JPS63176899A - Liquefied gas collecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable to efficiently consume the liquefied gas stored in each liquefied gas tank, by providing a nonreturn valve to a flow passage connecting a liquefied gas tank and a collecting pipe passage. CONSTITUTION:A nonreturn valve 10, which allows a gas-flow to flow toward a regulator but forbids the gas-flow to flow in the reverse direction, is provided to a flow passage that connects each liquefied gas tank and a collecting pipe passage. When liquefied gas remains in the liquefied gas tank, this nonreturn valve 10 opens the flow passage of the nonreturn valve 100, because the gas pressure is stronger than the pushing force of a spring. On the other hand, when liquefied gas remaining in the liquefied gas tank becomes almost null, the nonreturn valve 10 automatically closes the flow passage, because the gas pressure in the flow passage becomes weaker than the pushing force of the spring. With this constitution, the fuel consumption efficiency of the liquefied gas tank can be enhanced.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] This invention collects the gas coming out of the liquefied gas tank on the stage side, adjusts the collected gas to a predetermined pressure with a regulator, and then releases it to each household. This relates to liquefied gas collection equipment that supplies gas to factories and factories.

[Prior Art] FIG. 6 shows a liquefied gas collection device 1 that has been used conventionally. Gas discharged from each of the plurality of liquefied gas tanks 2 is sent into a collecting pipe 4 via a connecting pipe 3. The collected gas is sent to the regulator 5 through the collection line 4. Since the regulator 5 has a pressure reducing valve, it reduces the pressure of the sent collective gas to a predetermined pressure, and then supplies the gas to points of use such as homes and factories.

As shown in the figure, the liquefied gas tank 2 has a valve 6 nailed to its upper part. This valve 6 opens and closes the flow path by manual operation. Further, a number of valves 7 corresponding to the number of liquefied gas tanks 2 are attached to the side of the collecting pipe 4 . This valve 7 also opens and closes its flow path by manual operation. The connecting pipe 3 has one end connected to the valve 6,
The other end is connected to valve 7.

In the conventional liquefied gas collection device 1, the valve 7 is installed as follows.
The following work was carried out. Referring to FIG. 7, first, holes 8 of the number corresponding to the number of liquefied gas tanks 2 to be connected are placed on the side of the long pipe that is to become the collecting pipe 4.
will be established. Then, a sleeve 9 having a thread 9a formed on its outer circumferential surface is attached to the hole 8, and then the sleeve 9 and the collecting pipe 4 are fixed by welding. Thereafter, the installation of the valve 7 is completed by screwing the valve 7 into the sleeve 9.

When the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas tank 2 is used up, it is replaced with a new liquefied gas tank. In that case, first,
The handle of the valve 7 attached to the side of the collecting pipe 4 is manually operated to close the flow channel. Further, the valve 6 attached to the upper part of the liquefied gas tank 2 also closes its flow path by manual operation. Then, one end of the connecting pipe 3 is removed from the valve 6.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] During normal use of the liquefied gas collection device 1, the valves 6 and 7 open their flow paths. And valve 6
And unless the valve 7 is operated manually, the flow path will not close. Therefore, the following problems arise.

Three liquefied gas tanks 2 are illustrated in FIG.

It is assumed that the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas tank 2 located on the leftmost side is almost empty. On the other hand, it is assumed that a considerable amount of liquefied gas still remains in the liquefied gas tank 2 located at the center and the liquefied gas tank 2 located to the right thereof. In such a case, since the pressure in the liquefied gas tank 2 located on the leftmost side is lower than the pressure in the collecting pipe 4, a part of the gas sent to the regulator 5 through the collecting pipe 4 is transferred to the leftmost liquefied gas tank 2. The gas flows back into the liquefied gas tank 2 located at . In order to avoid such a phenomenon, conventionally, a plurality of liquefied gas tanks 2 connected to a collection pipe connected to a regulator 5 are arranged so that when one tank becomes empty, even if the remaining tanks are Even if liquefied gas remained, all of it had been replaced with new liquefied gas tanks. This means that
This is unfavorable in terms of fuel consumption efficiency.

