FR3113714A1 - Brass gas valve with nickel plated outlet fittings - Google Patents

Abstract

Title of the invention Brass gas distribution valve with nickel-plated outlet fittings The invention relates to a fluid distribution valve (1) with integrated pressure reducer (RDI), comprising a valve body (2) comprising a fluid circuit internal for conveying a fluid between a fluid inlet (12) and at least a first fluid outlet (13) carried by a first outlet connector (3), said valve body (2) and said first outlet connector (3) being formed of at least one copper alloy. The first outlet connector (3) comprises an outer coating (5) comprising nickel, preferably at least 80% by weight nickel and optionally phosphorus. Figure of the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Brass gas valve with nickel plated outlet fittings

The invention relates to a fluid dispensing valve and a pressurized fluid container, such as a bottle of medical gas, typically medical oxygen, equipped with such a fluid dispensing valve, preferably a valve with an integrated regulator or RDI.

Pressurized gas containers, such as bottles with a cylindrical body, also called cylinders, warheads or carboys, are usually used to condition and store gases at pressures that can reach more than 200 to 300 bar abs, in particular medical oxygen .

EP-A-2918893 teaches a pressurized gas container, namely a cylinder of gas with a cylindrical body provided with a gas distribution valve protected by a protective cowling used to store oxygen or other gases. The protective cowling comprises a pivoting attachment device between a folded position called rest, and an unfolded position called hooking.

Such a gas distribution valve can be simple, that is to say only serve to regulate the flow of gas and therefore the supply of outgoing gas, or more complex, in particular it can include internal expansion means , such as an expansion valve and a valve seat, arranged on the passage of the pressurized gas passing through the body of the valve and serving to reduce the pressure of the gas before it exits.

Complex valves, that is to say with internal means of relief, are usually called valves with integrated expansion valve or RDI. An example of RDI is given by EP-A-3267092.

An RDI generally comprises at least two gas outlets arranged on outlet fittings, i.e. fittings, namely a so-called "pressure" outlet and a so-called "flow" outlet, which act as connection interfaces for pipes hoses used to carry medical oxygen from the gas container on which the RDI is mounted. The body of the RDIs, including the outlet fittings, is usually made from a copper alloy, typically brass, as brass is notably easy to machine.

However, it has been noticed in practice that flexible pipes, which are made of metal or plastic, or other interfaces can be connected and disconnected several times a day at the output fittings of the RDI and that over time these connection and disconnection cycles of the interfaces can damage the outlet fittings by abrasion or other and generate undesirable particles which are found in the gas flows exiting through these outlet fittings. It is easy to understand that these "pollutions" are not acceptable, in particular when the gas is a gas for medical use, such as oxygen to be administered to a patient.

The problem is to be able to avoid or reduce the abrasion of the output connectors of an RDI without complicating too much the manufacturing process of the RDI.

The solution is then a fluid distribution valve with integrated pressure reducer (i.e. RDI), comprising a valve body comprising an internal fluid circuit making it possible to route a fluid between a fluid inlet and at least a first fluid outlet carried by a first outlet connector, said valve body and said first outlet connector being formed of at least one copper alloy, characterized in that the first outlet connector comprises an outer coating comprising nickel.

According to the embodiment considered, the fluid dispensing valve according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

