PRESSURE VESSEL FOR FLUIDS WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR CALCULATION OF FLUID QUANTITY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container for pressurized fluid, in particular a gas cylinder, typically a medical gas, comprising a fluid dispensing tap and an electronic device comprising pressure measuring means making it possible to carry out successive pressure measurements repeated at a given frequency and data processing means making it possible to determine a fluid autonomy from these successive pressure measurements.

[0002] Medical fluids or gases, such as oxygen, NO / N 2 , N 2 O / O 2 , He / O 2 , medical air or other mixtures, are generally packaged in pressurized gas containers, such as gas cylinders or canisters, which are equipped with a distribution tap, with (RDI) or without an integrated pressure reduction system, used to supply the medical gas and a needle pressure gauge or an electronic device with a digital display used to display the residual gas pressure or gas autonomy. In general, a rigid protective cover, also called a "hat", is used to protect the tap and its equipment against impacts, falls, dirt, etc.

[0003] Thus, EP-A-2918892 proposes a gas cylinder equipped with an integrated pressure reducing valve (IRV) and an electronic device with a digital display screen.

[0004] An electronic pressure vessel device generally includes pressure and temperature sensors, as well as a processor and a display screen for calculating and displaying, among other things, the residual gas volume, gas pressure and gas autonomy, which vary depending on the gas flow rate delivered by the valve.

[0005] For example, reference may be made to FR-A-3050053, FR-A-3087870 and FR-A-3016679 which describe gas cylinders equipped with electronic devices used to provide information on autonomy, pressure or other matters.

[0006] It has been observed in practice that the display of the remaining autonomy is often quite imprecise and / or fluctuating, that is to say that the displayed autonomy values regularly rise or fall. Such imprecision leads, for example, to the autonomy decreasing by given periods of time, for example hour by hour or 10 minutes by 10 minutes, which leads to a certain uncertainty for the user and / or a low level of confidence.

[0007] This is not satisfactory because, in a medical environment, a user expects to see autonomy decrease minute by minute, that is to say to be able to benefit from more precise and more reliable information.

[0008] However, this inaccuracy is linked to several phenomena which can accumulate, in particular to the precision of the pressure sensor which can present variations in measurements of up to 100 mbar for two identical measurements, to temperature phenomena, such as the expansion of the gas during its use, to energy consumption restrictions, to the reactivity of the display desired by the user (e.g. display in less than one second), to the use of low flow rates (e.g. a few liters per minute causes a small pressure drop, comparable to the inaccuracy of the sensor), to a significant filling of the container

[0009] All these phenomena increase the difficulty in calculating and providing more reliable and precise autonomy, for example decreasing minute by minute.

[0010] In other words, a problem is therefore to be able to carry out a more precise calculation and a more reliable display on the digital display screen of the remaining autonomy of a fluid container, in particular a gas cylinder, in particular a medical oxygen cylinder, equipped with a gas distribution tap and an electronic device with a digital display screen.

[0011] A solution according to the invention relates to a pressurized fluid container, in particular a gas cylinder, having a given internal volume, comprising a fluid dispensing tap comprising: a flow rate selection member capable of adopting several distinct positions each corresponding to a given fluid flow rate of between 0 and 30 L / min, said flow rate selection member being manipulable by a user to select a desired flow rate, and an electronic device comprising: ▪ pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure of the fluid contained in the fluid container, ▪ microprocessor data processing means for processing at least part of the pressure measurements made by the pressure measuring means and calculating a fluid autonomy, and ▪ display means for displaying the fluid autonomy calculated by the data processing means, characterized in that: the pressure measuring means are configured to carry out several successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ), said successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) being repeated at a given frequency (F) of between 5 and 300 seconds, these pluralities of successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) forming blocks of pressure measurements, and the data processing means are configured to determine the fluid autonomy by determining at least one pressure variation from said blocks of pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) measured by the pressure measuring means at the given frequency (F) and at least one additional parameter chosen from the position of the flow rate selection member, the temperature of the fluid and the volume of the fluid container.

