GB2576621A - Gas flow regulator apparatus and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Gas flow regulator apparatus and method of use thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2576621A
GB2576621A GB1909668.4A GB201909668A GB2576621A GB 2576621 A GB2576621 A GB 2576621A GB 201909668 A GB201909668 A GB 201909668A GB 2576621 A GB2576621 A GB 2576621A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
gas
gas flow
flow regulator
regulator apparatus
conduit means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1909668.4A
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GB201909668D0 (en
Inventor
Cox Paul
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.)
Rlbs Ltd
Original Assignee
Rlbs Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rlbs Ltd filed Critical Rlbs Ltd
Publication of GB201909668D0 publication Critical patent/GB201909668D0/en
Publication of GB2576621A publication Critical patent/GB2576621A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C7/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied, solidified, or compressed gases from pressure vessels, not covered by another subclass
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • 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
    • F17C13/10—Arrangements for preventing freezing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F13/00—Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F15/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups G01F1/00 - G01F13/00 insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
    • G01F15/005—Valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • B67D1/0406—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers with means for carbonating the beverage, or for maintaining its carbonation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • B67D2001/0475—Type of gas or gas mixture used, other than pure CO2
    • B67D2001/0487—Mixture of gases, e.g. N2 + CO2
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure 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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/013—Carbone dioxide
    • 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
    • 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)

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Abstract

A gas regulator apparatus, such as a gas flow regulator apparatus for regulating carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas in a beverage dispensing system, comprising an input means 8, a gas output means 12, and a conduit means 10, which is non-linear, coiled or looped. Preferably the conduit comprises 30 to 40 metres of, high-pressure pipe, or laminated hose which is looped 50-70 times about a support means 26, such as a support drum. The gas regulator primary and secondary gas flow regulators 4, 6, which reduce gas pressure from 3500 Psi (241 Bar) to 45 Psi(3 Bar). Preferably this prevents freezing of the gas flow regulator in use.

Description

Gas Flow Regulator Apparatus and Method of Use Thereof
This application relates to gas flow regulator apparatus and to a method of use thereof.
Although the following description refers almost exclusively to gas flow regulator apparatus for use in regulating carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen gas in a beverage dispensing system, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the gas can be any suitable gas or combination of gases and/or the regulator apparatus can be for use in any suitable industry or application.
The use of gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or nitrogen (N2), is widespread in the beverage dispensing industry. The gases can be used to impart a “fizz” to the beverage, provide propulsion of the beverage from a beverage storage container or keg to beverage dispensing apparatus, and/or contribute to the taste of the beverage. The beverage gases have to be supplied in the beverage dispensing system in approved compressed gas cylinders.
The gas contained in the compressed gas cylinders is under a high state of compression. For example, nitrogen is typically compressed to 241 bar (3,500psi) at 12 degrees C in a standard gas cylinder. Carbon dioxide is typically compressed to 46.5 bar (675psi) at 12 degrees C in a standard gas cylinder. Since the gas pressure required at the beverage dispensing apparatus is significantly lower compared to the gas pressure in the gas cylinders, such as for example 45 psi, one or more gas flow regulators are provided in the gas delivery line between the compressed gas cylinder(s) and the beverage dispensing apparatus to allow lowering of the gas pressure to a required level.
During periods of high beverage demand, such as at events, concerts, festivals and sporting fixtures, the gas regulators can frequently freeze. This is because as a gas is compressed, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules is transformed into potential energy and heat. As the compressed gas supply is drawn from the compressed gas cylinder into the gas supply line, the compressed gas molecules are allowed to separate, thereby allowing the stored potential energy to revert back into kinetic energy and resulting in a cooling effect. This is known as the Joule Expansion Effect. If the gas demand is relatively low, the cooling effect does not affect the valves of the gas regulators. However, if the gas demand is relatively high, the cooling effect can reduce the gas temperature in the gas delivery hue by 20 degrees C. In addition, the process of forcing the gas through a valve in the regulator provides a further cooling effect, known as the Joule Thomson Effect. This can result in the temperature at the regulator valve dropping to -35 degrees C during periods of high gas demand. This cooling effect will initially cause ice or frost to form on an external surface of the gas regulator. Water vapour around the relief valve in the gas regulator will start to freeze and expand, pushing open the gas regulator valve, and increasing the delivery of gas from the gas regulator, thereby further increasing the cooling effect and causing the gas regulator to freeze. The beverage dispensing system will then fail.