• it comprises at least a second fluid outlet carried by a second outlet connector, said second outlet connector being formed of copper alloy with an outer coating comprising nickel, that is to say an outer coating based on nickel, i.e. mainly formed of nickel.
• the outer coating essentially comprises nickel, typically at least 80% by weight nickel, preferably at least 85% by weight nickel, more preferably at least about 87% by weight nickel.
• the outer coating further comprises phosphorus, preferably from 7 to 13% by mass of phosphorus.
• the external coating is essentially formed of nickel and phosphorus (i.e. >95% by mass); however, it may optionally comprise one or more minor constituents, including unavoidable impurities.
• the outer coating is made of nickel and phosphorus.
• the external nickel-based coating is deposited on the copper alloy body.
• said at least one copper alloy comprises copper, lead and zinc, preferably at least 55% by mass of copper.
• the first outlet connector and the second outlet connector are removably mounted on the body, in particular by screwing.
• the first outlet connector and the second outlet connector each comprise a thread and the valve body comprises complementary threaded housings such that the first outlet connector and the second outlet connector are fixed by screwing within said threaded housings of the valve body.
• the first outlet connector is a flow outlet connector, i.e. delivering the gas at a constant flow rate according to the flow rate selected by the user. Depending on the case, the flow rates delivered can be more or less precise, for example precise to +/- 20% for flow rates strictly greater than 1.5 L/min and to +/- 30% for flow rates less than or equal to 1.5 L/min. min.
• the second outlet connection is a pressure outlet connection, that is to say delivering the gas at a given pressure, typically less than 10 bar abs, for example between 3.5 and 5.5 bar abs. The delivered flow rate of the gas delivered by this fitting depends on the need of the device connected to the pressure outlet fitting.
• the external coating comprises a layer of nickel (i.e. layer containing mainly nickel and possibly phosphorus and/or one or other constituents) having a thickness of between 3 and 20 µm, typically between 5 and 15 µm.
• the nickel layer has a thickness of the order of 8 µm +/- 2 µm.
• the valve body is formed from a first copper alloy and the first and/or the second outlet connection is formed from a second copper alloy different from the first copper alloy.
• the first copper alloy is CuZn40Pb2, i.e. an alloy composed of approximately 58% copper, 2% lead and 40% zinc by mass (and possibly unavoidable impurities), also called brass CW617N .
• the second copper alloy is CuZn39Pb3, i.e. an alloy composed of approximately 58% copper, 3% lead and 39% zinc by mass (and possibly unavoidable impurities), also called brass CW614N .
• the internal circuit of the valve comprises flow control means making it possible to adjust the flow rate of fluid delivered by the fluid distribution connector, said flow control means cooperating with a rotary wheel carried by the valve and serving to set the level of desired output rate.
• the flow control means comprise a disc pierced with calibrated orifices having different dimensions corresponding to the desired gas flow rates.
• the internal circuit of the valve further comprises fluid expansion means making it possible to operate a reduction in the pressure of the fluid, in particular a valve and a valve seat.
• the valve body includes a filling connection in fluid communication with the internal circuit of the valve.
• the filling connection is made of brass, preferably not coated with nickel.
• the fill connector includes an internal fill valve.
• the valve body includes a needle pressure gauge or an electronic device with a display screen.
• the valve body comprises a residual pressure mechanism making it possible to guarantee or maintain a minimum positive pressure in the container by preventing a total emptying of the latter, that is to say a total withdrawal of the fluid.
• the valve body comprises a safety valve allowing excessive pressure to be evacuated in the internal circuit of the valve body, downstream of the expansion means, that is to say to evacuate to the atmosphere any pressure greater than a safety threshold value.

The invention also relates to a pressurized fluid container, preferably a gas cylinder, comprising a container body comprising an internal volume containing a pressurized fluid, typically pressurized gas, and a fluid dispensing valve according to the invention mounted on the container body, the internal fluid circuit of said fluid dispensing valve being in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container containing the pressurized fluid.

