WO2007072073A1 - Apparatus for controlling delivery of fluid from a vessel - Google Patents

Apparatus for controlling delivery of fluid from a vessel Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007072073A1
WO2007072073A1 PCT/GB2006/050446 GB2006050446W WO2007072073A1 WO 2007072073 A1 WO2007072073 A1 WO 2007072073A1 GB 2006050446 W GB2006050446 W GB 2006050446W WO 2007072073 A1 WO2007072073 A1 WO 2007072073A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
response
control signal
controller
vessel
fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2006/050446
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark Jonathan Taylor
Original Assignee
The Boc Group Plc
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 The Boc Group Plc filed Critical The Boc Group Plc
Priority to EP06820671A priority Critical patent/EP1991787A1/en
Publication of WO2007072073A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007072073A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/12—Arrangements or mounting of devices for preventing or minimising the effect of explosion ; Other safety measures
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
    • F04B15/06—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts for liquids near their boiling point, e.g. under subnormal pressure
    • F04B15/08—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts for liquids near their boiling point, e.g. under subnormal pressure the liquids having low boiling points
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/02—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control
    • F04B49/03—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control by means of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
    • F04B49/10—Other safety measures
    • 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
    • F17C3/00—Vessels not under pressure
    • F17C3/02—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation
    • F17C3/08—Vessels not under pressure with provision for thermal insulation by vacuum spaces, e.g. Dewar flask
    • 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
    • F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
    • 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
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/06—Details or accessories
    • B67D7/32—Arrangements of safety or warning devices; Means for preventing unauthorised delivery of liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
    • F04B15/00—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts
    • F04B15/06—Pumps adapted to handle specific fluids, e.g. by selection of specific materials for pumps or pump parts for liquids near their boiling point, e.g. under subnormal pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/035—Orientation with substantially horizontal main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/054—Size medium (>1 m3)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/03—Thermal insulations
    • F17C2203/0391—Thermal insulations by vacuum
    • 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
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0626—Multiple walls
    • F17C2203/0629—Two walls
    • 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
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F17C2203/0643—Stainless steels
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0352—Pipes
    • F17C2205/0364—Pipes flexible or articulated, e.g. a hose
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/013—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
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2223/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • 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
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • 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
    • F17C2223/04—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by other properties of handled fluid before transfer
    • F17C2223/042—Localisation of the removal point
    • F17C2223/046—Localisation of the removal point in the liquid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F17C2225/0161—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL cryogenic, e.g. LNG, GNL, PLNG
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2225/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • 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
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/01—Propulsion of the fluid
    • F17C2227/0128—Propulsion of the fluid with pumps or compressors
    • F17C2227/0135—Pumps
    • 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
    • F17C2227/00—Transfer of fluids, i.e. method or means for transferring the fluid; Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/03—Heat exchange with the fluid
    • F17C2227/0367—Localisation of heat exchange
    • F17C2227/0369—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel
    • F17C2227/0376—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact
    • F17C2227/0381—Localisation of heat exchange in or on a vessel in wall contact integrated in the wall
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/034—Control means using wireless transmissions
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/036—Control means using alarms
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0443—Flow or movement of content
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0447—Composition; Humidity
    • F17C2250/0452—Concentration of a product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0478—Position or presence
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/04—Reducing risks and environmental impact
    • F17C2260/044—Avoiding pollution or contamination
    • 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
    • F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
    • F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
    • F17C2265/063—Fluid distribution for supply of refueling stations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, for example a road tanker.
  • Atmospheric gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and argon can be stored as a cryogenic liquid.
  • Such liquids take up much less space than compressed gases, and therefore offer a convenient and compact way of storing gases.
  • Cryogenic liquid is typically contained in a vacuum insulated stainless steel holding vessel, which may be conveniently filled on a user's site from a road tanker.
  • the road tanker includes a vacuum insulated storage vessel for containing the cryogenic liquid.
  • a flexible hose extends from the storage vessel for supplying the cryogenic liquid to the holding vessel.
  • the present invention provides apparatus for controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, for example a road tanker, the apparatus comprising a valve for inhibiting fluid flow from the vessel, and control means for activating the valve in response to a control signal generated by a device carried by an operator, wherein the device comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the device, a gas sensor, and a controller for generating the control signal in response to one of (i) input received from the gas sensor, and (ii) input received from the motion detector.
  • a hazardous fluid for example a cryogenic liquid such as one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and oxygen
  • the control signal may be generated when the input received from the motion detector indicates an absence of detected motion of the device for a predetermined period of time, that is, when no signals are received from the motion detector for this period of time.
  • Motionless of the device can provide an indication that the operator has been rendered unconscious or incapacitated for some reason, and can enable the fluid delivery from the vessel to be stopped before the occurrence of, or before the escalation of, any overflowing of fluid from a holding vessel receiving the fluid from the tanker.
  • the controller is preferably configured to generate an alert signal in response to an absence of detected motion of the device for a second predetermined period of time shorter than the first-mentioned period of time.
