Automatic switching gas supply system based on main gas source priority

By designing an automatic switching gas supply system that prioritizes the main gas source, and using pressure switches and check valves to control the start and stop of the air compressor, the problem of slow response and backflow of air in the existing gas supply system when the main gas source pressure is insufficient has been solved. This has achieved a stable gas supply and production continuity, and reduced costs and risks.

CN224245957UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-15SHANGHAI XUTONG IND CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SHANGHAI XUTONG IND CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-04-15
Publication Date
2026-05-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing gas supply system is slow to respond when the main gas source pressure is insufficient, and relies on manual switching to the backup gas source, resulting in low production efficiency and increased labor costs. At the same time, the automatic switching device has a complex structure, is prone to backflow of air, contaminates the gas source, and increases equipment costs and maintenance difficulty.

Method used

Design an automatic air supply switching system based on main air source priority. Utilize a pressure switch to detect the pressure at port C of the three-way connector, control the start and stop of the air compressor, and prevent backflow of airflow through a one-way valve to achieve automatic switching with main air source priority. Combined with variable frequency drive air compressor and remote monitoring, ensure a stable air supply.

Benefits of technology

It enables automatic switching to air compressor supply when the main gas source pressure fluctuates, ensuring a stable supply to gas-using equipment, improving the continuity and stability of industrial production, reducing equipment costs and energy consumption, and reducing the risk of gas source pollution.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air supply systems, in particular to an automatic switching air supply system based on main air source priority, which comprises a main air source, an air compressor, a three-way joint, a ball valve and a one-way valve, the main air source is connected to a port A of the three-way joint sequentially through the ball valve and the one-way valve; an outlet of the air compressor is connected to a port B of the three-way connector, and a pressure switch is arranged in the air compressor; a port C of the three-way connector serves as a system output end to be connected with gas utilization equipment; after the air compressor is started, air flow is effectively prevented from reversely flowing into the main air source from the three-way connector, in addition, the main air source is preferentially and can be automatically switched to an air supply mode of the air compressor, and the air supply mode of the air compressor can be automatically switched to the air supply mode of the three-way connector. The gas equipment can be ensured to obtain stable gas source supply all the time, production interruption caused by pressure fluctuation of the main gas source is avoided, and the continuity and the stability of industrial production are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas supply system technology, specifically an automatic switching gas supply system based on priority of the main gas source. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production, a stable and continuous gas supply is crucial. However, existing gas supply systems have many drawbacks. On the one hand, when the main gas source pressure is insufficient, most systems still rely on manual switching to a backup gas source. This manual operation is not only slow to respond and unable to meet the gas pressure requirements of production equipment in a timely manner, thus affecting production efficiency and product quality; it also requires dedicated personnel to monitor the gas source pressure and perform the switching operation, leading to a significant increase in labor costs. On the other hand, some devices that attempt to achieve automatic switching, while solving the problem of manual switching to some extent, have overly complex structural designs, which not only increase the manufacturing cost and maintenance difficulty of the equipment, but also easily lead to backflow of gas. Backflow of gas can contaminate the gas source, reduce gas quality, and may even damage production equipment, causing unnecessary economic losses to enterprises. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic gas supply switching system based on priority of the main gas source, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] The technical solution of this utility model is: an automatic switching gas supply system based on main gas source priority, including a main gas source, an air compressor, a three-way connector, a ball valve and a check valve, wherein the main gas source is connected to port A of the three-way connector in sequence through the ball valve and the check valve;

[0005] The outlet of the air compressor is connected to port B of the tee connector, and the air compressor has a built-in pressure switch;

[0006] The C port of the tee connector is connected to the gas-using equipment as the system output terminal;

[0007] The pressure switch detects the pressure at port C of the tee connector and feeds back to control the start and stop of the air compressor, forming a closed-loop control.

[0008] The aforementioned components achieve the following effect: By connecting the main air source sequentially to port A of the tee connector via a ball valve and a check valve, the air compressor outlet is connected to port B of the tee connector, and port C of the tee connector is connected to the air-consuming equipment, under normal circumstances, the main air source prioritizes air supply. When the ball valve is opened, gas flows smoothly through the check valve, and the gas from the main air source flows through the check valve to port C of the tee connector, thus supplying air to the air-consuming equipment. When the main air source pressure is insufficient, the pressure switch detects a pressure drop at port C of the tee connector and controls the air compressor to start. At this time, the check valve quickly closes, effectively preventing airflow from flowing back into the main air source from the tee connector. When the pressure returns to normal, the air compressor stops running, and the check valve quickly opens to resume air supply from the main air source. This method of prioritizing the main air source and automatically switching to air compressor supply ensures that the air-consuming equipment always receives a stable air supply, avoiding production interruptions caused by fluctuations in the main air source pressure, and improving the continuity and stability of industrial production.

