WO2010097593A1 - Gas capsule - Google Patents

Gas capsule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010097593A1
WO2010097593A1 PCT/GB2010/000344 GB2010000344W WO2010097593A1 WO 2010097593 A1 WO2010097593 A1 WO 2010097593A1 GB 2010000344 W GB2010000344 W GB 2010000344W WO 2010097593 A1 WO2010097593 A1 WO 2010097593A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
bulb
compressed gas
gas capsule
capsule according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2010/000344
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas Bickford Holbeche
Original Assignee
Linde Aktiengesellschaft
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 Linde Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Linde Aktiengesellschaft
Publication of WO2010097593A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010097593A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/04—Arrangement or mounting of valves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C1/00—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge
    • F17C1/14—Pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinder, gas tank, replaceable cartridge constructed of aluminium; constructed of non-magnetic steel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F17C2201/0109—Shape cylindrical with exteriorly curved end-piece
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • 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
    • F17C2203/0648—Alloys or compositions of metals
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/037—Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0382—Constructional details of valves, regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0388—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters
    • F17C2205/0394—Arrangement of valves, regulators, filters in direct contact with the pressure vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2209/00—Vessel construction, in particular methods of manufacturing
    • F17C2209/22—Assembling processes
    • F17C2209/221—Welding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/016—Noble gases (Ar, Kr, Xe)
    • F17C2221/017—Helium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/036—Very high pressure (>80 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/011—Improving strength
    • 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
    • F17C2260/05—Improving chemical properties
    • F17C2260/053—Reducing corrosion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/02—Applications for medical applications
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0736—Capsules, e.g. CO2
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0772—Inflation devices, e.g. for rescue vests or tyres

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a gas capsule for storing small volumes of gas under pressure.
  • a capsule is referred to herein as a “compressed gas capsule”.
  • the compressed gas capsules according to the present invention have a water capacity of typically less than 21 cm 3 .
  • Compressed gas capsules are well known. They are conventionally provided with a non-renewable sealing means. On breaking the seal the contents of the capsule are rapidly delivered. Once the capsule has been used, it is thrown away.
  • GB-A-253 744 describes a gas delivery system including a metal capsule for gases or liquids under pressure which can be used to inflate a flexible container.
  • the capsule includes a hollow body with a neck extending therefrom and a stopper located in the neck in a fluid-tight manner.
  • the stopper has a stem extending outwardly from the neck.
  • the stem is formed with a passage in communication with the interior of the hollow body.
  • the stem has an external thread for connection to a handle forming part of the flexible container, so that when it is required to liberate the gas or liquid from the capsule the hollow body is moved laterally relative to the handle and the stem connected thereto such that the stem is ruptured thereby releasing the gas or liquid from the interior of the hollow body.
  • EP-A-757 202 discloses a compressed gas capsule having a hollow body with a neck extending therefrom.
  • a stopper is located in the neck in a fluid- tight manner.
  • the stopper has a stem including a frangible section.
  • the stem extends outwardly from the neck and is formed with a passage in communication with the interior of the hollow body.
  • Mechanical means are provided for rupturing the stem about the frangible section thereby allowing the escape of gas through the passage from the hollow body.
  • the stopper is typically laser welded within the hollow neck.
  • Such gas capsules are intended to be disposable. There are not able to be refilled.
  • a compressed gas capsule comprising a hollow bulb containing the compressed gas, the hollow bulb having a mouth engaging fluid-tight a valve which has a valve member normally biased into a valve-closing position, but which, when it is desired to deliver gas, is able to be urged by the application of a sufficient external pressure into a position in which the valve is open, wherein the bulb has at its head a mouth which is defined by an elongate nozzle integral with the head of the bulb, the outer end of the valve being located wholly within the elongate nozzle.
  • the valve can be closed at any time a user desires by releasing the external pressure. When this is done the valve member returns to its normal valve-closing position.
