Improved gas regulator

Abstract

A regulator for a gas control device adapted to be installed in a gas delivery and / or distribution network is disclosed. The regulator includes a structure having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. Inside the structure, the regulator includes: an upstream region in fluid connection with the inlet; a downstream region fluidly connected to the outlet; a channel opening between the upstream region and the downstream region; a gate movable within the downstream region for closing and / or blocking the passage opening, the gate comprising a first face facing the downstream region and a second face opposite the first face, the second face facing the passage opening; and means for controlled movement of the movable gate.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a regulator for a device for controlling gas pressure, in particular a regulator suitable for use and installation in plants and / or networks for the transport and / or distribution of gas, where the gas is natural gas and / or gas produced in a decentralized manner (e.g., biomethane and / or hydrogen), etc. Background Art

[0002] As is well known, in a gas transportation and / or distribution network, the role of a pressure control station is to reduce the gas pressure from the supply value to the value required by the user and stabilize it at a preset value, even in the case of changes in the upstream pressure or the flow rate required by the user.

[0003] In particular, the reduction of the above pressure is achieved by a pressure regulator configured to maintain the outlet pressure at a preset calibration value, regardless of the gas flow rate being transported.

[0004] Known types of pressure regulators include a gas passage pipe having an upstream end and a corresponding downstream end, the upstream end being in communication with the high-pressure branch of the transportation and / or distribution network, and the downstream end being in communication with the low-pressure branch, which downstream end is directed towards the user.

[0005] In the gas passage pipe, there is a gate that determines the contraction of the passage portion of the pipe itself, thereby causing a reduction in the gas pressure between the upstream and downstream of the gate itself. In particular, the reduction in pressure is achieved by the lamination of the gas at the passage portion where the gate acts.

[0006] Conveniently, the gate is movable so that the passage portion can be adjusted according to the flow rate of the gas itself, thereby changing the gas pressure drop.

[0007] The movement of the gate is controlled by a feedback system that reduces the opening degree of the gate itself when the pressure of the gas supplied downstream (i.e., the gas downstream of the regulator) rises relative to the calibration value, and vice versa when the pressure drops (i.e., the feedback system increases the opening degree of the gate itself).

[0008] Depending on the type of control provided, direct-operated pressure control devices and pilot-operated pressure control devices / equipment can be provided. In particular, in direct-operated control devices, a single regulator is provided, and the opening degree of its gate (especially the opening degree of the part for gas passage) is generated by the comparison between the pressure detected downstream (connected to the control head) and the thrust generated by a calibrated spring, and this pressure is the force for pushing the moving wall (membrane) of the motorized chamber. On the contrary, in pilot-operated control devices, a main regulator and an additional regulator called a pilot regulator are provided. In particular, in these devices, the opening degree of the gate of the main regulator (especially the opening degree of its part for gas passage) is controlled / commanded by the pilot regulator, and the pilot regulator provides a command (motorized) pressure sufficient to balance the device to the main regulator according to the compression value of its calibrated spring and the actual pressure detected downstream of the device.

[0009] The construction of direct-operated control devices is relatively simple (in particular, they have fewer components and fewer connections). However, their control accuracy / accuracy is lower than that of pilot-operated control devices. On the other hand, direct-operated control devices respond much faster to downstream load changes. Therefore, their applications are different: direct-operated control devices are mainly used in medium and low pressure networks (such as civil and industrial distribution networks) with relatively low flow rates and frequent load changes; on the contrary, pilot-operated control equipment is mainly used in medium and high pressure networks where higher flow rates are required and the changes in the required flow rates are smaller and less frequent (such as transportation networks).

[0010] In direct-operated control devices, overpressure gas is generated and accumulated on the surface F1 of the gate O facing the downstream area V, and especially on the surface opposite to the surface F2 facing the channel opening A that needs to be throttled and / or closed, thus hindering the complete separation of the gate from the channel opening and further hindering the full opening of the regulator. Unfortunately, this will result in a reduction in the maximum flow rate of the gas flowing out of the regulating device. In particular, it should be considered that a balanced direct-operated pressure regulator is designed such that a set of forces acting on the gate (moving away from the opening A and towards the opening A) is completely balanced with the forces acting on the diaphragm of the balance chamber CB and the motorized head M. Therefore, unexpected and unpredictable pressure accumulation will push the gate of the regulator towards closing the opening A, resulting in a reduction in the maximum gas flow rate that the control device can handle.

