Oxygen cartridge regeneration and filling installation

Abstract

Title of the invention Installation for regenerating and filling an oxygen cartridge The invention relates to an installation (50) for conditioning an O2 cartridge (5) comprising an oxygen production unit (3) cooperating with a filling unit (1) comprising a gas distribution device (100), cartridge receiving means (140) for receiving an O2 cartridge (5) provided with two valves (51, 52) controlling the gas flows entering and leaving the O2 cartridge (5), and an atmosphere connection port (123a) in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere (A). Abstract figure: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for regenerating and filling an oxygen cartridge

[0001] The present invention relates to an installation or station for conditioning, i.e. regeneration and filling, an oxygen cartridge equipped with two valves for controlling the gas inlets and outlets, and containing a selective CO2 adsorbent material.

[0002] EP4227575 teaches a small oxygen cartridge having a volume internal less than IL (water equiv.) containing a zeolite type adsorbent. It contains a volume of oxygen (O2) of several liters, for example 15 L, at low pressure (i.e. < 10 bar), which can be discharged into a flexible tank, after activation, i.e. when it is used.

[0003] In use, the cartridge is coupled to a respiratory interface so that a user can breathe oxygen flowing through the cartridge during its inspiratory phases. During its expiratory phases, carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the gases exhaled by the user is trapped by the adsorbent, while unmetabolized O2 in the exhaled gases is not retained.

[0004] The exhaled gases are therefore purified of the CO2 they contain, or even of some of the water vapor that may be present there, but not of the oxygen and can then be reinhaled by the user.

[0005] In other words, such a system makes it possible to recycle the oxygen found in the gases exhaled by the user, i.e. to eliminate the CO2 while conserving the oxygen found therein, which offers increased autonomy, i.e. a duration of use, and avoids wasting the exhaled oxygen which can represent up to 95% of the flow of OK exhaled gases.

[0006] Such cartridges are therefore well suited, due to their small size, their lightness, their relatively long battery life, to use in particular by military or similar healthcare personnel, in particular in military operational areas (e.g. OPEX), combat zones or similar areas.

[0007] However, once used, this cartridge needs to be recycled, i.e. regenerated and refilled. This can be done in a filling center equipped with a source of hot gas, i.e. approximately 250°C, in order to regenerate the adsorbent, i.e. evacuate / desorb the trapped CO2, and a source of pressurized O2 to fill the cartridge with oxygen, at a pressure not exceeding 10 bar for example.

[0008] However, this way of recycling cartridges has drawbacks.

[0009] Thus, it requires the establishment of complex transport logistics (i.e. recovery of used cartridges, typically saturated with CO2 and / or empty, transport to the center, re-filling and re-transportation of full cartridges) and access to one or more filling centers not too far from the sites where the cartridges are used.

[0010] This is not always possible or easy.

[0011] Thus, in a combat zone or a military operating area, for example an external theatre of operations (OPEX), the refilling of this type of cartridge according to the process described above is impossible due to existing logistical constraints, the risks incurred, the absence or inaccessibility of a filling center, etc. However, the availability of oxygen can be critical, in particular in the event of injury to a soldier in a theatre of operations requiring immediate administration of oxygen. This type of O2 cartridge can then constitute an effective solution for providing first aid, while waiting for more appropriate medical assistance.

[0012] Simply throwing away the cartridges after use, i.e. without recycling them, is not ideal either because this then requires multiplying the number of cartridges, which then leads to additional logistical and storage constraints which are not acceptable when one is in an environment where the weight and size of the deliveries must be limited, such as on a military operation site or a combat zone, for example during an OPEX or similar.

[0013] In view of this, a problem is to improve the packaging and recycling of O2 cartridges, in particular their regeneration and their filling with fresh gas, including in remote or risky areas or sites, such as military operating grounds (eg OPEX), combat zones or the like.

