Combined regulator for low temperature storage tanks

Abstract

A combination pressure regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an inlet and outlet combination port. A first pressure regulator includes a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly, and a first biasing member that exerts a first biasing force on the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. A second pressure regulator includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly, and a second biasing member that exerts a second biasing force on the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting. An input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port. An output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. An output portion of the first pressure regulator and an input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet combination port.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 155,848, filed March 3, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to pressure regulators or pressure regulating control valves, and more particularly to pressure regulators for cryogenic storage tanks. Background Technology

[0006] This disclosure relates to regulators used in cryogenic flasks or liquid Dewar flasks. Liquid Dewar flasks are flasks designed to contain liquefied gases, vaporize the liquid, and safely control the output pressure and flow rate to downstream processes. These containers are uniquely designed to keep cryogenic gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, in a liquid state for as long as possible. There are hazards associated with cryogenic gases, such as the possibility that the cryogenic temperature and the gas may be exposed to ambient temperatures, which could cause flash evaporation, resulting in extremely high pressures in a closed system. Due to the inherent hazards associated with cryogenic technology, these flasks utilize a significant amount of hardware, valves, and regulators to safely dispose of the gas. The presence of this hardware can make a portion of the flask (e.g., the top of the flask) cluttered.

[0007] Currently, liquid Dewar flasks use three different regulators: a pressure-building regulator, a back pressure regulator (often called an energy-saving regulator), and a final line regulator that controls the output pressure to downstream processes. The goal is to combine some of these regulators into a single unit, which would reduce hardware footprint, the amount of hardware used, and also lower the overall cost of the flask. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The following summary presents a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the devices, systems, and / or methods discussed herein. This summary is not a comprehensive overview of the devices, systems, and / or methods discussed herein. It is not intended to identify key elements or define the scope of such devices, systems, and / or methods. The sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a combined pressure regulator is provided. The combined pressure regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet port on an outer surface of the regulator body, an outlet port on an outer surface of the regulator body, and a combined inlet and outlet port on an outer surface of the regulator body. The combined pressure regulator has a first pressure regulator including a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member applying a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. The combined pressure regulator has a second pressure regulator including a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member applying a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting. The input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. Both the output portion of the first pressure regulator and the input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the combined inlet and outlet port.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a combined pressure regulator is provided. The combined pressure regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a combined inlet and outlet port spaced apart along an outer surface of the regulator body. The combined pressure regulator has a first pressure regulator including a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly attached to the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member applying a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. The combined pressure regulator has a second pressure regulator including a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly attached to the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member applying a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting. The input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port, and the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. The output portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the input portion of the second pressure regulator within the regulator body.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a combined pressure regulator is provided. The combined pressure regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an inlet-outlet combined port spaced apart along an outer surface of the regulator body. The combined pressure regulator has a first pressure regulator including a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member applying a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. The combined pressure regulator has a second pressure regulator including a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member applying a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting. The regulator body further includes a first internal fluid passage connecting an input portion of the first pressure regulator to the inlet port, a second internal fluid passage connecting an output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port, a third internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the first pressure regulator to the inlet-outlet combined port, and a fourth internal fluid passage connecting the input portion of the second pressure regulator to the inlet-outlet combined port. Attached Figure Description

[0012] After reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will understand the above and other aspects of the invention, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary large-capacity CO2 storage system is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a 3D view of the combined pressure establishing regulator and the final pipeline regulator;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a side view of the combined pressure establishing regulator and the final pipeline regulator;

[0016] Figure 4 This is an end view of the combined pressure establishing regulator and the final pipeline regulator;

[0017] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the combined pressure establishing regulator and the final pipeline regulator; and

[0018] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the combined pressure establishing regulator and the final pipeline regulator. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This invention relates to pressure regulators for cryogenic storage tanks. The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals throughout refer to the same elements. It will be understood that these different drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale with each other, nor within the given drawings, and in particular, the dimensions of the parts are drawn arbitrarily for ease of understanding. In the following description, several specific details are set forth for purposes of explanation in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, it may be apparent that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, other embodiments of the invention are possible and the invention can be practiced and implemented in ways other than those described. The terminology and phrases used in describing the invention are adopted for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention and should not be considered limiting.