  • a compressed gas capsule according to the invention is able to be refilled with compressed gas.
  • the bulb is preferably formed as a one-piece article with its head integral with its base.
  • the valve may be formed as a two-piece article with its head bonded to the rest of its body, for example, by laser welding.
  • a one-piece construction is advantageous in that it avoids the need for a bonding or joining operation to join the head to the rest of the body of the bulb.
  • the bulb is preferably formed as a one-piece article by deep drawing but other forming methods can be used instead.
  • the bulb is preferably formed of stainless steel. It is, however, possible to form the bulb of aluminium, an alloy based on aluminium, or mild steel.
  • Stainless steel offers the advantage of being less prone to corrosion than either mild steel or aluminium. Stainless steel bulbs are thus easier to clean during manufacture and filling and have greater ultimate strength than those of either mild steel or aluminium.
  • the valve preferably comprises a sleeve, the inner end of which forms a valve seat; a valve member adapted to make a fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat when the valve is in its closed position; a spindle integral with or carrying the valve member, the spindle having a head against which the external valve-opening pressure can be exerted, and a compression spring which acts on the spindle in a valve-closing direction.
  • the external pressure thus needs to overcome the bias of the compression spring in order for the valve to be opened.
  • the elongate nozzle also serves to protect the valve from damage if the gas capsule is dropped.
  • the elongate nozzle preferably has an external screw thread engagable with a valve opening member which has a complementary screw thread, a body with a gas passage therethrough and a spigot which is adapted to bear against the spindle of the valve when the valve-opening member is engaged with the external screw threads of the elongate nozzle.
  • the bulb preferably has a domed base. Such a configuration enhances the strength of the bulb.
  • the bulb is able to store gas at a pressure up to 100 bar or higher.
  • the upper pressure limit is typically determined by the maximum pressure to which the valve may safely be subjected. This maximum may for example be in the order of 300 bar. Nevertheless, the gas is preferably stored at a pressure in the range of 25 - 100 bar.
  • the bulb may be provided with a stand which engages or is bonded to the base of the bulb.
  • Any permanent gas or mixture of permanent gases may be stored in a pressurised gas capsule according to the invention.
  • One example is helium.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic sectional elevation of a first embodiment of a compressed gas capsule according to the invention, the gas capsule comprising a one-piece bulb;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic sectional elevation of another embodiment of a compressed gas capsule according to the invention, the gas capsule comprising a two piece bulb;
  • Figure 3 shows a valve opening member for use with a gas capsule of the kind shown in Figure 1.
  • the drawings are not to scale.
  • a compressed gas capsule 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical bulb 4 which is symmetrical about it longitudinal axis and which has a head 6 and a domed base 7.
  • the bulb 4 has at its head 6 an elongate nozzle 8 which is integral with the head 6 and defines mouth 10 of the bulb 4.
  • the mouth 10 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the bulb 4.
  • the bulb 2 and the nozzle 8 form a one piece article.
  • the bulb is able to store gas at high pressure, for example a pressure of between 25 and 100 bar. Higher storage pressures are also possible.
  • the bulb 4 preferably has a water capacity in the range of 10cm 3 - 20cm 3 . It is typically made of stainless steel by a deep drawing process.
  • the interior surface of the mouth 10 of the bulb 4 makes a screw-threaded engagement with complementary threads of a sleeve 14 which forms the body of a valve 12.
  • the sleeve 14 tapers from its outer to its inner end.
  • a valve seat 16 is formed at the inner end of the sleeve 14.
  • the valve 12 has a valve member 18 which is integral with a spindle 20 received within the sleeve 14.
  • the spindle 20 is coaxial with the bulb 4.
  • the valve 12 additionally includes a compression spring 22. One end of the compression spring 22 engages a seat 24 which is integral with the sleeve 14.
  • the other end of the compression spring 22 bears against a collar 26 which is integral with the spindle 20.
