for example a digital screen 4, for example of the segment LCD type.

Le robinet de distribution de gaz 2 comprend un corps en laiton par exemple, qui est traversé par un circuit interne de gaz, c'est-à-dire un ou plusieurs passages, conduits ou canaux de gaz, en communication fluidique avec le volume interne 10 du récipient de gaz 1.The gas distribution valve 2 comprises a brass body for example, which is crossed by an internal gas circuit, that is to say one or more passages, ducts or gas channels, in fluid communication with the internal volume 10 of gas container 1.

Le robinet de distribution de gaz 2 comprend des moyens de sélection de débit 5, à savoir ici un volant rotatif ou analogue, permettant à un utilisateur, tel qu'un personnel soignant, de sélectionner un débit de gaz souhaité parmi une pluralité de débits de gaz sélectionnables, de préférence une douzaine de débits possibles compris entre 0 et 25 L/min, par exemple les débits suivants : 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 et 25 L/min. Le débit de gaz est fourni à l'utilisateur par une prise ou raccord de sortie de gaz 6, c'est-à-dire un embout ou analogue.The gas distribution valve 2 comprises flow selection means 5, namely here a rotary wheel or the like, allowing a user, such as a nursing staff, to select a desired gas flow from among a plurality of selectable gases, preferably a dozen possible flow rates between 0 and 25 L/min, for example the following flow rates: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L/min. The gas flow is supplied to the user by a gas outlet socket or connector 6, that is to say a nozzle or the like.

Il peut aussi être prévu une seconde prise de sortie de gaz 8, dite prise crantée, permettant le raccordement fluidique spécifique d'un appareil de ventilation ou analogue par exemple.There can also be provided a second gas outlet socket 8, called a notched socket, allowing the specific fluidic connection of a ventilation device or the like for example.

Par ailleurs, le robinet 2 de distribution de gaz comprend aussi des moyens de détente 7 de gaz intégrés, c'est-à-dire qu'il s'agit d'un robinet 2 à détendeur intégré (RDI), permettant d'opérer une réduction de la pression du gaz depuis la pression à laquelle il se trouve dans le volume ou compartiment interne 10 du récipient de gaz 1, appelée haute pression, typiquement une pression pouvant atteindre 350 bar abs, jusqu'à sa pression d'utilisation, appelée basse pression, qui est en générale inférieure à 10 bar abs, par exemple de l'ordre de 4 bars abs ou moins.Furthermore, the gas distribution valve 2 also comprises integrated gas expansion means 7, that is to say it is a valve 2 with an integrated pressure regulator (RDI), making it possible to operate a reduction in the pressure of the gas from the pressure at which it is in the internal volume or compartment 10 of the gas container 1, called high pressure, typically a pressure that can reach 350 bar abs, down to its operating pressure, called low pressure, which is generally less than 10 bar abs, for example of the order of 4 bar abs or less.

Les moyens de détente de gaz 7 comprennent habituellement un clapet de détente et un siège de clapet (non montrés) coopérant l'un avec l'autre pour réduire la pression du gaz.The gas expansion means 7 usually comprises an expansion valve and a valve seat (not shown) cooperating with each other to reduce the gas pressure.

Les moyens de détente de gaz 7 sont agencés sur le circuit interne de gaz, c'est-à-dire un ou plusieurs passages, conduits ou canaux de gaz, traversant le corps du robinet 2 et mettant en communication fluidique le volume interne 10 du récipient de gaz 1 et la prise de sortie de gaz 6 servant à délivrer le gaz au débit de gaz souhaité sélectionné par l'utilisateur par actionnement des moyens de sélection de débit 5.The gas expansion means 7 are arranged on the internal gas circuit, that is to say one or more passages, ducts or gas channels, passing through the body of the valve 2 and putting the internal volume 10 of the gas container 1 and the gas outlet socket 6 serving to deliver the gas at the desired gas flow selected by the user by actuating the flow selection means 5.

La partie du circuit de gaz située en amont des moyens de détente de gaz 7 est soumise à la haute pression, c'est-à-dire à la pression régnant dans le volume interne 10 du récipient 1, alors que celle située en aval des moyens de détente de gaz 7 est soumise à la basse pression, c'est-à-dire à la pression du gaz après détente.The part of the gas circuit located upstream of the gas expansion means 7 is subjected to the high pressure, that is to say the pressure prevailing in the internal volume 10 of the container 1, while that located downstream of the gas expansion means 7 is subjected to the low pressure, that is to say the pressure of the gas after expansion.

