A cylinder end plug

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen storage cylinder structure design, specifically disclose a kind of gas storage cylinder mouth end plug, including: for matching installation in the caliber not less than 100mm gas storage cylinder, including shell, the outside of shell is provided with first outer thread, gas storage cylinder mouth inside is provided with first internal thread, first outer thread and first internal thread are matched, shell and gas storage cylinder mouth are connected using thread;First through hole and second through hole are respectively set up on shell, first through hole and second through hole are arranged in parallel, the interval of first through hole and second through hole is not less than 8mm;TPRD is detachably installed in first through hole, and blowdown device is detachably installed in second through hole.The utility model can improve the convenient usability of gas storage cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen storage cylinder structure design, and in particular to a plug at the mouth of a gas storage cylinder. Background Technology

[0002] With the global energy structure transformation and the deepening of the "dual carbon" goal, the application of clean energy in the transportation sector continues to accelerate. Gas-powered vehicles, fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), are gaining an increasingly important position in the heavy-duty truck, bus, and special-purpose vehicle markets due to their advantages such as low carbon emissions and low operating costs. As one of the core safety components of gas-powered vehicles, the technological level of the vehicle's high-pressure gas cylinder directly affects the vehicle's safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

[0003] In recent years, automotive gas cylinder technology has been continuously developing towards larger capacity, lighter weight, and higher integration, with new technologies such as composite material cylinders and intelligent monitoring systems being gradually promoted and applied. At the same time, the industry has placed higher demands on the safety protection capabilities of gas cylinders under extreme operating conditions, especially the thermally activated pressure relief protection mechanism for emergencies such as fires, which has become a key focus of regulations and standards. Against this backdrop, thermally activated pressure relief devices (TPRDs) and drainage devices, as critical components ensuring the safe operation of gas cylinders, are receiving increasing attention for their structural layout and functional integration.

[0004] In existing technologies, high-pressure gas cylinders for vehicles are typically equipped with a drain device at one end to periodically discharge accumulated condensate and impurities, ensuring gas quality and system safety. However, when the end of the gas cylinder equipped with the drain device experiences a localized fire, the lack of effective thermally activated pressure relief protection in that area causes a rapid increase in internal pressure after the cylinder is heated, posing a significant risk of rupture and a substantial safety hazard.

[0005] To improve fire safety, such as Figure 1As shown, some existing technologies separately install a thermal protection relief device (TPRD) at the other end of the gas cylinder, i.e., a drain device at one end of the gas cylinder and a TPRD at the other end. However, this structure has obvious technical drawbacks: when a drain operation is required, since the drain port is usually blocked by a valve or TPRD, the corresponding valve or TPRD assembly must be disassembled before draining can be carried out. This disassembly process may not only damage the sealing fit between the valve or TPRD and the cylinder thread, increasing the risk of deterioration in sealing performance, but may also cause mechanical damage to critical components. In addition, after each disassembly and reinstallation, an airtightness test must be performed again to ensure connection reliability, which not only increases maintenance costs and time, but also relies on special valve installation fixtures. At the same time, when performing self-tightening tests and hydrostatic tests on the gas cylinder, a fixture must be installed at one end of the double-ended gas cylinder (the gas cylinder has openings at both ends) to seal it to prevent water leakage (the other end needs to be connected to a water injection fixture). After completing the self-tightening and hydrostatic tests, the fixture needs to be unscrewed before installing the TPRD, which is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. Utility Model Content

[0006] To improve the ease of use of gas cylinders, this basic solution provides a stopper for the mouth of the gas cylinder.

[0007] A gas cylinder end plug for fitting and installing on a gas cylinder with a diameter of not less than 100mm includes a housing. The outer side of the housing is provided with a first external thread, and the inner side of the gas cylinder opening is provided with a first internal thread. The first external thread matches the first internal thread, and the housing and the gas cylinder opening are connected by threads. A first through hole and a second through hole are respectively opened on the housing. The first through hole and the second through hole are arranged in parallel, and the distance between the first through hole and the second through hole is not less than 8mm. A TPRD is installed and removed in the first through hole, and a sewage discharge device is installed and removed in the second through hole.

[0008] Beneficial effects: First, the cap at the mouth of this gas cylinder can be connected to a TPRD (Power Transfer Relief Device) and is equipped with a drain device, which effectively ensures pressure relief in the event of a fire in large-capacity gas cylinders. It also allows for the removal of contaminants (water-soluble substances, particles, and dust, etc.) from the cylinder without disassembling the valve or TPRD, ensuring safe use. This solves the problem of wanting to install a TPRD to provide flameout protection for the gas cylinder while also having a separate drain channel to remove contaminants without disassembling the valve or TPRD.