[0014] According to the invention, there is proposed an installation for conditioning an O2 cartridge comprising: - an oxygen production unit comprising: • an air intake inlet supplied with ambient air, • at least one electrochemical separation module configured to produce oxygen having a purity of at least 99% vol. from ambient air coming from the air intake inlet, and discharging a waste gas, • first control means controlling said at least one electrochemical separation module, • an oxygen outlet for supplying oxygen produced by said at least one electrochemical separation module, and • a waste gas outlet delivering the waste gas from said at least one electrochemical separation module, and - a filling unit comprising: • a gas distribution device fluidically connected to the oxygen outlet, the air intake inlet and the waste gas outlet of the oxygen production unit, and furthermore to a connecting conduit, • second control means controlling the gas distribution device to operate a fluid connection between the junction conduit and one of said oxygen outlet, air intake inlet and waste gas outlet of the oxygen production unit, • cartridge receiving means for receiving an O2 cartridge provided with two valves controlling the gas flows into and out of the O2 cartridge, and • an atmospheric connection port in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

[0015] Depending on the embodiment considered, the packaging installation of the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics: - the gas distribution device comprises a rotary valve. - the gas distribution device comprises a first inlet connected fluidly to the oxygen outlet of the oxygen production unit. - the gas distribution device comprises a second inlet fluidically connected to the air intake inlet of the oxygen production unit. - the gas distribution device comprises a third inlet fluidically connected to the waste gas outlet. - the gas distribution device comprises a fourth inlet fluidically connected to the junction conduit. - the cartridge receiving means of the filling unit comprises a cartridge housing for housing the O2 cartridge. - the cartridge receiving means of the filling unit comprises cartridge holding means for holding the O2 cartridge in the cartridge housing. - the filling unit comprises movement means cooperating with the cartridge holding means to effect a translational movement of the O2 cartridge in the cartridge housing. the moving means comprise at least one mechanical actuator, preferably a linear motor or the like. the means of movement are controlled by the second means of control. the cartridge holding means comprises a first support and a second support arranged on either side of the cartridge housing, serving to mechanically hold the O2 cartridge in position in the cartridge housing. the moving means are configured to act on the cartridge holding means to move the O2 cartridge and establish a fluid connection, through the valves of the O2 cartridge, between the internal volume of the O2 cartridge, the junction conduit and the atmosphere connection port connected to the ambient atmosphere, when an O2 cartridge provided with two valves is housed in the cartridge housing. the first support and / or the second support are movable in translation, typically up and down along a vertical axis, when they are moved by the movement means. said at least one electrochemical separation module of the oxygen production unit comprises one or more ceramic membranes. said at least one electrochemical separation module comprises one or more ceramic membranes doped with one or more electrolytes. the electrolyte(s) comprise or are, for example, compounds based on Cerium. the oxygen production unit further comprises gas suction means, gas heating means and / or heat exchange means. The rotary valve comprises a central element forming a cylinder and a peripheral element forming a cover, which are assembled or coupled to each other. the central element forming a cylinder is crossed by an angled conduit connecting a lateral orifice to a central orifice. the peripheral element forming a cover comprises a disc-shaped bottom wall and a peripheral wall forming a peripheral annular border arranged around the bottom wall and integral with each other. the bottom wall and the peripheral wall delimit a central housing configured and sized to house the central element after assembly. the peripheral element comprises several lateral recesses, i.e. such as drillings, openings, holes, orifices or the like, arranged through the annular edge and in fluid communication with the central housing, preferably a first, a second and a third lateral recess. the elbow conduit is in fluid communication with the junction conduit, via the fourth inlet. the first, second and third lateral recesses of the peripheral element can be placed in fluid communication with, respectively, the first, second and third inlets of the gas distribution device. when one of the first, second and third lateral recesses of the peripheral element is placed in fluid communication with one of the first, second and third inlets of the gas distribution device, the other two lateral recesses of the peripheral element are closed by the wall of the annular border. the (or each) ceramic membrane is configured to allow O2 molecules contained in the gas, i.e. air, to pass through it while retaining molecules of other gaseous species, in particular those of nitrogen, CO2, argon, etc. the oxygen generation unit provides oxygen at a concentration of at least 99% by volume, preferably at least 99.5% by volume, advantageously between 99.5% and 100%. the gas heating means of the oxygen generation unit are arranged between the gas suction means and said at least one electrochemical separation module. the heat exchange means of the oxygen generation unit are arranged between the gas suction means and the gas heating means. the or each O2 separation module comprises an air inlet through which the air carried by the first internal gas line enters the or each O2 separation module, before its separation by the ceramic membrane(s) arranged in the or each O2 separation module. the first and / or second control means comprise one or more electronic control cards and one or more microprocessor control units, typically one or more microcontrollers. the first control means are configured to control the or each O2 separation module. - the first control means are further configured to control the heating means and / or the gas suction means. - the first control means are configured to electrically supply the ceramic membrane(s) of the or each O2 separation module. - the first control means are electrically powered by electrical power supply means, such as the mains (110 / 220 V) and / or a rechargeable battery or similar. - in the regeneration phase (i.e. desorption), at least part of the CO2 (and possibly the water vapor) having been adsorbed by the adsorbent of the cartridge is desorbed, i.e. released. - the installation also includes electrical supply means supplying the components of the installation requiring electrical current to operate, in particular the control means.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for regenerating and filling an O2 cartridge provided with valves and containing an adsorbent material, in which an installation according to the invention is used, in particular as described above, for: a. position the O2 cartridge in the cartridge receiving means, b. hold the O2 cartridge by means of the cartridge holding means, c. moving the cartridge holding means by means of the moving means, preferably in translation, so as to establish a fluid connection, through the valves of the O2 cartridge, between the internal volume of the O2 cartridge, the junction conduit and the atmospheric connection port connected to the ambient atmosphere, d. regenerate the adsorbent material contained in the internal volume of the O2 cartridge with a waste gas at a temperature of at least 300°C from the oxygen production unit, e. cooling the adsorbent material contained in the internal volume of the O2 cartridge with air from the atmospheric connection port, f. moving the cartridge holding means by the moving means, preferably in translation, to interrupt any fluid communication between one of the valves of the O2 cartridge and the connection port to the atmosphere, g. filling the internal volume of the O2 cartridge with oxygen from the oxygen production unit (3) until a given pressure is obtained, preferably less than 10 bar, h. moving the cartridge holding means by the moving means, preferably in translation, to interrupt any fluid communication via the other of the valves of the O2 cartridge, and i. remove the O2 cartridge filled with oxygen.