Le dispositif électronique 3 comprend quant à lui un capteur de pression 31 servant à mesurer la pression du gaz au sein du récipient 1 et fournir au moins un signal de pression, et des moyens de traitement de signal 32, telle une carte électronique à microcontrôleur, pour déterminer au moins une autonomie en gaz à partir du des signaux de pression fournis par le capteur de pression 31 et d'au moins un débit de gaz, et préférentiellement d'une température mesurée par un capteur de température 33 agencé de manière à mesurer la température ambiante, c'est-à-dire de l'environnement alentour du dispositif 3, et/ou une température interne au dispositif 3. En effet, la température à l'intérieur du dispositif 3 correspond à la température ambiante et ses variations reflètent les variations de la température ambiante, i.e. de l'air ambiant.The electronic device 3 for its part comprises a pressure sensor 31 used to measure the pressure of the gas within the container 1 and supply at least one pressure signal, and signal processing means 32, such as an electronic card with a microcontroller, to determine at least one gas autonomy from the pressure signals supplied by the pressure sensor 31 and from at least one gas flow, and preferably from a temperature measured by a temperature sensor 33 arranged so as to measure ambient temperature, i.e. of the environment around the device 3, and/or an internal temperature of the device 3. Indeed, the temperature inside the device 3 corresponds to the ambient temperature and its variations reflect the variations of the ambient temperature, ie of the 'ambiant air.

Préférentiellement, le capteur de pression 31 est couplé au capteur de température de gaz de manière à fournir au moins un signal de pression du gaz corrélé, associé ou correspondant à une température de gaz mesurée à l'instant de la mesure de pression.Preferably, the pressure sensor 31 is coupled to the gas temperature sensor so as to supply at least one gas pressure signal correlated, associated with or corresponding to a gas temperature measured at the instant of the pressure measurement.

Le dispositif électronique 3 comprend aussi un capteur de position pour déterminer la position des moyens de sélection de débit 5, typiquement un sélecteur rotatif, c'est-à-dire que le capteur de position est configuré pour déterminer le débit de gaz choisi par l'utilisateur à partir d'une détermination de la position angulaire du sélecteur rotatif, tel un volant rotatif.The electronic device 3 also comprises a position sensor to determine the position of the flow selection means 5, typically a rotary selector, that is to say the position sensor is configured to determine the gas flow chosen by the user from a determination of the angular position of the rotary selector, such as a rotary wheel.

Le capteur de pression 31 est préférentiellement relié à la partie du circuit de gaz du corps de robinet qui est située en amont des moyens de détente de gaz 7, laquelle est soumise à la haute pression gazeuse. De préférence, le capteur de pression 31 comprend ou est associé à un capteur de température du gaz intégré permettant de fournir un signal de pression relatif à la température du gaz mesurée à l'instant de la mesure de pression.The pressure sensor 31 is preferably connected to the part of the gas circuit of the valve body which is located upstream of the gas expansion means 7, which is subjected to the high gas pressure. Preferably, the pressure sensor 31 comprises or is associated with an integrated gas temperature sensor making it possible to supply a pressure signal relating to the temperature of the gas measured at the moment of the pressure measurement.

De préférence, le capteur de pression 31 et les moyens de traitement de signal 32, telle une carte électronique à microcontrôleur, sont agencés dans un boitier rigide 30, par exemple en polymère ou en métal.Preferably, the pressure sensor 31 and the signal processing means 32, such as an electronic card with a microcontroller, are arranged in a rigid casing 30, for example made of polymer or metal.

Sont également prévus des moyens d'affichage de données 34, tel un écran numérique 4, permettant d'afficher des informations utiles à l'utilisateur, en particulier l'autonomie en gaz calculée par les moyens de traitement de signal 32 et le débit de gaz correspondant, comme expliqué ci-après.Data display means 34 are also provided, such as a digital screen 4, making it possible to display useful information for the user, in particular the gas autonomy calculated by the signal processing means 32 and the flow rate of corresponding gas, as explained below.

