Gas filling system and gas filling method

Abstract

This application discloses a gas filling system and method. The gas can be helium. Helium in the storage container is consumed by filling the transfer container, and can also be replenished by helium from the gas supply carrier, shortening the filling cycle of the storage container to the transfer container. A first control component connects the transfer container and the storage container, and the first control component includes a first control valve corresponding to each storage container and the transfer container, and two first control valves are interlocked to allow only one first control valve to be opened or closed. When the storage container fills the transfer container, the filling efficiency is high each time, which is beneficial to improving the efficiency of helium storage and filling. Furthermore, multiple storage containers can be sequentially filled into the transfer container according to the order of increasing gas pressure, gradually increasing the gas pressure in the transfer container, which also helps to improve the filling efficiency of the transfer container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of gas filling technology, specifically relating to a gas filling system and a gas filling method. Background Technology

[0002] Helium is a rare gas with inert chemical properties and is widely used in various industries. Imported liquid nitrogen is the main source of helium, and the liquid nitrogen needs to be vaporized and then packaged for use.

[0003] Currently, gaseous helium is mainly stored in cylinder banks, which are then transported to the user end. During helium transport, the pressure difference between the cylinder bank, the transport end, and the user end gradually decreases. The gradual equalization of pressure during filling leads to a continuously decreasing filling rate, and the helium in the cylinder bank also requires time to replenish after being output. Within the helium system, the filling rate is low, the time consumption is long, and the need for extended replenishment cycles results in inefficient helium storage and filling. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a gas filling system and a gas filling method, which aims to at least partially solve the problem of insufficient efficiency in helium storage and filling.

[0005] In some embodiments of this application, a gas filling system is provided, comprising:

[0006] Gas supply carrier, used to supply gas;

[0007] Multiple storage containers are connected to the gas supply carrier to receive gas;

[0008] The transfer container is connected to multiple storage containers via a first control component. The first control component includes a first control valve that controls the connection and disconnection between each storage container and the transfer container, and two of the first control valves are interlocked to allow only one of the first control valves to be opened or closed.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes:

[0010] A second control component connects the gas supply carrier to the plurality of storage containers. The second control component includes a second control valve that controls the on / off connection between each of the storage containers and the gas supply carrier. The two second control valves are interlocked to allow only one of the second control valves to be switched on or off.

[0011] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes:

[0012] A shut-off valve is provided between the second control component and each of the storage containers to control the connection and disconnection between the second control component and each of the storage containers.

[0013] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes:

[0014] A booster is located between the first control component and the transfer container, and is used to boost the gas entering the transfer container.

[0015] In some embodiments, the transfer container is a helium transfer vehicle, and the helium transfer vehicle is connected to the second control component via a gas filling column.

[0016] In some embodiments provided in this application, a gas filling method is provided, including a gas filling system, the gas filling system including a gas supply carrier for supplying gas;

[0017] Gas supply carrier, used to supply gas;

[0018] Multiple storage containers are connected to the gas supply carrier to receive gas;

[0019] The transfer container is connected to multiple storage containers via a first control component. The first control component includes a first control valve that controls the connection and disconnection between each storage container and the transfer container. Two first control valves are interlocked to allow only one first control valve to be opened or closed.

[0020] Gas filling methods include:

[0021] The multiple storage containers are sequentially filled with air into the transfer container in order of increasing air pressure within the storage containers.

[0022] In some embodiments, the gas filling method further includes:

[0023] The gas supply carrier is used to sequentially fill multiple storage containers with gas in order of decreasing pressure.

[0024] In some embodiments, the gas filling method further includes:

[0025] In accordance with the order of increasing air pressure inside the storage containers, the multiple storage containers are sequentially filled with air into the transfer container, while the air supply carrier is sequentially filled with air into the multiple storage containers in order of decreasing air pressure. The storage containers in the air supply state and the air filling state are two different storage containers.

[0026] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes a booster compressor disposed between the first control component and the transfer container for pressurizing the gas entering the transfer container.

[0027] Gas filling methods also include:

[0028] In order of increasing internal pressure, multiple storage containers are sequentially inflated into the transfer container to reach the first pressure.

[0029] The booster pressurizes the transfer container to the set pressure, based on the initial pressure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the booster extracts gas from a plurality of storage containers and pressurizes the gas in the storage container with the lowest gas pressure.