[0011] At present, to avoid this situation, and in particular to balance this overpressure, known solutions involve bringing the gas acting on the face F1 of the gate facing the downstream region V to another dedicated / special balance chamber CB'. In particular, for this purpose, starting from the face F1 of the gate facing the downstream region V, a circuit (defined by one or more pipes / channels within the support shaft of the gate) is formed to fluidly connect the downstream region V to the dedicated / special balance chamber CB'. The dedicated / special balance chamber CB' can be provided at or near the balance chamber CB (on the other side of the diaphragm, see Figure 2A ), or it can be provided at the cover C of the downstream region V of the closing regulator (thus on one side of the face F1 of the gate, see Figure 2B ).

[0012] These well-known solutions require the creation of a dedicated / special balance chamber and are thus rather complex, especially requiring a series of additional components and / or a rather complex / expensive process. Summary of the Invention

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a gas regulator, in particular a regulator for a gas pressure control device installed in a gas transportation and / or distribution network, which can fully or partially overcome the disadvantages of known solutions.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to improve the pressure balance at the gate of the gas regulator (preferably a direct-operated type).

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate or in any case reduce the overpressure on the face of the gate facing the downstream region.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a high-performance regulator, especially in terms of maximum flow rate and control accuracy.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that can increase the maximum flow rate while maintaining the same control accuracy.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator with a reduced number of components and lower cost.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that can be obtained in a simple, fast, and low-cost manner.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can be installed and used in various types of regulators, even in regulators already available on the market and / or already installed on-site.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that can be easily, quickly, and low-costly installed and assembled.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that is particularly durable, robust and resistant to wear.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that is small in size and easy to install.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that is convenient and quick to maintain and inexpensive.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that complies with the current regulatory requirements of the industry.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that is smaller in size than known solutions and thus more compact.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that is highly safe and reliable.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that improves and / or replaces traditional regulators.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide a regulator that has replaceable features in terms of both structure and function compared to traditional regulators.

[0030] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that can be implemented simply, quickly and at low cost to eliminate or in any case reduce the overpressure on the downstream-facing surface of the gate.

[0031] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for eliminating or in any case reducing the overpressure on the downstream-facing surface of the gate, which method can be implemented in various types of regulators, even in those that have already been sold on the market and / or already installed on site.

[0032] According to the present invention, all the objects mentioned here, whether considered individually or in any combination thereof, as well as other objects that will emerge from the following description, can be achieved by the regulator defined in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and not restrictive, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 A partial schematic view of a prior art regulator is shown;

[0035] Figure 2A A partial schematic view of another prior art regulator is shown;

[0036] Figure 2B Partial detailed view of another regulator of the prior art is shown;

[0037] Figure 3 Perspective view of the regulator of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 4 Partial detailed view of the regulator of the present invention in its fully open state (i.e., where the gate is at the position of the maximum distance from the channel opening) is shown;

[0039] Figure 5A Shown is the same partial detailed view as in Figure 4 , which is in the standard operating state (i.e., where the gate is not at the position of the maximum distance from the channel opening);

[0040] Figure 5B Shown is Figure 5A Perspective view of the partial part;

[0041] Figure 6A Shown is Figure 4 Top perspective view of element 30 (corresponding to its first embodiment);

[0042] Figure 6B Shown is the same element as in Figure 6A Bottom perspective view;

[0043] Figure 7 Partial detailed view of the regulator of the present invention having element 30 in the second embodiment is shown;

[0044] Figure 8 Partial detailed view of the regulator of the present invention having element 30 in the third embodiment is shown;

[0045] Figure 9 Partial detailed view of the regulator of the present invention having element 300 is shown;

[0046] Figure 10A Shown is Figure 9 Top perspective view of element 300;

[0047] Figure 10B Shown is Figure 10A Bottom perspective view of the element in;

[0048] Figure 11 Comparison graph of the performance curves between the solution without the 30 / 300 element and the solution of the present invention having the 30 / 300 element is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0049] As shown in the figure, the present invention relates to a regulator 10 for a gas control device, particularly suitable for installation in a gas transmission and / or distribution network, more preferably in a medium and low pressure gas distribution network.