L'écran numérique 4 est porté par le boitier rigide 30. Il est prévu en outre des moyens de fourniture de courant électrique reliés électriquement, directement ou indirectement, aux différents composants requérant de l'électricité pour fonctionner, notamment aux moyens de traitement de signal 32, aux capteur 31, 33, aux moyens d'affichage 34 du boitier rigide 30 de manière à les alimenter directement ou indirectement en courant électrique et ainsi permettre leur fonctionnement. Avantageusement, les moyens de fourniture de courant électrique comprennent une pile électrique ayant avantageusement une autonomie électrique d'au moins 5 ans, idéalement d'environ 10 ans.The digital screen 4 is carried by the rigid casing 30. There are also provided means for supplying electric current electrically connected, directly or indirectly, to the various components requiring electricity to operate, in particular to the signal processing means. 32, to the sensor 31, 33, to the display means 34 of the rigid box 30 so as to supply them directly or indirectly with electric current and thus allow their operation. Advantageously, the means for supplying electric current comprise a electric battery advantageously having an electric autonomy of at least 5 years, ideally about 10 years.

Les moyens de traitement de signal 32 sont configurés pour déterminer des autonomies en gaz à partir du signal de pression fourni par le capteur de pression 31 et de la pluralité de débits de gaz sélectionnables, et préférentiellement aussi des températures mesurées, par exemple température ambiante et/ou du gaz.The signal processing means 32 are configured to determine gas autonomies from the pressure signal supplied by the pressure sensor 31 and from the plurality of selectable gas flow rates, and preferably also from the measured temperatures, for example ambient temperature and /or gas.

Dit autrement, les moyens de traitement de signal 32 déterminent des couples débits/autonomies à partir au moins du signal de pression et des différents débits possibles, de préférence compris entre 0 et 25 L/min, par exemple les débits suivants : 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 et 25 L/min. A chaque débit correspond une autonomie donnée, calculée à partir dudit débit et de la pression de gaz mesurée, voire d'un ou d'autres paramètres (i.e. températures...).In other words, the signal processing means 32 determine flow rate/autonomy pairs from at least the pressure signal and the various possible flow rates, preferably between 0 and 25 L/min, for example the following flow rates: 0.5, 1 , 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L/min. Each flow corresponds to a given autonomy, calculated from said flow and the measured gas pressure, or even one or more parameters (i.e. temperatures, etc.).

Selon la présente invention, il est aussi prévu un organe de sélection 9 à actionnement digital activable par un utilisateur, tel un bouton ou une touche. Cet organe de sélection 9 est préférentiellement agencé à côté de l'écran 4 des moyens d'affichage de données 34, comme illustré sur Fig. 1 à Fig. 3.According to the present invention, there is also provided a selection member 9 with digital actuation that can be activated by a user, such as a button or a key. This selection member 9 is preferably arranged next to the screen 4 of the data display means 34, as illustrated in Fig. 1 to Figs. 3 .

Plus précisément, l'organe de sélection 9, c'est-à-dire un bouton ou analogue, est configuré pour coopérer avec les moyens de traitement de signal 32 et les moyens d'affichage de données 34 pour afficher successivement, c'est-à-dire faire défiler, en réponse à des actionnements digitaux successifs de l'utilisateur de l'organe de sélection 9, les différentes valeurs de débit sélectionnables et les différentes autonomies correspondantes, chaque valeur de débit étant affichée simultanément à une autonomie correspondante déterminée pour ladite valeur de débit considérée, c'est-à-dire que l'écran 4 affiche successivement des couples autonomie/débit, comme illustré sur Fig. 2 et Fig. 3.More specifically, the selection member 9, that is to say a button or the like, is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means 32 and the data display means 34 to display successively, that is that is to say scrolling, in response to successive digital actuations by the user of the selection member 9, the different selectable flowrate values and the different corresponding autonomy, each flowrate value being displayed simultaneously at a determined corresponding autonomy for said flow value considered, that is to say that the screen 4 successively displays range/flow pairs, as illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .

En d'autres termes, les moyens de traitement de signal 32 permettent d'estimer l'autonomie en gaz, i.e. durée d'utilisation possible du récipient 1, pour chaque débit sélectionnable par les moyens de sélection de débit 5 et la pression du gaz mesurée. Ces couples comprenant une autonomie estimée et un débit de gaz correspondant sont alors affichés successivement sur l'écran 4 lorsque l'utilisateur appuie à plusieurs reprises sur l'organe de sélection 9, i.e. un bouton ou analogue, c'est-à-dire lorsque l'utilisateur commande un défilement des différents couples autonomie/débit obtenus pour la pression de gaz mesurée, voire d'autres données, tel une ou des températures.In other words, the signal processing means 32 make it possible to estimate the gas autonomy, ie the possible duration of use of the container 1, for each flow rate selectable by the flow rate selection means 5 and the gas pressure measured. These pairs comprising an estimated autonomy and a corresponding gas flow are then displayed successively on the screen 4 when the user presses several times on the selection member 9, ie a button or the like, that is to say when the user commands a scrolling of the various autonomy/flow pairs obtained for the measured gas pressure, or even other data, such as one or more temperatures.

Pour ce faire, les moyens de traitement de signal 32 comprennent une carte électronique à microprocesseur(s) recevant des signaux de mesure du capteur de pression 31 et du capteur de température du gaz qui lui est associé, et du capteur de température 33 de température ambiante ou équivalente, lorsque le récipient 1 est utilisé. Ces signaux de mesure de pression et de température sont traités par un ou plusieurs algorithmes mis en œuvre par le ou les microprocesseurs de la carte électronique.To do this, the signal processing means 32 comprise an electronic card with microprocessor(s) receiving measurement signals from the pressure sensor 31 and from the gas temperature sensor associated with it, and from the temperature sensor 33 of temperature ambient or equivalent, when container 1 is used. These pressure and temperature measurement signals are processed by one or more algorithms implemented by the microprocessor(s) of the electronic card.

L'autonomie en gaz est exprimée en temps d'utilisation possible, typiquement en heures et minutes ou simplement en minutes.The gas autonomy is expressed in time of possible use, typically in hours and minutes or simply in minutes.

D'une façon générale, l'autonomie en gaz (A) déterminée et la valeur de débit de gaz (Q) correspondante sont affichées en couple, comme illustré sur les Fig. 2 et Fig. 3.In general, the determined gas autonomy (A) and the corresponding gas flow rate value (Q) are displayed as a couple, as illustrated on the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .

En d'autres termes, en appuyant plusieurs fois de suite sur le bouton 9, l'utilisateur obtient un affichage sur l'écran 4, successivement de toutes les valeurs d'autonomie (A) possibles associées à tous les débits (Q) de gaz correspondants qui défilent en couples autonomie/débit sur l'écran 4 suite aux actionnements digitaux, i.e. appuis successifs, du bouton 9 par l'utilisateur.In other words, by pressing button 9 several times in succession, the user obtains a display on the screen 4, successively of all the possible autonomy values (A) associated with all the flow rates (Q) of corresponding gases which scroll in autonomy/flow pairs on the screen 4 following digital actuations, i.e. successive presses, of button 9 by the user.

Ainsi, le personnel désirant utiliser une bouteille de gaz 1, est en mesure de choisir la bouteille qui lui convient le mieux, sans faire de calcul, ni de manipulations compliquées mais en faisant simplement défiler les différents couples autonomie/débit correspondant à la pression de gaz mesurée.Thus, the staff wishing to use a gas bottle 1, is able to choose the bottle that suits them best, without making any calculations or complicated manipulations, but simply by scrolling through the different autonomy/flow pairs corresponding to the pressure of measured gas.

Dans le mode de réalisation des Fig. 2 et Fig. 3, le débit et l'autonomie sont affichés l'un au-dessus de l'autre sur l'écran 4 ; toutefois, ils pourraient aussi être affichés l'un à côté de l'autre, ou autre.In the embodiment of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 , the flow rate and the autonomy are displayed one above the other on the screen 4; however, they could also be displayed next to each other, or otherwise.

