WO2024028915A1

WO2024028915A1 - Apparatus for managing a flow of a gas

Info

Publication number: WO2024028915A1
Application number: PCT/IT2023/050192
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon BOBBO; Luca MASTELLARI; Filiberto Rimondo; Lorenzo Zulian
Original assignee: Sit S.P.A.
Priority date: 2022-08-04
Filing date: 2023-08-03
Publication date: 2024-02-08

Abstract

Apparatus (10; 1010) for managing a flow (F) of a gas comprising a duct (13) in which there are a blocking element (100) comprising a first valve element (110) able to be positioned with respect to a first aperture (15'), a second valve element (120; 1120) able to be selectively positioned with respect to a second aperture (16', 116') and a third aperture (17', 1 17'). Said first and second valve elements (110, 120; 1120) are coaxial and first release means (110a) exert a force on said first valve element (110) in order to close said first aperture (15') and to exert a force on a mobile insert (112), which is mechanically connected to said first valve element (1 10), which transfers said force to said second valve element (120; 1120) in order to close said second aperture (16'; 116') and at the same time open said third aperture (17'; 117').

Description

“APPARATUS FOR MANAGING A FLOW OF A GAS”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an apparatus for managing a flow of a gas which allows to create or interrupt a fluidic connection between a gas delivery device and a gas user device, wherein the latter can be a gas-fed device.

By way of a non-limiting example, the gas-fed devices in question can include boilers, storage water heaters, stoves, ovens, fireplaces, or other similar or comparable apparatuses. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that a correct management of the flow of a gas delivered from a source and received by a user device is of fundamental importance, both in order to allow a correct delivery of the gas to the user device and also for safety reasons when the gas is, for example, a flammable gas. It is also known that the use of flammable gases requires the use of elements that prevent the accidental release of gas that can lead to fires, explosions, and toxic gas saturation of the atmosphere of the space where the flammable gas is used.

It is also known that when the user device is turned off it is necessary to interrupt the delivery of gas, and it is particularly preferable to quickly discharge the gas present in a delivery device upstream.

This problem is particularly felt in commercial applications, in which user devices develop high powers. In fact, the presence of unburned gas in the delivery device could create back-fires if the user device is restarted quickly, with a consequent risk of fires or possible explosions. Documents US2011/226355A1, EP0578298A1, US2019/250645 describe gas management devices and apparatuses of a known type.

There is therefore the need to perfect and make available an apparatus for managing a flow of a gas that can overcome at least one of the technical disadvantages disclosed. One purpose of the present invention is to provide a gas flow management apparatus that allows to precisely control the amount of gas supplied to the user apparatus and at the same time guarantee a rapid discharge of the unbumed gas from the delivery device. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a gas flow management apparatus that prevents back-fire toward the gas source.

Another purpose is also to provide a gas flow management apparatus suitable for the use of combustible gases with high percentages of hydrogen, up to 100%. Another purpose of the invention is also to provide a gas flow management apparatus suitable to feed large commercial boilers, for example with powers comprised between 45-200 kW, but which has overall sizes similar to those of traditional management apparatuses suitable to feed boilers with a size generally comprised between 25-40 kW. The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, the present invention concerns an apparatus for managing a flow of a gas comprising a duct in which there are a blocking element comprising a first valve element able to be positioned with respect to a first aperture, a second valve element able to be selectively positioned with respect to a second aperture and a third aperture of the duct, wherein the first and second valve elements are coaxial and wherein first release means exert a force on the first valve element in order to close the first aperture and to exert a force on a mobile insert, which is mechanically connected to the first valve element, which transfers the force to the second valve element in order to close the second aperture and at the same time open the third aperture.

According to one example of the invention, the following are also present along the duct:

- a pressure regulator to regulate a pressure of the gas in the duct; - a flow regulator to regulate a flow rate of the gas in the duct in correspondence with the outlet aperture.

According to one example of the invention, the management apparatus comprises second release means configured to generate a force that opposes the force generated by the first release means and to exert such force on the second valve element.

According to another example, the management apparatus comprises an electromagnet which, when powered, exerts a force on the first valve element which opposes the force generated by the first release means, wherein the force exerted by the first electromagnet moves the first valve element away from the first aperture in order to allow the passage of gas through the first aperture.

According to another example, when the mobile insert does not act on the second valve element, the force generated by the second release means moves the second valve element so as to close the third aperture and open the second aperture.

In another example, when the first valve element closes the first aperture, the second valve element, under the effect of the force generated by the first release means, closes the second aperture and opens the third aperture.

In yet another example, the pressure regulator comprises: - a shutter cooperating with a fourth aperture present in the duct and configured to regulate the pressure of the gas in the delivery duct;

- a first intermediate chamber in fluidic connection with the duct through the second aperture;

- a first diaphragm, mechanically connected to the shutter and configured to move the shutter with respect to the fourth aperture in response to a difference in pressure of the gas at entry in, and at exit from, the duct.

According a first embodiment, the first diaphragm is interposed between the shutter and the first intermediate chamber, and the pressure regulator comprises a second intermediate chamber fluidically connected to the first intermediate chamber by means of a first communication channel and to the duct by means of a second communication channel.

In accordance with a second embodiment, the pressure regulator comprises a second intermediate chamber fluidically connected to the first intermediate chamber by means of a first communication channel and to the duct by means of a second communication channel, and the first diaphragm is interposed between the shutter and the second intermediate chamber.

According to one example of the invention, the first intermediate chamber is in fluidic connection both with the second as well as with the third aperture. According to another example, the management apparatus comprises a vent channel in fluidic connection with the outlet aperture and, through the third aperture, with the first intermediate chamber, when the second valve element closes the second aperture and leaves the third aperture open. According to yet another example, when the second valve element closes the third aperture and leaves the second aperture open, the duct is fluidically connected to the first intermediate chamber through the second aperture.

In another example, the pressure regulator also comprises a second diaphragm, interposed between the second intermediate chamber and a fourth intermediate chamber in fluidic connection with the outside of the management apparatus, configured to move at least as a function of a difference in pressure between the pressure in the second intermediate chamber and/or of the gas at exit, and a pressure acting on the opposite side of the second diaphragm with respect to the second chamber. According to some embodiments, the air pressure outside the management apparatus, or a pressure with a defined value that differs from that of the outside air, can act directly on the opposite side of the second diaphragm.

In yet another example, the flow regulator comprises a fixed body and a mobile body which defines a through aperture, wherein the mobile body is configured to move toward or away from the fixed body in order to define a section for the passage of the gas through the through aperture.

According to one example of the invention, the flow regulator comprises a movement member configured to move the mobile body.

One advantage of the apparatus for managing a flow of a gas according to the invention is that its sizes are small, while guaranteeing high safety standards, which make the valve suitable to also be used with highly flammable or highly reactive gases, such as for example gases with high percentages of hydrogen, or even just 100% hydrogen.

Another advantage of the apparatus for managing a flow of a gas according to the invention is that it has shorter times for closing and/or opening the duct into which the gas enters.