[0009] Preferably, the detection point of the pressure switch is located on the pipeline downstream of the C port of the tee connector, and the distance between the detection point and the C port of the tee connector is 1-1.5m.

[0010] The effect achieved by the above components is as follows: by setting the detection point of the pressure switch on the pipeline 1-1.5m downstream of the C port of the tee connector, the pressure of the actual gas supply equipment can be accurately detected at this position. The pressure switch uses the pressure at this point to control the start and stop of the air compressor. When the pressure at the C port is lower than the set value, the air compressor starts to replenish the pressure; when the pressure returns to normal, the air compressor stops running, forming a closed-loop control.

[0011] Preferably, the one-way valve is a spring-reset check valve, which includes a valve body, a spring, and a valve core. The valve core uses a polytetrafluoroethylene sealing surface. The opening pressure threshold of the one-way valve is 0.6 MPa, and the closing pressure difference is ≤0.05 MPa.

[0012] The above components achieve the following effects: when the main air source is supplying air normally, the gas pressure overcomes the spring force to open the valve core, allowing the gas to pass smoothly; when the main air source pressure drops or the air compressor supply pressure is high, the spring force causes the valve core to close quickly, effectively preventing airflow from flowing back into the main air source from the three-way connector, avoiding contamination of the main air source, ensuring the gas quality of the main air source, and improving the safety and reliability of the entire air supply system.

[0013] Preferably, the tee is a T-type equal diameter pipe joint, and a flexible shock-absorbing joint is provided between the tee and the main air source pipe, and a silencer is installed on the air compressor outlet pipe.

[0014] The effects achieved by the aforementioned components are as follows: the flexible vibration damping joint can absorb the vibration generated during the transmission of the main air source pipeline, reducing the impact of vibration on the tee joint and the entire system, extending the service life of the pipeline and joint, and reducing noise generated by vibration. The silencer can reduce the noise generated by the air compressor during operation, improve the working environment, and reduce interference to surrounding personnel and equipment.

[0015] Preferably, the air compressor is a variable frequency drive type. When the air compressor responds to the pressure switch signal, it operates according to gradient power and includes a full power mode (starting when the C-end pressure is <0.5MPa), a low-speed standby mode (power drops to 10% when the C-end pressure is ≥0.7MPa), and a complete shutdown mode (triggered when the main air source pressure is ≥0.6MPa).

[0016] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: the air compressor is a variable frequency drive type, capable of operating at gradient power in response to pressure switch signals. When the pressure at end C is <0.5MPa, the air compressor starts in full-power mode for rapid pressure replenishment; when the pressure at end C is ≥0.7MPa, the power is reduced to 10% to enter a low-speed standby mode, avoiding excessive air supply and energy waste; when the main air source pressure is ≥0.6MPa, the air compressor triggers a complete shutdown mode. This operation mode, which adjusts power according to actual pressure demand, greatly improves energy utilization efficiency, reduces operating costs, and simultaneously reduces equipment wear and extends the service life of the air compressor.

[0017] Preferably, the pressure switch has an adjustable dead zone with a range of 0.1-0.3 MPa, and the pressure switch is connected to a host computer via an RS485 interface for remote pressure threshold configuration and operation status monitoring.

[0018] The effects achieved by the above components are as follows: the pressure switch has an adjustable dead zone with a range of 0.1-0.3MPa, which can be adjusted according to actual needs, avoiding frequent start-stop of the air compressor, extending the service life of the air compressor, reducing energy consumption, and improving the operating efficiency of the entire air supply system; the pressure switch is connected to the host computer through an RS485 interface to realize remote pressure threshold configuration and operating status monitoring, which makes it convenient for operators to grasp the system operation status in real time and make timely adjustments.

[0019] Preferably, a pressure gauge and a filter are connected in series on the C port of the tee connector and the gas-using equipment connection pipeline. The filter has a filtration accuracy of 5μm and integrates a differential pressure sensor. When the differential pressure is greater than 50kPa, an alarm is triggered. The pressure gauge displays an error of ≤±0.01MPa, and the data from the pressure gauge is uploaded to the monitoring terminal in real time.

[0020] The aforementioned components achieve the following effects: the filter effectively filters impurities and particulate matter in the gas, ensuring the quality of the gas supplied to the gas-using equipment; the differential pressure sensor integrated in the filter triggers an alarm when the differential pressure exceeds 50 kPa, reminding operators to replace the filter element in time to ensure filtration effectiveness; the pressure gauge displays an error of ≤ ±0.01 MPa, accurately displaying the gas supply pressure, and its data is also uploaded to the monitoring terminal in real time, allowing operators to monitor the gas supply pressure at any time, promptly detect pressure anomalies, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the gas-using equipment.

