A safety relief device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of safety pressure relief devices, comprising: pressure reducing valve, the pressure reducing valve is connected with high-pressure gas source by first pipeline;Gas filling device, the gas filling device is connected with the pressure reducing valve by second pipeline;First valve for controlling passage on-off is provided on the first pipeline.The safety pressure relief device provided by the utility model, novel structure, strong practicality, using the technical solution of the present application, not only can realize safe pressure relief, and also realizes the recycling of high-pressure release gas, avoids energy waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of high-pressure gas storage and safety technology, and more particularly to a safety pressure relief device for a high-pressure gas source system, which can safely release and recover high-pressure gas to a low-pressure gas storage container when the system is under maintenance or when pressure relief is required. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional hydrogen refueling stations are divided into two categories: those with external gas sources and those with on-site hydrogen production. Stations with external gas sources rely on pipeline transportation or long-tube trailer transport of hydrogen. For stations with external gas sources, long-tube trailer transport is the most economical method when the gas source is far away. Currently, the common method in the market is to transport hydrogen to the refueling station using 22MPa long-tube trailers. The hydrogen is then pressurized by a compressor and a sequential control panel and delivered to a hydrogen storage tank for storage. When needed, the hydrogen is supplied to the refueling machine through the storage tank. The entire process is unidirectional hydrogen flow, with the only design involving high-pressure hydrogen reversal in the sequential control panel.

[0003] Under normal operating conditions, this design can meet the normal operation requirements of hydrogen refueling stations providing 35MPa hydrogen refueling, and the project construction is economically viable. However, when the core equipment, the high-pressure gas storage cylinder group (such as the 45MPa hydrogen storage cylinder group), malfunctions and needs maintenance, periodic inspection, or other pressure relief, the usual practice is to directly discharge the high-pressure gas into the atmosphere through the vent pipe.

[0004] This approach has significant drawbacks: First, it results in a huge waste of valuable energy, especially for gases with high production costs such as hydrogen and helium, increasing operating costs; second, after troubleshooting, the gas needs to be transported and replenished again, making the process inefficient and time-consuming; and finally, directly releasing certain flammable gases, such as hydrogen, may pose safety hazards such as combustion and explosion.

[0005] In the existing technology, the functional design of such facilities is usually unidirectional, namely gas replenishment-storage-use, and there is a general lack of effective means to safely and controllably unload the high-pressure gas in the system to transportation equipment, such as long-tube trailers, or to depressurize and recycle it. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a safe pressure relief device, which aims to overcome at least one related technical problem existing in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A safety pressure relief device includes: a pressure reducing valve and a gas filling device, wherein the pressure reducing valve is connected to a high-pressure gas source through a first pipeline; the gas filling device is connected to the pressure reducing valve through a second pipeline; and a first valve for controlling the opening and closing of the passage is provided on the first pipeline.

[0008] By opening the first valve and the pressure reducing valve, the high-pressure gas is reduced in pressure and delivered to the gas filling device.

[0009] Preferably, the pressure reducing valve is a self-operated pressure regulating valve. This valve automatically adjusts the valve core opening using outlet pressure feedback, and can stably reduce the inlet high pressure to the preset outlet pressure without external power. It has a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0010] Preferably, an isolation valve is provided on the second pipeline after the outlet of the pressure reducing valve. This isolation valve can be used to completely isolate the pressure reducing valve from the downstream filling device when the device is not in operation, facilitating the maintenance and replacement of downstream equipment, and serving as an additional safety barrier.

[0011] Preferably, the device further includes a safety valve, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet pipeline of the pressure reducing valve. The safety valve is set at a pressure slightly higher than the normal outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve. When the pressure reducing valve fails, causing an abnormal increase in downstream pressure, the safety valve will automatically open to release pressure, preventing overpressure damage to downstream pipelines and equipment and ensuring system safety.

[0012] Preferably, the gas filling device is a filling column, which is equipped with a quick-connect interface for connecting to an external low-pressure gas storage container, such as a long-tube trailer gas cylinder or a tubular container. This filling column provides a standardized connection method, facilitating operation.