[0017] The recovered O2 cartridge that has been regenerated and refilled with fresh oxygen can then be reused.

[0018] 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:

[0019] [Fig. 1] shows schematically an embodiment of an O2 cartridge conditioning installation according to the present invention.

[0020] [Fig.2] shows schematically an embodiment of the oxygen production unit of the conditioning installation of [Fig.l].

[0021] [Fig.3] shows schematically an embodiment of the filling unit of the packaging installation of [Fig.l].

[0022] [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] show schematically an embodiment of a rotary valve usable in the filling unit of [Fig.3].

[0023] [Fig.6] and [Fig.7] show schematically an embodiment of an O2 5 cartridge which can be regenerated and filled using the conditioning installation of [Fig.l].

[0024] [Fig.8], [Fig.9] and [Fig.10] show schematically the operation of the filling unit of [Fig.3].

[0025] [Fig.l] schematizes an embodiment of a conditioning station or installation 50 of an O2 cartridge type storage container 5 intended to store gaseous O2 under pressure (eg pressure <15 bar) according to the present invention. It comprises an oxygen production unit 3 and a filling unit 1 cooperating with each other.

[0026] However, although in the embodiment of [Fig.l], the oxygen production unit 3 and the filling unit 1 are independent, according to another embodiment (not shown), these units could be grouped into a single piece of equipment integrating said oxygen production units 3 and filling units 1, for example within the same common frame.

[0027] The oxygen production unit 3 acting as a high purity oxygen source 30 providing oxygen having a purity of at least >99% by vol. to a filling line 11 supplying a filling unit or system 1 used for filling one or more O2 cartridges used, typically saturated with CO2 and / or empty, i.e. therefore oxygen has been used, typically an O2 cartridge 5 with two opposite inlets having been used, such as that described by EP4227575.

[0028] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the oxygen production unit 3 comprises one or more electrochemical separation modules 316 for supplying oxygen, typically pure or almost pure oxygen (i.e. >99% vol.), for example having a purity >99.95% vol., to a gas delivery line, called filling line 11, fluidically connected to an oxygen outlet 320.1 of the oxygen production unit 3.