Currently, in order to overcome the abovementioned problem, a user may heat the gas flow regulator to prevent freezing of the gas flow regulators. This works effectively during periods of relatively low beverage demand but becomes ineffective during periods of relatively high beverage demand, thereby still resulting in failure of the beverage dispensing system. In addition, heating a component of a compressed gas supply can be both dangerous and expensive. A user may try to overcome the abovementioned problems by adding extra compressed gas cylinders into the system, thereby reducing the gas demand from any single compressed gas cylinder. However, this does not overcome the problem of the Joule Thomson Effect at the gas regulator(s) in the gas delivery line and freezing of the gas flow regulator still takes place when gas demand is relatively high.
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide gas flow regulator apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method of using gas flow regulator apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.
It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a beverage dispensing system including gas flow regulator apparatus, and/or a method of use thereof.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided gas flow regulator apparatus, said gas flow regulator apparatus including gas flow regulating means for regulating a flow of gas therethrough in use, said gas flow regulating means including gas input means for allowing gas to flow into the gas flow regulating means in use, and gas output means for allowing gas to flow out of the gas flow regulating means in use, said apparatus further including gas conduit means for allowing gas to flow from a compressed gas cylinder or source to the gas input means in use, characterised in that at least part of the gas conduit means is provided in a non-linear arrangement, a looped arrangement and/or a coiled arrangement.
The Applicant has surprisingly found that by providing the gas conduit means in a non-linear, looped and/or coiled arrangement upstream of the gas flow regulating means, this reduces the gas pressure and reduces the temperature drop in the gas conduit means prior to the gas reaching the gas flow regulating means in use, thereby preventing freezing of the gas flow regulating means and/or gas flow regulator apparatus in use.
Preferably support means or a support mechanism are provided to allow said at least part of the gas conduit means to be maintained or fixed in the non-linear, looped and/or coiled arrangement in use.
Preferably the support means or support mechanism includes any or any combination of one or more drums, support members, blocks, fixings, hooks, clips or brackets and/or the Eke. In one example, said at least part of the gas conduit means are fixed to, attached to, detachably attached to, integral with, provided on, around and/or associated with said support means.
In one embodiment said at least part of the gas conduit means are coiled or looped around the support means in use.
In one example, the gas conduit mans is pre-coiled or pre-looped on or around the support means and the user simply has to connect the ends of the gas conduit means to the compressed gas cylinder or source and the gas flow regulating means in use.
Preferably the coiled or looped arrangement includes at least one loop of gas conduit means.
In one embodiment the entire or substantially entire gas conduit means is in a non-linear, coiled and/or looped arrangement.
In one embodiment a portion or portions of the gas conduit means between one or more or both ends of the gas conduit means and the non-linear, coiled and/or looped arrangement is linear or substantially Enear in form.
Preferably significantly more (or a greater length) of the gas conduit means is provided in a non-linear, looped and/or coiled arrangement compared to a part of the gas conduit means that may be linear or substantially linear in form.
Preferably the Enear portion or portions of the gas conduit means are between 1-3 metres +/-5mm in length.
Preferably the at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means, and further preferably aU the loops and/or coils of the gas conduit means, is annular or substantiaEy annular in shape. However, the at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means can be any shape.
Preferably the length of the gas conduit means is such so as to aUow a reduction in the pressure of gas or fluid flowing therein in use from approximately 3500psi to approximately 1400psi in use, or to aUow a pressure drop of approximately 2100 psi +/- lOOpsi in use.
Preferably the gas reduction in gas pressure in the gas conduit means comes about when there is a flow of gas through the apparatus or system in use (i.e. when a gas demand is placed on the apparatus or system).
Preferably the length of the gas conduit means is between 30metres +/5metres and 40metres in length +/- 5metres, and further preferably is
40metres (+/- 1 metre) in length.