[0012] Depending on the embodiment considered, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: said successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) are repeated at a given frequency (F) for a period of time (dt). the period of time (dt) is several days, several weeks, several months or several years. said successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) are repeated at a given frequency (F) without interruption, that is to say carried out continuously whether the container is in use or not in use, for example stored. said successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) are repeated at a given frequency (F) of between 5 and 150 seconds, preferably between 5 and 90 seconds, more preferably between 5 and 30 seconds. the flow rate selection member is configured to adopt distinct positions corresponding to fluid flow rates of between 0 and 25 L / min. it comprises at least one position sensor configured to determine the position of the flow rate adjustment member.it comprises at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the fluid. the given volume of the fluid container is stored by the data processing means, in particular by the microprocessor or storage means, preferably the given volume of the fluid container is between 1 L and 20 L. said at least one pressure variation is a pressure drop slope. the flow rate selection member comprises a rotary member, preferably a rotary handwheel, and the selectable positions are angularly offset positions.

[0013] More generally, the pressurized fluid container of the invention may also comprise one or more of the following additional features: it comprises a combined pressure and temperature sensor. the pressure and temperature sensor(s) is / are in fluid communication with an internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing tap so as to carry out pressure and / or temperature measurements therein. the container comprises an internal fluid storage volume of between 1 L and 20 L (water equivalent), preferably between 2 and 15 L (water equivalent). the internal volume of the fluid container is stored by the data processing means, in particular by the microprocessor or storage means, for example an EEPROM type memory or the like. the data processing means are configured to process the position of the flow rate selection member determined by said at least one position sensor in order to deduce therefrom the fluid flow rate selected by the user. the data processing means comprise a time counter.the sensor(s) is / are electrically connected to the data processing means to provide pressure and / or temperature measurements (i.e. signals) of the fluid to said data processing means. the temperature sensor is configured to measure one or more temperatures between -40°C and +70°C. the data processing means comprise one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms. the electronic card is arranged in the electronic device. the electronic card carries the microprocessor(s). the microprocessor(s) are configured to process the pressure and / or temperature measurements provided by the pressure and temperature sensor(s). the data processing means comprise the electronic card. the data processing means comprise at least one microprocessor integrated in the form of a microcontroller.the microprocessor(s), in particular the microcontroller(s), is configured to record data, in particular within dedicated software or algorithm. the internal passage of the fluid distribution valve within which the fluid pressure and temperature measurements are made is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the gas container where the pressurized fluid, in particular pressurized gas, is stored. the data processing means and the display means are powered by an electric current source. the sensor(s) are powered by the electric current source(s). the electric current source comprises one or more electric batteries or cells, rechargeable or not. the single pressure and / or temperature sensor(s) comprises on-board electronics for determining the pressure and / or temperature of the gas.the combined pressure and temperature sensor comprises on-board electronics comprising membrane means for determining the gas pressure and temperature probe means for measuring the gas temperature. the membrane means and the temperature probe means are arranged so as to be in contact with the gas carried by the internal passage of the sensor body, i.e. a single gas conduit. the on-board electronics of the single pressure and temperature sensor are electrically connected to the data processing means to communicate to them signals and / or measured pressure and temperature values. the on-board electronics of the single pressure and temperature sensor comprises one (or more) additional microprocessors.the electronic device is a digital pressure gauge configured to display the fluid pressure, the volume of fluid in the container, the gas flow rate supplied by the tap and also the gas autonomy, i.e. duration of use relative to the quantity of residual fluid in the container and / or the gas supply rate by the tap. the display means of the electronic device comprise a digital display screen, also called a digital display, i.e. such as a digital display screen, for example an LCD type display screen. the fluid distribution tap comprises a flow outlet connector or nozzle for delivering the fluid at the desired flow rate, typically a gas, in particular a medical gas.the fluid dispensing valve comprises a fluid inlet port in fluid communication with the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve so as to allow the entry of pressurized fluid from the internal volume of the fluid container into the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve. the fluid inlet port of the fluid dispensing valve is in fluid communication with the internal volume of the fluid container. the internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve fluidically connects the fluid inlet port of the dispensing valve to the outlet connector of the dispensing valve, in particular the flow outlet connector to which a device using or conveying the fluid, for example a medical device or a flexible conduit, is connected. the fluid dispensing valve comprises a threaded attachment tip, ie an expansion, of truncated cone or cylindrical shape.The threaded attachment end of the dispensing valve carries the fluid inlet orifice. The container is a pressurized gas cylinder. The gas cylinder comprises a neck carrying the fluid outlet orifice in fluid communication with the interior of the gas cylinder, i.e. with the internal volume containing the pressurized gas. The fluid outlet orifice of the gas cylinder is threaded. The threaded attachment end of the fluid dispensing valve is screwed into the threaded neck of the gas cylinder. The internal gas circuit of the fluid dispensing valve is arranged, for example drilled, in the body of the fluid dispensing valve. The flow outlet connector of the fluid dispensing valve is configured to be fluidically connected to a flexible gas line or another device using the fluid, such as a medical device or apparatus.the data processing means are arranged in a rigid housing of the electronic device. the flow rate selection device comprises a rotary handwheel configured to move between several positions angularly offset from each other, each position corresponding to a given desired gas flow rate value. the flow rate selection device comprises markings corresponding to the selectable desired gas flow rates. the flow rate selection device further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device arranged in the body of the valve in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value. the flow rate adjustment device comprises a calibrated orifice disc arranged on the gas path in the body of the valve. the gas outlet connection is arranged in the center of the rotary handwheel, that is to say they are arranged coaxially with each other.the digital display of the electronic device is configured to display various information useful to the user, in particular a gas autonomy, a gas pressure, a gas volume, a gas flow rate or even an alert icon, for example an autonomy alert or a hose clamping alert, or other information or graphic representations, for example a bar graph or the like. the data processing means are configured to trigger an audible alert and a visual alert in the event of triggering an alert, in particular a clamping alert or an autonomy alert. the electronic device further comprises data storage means. the data storage means comprise a read-only memory, preferably an EEPROM or the like. the data storage means are arranged on an electronic card, preferably on the electronic card carrying the microprocessor.the electronic device is fixed to the body of the gas distribution valve, in particular by screwing or by a pin system. the electrical energy source electrically supplies the electrical card, the microprocessor(s), and all components operating with electric current, such as the digital display, the pressure and temperature sensor and / or an alert LED. the fluid distribution valve is protected by a protective cover comprising a rigid cover body arranged around said fluid distribution valve. the electrical current source is arranged in a compartment of the protective cover. the housing of the electronic device comprising the digital display is housed in an opening provided in the cover body. the cover body defines an internal spacing sized to house the gas distribution valve. the cover body is made of polymer material, metal or combinations thereof.the cover body comprises one (or more) carrying handles, preferably the carrying handle is arranged so as to surmount the cover, that is to say it is located substantially above the cover. the gas distribution valve is an integrated pressure reducing valve or RDI, that is to say a valve including a fluid pressure reducing system arranged on the internal circuit conveying the fluid from the container to the outlet connection. gas pressure reducing means are arranged on the internal gas circuit. the gas pressure reducing means comprise a pressure reducing valve and a valve seat. They make it possible to reduce the gas pressure from the high pressure of the gas stored in the container, typically several tens to hundreds of bar, to a lower pre-set operating pressure, typically a few bar, for example from 2 to 5 bar abs. the fluid distribution valve is made of a copper alloy, such as brass.the cover body further comprises a hooking system designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like. the cover body further comprises a movable, preferably pivoting, hooking system. the fluid container contains, when full, a gas at a pressure of at least 130 to 200 bar abs, typically more than 200 bar abs, or even at least 300 bar abs. the container has a generally cylindrical shape, in particular an ogive shape, made of metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or of composite material(s). the fluid container contains a gas or gas mixture, such as oxygen, a NO / N 2 , O 2 / N 2 O or He / O 2 mixture, air or another medical gas.