  • the motion detector may be configured to detect the orientation of the device, and the controller may be configured to generate the control signal in dependence on the detected orientation of the device over a predetermined period of time. For example, if the device has been positioned more than a certain angle from the vertical plane, for instance more than 30° from vertical, for this period of time, this can indicate incapacity of the operator.
  • the gas sensor is preferably configured to detect the amount of oxygen in the environment of the device.
  • the controller may be configured to generate the control signal when the detected amount of oxygen is below a predetermined value, and thereby indicative of an oxygen deficient environment, and/or may be configured to generate the control signal when the detected amount of oxygen is above a second predetermined value, and thereby indicative of an oxygen enriched environment.
  • the device may further include a manually actuable button for generating a manual alarm signal when activated, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal in response to the manual alarm signal.
  • This button can therefore provide a "panic” button for the operator, enable the delivery of fluid from the tanker to be inhibited remotely by the operator for any reason.
  • control means In response to the control signal, the control means is preferably configured to turn off a pump for pumping fluid from the vessel.
  • the control means preferably generates an alert signal in response to the control signal.
  • Means may be provided for generating one or more of a visible alarm and an audible alarm in response to the alert signal.
  • This alarm can enable personnel in the vicinity of the vessel to be alerted to the potentially hazardous incident that may have occurred, and to provide assistance to the operator.
  • means may be provided for transmitting an alarm signal to a remote central unit in response to the alert signal.
  • This alarm signal may include information regarding one or more of the current location of the vessel, the identity of the operator, and the nature of the fluid being dispensed from the vessel.
  • This alarm signal can trigger one or more automatic communication events at the central unit, such as communications to the emergency services and/or to personnel in vicinity of the vessel to provide assistance to the operator.
  • the vessel may be provided by a road tanker, but the apparatus may also be used in the delivery of fluid from other vessels, for example an ocean-going tanker.
  • the present invention also provides a method of controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, the method comprising the steps, at a device carried by an operator, of: detecting motion of the device; detecting the concentration of a chosen gas in the environment of the device; generating a control signal in response to one of (i) the absence of detected motion of the device, or the orientation of detected motion, for a predetermined period of time, and (ii) the detected gas concentration; and transmitting the control signal; the method further comprising the steps, at control means, of: receiving the control signal; and closing a valve in response to the control signal to inhibit fluid flow from the vessel.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a road tanker for delivering a cryogenic liquid to a holding vessel
  • Figure 2 illustrates schematically a first embodiment of an apparatus for controlling the delivery of liquid from the tanker
  • Figure 3 illustrates an external view of the operator's device of the apparatus of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the operator's device.
  • Figure 5 illustrates schematically a second embodiment of an apparatus for controlling the delivery of liquid from the tanker.
  • a road tanker 10 comprises a vacuum insulated storage vessel 12 for containing fluid 14, in this example a cryogenic liquid such as one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and oxygen.
  • a supply pipe 16 is connected to the storage vessel 12 to enable fluid to be delivered from the storage vessel 12 to a holding vessel (not illustrated), for example a vacuum insulated stainless steel holding vessel.
  • the supply pipe 16 includes a pump 18 for drawing fluid from the storage vessel 12, and a shut-off valve 20 for selectively opening and closing the supply pipe 16.
  • activation of the pump 18 and the valve 20 is controlled by a first control unit 22 mounted at the rear of the tanker 10.
  • the valve 20 may be provided by a gate valve that is opened under pneumatic pressure by the first control unit 22.
  • a control panel 24 interfaces with the first control unit 22 to enable an operator, usually the driver of the tanker 10, to operate the pump 18 and activate the valve 20 to start the delivery of fluid from the tanker 10 when the free end of the supply pipe 16 is connected to the holding vessel.
  • a flow meter (not shown) may be provided in the supply pipe 16 to enable the operator to monitor the amount of fluid that has been delivered to the holding vessel. Upon delivery of the required amount of fluid to the holding vessel, the operator uses the control panel 24 to turn off the pump 18 and close the valve 20 to stop the fluid delivery.
  • An emergency shut down button 26 preferably in the form of a mushroom- shaped button, is provided on the tanker 10 to enable an operator to rapidly cause the first control unit 22 to close the valve 20 and turn off the pump 18 in the event of an emergency, for example, overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel.
  • an emergency for example, overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel.
  • fluid would continue to be delivered to the holding vessel, causing it to overflow within a relatively short period of time. Depending on the nature of the fluid delivered to the storage vessel, this may be particularly hazardous.
  • the operator is provided with a device 40 to be carried during the filling operation.
  • the device 40 may be carried in the hand of the operator, attached the wrist or belt of the operator, attached to a chain to be worn around the operator's neck, or otherwise carried.
  • the device 40 comprises a casing 42 having located thereon a display 44, an (optional) keyboard 46, and a "panic" button 48.
  • the display 44 is controlled by a controller 50 housed within the casing 42.
  • the device 40 is preferably battery powered, and is continually activated.