Preferably a diameter of a bore or channel of the gas conduit means is between 4.5mm and 5.5mm, and further preferably is 5.0mm in diameter +/- 0.1mm.
Preferably the gas conduit means includes 50-70 coils and/or loops; further preferably the gas conduit means includes 50-55 or 62-68 coils and/or loops, or preferably 1.5-3 loops per metre of gas conduit means.
Preferably the outer diameter of at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is 200-220mm +/- 5mm, and further preferably is 210mm +/- 5mm.
Preferably the inner diameter of at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is 140-160mm +/- 5mm, and further preferably is 150mm +/- 5mm.
Preferably at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is arranged to be complementary or substantially complementary in shape to the support means, or to an exterior surface of the support means, with which it is located in use, and/or is arranged to conform or substantially conform to the external shape of the support means in use.
Preferably the gas conduit means is any or any combination of one or more conduits, channel members, hosing, pipes, high pressure pipe, laminated hose and/or the like suitable for allowing the flow of gas, and further preferably compressed gas, therethrough in use.
In one example the gas conduit means is a conduit formed from MDP (medium density polythene). Preferably the conduit has an inner PTFE (polytetrafluroethylene) liner. Further preferably the conduit has an outer lining formed from or including Kevlar®.
Preferably the bore or internal channel of the gas conduit means is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. However, the bore or internal channel of the gas conduit means could be any suitable shape.
In one embodiment the gas flow regulating means includes or consists of a single gas flow regulator.
Preferably the single gas flow regulating means is arranged to regular the gas flow pressure to 30-60psi, and further preferably 45 psi +/- 5psi.
In one embodiment the gas flow regulating means can include two or more gas flow regulators. In one example, the gas flow regulation means includes a primary gas flow regulator and at least a secondary gas flow regulator.
Preferably the primary gas flow regulator is arranged to regulate the gas flow pressure to 150 psi +/- 5 psi.
Preferably the secondary gas flow regulator is arranged to regulate the gas flow pressure to 45 psi +/- 5 psi.
Preferably the gas flow regulating means is any type of gas flow regulator that allows the flow of gas therethrough to be regulated and/or reduced.
In a preferred embodiment the gas flow regulating means is a gas flow reduction means for reducing the volume and/or the pressure of the gas flowing therethrough in use.
Preferably the gas flow regulating means is arranged to provide a gas flow outlet from the outlet means of approximately 300 L/Min +/- 25 L/Min.
Preferably the gas flow regulating means, primary gas flow regulator and/or secondary gas flow regulator has input means to allow gas to flow into the same and output means to allow gas to flow out of the same in use.
Preferably the gas flow regulating means includes one or more pressure relief valves to allow release of gas pressure flowing through the regulator apparatus when a pressure over a pre-determined level is reached or detected.
Preferably the gas flow regulating means includes one or more pressure measuring means, pressure gauges, pressure adjustment means and/or the Eke.
Preferably the gas flow regulating means includes at least one valve member to regulate gas flow through the same in use.
Preferably the gas flow regulator apparatus is for use with one or more gases. Preferably the one or more gases are stored in the one or more compressed gas cylinders in use.
Preferably the one or more gases used with the apparatus include any or any combination of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, nitrogen (N2) gas and/or the Eke.
In one embodiment the gas flow regulator apparatus forms part of a fluid dispensing system, such as for example, a beverage dispensing system. However, the apparatus of the present invention could also be used in the chemical industry, the welding industry, food production industry and/or the like. The fluid dispensing system is arranged to allow a fluid to be dispensed from dispensing apparatus forming part of the system in use.
Preferably the beverage being dispensed via the beverage dispensing system includes any or any combination of beer, soft drink and/or the Eke.
In one embodiment the gas flow regulator apparatus includes or is for use with at least one compressed gas cyEnder, source or reservoir means for supplying compressed gas in use.
In one embodiment the gas conduit means has a first end in communication with or for allowing connection with the gas input means of the gas regulating means, and a second end in communication with or for aUowing connection with a compressed gas cyEnder or reservoir means.