[0014] The invention also relates to a use of a container according to the invention for storing or supplying a gas under pressure, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen or a gas mixture N 2 O / O 2 , NO / N 2 or He / O 2 , or medical air.

[0015] The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended figures among which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid container equipped with a gas distribution valve with an electronic device according to the invention, and Fig. 2 represents an embodiment of a fluid container of the pressurized gas cylinder type according to the invention. Fig. 3 schematizes the successive pressure measurements at the given frequency carried out by an electronic device of a fluid container according to the invention.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pressurized fluid container 1 according to the invention, whereas the Fig. 2 represents an embodiment of such a fluid container 1, namely here a pressurized gas cylinder of axis AA.

[0017] The fluid container 1 comprises an internal volume 2 for storing gas under pressure, for example more than 200 bar abs (full pressure), and is equipped with a fluid distribution valve 3, such as an RDI, crossed by an internal fluid passage or circuit (not shown) in fluid communication with the internal volume 2 of the container 1 so as to convey the fluid, namely here gas, such as oxygen, within the body of the gas distribution valve 3 to an outlet connection 11, visible in Fig. 2 , in flow rate to which is fluidly connected for example a flexible gas pipe (not shown) or another device using the delivered gas.

[0018] The bottle or container 1 of pressurized gas of the Fig. 2 comprises a cylindrical body and a neck, i.e. it is ogive-shaped. The cylindrical body defines the internal volume 2 for storing pressurized gas, typically a maximum pressure between 130 and 300 bar abs, or even beyond 300 bar abs. The neck comprises a fluid inlet / outlet orifice communicating with the internal volume 2 and allowing gas to be withdrawn from the internal volume 2 or, conversely, to be filled when it is empty. The gas distribution valve 3 is mounted, typically screwed, at the orifice of the neck of the gas cylinder.

[0019] The container 1 has a generally cylindrical shape and is made of metal or metal alloy (e.g. steel, aluminum, etc.) or composite material(s). It contains a gas or gas mixture, such as oxygen, a NO / N 2 , O 2 / N 2 O or He / O 2 mixture, air or any other medical gas, typically medical oxygen.

[0020] The gas distribution tap 3, which is here a RDI including internal expansion means, is aimed, via an expansion or a threaded fixing tip, at the neck of the gas bottle, that is to say that it is screwed into the fluid inlet / outlet orifice which has an additional thread.

[0021] The gas distribution tap 3 further comprises a gas distribution connector or end piece, called a flow outlet connector 11, to which a flexible gas line, such as a flexible plastic pipe, can be connected, for example, for conveying the gas to a medical apparatus or device using the gas supplied by the tap 3, for example a breathing mask distributing gas to a patient at a flow rate prescribed by a doctor or the like corresponding to a treatment to be followed. The tap body is preferably made of brass or stainless steel.

[0022] Furthermore, the gas distribution valve 3 comprises either a separate pressure sensor 4 and temperature sensor, or a single pressure and temperature sensor, used to measure the pressure and / or temperature of the gas, within the internal gas passage and / or in the internal volume 2 of the container 1, and to provide pressure measurements (i.e. a digital value or a signal corresponding to a digital value) to data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15.

[0023] Preferably, a single pressure and temperature sensor 4 is used because this type of sensor simplifies the overall architecture of the tap by reducing the number of tappings or drillings required to take measurements, which also reduces the risk of leaks.

[0024] The data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15 are or comprise a device or a data processing unit comprising one or more microprocessors implementing one or more algorithms, for example an electronic card carrying one (or more) microprocessors 15 implementing one or more calculation algorithms or others, preferably one (or more) microcontroller. The data processing means 5 are also called control means, control electronics or the like.

[0025] The data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15 are configured to process the raw pressure and raw temperature measurements provided by the pressure and temperature sensor(s). They are preferably arranged in the housing of the electronic device 7, for example a digital pressure gauge, fixed to the fluid distribution tap 3, which also comprises a digital display 6, such as an LCD screen or the like, used to display the autonomy or other parameters.

[0026] Further provided is a user-operable flow rate selection device 12, such as a rotary handwheel, for selecting a desired gas flow rate to be delivered from the outlet connection 11 as a flow rate, for example to meet a doctor's prescription or the like. As illustrated in Fig. 2 , the flow rate selection device 12 may be a rotary handwheel capable of moving in rotation between several angular positions, offset from each other, which each correspond to a given flow rate value, namely typically selectable gas flow rate values between 0 L / min and 30 L / min, preferably between 0 and 25 L / min.

[0027] For example, the selectable flow rate values may be as follows: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 22 and 25 L / min, or any other value. The desired flow rate value selected by the user by actuating the flow rate selection device 12, i.e. rotary handwheel, appears in a reading window 14 located above the flow rate selection device 12, for example a cutout provided in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the tap 3 and serving to protect it against impacts or other external aggressions.