[0020] As used herein, “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunction and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” refers to A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. Any disjunctive words and / or phrases that give two or more alternative terms, whether in the description of embodiments, claims, or drawings, should be understood to cover the possibility of including one of these terms, any of these terms, or all of the terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibility of “A”, or “B,” or “A and B.”

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary conventional large-capacity CO2 storage system 10. System 10 includes an insulated tank or bottle 12 and various regulators and valves. Specifically, system 10 uses each of an energy-saving regulator 14, a final line regulator 16, and a pressure-building regulator 18. The pressure-building regulator 18 sets and controls the pressure, or top pressure, in the vapor space above the liquid within the bottle. The top pressure allows gas to be drawn from the bottle through the final line regulator 16. The pressure-building regulator 18 receives liquid and / or gas via a pressure-building coil 20. Liquid from the bottom of the bottle flows through the pressure-building coil 20 and vaporizes therein. The pressure-building regulator 18 discharges gas into the vapor space of the bottle and regulates the pressure in the vapor space. The final line regulator 16 regulates the pressure of gas discharged to downstream processes using the gas. In the illustrated conventional large-capacity CO2 storage system 10, the pressure-building regulator 18 and the final line regulator 16 are separate devices mounted to the bottle and have their own valve bodies and pressure control hardware.

[0022] This invention combines a pressure build-up regulator and a final pipeline regulator into a single device, which has a common regulator body and two independent regulators located at opposite ends of the body. Figures 2 to 4 This is an external view of an exemplary combined pressure build-up regulator and final line regulator 30. The pressure build-up regulator and final line regulator are combined into a single unit, which reduces the number of devices connected to the cryogenic flask. The pressure build-up regulator 32 is located on one axial side of the combined regulator 30, and the final line regulator 34 is located on the opposite axial side of the combined regulator. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure build-up regulator 32 is axially aligned with the final line regulator 34 along the axis 35 of the regulator body 36. However, other configurations are possible, and regulators 32 and 34 do not need to be axially aligned as shown. The body 36 of the combined regulator 30 includes a plurality of ports 38 (e.g., spaced 90 degrees apart) arranged circumferentially around the body 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the combined regulator 30 includes four ports 38 arranged circumferentially around the regulator body 36 and located on and spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body. These ports are used to connect to the input (inlet port) of the pressure build-up regulator, the output (outlet port) of the final pipeline regulator, the instrument port, and the combined inlet and outlet port of the pressure build-up regulator outlet and the final pipeline regulator inlet.

[0023] The inlet port of the pressure build-up regulator is connected to and in fluid communication with the pressure build-up coil inside the bottle. The combined inlet and outlet port of the pressure build-up regulator (inlet and outlet combined port) is connected to and in fluid communication with the vapor space or top space inside the bottle. A pressure gauge can be connected to the gauge port to monitor the pressure of the final line regulator. The gauge port is in fluid communication with the output section of the final line regulator. The outlet port of the final line regulator is connected to a downstream process utilizing the gas from the bottle. The large-capacity storage system including the combined regulator 30 may further include additional shut-off valves, such as… Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows the connection in series with the port, for example, to isolate one or both of the regulators 32 and 34.