  • the compression spring 22 exerts a spring pressure against the collar 26 in a valve-closing direction.
  • the spindle 20 extends beyond the sleeve 14 and ends in a head 28.
  • Application of a sufficient external pressure to the head 28 causes the valve member 18 to be displaced against the bias of the compression spring 22 out of valve-closing engagement with the seat 16.
  • an annular seal 30 of suitable plastics material for example PTFE
  • the outer end of the nozzle 8 has on its external surface a screw thread 32. As shown in Figure 3, the thread 32 is adapted to engage a complementary screw thread 36 on the body 38 of a valve-opening member 34. A spigot 40 extends from the body 38. The body 38 also has a passage 42 formed therethrough. The passage may be of defined diameter so as to give a defined flow rate of gas therethrough.
  • the valve-opening member 38 is screwed onto the outer end of the nozzle 8 causing the spigot 40 to engage the head 28 of the valve spindle 20.
  • the arrangement shown in Figure 3 may also be used when it is desired to fill or refill an empty gas capsule 2.
  • the connector 44 is connected to a source of compressed gas (not shown).
  • the acts of engaging the valve-opening member 34 with the nozzle 8 and tightening the screw threads causes the valve 12 to open and compressed gas to flow from the source of compressed gas through the nozzle 8 into the bulb 4.
  • the valve opening member 34 may be unscrewed allowing the compression spring 22 to urge the valve member 18 back into valve-closing engagement with the valve seat 16.
  • the compressed gas capsule shown in Figure 1 may be used to supply gas for a number of different purposes, typically, either for the purpose of inflating means such as a life raft or life jacket or for propulsion purposes, for example, for propelling a pharmaceutical powder through the skin of a patient.
  • Other uses for the compressed gas capsule shown in Figure 1 include the delivery of gas to a reactor.
  • the bulb 4 may alternatively have a two-piece configuration, comprising a body 200 laser-welded or otherwise bonded to a head 202.
  • the gas capsule shown in Figure 2 is essentially identical to that shown in Figure 1.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A gas capsule for the storage of a compressed gas comprises a hollow bulb (4) containing the compressed gas. The hollow bulb (4) has a mouth (10) engaging fluid-tight a valve (12) which has a valve member (18) normally biased into a valve-closing position, but which, when it is desired to deliver gas, is able to be urged by the application of a sufficient pressure to the head (28) of a spindle (20) with which the valve member (18) is integral. The gas capsule may also be filled through the valve (12). The outer end of the valve (12) is located wholly within an elongate nozzle (8) integral with the head of the bulb (4). The nozzle (8) protects against inadvertent opening of or damage to the valve (12).

Description

GAS CAPSULE
This invention relates to a gas capsule for storing small volumes of gas under pressure. Such a capsule is referred to herein as a "compressed gas capsule".
The compressed gas capsules according to the present invention have a water capacity of typically less than 21 cm3.
Compressed gas capsules are well known. They are conventionally provided with a non-renewable sealing means. On breaking the seal the contents of the capsule are rapidly delivered. Once the capsule has been used, it is thrown away.
Examples of such compressed gas capsules in the patent literature are given in GB-A-253 744 and in EP-A-757 202. GB-A-253 744 describes a gas delivery system including a metal capsule for gases or liquids under pressure which can be used to inflate a flexible container. The capsule includes a hollow body with a neck extending therefrom and a stopper located in the neck in a fluid-tight manner. The stopper has a stem extending outwardly from the neck. The stem is formed with a passage in communication with the interior of the hollow body. The stem has an external thread for connection to a handle forming part of the flexible container, so that when it is required to liberate the gas or liquid from the capsule the hollow body is moved laterally relative to the handle and the stem connected thereto such that the stem is ruptured thereby releasing the gas or liquid from the interior of the hollow body.