De préférence, les couples débit/autonomie sont affichés successivement en en prenant les débits dans leur ordre croissant, c'est-à-dire qu'on affiche d'abord le débit le plus faible, par exemple 0,5 L/Min, puis les autres débits, de manière croissante, lors des différents actionnements du bouton 9 par l'utilisateur, par exemple 1, puis 2, puis 3, .... et enfin 25 L/min, en reprenant l'exemple donné ci-dessus.Preferably, the flow rate/autonomy pairs are displayed successively by taking the flow rates in their ascending order, that is to say that the lowest flow rate is displayed first, for example 0.5 L/Min, then the other flow rates, in an increasing manner, during the various activations of the button 9 by the user, for example 1, then 2, then 3, .... and finally 25 L/min, taking up the example given below above.

Préférentiellement, lorsque l'utilisateur arrête d'appuyer sur le bouton 9, le défilement se réinitialise après un délai donné, par exemple après quelques secondes, par exemple après 3 secondes à 10 secondes. Un nouvel appui sur le bouton 9, après ce délai donné, affichera à nouveau le couple débit/autonomie pour le débit le plus faible sélectionnable.Preferably, when the user stops pressing the button 9, the scrolling is reset after a given delay, for example after a few seconds, for example after 3 seconds to 10 seconds. Pressing button 9 again, after this given time, will again display the flow rate/autonomy pair for the lowest selectable flow rate.

Les autonomies (A) de gaz par rapport aux débits (Q) possibles peuvent être calculées de la façon suivante à partir de la pression du gaz dans le récipient 1 mesurée par le capteur de pression 31. Cette pression peut être interprété comme un volume de gaz disponible grâce à la loi de Gay Lussac : P atm V gaz = P gaz V cyl

Figure imgb0001
où :

  • Patm désigne la pression atmosphérique (i.e. 1 bar abs = 1 atm)
  • Vgaz désigne le volume de gaz disponible
  • Pgaz désigne la pression du gaz dans le récipient, i.e. pression haute
  • Vcyl désigne le volume interne du récipient de gaz
The gas autonomies (A) in relation to the possible flow rates (Q) can be calculated as follows from the gas pressure in the container 1 measured by the pressure sensor 31. This pressure can be interpreted as a volume of gas available thanks to Gay Lussac's law: P ATM V gas = P gas V cylinder
Figure imgb0001
 where :
  • P atm designates the atmospheric pressure (ie 1 bar abs = 1 atm)
  • V gas designates the volume of gas available
  • P gas designates the gas pressure in the container, ie high pressure
  • V cyl denotes the internal volume of the gas container

Le volume de gaz disponible est alors : V gaz = P gaz V cyl P atm

Figure imgb0002
The volume of gas available is then: V gas = P gas V cylinder P ATM
Figure imgb0002

Pgaz est calculé à partir des mesures directes opérées par le capteur de pression 31 et le capteur de température 33, qui permettent d'estimer une valeur de pression du gaz. P gas is calculated from the direct measurements made by the pressure sensor 31 and the temperature sensor 33, which make it possible to estimate a gas pressure value.

Pour chaque débit Q, on peut alors calculer une autonomie A en gaz correspondante, comme illustré dans le Tableau 1 pour les 12 débits (Q) susmentionnés. Tableau 1 Débits sélectionnables (Q) Autonomie (A) selon le volume de gaz disponible dans le récipient 0.5 L/min Autonomie 0.5 L / min = V gaz 0.5 L / min