Preferably connection means are provided at the first and/or second ends of the gas conduit means and/or with the gas regulating means.
Preferably the connection means includes any or any combination of one or more connection nuts, valves, washers, screw threaded members, interengaging members and/or the like.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using gas flow regulator apparatus, said gas flow regulator apparatus including gas flow regulating means for regulating a flow of gas therethrough in use, said gas flow regulating means including gas input means for allowing gas to flow into the gas flow regulating means in use, and gas output means for allowing gas to flow out of the gas flow regulating means in use, said method including the steps of connecting gas conduit means between a compressed gas source or cylinder and the gas input means of the gas flow regulating means, characterised in that at least part of the gas conduit means is provided in a non-linear arrangement, a looped arrangement and/or a coiled arrangement.
According to a further independent aspect of the present invention there is provided a beverage or fluid dispensing system, said system including beverage or fluid dispensing means for allowing a beverage or fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use, gas flow line for allowing a gas to be delivered from a compressed gas cylinder to the beverage or fluid dispensing means in use, and gas flow regulator apparatus located in said gas flow line; and/or a method of use thereof.
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure, wherein:
Figure 1 is a simplified schematic view of gas flow regulator apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to figure 1, there is illustrated gas flow regulator apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 2 includes gas regulating means in the form of a primary gas flow regulator 4 and a secondary gas flow regulator 6.
The primary gas flow regulator 4 has gas flow input means in the form of an input connector 8 for allowing connection to a first end 9 of a gas conduit 10, and gas flow output means in the form of an output connector 12 for connection to the secondary gas flow regulator 6.
The second gas flow regulator 6 has input means, which in this embodiment is the same as primary output connector 12, and output means in the form of output connector 14.
Pressure gauges 16, 18 are provided with the primary gas flow regulator 4 and the secondary gas flow regulator 6 respectively to allow the gas pressure at each regulator to be measured in use. Pressure relief valves (PRY7) 32, 34 are provided with the primary gas flow regulator 4 and the secondary gas flow regulator 6 respectively to prevent the pressure within the system from rising above a pre-determined pressure level in use.
In use, the gas flow regulator apparatus 2, which in one example can be used as part of a beverage dispensing system, is connected to a compressed gas cylinder (not shown) via a second end 20 of the gas conduit 10. In particular, the second end 20 of the gas conduit 10 is provided with a gas cylinder connector 22 to allow connection with a gas cylinder.
In use, gas is arranged to flow from the compressed gas cylinder, through the gas conduit 10, to the gas flow regulator apparatus 2. The gas is then delivered from the gas flow regulator apparatus to, for example, beverage dispensing means of a beverage dispensing system. Gas enters the gas flow regulator apparatus 2 via the input connector 8. A valve arrangement contained in primary gas flow regulator 4 reduces the gas pressure to a first required pressure level (having a first psi value, such as for example 150 psi). The gas then flows from the primary gas flow regulator 4 to the secondary gas flow regulator 6 via connector 12. A valve arrangement contained in secondary gas flow regulator 6 further reduces the gas pressure to a second required pressure level (having a second psi value, such as for example 45 psi), the second gas pressure level being lower than the first gas pressure level.
In accordance with the present invention, part of the gas conduit 10 is provided in a coiled arrangement 24 between the gas cylinder connector 20 and the gas flow regulator apparatus input 8. More particular, the arrangement 24 includes support means in the form of a support drum 26 around which part of the conduit 10 is coiled to form a plurality of loops 28. The loops 28 provide the conduit 10 with a non-linear portion. The conduit 10 can include linear portions 30, 30’ either side of the non-linear portion. The linear portions are typically of such length to allow stable connection to the gas cylinder and gas regulator in use.
The coiled, non-linear arrangement reduces the gas pressure of the gas flowing from the compressed gas cylinder to the primary gas flow regulator 4 prior to the gas reaching the primary gas flow regulator 4. This reduces the temperature reduction that takes place at the primary and secondary gas flow regulators 4, 6 in use. The success of the present invention is dependent upon the laws of Blasius and Prandtl, wherein compressed gas will lose pressure in a pipe hue due to the size of the pipe bore, the length of the pipe hue, the co-efficient of friction of the pipe line and the degree of disruption of gas laminar flow through the pipe hue. Gas prefers to flow in a straight line or linear manner, so changing direction of the gas flow or creating a non-linear gas flow as it passes along the gas conduit 10 disrupts the flow significantly to create a sizeable pressure drop through the system.