According to the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

• it is chosen from the gas cylinders.
• it has a volume of 0.5 to 10 liters (capacity in water equivalent), preferably from 2 to 7 liters approximately.
• the gas cylinder has a cylindrical body.
• the body of the container comprises an opening for the fluid allowing the fluid to be introduced into the volume of the container, during filling, or to be extracted therefrom, during withdrawal, that is to say an orifice gas inlet/outlet.
• the body of the container includes a neck through which the opening for the fluid passes.
• the valve is fixed, in particular screwed, at the level of the neck of the container.
• the gas cylinder has a diameter of the order of 10 to 20 cm, typically of the order of 12 to 16 cm, for example about 14 cm.
• the gas bottle contains a gas or gas mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N ₂ O/O ₂ mixture, a He/O ₂ mixture, an NO/nitrogen mixture or any other gas or gas mixture, preferably oxygen.
• the bottle is made of steel, an aluminum alloy or a composite material or a combination of several of these materials.
• the cylinder contains gas at a pressure of up to approximately 350 bar.
• a protective cover is arranged around the fluid dispensing valve.
• the protective cover is rigid.
• the protective cowling is made of polymer or metal, preferably it is made of polymer.
• the protective cover is equipped with a pivoting attachment device between at least one folded position, also called the rest or storage position, and an unfolded position, also called the attachment position,
• the mobile attachment device comprises two parallel arms shaped to allow attachment to a bed rail or the like, when the attachment device is in the unfolded position.
• the two parallel arms are shaped to allow attachment to a tubular bed rail having a diameter less than or equal to 4.5 cm, preferably less than or equal to 4.3 cm.
• the two parallel arms are positioned around the cowling, when the attachment device is in the folded position.
• the protective cover comprises a cover body forming a protective enclosure around the valve.
• the casing body is surmounted by a manual carrying handle.
• the valve includes a device for indicating pressure or gas autonomy.
• the pressure indicator device is an electronic or needle gauge.
• the pressure or autonomy indicator device is an electronic device with a microprocessor and a display screen.
• the tap comprises at least one fluid, in particular gas, distribution connector.
• the valve comprises within an internal fluid circuit placing the internal volume of the container in fluid communication with the fluid distribution connector.

The invention further relates to a use of a pressurized fluid container according to the invention for storing a gas or a gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, N ₂ O/O ₂ , He/O ₂ , NO/nitrogen, typically oxygen.

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, including:

shows an embodiment of a fluid dispensing valve according to the invention and

shows a fluid dispensing valve according to the invention mounted on a gas cylinder.

represents an embodiment of a fluid dispensing tap 1 according to the invention, which comprises a tap body 2 formed of brass, namely a CuZn40Pb2 alloy for example.

The fluid distribution valve 1 is an RDI, that is to say a valve with an integrated regulator, comprising pressure reduction means, typically an expansion valve cooperating with a valve seat. The expansion pressure level, i.e. after pressure reduction, can be fixed or adjustable, for example of the order of a few bars (i.e. <10 bar abs), for example of the order of 4 .5 bar abs.

The valve body 2 is traversed by an internal fluid circuit (not visible), that is to say one or more fluid passages or ducts, making it possible to convey the fluid, namely here a gas, between an inlet of fluid 12 carried by a threaded endpiece 6 and a first fluid outlet 13, typically a flow outlet, carried by a first outlet fitting 3, and a second fluid outlet 14, typically a pressure outlet, carried by a second outlet fitting 4.

The threaded end 6 makes it possible to fix, by screwing, the valve body 2 to a gas container 20, such as a gas cylinder, as illustrated in .

The pressure reduction means, i.e. expansion valve and valve seat, are arranged on the internal fluid circuit between the fluid inlet 12 and the first outlet connector 3, that is to say the outlet connector in debit.

The first and second outlet connectors 3, 4 are also formed from a copper alloy, in particular brass. However, this alloy is preferably different from that used to make the body 2 of the valve. For example, an alloy of the CuZn39Pb3 type is used.

As seen on the , the first and second outlet fittings 3, 4 have generally tubular shapes, ie elongated with axial passage for the gas communicating fluidically with the internal fluid circuit of the body 2 and opening at the level of the outlet orifices 13, 14. The wall outer peripheral of these outlet fitting 3, 4 comprises one or more cylindrical sections.

Furthermore, the body 2 of the RDI 1 is also equipped with a manometer making it possible to visualize the gas pressure in the internal gas circuit of the body 2, upstream of the expansion means, which reflects that in the internal volume 22 of the body. container 21 of the fluid container 20. On the , the pressure gauge 8 is of the needle type, whereas on the , the pressure gauge is digital, that is to say it is an electronic device with a digital display 9, implementing one (or more) microprocessor associated with one or more temperature and/or temperature sensors. pressure and making it possible to determine the gas pressure, or even other quantities, such as a gas autonomy or a volume of residual gas in the container 20, then to display them on the digital display 9.

The valve body 2 also carries a flow adjustment member 7, such as a rotary wheel, cooperating with flow control means so as to allow a user to adjust the flow of fluid delivered by the first connection 3 for dispensing fluid, typically flow rates between 0 and 30 L/min, preferably between 0 and 15 L/min, or even 20 L/min. The flow control means can comprise for example a disc with calibrated orifices of different dimensions, i.e. diameters, which correspond to the different selectable gas flow rates.