Further, when replacing the liquefied gas tank with a new liquefied gas tank, the valves 6 and 7 are manually operated to close the respective flow paths. However, gas remains in the connecting pipe 3. Therefore, when one end of the connecting pipe 3 is removed from the valve 6, the gas remaining in the connecting pipe 3 is released to the outside, causing deterioration of the surrounding environment. When a large number of liquefied gas tanks 2 are replaced at the same time, the total amount of gas released from each connecting pipe 3 becomes considerably large, increasing the degree of danger.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a liquefied gas collection device with high fuel consumption efficiency.

More preferably, the present invention aims to provide a liquefied gas collection device that does not release gas to the outside when replacing a liquefied gas tank.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In one aspect of the liquefied gas collection device according to the present invention, the collection pipe can be formed by a plurality of pipes arranged in series. The liquefied gas collection device also includes a T-shaped pipe joint having three connection ports. Two pipes arranged adjacent to each other to form a collection pipe are connected to a first connection port and a second connection port of a T-shaped pipe joint. Moreover, the connecting pipe connected to the liquefied gas tank is connected to the third connection port of the T-shaped pipe joint.

The T-fitting includes a check valve mechanism in at least one connection that allows gas flow toward the regulator but prohibits gas flow in the opposite direction. This check valve mechanism includes a valve seat that is fixedly attached to a T-type pipe joint, and a T-type pipe joint.
It has a valve body that is movable within the return pipe joint and closes the gas flow path when it comes into contact with the valve seat, and a spring that always biases the valve body toward the valve seat.

Furthermore, in another aspect of the liquefied gas collecting device according to the present invention, a check valve is disposed that allows gas to flow toward the regulator but prohibits gas from flowing in the opposite direction. This check valve is disposed at the connection between the liquefied gas tank and the connecting pipe, or at the connection between the connecting pipe and the collecting pipe. The above-mentioned check valve includes a main body case, a valve seat fixedly provided within the main body case, and a valve body movable within the main body case and closing the gas flow path when it comes into contact with the valve seat. , and a spring that always biases the valve body toward the valve seat.

[Function] A check valve is disposed in the flow path connecting each liquefied gas tank and the collection pipe to allow the flow of gas toward the regulator but prohibit the flow of gas toward the opposite direction. This check valve has a valve body that is biased by a spring.

Therefore, when liquefied gas remains in the liquefied gas tank 2, the gas pressure from the liquefied gas overcomes the biasing force of the spring and opens the flow path of the check valve. On the other hand, when the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas tank is almost empty, the gas pressure in the flow path leading from the liquefied gas tank to the reverse valve becomes smaller than the biasing force of the spring, and the check valve automatically stops the gas flow. Close the road. In this way, even if the liquefied gas tank becomes empty, it is possible to reliably prevent gas from flowing back into the tank. Furthermore, since the check valve opens the flow path when gas remains in the liquefied gas tank, the fuel consumption efficiency of each liquefied gas tank can be significantly increased.

[Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention is the liquefied gas collection device 1 shown in FIG. 6 in which the valve 7 is replaced with a check valve. The structure of this check valve is shown in FIG.

The illustrated check valve 10 includes a main body case 11, a valve seat 12 fixedly provided within the main body case 11, and a valve seat 12 that is movable within the main body case 11, and when it comes into contact with the valve seat 12, a gas The valve body 13 has a valve body 13 that closes a flow path, and a spring 14 that biases the valve body 13 toward the valve seat 12. The valve body 13 has a gasket 15 fixed to the valve body 13, and the gasket 15 is adapted to abut against the valve seat 12. This improves airtightness. Further, in order to prevent gas from leaking between the valve seat 12 and the main body case 11, an O-ring 16 is disposed between the valve seat 12 and the main body case 11.