This disruption in the laminar flow also increases the gas temperature due to gas expansion and the increase in gas molecule collisions.
Thus, the gas pressure in the system shown in figure 1 typically remains at the gas pressure of the gas cylinder (typically 3500 psi) until a gas demand is required downstream of the regulator apparatus 2. This gas demand causes gas to flow through the system from the cylinder, along conduit 10 and through the gas flow regulator apparatus 2.
In a conventional gas flow regulating system, the gas pressure at the compressed gas cylinder is at 3500psi, and is reduced at the output of the gas flow regulator to 45 psi. By using the coiled conduit arrangement of the present invention according to one embodiment, the gas pressure at the input of the gas flow regulator can be reduced to 1400 psi. This does not produce the same degree of cooling at the gas flow regulator compared to the prior art arrangement and therefore prevents freezing of the gas flow regulator in use.
Test 1
In order to test the effectiveness of the present invention, apparatus similar to that shown in figure 1 was used and the temperature was measured at the locations marked “TI”, “T2, “T3” and “T4”, wherein:
TI — is the temperature at the primary gas flow regulator input 8; T2 — is the temperature at the primary gas flow regulator output 12;
T3 — is the temperature of the secondary gas flow regulator output 14;
T4 — is the temperature at the pressure relief valve 32 of the primary gas flow regulator 4.
A Control (C) was provided which uses the apparatus shown in figure 1 but with a standard linear gas conduit provided between the gas cylinder connector 20 and the primary gas flow regulator input 8.
The present invention (I) was provided as per figure 1 with the coiled gas conduit 10 provided between the gas cylinder connector 20 and the primary gas flow regulator input 8. In Test 1, the coiled gas conduit 10 was 30m in length, with 24, 32 and 52 loops provided in the looped portion of the conduit and the outside diameter of the loops was 400mm, 300mm and 150mm respectively.
Method
The Control apparatus (C) and invention apparatus (I) was set up at room temperature of 22 degrees C. Both the C and I apparatus used a standard mixed gas regulator including a primary and secondary gas flow regulator. The apparatus was connected to a gas supply contained in a standard compressed mixed gas cylinder at 3500 psi. The outlet 12 of the primary gas flow regulator 4 was set to 150 psi. The outlet 14 of the secondary gas flow regulator 6 was set to UK brewery standard beer dispensing pressure of 45 psi. The flow meter of the mixed gas regulator was set to 300L/Min. Four temperature probes were used to record the temperatures at the locations T1-T4. The gas was allowed to flow through apparatus for the duration of the test, which was 5 minutes in length. This time period was found to be sufficient for the temperature changes to have stabilised in the apparatus.
Table 1
Duration of Experiment (Minutes) Room Temp (°C) TI (°C) T2 (°C) T3 (°C) T4 (°C) Gas Regulator Output Flow Rate Control (C) or Invention (I)
5 22 14 -23 -9 -7 300L/Min C (no coils)
5 22 20 -19 -3 -6 300L/Min I (30m length coiled hose with 400mm outer diameter = 24 loops/coils
5 22 21 -9 2 3 300L/Min I (30m length coiled hose with 300mm outer diameter = 32 loops/coils
10 22 21 1 7 9 300L/Min I (30m length coiled hose with 150mm inner diameter = 52 loops/coils
Note: with an inner diameter of 50mm, 0m length conduit — 20
coils/loops, 20m length conduit — 37 coils/loops, and 30m length conduit — 52 coils/loops.
The above results showed that the coiled gas conduit arrangement of the present invention (I) was effective at preventing the significant drop in temperature at the gas flow regulator apparatus located downstream of the gas conduit normally experienced when a linear gas conduit (C) is used between the compressed gas cylinder and the gas flow regulator apparatus.