EP-A-757 202 discloses a compressed gas capsule having a hollow body with a neck extending therefrom. A stopper is located in the neck in a fluid- tight manner. The stopper has a stem including a frangible section. The stem extends outwardly from the neck and is formed with a passage in communication with the interior of the hollow body. Mechanical means are provided for rupturing the stem about the frangible section thereby allowing the escape of gas through the passage from the hollow body. The stopper is typically laser welded within the hollow neck.
Such gas capsules are intended to be disposable. There are not able to be refilled.
Various forms of refillable compressed gas capsules fitted with a valve have been prepared in DE-A-10041924, EP-A-0867656, WO-A-00/77442 and GB-A-1582079. In each of these examples, one or more parts of the valve are exposed and either prone to drainage or inadvertent opening.
According to the present invention there is provided a compressed gas capsule comprising a hollow bulb containing the compressed gas, the hollow bulb having a mouth engaging fluid-tight a valve which has a valve member normally biased into a valve-closing position, but which, when it is desired to deliver gas, is able to be urged by the application of a sufficient external pressure into a position in which the valve is open, wherein the bulb has at its head a mouth which is defined by an elongate nozzle integral with the head of the bulb, the outer end of the valve being located wholly within the elongate nozzle.
The valve can be closed at any time a user desires by releasing the external pressure. When this is done the valve member returns to its normal valve-closing position.
A compressed gas capsule according to the invention is able to be refilled with compressed gas.
The bulb is preferably formed as a one-piece article with its head integral with its base. Alternatively, the valve may be formed as a two-piece article with its head bonded to the rest of its body, for example, by laser welding. A one-piece construction is advantageous in that it avoids the need for a bonding or joining operation to join the head to the rest of the body of the bulb.
The bulb is preferably formed as a one-piece article by deep drawing but other forming methods can be used instead.
The bulb is preferably formed of stainless steel. It is, however, possible to form the bulb of aluminium, an alloy based on aluminium, or mild steel.
Stainless steel offers the advantage of being less prone to corrosion than either mild steel or aluminium. Stainless steel bulbs are thus easier to clean during manufacture and filling and have greater ultimate strength than those of either mild steel or aluminium.
The valve preferably comprises a sleeve, the inner end of which forms a valve seat; a valve member adapted to make a fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat when the valve is in its closed position; a spindle integral with or carrying the valve member, the spindle having a head against which the external valve-opening pressure can be exerted, and a compression spring which acts on the spindle in a valve-closing direction. The external pressure thus needs to overcome the bias of the compression spring in order for the valve to be opened.
Because of the configuration of the nozzle and the position of the valve relative to the nozzle, it is difficult to open the valve accidentally, for example, if the capsule is dropped to the floor. The elongate nozzle also serves to protect the valve from damage if the gas capsule is dropped. The elongate nozzle preferably has an external screw thread engagable with a valve opening member which has a complementary screw thread, a body with a gas passage therethrough and a spigot which is adapted to bear against the spindle of the valve when the valve-opening member is engaged with the external screw threads of the elongate nozzle.
The bulb preferably has a domed base. Such a configuration enhances the strength of the bulb. Typically the bulb is able to store gas at a pressure up to 100 bar or higher. The upper pressure limit is typically determined by the maximum pressure to which the valve may safely be subjected. This maximum may for example be in the order of 300 bar. Nevertheless, the gas is preferably stored at a pressure in the range of 25 - 100 bar. If desired, the bulb may be provided with a stand which engages or is bonded to the base of the bulb.
Any permanent gas or mixture of permanent gases may be stored in a pressurised gas capsule according to the invention. One example is helium.
Compressed gas capsules according to the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic sectional elevation of a first embodiment of a compressed gas capsule according to the invention, the gas capsule comprising a one-piece bulb;
Figure 2 is a schematic sectional elevation of another embodiment of a compressed gas capsule according to the invention, the gas capsule comprising a two piece bulb;
Figure 3 shows a valve opening member for use with a gas capsule of the kind shown in Figure 1. The drawings are not to scale.