Figure imgb0003
1 L/min Autonomie 1 L / min = V gaz 1 L / min
Figure imgb0004
 2 L/min Autonomie 2 L / min = V gaz 2 L / min
Figure imgb0005
 3 L/min Autonomie 3 L / min = V gaz 3 L / min
Figure imgb0006
 5 L/min Autonomie 5 L / min = V gaz 5 L / min
Figure imgb0007
 8 L/min Autonomie 8 L / min = V gaz 8 L / min
Figure imgb0008
 10 L/min Autonomie 10 L / min = V gaz 10 L / min
Figure imgb0009
 12 L/min Autonomie 12 L / min = V gaz 12 L / min
Figure imgb0010
 15 L/min Autonomie 15 L / min = V gaz 15 L / min
Figure imgb0011
 20 L/min Autonomie 20 L / min = V gaz 20 L / min
Figure imgb0012
 22 L/min Autonomie 22 L / min = V gaz 22 L / min
Figure imgb0013
 25 L/min Autonomie 25 L / min = V gaz 25 L / min
Figure imgb0014
 For each flow rate Q, a corresponding gas autonomy A can then be calculated, as illustrated in Table 1 for the 12 flow rates (Q) mentioned above. Table 1 Selectable flow rates (Q) Autonomy (A) according to the volume of gas available in the container 0.5L/min Autonomy 0.5 L / min = V gas 0.5 L / min
Figure imgb0003
 1L/min Autonomy 1 L / min = V gas 1 L / min
Figure imgb0004
 2L/min Autonomy 2 L / min = V gas 2 L / min
Figure imgb0005
 3L/min Autonomy 3 L / min = V gas 3 L / min
Figure imgb0006
 5L/min Autonomy 5 L / min = V gas 5 L / min
Figure imgb0007
 8 L/min Autonomy 8 L / min = V gas 8 L / min
Figure imgb0008
 10L/min Autonomy 10 L / min = V gas 10 L / min
Figure imgb0009
 12 L/min Autonomy 12 L / min = V gas 12 L / min
Figure imgb0010
 15L/min Autonomy 15 L / min = V gas 15 L / min
Figure imgb0011
 20L/min Autonomy 20 L / min = V gas 20 L / min
Figure imgb0012
 22 L/min Autonomy 22 L / min = V gas 22 L / min
Figure imgb0013
 25L/min Autonomy 25 L / min = V gas 25 L / min
Figure imgb0014

ExempleExample

Un patient donné a besoin d'une prescription de 2 L/min d'oxygène pendant 30 minutes.A given patient needs a prescription of 2 L/min of oxygen for 30 minutes.

Un utilisateur, i.e. personnel soignant, doit dès lors lui fournir ce gaz selon la prescription médicale convenant à ce patient. Pour ce faire, il dispose de deux bouteilles 1 de gaz comprenant des quantités différentes d'oxygène, à savoir 200 L pour l'une et 1000 L pour l'autre, mais des pressions de gaz différentes. Par exemple, dans le cas d'une bouteille :

  • de type B10 (i.e. de contenance de 10L en équivalent eau), 200 L de gaz correspondent à une pression de l'ordre de 20 bar ab, alors que 1000 L de gaz correspondent à une pression de l'ordre de 100 bar ab.
  • de type B5 (i.e. de contenance de 5L en équivalent eau), 200 L de gaz correspondent à une pression de l'ordre de 40 bar ab, alors que 1000 L de gaz correspondent à une pression de l'ordre de 200 bar ab.
A user, ie nursing staff, must therefore provide him with this gas according to the medical prescription suitable for this patient. To do this, it has two cylinders 1 of gas comprising different quantities of oxygen, namely 200 L for one and 1000 L for the other, but different gas pressures. For example, in the case of a bottle:
  • of type B10 (ie with a capacity of 10L in water equivalent), 200 L of gas correspond to a pressure of the order of 20 bar ab, whereas 1000 L of gas correspond to a pressure of the order of 100 bar ab.
  • of type B5 (ie with a capacity of 5L in water equivalent), 200 L of gas correspond to a pressure of the order of 40 bar ab, whereas 1000 L of gas correspond to a pressure of the order of 200 bar ab.

Chaque bouteille 1 est équipée d'un dispositif électronique 3 de mesure d'autonomie en gaz comprenant un écran 4 d'affichage selon l'invention, comme schématisé en Fig. 1.Each cylinder 1 is equipped with an electronic device 3 for measuring gas autonomy comprising a display screen 4 according to the invention, as shown schematically in Fig. 1 .

Dans cet état passif, l'utilisateur voit, pour faire son choix, soit la quantité de gaz disponible en litres, soit la pression du gaz, selon le cas, qui s'affiche sur le dispositif électronique 3 de chaque bouteille de gaz 1. Dans un autre mode de réalisation, on peut prévoir d'afficher les deux, i.e. quantité (en L) et pression (en bar).In this passive state, the user sees, to make his choice, either the quantity of gas available in liters, or the gas pressure, as the case may be, which is displayed on the electronic device 3 of each gas bottle 1. In another embodiment, it is possible to display both, i.e. quantity (in L) and pressure (in bar).

Toutefois, dans un cas comme dans l'autre, l'utilisateur, tel un personnel soignant, ne peut savoir combien de temps et à quel débit chaque bouteille 1 peut être utilisée.However, in one case as in the other, the user, such as nursing staff, cannot know how long and at what rate each bottle 1 can be used.