Moreover, the coaxial structure of the first and second valve elements allows to have a rapid discharge of the duct, without affecting the compactness of the gas management apparatus. In particular, the coaxial structure also of the mobile insert allows to have a first wide aperture for the passage of gas along the main duct, which is necessary to feed large boilers, but also to have a rapid discharge of the unbumt gas and a system for opening a passage of the gas toward the intermediate chamber in the same point.

Another advantage of the apparatus for managing a flow of a gas according to the invention is that it allows to rapidly empty the gas when the apparatus itself is closed.

Another advantage of an apparatus for managing a flow of a gas according to the invention is that it allows to reduce the load losses in the gas flow, in particular if ventilation devices disposed upstream of the apparatus itself are used.

According to some embodiments, the second element is disposed in a space created inside a body that delimits the duct and comprises a first end which protrudes inside the duct and is configured to prevent a passage of fluid toward the space, and a second end configured to cooperate both with the second aperture and also with the third aperture, wherein the duct is fluidically connected to the second aperture by means of a bypass channel.

According to other embodiments, fluid dynamic devices or elements can be disposed in the bypass channel which are able to influence pressure values and reduce pressure drops of the gas flow during the operation of the flow management apparatus, without the values of the discharge speeds of the flow of unburned gas undergoing significant variations in case of closure of the management apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 schematically shows an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas;

- fig. 2 schematically shows a flow blocking element of an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas according to one example of the invention; - fig. 3 schematically shows a section of a pressure regulator of an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas according to some examples of the invention;

- fig. 4 schematically shows a section of a pressure regulator and a flow regulator of an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas according to some examples of the invention;

- fig. 5 shows a section of an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas in an open configuration according to some examples of the invention;

- fig. 6 shows a section of an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas in a closed configuration according to some examples of the invention;

- figs. 7 and 8 schematically show a section of an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas according to a variant of the invention in the open configuration and in the closed configuration, respectively;

- figs. 9 and 10 show respective enlarged details of figs. 7 and 8. To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS The embodiments described here, with reference to the drawings, concern an apparatus for managing the flow of a gas. Fig. 1 schematically shows an apparatus 10 for managing the flow of a gas, hereafter flow management apparatus 10, which receives and delivers a gas flow F.

In one example, the flow management apparatus 10 allows a fluidic connection between a gas delivery device and a gas user device.

In another example, the flow management apparatus 10 is inserted in the middle of a duct for regulating a gas flow in the duct portion downstream of the flow management apparatus 10. For the sake of brevity, the following description will refer to the duct portion upstream of the flow management apparatus 10 as gas source and to the duct portion downstream of the flow management apparatus 10 as gas user device.

The gas user devices to which the flow management apparatus 10 can be connected comprise gas burning devices and apparatuses configured to store, supply, or extract a gas. The gas burning devices comprise boilers, storage water heaters, stoves, ovens, fireplaces, cooktop, or other similar or comparable devices in which there is at least one burner fed with natural gas, methane, propane, or other flammable gases, or flammable air/gas mixtures. The gas user devices can also comprise devices that use hydrogen or an air/hydrogen mixture.

Devices configured to store, supply, or extract a gas include pumps, hypo/hyperbaric chambers, medical devices such as respirators, laboratory devices for extracting or storing a gas, or suchlike. In other words, the flow management apparatus 10 can be connected to any device whatsoever that needs a supply of gas, whether this is flammable, such as methane, butane, propane, natural gas and suchlike, or inert, such as air, nitrogen, helium and suchlike.

The flow management apparatus 10 is configured to connect to a gas source such as a cylinder, a pipe, a conduit, a duct, and suchlike.

During use, the flow management apparatus 10 is connected to the gas source and to the gas user device. The mechanical connections between the flow management apparatus 10 and the gas source and/or the gas device are techniques known to the person of skill in the art and will not be explained in detail here, since they fall outside the scope of the present invention.

The person of skill in the art will understand which connections to use depending on the operational, fluidic and mechanical needs, and depending on the type of gas source and gas user apparatus.

The flow management apparatus 10 comprises a body 11 which defines at least one duct 13 which extends from an inlet aperture 12 formed at a first end of the body 11 to an outlet aperture 14 formed at a second end of the body 11. The first end is located in a position of the flow management apparatus 10 opposite the second end.

The duct 13 is configured to allow a gas, introduced into the valve apparatus 10 from the inlet aperture 12, to flow until it reaches the outlet aperture 14. In its path inside the duct 13, the gas forms a gas flow F oriented from the inlet aperture 12 to the outlet aperture 14.

The duct 13 can comprise inside it at least one narrowing which defines an associated aperture having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the duct 13. Each narrowing can be formed by a protrusion of the body 11 toward the inside of the duct 13 or by elements connected thereto.

The flow management apparatus 10 comprises a flow blocking element 100 located downstream of the inlet aperture 12 and configured to selectively prevent the gas flow F from reaching, or allow it to reach, the outlet aperture 14 by closing or opening the duct 13 to the passage of the gas.

The flow blocking element 100 comprises a first valve element 110 (figs. 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8) configured to prevent, when it is in a closing position, or allow, when it is in an opening position, the flow of the gas through an associated aperture, for example the first aperture 15’ of fig. 2 or of fig. 7. The opening position corresponds to a position of the valve element 110 such that a space is defined between the valve element 110 and the associated aperture, while the closing position corresponds to a position of the valve element 110 such that the valve element 110 is in contact with and closes the associated aperture, creating a closure that is hermetic to the passage of gas through the associated aperture.

The flow blocking element 100 also comprises a second valve element 120, 1120 coaxial to the first valve element 110. The second valve element 120, 1120 is a two-way valve that cooperates with two associated apertures, such as the second aperture 16’ and the third aperture 17’ of fig. 2, or the second aperture 116’ and the third aperture 117’ of fig. 7, and which selectively allows a first fluidic connection between a first channel and a second channel, or a second fluidic connection between a second channel and a third channel.

The second valve element 120, 1120 allows the first or second fluidic connection in an exclusive manner. In other words, when the second valve element 120, 1120 is positioned so as to allow the first fluidic connection, the second channel and the third channel are not fluidically connected. Vice versa, when the second valve element 120, 1120 is positioned so as to allow the second fluidic connection, the first channel and the second channel are not fluidically connected. With reference to figs. 2, 5, and 6, and in relation to the second valve element 120, the first channel corresponds to the duct 13, the second channel corresponds to a connection channel 13b for connection to a first intermediate chamber 216a, and the third channel corresponds to a vent duct 13a. The second valve element 120 allows, when it is in an opening position with respect to the second aperture 16’, the fluidic connection between the duct 13 and the first intermediate chamber

216a or, when it is in a closing position with respect to the second aperture 16’, the fluidic connection between the first intermediate chamber 216a and the vent duct 13a. The flow blocking element 100 comprises an electromagnet 113 (figs. 2, 5, and 6) configured to move the first valve element 110 and the second valve element 120 so as to selectively close or open the fluidic connection by means of the duct 13 between the inlet aperture 12 and the outlet aperture 14. According to some embodiments, at least the first 15’ and the second aperture 16’ are disposed substantially coaxial to each other, along an axis A with respect to which at least the first valve element 110 moves.