[0024] Figure 5 and Figure 6The diagram shows a cross-section of the combined pressure-building regulator 32 and the final line regulator 34. It can be seen that the pressure-building regulator 32 and the final line regulator 34 are similarly constructed. Each includes springs 40a and 40b, diaphragms 42a and 42b, and valve assemblies 44a and 44b attached to the respective diaphragms. The operation of valve assemblies 44a and 44b is controlled by the pressure setpoint of the corresponding regulator, which is established by the springs 40a and 40b and the diaphragms 42a and 42b. Valve assemblies 44a and 44b are attached to their respective diaphragms 42a and 42b and can move through these diaphragms. Springs 40a and 40b are biasing members that apply a biasing force to the diaphragms 42a and 42b, which tends to open valves 44a and 44b when the regulated output pressure is less than the corresponding pressure setpoint. The respective pressure setpoints of the pressure set-off regulator 32 and the final line regulator 34 can be adjusted by screws 46a and 46b, which adjust the spring load on the diaphragms 42a and 42b. Each regulator 32 and 34 includes a valve cap 48a and 48b attached to the body 36. The valve caps 48a and 48b extend from opposite axial ends of the regulator body 36. Bias springs 40a and 40b are located within the valve caps 48a and 48b, and the valve caps cover the springs and the diaphragm. Adjusting screws 46a and 46b extend through the valve caps 48a and 48b. The operation of the diaphragm pressure regulator is known and does not require detailed discussion herein.

[0025] It is possible Figure 5 The inlet port 50 of the combined regulator 30 is visible. The inlet port 50 is in fluid communication with the input portion of the pressure-building regulator 32 via an internal fluid passage 52 within the regulator body 36. The internal fluid passage 52 connects the input portion of the pressure-building regulator 32 at valve assembly 44a to the inlet port 50, which is connected to the pressure-building coil on the cryogenic flask.

[0026] You can also Figure 5 The outlet port 54 of the combined regulator 30 is visible. The outlet port 54 is in fluid communication with the output portion of the final line regulator 34 via an internal fluid passage 56 within the regulator body 36. The internal fluid passage 56 connects the output portion of the final line regulator 34, located downstream of the valve assembly 44b, to the outlet port 54, which is connected to a downstream process using the stored gas.

[0027] It is possible Figure 6The instrument port 58 of the combined regulator 30 is visible. Instrument port 58 is in fluid communication with the output portion of the final line regulator 34 via an internal fluid passage 60 within the regulator body 36. The internal fluid passage 60 connects the output portion of the final line regulator 34, located downstream of the valve assembly 44b, to instrument port 58. A pressure gauge may be connected to instrument port 58 to monitor the pressure of the gas supplied to the downstream process. The diameter of the internal fluid passage 60 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator 34 to instrument port 58 may be the same as the diameter of the internal fluid passage 56 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator to outlet port 54, or the internal fluid passages 56 and 60 may have different diameters. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the diameter of the internal fluid passage 60 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator 34 to instrument port 58 is smaller than the diameter of the internal fluid passage 56 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator to outlet port 54.

[0028] It is possible Figure 6 The inlet and outlet combination port 62 of the combined regulator 30 is visible. The inlet and outlet combination port 62 is in fluid communication with both the output portion of the pressure-building regulator 32 and the input portion of the final line regulator 34. It can be seen that the output portion of the pressure-building regulator 32 is in fluid communication with the input portion of the final line regulator 34 within the regulator body 36. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the regulator body 36 includes corresponding internal fluid channels 64, 66 that connect the inlet and outlet combination port 62 to the output portion of the pressure-building regulator 32 (downstream of valve assembly 44a) and the input portion of the final line regulator 34 (upstream of valve assembly 44b). The pressure-building regulator 32 regulates the pressure of the gas in the top space of the bottle, and the final line regulator 34 receives the gas from the top space / pressure-building regulator 32 and regulates the gas pressure supplied to the downstream process. Although Figure 6 Independent internal fluid passages 64 and 66 are shown extending from regulators 32 and 34 to the inlet and outlet combination port 62, but regulator body 36 may include an internal fluid passage that directly connects the output portion of pressure-building regulator 32 to the input portion of final pipeline regulator 34, so that the two regulators are in fluid communication with each other.