  • the device 40 also comprises a receiver 52 for receiving signals of either a radio frequency or infrared frequency from a second control unit 28 operatively connected to the first control unit 22 on the tanker 10. This can enable the device 40 to receive and display information from the first control unit 22 regarding the filling operation, for example the duration of the filling operation, the amount of fluid that has been dispensed from the storage vessel 12 and the rate at which fluid is being dispensed from the storage vessel.
  • the device 40 further comprises a transmitter 54 to enable the device 40 to transmit control signals, again of either a radio or infrared frequency, to the second control unit 28.
  • control signals may contain commands to the first control unit 22 that are generated by the controller 50 in response to operator commands input using the keyboard 46, for example to reduce the rate at which the fluid is being delivered to the holding vessel, or to stop the delivery.
  • a panic button 48 on the device 40 enables the operator to rapidly stop the delivery of fluid from the storage vessel in the event of an emergency when the operator is remote from, or otherwise unable to reach, the emergency shut down button 26 on the tanker 10. Depression of the panic button 48 is detected by the controller 50, which generates a control signal that is transmitted from the device 40 by the transmitter 54.
  • the second control unit 28 receives the control signal, and activates a solenoid valve 30 to move from an open position to a closed position. This closure of the solenoid valve 30 is detected by the first control unit 22.
  • the first control unit 22 performs the same operations that would be carried out in the event that the emergency shut down button 26 had been closed, that is, the first control unit 22 closes the valve 20 and turns off the pump 18.
  • the device 40 further includes other safety features that enable the delivery of fluid to the holding vessel to be terminated in the event that the operator is unable to operate the panic button 48.
  • the device 40 includes a gas sensor 56 for detecting the concentration of a specific gas in the environment of the device 40.
  • the gas sensor 56 may be located within the casing 42, the casing 42 having a grille or other such means for allowing gas to pass to the gas sensor 56. Alternatively, the gas sensor 56 may be located on the external surface of the casing 42.
  • the gas sensor 56 is preferably configured to detect the amount of oxygen in the environment of the device 40, and send signals to the controller 50 indicative of the detected oxygen concentration.
  • the fluid being delivered from the tanker 10 is one of argon, carbon dioxide and nitrogen
  • overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel can result in an oxygen-deficient environment being rapidly established around the holding vessel, due to the displacement of oxygen from the environment.
  • the controller 50 monitors the input from the gas sensor 56, and when the detected oxygen concentration has fallen below a first predetermined value, for example below 19.5%, the controller 50 generates the control signal, which is transmitted from the device 40 by the transmitter 54.
  • the second control unit 28 results in the cessation of the delivery of fluid to the holding vessel, and so the oxygen-deficient environment can become rapidly dispersed.
  • the fluid being delivered from the tanker 10 is oxygen
  • overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel can result in an oxygen-enriched environment being rapidly established around the holding vessel.
  • the controller 50 When the detected oxygen concentration has risen above a second predetermined value, for example above 22%, the controller 50 generates the control signal, which is transmitted from the device 40 by the transmitter 54.
  • the operator In the event that the operator is conscious, and mobile, when the control signal has been generated, for example if the control signal had been generated due to a fluid spillage or otherwise before filling had been completed, the operator is able to restart the filling procedure by moving away from the local environment, so that the oxygen concentration of the device returns to an acceptable value, and depressing a reset button 32 operatively connected to the second control unit 28. This results in a signal being sent by the second control unit 28 to the first control unit 22 to enable the operator to activate the control panel 24 to restart the fluid delivery.
  • the device 40 further includes a motion detector 58.
  • the motion detector 58 is configured to detect motion of the device 40, and to output a signal to the controller 50 when motion has been detected.
  • the controller 50 includes a timer 60. The controller 50 resets the timer 60 to begin counting depending on the input received from the motion detector, in this example when a signal is received from the motion detector 58.
  • the controller 50 When the input received from the motion detector 58 indicates an absence of detected motion of the device for a first predetermined period of time, that is, when no signals are received from the motion detector for this period of time, the controller 50 enters a pre-alarm condition, and generates an alert signal.
  • the alert signal is received by an alarm 62, which generates one of an audible or tactile alarm, for example by vibrating the device 40, to alert the operator of the pre-alarm condition of the device 40.
  • the pre- alarm condition may be displayed on the display 44.
  • this alarm can make the operator aware that the shut-off valve will be closed unless movement of the device 40 occurs within a certain period of time, for example a few seconds. This can prompt the operator to move the device 40, causing the timer 60 to be re-set and thereby preventing unnecessary inhibition of the fluid delivery.
  • the controller 50 automatically generates the control signal.
  • the motion detector is configured to detect both motion of the device and the orientation of that motion, and outputs signals to the controller when motion has been detected and which include information regarding the current orientation of the device 40.
  • the controller 50 enters the pre- alarm condition, and generates the alert signal.
  • the controller 50 automatically generates the control signal.
  • the second control unit 28 may generate an alert signal.
  • This alert signal may be received by one or more alarms 34, for example a siren and/or beacon provided on the tanker 10, which generates an alarm for alerting personnel in the vicinity of the tanker 10 to the potentially hazardous incident that may have just occurred, and to provide assistance to the operator. A vocal warning may also be generated.