In the embodiment of , the flow control member 7 is a rotary wheel that can be manipulated by the user, which is arranged around and coaxially with the first connector 3 for distributing fluid. The rotary flywheel has the general shape of a crown and comprises housings angularly offset from each other and sized to allow a user to insert fingers therein in order to exert a movement aimed at turning the rotary flywheel clockwise or counterclockwise to set the desired gas flow.

The valve body 2 may comprise other components, such as for example a filling connection (not visible), that is to say an additional connection, configured to receive a filling plug which is connected to it mechanically and fluidically in order to allow fresh fluid to be introduced into the internal volume 22 of the fluid container 20 when it is empty, for example. This filling connection comprises a filling valve preventing, in normal times, the exit of fluid through this connection. The filling connector is in fluid communication with the internal volume 22 of the container 20 via the internal fluid circuit of the body 2 of the RDI 1 and the inlet orifice 12 carried by the threaded end piece 12.

The valve body 2 may also comprise a residual pressure mechanism making it possible to guarantee or maintain a minimum positive pressure in the container by preventing a total emptying of the latter, that is to say a total withdrawal of the fluid, and/ or a safety valve making it possible to evacuate excessive pressure in the internal circuit of the valve body, downstream of the expansion means, that is to say to evacuate to the atmosphere any pressure greater than a threshold value of security.

diagrams a fluid dispensing valve 1 according to the invention mounted on a fluid container 20 of the gas cylinder type in the shape of an ogive, that is to say with container body 21 of cylindrical shape (with axis AA ) comprising a narrowed end forming a neck carrying a threaded opening communicating fluidly with the internal volume 22 of the gas cylinder. The RDI 1 is fixed by screwing, via its tip 6, in the threaded opening of the neck.

The hollow cylindrical body 21 of the container 20 comprises an internal volume 22 used to contain a pressurized fluid, typically a compressed medical gas, such as oxygen, at a pressure that can reach 200 to 300 bar abs, or even more. The internal volume can have a capacity of 0.5 to 10 L (equiv. in water), for example 2 L, 5 L or 7 L. In addition, its diameter is of the order of 10 to 20 cm, typically the order of 12 to 16 cm, for example about 14 cm.

The body 2 of the RDI 1 (not visible) is protected by a protective cowling 30 comprising a rigid body 31, made of polymer or metal, defining a protective enclosure in which the body 2 of the valve of the RDI 1 is positioned and fixed to that -ci or the neck of the bottle 20 by its base 30a.

The rigid body 31 of the cowling 30 also comprises a carrying handle 32 surmounting the body 31 and connected to the latter by support uprights 33 in order to allow a user to manually lift and transport the cowling/RDI/bottle assembly. . The carrying handle 32 is located opposite the base 30a with respect to the body 30 of the cowling.

In addition, there is also provided a pivoting attachment device 34 (partially visible) located opposite the first connector 3. This pivoting attachment device 34 is used to attach the cowling/RDI/bottle assembly to a hospital bed or stretcher bar or any other similar support, for example rod or other. The attachment device 34 can pivot, when it is unfolded by the user, between a folded position or a rest position, in which it is positioned along the cowling 30, as illustrated in , and an unfolded position or hooking position, in which the hooking device 34 is pivoted and angularly separated from the cowling 30 so as to allow its stowage or hooking to a bed rail or the like. Such a pivoting attachment device 34 is described by EP-A-2918893

The pressurized fluid is introduced into the internal volume 22, when the container 20 is filled, via the filling connector and the internal circuit of the RDI 1 (not visible) and through the neck of the container 20. The extraction of the gas under pressure, during withdrawal, is in the opposite direction, that is to say in the direction of the first and second connectors 3, 4 output.

During its use, flexible hoses, metal or plastic, or other interfaces or devices are connected and disconnected several times a day to the output connections 3, 4 of the RDI 1.