[0013] Preferably, the high-pressure gas source comprises at least two high-pressure gas storage cylinder groups connected in parallel; the first valve includes a first branch valve respectively disposed on the outlet branch of each of the high-pressure gas storage cylinder groups. By controlling the opening and closing of different first branch valves, pressure relief and recovery can be selectively performed on a specific cylinder group. Furthermore, if all the first branch valves connected to the normally operating cylinder groups are opened simultaneously, high-pressure gas can flow between the cylinder groups, achieving pressure self-balancing.

[0014] Preferably, the first valve is either a manual valve or a pneumatic valve. Manual valves are inexpensive and highly reliable; pneumatic valves can be connected to a control system to achieve remote automatic control, improving operational convenience and automation levels.

[0015] Preferably, the pressure reducing valve, the first valve, and the safety valve are connected by pipelines and integrated on a panel to form a pressure reducing panel assembly. This integrated design is compact, easy to install and arrange within the station, and also facilitates overall manufacturing, testing, and maintenance.

[0016] Preferably, the working pressure range of the high-pressure gas source is 20MPa to 90MPa, and the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve is set to no more than 45MPa to adapt to the pressure specifications of most common high-pressure gas storage and transportation equipment.

[0017] Preferably, the filling column is an integrated filling and discharging structure modified from a hydrogen unloading column. That is, by utilizing the existing unloading function column of the hydrogen refueling station and adding necessary pipelines and valves, it can be made to add filling and recovery functions, saving equipment investment and floor space.

[0018] The beneficial effects that the safety relief device disclosed in this application may bring include, but are not limited to: 1. The safety pressure relief device provided by this utility model has a novel structure and strong practicality. By adopting the technical solution of this application, not only can safe pressure relief be achieved, but also the high-pressure gas can be recovered and reused, avoiding energy waste. It is especially suitable for expensive or scarce gases such as hydrogen and helium, which meets the requirements of green and low-carbon development.

[0019] 2. Significantly reduced gas procurement and transportation costs due to leakage, improving the project's overall lifecycle economics.

[0020] 3. It provides conventional high-pressure stations with the ability to supply gas to low-pressure users or unload gas onto transportation equipment, increasing operational flexibility and market adaptability.

[0021] 4. The core pressure reducing component adopts a self-regulating valve, which uses the system's own pressure difference to drive gas flow and stabilize pressure, eliminating the need for additional compression energy consumption and resulting in significant energy savings.

[0022] 5. The device can be integrated into the panel, with a compact structure; it can also be modified from existing hydrogen unloading columns, making implementation convenient and the modification cost low. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the safety pressure relief device of this utility model.

[0024] Diagram description: 1-First valve B, 2-Pressure reducing valve, 3-Isolation valve, 4-Hydrogen storage cylinder group A, 5-Hydrogen storage cylinder group B, 6-Safety valve, 7-Gas filling device, 8-Sequence control panel, 9-First valve A. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the safety pressure relief device of this utility model.

[0027] This application provides a safety pressure relief device that can be used not only for pressure relief of high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinder groups, but also for other high-pressure gas storage scenarios, such as high-pressure oxygen cylinder groups, high-pressure nitrogen cylinder groups, high-pressure natural gas cylinder groups, and high-pressure helium cylinder groups. It is only necessary to select appropriate valves, pipelines, and pressure reducing valves according to the specific gas properties and pressure levels.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, a safety pressure relief device is used for gas pressure relief and recovery in a high-pressure gas source system. The device includes a pressure reducing valve 2, a gas filling device 7, and a first valve. The inlet of the pressure reducing valve 2 is connected to the high-pressure gas source via a first pipeline. The inlet of the gas filling device 7 is connected to the outlet of the pressure reducing valve 2 via a second pipeline, used to deliver the pressure-reduced gas. The first pipeline refers to the pipe connecting the high-pressure gas source and the inlet of the pressure reducing valve 2. A controllable first valve is installed on this first pipeline to control the opening and closing of the passage between the high-pressure gas source and the pressure reducing valve 2. By opening the first valve and the pressure reducing valve 2, the high-pressure gas is reduced in pressure and delivered to the gas filling device 7.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 2 is a self-operated pressure regulating valve. This valve automatically adjusts the valve core opening using outlet pressure feedback, and can stably reduce the inlet high pressure to a preset outlet pressure without external power. It has a simple structure and reliable operation.