  • the second control unit 28 may transmit an alarm signal to a remote unit 70 to alert the remote unit of the incident.
  • This remote unit may be a central hub for receiving signals from a fleet of tankers, or a control unit more local to the filling operation, for example on the site where the fluid delivery is occurring.
  • This alarm signal may include information concerning the current location of the tanker, the identity of the operator, and the nature of the fluid being dispensed from the tanker 10.
  • the remote unit can then alert the emergency services, and personnel in the vicinity of the tanker 10.
  • a signal may also be transmitted from the remote unit 70 to the second control unit 28 to cause the alarm to be changed, for example to change the vocal alert or the tone of the audible alarm, to advise the operator that assistance is on the way.
  • the operator may depress the reset button 32 to cancel the alarm, or may stop the alarm using the keyboard 46 on the device 40.
  • the motion detector 58 is configured to detect the orientation of the device 40, cancellation of the alarm may only be permitted if the device 40 is returned to an upright position, thereby indicating that the operator has some mobility.
  • first and second control units 22, 28 may be combined in a single control unit 1 10 provided on the tanker 10, as illustrated in Figure 5.
  • This control unit 1 10 provides the functionality of the first control unit 22 insofar as the control unit 1 10 controls the activation of the pump 18 and the valve 20, and an emergency button 26 is connected to the control unit 1 10 to enable an operator to rapidly cause the control unit 1 10 to close the valve 20 and turn off the pump 18 in response to depression of the button 26.
  • a flow meter 1 12 or other suitable device may be connected to the control unit 1 10 to provide signals indicative of the amount of fluid that has been transferred to the holding vessel.
  • a control panel 24 interfaces with the control unit 1 10 to enable the operator to operate the pump 18 and activate the valve 20 to start the delivery of fluid from the tanker 10 when the free end of the supply pipe 16 is connected to the holding vessel.
  • a display 1 14 interfaces with the control unit 1 10 to provide the operator with information concerning the filling operation, such as the duration of the filling and the amount of fluid that has been transferred to the holding vessel.
  • the control unit 1 10 also provides the functionality of the second control unit 28 insofar as the control unit 1 10 receives control signals from the device to stop the filling operation in response to the depression of the panic button 48, and in response to input from one or more of the gas sensor 56 and the motion detector 58. In response to such control signals, the control unit 1 10 generates an alert signal that is received by one or more alarms 34. In response to the activation of the alarm 34, a computer controlled alert system 1 16 interfacing with the alarm 34 can generate an alarm signal for transmission to the remote unit. Alternatively, the control unit 1 10 can generate this alarm signal.

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Abstract

Apparatus for controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, the apparatus comprising a valve for inhibiting fluid flow from the vessel, and control means for activating the valve in response to a control signal generated by a device carried by an operator, wherein the device comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the device, a gas sensor, and a controller for generating the control signal in response to one of (i) input received from the gas sensor, and (ii) input received from the motion detector.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING DELIVERY OF FLUID FROM A
VESSEL
The present invention relates to apparatus for controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, for example a road tanker.
Atmospheric gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide and argon can be stored as a cryogenic liquid. Such liquids take up much less space than compressed gases, and therefore offer a convenient and compact way of storing gases.
Cryogenic liquid is typically contained in a vacuum insulated stainless steel holding vessel, which may be conveniently filled on a user's site from a road tanker. The road tanker includes a vacuum insulated storage vessel for containing the cryogenic liquid. A flexible hose extends from the storage vessel for supplying the cryogenic liquid to the holding vessel. When the free end of the hose has been located in the holding vessel by an operator, a pump is switched on and a shut-off valve within the hose is opened to enable cryogenic liquid to be delivered to the holding vessel. Following delivery of the required amount of liquid, the shut-off valve is closed and the pump is switched off.
Filling of the holding vessel is usually performed by an unassisted operator, namely the driver of the road tanker. If, for some reason, the operator were to become unconscious or otherwise incapacitated during the filling operation, the cryogenic liquid would continue to be delivered to the holding vessel, causing it to overflow within a relatively short period of time. The overflowing liquid would spread around the holding vessel, and so could readily envelop the unconscious operator. This can result in an immediately hazardous environment surrounding the operator; where the cryogenic liquid is one of argon, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, oxygen deficiency due to the displacement of oxygen from that environment can result in an asphyxiation risk, whereas where the cryogenic liquid is oxygen, oxygen enrichment of that environment can dramatically increase the risk of fire.
It is an aim of at least the preferred embodiment of the present invention to seek to solve this and other problems.
The present invention provides apparatus for controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, for example a road tanker, the apparatus comprising a valve for inhibiting fluid flow from the vessel, and control means for activating the valve in response to a control signal generated by a device carried by an operator, wherein the device comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the device, a gas sensor, and a controller for generating the control signal in response to one of (i) input received from the gas sensor, and (ii) input received from the motion detector.