[0029] The combined pressure build-up regulator and final line regulator 30 can be used in systems conveying various cryogenic gases. However, in certain embodiments, the combined regulator 30 is designed for use, for example, in CO2 cylinders used in the food and beverage industry. The combined regulator 30 can meet food and beverage usage requirements issued by standards-issuing organizations such as government entities or other organizations (e.g., NSF International). Therefore, the combined regulator 30 does not expose process gases emitted to downstream processes to any potentially lead-containing components.

[0030] The pressure-building regulator 32 controls and limits the top pressure of the CO2 bottle. When valve 44a is open, liquid CO2 flows out of the bottle and through the bottle's pressure-building coil. Liquid and / or gaseous CO2 is pushed into the input side or input section of the pressure-building regulator 32 through the inlet port 50 of the combined regulator. The pressure regulating valve 44a and the spring-loaded diaphragm 212a control the top pressure of the bottle. Liquid and / or gaseous CO2 enters the pressure-building regulator 32, is regulated to a specific pressure by the regulator, and the outlet of the pressure-building regulator allows gaseous CO2 to enter the top space or vapor space of the bottle to maintain a constant top pressure. If the pressure setting of the pressure-building regulator increases (by compressing spring 40a), the top pressure of the bottle will increase. Similarly, if the pressure setting of the pressure-building regulator decreases (by reducing the compression of spring 40a), the top pressure of the bottle will decrease. An exemplary pressure range for the pressure-building regulator 32 is 120 to 130 PSI, but other pressure ranges are possible.

[0031] The final line regulator 34 receives the output pressure from the pressure build-up regulator 32 and regulates it downward to a level usable by the downstream process. An exemplary pressure range for the output of the final line regulator 32 is 110 to 115 PSI, but other pressure ranges are possible. The output pressure of the pressure build-up regulator 32 is the input pressure of the final line regulator 34 (which is also the top pressure of the bottle). The outlet port 62 on the regulator body 36 for the pressure build-up regulator 32 is shared with the inlet port of the final line regulator 34. Therefore, the regulator body 36 includes an inlet and outlet combination port 62. The output side or output portion of the pressure build-up regulator 32 is in fluid communication with the input side or input portion of the final line regulator 34, and is in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet combination port 62 through internal fluid passages 64, 66.

[0032] The regulator body 36 can be made of aluminum rod stock, anodized, and cleaned according to CGAG-4.1 for use with oxidizing gases. The combined regulator 30 may include 300 series stainless steel diaphragms for both the pressure-building regulator side and the final line regulator side. Valves and seals can be made of pure PTFE, compatible with cryogenic conditions. All internal wetting components can be lead-free or 100% covered without electroless nickel plating to ensure the gas does not come into contact with any lead-containing materials. The size of each port and internal passage can be determined to not restrict the required flow rate of gas out of the bottle or the time required to build top pressure internally. Valve caps 48a, 48b can be constructed of zinc die-cast material and chrome-plated. Springs 40a, 40b and pressure adjusting screws 46a, 46b do not come into contact with the gas and can be constructed of materials that perform the required functions. Diaphragm seals can be made of VITON material. Ports on the regulator body can be 1 / 4-inch NPT (American Standard Pipe Thread).

[0033] It should be understood that this disclosure is by way of example, and various changes can be made by adding, modifying, or removing details without departing from the reasonable scope of the teaching contained herein. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific details of this disclosure unless so required by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A combined pressure regulator, comprising: A regulator body having an inlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, an outlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, and a combined inlet and outlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body. A first pressure regulator, the first pressure regulator including a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member, the first biasing member applying a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting; The second pressure regulator includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that applies a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from that of the first pressure regulator. Wherein, the input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port, the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port, and both the output portion of the first pressure regulator and the input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet combined port, and the output pressure of the first pressure regulator is the input pressure of the second pressure regulator.

2. The combined pressure regulator as described in claim 1, wherein, The regulator body further includes an instrument port on the outer surface of the regulator body, and wherein the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the instrument port.