FIG. 2 shows an end view taken along line -H in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the valve body 13 has a circular cross-sectional shape as a whole, and has four protrusions 13a on its outer surface. The protrusion 13a abuts against the inner surface of the main case 11. In this way, a gas flow path is formed between the valve body 13 and the inner surface of the main body case 11.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the main body case 11 has two connection ports 10a and 10b. First connection port 10a
is connected to the connecting pipe 3, and the second connection port 10b is connected to the sleeve 9 shown in FIG. Therefore, both connection ports 10a.

10b each has a female thread 18. for its connection.
17 is formed.

In the first embodiment, the valve 7 in the liquefied gas collection device 1 shown in FIG. 6 is replaced with the check valve 10 shown in FIG. The operation of this first embodiment will be explained below.

During normal use, the valve 6 attached to the top of the liquefied gas tank 2 opens its flow path. In this case, the gas pressure in the flow path from each liquefied gas tank 2 to the check valve 10 is greater than the biasing force of the spring 14. Therefore,
The valve body 13 moves so as to compress the spring 14, and the valve seat 1
Open the flow path away from 2. In other words, each liquefied gas tank 2
The gas sent out through the connecting pipe 3 is introduced into the check valve 10 as indicated by arrow A in FIG. The introduced gas pressure causes the valve body 13 to move and open the flow path. As a result, the gas passes through the check valve 10 and is sent to the collecting pipe 4. The gas sent out from each liquefied gas tank 2 in this manner is collected in the collecting pipe 4 and is sent to the regulator 5.

Next, it is assumed that the liquefied gas tank 2 located at the leftmost position among the three liquefied gas tanks 2 shown in FIG. 6 has become empty. In that case, this liquefied gas tank 2
The gas pressure in the flow path from the spring 1 to the check valve 10 is
It becomes weaker than the urging force of 4. Therefore, the valve body 13 is
It is moved by the biasing force of the spring 14 and comes into contact with the valve seat 12 to close the flow path. The check valve 10 reliably prevents the gas from flowing back toward the empty liquefied gas tank.

The operations described above are performed in connection with each liquefied gas tank 2. In other words, in any liquefied gas tank 2, when the stored liquefied gas remains, the gas is automatically sent to the collecting pipe 4, but when the stored liquefied gas is empty, the gas is automatically sent to the collecting pipe 4. The road is closed. In this way, the fuel consumption efficiency for each liquefied gas tank 2 can be significantly increased. In addition, liquefied gas tank 2
When replacing the tank with a new tank, it is only necessary to remove the connecting pipe 3 from the valve 6. In the conventional device shown in FIG. 6, in this case, it was necessary to manually operate the valve 7 to close the flow path, but in this embodiment, such an operation is not necessary.

In a second embodiment of the present invention, in the liquefied gas collection device 1 shown in FIG. 6, a check valve 10 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to one end of the connecting pipe 3 to be connected to the valve 6. It is something. In this case, the second connection port 10 of the check valve 10
b is connected to the connecting pipe 3. And the first connection port 10a
is connected to valve 6. According to this second embodiment:
Connect the connecting pipe 3 to the valve 6 to replace the liquefied gas tank 2.
Even if the connecting pipe 3 is removed, the gas remaining in the connecting pipe 3 will not leak out due to the action of the check valve 10. Therefore, it contributes to maintaining a good environment and improving safety.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a check valve used in a third embodiment of the invention. The illustrated check valve 19 is the sixth
In the liquefied gas collection device 1 shown in the figure, it is attached to the other end of the connecting pipe 3 which is to be connected to the valve 7.

Specifically, the check valve 19 is connected to the main body case 20.
and a valve seat 2 fixedly provided within this main body case 20.
1, and a valve body 2 movably provided within the main body case 20.
2, and a spring 2 that always biases the valve body 22 toward the valve seat 21.
3.