Referring to Figure 1 , a compressed gas capsule 2 comprises a hollow cylindrical bulb 4 which is symmetrical about it longitudinal axis and which has a head 6 and a domed base 7. The bulb 4 has at its head 6 an elongate nozzle 8 which is integral with the head 6 and defines mouth 10 of the bulb 4. The mouth 10 is symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the bulb 4. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the bulb 2 and the nozzle 8 form a one piece article. The bulb is able to store gas at high pressure, for example a pressure of between 25 and 100 bar. Higher storage pressures are also possible.
The bulb 4 preferably has a water capacity in the range of 10cm3 - 20cm3. It is typically made of stainless steel by a deep drawing process. The interior surface of the mouth 10 of the bulb 4 makes a screw-threaded engagement with complementary threads of a sleeve 14 which forms the body of a valve 12. The sleeve 14 tapers from its outer to its inner end. A valve seat 16 is formed at the inner end of the sleeve 14. The valve 12 has a valve member 18 which is integral with a spindle 20 received within the sleeve 14. The spindle 20 is coaxial with the bulb 4. The valve 12 additionally includes a compression spring 22. One end of the compression spring 22 engages a seat 24 which is integral with the sleeve 14. The other end of the compression spring 22 bears against a collar 26 which is integral with the spindle 20. The compression spring 22 exerts a spring pressure against the collar 26 in a valve-closing direction. The spindle 20 extends beyond the sleeve 14 and ends in a head 28. Application of a sufficient external pressure to the head 28 causes the valve member 18 to be displaced against the bias of the compression spring 22 out of valve-closing engagement with the seat 16. When the bulb holds a charge of compressed gas, the gas is thus able to flow through the valve 12 out of the outer end of the nozzle 8. Typically, an annular seal 30 of suitable plastics material (for example PTFE) is engaged between the nozzle 8 and the sleeve 14.
The outer end of the nozzle 8 has on its external surface a screw thread 32. As shown in Figure 3, the thread 32 is adapted to engage a complementary screw thread 36 on the body 38 of a valve-opening member 34. A spigot 40 extends from the body 38. The body 38 also has a passage 42 formed therethrough. The passage may be of defined diameter so as to give a defined flow rate of gas therethrough. In order to open the compressed gas capsule shown in Figure 1 , the valve-opening member 38 is screwed onto the outer end of the nozzle 8 causing the spigot 40 to engage the head 28 of the valve spindle 20. Continued tightening of the screw threads urges the spindle inwardly into the bulb 4 and thus causes the valve member 18 to move away from the valve seat 16, thus opening the valve. Gas flows from the bulb 4 out of the nozzle 8 and through the passage 42. The passage 42 typically terminates in a connector 44 to which can be connected an apparatus to which the compressed gas is to be supplied.
The arrangement shown in Figure 3 may also be used when it is desired to fill or refill an empty gas capsule 2. In this case, the connector 44 is connected to a source of compressed gas (not shown). The acts of engaging the valve-opening member 34 with the nozzle 8 and tightening the screw threads causes the valve 12 to open and compressed gas to flow from the source of compressed gas through the nozzle 8 into the bulb 4. When no more gas flows into the bulb 4, that is when the pressures on the two sides of the valve 12 are equal the valve opening member 34 may be unscrewed allowing the compression spring 22 to urge the valve member 18 back into valve-closing engagement with the valve seat 16.
The compressed gas capsule shown in Figure 1 may be used to supply gas for a number of different purposes, typically, either for the purpose of inflating means such as a life raft or life jacket or for propulsion purposes, for example, for propelling a pharmaceutical powder through the skin of a patient. Other uses for the compressed gas capsule shown in Figure 1 include the delivery of gas to a reactor.
As shown in Figure 2, the bulb 4 may alternatively have a two-piece configuration, comprising a body 200 laser-welded or otherwise bonded to a head 202. In other respects, the gas capsule shown in Figure 2 is essentially identical to that shown in Figure 1.