3. The combined pressure regulator as described in claim 2, wherein, The inlet port, the outlet port, the inlet and outlet combined port, and the instrument port are arranged symmetrically around the regulator body.

4. The combined pressure regulator as described in claim 2, wherein, The regulator body includes an internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port, and another internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the instrument port, wherein the diameter of the other internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the instrument port is smaller than the diameter of the internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port.

5. The combined pressure regulator of claim 1, further comprising a first valve cap extending from a first end of the regulator body and a second valve cap extending from a second end of the regulator body opposite to the first end, wherein, The first biasing member is located inside the first valve cap, and the second biasing member is located inside the second valve cap.

6. The combined pressure regulator as described in claim 5, wherein, The first pressure regulator is axially aligned with the second pressure regulator along the axis of the regulator body.

7. A combined pressure regulator, comprising: A regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an inlet and outlet combination port spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body; A first pressure regulator, the first pressure regulator including a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly attached to the first diaphragm, and a first bias spring, the first bias spring applying a first bias force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting; A second pressure regulator, comprising a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly attached to the second diaphragm, and a second bias spring, the second bias spring applying a second bias force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from that of the first pressure regulator. Wherein, the input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port, and the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port, and Wherein, the output portion of the first pressure regulator is completely within the regulator body and is in fluid communication with the input portion of the second pressure regulator, and the output pressure of the first pressure regulator is the input pressure of the second pressure regulator.

8. The combined pressure regulator as claimed in claim 7, wherein, Both the output portion of the first pressure regulator and the input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet combination port.

9. The combined pressure regulator as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The regulator body further includes an instrument port, wherein the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the instrument port.

10. The combined pressure regulator as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The inlet port, the outlet port, the inlet and outlet combined port, and the instrument port are arranged symmetrically around the regulator body.

11. The combined pressure regulator as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The regulator body includes an internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port, and another internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the instrument port, wherein the diameter of the other internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the instrument port is smaller than the diameter of the internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port.

12. The combined pressure regulator of claim 7, further comprising a first valve cap extending from a first end of the regulator body and a second valve cap extending from a second end of the regulator body opposite to the first end, wherein, The first bias spring is located inside the first valve cap, and the second bias spring is located inside the second valve cap.

13. The combined pressure regulator of claim 12, wherein, The first pressure regulator is axially aligned with the second pressure regulator along the axis of the regulator body.

14. A combined pressure regulator, comprising: A regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an inlet and outlet combination port spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body; A first pressure regulator, the first pressure regulator including a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member, the first biasing member applying a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting; The second pressure regulator includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that applies a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from that of the first pressure regulator. The regulator body includes: Connect the input portion of the first pressure regulator to the first internal fluid channel of the inlet port. Connect the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the second internal fluid channel of the outlet port. Connect the output of the first pressure regulator to the third internal fluid channel of the inlet and outlet combination port, and A fourth internal fluid passage extends entirely within the regulator body from the input portion of the second pressure regulator to the inlet and outlet combination port, wherein the output pressure of the first pressure regulator is the input pressure of the second pressure regulator.

15. The combined pressure regulator as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The regulator body further includes: Instrument ports; and Connect the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the fifth internal fluid channel of the instrument port.

16. The combined pressure regulator of claim 15, wherein, The inlet port, the outlet port, the inlet and outlet combined port, and the instrument port are arranged symmetrically around the regulator body.

17. The combined pressure regulator of claim 15, wherein, The diameter of the fifth internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the instrument port is smaller than the diameter of the second internal fluid passage connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port.

18. The combined pressure regulator of claim 14, further comprising a first valve cap extending from a first end of the regulator body and a second valve cap extending from a second end of the regulator body opposite to the first end, wherein, The first biasing member is located inside the first valve cap, and the second biasing member is located inside the second valve cap.

19. The combined pressure regulator of claim 18, wherein, The first pressure regulator is axially aligned with the second pressure regulator along the axis of the regulator body.

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