WO2016146776A1 - A shut-off valve - Google Patents

A shut-off valve Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016146776A1
WO2016146776A1 PCT/EP2016/055864 EP2016055864W WO2016146776A1 WO 2016146776 A1 WO2016146776 A1 WO 2016146776A1 EP 2016055864 W EP2016055864 W EP 2016055864W WO 2016146776 A1 WO2016146776 A1 WO 2016146776A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
shut
sensor
controller
closed position
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/055864
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christopher John COWLES
Derrick Ernest Hilton
Christine KANDZIORA
Brian Jacobsen
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
Priority to EP16710242.5A priority Critical patent/EP3271645A1/en
Priority to CA2979603A priority patent/CA2979603A1/en
Priority to AU2016232165A priority patent/AU2016232165A1/en
Publication of WO2016146776A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016146776A1/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
    • F17C13/04—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
    • 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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0123—Mounting arrangements characterised by number of vessels
    • F17C2205/013—Two or more vessels
    • 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
    • F17C2205/0326—Valves electrically 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
    • F17C2205/0388—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
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/058—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by Radio Frequency Identification
    • 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
    • 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
    • F17C2250/043—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
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0439—Temperature
    • 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
    • F17C2250/0473—Time or time periods
    • 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
    • F17C2250/06—Controlling or regulating of parameters as output values
    • F17C2250/0605—Parameters
    • F17C2250/0636—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
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/028—Avoiding unauthorised transfer
    • 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
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shut-off valve, in particular a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder containing pressurised fluid.
  • Such cylinders are used to supply gas for a range of applications including welding and cutting hoses and
  • valves for use on cylinders containing pressurised fluid which can close a cylinder under certain prescribed or predetermined conditions.
  • An example of such a valve is disclosed in US 6,328,053, which comprises a valve which will close automatically on detection of a leak therein .
  • a system comprising a plurality of a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder containing pressurised fluid, each shut-off valve comprising:
  • valve element movable between an open position and a closed position
  • the controller is operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a wireless signal that is received by the wireless signal receiver;
  • system further comprises a control panel remotely located from the plurality of the shut-off valves and comprising a signal emitter, wherein the control panel is actuatable for sending the signal, via the signal emitter, to the shut-off valves.
  • the controller may, for example, comprise a valve actuator such as a solenoid or motor for moving the valve member.
  • the control panel may be acutatable by a push button.
  • This push button may be for instance, an emergency stop button, located for instance on a wall of a facility containing the shut-off valves.
  • the control panel may be acutatable based on a signal from at least one of a fire alarm and/or a smoke alarm so that the cylinders can be shut in the case of fire.
  • the control panel may be acutatable based on a time switch so that the cylinders can be shut at the end of a working day.
  • the control panel may comprise a microphone, and be
  • shut-off valves can be conveniently actuated by voice or by some other audio command.
  • the shut-off valve comprising: a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;
  • controller is operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a predetermined signal from the sensor; wherein a) the sensor is a thermometer for measuring the
  • predetermined signal is generated in response to the
  • thermometer thermometer temperature recorded by the thermometer being outside a predetermined range
  • the sensor is a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the valve's surroundings, and the predetermined signal is generated in response to the pressure recorded by the pressure gauge being outside a predetermined range;