[0028] The flow rate selection device 12 further cooperates with a flow rate adjustment device arranged in the valve body 3 in order to adjust the flow rate to the desired gas flow rate value, for example the flow rate adjustment device may be a calibrated orifice disc arranged in the gas path in the valve body 3. Such an arrangement is known per se.

[0029] Once the desired gas flow rate has been selected, the position of the flow rate selection device 12, for example the angular position of the rotary handwheel, can be determined using one or more position sensors. Knowing the angular position of the rotary handwheel then allows the data processing means 5 to know the value of the desired gas flow rate that has been selected.

[0030] In the embodiment of the Fig. 2 , the flow outlet connection 11 is arranged centrally and coaxially with the flow selection rotary handwheel 12; however, they could also be separated from each other according to other possible embodiments (not shown).

[0031] Furthermore, the pressure sensor(s) 4 is configured and arranged to measure the pressure of the gas in the bottle 1, i.e. coming from the internal volume 2, and then provide the pressure measurements made to the data processing means 5 (i.e. digital values or signals corresponding to digital values), as explained below with reference to Fig. 3 .

[0032] The pressure (or temperature) measurements made and transmitted by the pressure sensor(s) 4 and temperature sensor(s) are for example signals which represent either raw pressure and / or raw temperature values, or other quantities, such as voltage or current values, corresponding to raw pressure and / or raw temperature values. These pressure and / or temperature measurements are processed by the data processing means 5 to determine the autonomy, or even other information such as the volume of gas in the container 1, the gas pressure in the container 1 or other.

[0033] This information can be displayed on the display 6 for a user, typically a healthcare worker, such as a doctor or a nurse.

[0034] A time counter is also provided, for example internal to the data processing means 5, in order to allow duration calculations or other time monitoring.

[0035] The internal volume 2 of the container 1 (in water equivalent) is a known value which can be stored by storage means 9 either directly in software implemented by the microprocessor 15, or in a computer memory of the EEPROM type or the like, of the electronic device 7. The computer memory can be arranged on the electronic card carrying the microprocessor 15 and electrically connected to the latter. For example, gas cylinders equipped with this type used to distribute medical oxygen (i.e. medical grade) typically have internal volumes 2 of between 1 L and 20 L (water equivalent), typically between 2 L and 15 L, for example, depending on the cylinder considered, the volume can be of the order of 2 L, 3.5 L, 4.6 L, 5 L, 7 L, 10 L, 11 L or 15 L.

[0036] The storage means 9 can also record other data, such as for example the time elapsing between successive instants, pressure and / or temperature measurements, etc., or other parameters, such as the position of the selector, the configuration of the bottle, the filling pressure, alerts, etc.

[0037] More generally, the electronic device 7, for example a digital pressure gauge, which comprises the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15, such as an electronic card, is housed in an opening or housing provided in the body 10 of the protective cover 13 arranged around the fluid distribution tap 3 and serving to protect it against impacts or other possible damage, for example a rigid cover made of polymer and / or metal, as illustrated in Fig. 2 .

[0038] The body 10 of the cover 13 defines a volume or housing sized to house the gas distribution valve, namely here a valve with integrated pressure regulator or RDI. It also comprises one (or more) carrying handles 16 arranged here so as to surmount the cover 13, that is to say that it is located substantially above the body 10 of the cover 13, being connected to the body 10 by here two support uprights 17 projecting substantially upwards.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the cover body 10 may further comprise a hooking system 18 (not completely visible), preferably a pivoting hook, designed to allow it to be hooked to a support, in particular to a hospital bed bar or to a patient transport stretcher or the like.

[0040] The digital display 6 of the electronic device 7 comprises a digital screen, i.e. digital, for example liquid crystal (LCD) or other, carried by the rigid casing, in particular the front face, of the electronic device 7, as illustrated in Fig. 2 It can be displayed in color or black and white.

[0041] The digital display 6 is electrically powered by an electrical energy source (not visible) arranged in the cover 13, for example one or more batteries or cells arranged in a battery compartment arranged in the wall of the cover body and closed by a removable hatch or the like. The electrical energy source also serves to power the other components of the electronic device 7 requiring electrical current to operate, in particular the data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15.