According to one embodiment, the third aperture 17’ is also disposed coaxial to the first 15’ and to the second aperture 16’. This disposition allows both valve elements 110, 120 to act along a same axis A and to keep the conformation of the apparatus 10 compact.

According to a possible variant, not shown, it can be provided that the third aperture 17’ is disposed inclined by a certain angle with respect to the second aperture 16’. The flow management apparatus 10 also comprises a pressure regulator 200, located downstream with respect to the flow blocking element 100 to regulate the pressure of the gas exiting from the flow management apparatus 10. The pressure regulator 200 is connected to the flow blocking element 100 and to the outlet aperture 14 by means of the duct 13 and optionally by means of a vent duct 13a. In one example of the invention, the flow management apparatus 10 also comprises a flow regulator 300 located downstream with respect to the pressure regulator 200 to regulate the flow F of the gas exiting from the flow management apparatus 10.

The flow blocking element 100, the pressure regulator 200 and the flow regulator 300 will be described in more detail below. The flow blocking element 100, the pressure regulator 200 and the flow regulator 300 can be configured to be replaced without altering, or replacing, the body 11 of the flow management apparatus 10.

Figs. 2, 3, and 4 show details of the flow management apparatus 10 shown in its entirety in figs. 5 and 6. The same reference numbers are used in all drawings to identify the same element. For clarity, the flow blocking element 100, the pressure regulator 200, and the flow regulator 300 are shown separately in figs. 2, 3, and 4; however, they correspond to different parts of the flow management apparatus 10 shown in figs. 5 and 6.

An example of a flow blocking element 100 according to some examples of the present invention is shown in fig. 2. The flow blocking element 100 is located downstream with respect to the inlet aperture 12 and is configured to selectively close or open the duct 13.

The flow blocking element 100 comprises a first valve element 110 configured, when the flow blocking element 100 is driven to close the duct 13, to cooperate with a first narrowing 15 of the duct 13 creating a closure that is hermetic to the passage of the gas through the aperture defined by the first narrowing 15, hereafter first aperture 15’.

When the flow blocking element 100 is driven to open the duct 13, allowing the passage of the flow F through the duct 13, the first valve element 110 is configured to be positioned at a certain distance from the first narrowing 15 so as to allow the passage of the gas flow F through the first aperture 15’. The flow blocking element 100 comprises an electromagnet 113 configured to move the first valve element 110 along an axis A which is substantially perpendicular to the first aperture 15’. The first valve element 110 and the electromagnet 113 constitute a solenoid valve.

The electromagnet 113 exerts a force on the first valve element 110 in order to position it in an opening position of the first aperture 15’.

In the opening position, the first valve element 110 is at a certain distance from the first narrowing 15, thus allowing the gas flow F to pass through the first aperture 15’.

In the closing position, the first valve element 110 is in contact with the first narrowing 15 and creates a hermetic closure to prevent the gas flow F from passing through the first aperture 15’.

When the electromagnet 113 is powered, the electric current flowing in the electromagnet 113 creates a magnetic field that acts with a magnetic force on the first valve element 110 moving it away from the first aperture 15’ along the axis A, taking it into the opening position.

The flow blocking element 100 also comprises first release means 110a configured to generate a force which acts on the first valve element 110 in order to move it along the axis A toward the first narrowing 15. The force generated by the first release means 110a opposes the force generated by the electromagnet 113 when the latter is powered.

The first release means 110a are configured to push the first valve element 110 toward the closing position, that is, they move, along the axis A, the first valve element 110 toward the first narrowing 15 so as to close the first aperture 15’ and create a gas-tight closure.

In other words, when the electromagnet 113 is not powered, the first valve element 110 is forced into the closing position by the force generated by the first release means 110a, thus preventing the passage of the gas flow F through the first aperture 15’.

When the electromagnet 113 is powered, the magnetic force acting on the first valve element 110 counteracts the force generated by the first release means 110a and moves the first valve element 110 along the axis A, moving it away from the first narrowing 15 and thus allowing the gas flow F to pass through the first aperture 15’.

When the electromagnet 113 is powered, the first valve element 110 assumes the opening position.

The release means 110a can be elastic elements, such as springs, connected with one end to the body 11 of the flow management apparatus 10 or to a casing 111 of the flow blocking element 100, and with the other end to the first valve element 110, or they can be hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, or suchlike, that generate a force which tends to move the first valve element 110 toward the first narrowing 15.

The person of skill in the art will know which release means 110a to use to readily move the first valve element 110 in order to close the first aperture 15’.

The flow blocking element 100 performs the function of a safety element in that, in the event of a malfunction of the electromagnet 113 due to damage or due to power failure, blackouts or suchlike, the flow blocking element 100 is driven by the release means 110a in order to immediately block the passage of the gas flow F through the first aperture 15 ’ and therefore promptly interrupt the delivery of the gas.

The flow blocking element 100 also comprises a second valve element 120 coaxial to the first valve element 110 and configured to move along the axis A. The second valve element 120 is located downstream of the first valve element 110 and in correspondence with the first valve element 110, with respect to the axis A.

When the flow blocking element 100 is driven to close the duct 13, the second valve element 120 is configured to cooperate with a second narrowing 16 of the duct 13 creating a closure that is hermetic to the passage of the gas of the aperture defined by the second narrowing 16, hereafter second aperture 16’. The surface defined by the second aperture 16’ can be substantially parallel to the surface defined by the first aperture 15’.

According to some embodiments, the second valve element 120 can comprise a central part 120a which develops along the axis A, an upper part 120b located at a first end of the central part 120a, and a lower part 120c located at a second end of the central part 120a, opposite the first end. The central part 120a can have a section with a smaller size than the end parts 120b, 120c.

This conformation of the second valve element 120 is particularly suitable for the case in which the three apertures 15’, 16’, 17’ are coaxial to each other. It is clear, however, that the second valve element 120 can also have different shapes.

The second valve element 120 is positioned in such a way that the upper part 120b and the lower part 120c are positioned on two different sides of the second aperture 16’ and so that the central part 120a, which connects the upper part 120b with the lower part 120c, passes through the second aperture 16’.

The upper part 120b develops in a direction which is substantially parallel to a surface defined by the second aperture 16’ and has a larger size than the second aperture 16’. In this way, when the upper part 120b is moved along the axis A and contacts the second narrowing 16, this acts as an end-of-travel block for the upper part 120b.

The upper part 120b is configured to cooperate with the second narrowing 16 and create, when they are in contact, a closure of the second aperture 16’ which is hermetic to the passage of gas, optionally by means of gaskets, O-rings, and suchlike. The flow blocking element 100 also comprises second release means 112a configured to generate a force which acts along the axis A on the second valve element 120 in order to move it in such a way that the upper part 120b moves away from the second aperture 16’. When the second valve element 120 moves under the action of the force generated by the second release means 112a, the upper part 120b moves away from the second aperture 16’ and the lower part 120c moves toward a third narrowing 17 which acts as an end-of-travel block for the movement of the second valve element 120 along the axis A.