  • the sensor is a microphone, and the predetermined signal is generated in response to a predetermined audio command received by the microphone;
  • the sensor is a gas detector for monitoring levels of one or more type of gas (for example, oxygen and/or toxic or hazardous gases, such as chlorine) .
  • one or more type of gas for example, oxygen and/or toxic or hazardous gases, such as chlorine
  • valve may include the sensors from one or more of a) to d) above .
  • a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder
  • the shut-off valve comprising: a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;
  • a sensor electronically connected to the controller for measuring a parameter
  • a locking means operable to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position only in response to a predetermined signal from the sensor.
  • the senor may comprise a fingerprint reader and the parameter may be a fingerprint.
  • the senor may comprise an RFID tag reader and the parameter may be a signal from an RFID tag.
  • the output from the sensor may be monitored by a data logger located on the valve.
  • the controller from a valve according the either the second or third aspects of the invention may be further operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a wireless signal that is received by a wireless signal receiver located on the shut-off valve.
  • the valve is useable in a system described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
  • the or each shut-off valve from the first, second, and third aspects of the invention may each be connected to a cylinder for pressurised fluid.
  • an assembly 10 comprising a valve 100 connectable to a cylinder body 102 for a pressurised fluid.
  • the valve comprises a valve element movable between an open position in which fluid can escape the cylinder, and a closed position in which the fluid is contained within the cylinder.
  • Electrically connected to the valve 100 are a CPU 104 and a sensor 106 for monitoring a parameter of either the valve, fluid in fluid communication with the valve, a fluid in the cylinder, and/or the environment around the cylinder 102.
  • the parameter monitored by the sensor 106 may be, for instance, the duration that the valve element is open, the quantity of fluid flowing through the valve, leakage from the valve, ambient temperature and/or pressure around the cylinder, and/or the number of opening cycles the valve element makes.
  • the sensor 106 may alternatively be a
  • the CPU 104 and sensor 106 may be powered by any appropriate power source 108. Dependent on the value of the parameter measure by the sensor 106, signals from the sensor 106 may be transmitted via the CPU 104 to control the operation of the valve element.
  • the valve assembly 10 also comprises a wireless signal receiver 110 for receiving an electronic signal from a remote location as will be described.
  • the wireless signal receiver can be configured to receive signals over any conventional wireless transmission method, for instance Bluetooth, UHF and GSM.
  • the wireless receiver 508 could additionally allow for non-wireless communication signals to be received, for instance by being provided with a USB port.
  • Each receiver could alternatively be a transceiver to allow signals to be emitted, as well as received, from the valve assembly 10.
  • a control panel 300 is located in a location remote from the valve assembly 10.
  • the control panel 300 is connected to a wireless signal emitter 302 (which alternatively may be a transceiver) , and may be connected to an input device 304 and/or a computer network 306.
  • a relay station 400 may be provided to relay signals between the valve 100 and the control panel 300.
  • the relay station comprises at least one wireless transceiver for
  • Signals between the control panel 300, the relay station 400, and the valve 100 may be communicated and/or stored in the cloud 200.
  • control panel 300 The purpose of the control panel 300 is to allow remote operation of the valve assembly 10 and any other valve assembly (for instance valve assembly 10' as shown in Figure 1) that the control panel 300 can send a wireless signal to.
  • a wireless signal may be sent from the control panel 300 to some or all of the valve assemblies 10; 10' which instructs the valve 100; 100' of these
  • the wireless signal from the control panel 300 is the wireless signal from the control panel 300.
  • assemblies 10; 10' either directly, via the cloud 200, or via the relay station 400.
  • Sending of the wireless signal may be triggered by
  • depression of the input device 304 which may be for
  • Such an input device 304 may be provided in addition to a further, separate
  • controller for controlling the normal operation of the valve 100 (i.e., non-emergency use) .
  • each valve 100 of a plurality of valves 100 may be provided with a first controller, whilst a single input device 304 may be provided for emergency shut off of all of the plurality of valves 100.