[0009] Secondly, by installing the end plug on the gas cylinder before the self-tightening and hydrostatic tests, the cylinder neck can be cleared. Since the TPRD and drain device can clog the cylinder, these plugs do not need to be removed after the self-tightening and hydrostatic tests. This reduces a step, saves testing time, and lowers the risk of damage to the cylinder neck threads during installation. Furthermore, the pressurization process (self-tightening and hydrostatic testing) ensures a tighter connection between the cylinder neck threads and the end plug threads.

[0010] Preferably, the working pressure of the gas storage bottle nozzle plug is 20-35 MPa.

[0011] Beneficial effects: This end plug can adapt to the working environment of high-pressure gas cylinders, meet the pressure requirements of high-pressure gas cylinders in actual use, ensure that the gas cylinders operate safely and reliably within the normal working pressure range, further improve the safety and reliability of the gas cylinders, and protect the overall performance of gas-powered vehicles.

[0012] Preferably, a second internal thread is provided in the first through hole, and the second internal thread matches the thread provided on the TPRD, and the housing and the TPRD are connected by a thread.

[0013] Beneficial effects: A second internal thread is provided in the first through hole, which matches the thread on the TPRD, connecting the housing and the TPRD via a threaded connection. This connection method is simple and reliable, facilitating the installation and disassembly of the TPRD, and aiding in its maintenance and replacement. It also ensures a tight seal between the TPRD and the housing, guaranteeing the TPRD's proper functioning in extreme situations such as fires, preventing gas cylinder explosions, and effectively improving the safety performance of the gas cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, the sewage discharge device includes a plug with a second external thread on its outer side; a second through hole is used as a sewage discharge channel, and a third internal thread is provided inside the second through hole, which matches the second external thread; the plug and the housing are connected by threads.

[0015] Beneficial effects: The draining device includes a plug with a second external thread on its outer side. A second through hole serves as the draining channel, containing a third internal thread that matches the second external thread of the plug, forming a threaded connection. This design simplifies the installation and disassembly of the draining device, allowing for easy completion with a wrench. It improves draining efficiency, facilitates regular draining of the gas cylinder, ensures gas quality and system safety, and also facilitates maintenance and replacement, reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0016] Preferably, the second external thread is of the type 1 / 4" NPT.

[0017] Beneficial effects: The second external thread is specified as 1 / 4" NPT, which is consistent with the interface threads of commonly used valves in the market, providing good versatility and compatibility. It can be easily connected and matched with existing valves and other equipment without the need for additional conversion interfaces or special designs, simplifying the installation and maintenance process of the gas cylinder system, improving the overall integration and reliability of the system, and reducing potential safety hazards caused by interface incompatibility.

[0018] Preferably, the first external thread is a straight thread.

[0019] Beneficial effects: The first external thread is a straight thread, which has advantages such as simple structure, convenient processing, and reliable connection. Using a straight thread connection to connect the shell to the gas cylinder mouth ensures a strong and stable connection. Furthermore, it simplifies installation, facilitates precise thread fit, and improves installation efficiency and quality. In addition, the straight thread has a strong load-bearing capacity, capable of withstanding higher working pressures, ensuring the safe operation of the gas cylinder under high-pressure conditions, further enhancing the practicality and reliability of the gas cylinder mouth plug.

[0020] Preferably, the housing is made of 45# steel, 304 stainless steel, or HPb59-1.

[0021] Beneficial Effects: The housing types include 45# steel, 304 stainless steel, and HPb59-1, providing a variety of material options for the end caps of gas cylinders. 45# steel offers high strength and good mechanical properties, meeting the requirements of gas cylinders in high-pressure environments; 304 stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance, effectively preventing corrosion damage to the housing in harsh environments or during long-term use, extending the end cap's service life; the HPb59-1 housing offers good machinability and sufficient strength, meeting the specific material requirements of different users. This variety of material options allows the gas cylinder end cap to adapt to different operating environments and conditions, improving the product's applicability and market competitiveness, and providing users with more flexible options.

[0022] Preferably, the material types of TPRD include fusible alloy TPRD and glass bubble type TPRD.