As can be seen from Table 1, all the test results generated using apparatus according to the present invention at room temperature reduced the temperature drop experienced at all locations T1-T4 of the apparatus compared to the Control apparatus. The smaller the outer diameter of the loops of the coiled hose used in the invention apparatus and the more loops in the coiled conduit, the less the temperature drop experienced at locations T1-T4 of the apparatus. Thus, the present invention was most effective when the diameter of the loops forming the coiled hose was smaller and the number of loops was higher.
Test 2
A further set of tests were undertaken using the same apparatus as for Test 1 at a temperature of 12-14 degrees C and with the flow rate at lOOL/Min. The temperature of 12-14 degrees C reflects the average temperature of a cellar that the gas regulator apparatus and compressed gas cylinder may be stored at in use. The results of Test 3 are shown in Table 2 below:
Table 2
Duration of Experiment (Minutes) Room Temp (°C) T1 (°C) T2 (°C) T3 (°C) T4 (°C) Gas Regulator Output Flow Rate Control (C) or Invention (I)
10 12 1 -31 -6 -18 lOOL/Min C (no coils)
10 14 12 -30 2 -14 300L/Min I (30m length coiled hose with 150mm inner diameter = 52 loops/coils
10 14 6 -20 2 -10 lOOL/Min I (30m length coiled hose with 150mm inner diameter = 52 couls
Table 2 shows that the gas regulator output flow rate and the external temperature of the cylinder (14 degrees C) effects the T4 temperature of the regulator. In this example, the desired temperature of T4 is lower than desired.
Test 3
A further set of tests were undertaken using the apparatus from Test 1, using a 30m length conduit having 52 loops, at a temperature of 12 degrees C and with the flow rate at lOOL/Min. The results of Test 3 are shown in Table 3 below:
T able 3
Duration of Experiment (Minutes) Room Temp (°C) TI (°C) T2 (°C) T3 (°C) T4 (°C) Gas Regulator Output Flow Rate Control (C) or Invention (I)
3 12 15 -13 9 0 lOOL/Min I (30m length coiled hose with 150mm inner diameter = 52 coils
5 12 14 -17 6 -3 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
7 12 13 -21 2 -5 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
8 12 12 -22 0 -6 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
9 12 11 -22 -1 -7 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
10 12 10 -23 -1 -8 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
This showed that equilibrium of the temperature of the gas flow regulator apparatus was reach after 10 minutes of gas flow duration through the apparatus. Thus, even with the lower flow rate at 12 degrees C, the 30m length of gas conduit with 52 loops still created a temperature at T4 below that desired.
Test 4
A further set of tests were undertaken using the apparatus of Test 1, using a 40m length conduit having 66 loops, at a temperature of 14 degrees C and with the flow rate at 100L/Min-300L/Min. The results of Test 4 are shown in Table 4 below:
Table 4
Duration of Experiment (Minutes) Room Temp (°C) T1 (°C) T2 (°C) T3 (°C) T4 (°C) Gas Regulator Output Flow Rate Control (C) or Invention (I)
3 14 16 -4 14 7 lOOL/Min I (40m length coiled hose with 150mm inner diameter = 66 coils)
5 14 14 -7 11 6 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
7 14 13 -9 9 5 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
8 14 13 -10 8 5 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
9 14 13 -10 7 4 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
10 14 12 -10 7 3 lOOL/Min I (As Above)
12 14 13 -12 4 0 150L/Min I (As Above)
13 14 13 -13 -1 0 200L/Min I (As Above)
14 14 14 -14 -3 0 300L/Min I (As Above)
This showed that by increasing the length of the gas conduit to 40m and 66 loops, this further disrupts the laminar flow within the gas conduit. This positively demonstrates that the desired temperature at T4 at 14 degrees C can be achieved by changing these variables.

Claims (25)

Claims
1. Gas flow regulator apparatus, said gas flow regulator apparatus including gas flow regulating means for regulating a flow of gas therethrough in use, said gas flow regulating means including gas input means for allowing gas to flow into the gas flow regulating means in use, and gas output means for allowing gas to flow out of the gas flow regulating means in use, said apparatus further including gas conduit means for allowing gas to flow from a compressed gas source or cylinder to the gas input means in use, characterised in that at least part of the gas conduit means is provided in a non-linear arrangement, a looped arrangement and/or a coiled arrangement.
2. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein support means are provided to allow said at least part of the gas conduit means to be maintained or fixed in the non-linear, looped and/or coiled arrangement in use.
3. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support means includes any or any combination of one or more drums, support members, blocks, fixings, hooks, brackets or clips.
4. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a portion or portions of the gas conduit means between one or more or both ends of the gas conduit means and the non-linear, coiled and/or looped arrangement is linear or substantially linear in form.
5. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is annular or substantially annular in shape.
6. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the gas conduit means is such so as to allow a reduction of the pressure of gas flowing therein in use from approximately 3500psi to approximately 1400psi, or to allow a pressure drop of approximately 2100psi +/- lOOpsi.
7. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the gas conduit means is between 30 metres +/-5 metres to 40 metres +/-5 metres.
8. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the gas conduit mans is 40m +/-lm.
9. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a diameter of a bore or channel of the gas conduit means is between 4.5mm-5.5mm.
10. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the diameter of the bore or channel of the gas conduit means is 5.0mm +/-0.1mm.
11. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas conduit means includes 50-70 loops and/or coils, SO55 loops and/or coils, 62-68 loops and/or coils, or 1.5-3 loops and/or coils per metre of gas conduit means.
12. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer diameter of at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is 200-220mm + /-5mm.
13. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner diameter of at least one loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is 140-160mm +/-5mm.
14. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least loop and/or coil of the gas conduit means is arranged to be complementary or substantially complementary in shape to the support means, or an exterior surface of the support means, with which it is located in use.
15. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas conduit means is any or any combination of one or more conduits, channel members, hosing, pipes, high pressure pipe or laminated hose.
16. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas flow regulating means includes or consists of a single gas flow regulator.
17. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas flow regulating means includes or consists of at least a primary and a secondary gas flow regulator.
18. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the primary gas flow regulator regulates the gas flow pressure to 150psi +/-5 psi.
19. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the secondary gas flow regulator regulates the gas flow pressure to 45psi +/- 5psi.
20. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas flow regulating means is arranged to provide a gas flow from the outlet means of approximately 300L/Min +/25L/Min.
21. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas flow regulating means includes at least one valve member to regulate gas flow through the same in use, and optionally one or more pressure relief valves to allow release of gas pressure flowing through the apparatus when a pressure over a pre-determined level is reached or detected.
22. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas conduit means includes first and second ends, and connection means are provided on or associated with the first and/or second ends to allow connection to a compressed gas cylinder or source, or to the gas input means of the gas flow regulating means.
23. Gas flow regulator apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the connection means includes any or any combination of one or more connection nuts, valves, washers, screw threaded members, or interengaging members.
24. A fluid dispensing system including gas flow regulator apparatus according to any of claims 1-21.
25. A method of using gas flow regulator apparatus, said gas flow regulator apparatus including gas flow regulating means for regulating a flow of gas therethrough in use, said gas flow regulating means including gas input means for allowing gas to flow into the gas flow regulating means in use, and gas output means for allowing gas to flow out of the gas flow regulating means in use, said method including the steps of connecting gas conduit means between a compressed gas source or cylinder and the gas input means of the gas flow regulating means, characterised in that at least part of the gas conduit means is provided in a non-linear arrangement, a looped arrangement and/or a coiled arrangement.
GB1909668.4A 2018-08-22 2019-07-05 Gas flow regulator apparatus and method of use thereof Withdrawn GB2576621A (en)

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2073853A (en) * 1980-02-07 1981-10-21 Draft Systems Safety pressure reducing regulator
CN103807468A (en) * 2014-02-27 2014-05-21 丹阳市飞轮气体阀门有限公司 Low-temperature safety valve air seal

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2073853A (en) * 1980-02-07 1981-10-21 Draft Systems Safety pressure reducing regulator
CN103807468A (en) * 2014-02-27 2014-05-21 丹阳市飞轮气体阀门有限公司 Low-temperature safety valve air seal

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