This can enable the delivery of fluid from the vessel to be automatically inhibited in the event of a control signal being generated by the operator's device. This can inhibit the escalation of a potentially hazardous environment during the delivery of a hazardous fluid (for example a cryogenic liquid such as one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and oxygen) in the event that the operator is unable personally to actuate the shut off valve for any reason, and/or in the event that the gas composition of the environment of the device becomes hazardous to the operator.
The control signal may be generated when the input received from the motion detector indicates an absence of detected motion of the device for a predetermined period of time, that is, when no signals are received from the motion detector for this period of time. Motionless of the device can provide an indication that the operator has been rendered unconscious or incapacitated for some reason, and can enable the fluid delivery from the vessel to be stopped before the occurrence of, or before the escalation of, any overflowing of fluid from a holding vessel receiving the fluid from the tanker. The controller is preferably configured to generate an alert signal in response to an absence of detected motion of the device for a second predetermined period of time shorter than the first-mentioned period of time. For example, the device may comprise means for generating one of a visible, audible or tactile alert in response to the alert signal generated by the controller. In the event that the operator is fully conscious whilst being motionless, for example during an inspection of part of the delivery equipment or whilst waiting for the fluid delivery to be completed, the device can alert the operator by means of a visual display, buzzer or, more preferably, by vibration of the device, that the shut-off valve is to be closed unless movement of the device occurs within a certain period of time, for example a few seconds. This can prompt the operator to move the device and thereby prevent unnecessary inhibition of the fluid delivery.
Alternatively, or additionally, the motion detector may be configured to detect the orientation of the device, and the controller may be configured to generate the control signal in dependence on the detected orientation of the device over a predetermined period of time. For example, if the device has been positioned more than a certain angle from the vertical plane, for instance more than 30° from vertical, for this period of time, this can indicate incapacity of the operator.
Due to the risks posed to the operator by an oxygen deficient or oxygen enriched environment, the gas sensor is preferably configured to detect the amount of oxygen in the environment of the device. The controller may be configured to generate the control signal when the detected amount of oxygen is below a predetermined value, and thereby indicative of an oxygen deficient environment, and/or may be configured to generate the control signal when the detected amount of oxygen is above a second predetermined value, and thereby indicative of an oxygen enriched environment. - A -
The device may further include a manually actuable button for generating a manual alarm signal when activated, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal in response to the manual alarm signal. This button can therefore provide a "panic" button for the operator, enable the delivery of fluid from the tanker to be inhibited remotely by the operator for any reason.
In response to the control signal, the control means is preferably configured to turn off a pump for pumping fluid from the vessel.
The control means preferably generates an alert signal in response to the control signal. Means may be provided for generating one or more of a visible alarm and an audible alarm in response to the alert signal. This alarm can enable personnel in the vicinity of the vessel to be alerted to the potentially hazardous incident that may have occurred, and to provide assistance to the operator. Alternatively, or additionally, means may be provided for transmitting an alarm signal to a remote central unit in response to the alert signal. This alarm signal may include information regarding one or more of the current location of the vessel, the identity of the operator, and the nature of the fluid being dispensed from the vessel. This alarm signal can trigger one or more automatic communication events at the central unit, such as communications to the emergency services and/or to personnel in vicinity of the vessel to provide assistance to the operator.
As mentioned above, the vessel may be provided by a road tanker, but the apparatus may also be used in the delivery of fluid from other vessels, for example an ocean-going tanker.
The present invention also provides a method of controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, the method comprising the steps, at a device carried by an operator, of: detecting motion of the device; detecting the concentration of a chosen gas in the environment of the device; generating a control signal in response to one of (i) the absence of detected motion of the device, or the orientation of detected motion, for a predetermined period of time, and (ii) the detected gas concentration; and transmitting the control signal; the method further comprising the steps, at control means, of: receiving the control signal; and closing a valve in response to the control signal to inhibit fluid flow from the vessel.
Features described above in relation to the apparatus aspect of the invention are equally applicable to the method aspect of the invention, and vice versa.
Preferred features of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a road tanker for delivering a cryogenic liquid to a holding vessel;
Figure 2 illustrates schematically a first embodiment of an apparatus for controlling the delivery of liquid from the tanker;
Figure 3 illustrates an external view of the operator's device of the apparatus of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the operator's device; and
Figure 5 illustrates schematically a second embodiment of an apparatus for controlling the delivery of liquid from the tanker.
With reference first to Figure 1 , a road tanker 10 comprises a vacuum insulated storage vessel 12 for containing fluid 14, in this example a cryogenic liquid such as one of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon and oxygen. A supply pipe 16 is connected to the storage vessel 12 to enable fluid to be delivered from the storage vessel 12 to a holding vessel (not illustrated), for example a vacuum insulated stainless steel holding vessel. The supply pipe 16 includes a pump 18 for drawing fluid from the storage vessel 12, and a shut-off valve 20 for selectively opening and closing the supply pipe 16.