[0023] Beneficial effects of this utility model Compared to existing technologies that only consider cylinder sludge discharge or only consider increasing the safety performance of cylinders under fire, the addition of a TPRD device is necessary. For small cylinder openings (borehole diameter < 60mm), because of the small diameter, if only sludge discharge is considered and an end plug with sludge discharge function is installed at one end of the cylinder, the fire protection capability of the cylinder cannot be guaranteed, especially for large-volume or long cylinders.

[0024] Therefore, the gas cylinder end cap provided by this utility model can improve the safety of the gas cylinder. By integrating a pressure relief valve (TPRD) and a drain device at one end, the TPRD can effectively prevent deflagration in different parts of the gas cylinder. Especially in the event of a fire or other emergency, these TPRDs can automatically depressurize upon heating, preventing the gas cylinder from bursting due to a rapid increase in internal pressure, significantly reducing safety hazards. The drain device allows for the removal of contaminants (such as water-soluble substances, particles, and dust) from the gas cylinder without disassembling the valve or TPRD. This not only ensures gas quality and system safety but also avoids the potential risks caused by disassembling the valve or TPRD for draining, further enhancing the safety of the gas cylinder.

[0025] Secondly, optimize the testing process to improve efficiency. First, simplify the testing procedure: the cylinder end plug can be installed before the self-tightening and hydrostatic tests. Since the TPRD and drain device will clog the cylinder during the test, these devices do not need to be disassembled after the test, reducing cumbersome procedures, saving testing time, and improving work efficiency. Second, reduce the risk of thread damage: during pressurization (such as self-tightening and hydrostatic testing), the threads of the cylinder mouth and the end plug are more tightly connected, reducing the risk of thread damage caused by frequent disassembly and assembly, extending the service life of the cylinder and end plug, and reducing maintenance costs.

[0026] Furthermore, the product's applicability and flexibility are enhanced. First, multiple material options: The end plug housing offers a variety of materials, including 45# steel, 304 stainless steel, and HPb59-1. 45# steel boasts high strength and good mechanical properties, suitable for applications requiring high strength; 304 stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature oxidation resistance, suitable for harsh environments or long-term use; HPb59-1 provides good machinability and sufficient strength, meeting the specific material requirements of different users and improving product applicability. Second, universal thread design: The second external thread of the drain device adopts a 1 / 4" NPT type, consistent with the interface threads of commonly used valves in the market, providing excellent versatility and compatibility. This design allows the end plug to be easily connected and matched with existing valves and other equipment without additional conversion interfaces or special designs, simplifying the installation and maintenance process of the gas cylinder system and improving the overall system integration and reliability.

[0027] Finally, it offers economic benefits and is environmentally friendly. First, it reduces maintenance costs: Optimized structural design minimizes damage to valves, TPRDs, and threads caused by disassembly and reassembly, reducing maintenance costs and time. Furthermore, the availability of multiple material options allows users to choose the most cost-effective material based on actual operating conditions, further reducing operating costs. Second, it aligns with environmental trends: The gas cylinder end cap of this invention is suitable for large-capacity, high-pressure gas cylinders, better meeting the needs of clean energy vehicles (such as gas-powered vehicles fueled by liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas). With the global energy structure transformation and the advancement of "dual-carbon" goals, the application of clean energy is becoming increasingly widespread. This invention helps promote the development of clean energy vehicles, reduces carbon emissions, and aligns with environmental trends. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the end cap structure of a gas storage cylinder in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the gas storage cylinder and the end plug in Example 1. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (a) of the end plug structure in Example 1; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (b) of the end plug structure in Example 1. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings include: 1. Gas cylinder; 2. Shell; 3. Second internal thread; 4. TPRD; 5. Drainage device; 6. First external thread; 7. Plug.

[0030] Example like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a bottle neck end plug for gas cylinder 1, used to match gas cylinder 1 with a diameter of not less than 100mm. The bottle neck end plug for gas cylinder 1 includes a housing 2, on which a TPRD4 and a drain device 5 are disposed. In this embodiment, the material types of the housing 2 include 45# steel, 304 stainless steel, and HPb59-1, that is, the material types of the end plug include 45# steel end plug, 304 stainless steel end plug, and HPb59-1 end plug. The working pressure of the bottle neck end plug for gas cylinder 1 is 20-35MPa.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a first external thread 6 is provided on the outer side of the housing 2, which is used to connect with the mouth of the gas cylinder 1. Specifically, a first internal thread is provided inside the mouth of the gas cylinder 1, and the first internal thread matches the first external thread 6, so that the end plug of the gas cylinder 1 and the mouth of the gas cylinder 1 are connected by threads. In this embodiment, the first external thread 6 is a straight thread.