The second valve element 120 is positioned inside the duct 13 in such a way that the second narrowing 16 and the third narrowing 17 are in an intermediate position between the upper part 120b and the lower part 120c of the second valve element 120. Moreover, the second narrowing 16 is in a position proximal to the upper part 120b and the third narrowing 17 is in a position proximal to the lower part 120c.

The force generated by the second release means 112a, if not opposed by another force, causes the movement of the second valve element 120 toward the first valve element 110. When the lower part 120c contacts the third narrowing 17, it completely closes the aperture defined by the third narrowing 17 , hereafter third aperture 17 ’ . In other words, when the lower part 120c contacts the third narrowing 17, the lower part 120c hermetically seals the third aperture 17’ to the passage of the gas.

The flow blocking element 100 also comprises a mobile insert 112 mechanically connected to the first valve element 110 and which protrudes therefrom along the axis A in the direction of the second valve element 120. In this example, the mobile insert 112 is mechanically connected to the first valve element 110 by means of third release means 112b which exert a force on the mobile insert 112 along the axis A and directed toward the second valve element 120. The mobile insert 112 and the first valve element 110 can be enclosed in a common casing 111.

When the electromagnet 113 is deactivated, the first valve element 110 is moved along the axis A toward the first narrowing 15 by the force generated by the first release means 110a. The movement of the first valve element 110 causes the movement of the mobile insert 112 along the axis A toward the second valve element 120. In particular, the movement of the first valve element 110 compresses the third release means 112b, which in turn push the mobile insert 112 toward the second valve element 120, 1120.

The mobile insert 112 is configured in such a way that, when the first valve element 110 is in the closing position, that is, when the first valve element 110 hermetically closes the first aperture 15’, the mobile insert 112 exerts a force, generated by the third release means 112b, possibly in cooperation with the first release means 110a, on the second valve element 120, 1120 and moves it along the axis A in such a way as to take it into contact with the second narrowing 16, 116 creating a hermetic closure of the second aperture 16’, 116’ and a simultaneous opening of the third aperture 17’, 117’. The force generated by the first 110a and by the third release means 112b is oriented in a manner contrary to the force exerted by the second release means 112a and it has an intensity such as to take the upper part 120b of the second valve element 120 of figs. 2, 5 and 6 into contact with the second narrowing 16, creating a gas-tight closure of the second aperture 16’. When the upper part 120b of the second valve element 120 contacts the second narrowing 16 under the action of the force generated by the first 110a and the third release means 112b, the second valve element 120 closes the second aperture 16’ hermetically to the passage of the gas.

In this configuration, the lower part 120c of the second valve element 120 is positioned at a certain distance from the third narrowing 17 or, equivalently, from the third aperture 17’.

The second aperture 16’ allows a fluidic connection, when it is not hermetically closed by the upper part 120b of the second valve element 120, between the duct 13 and a first intermediate chamber 216a by means of the connection duct 13b. When the flow blocking element 100 is in the closing condition, the first valve element 110 hermetically closes the first aperture 15’ and the second valve element 120 hermetically closes the second aperture 16’.

As already described, when the second valve element 120 closes the second aperture 16’, it leaves the third aperture 17’ open, allowing a fluidic connection between the first intermediate chamber 216a and the vent duct 13 a.

In other words, when the blocking element 100 is in the closing position, the lower part 120c of the second valve element 120 is positioned at a certain distance from the third narrowing 17, allowing the third aperture 17’ to create a fluidic connection between the first intermediate chamber 216a and the vent duct 13a.

When the flow blocking element 100 is driven to open the duct 13, that is, to allow the passage of the flow F through the duct 13, the mobile insert 112 is not in contact with, and does not exert any force on, the second valve element 120 on which only the force generated by the second release means 112a acts.

In this configuration, the upper part 120b of the second valve element 120 is positioned at a certain distance from the second narrowing 16 so as to allow the passage of the gas flow F through the second aperture 16’. On the contrary, the lower part 120c contacts the third narrowing 17 creating a gas-tight closure of the third aperture 17’ and interrupting the fluidic connection between the first intermediate chamber 216a and the vent duct 13a.

When the flow blocking element 100 is in the opening position (figs. 2 and 5), the duct 13 and the first intermediate chamber 216a are fluidically connected through the second aperture 16’. Conversely, when the flow blocking element 100 is in the closing position (fig. 6), a fluidic connection is created between the first intermediate chamber 216a and the vent duct 13 a, while the duct 13 and the first intermediate chamber 216a are not fluidically connected.

The electromagnet 113 in fact generates a force which acts on the first valve element 110 and on the mobile insert 112, and which counteracts the force generated by the first 110a and by the third release means 112b and keeps the first valve element 110 and the mobile insert 112 in an opening position at a certain distance from the first aperture 15’.

When the electromagnet 113 is not powered, the forces generated by the first release means 110a, by the second release means 112a and by the third release means 121b are not counteracted by any force and are therefore free to act.

With regards the action of the force generated by the first release means 110a, we refer to what described above. The force generated by the third release means 112b cooperates to create a hermetic closure of the second aperture 16’, by means of the contact between the mobile insert 112 and the upper part 120b of the second valve element 120 and between the latter and the second narrowing 16.

In other words, the force generated by the first release means 110a determines a hermetic closure of the first aperture 15’, by means of the contact between the first valve element 110 and the first narrowing 15, while the force generated by the third release means 112b determines a hermetic closure of the second aperture 16’, by means of the contact between the upper part 120b of the second valve element 120 and the second narrowing 16.

Figs. 3 and 4 show partial views of the section of the flow management apparatus 10 in correspondence with the pressure regulator 200. The pressure regulator 200 is configured to regulate the gas pressure in the delivery duct 13 in such a way as to supply, downstream of the pressure regulator 200 itself, a substantially constant gas pressure around a desired value, independently of a gas pressure at inlet, indicated in the drawings as PIN. The pressure regulator 200 is located downstream of the flow blocking element

100 and receives the gas flow F only when the flow blocking element 100 is in the opening position.

The pressure regulator 200 is provided with a shutter 210 configured to cooperate with a fourth aperture 18’ defined by a fourth narrowing 18 of the duct 13, for example a protrusion of the body 11 inside the duct 13.

According to the embodiments described with reference to figs. 3-6, the pressure regulator 200 comprises a first regulating diaphragm 210b mechanically connected to the shutter 210 and able to define a first intermediate chamber 216a separated from the duct 13 but communicating with it through the second aperture 16’. The first diaphragm 210b is a deformable element configured to sustain the shutter 210 and to move it with respect to the fourth aperture 18’. In more detail, the first diaphragm 210b is configured to deform in response to a pressure difference present across the surface of the diaphragm 210b.

More in detail, the first diaphragm 210b deforms in response to the pressure difference AP between the gas pressure, PCH, in the first intermediate chamber 216a which generates a force which acts on a first face of the first diaphragm 210b and a gas pressure PINT present in an intermediate zone 13a disposed between the pressure regulator 200 and the flow regulator, which generates a force which acts on a second face of the first diaphragm 210b. When the pressure difference AP, defined as AP = PINT - PCH, is a positive value, the first diaphragm 210b deforms causing, in cooperation with the first holding means 210a, the movement of the shutter 210 toward the fourth aperture 18’, as in fig. 4. When the pressure difference AP, defined as AP = PINT - PCH, is a negative value, the first diaphragm 210b deforms causing the movement of the shutter 210 away from the fourth aperture 18’, as shown in fig. 3.