[0029] An example of an electrochemical separation module 316 usable in the context of the present invention is described by the document: 49th International Conference on Environmental Systems; 7-11 July 2019; Boston (MA); 1CES-2019-379; Solid State Electrochemical Oxygen Separation and Compression; M. Reisert et al.; p. 1-10.

[0030] In addition, the O2 generation unit 3 comprises first control means 35, i.e. a first control device, also called a first controller, for example a first electronic control card 350 and a first control unit 351 with microprocessor(s), typically one or more microcontrollers. The electromechanical elements of the O2 generation unit 3, in particular the O2 separation module(s) 316, as well as gas suction means 311, are electrically powered and controlled by the first control means 35. In other words, the first control means 35 control, i.e. control the operation, of the O2 separation module(s) 316 as well as the gas suction means 311.

[0031] The O2 generation unit 3 further comprises a first internal gas line 3100 comprising a first upstream portion called the intake duct 310 and a first downstream portion called the inlet duct 315, and a second internal gas line 3200 comprising a second upstream portion called the second outlet duct 325 and a second downstream portion called the exhaust duct 330.

[0032] The internal intake duct 310 comprises gas suction means 311, i.e. a gas suction device, such as a blower-type fan device or the like, for sucking in gas, i.e. ambient air as explained below, to circulate it in the internal intake duct 310 and then through the heat exchange means 312, i.e. one or more heat exchange devices, also arranged on the first internal gas line 3100. The heat exchange means 312 are arranged between the intake duct 310 and the inlet duct 315.

[0033] After passing through the heat exchange means 312, the air flow is recovered and conveyed by the inlet duct 315 of the first internal gas line 3100, which connects the heat exchange means 312 to gas heating means 313, i.e. a gas heating device, such as a gas heater or the like.

[0034] In other words, the heat exchange means 312 are arranged, on the first internal gas line 3100, between the gas suction means 311 and the gas heating means 313, which are themselves arranged on the first internal gas line 3100. The first internal gas line 3100 brings the gas, i.e. the air, to the electrochemical O2 separation module(s) 316, which are arranged downstream of the gas heating means 313.

[0035] The gas heating means 313 are configured to preheat the gases conveyed in the inlet conduit 315 to a temperature above 600°C before it is brought to one (or more) electrochemical O2 separation modules 316. According to another embodiment, several electrochemical O2 separation modules 316 are provided, for example arranged in series or in parallel.

[0036] The or each O2 separation module 316 comprises one or more ceramic membranes doped with one or more electrolytes which, under the action of heat and an electrical potential applied by the first control means 35, typically by the first control card 350, allows the O2 molecules contained in the gas, i.e. air, to pass through the ceramic membrane(s) and to be recovered in a first outlet conduit 320 with an oxygen outlet 320.1 which then supplies the main gas delivery line 320 with very high purity oxygen, i.e. > 99% vol., preferably > 99.50% vol., more preferably of the order of 99.90% vol to 99.99% vol.

[0037] A particularity of the O2 generation unit 3 is that the electrical potential applied to the ceramic membranes forces the O2 molecules to pass through them, independently of the conditions present in the first outlet conduit 320, within the limit of the mechanical characteristics of these ceramic membranes. In other words, a positive pressure (i.e. higher than atmospheric pressure) in the first outlet conduit 320 does not hinder the movement of the O2 molecules through the ceramic membranes. The O2 generation unit 3 is capable of delivering O2 for pressures in the first outlet conduit 320 reaching 10 bar relative or more. The O2 then circulates in the filling line 11, fluidically connected to the oxygen outlet 320.1 of the oxygen production unit 3.

[0038] The filling line 11 also has a branch 11a, such as a conduit or the like, comprising an exhaust valve 11b which opens at a determined pressure, for example 10 bar relative, to evacuate the excess O2 to ambient atmosphere A, when the pressure in the filling line 11 becomes higher than the exhaust pressure.

[0039] When the filling unit 1 is inactive, i.e. not comprising one or more O2 cartridges 5 as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the air is mainly captured from the ambient atmosphere A through the inlet valve 31b of the branch 31a of the interconnection conduit 31. The inlet valve 31b only allows the circulation of air coming from the ambient atmosphere A towards the interior of the interconnection conduit 31. The captured air circulates from the branch 31a to the downstream portion 31d of the interconnection conduit 31, therefore towards the inlet conduit 310 of the O2 generation unit 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 1] to [Fig. 3].