[0050] Preferably, the regulator 10 is suitable for a residential gas distribution department, but can also be used in an industrial department.

[0051] In particular, the control device can be a conventional device (direct-acting or pilot-operated), which is configured such that the gas pressure passing through it is reduced, particularly suitable for reducing the gas pressure from a higher upstream pressure value to a lower downstream pressure value.

[0052] Conveniently, the regulator 10 includes a structure 11, particularly a housing structure, which can be made as a single piece, or preferably, made of several pieces properly fixed together, and includes a plurality of regions, chambers, sub-chambers, cavities and / or channels therein, which will be described in more detail below.

[0053] Reference Figures 3 to 10B , the regulator 10 includes a gas inlet 1 inside the structure 11 and a gas outlet 2 from the structure 11. Conveniently, the gas inlet 1, the gas outlet 2 and at least one channel 3 (if provided) are provided on the structure 11, wherein the channel 3 is used for fluid connection with the predetermined installation environment of the regulator itself.

[0054] Preferably, on the structure 11, corresponding fittings are provided at the gas inlet 1 and the gas outlet 2 for connection with a part of the upstream pipeline and a part of the downstream pipe section respectively.

[0055] Inside the structure 11, the regulator 10 includes:

[0056] - an upstream region 12, fluidly connected to the inlet 1;

[0057] - a downstream region 13, fluidly connected to the outlet 2;

[0058] - a channel opening 14, between the upstream region 12 and the downstream region 13;

[0059] - a gate 15, movable to close and / or block the channel opening 14;

[0060] - a device 16 for the controlled movement of the movable gate 15.

[0061] The device 16 for controlling the movement of the movable shutter 15 is preferably of a conventional type and will therefore not be described in detail below. In particular, the device 16 may include a control head (not shown) having a moving unit 18 which is mechanically connected to or integrated with the shutter 15 to form an integral structure. Conveniently, the control head may include a chamber in which a separating element is accommodated, the separating element being movable and dividing the chamber itself into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber. Conveniently, a gas at a given pressure (e.g., the downstream pressure leaving the regulator) and a thrust device (e.g., defined by a helical spring inserted between the separating element and a fixed element) may act on the movable separating element in opposite directions. Preferably, the moving unit 18 includes a shaft 19 to which the shutter 15 is mounted / fixed.

[0062] Preferably, the device 16 for the controlled movement of the movable shutter 15 includes a moving unit 18 which at least partially passes through the upstream region 12. More preferably, the moving unit 18 includes a shaft 19 to which the shutter 15 is mounted / fixed, the shaft 19 passing through the upstream region 12 and being movable within the upstream region 12.

[0063] Preferably, in the possible embodiments shown in the drawings, a passage opening 14 is defined in the fluid path of the gas between the upstream region 12 and the downstream region 13.

[0064] Conveniently, the gas in the upstream region 12 of the regulator 10 is at a pressure Pm which corresponds to the gas pressure at the inlet of the regulator 10 and thus also to the gas pressure upstream of the regulator itself.

[0065] Conveniently, the shutter 15 is movable relative to the passage opening 14 to vary the blocking of the passage opening 14 of the gas from the upstream region 12 to the downstream region 13, thereby causing a corresponding reduction in the pressure of the gas passing from the upstream region 12 to the downstream region 13 through the passage opening 14 itself.

[0066] Thus, the gas in the downstream region 13 is at a lower / reduced pressure Pu compared to the pressure Pm in the upstream region 12. Conveniently, since the downstream region 13 is in direct fluid connection with the outlet 2, the gas leaving the regulator 10 is at the pressure Pu.

[0067] The shutter 15 is movable within the downstream region 13, in particular movable towards and away from the mouth 17 of the passage opening 14 facing the downstream region 13.