[0031] The beneficial effects provided by one or more embodiments of this application are as follows:

[0032] In a gas filling system, a gas supply carrier can fill multiple storage containers, which then fill transfer containers. The gas is then transported to the corresponding user terminals via the transfer containers. Gas in the storage containers, consumed during the filling of transfer containers, can be replenished by gas from the supply carrier, shortening the filling cycle from storage containers to transfer containers. A first control component connects the transfer containers and storage containers, and this component includes a first control valve that controls the on / off connection between each storage container and the transfer container. Two first control valves are interlocked to allow only one valve to be opened or closed at a time. When a storage container fills a transfer container, the filling efficiency is high with each filling operation, improving gas storage and filling efficiency. Furthermore, multiple storage containers can sequentially fill the transfer containers according to increasing pressure, gradually increasing the pressure within the transfer containers, which also improves filling efficiency. When the gas is helium, helium storage and filling efficiency is further improved, addressing the problem of insufficient helium storage and filling efficiency to some extent. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gas filling system in one or more embodiments of this application is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 This application shows another schematic diagram of the gas filling system according to one or more embodiments.

[0036] Figure 3 A flowchart of a gas filling method according to one or more embodiments of this application is shown.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Gas supply carrier; 2. Storage container; 3. Transfer container; 4. First control component; 41. First control valve; 5. Second control component; 51. Second control valve; 6. Shut-off valve; 7. Booster; 8. Gas supply column. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the gas filling system in one or more embodiments of this application is shown, with reference to... Figure 1 In some embodiments of this application, a gas filling system is provided, comprising:

[0040] Gas supply carrier 1 for supplying gas.

[0041] Multiple storage containers 2 are connected to the gas supply carrier 1 to receive gas.

[0042] The transfer container 3 is connected to multiple storage containers 2 through a first control component 4. The first control component 4 includes a first control valve 41 that controls the opening and closing of each storage container 2 and the transfer container 3, and the two first control valves 41 are interlocked with each other so that only one first control valve 41 is opened or closed.

[0043] In the gas filling system, the gas supply carrier 1 can fill multiple storage containers 2, which in turn fill transfer containers 3. The gas is then transferred to the corresponding user terminals via the transfer containers 3. The gas in the storage containers 2, after being consumed by filling the transfer containers 3, can be replenished by gas from the gas supply carrier 1, thus shortening the filling cycle of the storage containers 2 to the transfer containers 3. A first control component 4 connects the transfer containers 3 and the storage containers 2, and the first control component 4 includes a first control valve 41 that controls the on / off connection between each storage container 2 and the transfer container 3. Two first control valves 41 are interlocked to allow only one first control valve 41 to be opened or closed at a time. When the storage containers 2 fill the transfer containers 3, the filling efficiency is high each time, which helps improve the efficiency of gas storage and filling. Furthermore, multiple storage containers 2 can be sequentially filled into the transfer container 3 according to the increasing pressure within them, thus gradually increasing the pressure within the transfer container 3. This improves the filling efficiency of the transfer container 3. When the gas is helium, the storage and filling efficiency of helium can be enhanced, addressing the issue of insufficient helium storage and filling efficiency to some extent. It also increases the effective storage volume and turnover frequency of the high-pressure helium storage container 2. While improving efficiency, it simplifies the equipment configuration of the helium storage and filling system, reducing equipment investment and saving space. Moreover, the storage container 2 can also serve as a transfer station between the gas supply carrier 1 and the transfer container 3, adjusting the gas pressure provided by the gas supply carrier 1 to a more appropriate pressure before delivering it to the transfer container 3.

[0044] The gas filling system can also be applied to filling inert gases such as helium, and this application does not limit this application. The following description can be based on the assumption that the gas is helium.

[0045] It should be noted that the interlock between the two first control valves 41 can be implemented by, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and the controller can be included in the first control component 4. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0046] In some embodiments, the gas supply carrier 1 may be a gas station with liquid helium vaporization function, or a vaporizer for vaporizing liquid helium, etc., and the storage container 2 may be a gas cylinder, a box for storing gas, or an irregular container with storage space, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0047] In some embodiments, the storage container 2 can be a gas cylinder, and multiple storage containers 2 can be designed with the same pressure. A pressure gauge is installed inside the gas cylinder. This facilitates stable filling of helium into the storage container 2, and the pressure gauge can detect the pressure inside the gas cylinder to control the storage of helium in different gas cylinders or the supply of helium to the transfer container 3.