[0042] As already explained, the digital display 6 of the electronic device 7 makes it possible to display all the information useful to the user, such as for example pressure values, gas volume, autonomy (in hours and minutes) or other information or data, for example the value of the desired or actual gas flow rate (in L / min or in another unit), or the gas autonomy (in hours and minutes) can also be represented by a bar graph. For example, the digital display 6 comprises a screen with a height of between approximately 29 and 37 mm and a width of, for example, between approximately 39 and 43 mm.

[0043] The data processing means 5 with microprocessor 15, typically an electronic card, are also configured to control audible alert means and / or visual alert means, preferably both, so as to trigger at least one audible alert and / or one visual alert, preferably both, in the event of detection of a malfunction, in particular a clamping, or of a quantity of gas or autonomy that is too low.

[0044] According to the invention, the data processing means 5 are configured to carry out a more precise calculation of the remaining autonomy of the gas cylinder from successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) carried out by the pressure measuring means 4, typically a pressure sensor.

[0045] More precisely, as illustrated in Fig. 3 , the pressure measuring means 4 are configured to operate, preferably continuously, successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) which are repeated over time at a given frequency (F) of between 5 and 300 seconds, preferably between 5 and 30 seconds. These pluralities of successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) form sets, blocks or groups of pressure measurements, as visible on Fig. 3 .

[0046] Furthermore, the data processing means 5 determine the fluid autonomy from these pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) measured at the given frequency (F).

[0047] These successive pressure measurements (P 1 ...P n ) make it possible to establish a pressure variation over time, namely one or more pressure drop slopes as a function of time. It is then these pressure drop slopes which make it possible to calculate the autonomy.

[0048] In addition, one (or more) additional parameters chosen from the position of the flow selection member 12, the temperature of the fluid and the volume of the fluid container is (are) used to calculate the autonomy even more precisely. This calculation can be done in a manner known per se.

[0049] A pressurized gas container 1, in particular a gas cylinder, according to the invention is particularly well suited for the storage and supply of medicinal oxygen or any other medicinal gas.

Claims

1. Container (1) for pressurized fluid, in particular a gas cylinder, having a given internal volume (2), comprising a fluid distribution valve (3) comprising: - a member for selecting the flow rate (12) able to adopt a plurality of distinct positions each corresponding to a given fluid flow rate between 0 and 30 L / min, said member for selecting the flow rate (12) being able to be manipulated by a user in order to select a desired flow rate, - and an electronic device (7) comprising: ■ means for measuring pressure in order to measure the pressure of the fluid contained in the fluid container, ■ microprocessor (15)-based data processing means (5) for processing at least some of the pressure measurements taken by the means for measuring pressure and calculating a remaining fluid, and ■ display means (6) for displaying the remaining fluid calculated by the data processing means (5), characterized in that: - the means for measuring pressure are configured to take a plurality of successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn), said successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn) being repeated at a given frequency (F) between 5 and 300 seconds, these pluralities of successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn) forming blocks of pressure measurements, and - the data processing means (5) are configured to determine the remaining fluid by determining at least one pressure variation based on said blocks of pressure measurements (P1...Pn) measured by the means for measuring pressure at the given frequency (F) and at least one additional parameter chosen from among the position of the member for selecting the flow rate (12), the temperature of the fluid and the volume of the fluid container.

2. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that said successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn) are repeated at a given frequency (F) between 5 and 30 seconds.

3. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that said successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn) are taken continuously.

4. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one position sensor configured to determine the position of the member for regulating the flow rate (12) and / or at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the fluid.

5. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the given volume of the fluid container is stored by the data processing means (5), in particular by the microprocessor (15) or storage means.

6. Container according to Claim 5, characterized in that the given volume of the fluid container is between 1 L and 20 L.

7. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that said at least one pressure variation is a slope of the pressure drop.

8. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the member for selecting the flow rate (12) comprises a rotary member, preferably a rotary handwheel, and the selectable positions are angularly offset positions.

9. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that said successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn) are repeated at a given frequency (F) over a period of time (dt) of several days, several weeks, several months or several years.

10. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that said successive pressure measurements (P1...Pn) are repeated at a given frequency (F) without interruption, regardless of whether or not the container is in use.

11. Use of a fluid container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, to store or to supply a pressurized gas, in particular a medical gas chosen from oxygen or a gaseous mixture of N2O / O2, NO / N2, He / O2, or medical air.

12. Use according to Claim 11, characterized in that the pressurized gas is oxygen.