Is the valve body 22 packed? 24, and this gasket 24 abuts against the valve seat 21. Further, like the check valve 10 shown in FIG. 1, an O-ring 25 for airtightness is disposed between the valve seat 21 and the main body case 20. The main body case 20 has a first connection port 20a and a second connection port 20b. The first connection port 20a is connected to the connecting pipe 3. Further, the second connection port 20b is connected to the valve 7 shown in FIG. For this connection, the first connection port 2
0a and the second connection port 20b each have a female thread 2.
6 and a male thread 27 are formed.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a check valve used in a fourth embodiment of the invention. The illustrated check valve 28 is the sixth
In the liquefied gas collection device 1 shown in the figure, it is attached to one end of a connecting pipe 3 to be connected to a valve 6. Specifically, the check valve 28 includes a main body case 29 and a valve seat 30 fixedly attached to the main body case 29.
, a valve body 31 that is movably provided within the main body case 29 , and a spring 32 that biases the valve body 31 toward the valve seat 30 .
It has In order to improve airtightness, a packing 33 is attached to the valve body 31 as a solid tube, and packings 34 and 35 are arranged on the outer surface of the valve seat 30.

In the illustrated check valve 28, the valve seat 30 is connected to the main body case 2.
It is growing prominently from 9. A handle 36 is disposed on the outer surface of the protruding portion of the valve seat 30.

Handle 36 is rotatable on valve seat 30. As shown in the figure, one connection port of the main body case 29 has a female thread 2.
8a is formed. This female thread 28a is used for connection with the connecting pipe 3 shown in FIG.

Further, a male thread 36a is formed on the outer surface of the handle 36. This male thread 36a is used for connection to the Palflo shown in FIG.

In the fourth embodiment, the connection work between the connecting pipe 3 and the valve 6,
And its removal work is easy.

That is, connection and removal operations can be performed simply by rotating the handle 36.

The operation of the check valve 28 is the same as in each of the embodiments described above.

Next, the feature of the fifth embodiment of the present invention lies in the structure of the connecting portion between the connecting pipe 3 and the collecting pipe 4 shown in FIG. The collecting pipe 4 is not composed of a single long pipe, but is composed of a plurality of pipes connected in series in this fifth embodiment. In the following, two pipes to be connected will be explained as an example.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the main parts of the fifth embodiment, a part of which is shown in cross section. 2 constituting the collection pipe 4
The main pipes 37 , 38 are connected in series via a T-shaped joint 39 . The T-shaped bone joint 39 has three connection ports: a first connection port 39as, a second connection port 39b1, and a third connection port 39c. One pipe 37 is connected to the first connection port 39a, and the other pipe 38 is connected to the second connection port 39b. In addition, the connecting pipe 3 shown in FIG.
is connected to the third connection port 39c.

On the outer circumferential surface of both ends of the pipe 37 are screw sockets 4.
0 is inserted. A male thread 42 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the screw socket 40.

Correspondingly, a female thread 43 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the first connection port 39a of the T-shaped bone joint 39 to be screwed into the male thread 42 of the threaded socket 40.

Note that a screw socket 41 is also fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the other pipe 38 to be connected to the pipe 37.

The connection structure between the pipe 38 and the T-shaped joint 39 is the same as the connection structure between the pipe 37 and the T-shaped joint 39, so below, the connection structure between the pipe 37 and the T-shaped joint 39 will be described. Only the connection structure will be explained.

A groove 45 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the pipe 37.
is formed. In this groove 45, a retaining ring 4 is provided.
4 is installed. Further, the screw socket 40 is attached to the T-ring pipe joint 3 on the inner peripheral surface of the end portion of the screw socket 40.
A notch 4δ is formed which comes into contact with the side and maximum outer diameter portion of the retaining ring 44 when the retaining ring 44 is screwed into the retaining ring 44.