[0068] The shutter 15 includes a first face 20 facing the downstream region 13 and a second face 21 (opposite the first face 20) facing the passage opening 14 (in particular the mouth 17 of the passage opening 14 facing the downstream region 13).

[0069] Preferably, the downstream region 13 is at least partially located at a lower position (i.e., below) than the upstream region 12.

[0070] The regulator 10 according to the invention comprises an element 30 which is located in the downstream region 13 at a position facing the shutter 15, and which is configured to cooperate with a first face 20 of the shutter 15 facing the downstream region 13 so as to deflect the gas at the first face 20 of the shutter 15, thereby reducing the gas pressure acting directly on the first face 20 of the shutter 15 facing the downstream region 13.

[0071] Conveniently, the element 30 comprises at least one part 31 facing the shutter 15, which part 31 is configured to cooperate with the first face 20.

[0072] Conveniently, the element 30 is located in the downstream region 13 and is configured to receive and support (i.e., substantially contact) the first face 20 of the shutter 15, or in any case, only when the shutter 15 is in a position at the maximum distance from the channel opening 14 (which position corresponds to the maximum open state of the regulator 10), can it approach (i.e., even without contact, thus leaving a certain channel / gap) the first face 20 of the shutter 15.

[0073] Conveniently, as long as the first face 20 is not in contact with the element 30, in particular not in contact with the part 31, the gas between the element 30 and the first face 20 of the shutter 15 (in particular the gas between the part 31 and the first face 20) can be in direct fluid communication with the surrounding gas present in the downstream region 13.

[0074] Preferably, when the element 30 and the shutter 15 are at least partially in contact, except for some negligible volume generated by some (one or more) minute mechanical gaps between the element 30 and the shutter 15, there is no sealed volume defined by the element 30 and the shutter 15.

[0075] Conveniently, the element 30 does not act as a guiding element for the shutter 15.

[0076] Preferably, the shape and / or the dimensions / height of the element 30, in particular its part 31 (thus determining the gas passage space between the part 31 of the element 30 and the first face 20 of the shutter 15), is configured to receive and support (i.e., substantially contact) the first face 20 of the shutter 15, or in any case, only when the shutter 15 is in a position at the maximum distance from the channel opening 14 (which position corresponds to the maximum open state of the regulator 10), can it approach (i.e., even without contact, thus leaving a certain channel / gap) the first face 20 of the shutter 15.

[0077] Conveniently, the element 30 is located within the downstream region 13 and is configured such that, under normal operating conditions of the regulator, when the gate 15 itself (in particular its second face 21) mates with the mouth 17 of the channel opening 14 to reduce the gas passing from the upstream region 12 to the downstream region 13 through the channel opening 14, it does not interfere with or, in any case, interferes with the first face 20 of the gate 15 in a minimal (or substantially negligible) manner.

[0078] Preferably, the portion 31 of the element 30 has a shape corresponding to or complementary to the first face 20 of the gate 15 facing the downstream region 13.

[0079] Ideally, the portion 31 of the element 30 has a shape corresponding to or complementary to the first face 20 of the gate 15 facing the downstream region 13 such that when the first face 20 of the gate 15 is substantially against or near the portion 31, there is little or no leakage between the first face 20 and the portion 31 except for a limited gap.

[0080] Preferably, the portion 31 of the element 30 includes at least one section or profile designed to mate with the opposing shape or profile of the first face 20 of the gate 15, ideally by contact / support (even if partial).

[0081] In a possible embodiment, the first face 20 of the gate 15 includes a protruding portion 28 surrounded by a substantially flat annular portion 29. Correspondingly, the portion 31 of the element 30 includes a central recessed portion 32 for inserting the protruding portion 28 of the gate 15 and an annular portion 33 that is also substantially flat for receiving and supporting the annular portion 29 of the gate 15.

[0082] In another possible embodiment (see Figure 8 ), the first face 20 of the gate 15 can be completely flat or substantially flat, and correspondingly, the portion 31 of the element 30 is also completely flat or substantially flat.

[0083] Preferably, all or most of the surface of the portion 31 of the element 30 mates with all or most of the surface of the first face 20 of the gate 15. Advantageously, in this way, overpressure on the first face 20 of the gate 15 is completely prevented.