[0048] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes a second control component 5 connecting the gas supply carrier 1 and a plurality of storage containers 2. The second control component 5 includes a second control valve 51 that controls the on / off connection between each storage container 2 and the gas supply carrier 1, and the two second control valves 51 are interlocked to allow only one second control valve 51 to be switched on or off.

[0049] Adding a second control component 5 to control the gas supply carrier 1 and each storage container 2 can also improve the efficiency of the gas supply carrier 1 to the storage container 2, which is beneficial to shorten the helium storage and filling cycle and improve the storage and filling efficiency of helium.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second control component 5 may have the same structure as the first control component 4, which facilitates its fabrication and acquisition. The interlocking logic between the second control valves 51 may be the same as or different from that of the first control valve 41, and may also be implemented through a structure such as a controller; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first control component 4 and the second control component 5, in addition to including a control valve and a controller (not shown in the figure), may also include a control panel (not shown in the figure), with the controller integrated into the control panel and settings adjustable via the control panel. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0052] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes:

[0053] A shut-off valve 6 is located between the second control component 5 and each storage container 2 to control the on / off connection between the second control component 5 and each storage container 2. This improves the safety of the gas filling system.

[0054] In some embodiments, the shut-off valve 6 may also be disposed between each two interconnected devices or valve groups and other structures, such as between the first control component 4 and the plurality of storage containers 2 or between the first control component 4 and the gas supply carrier 1. This application does not limit this.

[0055] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes a booster 7. The booster 7 is located between the first control component 4 and the transfer container 3 and is used to pressurize the gas entering the transfer container 3.

[0056] The booster 7 can pressurize the gas in the transfer container 3, improving the efficiency of helium transfer. It also reduces the possibility of gas backflow, improving the safety of the gas filling system.

[0057] In some embodiments, the transfer container 3 is a helium transfer vehicle, and the helium transfer vehicle is connected to the second control component 5 via a gas filling column 8. The transfer container 3 is a helium transfer vehicle, which facilitates the transfer of helium to the user end, and the gas filling column 8 facilitates the filling of helium.

[0058] In some embodiments, the transfer container 3 may also be a gas cylinder on a helium vehicle, and the number of gas cylinders may be 3 or 4, etc. This application does not limit this.

[0059] Figure 2 This application shows another schematic diagram of the gas filling system according to one or more embodiments. (Refer to...) Figure 2 In some embodiments, the gas supply carrier 1, the second control component 5, multiple storage containers 2, the first control component 4, and the transfer container 3 in the gas filling system may constitute a single transfer line. The gas filling system may include at least one parallel transfer line, and different transfer lines may share a single booster compressor 7. This can increase the scale of the gas filling system and improve its fault tolerance during filling. Sharing the booster compressor 7 can reduce costs. The booster compressor 7 may also be configured to have one for each transfer line; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0060] It should be noted that any equipment or structure requiring the transport of gas or helium can be connected via pipelines or conduits, and valves can be installed in the corresponding pipelines or conduits. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0061] Figure 3 A flowchart of a gas filling method according to one or more embodiments of this application is shown, with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 3 In a second aspect of this application, a gas filling method is provided, including a gas filling system, the structure of which is as described above. The gas filling method includes:

[0062] S101: In order of increasing air pressure inside the storage containers, multiple storage containers are sequentially filled with air into the transfer container.

[0063] The structure and effects of the gas filling system are described above and will not be repeated here. When the storage containers fill the transfer container, they are filled sequentially from low to high pressure within the storage containers. This gradual increase in pressure within the transfer container improves filling efficiency. When helium is used, helium storage and filling efficiency is further enhanced, addressing the issue of insufficient helium storage and filling efficiency to some extent. Furthermore, this method maximizes the utilization of the transfer container's volume, reducing the helium storage and filling cycle.

[0064] It should be noted that, depending on the number of times the storage container supplies gas to the transfer container and the amount of gas that the storage container needs to supply to the transfer container, there will naturally be different pressure values ​​among the multiple storage containers, and the pressure inside each storage container will also vary.

[0065] In some embodiments, the gas filling method further includes: sequentially filling multiple storage containers with gas in order of decreasing gas pressure using a gas supply carrier.