  • the signal may alternatively be triggered by a fire alarm going off, or a smoke detector triggering.
  • the signal may also be triggered based on a command from the computer network 306 which is connected to the control panel 300.
  • Another situation in which the signal may be triggered might be when the facility containing the valve assemblies 10' 10' is shut for the day. In this case, it may be desirable to send a signal via the control panel 300 to the valve
  • control panel 300 may comprise a time switch that provides a signal indicating a predetermined time so that the control panel can be triggered to transmit the signal at the predetermined time.
  • the signal may alternatively be triggered in response to a voice command from an operator next to the control panel, or in response to a measured parameter of the conditions surrounding one/all of the valves.
  • This measured condition may be the temperature around the monitored valve (s); the pressure around the monitored valve (s); and/or the chemical composition of the environment around the monitored
  • the senor 106 may communicate with the CPU 104 and the valve 100 and serve as a mechanism which keeps the valve closed to personnel who are not authorized to use the valve.
  • a shut-off valve in accordance with such an embodiment may comprise a sensor 106 that is electronically arranged to provide the authorisation signal to the CPU 104 and to sense data that can be used to authenticate a user.
  • the controller 104 may be arranged to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position only if the
  • authorisation signal indicates that the user is
  • the sensor 106 may be an RFID or NFC tag reader such that the valve 100 can only be operated if a particular RFID or NFC tag (supplied to an authorized person) is within the vicinity of the RFID or NFC tag reader. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is authenticated when the correct RFID or NFC tag is nearby.
  • the presence of the tag may trigger the
  • controller 104 to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position for a predetermined period of time, following which the controller will move the valve element from the open position to the closed position.
  • the tag may be presented to the device again when that time period has expired to again authenticate the user.
  • the presence of the tag may trigger the controller 104 to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position until a predetermined quantity of fluid has been dispensed from the cylinder, following which the controller will move the valve element from the open position to the closed position.
  • the tag may be presented to the device again when that quantity has been dispensed to again authenticate the user.
  • the RFID or NFC tag can be used as a payment device, such that the user makes a payment each time the device authenticates the user. In this way, a user can pay for the provision of stored fluid .
  • the sensor 106 could alternatively be a biometric reader, for instance a fingerprint scanner, responsive to a
  • the senor would only output a signal indicating that a user is
  • the sensor 106 may comprise a socket and be arranged to sense the insertion of an electronic key therein. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is authenticated when the correct electronic key is inserted .
  • An indication means for instance in the form of a visual display or a speaker, may be electronically connected to the CPU 104 on the valve. The indication means would be operable to emit a first indication upon an authorized person being allowed access to the valve, and a different indication in response to an access attempt from an unathorized person.
  • the sensor could alternatively be used to sense the position of a component of a mechanical lock. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is
  • a data logger may be electronically connected to the CPU 104 for monitoring which authorized and/or unauthorized
  • Data from the logger may be stored in a memory, or may be sent by a wireless transceiver 110 on the valve to a remote location, for instance the control panel 300 or the cloud 200.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Indication Of The Valve Opening Or Closing Status (AREA)
  • Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)
  • Safety Valves (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a shut-off valve, in particular a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder containing pressurised fluid. A shut-off valve (100) for use on a cylinder (102) containing pressurised fluid, the shut-off valve (100) comprising: a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;a controller (104); and a sensor (106) electronically arranged to provide the authorisation signal to the controller (104) and to sense data for authenticating a user, wherein the controller (104) is arranged to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position only if the authorisation signal indicates that the user is authenticated.