[0030] In some embodiments, an isolation valve 3 is provided on the second pipeline downstream of the outlet of the pressure reducing valve 2. This isolation valve 3 can be used to completely isolate the pressure reducing valve 2 from the downstream filling device when the device is not in operation, facilitating maintenance and replacement of downstream equipment and serving as an additional safety barrier. Under normal operation, the isolation valve 3 is normally open and is only closed when it is necessary to separate the upstream and downstream of the pipeline.

[0031] In some embodiments, the device further includes a safety valve 6, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet pipeline of the pressure reducing valve 2. The set pressure of the safety valve 6 is slightly higher than the normal outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve 2. When the pressure reducing valve 2 fails, causing an abnormal increase in downstream pressure, the safety valve 6 will automatically open to release pressure, preventing overpressure damage to downstream pipelines and equipment and ensuring system safety. Optionally, the safety valve 6 can be installed on the pipeline between the outlet of the pressure reducing valve 2 and the isolation valve 3.

[0032] In some embodiments, the gas filling device 7 is a filling column, which is provided with a quick-connect interface for connecting to an external low-pressure gas storage container (such as a long-tube trailer gas cylinder or a tubular container). This filling column provides a standardized connection method, facilitating operation. Filling columns are very mature products in this field and will not be described in detail here; for example, hydrogen filling columns are used in hydrogen refueling stations.

[0033] In some embodiments, the high-pressure gas source consists of at least two high-pressure gas storage cylinder groups connected in parallel; the first valve includes a first branch valve respectively located on the outlet branch of each high-pressure gas storage cylinder group. By controlling the opening and closing of different first branch valves, pressure relief and recovery can be selectively performed on a specific cylinder group. Furthermore, if all the first branch valves connected to the normally operating cylinder groups are opened simultaneously, high-pressure gas can flow between the cylinder groups, achieving pressure self-balancing. It should be noted that if two first branch valves need to be opened simultaneously, they should be opened slowly to avoid excessively rapid pressure changes.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first valve is either a manual valve or a pneumatic valve. Manual valves are inexpensive and highly reliable; pneumatic valves can be connected to a control system to achieve remote automatic control, improving operational convenience and automation levels.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pressure reducing valve 2, the first valve, and the safety valve 6 are connected by pipelines and integrated into the sequence control panel 8 or mounted on a panel to form a pressure reducing panel assembly. This integrated design is compact, easy to install and arrange within the station, and also facilitates overall manufacturing, testing, and maintenance.

[0036] In some embodiments, the filling column is an integrated filling and discharging structure modified from a hydrogen unloading column. That is, the existing unloading column of the hydrogen refueling station is used as the hydrogen unloading column, and by adding the necessary pipelines and valves, it is made to add filling and recovery functions, saving equipment investment and floor space.

[0037] For example, the modification scheme for the hydrogen unloading column is to add a tee to the back end of the manual valve (manual shut-off valve of the hydrogen unloading pipeline) of the original hydrogen unloading column, which is connected to the pressure relief valve group and connected to the pipeline after valve No. 3 of the hydrogen unloading column.

[0038] In some embodiments, the working pressure range of the high-pressure gas source is 20MPa to 90MPa, and the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve 2 is set to no more than 45MPa to accommodate the pressure specifications of most common high-pressure gas storage and transportation equipment.

[0039] The following explanation uses a hydrogen refueling station with a 45MPa hydrogen storage cylinder group as an example to illustrate how this invention can be applied to modify the system and add a pressure relief and recovery function.

[0040] As attached Figure 1 As shown, the core of this utility model's safety pressure relief device is a pressure relief and recovery circuit connected in parallel to the main outlet pipeline of the existing 45MPa hydrogen storage cylinder group A4 and hydrogen storage cylinder group B. This circuit mainly includes a first valve A9, a first valve B1, a pressure reducing valve 2, an isolation valve 3, a safety valve 6, and a gas filling device 7.

[0041] The first valves A9 and B1 are manual ball valves, installed on branch pipes leading from the outlets of hydrogen storage cylinder group A4 and B5 respectively, serving as start switches for pressure relief operation. Pressure reducing valve 2 is a self-operated pressure regulating valve with an inlet pressure of 45 MPa and an outlet pressure set at 20 MPa. An isolation valve 3 (manual valve) and a safety valve 6 (set to burst pressure of 22 MPa) are installed sequentially on the pipeline after its outlet. All valves are connected via stainless steel pipes and flanges and are centrally mounted on a metal panel, forming an integrated pressure reducing panel assembly. Finally, the depressurized hydrogen is transported through pipelines to a gas filling device 7, i.e., the filling column.