In other words, when the gas pressure PINT in the intermediate zone 13a is higher than the pressure Pci-i of the gas present in the first intermediate chamber 216a, the first diaphragm 210b is configured to close the fourth aperture 18’ by moving the shutter 210 toward the latter, as shown in fig. 4. Conversely, when the gas pressure PINT is lower than the gas pressure PCH, the first diaphragm 210b is configured to open the fourth aperture 18’ by moving the shutter 210 away from the latter. It follows that when the gas pressure PINT is higher than a certain value, the flow management apparatus 10 is configured to close the fourth aperture 18’ and therefore the duct 13 so as to prevent the outflow of the gas flow F from the flow management apparatus 10.

Similarly, when the gas pressure PINT is lower than a certain value, the flow management apparatus 10 is configured to open the fourth aperture 18’ and therefore the duct 13 so as to allow the gas flow F to exit from the flow management apparatus 10, as long as the flow blocking element 100 is in the opening position and the flow management apparatus 10 is connected to a gas source. According to some examples of the invention, the pressure regulator 200 comprises first holding means 210a configured to exert a force on the first face of the first diaphragm 210b in order to deform it in such a way as to move the shutter 210 in the direction of closure of the fourth aperture 18’.

In this example, the first holding means 210a, the pressure PINT of the gas exiting from the flow management apparatus 10, and the pressure PCH in the first intermediate chamber 216a and the first holding means 210a contribute to deforming the first diaphragm 210b and modifying the position of the shutter 210 with respect to the fourth aperture 18’.

Considering PEL the pressure on the first face of the diaphragm created by the force generated by the first holding means 210a, the pressure difference to which the first diaphragm 210b is subjected can be defined as AP = PEL + PINT - PCH.

It follows that when the gas pressure PCH in the first intermediate chamber 216a is higher than a certain value defined as PTR = PEL + PINT the flow management apparatus 10 is configured to open the fourth aperture 18’ and therefore the duct 13 so as to allow the gas flow F to exit from the flow management apparatus 10, provided that the flow blocking element 100 is in the opening position and that the flow management apparatus 10 is connected to a gas source. Similarly, when the gas pressure PCH in the first intermediate chamber 216a is lower than the value defined as PTR = PEL + PINT, the flow management apparatus is configured to close the fourth aperture 18’ and therefore the duct 13 so as to prevent the outflow of the gas flow F from the flow management apparatus 10.

In this way, the pressure regulation system acts as a filter that allows the passage of the gas flow F at a substantially constant pressure around a desired pressure value that does not depend on the pressure of the gas at entry, PIN.

During use, the flow management apparatus 10 is connected to a gas source and to a gas user device. At the time of connection, the blocking element 100 can be in the opening position and the shutter 210 is held by the first holding means 210a in the closing position with respect to the fourth aperture 18’.

As soon as the source starts to supply the gas, the gas flow F flows in the duct 13 to the shutter 210. Simultaneously, part of the gas flows into the first intermediate chamber 216a through the second aperture 16’. When the gas accumulates in the first intermediate chamber 216a, the pressure value Pen of the gas in that chamber increases over time and exerts a force Fen on the first face of the first diaphragm 210b which is also increasing over time. The force FCH opposes the force of the first holding means 210a and tends to deform the first diaphragm 210b so as to move the shutter 210 away from the fourth aperture 18’.

When the value of the pressure Pen of the gas which acts on the first face of the first diaphragm 210b exceeds the determinate value PTR, the first diaphragm deforms allowing the shutter 210 to move away from the fourth aperture 18’ and therefore to allow the passage of the gas flow F through the fourth aperture 18’ toward the outlet aperture 14 and therefore toward the gas user device.

The determinate pressure value PTR at which the first diaphragm 210b deforms and moves the shutter 210 away from the fourth aperture 18’ depends on the intensity of the pressure PCH of the gas in the first intermediate chamber 216a and on the intensity of the pressure PEL derived from the force FEL as PEL = FEL / SDI, where SDI is the effective surface of the second face of the first diaphragm 210b, that is, the zone of the lower face disposed inside the convex annular portion. The atmospheric pressure of the air in the flow management apparatus 10 contributes equally from both faces of the first diaphragm 21 Ob and for this reason does not affect the opening or closing of the shutter 210. When the gas begins to flow in the duct 13 toward the outlet aperture 14 through the first aperture 15’ and the fourth aperture 18’, the pressure value POUT begins to increase and to exert a force FOUT on the second face of the first diaphragm 210b which counteracts the force FCH exerted on the first face of the diaphragm 210b by the gas present in the first intermediate chamber 216a. If the pressure value POUT exceeds a certain threshold value PTR, the force FCH exerted on the first face of the diaphragm 210b by the gas present in the first intermediate chamber 216a would not be able to counteract FEL and Four. The resultant of all the forces exerted on the first diaphragm 210b would cause a movement of the first shutter 210 toward the fourth aperture 18’, causing it to hermetically close and therefore stop the gas flow F toward the outlet aperture 14.

In this way, in the event that the gas user device opposes a resistance to the gas entering it, the pressure POUT in the flow management apparatus 10 would not be able to reach an excessively high value, since the gas flow F would be stopped by the shutter 210, as explained above. For this reason, the pressure regulator 200 allows to regulate the pressure of a gas exiting from the flow management apparatus 10 around a predefined value. The predefined pressure value around which the gas exits from the flow management apparatus 10 can be selected by acting on the first holding means 210a, for example by increasing or decreasing the force FEL exerted on the first diaphragm 210b. In case the first holding means 210a are a spring, the force exerted on the first diaphragm 210b can be modified by changing the compression or extension of the spring itself. The methods for modifying the compression or extension of the spring are part of the state of the art and will not be discussed here for the sake of brevity. According to another example of the invention, the flow management apparatus

10 comprises a second intermediate chamber 216b connected to the first intermediate chamber 216a by means of a first communication channel 230. The first communication channel 230 comprises an inlet gate 230a in the first intermediate chamber 216a and an outlet gate 230b in the second intermediate chamber 216b. These gates 230a, 230b can have substantially the same section as the communication channel 230.

In one example of the invention, the first intermediate chamber 216a and the second intermediate chamber 216b are in opposite positions with respect to the shutter 210. The gas present in the first intermediate chamber 216a flows through the first communication channel 230 into the second intermediate chamber 216b.

In another example of the invention, the flow management apparatus 10 comprises a third intermediate chamber 216c connected to the second intermediate chamber 16b by means of a second communication channel 231.