With reference now to Figure 2, in a first embodiment activation of the pump 18 and the valve 20 is controlled by a first control unit 22 mounted at the rear of the tanker 10. For example, the valve 20 may be provided by a gate valve that is opened under pneumatic pressure by the first control unit 22. A control panel 24 interfaces with the first control unit 22 to enable an operator, usually the driver of the tanker 10, to operate the pump 18 and activate the valve 20 to start the delivery of fluid from the tanker 10 when the free end of the supply pipe 16 is connected to the holding vessel.
A flow meter (not shown) may be provided in the supply pipe 16 to enable the operator to monitor the amount of fluid that has been delivered to the holding vessel. Upon delivery of the required amount of fluid to the holding vessel, the operator uses the control panel 24 to turn off the pump 18 and close the valve 20 to stop the fluid delivery.
An emergency shut down button 26, preferably in the form of a mushroom- shaped button, is provided on the tanker 10 to enable an operator to rapidly cause the first control unit 22 to close the valve 20 and turn off the pump 18 in the event of an emergency, for example, overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel. However, in the event that the operator was unable to reach the shut down button 26 for any reason, for example if the operator were to become unconscious or otherwise incapacitated during the filling operation, then fluid would continue to be delivered to the holding vessel, causing it to overflow within a relatively short period of time. Depending on the nature of the fluid delivered to the storage vessel, this may be particularly hazardous. In view of this, the operator is provided with a device 40 to be carried during the filling operation. The device 40 may be carried in the hand of the operator, attached the wrist or belt of the operator, attached to a chain to be worn around the operator's neck, or otherwise carried. With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the device 40 comprises a casing 42 having located thereon a display 44, an (optional) keyboard 46, and a "panic" button 48. The display 44 is controlled by a controller 50 housed within the casing 42. The device 40 is preferably battery powered, and is continually activated.
The device 40 also comprises a receiver 52 for receiving signals of either a radio frequency or infrared frequency from a second control unit 28 operatively connected to the first control unit 22 on the tanker 10. This can enable the device 40 to receive and display information from the first control unit 22 regarding the filling operation, for example the duration of the filling operation, the amount of fluid that has been dispensed from the storage vessel 12 and the rate at which fluid is being dispensed from the storage vessel.
The device 40 further comprises a transmitter 54 to enable the device 40 to transmit control signals, again of either a radio or infrared frequency, to the second control unit 28. These control signals may contain commands to the first control unit 22 that are generated by the controller 50 in response to operator commands input using the keyboard 46, for example to reduce the rate at which the fluid is being delivered to the holding vessel, or to stop the delivery.
The provision of a panic button 48 on the device 40 enables the operator to rapidly stop the delivery of fluid from the storage vessel in the event of an emergency when the operator is remote from, or otherwise unable to reach, the emergency shut down button 26 on the tanker 10. Depression of the panic button 48 is detected by the controller 50, which generates a control signal that is transmitted from the device 40 by the transmitter 54. The second control unit 28 receives the control signal, and activates a solenoid valve 30 to move from an open position to a closed position. This closure of the solenoid valve 30 is detected by the first control unit 22. In response to this, the first control unit 22 performs the same operations that would be carried out in the event that the emergency shut down button 26 had been closed, that is, the first control unit 22 closes the valve 20 and turns off the pump 18.
The device 40 further includes other safety features that enable the delivery of fluid to the holding vessel to be terminated in the event that the operator is unable to operate the panic button 48. Returning to Figure 4, the device 40 includes a gas sensor 56 for detecting the concentration of a specific gas in the environment of the device 40. The gas sensor 56 may be located within the casing 42, the casing 42 having a grille or other such means for allowing gas to pass to the gas sensor 56. Alternatively, the gas sensor 56 may be located on the external surface of the casing 42.
The gas sensor 56 is preferably configured to detect the amount of oxygen in the environment of the device 40, and send signals to the controller 50 indicative of the detected oxygen concentration. Where the fluid being delivered from the tanker 10 is one of argon, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel can result in an oxygen-deficient environment being rapidly established around the holding vessel, due to the displacement of oxygen from the environment. The controller 50 monitors the input from the gas sensor 56, and when the detected oxygen concentration has fallen below a first predetermined value, for example below 19.5%, the controller 50 generates the control signal, which is transmitted from the device 40 by the transmitter 54. As discussed above, receipt of this control signal by the second control unit 28 results in the cessation of the delivery of fluid to the holding vessel, and so the oxygen-deficient environment can become rapidly dispersed. Where the fluid being delivered from the tanker 10 is oxygen, overflowing of fluid from the holding vessel can result in an oxygen-enriched environment being rapidly established around the holding vessel. When the detected oxygen concentration has risen above a second predetermined value, for example above 22%, the controller 50 generates the control signal, which is transmitted from the device 40 by the transmitter 54.
In the event that the operator is conscious, and mobile, when the control signal has been generated, for example if the control signal had been generated due to a fluid spillage or otherwise before filling had been completed, the operator is able to restart the filling procedure by moving away from the local environment, so that the oxygen concentration of the device returns to an acceptable value, and depressing a reset button 32 operatively connected to the second control unit 28. This results in a signal being sent by the second control unit 28 to the first control unit 22 to enable the operator to activate the control panel 24 to restart the fluid delivery.