[0040] In other words, the or each O2 separation module 316 of the O2 generation unit 3 comprises: - an air inlet 316a through which the air conveyed by the first internal gas line 3100 enters the or each O2 separation module 316, before its separation by the ceramic membrane(s) located therein; - a first outlet 316b supplying the first outlet conduit 320 with a flow of high-purity oxygen produced by the ceramic membrane(s); and - a second outlet 316c supplying the second internal gas line 3200 with waste gas which has not passed through, i.e. has been retained, by the ceramic membrane(s).

[0041] Thus, the gas flow obtained circulating in the outlet conduit 320 is oxygen of (very) high purity (>99% vol.), for example of at least 99.95% vol. to 99.99% vol., at room temperature, i.e. of the order of 10 to 30°C, containing no or negligible quantities of other compounds. In other words, the ceramic membrane(s) are designed to allow only oxygen molecules to pass through.

[0042] The other compounds present, such as oxygen (not having passed through the ceramic membranes), nitrogen, argon or others, exit the O2 separation module 316 through the second outlet 316c and are then conveyed by the second internal gas line 3200 and discharged into the atmosphere as waste gas.

[0043] More precisely, due to the combination of the preheated gas and the Joule effect manifested in the or each O2 separation module 316, the waste gas containing said other gaseous compounds, which is at a temperature of the order of 850°C, leaves the O2 separation module 316 via the second outlet conduit 325 forming the upstream portion of the second internal gas line 3200 which conveys the waste gas through the heat exchange means 312, i.e. a heat exchanger, which are also arranged on the second internal gas line 3200.

[0044] In other words, the heat exchange means 312 are crossed by the first internal gas line 3100 and the second internal gas line 3200, as visible in [Fig.2],

[0045] The waste gas flow then exits through a waste gas outlet 332 of the exhaust duct 330 forming the downstream portion of the second internal gas line 3200, and is then conveyed to the gas filling unit 1, as illustrated in [Fig.l] and detailed below.

[0046] The heat exchange means 312 are configured to recover a portion of the heat energy, i.e. calories, from the waste gas supplied by the second outlet duct 325 of the second internal gas line 3200 and to supply it to the gas circulating in the inlet duct 310 of the first internal gas line 3100 to preheat it and thus optimize the electrical consumption of the O2 generation unit 3.

[0047] In other words, a heat exchange takes place, preferably counter-current, between the flow of gas circulating in the intake duct 310, that is to say the air, and the flow of waste gas brought by the second outlet duct 325 into the heat exchange means 312. The air is therefore heated there, while the waste gas is cooled there.

[0048] After heat exchange within the heat exchange means 312, i.e. the heat exchanger, the waste gas discharged through the exhaust duct 330 at a temperature that is still high, typically of the order of approximately 300°C, and contains less than 21% by volume of O2 since a small portion of the oxygen present in the initial flow has migrated through the O2 separation module 316 and has been discharged through the first outlet duct 320.

[0049] The flow rate of O2 supplied by the O2 3 generation unit is preferably low, for example of the order of 1 L / min, so as to limit the weight and size of the O2 3 generation unit but also its electrical consumption.

[0050] All components of the O2 3 generation unit are arranged in a rigid protective casing or housing 300.

[0051] In fact, the gas filling unit or system 1 is fluidically connected to the O2 production unit 3 by means of two parallel conduits, namely the first interconnecting conduit 31 and a second interconnecting conduit 33 fluidly connected, respectively, to the intake conduit 310 and to the exhaust conduit 330 so as to be able to convey air and waste gas flows between these units 1, 3. Similarly, the second interconnecting conduit 33 comprising a branch 33a, i.e. a conduit or the like, comprising an exhaust valve 33b which opens at a predefined pressure, for example a few tens of mb, to discharge the excess waste gas to the ambient atmosphere A when the pressure in the second interconnecting conduit 33 becomes too high, i.e. higher than the exhaust pressure.

[0052] [Fig.3] schematizes an embodiment of the filling unit 1, forming part of the O25 cartridge conditioning installation 50, illustrated in [Fig.l], where the used O25 cartridge is regenerated and filled.