A second diaphragm 220b geometrically and fluidically divides the third intermediate chamber 216c from a fourth intermediate chamber 216d. The third intermediate chamber 216c is also fluidically connected to the duct 13 by means of a third communication channel 232. When a source connected to the flow management apparatus 10 delivers gas and the flow blocking element 100 is open, the gas flows through the first aperture 15’ and the second aperture 16’, into the first intermediate chamber 216a. From there, by means of the first communication channel 230, the gas flows into the second intermediate chamber 216b and into the third intermediate chamber 216c by means of the second communication channel 231. From there, the gas flows into the duct

13 by means of the third communication channel 232. In other words, when the flow blocking element 100 is in the opening position, the gas is free to flow from the inlet aperture 12 to the outlet aperture 14 as well as through the duct 13 also by means of the following path: the first aperture 15’, the second aperture 16’, the first intermediate chamber 216a, the first communication channel 230, the second intermediate chamber 216b, the second communication channel 231, the third intermediate chamber 216c, the third communication channel 232.

The fourth intermediate chamber 216d is in fluidic communication with the environment, that is, with the outside of the flow management apparatus 10, by means of a fourth communication channel 233.

The second, third, and fourth communication channel have a much smaller section than the duct 13.

The second diaphragm 220b is then subjected on one face thereof to an ambient pressure PAMB, which can be for example the ambient pressure or a specific pressure signal having a value even different from the ambient pressure, and on the other face to the pressure given by the combination of the pressure PINT present in the intermediate zone 13a and the pressure PCH of the gas in the first intermediate chamber 216a.

For example, the pressure signal can be a pressure signal deriving from a fan, or a pressure signal deriving from the combustion chamber of a burner.

The resultant of the forces acting on the two faces of the membrane and caused by the gas pressures disclosed above causes a deformation of the second diaphragm 220b. By deforming, the second diaphragm 220b approaches or moves away from the second communication channel 231 , causing an increase or reduction in its section which reduces or increases the pressure in the third intermediate chamber 216c.

The deformation of the second diaphragm 220b consequently also determines an increase or decrease in the volume of the fourth intermediate chamber 216d.

The pressure regulator 200 comprises fourth release means 220a, for example springs, configured to exert a force on a first face of the second diaphragm 220b in order to deform it, so as to move it in the direction of the second communication channel 231. In this example, the fourth holding means 210a exert a force on the second diaphragm 210b that counteracts the force generated by the ambient pressure P MB.

The resultant of the forces acting on the two faces of the second diaphragm 220b is determined by the combination of the forces generated by the fourth release means 220a, by the ambient pressure PAMB, by the pressure PCH of the gas in the first intermediate chamber 216a and by the pressure PINT present in the third intermediate chamber 216c.

The person of skill in the art will understand that in order to make the second diaphragm 220b less deformable, further release means (not shown in the drawings), such as, for example, springs, may also be implemented in the third intermediate chamber 216c in order to oppose or cooperate with the fourth release means 220a, according to the usage requirements of the flow management apparatus 10.

In another example of the invention, there is provided a mechanical calibration device 220c configured to act on the fourth release means 220a in order to regulate their load, for example during a step of initial calibration of the flow management apparatus 10, after possible maintenance, or in the event that the type of gas used is changed. According to some variants, the mechanical calibration device 220c can comprise a manually drivable worm screw.

This configuration allows to keep the gas pressure downstream of the fourth aperture 18’ and the gas pressure in the second intermediate chamber 216b constant, thanks to the force defined by the fourth release means 220a. When the fourth release means 220a are a spring, the gas pressure downstream of the fourth aperture 18’ and the gas pressure in the second intermediate chamber 216b are controlled by the compression of the spring, which can be managed by the mechanical calibration device 220c.

In one example of the present invention, the flow management apparatus 10 has a flow regulator 300 located downstream of the pressure regulator 200 and upstream of the outlet aperture 14.

The flow regulator 300 comprises a fixed body 311, mounted in the delivery duct 13 and having a through aperture 312, and a mobile body 310 configured to close the through aperture 312. The mobile body 310 is configured to approach or move away from the fixed body 311 in order to define a section S for the passage of the gas through the through aperture 312 associated with the reciprocal position between the fixed body 311 and the mobile body 310.

According to some embodiments, the flow regulator 300 comprises a movement member 313 configured to move the mobile body 310.

The movement member 313 is configured to move the mobile body 310 between an open position, in which the through aperture 312 is open and the gas passage section has a maximum size, and a partly closed position, in which the through aperture 312 is at least partially closed by the mobile body 310, and the passage section S has a size smaller than the maximum size.

The movement member 313 is configured to position the mobile body 310 in any position whatsoever comprised between the open position and the closed position, so as to define a desired size of the passage section on each occasion. In one example of the invention, the mobile body 310 is an elastic element constrained at one end thereof to the fixed body 311 or to the body 11 of the flow management apparatus 10, while its other end is moved by the movement member 313 in such a way as to define a desired size of the passage section S comprised between the passage sections S associated with the open position and the partly closed position.

The movement member 313 comprises a stem 313a having a first end 313b located in contact with the mobile body 310 and a second end connected to a linear actuator, not shown in the drawing. The linear actuator is configured to position the stem 313a along its longitudinal axis. This allows to position the mobile body 310 in such a way as to define the flow rate of gas delivered, as explained above.

For example, the linear actuator can comprise a servomotor, a stepper motor, a mechanism for converting motion to a linear motion, or another similar or comparable member.

The passage section of the gas through the through aperture 312 is determined, on each occasion, by the position of the mobile body 310 with respect to the fixed body 311, that is, based on the position of the stem 313a along its longitudinal axis Z. This embodiment, in addition to simplifying the geometry of the flow regulator 300, since it comprises a small number of components, also allows to modulate, in a controlled manner, the functional relation that links the gas flow rate to the position of the mobile body 310 determined on each occasion by the movement member 313. The flow management apparatus 10 described here is configured to deliver, through the outlet aperture 14, a gas flow F at a pressure POUT determined and able to be determined around a desired pressure value.

Optionally, the flow management apparatus 10 is also configured to deliver, through the outlet aperture 14, a gas flow F having a flow rate determined and able to be determined around a desired flow rate value.

The flow management apparatus 10 can be connected to a control unit, not shown in the drawings, which can be associated with the gas user device.

For example, the control unit can be the control board of a boiler designed to perform a plurality of functions.

In one example, the control unit can be an electronic board external to the control board of the boiler.

The delivery flow rate and the pressure POUT of the gas flow F at the outlet aperture 14 can be defined in relation to one or more quantities chosen in a group comprising the type of gas used, the position of the mobile body 310 of the flow regulator 300, the pressure of the gas downstream of the fourth aperture 18’ which, in turn, is a function of the position of the shutter 210 of the pressure regulator 200.

According to some embodiments, calibration devices can be provided configured to calibrate the force exerted by the first release means 110a, by the second release means 112a, by the third release means 112b, by the first holding means 210a and by the second holding means 220a. In one example, the calibration and/or the calibration devices are controlled by the control unit.

In another example, the control unit defines the delivery flow rate of the gas flow F.

Fig. 5 shows a flow management apparatus 10 in opening configuration, that is, having the first valve element 110 in opening position with respect to the first aperture 15’, the second valve element 120 in opening position with respect to the second aperture 16’, allowing a fluidic connection between the duct 13 and the first intermediate chamber 216a. In fig. 5, the gas pressure is comprised in a value very close the gas pressure at which the pressure regulator 200 allows the opening of the fourth aperture 18’.