The T-ring pipe joint 39 is formed with a stopper portion 47 that abuts against the end of the pipe 37 to be fitted and positions the insertion end of the pipe 37. Also, as shown,
An O-ring 48 is installed between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe 37 and the T-ring pipe joint 39. This O-ring 48 prevents gas from leaking from the connection between the T-ring pipe joint 39 and the pipe 37.

By employing the above-described structure, the collection pipe line 4 for sending the collection gas to the regulator 5 can be assembled at the location where the liquefied gas collection device is installed. In this case, the plurality of pipes constituting the collection pipe 4 can be separated and transported, which is very convenient.

In addition, if pipes of different lengths are prepared to constitute the collection pipe 4, it is possible to select the optimum length of the pipe according to the situation of the place where the liquefied gas collection equipment is installed. .

The specific procedure for assembling the collecting pipe 4 is as follows. Referring to FIG. 5, first, the pipe 37 is inserted into the first connection port 39a of the T-ring pipe joint 39. This insertion is performed so that the end surface of the pipe 37 touches the stopper 4 of the T-ring pipe joint 39.
This is repeated until it comes into contact with 7. Thereafter, the threaded socket 40 is screwed into the T-ring fitting 39. This screwing is continued until the notch 46 of the screw socket 40 abuts the side of the retaining ring 44. screw socket 40
Since the notch 46 is also in contact with the maximum outer diameter portion of the retaining ring 44, even if the retaining ring 44 is pressed in the longitudinal direction of the pipe 37 by the threaded socket 40, the retaining ring 4
4 will not come off the groove 45 of the pipe 37.

Thus, in the state shown in FIG. 5, movement of the pipe 37 to the left in the figure is prohibited because its end surface comes into contact with the abutment stop 47 of the T-ring pipe joint 39, and movement to the right in the figure is prohibited. is prohibited by the retaining ring 44 abutting the notch 46 of the threaded socket 40. In this manner, the pipe 37 can be secured to the T-ring fitting 39 by simply screwing the threaded socket 40. This operation is very simple and can be done in a short time.

The pipe 38 is also attached to the T-ring fitting 3 in the same manner as described above.
9 is connected to the second connection port 39b. By repeating this procedure, a desired length of collecting pipe can be obtained. Thereafter, the connecting pipe 3 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to the third connection port 39c of the T-ring pipe joint 39.

The T-ring pipe joint 39 shown in FIG. 5 has its third connection port 39c.
A check valve mechanism that allows gas to flow toward the regulator 5 but prohibits gas to flow in the opposite direction is incorporated therein. Specifically, the check valve mechanism includes a valve seat 49 that is fixedly attached to the T-ring pipe joint 39, and a valve seat 49 that is movable within the T-ring pipe joint 39, and when it comes into contact with the valve seat 49. It includes a valve body 50 that closes the gas flow path and a spring 51 that always biases the valve body 50 toward the valve seat 49.

In order to improve airtightness, a packing 52 is fixed to the valve body 50, and an O2 gasket is installed between the valve seat 49 and the T-ring pipe joint 39.
A ring 53 is arranged. Furthermore, T-ring pipe joint 39
A female thread 54 for connecting the connecting pipe 3 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the third connection port 39c.