Grâce au dispositif électronique équipant les bouteilles de gaz 1 selon la présente invention, l'utilisateur peut facilement savoir si quelle bouteille peut être utilisée combien de temps et à quel débit en appuyant simplement plusieurs fois de suite sur le bouton 9 pour faire défiler les différents couples débit/autonomie, lesquels s'affichent alors, les uns après les autres, sur l'écran 4 du dispositif électronique 3, comme schématisé en Fig. 2 et Fig. 3.Thanks to the electronic device fitted to the gas bottles 1 according to the present invention, the user can easily know if which bottle can be used for how long and at what rate by simply pressing the button 9 several times in succession to scroll through the different throughput/autonomy pairs, which are then displayed, one after the other, on the screen 4 of the electronic device 3, as shown schematically in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 .

Ainsi, les couples débit/autonomies que l'utilisateur peut faire défiler en activant le bouton 9 et qui s'y affichent alors successivement sur l'écran 4 de chaque bouteille de gaz 1 sont par exemple ceux donnés dans le Tableau 2 ci-après. Tableau 2 Couples débit/autonomie s'affichant sur l'écran de la bouteille avec 1000L Couples débit/autonomie s'affichant sur l'écran de la bouteille avec 200L 0,5 L/min 2000 min 0,5 L/min 400 min 1 L/min 1000 min 1 L/min 200 min 2 L/min 500 min 2 L/min 100 min 3 L/min 333 min 3 Umin 67 min 5 L/min 200 min 5 L/min 40 min 8 L/min 125 min 8 L/min 25 min 10 L/min 100 min 10 L/min 20 min 12 L/min 83 min 12 L/min 17 min 15 L/min 67 min 15 L/min 13 min 20 L/min 50 min 20 L/min 10 min 22 L/min 45 min 22 L/min 9 min 25 L/min 40 min 25 L/min 8 min Thus, the flow rate/autonomy pairs that the user can scroll through by activating button 9 and which are then displayed there successively on the screen 4 of each gas cylinder 1 are for example those given in Table 2 below. . Table 2 Flow rate/autonomy pairs displayed on the cylinder screen with 1000L Flow rate/autonomy pairs displayed on the cylinder screen with 200L 0.5L/min 2000 mins 0.5L/min 400 mins 1L/min 1000 mins 1L/min 200 mins 2L/min 500 mins 2L/min 100 mins 3L/min 333 mins 3 Umin 67 mins 5L/min 200 mins 5L/min 40 mins 8 L/min 125 mins 8 L/min 25 mins 10L/min 100 mins 10L/min 20 mins 12 L/min 83 mins 12 L/min 17 mins 15L/min 67 mins 15L/min 13 mins 20L/min 50 mins 20L/min 10 minutes 22 L/min 45 mins 22 L/min 9 mins 25L/min 40 mins 25L/min 8 mins

Dans Tableau 2, les durées sont affichées en minutes. Cependant, ces durées peuvent être également affichées en heures et en minutes.In Table 2, times are displayed in minutes. However, these times can also be displayed in hours and minutes.

Ainsi, l'utilisateur peut connaître rapidement et immédiatement l'autonomie de chaque récipient de gaz, i.e. chaque bouteille de gaz médical 1, pour les différents débits de gaz possibles, et ce, sans qu'il n'ait à réaliser le moindre calcul et/ou à manipuler le sélecteur de débit de gaz pour sélectionner les différents débits qui l'intéressent parmi la pluralité de débits possibles.Thus, the user can quickly and immediately know the autonomy of each gas container, i.e. each bottle of medical gas 1, for the various possible gas flow rates, and this, without having to perform any calculation and/or manipulating the gas flow rate selector to select the various flow rates of interest from among the plurality of possible flow rates.

Il peut alors décider quelle bouteille 1 utiliser pour traiter le patient considéré, notamment en fonction de la prescription à appliquer.He can then decide which bottle 1 to use to treat the patient in question, in particular according to the prescription to be applied.

Le récipient de gaz sous pression, en particulier une bouteille de gaz, selon l'invention est particulièrement adapté à une utilisation pour stocker et/ou distribuer du gaz de qualité médicale, à savoir un gaz pur ou un mélange gazeux.The pressurized gas container, in particular a gas cylinder, according to the invention is particularly suitable for use for storing and/or distributing medical grade gas, namely a pure gas or a gas mixture.