In fact, in fig. 5, the shutter 210 is in opening position with respect to the fourth aperture 18’ and the gas flow enters from the inlet aperture 12, flows in the duct 13 through the first aperture 15’, the fourth aperture 18’, and the through aperture

312 of the flow regulator 300, when this is present, toward the outlet aperture 14.

Simultaneously, the gas flows through the first aperture 15’ and the second aperture 16’ in the first intermediate chamber 216a. Optionally, when the configuration of the flow management apparatus 10 comprises the parts in question, the gas flows in the first communication channel 230 toward a second intermediate chamber 216b, and through a second communication channel 231 toward a third intermediate chamber 216c in fluidic connection with the duct 13 in correspondence with the outlet aperture 14. Fig. 6 shows a flow management apparatus 10 in closing configuration, that is, having the first valve element 110 in closing position with respect to the first aperture 15’, the second valve element 120 in closing position with respect to the second aperture 16’ and in opening position with respect to the third aperture 17’, allowing a fluidic connection between the first intermediate chamber 216a and the vent channel 13a. In fig. 6, moreover, the gas pressure in the various parts of the flow management apparatus 10 is such that the pressure regulator 200 closes the fourth aperture 18’.

In fact, in fig. 5, the shutter 210 is in closing position with respect to the fourth aperture 18’. The gas flow enters from the inlet aperture 12 but does not continue its path in the duct 13, since it is blocked by the first valve element 110.

At the same time, any gas still present in the first intermediate chamber 216a flows from the third aperture 17’ and the vent duct 13a toward the outlet aperture 14. This allows an effective evacuation of any gas remaining inside the flow management apparatus 10 when the first valve element 110 is closed. This characteristic is particularly important to prevent accumulations of flammable or highly reactive gas, such as hydrogen or air/hydrogen mixture, that is, to prevent the back-fire toward the gas source.

Figs. 7 to 10 show a gas flow management apparatus 1010 according to a variant of the invention. In figs. 7-10 the same elements or those that have the same function as the elements of the embodiment of figs. 2-6 have been indicated with the same reference numbers, while different elements have been indicated with the previous reference number and adding a “1” or a “10” in front.

The management apparatus 1010 of figs. 7-10, in particular, differs as regards the conformation of the second valve device 1120, the connection between the duct 13 and the second aperture 116’ and some parts of the pressure regulator 200.

The first valve device 110 and the flow regulator 300 are substantially unchanged.

With reference to figs. 7-10, the first channel corresponds to a bypass channel 13c connected to the duct 13, the second channel corresponds to a connection channel 13b for connection to a first intermediate chamber 1216a, and the third channel corresponds to the vent duct 13a.

According to this variant, devices or fluid-dynamic elements 20 can be disposed in the bypass channel 13c which are able to influence the pressure values and reduce the pressure losses of the gas flow during the operation of the flow management apparatus, without the values of the speed at which the unburned gas flow is discharged undergoing significant variations in the event of closure of the management apparatus 1010. These fluid-dynamic elements 20 have the purpose of eliminating or at least containing the oscillations that characterize the flow management apparatuses of the type in question, making their operation more stable and regular.

According to other embodiments, not shown, similar fluid-dynamic devices or elements can be disposed in correspondence with one and/or the other end of the first communication channel 230 and/or the fourth communication channel 233.

The second valve element 1120 allows, when it is in an opening position with respect to the second aperture 116’, the fluidic connection between the duct 13 and the first intermediate chamber 1216a through the bypass channel 13c and the connection channel 13b or, when it is in a closing position with respect to the second aperture 116’, the fluidic connection between the first intermediate chamber 1216a and the vent duct 13a through the third aperture 117’.

According to this embodiment, the first 15’, the second 116’ and the third aperture 117’ are disposed substantially coaxial to each other, along an axis A with respect to which the first valve element 110 moves.

According to this embodiment, the second valve element 1120 can comprise a central part 1120a that develops along the axis A, disposed inside a space 19 created in the body 11.

The second valve element 1120 comprises a first end 1121 which protrudes inside the duct 13 and a second end 1122 disposed in a zone 19a between the second aperture 116’ and third aperture 117’, defined by respective narrowings 1 16, 117 protruding into the space 19. The first valve element 110 acts on the first end 1121 in the closed configuration, in a manner similar to what described above with reference to the example of figs. 2 and 5-6. The first end 1121 is configured to prevent a passage of fluid toward the space 19. The duct 13 is fluidically connected to the second aperture 116’ by means of the bypass channel 13 c, in particular only by means of the latter with respect to the duct 13 part upstream of the pressure regulator 200, although in the closed configuration of the second aperture 116’, the zone 19a is connected to the duct 13 part downstream of the pressure regulator 200 by means of the vent duct 13a.

The first end 1121 of the present embodiment comprises a gasket 1123, preferably of an extendable type, connected between the first end 1121 and the body 11 of the duct 13 and having the function of preventing a passage of flow F from the duct to the space 19 that houses the second valve element 1120. The gasket 1123 can for example have the shape of a bellows, or have a conformation with folded flaps or suchlike, so that it can extend into the opening position or contract/fold into the closing position. The second end 1122 has a larger section than the second 116’ and third aperture 117’ and comprises an upper part 1120b able to cooperate with the third narrowing 117 and hermetically close the third aperture 117’, and a lower part 1120c able to cooperate with the second narrowing 116 and hermetically close the second aperture 116’. When the second valve element 1120 moves under the action of the force generated by the second release means 112a, the lower part 1120c moves away from the second aperture 116’ and the upper part 1120b moves toward the third narrowing 117 which acts as an end-of- travel block for the movement of the second valve element 1120 along the axis A. When the mobile insert 112 of the first valve element 110 acts on the second valve element 1120, the second valve element 1120 moves downward, taking the lower part 1120c into contact with the second narrowing 116 and moving the upper part 1120b away from the third narrowing 117, so as to place the connection duct 13b in communication with the vent duct 13a through the zone 19a between the two apertures 116’, 117’.

According to the embodiment of figs. 7-10, the connection duct 13b is placed in communication with a first intermediate chamber 1216a of the pressure regulator 200, while the vent duct 13a is placed in communication with the outlet 14 through part of the duct 13 downstream of the shutter 210. The pressure regulator 200 of this embodiment differs from that of the example of figs. 3-6 in that it comprises a second intermediate chamber 1216b which is connected to the first intermediate chamber 1216a by means of a first communication channel 230, and the first diaphragm 210b is interposed between the shutter 210 and the second intermediate chamber 1216b.

According to some embodiments, the pressure regulator 200 can also comprise a third 216c and a fourth intermediate chamber 216d, divided by a second diaphragm 220b, which are similar to those described above, but in this case the third chamber 216c is placed in communication with the first intermediate chamber

1216a by means of the second communication channel 231, and the fourth intermediate chamber 216d is placed in communication with the duct 13 by means of the third communication channel 232.