[0032] The end plug has a first through hole and a second through hole, with a distance of at least 8mm between them. TPRD4 is installed in the first through hole. A second internal thread 3 is provided in the first through hole, which matches the thread on TPRD4. The housing 2 and TPRD4 are connected by a thread. The second through hole serves as a drain channel. A second external thread, 1 / 4" NPT type, is provided on the outside of the plug 7, consistent with the interface threads of commonly used valves in the market. A third internal thread is provided in the second through hole, matching the second external thread. The plug 7 is connected to the housing 2 by a thread. A plug 7 is installed on the drain channel, with its external thread matching the second external thread. The plug 7 is connected to the drain channel by a thread. The plug 7 can be easily removed with a wrench. TPRD4 is available in fusible alloy TPRD and glass bulb type TPRD.

[0033] Beneficial effects of this embodiment When using the existing technology to match the end plug with a large-diameter gas cylinder 1, such as the gas cylinder 1 with a diameter of not less than 100mm in this embodiment, if the gas cylinder 1 needs to be fitted with a TPRD, and the TPRD is directly connected to the cylinder mouth, the dirt inside the cylinder can only be removed by disassembling the valve or removing the TPRD. When disassembling the valve or TPRD, it is easy to bump the temperature sensing device (fusible alloy or glass bulb, especially the glass bulb has poor resistance to mechanical impact) on the valve or TPRD. Disassembling the valve requires special tools, and manual disassembly is inefficient and laborious, which can easily lead to valve damage. After disassembly, cleaning and installation, it is necessary to use paint to identify the position of looseness, which wastes paint materials.

[0034] Therefore, this embodiment provides an end plug suitable for large-diameter gas storage cylinder 1. By setting a drain channel and TPRD on a single end plug, the end plug is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit, which not only improves space utilization but also achieves the organic combination of the two functions, solving the complexity problem of needing to install TPRD and drain device 5 separately in different locations in the prior art.

[0035] Secondly, a first through hole and a second through hole are respectively opened on the end plug, and a certain distance (not less than 8mm) is maintained between the two through holes. This layout design not only ensures the independent function of TPRD and sewage discharge device 5, but also avoids mutual interference between the two. It can effectively improve the overall performance and reliability of the end plug.

[0036] Furthermore, the end cap of the gas cylinder 1 is suitable for gas cylinders 1 with a diameter of not less than 100mm and a volume of not less than 400L, and a working pressure of 20-35MPa. This design can meet the needs of large-capacity, high-pressure gas cylinders 1, and adapts to the trend of automotive gas cylinder 1 technology towards large capacity, lightweight, and high integration.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this document is merely a description of the same field in the related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0040] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

[0041] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of this utility model. Commonly known structures and characteristics are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are knowledgeable of all existing technologies in that field, and possess the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, based on the guidance provided in this application, improve and implement this solution in conjunction with their own capabilities. Typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model. These modifications and improvements should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A stopper for the mouth of a gas storage bottle, characterized in that, For use in matching and installing on gas cylinders with a diameter of not less than 100mm, including a housing, the outer side of the housing is provided with a first external thread, the inner side of the gas cylinder mouth is provided with a first internal thread, the first external thread and the first internal thread are matched, and the housing and the gas cylinder mouth are connected by threads. A first through hole and a second through hole are respectively opened on the shell. The first through hole and the second through hole are arranged in parallel, and the distance between the first through hole and the second through hole is not less than 8mm. The TPRD is installed and removed from the first through hole, and the sewage discharge device is installed and removed from the second through hole.

2. The gas storage bottle neck plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working pressure of the gas cylinder nozzle plug is 20-35 MPa.

3. The gas storage bottle neck plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first through hole is provided with a second internal thread, which matches the thread provided on the TPRD. The housing and the TPRD are connected by a thread.

4. The gas storage bottle neck plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sewage discharge device includes a plug with a second external thread on the outside; a second through hole is used as a sewage discharge channel, and a third internal thread is provided inside the second through hole. The third internal thread matches the second external thread, and the plug is threadedly connected to the housing.

5. The gas storage bottle mouth end plug according to claim 4, characterized in that, The type of the second external thread is 1 / 4"NPT.

6. The gas storage bottle neck plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first external thread is a straight thread.

7. The gas storage bottle neck plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is available in materials including 45# steel, 304 stainless steel, and HPb59-1.

8. The gas storage bottle neck plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, TPRD material types include fusible alloy TPRD and glass bulb type TPRD.

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