[0042] This filling column was modified from the existing hydrogen unloading column within the station. While retaining its original unloading function, an interface connecting to the pressure reducing panel outlet and corresponding valves were added, making it an integrated filling and discharging structure. Specifically, the modification scheme for the hydrogen unloading column involves adding a tee to the rear end of the original hydrogen unloading column's manual valve (manual shut-off valve for the hydrogen unloading pipeline), connecting it to the pressure relief valve assembly, and then connecting it to the pipeline after valve number 3 of the hydrogen unloading column. The filling column outlet is equipped with a standard quick-connect interface for connecting to a 20MPa long-tube trailer.

[0043] Workflow: Preparation: Confirm that the 20MPa long-tube trailer is parked and reliably connected to the quick-connect interface of the filling column via a hose.

[0044] Open the downstream passage: Slowly open the isolation valve 3 and observe the pressure gauge reading after the pressure reducing valve 2 to confirm that it is stable at around 20MPa.

[0045] Initiate pressure relief and recovery: Slowly open the first valve corresponding to the cylinder group that needs pressure relief. For example, to relieve pressure on hydrogen storage cylinder group A4, open the first valve A9. High-pressure hydrogen gas at 45MPa enters the pressure reducing valve 2 and is automatically reduced to 20MPa.

[0046] Filling: Hydrogen gas at 20MPa flows automatically through isolation valve 3 and filling column into the long-tube trailer due to the pressure difference between the hydrogen gas and the trailer. The entire process requires no external power source such as a compressor.

[0047] End of operation: When the system pressure is balanced, observe the pressure gauge of hydrogen storage cylinder group A4. When the pressure is close to 20MPa, close the first valve A9 and the isolation valve 3 in sequence.

[0048] Disconnect: Disconnect the filling column from the long-tube trailer. The recovery operation is complete. Any remaining gas below 20 MPa in hydrogen storage cylinder group A4 can be treated through the existing venting system within the station.

[0049] Compared to conventional direct emission methods, this embodiment unloads the hydrogen at a pressure of 45 MPa, which is higher than the pressure of the long-tube trailer. This allows for the recovery of most of the high-pressure hydrogen without consuming electricity, resulting in significant energy savings. Furthermore, the device has a clear structure, uses commercially available, mature components, and is highly reliable, easy to implement, and easy to maintain.

[0050] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A safety pressure relief device, characterized in that, include: Pressure reducing valve (2), which is connected to a high-pressure gas source through a first pipeline; the pressure reducing valve (2) is a self-operated pressure regulating valve used to reduce the pressure of high-pressure gas to a preset low pressure; Gas filling device (7), which is connected to pressure reducing valve (2) through a second pipeline; a first valve for controlling the opening and closing of the passage is provided on the first pipeline.

2. The safety pressure relief device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An isolation valve (3) is provided on the second pipeline after the outlet of the pressure reducing valve (2).

3. A safety pressure relief device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a safety valve (6), the inlet of which is connected to the outlet pipe of the pressure reducing valve (2).

4. The safety pressure relief device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas filling device (7) is a filling column, which is provided with an interface for connecting to an external low-pressure gas storage container.

5. The safety pressure relief device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-pressure gas source consists of at least two high-pressure gas storage cylinder groups connected in parallel; the first valve includes a first branch valve respectively located on the outlet branch of each of the high-pressure gas storage cylinder groups.

6. The safety pressure relief device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve is either a manual valve or a pneumatic valve.

7. The safety pressure relief device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure reducing valve (2), the first valve, and the safety valve (6) are integrated and installed on a panel to form a pressure reducing panel assembly.

8. The safety pressure relief device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working pressure range of the high-pressure gas source is 20MPa to 90MPa, and the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve (2) is set to no higher than 45MPa.

9. A safety pressure relief device, characterized in that, include: Pressure reducing valve (2), which is connected to a high-pressure gas source through a first pipeline; A gas filling device (7) is connected to the pressure reducing valve (2) via a second pipeline; a first valve for controlling the opening and closing of the passage is provided on the first pipeline; The gas filling device (7) is a filling column, which is provided with an interface for connecting to an external low-pressure gas storage container; the filling column is a filling and discharging integrated structure modified from a hydrogen unloading column.

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