Claims (10)

  1. Gas container (1) equipped with a gas distribution valve (2) comprising an electronic device (3) for measuring gas autonomy, wherein:
    - the gas distribution valve (2) comprises flow selection means (5) allowing a user to select a desired gas flow from among a plurality of selectable gas flows; and
    - the electronic device (3) comprises:
    ▪ at least one pressure sensor (31) configured to measure the pressure of the gas contained in the container (1) and to provide at least one pressure signal;
    ▪ signal processing means (32) configured to determine a plurality of gas autonomies at least on the basis of the pressure signal provided by said at least one pressure sensor (31) and the plurality of selectable gas flows;
    ▪ data display means (34) configured to display an autonomy and a corresponding flow value; and
    ▪ a finger-activated selection component (9) that can be activated by a user;
    characterized in that the selection component (9) is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means (32) in order to successively display, on the data display means (34) and in response to successive finger activations by the user of the selection component (9), the various selectable flow values (Q) and the various corresponding autonomies (A), each flow value (Q) being simultaneously displayed with a determined corresponding autonomy (A) for said considered flow value.
  2. Gas container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the selection component (9) is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means (32) so that successive digital activations by the user result in the various selectable flow values (Q) and the various corresponding autonomies (A) being scrolled through and displayed on the data display means (34), preferably, the data display means (34) are configured to display an autonomy/flow pair comprising a flow value (Q) and a corresponding autonomy (A).
  3. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selectable gas flows (Q) range between 0 L/min and 30 L/min, preferably between 0 and 25 L/min.
  4. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (3) further comprises:
    - a gas temperature sensor for measuring the gas temperature;
    - an ambient temperature sensor (33) for measuring the ambient temperature; and/or
    - a position sensor for determining the position of the flow selection means (5).
  5. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data display means (34) comprise a display screen (4).
  6. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the selection component (9) is configured to cooperate with the signal processing means (32) so that the successive finger activations by the user of said selection component (9) result in the flow/autonomy pairs being successively scrolled through and displayed in the increasing order of the flows.
  7. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal processing means (32) are configured so that, only after displaying the last flow/autonomy pair including the maximum selectable flow, an additional digital activation by the user of the selection component (9) results in the display means (34) redisplaying the first flow/autonomy pair including the minimum selectable flow.
  8. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal processing means (32) are configured so that, only after suspending or stopping the digital activation by the user of the activation component (9) for a given duration, the display of the flow/autonomy pairs is reset so that any new digital activation by the user of the activation component (9) results in the display means (34) displaying the first flow/autonomy pair including the minimum selectable flow.
  9. Gas container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the finger -activated selection component (9) comprises a key or a selection button.
  10. Use of the gas container (1) according to one of the preceding claims for storing or distributing gas, preferably the container is a gas cylinder.
EP21150011.1A 2020-01-14 2021-01-04 Container for gas with display of flow rate and corresponding autonomy Active EP3851732B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR2000287A FR3106189B1 (en) 2020-01-14 2020-01-14 Gas container with display of the flow rate and the corresponding autonomy

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3851732A1 EP3851732A1 (en) 2021-07-21
EP3851732B1 true EP3851732B1 (en) 2022-10-19

Family

ID=69903638

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21150011.1A Active EP3851732B1 (en) 2020-01-14 2021-01-04 Container for gas with display of flow rate and corresponding autonomy

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US11746959B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3851732B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2021110462A (en)
AU (1) AU2020294257A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2935568T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3106189B1 (en)
PT (1) PT3851732T (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115081971B (en) * 2022-08-24 2022-11-25 广州一链通互联网科技有限公司 Container logistics order system based on internet

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11746959B2 (en) 2023-09-05
US20210215300A1 (en) 2021-07-15
FR3106189A1 (en) 2021-07-16
FR3106189B1 (en) 2021-12-10
EP3851732A1 (en) 2021-07-21
JP2021110462A (en) 2021-08-02
AU2020294257A1 (en) 2021-07-29
PT3851732T (en) 2022-11-28
ES2935568T3 (en) 2023-03-08

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