The device 40 further includes a motion detector 58. In a first example, the motion detector 58 is configured to detect motion of the device 40, and to output a signal to the controller 50 when motion has been detected. As illustrated in Figure 4, the controller 50 includes a timer 60. The controller 50 resets the timer 60 to begin counting depending on the input received from the motion detector, in this example when a signal is received from the motion detector 58.
When the input received from the motion detector 58 indicates an absence of detected motion of the device for a first predetermined period of time, that is, when no signals are received from the motion detector for this period of time, the controller 50 enters a pre-alarm condition, and generates an alert signal. The alert signal is received by an alarm 62, which generates one of an audible or tactile alarm, for example by vibrating the device 40, to alert the operator of the pre-alarm condition of the device 40. Alternatively, or additionally, the pre- alarm condition may be displayed on the display 44. If the operator is fully conscious whilst being motionless, for example during an inspection of part of the delivery equipment or whilst waiting for the fluid delivery to be completed, this alarm can make the operator aware that the shut-off valve will be closed unless movement of the device 40 occurs within a certain period of time, for example a few seconds. This can prompt the operator to move the device 40, causing the timer 60 to be re-set and thereby preventing unnecessary inhibition of the fluid delivery. In the event that no signal is received from the motion detector for the duration of the pre-alarm condition, the controller 50 automatically generates the control signal.
In another example, the motion detector is configured to detect both motion of the device and the orientation of that motion, and outputs signals to the controller when motion has been detected and which include information regarding the current orientation of the device 40. When the input received from the motion detector 58 either indicates an absence of detected motion of the device or indicates that the device has been positioned more than a certain angle from the vertical plane, for instance more than 30° from vertical, for the first predetermined period of time, the controller 50 enters the pre- alarm condition, and generates the alert signal. In the event that no signal is received from the motion detector for the duration of the pre-alarm condition, or if the input indicates that the device has remained positioned more than 30° from vertical, the controller 50 automatically generates the control signal.
In any of the aforementioned circumstances in which a control signal is received from the device 40 by the second control unit 28, the second control unit 28 may generate an alert signal. This alert signal may be received by one or more alarms 34, for example a siren and/or beacon provided on the tanker 10, which generates an alarm for alerting personnel in the vicinity of the tanker 10 to the potentially hazardous incident that may have just occurred, and to provide assistance to the operator. A vocal warning may also be generated. In addition, the second control unit 28 may transmit an alarm signal to a remote unit 70 to alert the remote unit of the incident. This remote unit may be a central hub for receiving signals from a fleet of tankers, or a control unit more local to the filling operation, for example on the site where the fluid delivery is occurring. This alarm signal may include information concerning the current location of the tanker, the identity of the operator, and the nature of the fluid being dispensed from the tanker 10. The remote unit can then alert the emergency services, and personnel in the vicinity of the tanker 10. A signal may also be transmitted from the remote unit 70 to the second control unit 28 to cause the alarm to be changed, for example to change the vocal alert or the tone of the audible alarm, to advise the operator that assistance is on the way.
In the event that the operator wishes to cancel the alarm, for example if the operator is at no great risk or is able to leave the vicinity of the tanker without assistance, the operator may depress the reset button 32 to cancel the alarm, or may stop the alarm using the keyboard 46 on the device 40. In the example where the motion detector 58 is configured to detect the orientation of the device 40, cancellation of the alarm may only be permitted if the device 40 is returned to an upright position, thereby indicating that the operator has some mobility.
It is to be understood that the foregoing represents one embodiment of the invention, others of which will no doubt occur to the skilled addressee without departing from the true scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. For example, the functionality of the first and second control units 22, 28 may be combined in a single control unit 1 10 provided on the tanker 10, as illustrated in Figure 5. This control unit 1 10 provides the functionality of the first control unit 22 insofar as the control unit 1 10 controls the activation of the pump 18 and the valve 20, and an emergency button 26 is connected to the control unit 1 10 to enable an operator to rapidly cause the control unit 1 10 to close the valve 20 and turn off the pump 18 in response to depression of the button 26. As illustrated in Figure 5, a flow meter 1 12 or other suitable device may be connected to the control unit 1 10 to provide signals indicative of the amount of fluid that has been transferred to the holding vessel. A control panel 24 interfaces with the control unit 1 10 to enable the operator to operate the pump 18 and activate the valve 20 to start the delivery of fluid from the tanker 10 when the free end of the supply pipe 16 is connected to the holding vessel. A display 1 14 interfaces with the control unit 1 10 to provide the operator with information concerning the filling operation, such as the duration of the filling and the amount of fluid that has been transferred to the holding vessel.
The control unit 1 10 also provides the functionality of the second control unit 28 insofar as the control unit 1 10 receives control signals from the device to stop the filling operation in response to the depression of the panic button 48, and in response to input from one or more of the gas sensor 56 and the motion detector 58. In response to such control signals, the control unit 1 10 generates an alert signal that is received by one or more alarms 34. In response to the activation of the alarm 34, a computer controlled alert system 1 16 interfacing with the alarm 34 can generate an alarm signal for transmission to the remote unit. Alternatively, the control unit 1 10 can generate this alarm signal.