[0021] This utility model provides an improved automatic gas supply system based on primary gas source priority, which has the following improvements and advantages compared with the prior art:

[0022] In this invention, when the main air source pressure is insufficient, the pressure switch detects a drop in pressure at port C of the three-way connector and controls the air compressor to start. At this time, the one-way valve closes quickly, effectively preventing airflow from flowing back into the main air source from the three-way connector. When the pressure returns to normal, the air compressor stops running, and the one-way valve quickly opens to resume air supply from the main air source. This method of prioritizing the main air source and automatically switching to air compressor supply ensures that the air-using equipment always has a stable air supply, avoiding production interruptions caused by fluctuations in the main air source pressure and improving the continuity and stability of industrial production. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural connection of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the start-stop control of the air compressor in this utility model.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Main air source; 2. Ball valve; 3. Check valve; 4. T-connector; 5. Air compressor; 6. Air-using equipment; 7. Pressure switch; 8. Pressure gauge; 9. Filter. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail, and the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0029] This utility model provides an improved automatic gas supply switching system based on primary gas source priority. The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0030] In embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, an automatic switching gas supply system based on main gas source priority includes a main gas source (1), an air compressor (5), a three-way connector (4), a ball valve 2 and a check valve (3). The main gas source 1 is connected to port A of the three-way connector 4 in sequence through the ball valve 2 and the check valve 3.

[0031] The one-way valve 3 is a spring-return check valve, comprising a valve body, a spring, and a valve core. The valve core uses a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sealing surface. The opening pressure threshold of the one-way valve 3 is 0.6 MPa, and the closing pressure difference is ≤0.05 MPa. When the main air source 1 is supplying air normally, the gas pressure overcomes the spring force to open the valve core, allowing gas to pass smoothly. When the pressure of the main air source 1 drops or the air compressor 5 supplies air at a higher pressure, the spring force causes the valve core to close quickly, effectively preventing airflow from flowing back into the main air source 1 from the three-way connector 4. This avoids contamination of the main gas source 1, ensures the gas quality of the main gas source 1, and improves the safety and reliability of the entire gas supply system. The tee connector 4 is a T-type equal diameter pipe connector. A flexible vibration damping joint is provided between the tee connector 4 and the pipeline of the main gas source 1. A silencer is installed on the outlet pipeline of the air compressor 5. The flexible vibration damping joint can absorb the vibration generated during the transmission of the main gas source 1 pipeline, reducing the impact of vibration on the tee connector 4 and the entire system. The silencer can reduce the noise generated by the air compressor 5 during operation.

[0032] The outlet of the air compressor 5 is connected to port B of the tee connector 4. The air compressor 5 has a built-in pressure switch 7. The pressure switch 7 detects the pressure at port C of the tee connector 4 and feeds back to control the start and stop of the air compressor 5. The detection point of the pressure switch 7 is located on the pipeline downstream of port C of the tee connector 4, and the distance between the detection point and port C of the tee connector 4 is 1-1.5m. By setting the detection point of the pressure switch 7 1-1.5m downstream of port C of the tee connector 4, the actual pressure of the air supply device 6 can be accurately detected. The pressure switch 7 detects this pressure... The air compressor 5 is controlled by pressure feedback. When the pressure at port C is lower than the set value, the air compressor 5 starts to replenish the pressure; when the pressure returns to normal, the air compressor 5 stops running, forming a closed-loop control. The air compressor 5 is a variable frequency drive type. When responding to the signal of the pressure switch 7, the air compressor 5 operates according to gradient power and includes full power mode (starting when the pressure at port C is < 0.5MPa), low-speed standby mode (power reduced to 10% when the pressure at port C is ≥ 0.7MPa), and complete shutdown mode (triggered when the main air source pressure is ≥ 0.6MPa). The air compressor 5 is a variable frequency drive type and can respond to the signal of the pressure switch 7 to operate according to gradient power. When the pressure at point C is <0.5MPa, air compressor 5 starts in full-power mode for rapid pressure replenishment; when the pressure at point C is ≥0.7MPa, the power is reduced to 10% to enter low-speed standby mode, avoiding excessive air supply and energy waste; when the pressure of main air source 1 is ≥0.6MPa, air compressor 5 triggers a complete shutdown mode. The pressure switch 7 has an adjustable dead zone with a range of 0.1-0.3MPa. The pressure switch 7 is connected to a host computer via an RS485 interface for remote pressure threshold configuration and operational status monitoring. The adjustable dead zone (0.1-0.3MPa) of the pressure switch 7 can be adjusted according to actual needs, avoiding frequent start-stop of air compressor 5, extending its service life, reducing energy consumption, and improving the overall operating efficiency of the air supply system. Furthermore, the pressure switch 7 connects to the host computer via an RS485 interface to achieve remote pressure threshold configuration and operational status monitoring, allowing operators to monitor the system's operation in real time and make timely adjustments.