[0084] Preferably, the element 30 can be made as a single piece, but can also be made of several pieces fixed together.

[0085] Preferably, the element 30 can be made of various materials, for example it can be made of polymeric materials (plastics), metals or composite materials.

[0086] Preferably, the element 30 can be shaped like a cap or a bell or like an inverted glass.

[0087] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the element 30 includes a body 39 having a generally cylindrical or frustoconical shape and having a base 35 that defines a portion 31 that mates with the first face 20 of the gate 15 facing the downstream region 13. Preferably, the other base of the element (i.e., the bottom of the body 39 having a cylindrical or frustoconical shape) can be open. Preferably, the element 30 can include a body 39 having a cylindrical or frustoconical shape that is hollow inside and has a passage 52 that allows gas to enter the interior of the body 39. In particular, in the case of the hollow body 39, the interior of the body 39 is not sealed in order to allow gas to circulate between the interior and the exterior of the body 39, thus avoiding unnecessary accumulation of gas inside the body 39.

[0088] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the element 30 can include a base 35 that defines a portion 31 for mating with the first face 20 of the gate 15, and the base 35 is supported by a central support rod 36.

[0089] Preferably, the element 30 can be mounted on the cover 40 of the structure 11. Ideally, the cover 40 can be removed from the structure 11, for example, it can be detachably connected to the remainder of the structure 11 by conventional fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts). In particular, the removable cover 40 at least partially defines the downstream region 13 inside. More preferably, the removable cover 40 faces the gate 15, or in any case, is arranged such that it can be detached from the remainder of the structure 11 to allow access to the gate 15.

[0090] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the element 30 can be fixed / restrained to the inner surface of the removable cover 40.

[0091] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the element 30 can be removably mounted / associated with the inner surface of the removable cover 40.

[0092] Preferably, in a position opposite to the portion 31 configured to mate with the first face 20 of the gate 15, the element 30 includes mounting means 50 that are configured to mount the element 30 on the structure 11, more preferably on the cover 40 of the structure 11 that can be removed from the remainder of the structure 11.

[0093] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the mounting device 50 of the element 30 is configured to engage with the cover 40 in an interlocking, snap-fit or form-fitting manner. Preferably, the element 30 is first mounted / connected to the cover 40, and then the cover 40 with the already mounted / connected element 30 is connected to the rest of the structure 11. The advantage of doing so is that it can speed up and simplify the installation and maintenance of the element 30.

[0094] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the mounting device 50 of the element 30 includes a flange edge 51 that is opposite to the base 35 defining the portion 31. Conveniently, the flange edge 51 can be configured to be clamped between the cover 40 and the remaining part of the structure 11 removably connected to the cover. Conveniently, the flange edge 51 can be configured to engage with a groove on the inner surface of the cover 40 (e.g., by snap connection), and an annular gasket 55 (e.g., an O-ring) can also be added.

[0095] Thus, the element 30 occupies the free space in the downstream region 13, which faces the gate 15 and deflects the airflow that has passed through the opening 14, preventing or in any case reducing the passage of such airflow at the first face 20 of the gate 15, thereby preventing or in any case reducing the formation of overpressure that would otherwise act on the first face 20 of the gate 15 and push it towards the closure of the channel opening 14.

[0096] Advantageously, according to the solution of the present invention, the accumulation of unwanted gas overpressure on the face 20 of the gate 15 facing the downstream region 13 can be avoided or in any case reduced, forming a pressure accumulation greater than the calibrated pressure value of the regulator and pushing the gate 15 itself towards the channel opening 14, thereby preventing the gate 15 from moving completely and maximally away from the channel opening 14, and then enabling the regulator to reach the maximum open state. Substantially, advantageously, the position and configuration of the element 30 avoid or in any case reduce the concentration / accumulation of the above-mentioned overpressure on the face 20 of the gate 15 facing the downstream region 13, thereby allowing the gate 15 to move completely and maximally away from the channel opening 14. In particular, this enables the regulator 10 to reach the maximum open state and operate in the maximum open state, so that the maximum gas flow rate that the regulator itself can deliver is not reduced.