In this embodiment, when the management apparatus 1010 is in the open configuration (figs. 7 and 9) the gas flow F passes through the first aperture 15’. A part of the flow F accumulates in the duct 13 segment upstream of the pressure regulator 300 and another part passes through the bypass channel 13c, the second aperture 116’ and the connection channel 13b arriving in the first intermediate chamber 1216a. From here, through the first communication channel 230, it accumulates in the second intermediate chamber 1216b until the pressure in the latter is sufficient to overcome the force of the first holding means 210a and move the shutter 210, moving it away from the fourth aperture 18’. When the shutter 210 is away from the fourth aperture 18’, the flow can flow freely toward the flow regulator 300 and the outlet 14. When the management apparatus 1010 is in the closed configuration (figs. 8 and

10), the first aperture 15’ is closed by the first valve element 110, the second aperture 116’ is closed by the second valve element 1120, while the third aperture 117’ is open and the gas possibly accumulated in the second intermediate chamber 1216b can flow toward the first intermediate chamber 1216a through the first communication channel 230 and be returned into the duct 13 downstream of the shutter 210 through the connection channel 13b and the vent channel 13a and/or through a third communication channel 232, if present.

The operation of the flow regulator 300 of the management apparatus 1010 is substantially the same as that described with reference to the embodiment of figs. 2-6.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the flow management apparatus 10, 1010 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of the flow management apparatus 10, 1010 having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Furthermore, it is clear that the drawings schematically show a flow management apparatus 10, 1010 and that the proportions between the sizes of the various parts of the apparatus are to be considered merely as an example to allow the drawings to be clearly understood. The person of skill in the art will understand that it is possible to combine the various examples of flow management apparatus 10, 1010 and its components described above without departing from the field and scope of protection of the invention, and that they are not mutually exclusive, except where expressly stated.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection claimed in the specific claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus (10; 1010) for managing a flow (F) of a gas comprising a duct (13) in which there are a blocking element (100) comprising a first valve element (110) able to be positioned with respect to a first aperture (15’), a second valve element (120; 1120) able to be selectively positioned with respect to a second aperture (16’,

116’) and a third aperture (17’, 117’), characterized in that said first and second valve elements (1 10, 120; 1120) are coaxial and in that first release means (110a) exert a force on said first valve element (110) in order to close said first aperture (15’) and to exert a force on a mobile insert (112), which is mechanically connected to said first valve element (110), which transfers said force to said second valve element (120; 1120) in order to close said second aperture (16’; 116’) and at the same time open said third aperture (17’; 117’).

2. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 1, characterized in that the following are also present along said duct (13): - a pressure regulator (200) to regulate a pressure of the gas in the duct (13);

- a flow regulator (300) to regulate a flow rate of the gas in the duct (13) in correspondence with an outlet aperture (14).

3. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises second release means (112a) configured to generate a force that opposes the force generated by the first release means (110a) and to exert said opposite force on the second valve element (120; 1120).

4. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an electromagnet (113) which, when powered, exerts a force on said first valve element (110) which, by moving it away from said first aperture (15’), allows the passage of the gas.

5. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 4, characterized in that, when said mobile insert (112) does not act on said second valve element (120; 1120), the force generated by said second release means (112a) moves said second valve element (120) in order to close said third aperture (17’; 117’) and open said second aperture (16’; 116’).

6. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any claim from 3 to 5, characterized in that when said first valve element (110) closes said first aperture (15’), said second valve element (120), under the effect of the force generated by said first release means (112a), closes said second aperture (16’; 116’) and opens said third aperture (17’; 117’).

7. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any claim from 2 to 6, characterized in that said pressure regulator (200) comprises: - a shutter (210) cooperating with a fourth aperture (18’) present in said duct (13) in order to regulate the pressure of the gas;

- a first intermediate chamber (216a; 1216a) in fluidic connection with said duct (13) through said second aperture (16’; 116’);

- a first diaphragm (210b), mechanically connected to said shutter (210) and configured to move said shutter (210) with respect to the fourth aperture (18’) in response to a difference in pressure of the gas at entry in, and at exit from, said duct (13).

8. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 7, characterized in that said first diaphragm (210b) is interposed between said shutter (210) and said first intermediate chamber (216a), and said pressure regulator (200) comprises a second intermediate chamber (216b) fluidically connected to said first intermediate chamber (216a) by means of a first communication channel (230) and to said duct (13) by means of a second communication channel (231, 232).

9. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 7, characterized in that said pressure regulator (200) comprises a second intermediate chamber (1216b) fluidically connected to said first intermediate chamber (1216a) by means of a first communication channel (230) and to said duct (13) by means of a second communication channel (231, 232), and said first diaphragm (210b) is interposed between said shutter (210) and said second intermediate chamber (1216b). 10. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any claim from 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a vent channel (13a) in fluidic connection with said outlet aperture (14) and, through said third aperture (17’; 117’), with said first intermediate chamber (216a; 1216a), when said second valve element (120; 1120) closes said second aperture (16’; 116’) and opens said third aperture (17’; 117’). 11. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any claim from 7 to 10, characterized in that when said second valve element (120; 1120) closes said third aperture (17’; 117’) opening said second aperture (16’; 116’), said duct (13) is fluidically connected to said first intermediate chamber (216a; 1216a) through said second aperture (16’, 116’).

12. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in claim 8 or 9, or as in claim 10 or 11 when they depend on claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said pressure regulator (200) comprises a second diaphragm (220b), interposed between one of either said first intermediate chamber (1216a) or said second intermediate chamber (216b) and a fourth intermediate chamber (216d) in fluidic connection with the outside of the management apparatus (10), configured to move at least as a function of a difference in pressure between the pressure in said first intermediate chamber (1216a) or in said second intermediate chamber (216b) and/or of the gas at exit, and a pressure outside the management apparatus (10; 1010).

13. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any claim from 2 to 12, characterized in that said flow regulator (300) comprises a fixed body (311) and a mobile body (310) which defines a through aperture (312), wherein the mobile body (310) is configured to move toward or away from the fixed body (311) in order to define a section for the passage of the gas through the through aperture

(312) and a movement member (313) configured to move said mobile body (310).

14. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any previous claim, characterized in that said second valve element (120) comprises a central part (120a) which develops along an axis (A), an upper part (120b) located at a first end of the central part (120a), and a lower part (120c) located at a second end of the central part (120a), wherein said upper part (120b) and said lower part (120a) are positioned on two different sides of said second aperture (16’) and said central part (120a) passes through said second aperture (16’).

15. Management apparatus (10; 1010) as in any previous claim from 1 to 13, characterized in that said second valve element (1120) comprises a central part

(1120a) which develops along an axis (A), said central part (1120a) being disposed inside a space (19) created in a body (11) of said duct (13), and comprises a first end (1121) which protrudes inside said duct (13) and is configured to prevent a passage of fluid toward said space (19) and a second end (1122) disposed in a zone (19a) of said space (19) comprised between said second aperture (116’) and said third aperture (1 17’) and configured to cooperate both with said second aperture (116’) and also with said third aperture (117’), wherein said duct (13) is fluidically connected to said second aperture (116’) by means of a bypass channel (13c).