Description

A SHUT -OFF VALVE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shut-off valve, in particular a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder containing pressurised fluid.
Although reference is made to a "cylinder", it will be understood that the invention is applicable broadly to all portable pressurised gas containers whether they are
strictly in the form of a cylinder or not.
Such cylinders are used to supply gas for a range of applications including welding and cutting hoses and
torches, gas packaging machines and laboratory equipment.
There currently exist valves for use on cylinders containing pressurised fluid which can close a cylinder under certain prescribed or predetermined conditions. An example of such a valve is disclosed in US 6,328,053, which comprises a valve which will close automatically on detection of a leak therein .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a plurality of a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder containing pressurised fluid, each shut-off valve comprising:
a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;
a controller; and
a wireless signal receiver; wherein the controller is operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a wireless signal that is received by the wireless signal receiver;
wherein the system further comprises a control panel remotely located from the plurality of the shut-off valves and comprising a signal emitter, wherein the control panel is actuatable for sending the signal, via the signal emitter, to the shut-off valves.
The controller may, for example, comprise a valve actuator such as a solenoid or motor for moving the valve member.
The control panel may be acutatable by a push button. This push button may be for instance, an emergency stop button, located for instance on a wall of a facility containing the shut-off valves.
The control panel may be acutatable based on a signal from at least one of a fire alarm and/or a smoke alarm so that the cylinders can be shut in the case of fire.
The control panel may be acutatable based on a time switch so that the cylinders can be shut at the end of a working day.
The control panel may comprise a microphone, and be
acutatable based on a predetermined audio command received by the microphone (for example, a voice command) . In this way, the shut-off valves can be conveniently actuated by voice or by some other audio command. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder
containing pressurised fluid, the shut-off valve comprising: a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;
a controller;
a sensor for measuring a parameter; and
wherein the controller is operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a predetermined signal from the sensor; wherein a) the sensor is a thermometer for measuring the
temperature of the valve's surroundings, and the
predetermined signal is generated in response to the
temperature recorded by the thermometer being outside a predetermined range;
b) the sensor is a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of the valve's surroundings, and the predetermined signal is generated in response to the pressure recorded by the pressure gauge being outside a predetermined range;
c) the sensor is a microphone, and the predetermined signal is generated in response to a predetermined audio command received by the microphone; or
d) the sensor is a gas detector for monitoring levels of one or more type of gas (for example, oxygen and/or toxic or hazardous gases, such as chlorine) .
In some embodiments, multiple sensors are provided such a valve may include the sensors from one or more of a) to d) above .
The above sensors provide a valve which can automatically open and close depending on its surroundings. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shut-off valve for use on a cylinder
containing pressurised fluid, the shut-off valve comprising: a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;
a controller;
a sensor electronically connected to the controller for measuring a parameter; and
a locking means operable to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position only in response to a predetermined signal from the sensor.
In this case, the sensor may comprise a fingerprint reader and the parameter may be a fingerprint.
In another embodiment, the sensor may comprise an RFID tag reader and the parameter may be a signal from an RFID tag. The output from the sensor may be monitored by a data logger located on the valve.
The controller from a valve according the either the second or third aspects of the invention may be further operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a wireless signal that is received by a wireless signal receiver located on the shut-off valve. In this way, the valve is useable in a system described in relation to the first aspect of the invention.
In a fourth aspect of the invention, the or each shut-off valve from the first, second, and third aspects of the invention may each be connected to a cylinder for pressurised fluid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figure 1 which shows a schematic of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
With reference to Figure 1, there is shown an assembly 10 comprising a valve 100 connectable to a cylinder body 102 for a pressurised fluid. The valve comprises a valve element movable between an open position in which fluid can escape the cylinder, and a closed position in which the fluid is contained within the cylinder. Electrically connected to the valve 100 are a CPU 104 and a sensor 106 for monitoring a parameter of either the valve, fluid in fluid communication with the valve, a fluid in the cylinder, and/or the environment around the cylinder 102. The parameter monitored by the sensor 106 may be, for instance, the duration that the valve element is open, the quantity of fluid flowing through the valve, leakage from the valve, ambient temperature and/or pressure around the cylinder, and/or the number of opening cycles the valve element makes. The sensor 106 may alternatively be a
microphone. The CPU 104 and sensor 106 may be powered by any appropriate power source 108. Dependent on the value of the parameter measure by the sensor 106, signals from the sensor 106 may be transmitted via the CPU 104 to control the operation of the valve element.
The valve assembly 10 also comprises a wireless signal receiver 110 for receiving an electronic signal from a remote location as will be described. The wireless signal receiver can be configured to receive signals over any conventional wireless transmission method, for instance Bluetooth, UHF and GSM. The wireless receiver 508 could additionally allow for non-wireless communication signals to be received, for instance by being provided with a USB port. Each receiver could alternatively be a transceiver to allow signals to be emitted, as well as received, from the valve assembly 10.