The operation of the check valve mechanism shown in FIG. 5 is the same as that of the check valves of the respective embodiments described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Five embodiments have been described above based on the drawings, and these are illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of this invention. For example, the screw socket 40 shown in FIG. 5 may be modified to employ a screw socket in the form of a cap nut. In this case, T
The first connection port 39a and the second connection port 39 of the mold bone joint 39
A male thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of b to be screwed into the female thread of the screw socket.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, in the present invention, a check valve is provided in the flow path connecting the liquefied gas tank and the collecting pipe. The check valve allows gas flow toward the regulator but prohibits gas flow in the opposite direction. In addition, when liquefied gas remains in the liquefied gas tank, the flow path of the check valve is opened by gas pressure, while when the liquefied gas in the liquefied gas tank is exhausted, the flow path of the check valve is automatically opened by the biasing force of the spring. Close. Therefore, the liquefied gas stored in each liquefied gas tank can be efficiently consumed, and fuel consumption efficiency can be significantly increased. Furthermore, as explained in the preferred embodiment, if a check valve is provided at the end of the connecting pipe to be connected to the liquefied gas tank, gas will be prevented from leaking from the connecting pipe when the liquefied gas tank is replaced. This can contribute to maintaining a good environment and improving safety.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a check valve used in a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is an end view taken along the line ■--■ in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a check valve used in a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a check valve used in a fourth embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a front view of a structure related to a T-shaped pipe joint used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and a portion thereof is shown in cross section. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a conventional liquefied gas collection device. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a conventional structure for connecting the collecting pipe 4 and the connecting pipe 3 shown in FIG. 6. In the figure, 1 is a liquefied gas collection device, 2 is a liquefied gas tank, 3 is a connecting pipe, 4 is a collection pipe, 5 is a regulator, 10 is a check valve, 11 is a main body case, 12 is a valve seat, and 13 is a valve. body,
14 is a spring, 19 is a check valve, 20 is a main body case, 21
is a valve seat, 22 is a valve body, 23 is a spring, 28 is a check valve, 2
9 is a main body case, 30 is a valve seat, 31 is a valve body, 32 is a spring, 37, 38 are pipes, 39 is a T-shaped pipe joint, 49 is a valve seat, 50 is a valve body, and 51 is a spring.

Claims (5)

[Claims] (1) a plurality of liquefied gas tanks storing liquefied gas therein, one end of each of which is connected to the liquefied gas tank;
a plurality of connecting pipes for guiding gas out of the tank; and a set whose other end is connected to the side surface of each of the connecting pipes, and which collects the gas introduced through the connecting pipes and sends it to a predetermined location. A liquefied gas collection device comprising: a pipe; and a regulator that adjusts the gas sent through the collection pipe to a predetermined pressure and supplies it to a predetermined use point, wherein the collection pipe is connected in series. It is composed of a plurality of pipes arranged in the same direction, and further has three connection ports, the two adjacent pipes are connected to the first connection port and the second connection port, and the connection port is connected to the third connection port. A T-type pipe joint for connecting pipes is provided, the T-type pipe joint comprising:
At least one connection port has a built-in check valve mechanism that allows gas to flow toward the regulator but prohibits gas flow in the opposite direction, and the check valve mechanism has the T type. a valve seat fixedly attached to a pipe joint;
A valve body that is movable within the type pipe joint and closes a gas flow path when it comes into contact with the valve seat, and a spring that always biases the valve body toward the valve seat. A liquefied gas collection device characterized by: (2) The liquefied gas collection device according to claim 1, wherein the check valve mechanism is built into the third connection port of the T-shaped pipe joint. (3) a plurality of liquefied gas tanks storing liquefied gas therein, one end of each of which is connected to the liquefied gas tank;
a plurality of connecting pipes for guiding gas out of the tank; and a set whose other end is connected to the side surface of each of the connecting pipes, and which collects the gas introduced through the connecting pipes and sends it to a predetermined location. A liquefied gas collection device comprising: a pipe line; and a regulator that adjusts the gas sent through the collection pipe to a predetermined pressure and supplies it to a predetermined use point, wherein the liquefied gas tank and the connecting pipe A check valve that allows gas to flow toward the regulator but prohibits gas from flowing in the opposite direction is disposed at the connection between the connecting pipe and the collecting pipe, and The check valve includes a main body case, a valve seat fixedly provided within the main body case, and a valve that is movable within the main body case and closes a gas flow path when it comes into contact with the valve seat. A liquefied gas collection device, comprising: a body; and a spring that always biases the valve body toward the valve seat. (4) The liquefied gas collection device according to claim 3, wherein screws for connection are formed at both ends of the main body case. (5) The liquefied gas collection device according to claim 3, wherein the check valve is attached to both ends of the connecting pipe.