Claims

1. Apparatus for controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, the apparatus comprising a valve for inhibiting fluid flow from the vessel, and control means for activating the valve in response to a control signal generated by a device carried by an operator, wherein the device comprises a motion detector for detecting motion of the device, a gas sensor, and a controller for generating the control signal in response to one of (i) input received from the gas sensor, and (ii) input received from the motion detector.
2. Apparatus according to Claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal when the input received from the motion detector indicates an absence of detected motion of the device for a predetermined period of time.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to generate an alert signal in response to an absence of detected motion of the device for a second predetermined period of time shorter than the first-mentioned period of time.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the motion detector is configured to detect the orientation of the device, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal in dependence on the detected orientation of the device over a predetermined period of time.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to generate an alert signal in response to the detected orientation of the device over a second predetermined period of time shorter than the first-mentioned period of time.
6. Apparatus according to Claim 3 or Claim 5, wherein the device comprises means for generating one of a visible or tactile alert in response to the alert signal generated by the controller.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas sensor is configured to detect the amount of oxygen in the environment of the device.
8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal when the detected amount of oxygen is below a predetermined value.
9. Apparatus according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal when the detected amount of oxygen is above a second predetermined value.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a manually actuable button for generating a manual alarm signal when activated, and wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal in response to the manual alarm signal.
11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in response to the control signal, the control means is configured to turn off a pump for pumping fluid from the vessel.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the control means is configured to generate an alert signal in response to the control signal.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 12, comprising means for generating one of a visible or audible alert in response to the alert signal generated by the control means.
14. Apparatus according to Claim 12 or Claim 13, comprising means for transmitting an alarm signal to a remote central unit in response to the alert signal generated by the control means.
15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the storage vessel comprises a road tanker.
16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid comprises a cryogenic liquid.
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the fluid comprises one of argon, carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen.
18. A method of controlling fluid delivery from a vessel, the method comprising the steps, at a device carried by an operator, of: detecting motion of the device; detecting the concentration of a chosen gas in the environment of the device; generating a control signal in response to one of (i) the absence of detected motion of the device, or the orientation of detected motion, for a predetermined period of time, and (ii) the detected gas concentration; and transmitting the control signal; the method further comprising the steps, at control means, of: receiving the control signal; and closing a valve in response to the control signal to inhibit fluid flow from the vessel.
PCT/GB2006/050446 2005-12-22 2006-12-12 Apparatus for controlling delivery of fluid from a vessel WO2007072073A1 (en)

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GB0526013.8 2005-12-22
GB0526013A GB0526013D0 (en) 2005-12-22 2005-12-22 Apparatus for controlling delivery of fluid from a vessel

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010068080A1 (en) * 2008-12-08 2010-06-17 Cortes Garcia Jorge System for controlling the discharge of fluids in delivery hoses
GB2486018A (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-06 Bedford Hospital Nhs Trust Apparatus for monitoring depletion and movement of a medical gas supply
WO2016146775A3 (en) * 2015-03-17 2016-11-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft A shut-off valve
EP4306842A1 (en) * 2022-07-11 2024-01-17 Linde GmbH Method for filling a vessel with a cryogenic liquid

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4354571A (en) * 1981-02-04 1982-10-19 Moorwats Safety Systems Limited Protective system for use in transfer of hazardous substances
US5460210A (en) * 1990-09-28 1995-10-24 Dover Corporation Control system for filling tanks with liquids
JPH08315277A (en) * 1995-05-16 1996-11-29 Nippon Denki Ido Tsushin Kk Portable gas detection and informing device
EP0933329A2 (en) * 1995-06-12 1999-08-04 Scully Signal Company Fail-safe fluid transfer control

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4354571A (en) * 1981-02-04 1982-10-19 Moorwats Safety Systems Limited Protective system for use in transfer of hazardous substances
US5460210A (en) * 1990-09-28 1995-10-24 Dover Corporation Control system for filling tanks with liquids
JPH08315277A (en) * 1995-05-16 1996-11-29 Nippon Denki Ido Tsushin Kk Portable gas detection and informing device
EP0933329A2 (en) * 1995-06-12 1999-08-04 Scully Signal Company Fail-safe fluid transfer control

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010068080A1 (en) * 2008-12-08 2010-06-17 Cortes Garcia Jorge System for controlling the discharge of fluids in delivery hoses
GB2486018A (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-06 Bedford Hospital Nhs Trust Apparatus for monitoring depletion and movement of a medical gas supply
GB2486018B (en) * 2010-12-02 2015-07-15 Bedford Hospital Nhs Trust Measurement and reporting apparatus
WO2016146775A3 (en) * 2015-03-17 2016-11-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft A shut-off valve
EP4306842A1 (en) * 2022-07-11 2024-01-17 Linde GmbH Method for filling a vessel with a cryogenic liquid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0526013D0 (en) 2006-02-01
EP1991787A1 (en) 2008-11-19

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