[0097] Advantageously, based on the characteristics of the element 30, especially in terms of the shape of the portion 31 and the longitudinal extension of the element 30 itself, the gas flow rate passing between the portion 31 and the first face 20 of the gate 15 can be changed, thereby contributing to changing / defining the characteristic control (or performance) curve of the regulator itself.

[0098] The present invention relates to an element 300 which is located at the opening 14 of the downstream region 13 facing the mouth 17 of the downstream region 13 and is configured to cooperate with the second face 21 of the gate 15 facing the mouth 17 to deflect the gas leaving the mouth 17 towards the first part 13' of the downstream region 13, the first part 13' being closer to the outlet 2 than the second part 13" of the downstream region 13, thereby reducing the gas pressure acting on the first face 20 of the gate 15 in the second part 13" of the downstream region 13.

[0099] Conveniently, the downstream region 13 includes a first part 13' and a second part 13", where the first part 13' is closer to the outlet 2 than the second part 13". Conveniently, the first face 20 of the gate 15 faces the second part 13" of the downstream region 13. Preferably, the first part 13' is arranged substantially transversely to the direction of movement of the gate 15 relative to the opening 14, while the second part 13" is arranged substantially below the gate 15 and thus substantially aligned with the direction of movement of the gate 15 itself.

[0100] Advantageously, the gas leaving the mouth 17 is directly deflected towards the outlet 2, thereby reducing the accumulation of gas on the first face 20 of the gate 15.

[0101] Preferably, the element 300 includes a tubular body 301, one end of which is provided with a device 302 for mounting it in a suspended state on the mouth 17, and an opening or missing part 303 is provided on the side wall of the tubular body 301; once the element 300 has been mounted on the mouth 17, the opening or missing part 303 will open and face the first part 13' of the downstream region 13, i.e., towards the part of the downstream region 13 facing the outlet 2.

[0102] Preferably, the tubular body 301 is provided with a single opening or missing part 303. Alternatively, the tubular body 301 may be provided with several openings or missing parts 303, all of which face the first part 13' of the downstream region 13, so as to cooperate with the second face 21 of the gate 15 to deflect the gas towards the same first part 13'.

[0103] More preferably, the device 302 for mounting the element 300 on the mouth 17 may include elastic hooking devices and / or devices for interlocking or shape - relationship engagement. More preferably, the device 302 for mounting the element 300 on the mouth 17 is configured to suspend the element 300 at the mouth 17.

[0104] Preferably, the tubular body 301 of the element 300 is configured (in particular in terms of its longitudinal extension) such that the other end 305, opposite to the end mounted on the mouth 17, lies within the downstream region 13, at a height substantially flush with the second face 21, or in any case, when the shutter 15 is in the position of maximum distance from the channel opening 14 (which position corresponds to the maximum open state of the regulator 10), this other end 305 is inserted between the first face 20 and the second face 21 of the shutter 15.

[0105] Preferably, the cross-section of the tubular body 301 of the element 300 is configured in terms of shape and dimensions to be slightly larger than the cross-section of the shutter 15.

[0106] The present invention also relates to a method for reducing the gas pressure on the first face 20 of the shutter 15 facing the downstream region 13 of the regulator 15 itself, in which the element 30 or 300 as described above is used and positioned / installed within the downstream region 13. In particular, the element 30 can be mounted on the structure 11, in particular on the removable cover 40 of the structure 11, in a position facing the shutter 15. In particular, the element 300 can be mounted and preferably suspended at the mouth 17 of the channel opening 14.

[0107] This solution with the element 30 can be used in direct-operated regulators, in the main regulators of pilot-operated devices, or generally in all regulators in which pressure build-up may occur on the face of the shutter facing the downstream region.

[0108] Advantageously, as Figure 11 shown, according to the characteristic curves of the regulator 10 of the present invention provided with the element 30 or 300 and instead the regulator 90 not provided with the element 30 or 300 (detected and processed according to the provisions of the European reference standard EN334 - 2019 or other corresponding reference standards, such as the Chinese standard GB27790 - 2020), it can be seen that within the accuracy class AC, the flow rate Qn' achieved by the regulator 10 of the present invention is greater than the flow rate Qn achieved by the regulator 90. Substantially, for a given accuracy class AC, the regulator 10 of the present invention can control a larger flow rate.