In both the embodiments shown in Figure 1 and that shown in Figure 2 the nozzle 8 protects the valve 12 from inadvertent damage and accidental opening.

Claims

1. A compressed gas capsule comprising a hollow bulb containing the compressed gas, the hollow bulb having a mouth engaging fluid-tight a valve which has a valve member normally biased into a valve-closing position, but which, when it is desired to deliver gas, is able to be urged by the application of a sufficient external pressure into a position in which the valve is open, wherein the bulb has at its head a mouth which is defined by an elongate nozzle integral with the head of the bulb, the outer end of the valve being located wholly within the elongate nozzle.
2. A compressed gas capsule according to claim 1 , wherein the bulb is a one-piece article with its head integral with its base.
3. A compressed gas capsule according to claim 2, wherein the bulb is a deep drawn article.
4. A compressed gas capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulb is an alloy based on aluminium, or stainless steel.
5. A compressed gas capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve comprises a sleeve, the inner end of which forms a valve seat; a valve member adapted to make a fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat when the valve is in its closed position; a spindle integral with or carrying the valve member, the spindle having a head against which the external valve-opening pressure can be exerted, and a compression spring which acts on the spindle in a valve- closing direction.
6. A compressed gas capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate nozzle has an external screw thread engagable with a valve opening member which has a complementary screw thread, a body with a gas passage therethrough and a spigot which is adapted to bear against the spindle of the valve when the valve-opening member is engaged with the external screw threads of the elongate nozzle.
7. A compressed gas capsule according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bulb has a domed base.
8. A compressed gas capsule according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the gas is helium.
PCT/GB2010/000344 2009-02-25 2010-02-23 Gas capsule WO2010097593A1 (en)

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GB0904624.4 2009-02-25

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EP2780620A1 (en) * 2011-11-14 2014-09-24 Linde AG Gas supply device
WO2015055906A1 (en) * 2013-10-18 2015-04-23 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Gas flow regulator, reducing valve, valve and bottle fitted with such a regulator
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CN109578799A (en) * 2018-12-26 2019-04-05 航天特种材料及工艺技术研究所 Large-scale High-Pressure storage and transportation cylinder liner and its manufacturing method
CN109668051A (en) * 2018-12-26 2019-04-23 航天特种材料及工艺技术研究所 Large-scale ultrahigh pressure cylinder liner and its manufacturing method
CN111140769A (en) * 2018-11-05 2020-05-12 住友精化株式会社 Gas bottle cap and gas replacement method
DE102019217896A1 (en) * 2019-11-20 2021-05-20 Andreas Jahn Pressure vessel and method of making a pressure vessel
EP4067726A1 (en) * 2021-03-31 2022-10-05 iSi GmbH Valve for closing a gas container

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WO2015055906A1 (en) * 2013-10-18 2015-04-23 L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude Et L'exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude Gas flow regulator, reducing valve, valve and bottle fitted with such a regulator
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CN109668051A (en) * 2018-12-26 2019-04-23 航天特种材料及工艺技术研究所 Large-scale ultrahigh pressure cylinder liner and its manufacturing method
CN109578799A (en) * 2018-12-26 2019-04-05 航天特种材料及工艺技术研究所 Large-scale High-Pressure storage and transportation cylinder liner and its manufacturing method
DE102019217896A1 (en) * 2019-11-20 2021-05-20 Andreas Jahn Pressure vessel and method of making a pressure vessel
DE102019217896B4 (en) 2019-11-20 2021-07-22 Andreas Jahn Pressure vessel and method of making a pressure vessel
EP4067726A1 (en) * 2021-03-31 2022-10-05 iSi GmbH Valve for closing a gas container
WO2022207611A1 (en) * 2021-03-31 2022-10-06 Isi Gmbh Valve for closing a gas container
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