[0066] When inflating storage containers, inflating them sequentially from highest to lowest pressure ensures that containers with higher pressure are filled first, followed by those with lower pressure. This method is more efficient at filling storage containers, and the filled containers can then be used to supply gas to transfer containers. It eliminates the need to wait for all storage containers to be full before inflating transfer containers, effectively improving inflation efficiency.

[0067] In some implementations, multiple storage containers are sequentially filled with gas into a transfer container in order of increasing gas pressure, while a gas supply carrier is sequentially filled with gas into multiple storage containers in order of decreasing gas pressure. The storage containers in the gas supply state and the filling state are two different storage containers.

[0068] By employing the above method, multiple storage containers can simultaneously contain two separate containers for filling and supplying gas, allowing for efficient recycling of the entire gas filling system. The lower-pressure storage container first supplies gas to the transfer container to vent, and the storage containers with increasing pressure are vented sequentially, while those with decreasing pressure are filled sequentially by the gas supply carrier. The vented storage containers then receive gas again, and the highest-pressure filled container then supplies gas to the transfer container, effectively improving overall filling efficiency. While significantly increasing filling efficiency, the overall size or footprint of the gas filling system can be slightly reduced according to actual usage requirements, improving efficiency while lowering manufacturing costs.

[0069] It should be noted that when the storage container receives helium from the gas supply carrier, the storage container is in a charging state; when the storage container supplies gas to the transfer container, the storage container is in a supply state. If there are two storage containers with the same pressure among multiple storage containers, the two storage containers with the same pressure are charged or supplied with gas sequentially.

[0070] In some embodiments, the gas filling system further includes a booster compressor disposed between the first control component and the transfer container for pressurizing the gas entering the transfer container. The gas filling method may also include:

[0071] Following the order of increasing air pressure within the storage containers, multiple storage containers are sequentially inflated into the transfer container to reach the first pressure; then, the booster pressurizes the transfer container to the set pressure based on the first pressure.

[0072] Adding a booster compressor allows for the extraction of gas from the storage container, pressurized gas, and then delivered to the transfer container, even when the transfer container's design pressure is higher than the storage container's design pressure. This improves the versatility of the gas filling system. The booster compressor also reduces the possibility of gas backflow, enhancing the safety of gas transfer.

[0073] In some implementations, the booster extracts gas from the storage container with the lowest pressure among multiple storage containers and pressurizes it. This promotes the emptying of the low-pressure storage container and, more importantly, the booster pressurizes the gas quickly, resulting in better gas supply.

[0074] In some implementations, the ratio of the set pressure to the first pressure is 20:18 to 20:10. When the set pressure and the first pressure of the transfer container are set within this range, the filling efficiency of the transfer container is relatively high.

[0075] It should be noted that the ratio of the set pressure to the first pressure can also be slightly beyond the above range. The first pressure can be obtained through multiple tests, and this application does not impose any restrictions on it.

[0076] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0077] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0078] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0079] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0080] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A gas filling method, characterized in that, Includes a gas filling system, the gas filling system comprising: Gas supply carrier, used to supply gas; Multiple storage containers are connected to the gas supply carrier to receive gas; The transfer container is connected to multiple storage containers via a first control component. The first control component includes a first control valve that controls the connection and disconnection between each storage container and the transfer container. Two first control valves are interlocked to allow only one first control valve to be opened or closed. The second control component connects the gas supply carrier and the plurality of storage containers. The second control component includes a second control valve that controls the on / off connection between each of the storage containers and the gas supply carrier. The two second control valves are interlocked to allow only one second control valve to be opened or closed. A booster is located between the first control component and the transfer container, and pressurizes the gas entering the transfer container; The gas filling method includes: According to the order of increasing air pressure in the storage containers, multiple storage containers are sequentially filled with air into the transfer container. At the same time, the air supply carrier is sequentially filled with air into multiple storage containers according to the order of decreasing air pressure. The storage containers in the air supply state and the air filling state are two different storage containers. According to the order of increasing air pressure inside the storage containers, the multiple storage containers are sequentially inflated into the transfer container to the first pressure; The booster pressurizes the transfer container to a set pressure based on the first pressure; the booster extracts gas from the storage container with the lowest gas pressure among multiple storage containers and pressurizes it.

2. The gas filling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas filling system also includes: A shut-off valve is provided between the second control component and each of the storage containers to control the connection and disconnection between the second control component and each of the storage containers.

3. The gas filling method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer container is a helium transfer vehicle, and the helium transfer vehicle is connected to the second control component via a gas filling column.

Images