[0109] It can be clearly seen from the above that the solution of the present invention is advantageous because it can achieve the above-mentioned objectives, in particular:

[0110] - It can eliminate or in any case reduce the gas overpressure acting on the face of the shutter facing the downstream region;

[0111] - It can improve the performance of the regulator, in particular by increasing the flow rate while maintaining high-precision pressure control;

[0112] - Among various types of regulators, even those already on the market and / or installed on-site, their manufacturing and installation / assembly are simple; in particular, no operation is required on the motorized head or the moving group, and only the cover defining the outlet area needs to be removed;

[0113] - By changing the shape of element 30 or 300, the performance of the regulator can be optimized.

[0114] The present invention has been shown and described in a preferred embodiment, but it should be understood that implementation variations can be made in practice without departing from the scope of protection of the industrial invention patent.

Claims

1. A regulator (10) for a gas control device, suitable for installation in a gas transmission and / or distribution network, comprising a structure (11) having a gas inlet (1) and a gas outlet (2); in, Inside the structure (11), the regulator (10) comprises: an upstream region (12) fluidly connected to the inlet (1); a downstream region (13) fluidly connected to the outlet (2); a channel opening (14) between the upstream region (12) and the downstream region (13); a gate (15) movable in the downstream area (13) to close and / or block the passage opening (14), the gate (15) comprising a first surface (20) and a second surface (21) opposite to the first surface (20), the first surface (20) facing the downstream area (13), and the second surface (21) facing the passage opening (14); means (16) for controlled movement of the movable gate (15); The regulator (10) includes an element (30), which is located in the downstream area (13) and faces the gate (15), and includes a portion (31), which is configured to cooperate with a first surface (20) of the gate (15) facing the downstream area (13) so that the gas is diverted at the first surface (20) of the gate (15), thereby reducing the gas pressure directly acting on the first surface (20) of the gate (15) facing the downstream area (13).

2. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The element (30) is located in the downstream area (13) and is configured to contact the first surface (20) of the gate (15) or to be close to the first surface (20) of the gate (15) only when the gate (15) is in a position with a maximum distance from the channel opening (14).

3. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The portion (31) of the element (30) comprises at least one shaped portion or contour to cooperate with a corresponding shaped portion or contour of the first face (20) of the gate (15).

4. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The portion (31) of the element (30) has a shape corresponding to or complementary to the first face (20) of the gate (15) facing the downstream zone (13).

5. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first face (20) of the gate (15) is completely flat or substantially flat, and correspondingly, the portion (31) of the element (30) is also completely flat or substantially flat.

6. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The device (16) for the controlled movement of a movable gate (15) comprises a moving unit (18), The moving unit (18) comprises a shaft (19), and the gate (15) is mounted or fixed on the shaft (19). The shaft (19) passes through the upstream region (12) and is movable within the upstream region (12).

7. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The element (30) comprises an internally hollow body (39) which is substantially cylindrical or frustoconical in shape and comprises a base (35) defining a portion (31) for cooperating with a first face (20) of the gate (15) facing the downstream zone (13).

8. The regulator (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that The hollow body (39) has a passage (52) to allow gas to enter the interior of the body (39).

9. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The element (30) comprises a base (35) defining a portion (31) intended to cooperate with the first face (20) of the gate (15) and supported by a central support rod (36).

10. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The element (30) is mounted on a removable cover (40) of the structure (11).

11. The regulator (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that The removable cover (40) is arranged so as to allow access to the element (30) and the gate (15) after removal from the remainder of the structure (11).

12. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The entire surface or a majority of the surface of the portion (31) of the element (30) cooperates with the entire surface or a majority of the surface of the first surface (20) of the gate (15).

13. The regulator (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The element (30) comprises a mounting device (50) located opposite to a portion (31) configured to cooperate with a first face (20) of the gate (15) and configured to removably mount the element (30) on the structure (11).