In order to prevent these operations of connection and disconnection of the interfaces from damaging the outlet fittings 3, 4 too quickly, by abrasion or other, and therefore to avoid generating undesirable metallic particles which may then be found in the gas exiting through these outlet connectors 3, 4, according to the present invention, the first and second outlet connectors 3, 4 are coated with an external coating 5 essentially based on nickel. Typically, the nickel coating contains at least 85% nickel and at least 7% phosphorus. In other words, they are nickel-plated. Indeed, such nickel plating prevents this wear.

The nickel-based coating layer is deposited on the brass forming the first and second outlet connectors 3, 4. It preferably has a thickness of between 3 and 20 μm, typically between 5 and 15 μm. For example, a layer of nickel thickness equal to about 8 µm (+/- 2 µm) has shown good results. This layer can be deposited by a chemical process, for example by depositing nickel (e.g. >87% by mass) alloyed with phosphorus (e.g. 7 to 13% by mass). Of course, another coating process could also be suitable, whether or not it uses an external electrical source.

However, in order to facilitate the production of this nickel deposit on the first and second outlet connectors 3, 4, the RDI 1 is designed so that the first and second outlet connectors 3, 4 are not formed from a single block, that is to say in one piece, with the rest of the valve body 2 but, on the contrary, are formed separately, then assembled to the body 2 by screwing for example, after their nickel plating. In other words, the first and second outlet connectors 3, 4 are removably mounted on the valve body 2 of the RDI 1.

To do this, the first and second outlet connectors 3, 4 each comprise a thread (not shown) provided on a portion of their outer periphery, while the valve body 2 comprises complementary threaded housings (not shown) in order to allow to fix the outlet connectors 3, 4 by screwing within the threaded housings of the valve body 2, preferably also using threadlocker to improve screwing and sealing.

The fact of being able to have outlet connectors 3, 4 which can be fixed afterwards to the body 2 of the RDI 1 makes it possible to simplify its manufacture, in particular the nickel-plating operations, since the outlet connectors 3, 4 can be nickel-plated independently and fixed only then to the valve body 2, and also the general manufacture of the body which is obtained by stamping and machining.

Such a pressurized fluid container 20 is well suited to use for storing a gas or a gaseous mixture of medical quality of the oxygen, air, N ₂ O/O ₂ , He/O ₂ , NO/nitrogen type, typically 'oxygen.

Claims (10)

Fluid distribution valve (1) with integrated pressure reducer (RDI), comprising a valve body (2) comprising an internal fluid circuit making it possible to convey a fluid between a fluid inlet (12) and at least a first fluid (13) carried by a first outlet connector (3), said valve body (2) and said first outlet connector (3) being formed of at least one copper alloy, characterized in that the first outlet connector outlet (3) comprises an outer coating (5) comprising nickel. Valve according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least a second fluid outlet (14) carried by a second outlet connector (4), the said second outlet connector (4) being formed of copper alloy with an outer coating (5) comprising nickel. Valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external coating (5) contains at least 80% by mass of nickel, preferably it contains nickel and phosphorus. Valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said at least one copper alloy comprises copper, lead and zinc, preferably at least 55% by weight of copper. Valve according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first outlet connector (3) and the second outlet connector (4) are mounted on the body (2) to be dismantled, in particular by screwing. Valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first outlet connector (3) is a flow outlet connector and/or the second outlet connector (4) is a pressure outlet connector. Valve according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the external coating (5) comprises a layer of nickel having a thickness of between 3 and 20 µm, typically between 5 and 15 µm. Valve according to Claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that the valve body (2) is formed from a first copper alloy and the first and/or the second outlet connection (3, 4) is formed from a second copper alloy different from the first copper alloy, preferably the first copper alloy is CuZn40Pb2 and the second copper alloy is CuZn39Pb3. Container for fluid under pressure (20), such as a gas bottle, comprising a container body (21) comprising an internal volume (22) containing a fluid under pressure, typically gas under pressure, and a fluid dispensing valve ( 1) according to one of the preceding claims mounted on the container body (21), the internal fluid circuit of said fluid dispensing valve (1) being in fluid communication with the internal volume (22) of the container (21) containing the fluid under pressure. Use of a pressurized fluid container (20) according to claim 9 for storing a gas or a gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, N ₂ O/O ₂ , He/O ₂ , NO/nitrogen, typically oxygen.