[0033] The C port of the tee connector 4 serves as the system output terminal, connecting to the gas-using device 6. A pressure gauge 8 and a filter 9 are connected in series on the pipeline connecting the C port of the tee connector 4 and the gas-using device 6. The filter 9 has a filtration accuracy of 5μm and integrates a differential pressure sensor. An alarm is triggered when the differential pressure exceeds 50kPa. The pressure gauge 8 displays an error ≤±0.01MPa, and its data is uploaded to the monitoring terminal in real time. The filter 9 effectively filters impurities and particulate matter from the gas, ensuring the quality of the gas supplied to the gas-using device 6. The integrated differential pressure sensor in the filter 9 triggers an alarm when the differential pressure exceeds 50kPa, reminding the operator to replace the filter element promptly. The pressure gauge 8, with an error ≤±0.01MPa, accurately displays the gas supply pressure, and its data is also uploaded to the monitoring terminal in real time, allowing operators to monitor the gas supply pressure at any time, promptly detect pressure anomalies, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the gas-using device 6.

[0034] The working principle of the automatic gas supply switching system based on main gas source priority provided by this utility model is as follows: Under normal circumstances, main gas source 1 supplies gas first. When ball valve 2 is opened, gas flows smoothly through check valve 3. The gas from main gas source 1 flows through check valve 3 to port C of three-way connector 4, thereby supplying gas to gas-using equipment 6. When the pressure of main gas source 1 is insufficient, pressure switch 7 detects the pressure drop at port C of three-way connector 4 and controls air compressor 5 to start. At this time, check valve 3 closes quickly, effectively preventing airflow from flowing back into main gas source 1 from three-way connector 4.

[0035] When the pressure returns to normal, the air compressor 5 stops running, and the one-way valve 3 quickly opens to allow the main air source 1 to resume supplying air. This method of prioritizing the main air source 1 and automatically switching to the air compressor 5 ensures that the air-consuming equipment 6 can always obtain a stable air supply, avoiding production interruptions caused by pressure fluctuations in the main air source 1.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic gas supply switching system based on primary gas source priority, characterized in that, Includes a main air source (1), an air compressor (5), a three-way connector (4), a ball valve (2), and a check valve (3). The main air source (1) is connected to port A of the three-way connector (4) in sequence through the ball valve (2) and the check valve (3). The outlet of the air compressor (5) is connected to port B of the three-way connector (4), and the air compressor (5) has a built-in pressure switch (7); The C port of the tee connector (4) is connected to the gas-using equipment (6) as the system output terminal; The pressure switch (7) detects the pressure at port C of the three-way connector (4) and feeds back to control the start and stop of the air compressor (5), forming a closed-loop control.

2. The automatic gas supply switching system based on primary gas source priority according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection point of the pressure switch (7) is located on the pipeline downstream of the C port of the tee connector (4), and the distance between the detection point and the C port of the tee connector (4) is 1-1.5m.

3. The automatic gas supply switching system based on main gas source priority according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve (3) is a spring-reset check valve. The one-way valve (3) includes a valve body, a spring and a valve core. The valve core uses a polytetrafluoroethylene sealing surface. The opening pressure threshold of the one-way valve (3) is 0.6 MPa and the closing pressure difference is ≤0.05 MPa.

4. The automatic gas supply switching system based on primary gas source priority according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tee connector (4) is a T-type equal diameter pipe connector. A flexible shock-absorbing joint is provided between the tee connector (4) and the main air source (1) pipe. A silencer is installed on the outlet pipe of the air compressor (5).

5. The automatic gas supply switching system based on main gas source priority according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air compressor (5) is a variable frequency drive type. When the air compressor (5) responds to the signal of the pressure switch (7), it operates according to gradient power and includes full power mode, low speed standby mode and complete shutdown mode.

6. The automatic gas supply switching system based on main gas source priority according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure switch (7) has an adjustable dead zone with a range of 0.1-0.3 MPa. The pressure switch (7) is connected to a host computer via an RS485 interface for remote pressure threshold configuration and operation status monitoring.

7. The automatic gas supply switching system based on main gas source priority according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure gauge (8) and a filter (9) are connected in series on the C port of the three-way connector (4) and the gas-using equipment (6). The filter (9) has a filtration accuracy of 5μm and integrates a differential pressure sensor. When the differential pressure is greater than 50kPa, an alarm is triggered. The pressure gauge (8) displays an error of ≤±0.01MPa, and the data of the pressure gauge (8) is uploaded to the monitoring terminal in real time.