14. The regulator (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that The mounting means (50) of the element (30) are configured to cooperate with a removable cover (40) of the structure (11).

15. A regulator (10) for a gas control device, suitable for installation in a gas transmission and / or distribution network, comprising a structure (11) having a gas inlet (1) and a gas outlet (2), wherein: Inside the structure (11), the regulator (10) comprises: an upstream region (12) fluidly connected to the inlet (1); a downstream region (13) fluidly connected to the outlet (2), the downstream region (13) comprising a first portion (13') and a second portion (13"), wherein the first portion (13') is closer to the gas outlet (2) than the second portion (13"); a channel opening (14) between the upstream region (12) and the downstream region (13); a gate (15) movable to close and / or block the passage opening (14), the gate (15) comprising a first face (20) and a second face (21) opposite to the first face (20), the first face (20) facing the second portion (13") of the downstream area (13), the second face (21) facing the passage opening (14); means (16) for controlled movement of said movable gate (15); The regulator (10) comprises an element (300), wherein the element (300) is located at the passage opening (14) in the downstream region (13) facing the mouth (17) of the downstream region (13), and the element (300) is configured to cooperate with the second surface (21) of the gate (15) facing the mouth (17) to divert the gas leaving the mouth (17) to the first part (13') of the downstream region (13) closer to the gas outlet (2), thereby reducing the gas pressure acting on the first surface (20) of the gate (15) in the second part (13") of the downstream region (13).

16. The regulator (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The element (300) comprises a tubular body (301), wherein a device (302) is provided at one end of the tubular body (301), wherein the device (302) is used to install the tubular body (301) in a suspended state at the mouth (17), and the tubular body (301) is provided with an opening or a missing portion (303) on the side wall, wherein the opening or the missing portion (303) is open and faces the first portion (13') of the downstream area (13).

17. The regulator (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that The tubular body (301) of the element (300) is configured so that the other end (305) opposite to the end mounted on the mouth (17) is located in the downstream area (13) at a height substantially flush with the second surface (21), or when the gate (15) is at a position at its maximum distance from the channel opening (14), the other end (305) is inserted between the first surface (20) and the second surface (21) of the gate (15).

18. The regulator (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that The cross-section of the tubular body (301) of the element (300) is configured in shape and size to be larger than the cross-section of the gate (15).

19. The regulator (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that The tubular body (301) is provided with a single opening or missing portion (303), and the single opening or missing portion (303) is open and faces the first portion (13') of the downstream region (13).

20. A method for reducing the gas pressure acting on a first face (20) of a gate (15) of a regulator (10) of a gas control device, the regulator (10) being suitable for installation in a gas transmission and / or distribution network, the regulator (10) comprising a structure (11) having a gas inlet (1) and a gas outlet (2); wherein: Inside the structure (11), the regulator (10) comprises: an upstream region (12) fluidly connected to the inlet (1); a downstream region (13) fluidly connected to the outlet (2); a channel opening (14) between the upstream region (12) and the downstream region (13); The gate (15) is movable in the downstream area (13) to close and / or block the passage opening (14), the gate (15) comprising the first surface (20) and a second surface (21) opposite to the first surface (20), the first surface (20) facing the downstream area (13), and the second surface (21) facing the passage opening (14); means (16) for controlled movement of said movable gate (15); And where used: an element (30) located in the downstream area (13) and facing the gate (15), the element (30) comprising a portion (31) configured to cooperate with a first surface (20) of the gate (15) facing the downstream area (13) so as to divert the gas at the first surface (20) of the gate (15), thereby reducing the gas pressure directly acting on the first surface (20) of the gate (15) facing the downstream area (13), or An element (300) is located at the passage opening (14) in the downstream area (13) facing the mouth (17) of the downstream area (13), and the element (300) is configured to cooperate with the second surface (21) of the gate (15) facing the mouth (17) to divert the gas leaving from the mouth (17) to the first part (13') of the downstream area (13), the first part (13') being closer to the outlet (2) than the second part (13") of the downstream area (13), thereby reducing the gas pressure acting on the first surface (20) of the gate (15) in the second part (13") of the downstream area (13).

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