A control panel 300 is located in a location remote from the valve assembly 10. The control panel 300 is connected to a wireless signal emitter 302 (which alternatively may be a transceiver) , and may be connected to an input device 304 and/or a computer network 306.
A relay station 400 may be provided to relay signals between the valve 100 and the control panel 300. The relay station comprises at least one wireless transceiver for
communicating signals to and from the valve 100 and the control panel 300.
Signals between the control panel 300, the relay station 400, and the valve 100 may be communicated and/or stored in the cloud 200.
The purpose of the control panel 300 is to allow remote operation of the valve assembly 10 and any other valve assembly (for instance valve assembly 10' as shown in Figure 1) that the control panel 300 can send a wireless signal to.
In one embodiment, a wireless signal may be sent from the control panel 300 to some or all of the valve assemblies 10; 10' which instructs the valve 100; 100' of these
assemblies to close.
The wireless signal from the control panel 300 is
transmitted via the emitter 302 to each of the valve
assemblies 10; 10' either directly, via the cloud 200, or via the relay station 400.
Sending of the wireless signal may be triggered by
depression of the input device 304, which may be for
instance an emergency stop button. Such an input device 304 may be provided in addition to a further, separate
controller for controlling the normal operation of the valve 100 (i.e., non-emergency use) .
For example, each valve 100 of a plurality of valves 100 may be provided with a first controller, whilst a single input device 304 may be provided for emergency shut off of all of the plurality of valves 100.
The signal may alternatively be triggered by a fire alarm going off, or a smoke detector triggering. The signal may also be triggered based on a command from the computer network 306 which is connected to the control panel 300.
Another situation in which the signal may be triggered might be when the facility containing the valve assemblies 10' 10' is shut for the day. In this case, it may be desirable to send a signal via the control panel 300 to the valve
assemblies located within the facility to ensure that none of them have accidently been left open. For this purpose, the control panel 300 may comprise a time switch that provides a signal indicating a predetermined time so that the control panel can be triggered to transmit the signal at the predetermined time.
The signal may alternatively be triggered in response to a voice command from an operator next to the control panel, or in response to a measured parameter of the conditions surrounding one/all of the valves. This measured condition may be the temperature around the monitored valve (s); the pressure around the monitored valve (s); and/or the chemical composition of the environment around the monitored
valve ( s ) .
It will be appreciated that modifications could be made to the assembly 10 described above without departing from the scope of the invention.
In one embodiment the sensor 106 may communicate with the CPU 104 and the valve 100 and serve as a mechanism which keeps the valve closed to personnel who are not authorized to use the valve. Such embodiments have particular
application in the medical field in which it is very
important to restrict access to certain fluids such that only qualified/authorised individuals can use these. A shut-off valve in accordance with such an embodiment may comprise a sensor 106 that is electronically arranged to provide the authorisation signal to the CPU 104 and to sense data that can be used to authenticate a user. The controller 104 may be arranged to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position only if the
authorisation signal indicates that the user is
authenticated . The sensor 106 may be an RFID or NFC tag reader such that the valve 100 can only be operated if a particular RFID or NFC tag (supplied to an authorized person) is within the vicinity of the RFID or NFC tag reader. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is authenticated when the correct RFID or NFC tag is nearby.
Optionally, the presence of the tag may trigger the
controller 104 to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position for a predetermined period of time, following which the controller will move the valve element from the open position to the closed position. The tag may be presented to the device again when that time period has expired to again authenticate the user.
Alternatively, the presence of the tag may trigger the controller 104 to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open position until a predetermined quantity of fluid has been dispensed from the cylinder, following which the controller will move the valve element from the open position to the closed position. The tag may be presented to the device again when that quantity has been dispensed to again authenticate the user. In a preferred version of this embodiment, the RFID or NFC tag can be used as a payment device, such that the user makes a payment each time the device authenticates the user. In this way, a user can pay for the provision of stored fluid .
The sensor 106 could alternatively be a biometric reader, for instance a fingerprint scanner, responsive to a
biometric from an authorized person. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is
authenticated when the correct fingerprint is presented.
The sensor 106 may comprise a socket and be arranged to sense the insertion of an electronic key therein. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is authenticated when the correct electronic key is inserted . An indication means, for instance in the form of a visual display or a speaker, may be electronically connected to the CPU 104 on the valve. The indication means would be operable to emit a first indication upon an authorized person being allowed access to the valve, and a different indication in response to an access attempt from an unathorized person.
The sensor could alternatively be used to sense the position of a component of a mechanical lock. In this way, the sensor would only output a signal indicating that a user is
authenticated when the mechanical lock has been unlocked.
A data logger may be electronically connected to the CPU 104 for monitoring which authorized and/or unauthorized
personnel operate the valve, and when. Data from the logger may be stored in a memory, or may be sent by a wireless transceiver 110 on the valve to a remote location, for instance the control panel 300 or the cloud 200.

Claims

1. A shut-off valve for use on a cylinder containing pressurised fluid, the shut-off valve comprising:
a valve element movable between an open position and a closed position;
a controller; and
a sensor electronically arranged to provide an
authorisation signal to the controller and to sense data for authenticating a user,
wherein the controller is arranged to allow the valve element to move from the closed position to the open
position only if the authorisation signal indicates that the user is authenticated.
2. A shut-off valve according to claim 1 wherein the controller is arranged to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position after a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined quantity of fluid has been dispensed from the valve.
3. A shut-off valve according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sensor is a fingerprint reader arranged to capture a fingerprint image.
4. A shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the sensor is an RFID and/or NFC tag reader arranged to sense the presence of an RFID and/or NFC tag.
5. A shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor comprises a socket and is arranged to sense the insertion of an electronic key therein.
6. A shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor is arranged to sense the position of a component of a mechanical lock.
7. A shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the output from the sensor is recorded by a data logger located on the shut-off valve.
8. A shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the controller is further operable to move the valve element from the open position to the closed position in response to a wireless signal that is received by a wireless signal receiver located on the shut-off valve.
9. A shut-off valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the or each shut-off valve is connected to a
cylinder for pressurised fluid.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the cylinders store fluids for use in therapy.
PCT/EP2016/055864 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A shut-off valve WO2016146776A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16710242.5A EP3271645A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A shut-off valve
CA2979603A CA2979603A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A shut-off valve
AU2016232165A AU2016232165A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A shut-off valve

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB201504462A GB201504462D0 (en) 2015-03-17 2015-03-17 A shut-off valve
GB1504462.1 2015-03-17

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016146776A1 true WO2016146776A1 (en) 2016-09-22

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PCT/EP2016/055864 WO2016146776A1 (en) 2015-03-17 2016-03-17 A shut-off valve

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EP (2) EP3271645A1 (en)
AU (2) AU2016232164A1 (en)
CA (2) CA2979593A1 (en)
GB (1) GB201504462D0 (en)
WO (2) WO2016146775A2 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
MX2022004329A (en) * 2019-10-11 2022-07-11 Abastible S A Padlock for gas cylinders with iot technology.

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US20110155745A1 (en) * 2007-12-11 2011-06-30 Searete LLC, a limited liability company of the State of Delaware Temperature-stabilized storage systems with flexible connectors
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EP2829786A2 (en) * 2013-07-24 2015-01-28 Air Liquide Services Secure device for dispensing fluid to a user

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3271644A2 (en) 2018-01-24
WO2016146775A3 (en) 2016-11-03
WO2016146775A2 (en) 2016-09-22
AU2016232165A1 (en) 2017-10-05
CA2979593A1 (en) 2016-09-22
CA2979603A1 (en) 2016-09-22
GB201504462D0 (en) 2015-04-29
EP3271645A1 (en) 2018-01-24
AU2016232164A1 (en) 2017-10-05

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