[0053] The filling unit 1 comprises second control means 15, i.e. a second control device, also called a second controller, typically a second electronic control card 150 and a second control unit 151 with microprocessor(s), typically one or more microcontrollers.

[0054] All the electromechanical elements of the filling system or unit 1 are electrically powered and controlled by the second control means 15. The second control means 15 are themselves electrically powered by a source of electrical current (not shown), for example a connection to the mains current (110 / 220V) of the electrical cord and connection plug type, or one (or more) electrical power supply batteries, preferably rechargeable, and / or a current transformer.

[0055] The second control card 150, i.e. an electronic card, preferably integrates the microprocessor control unit 151 and is configured to control and also analyze the signals coming from the various components of the filling unit 1, such as valves, pump, sensors, etc.

[0056] The second control card 150 and the other components of the filling unit 1 are arranged in a rigid external casing or housing, for example made of polymer.

[0057] The filling unit 1 comprises a filling conduit 107 with an inlet orifice 107.1 which is fluidically connected to the filling line 11. The filling line 11 is fluidically connected, by its downstream end, to the filling conduit 107 via a connection system comprising reciprocal connectors, for example of the male / female type, making it possible to ensure a mechanical and fluidic connection, and moreover to the first outlet conduit 320 of the O2 generation unit 3. In other words, the entry of the oxygen produced by the O2 generation unit 3 takes place in the upstream portion or inlet portion of the filling conduit 107 of the filling system 1, in which a pressure sensor 1070 is also arranged.

[0058] Downstream of the pressure sensor 1070, the filling conduit 107 opens at its end 107a onto a gas distribution device 100, which here is a rotary valve 110.

[0059] The gas distribution device 100 comprises: - a first inlet 100.1 fluidly connected to the oxygen outlet 320 of the oxygen production unit 3, via the filling conduit 107 and the filling line 11, - a second inlet 100.2 fluidly connected to the air intake inlet 331 of the oxygen production unit 3, via the cooling duct 108 and a first interconnection duct 31, - a third inlet 100.3 fluidly connected to the waste gas outlet 332, via the regeneration conduit 109 and the second interconnection conduit 33, and - a fourth inlet 100.4 fluidly connected to a junction conduit 120.

[0060] The cooling duct 108 is connected to the first interconnecting duct 31, itself connected to the inlet duct 310 of the O2 generation unit 3. At its end 108a, the cooling duct 108 communicates with the second inlet 100.2 of the gas distribution device 100, namely here the rotary valve 110.

[0061] Similarly, the regeneration conduit 109 is connected to the second interconnection conduit 33, itself connected to the waste gas outlet 332 of the exhaust conduit 330 of the O2 generation unit 3. At its end 109a, the regeneration conduit 109 communicates with the third inlet 100.3 of the gas distribution device 100, namely here the rotary valve 110.

[0062] [Fig.4] is an exploded schematic view of an embodiment of the gas distribution device 100 which is here a rotary valve 110 comprising two main elements assembled to each other, namely: - a central element 111 forming a solid cylinder crossed by an angled conduit 112 connecting a lateral orifice 112a to a central orifice 112b; and - a peripheral element 115 forming a “cover”. It comprises a disc-shaped bottom wall 115-1 and a peripheral wall 115-2 forming a peripheral annular border around the bottom wall. The bottom wall 115-1 and the peripheral wall 115-2 delimit a central space or housing 116 configured and sized to house the central element 111, i.e. solid cylinder, after assembly. The peripheral element 115 has three lateral recesses 115a-115c arranged in the annular border and in fluid communication with the central housing 116.

[0063] [Fig.5] illustrates the assembly of the central element 111 and peripheral element 115 forming the “cover” of [Fig.4] to thus form the rotary valve 110.

[0064] In this configuration, the lateral orifice 112a of the conduit 112 of the solid cylinder forming the central element 111 is opposite the lateral orifice 115a of the peripheral element 115 forming a cover. Conversely, the lateral orifices 115b, 115c of the peripheral element 115 are hidden by the side wall 113, i.e. the peripheral wall 115-2, of the central element, i.e. the solid cylinder. The lateral orifice 115a is therefore in fluid communication with the central orifice 112b of the conduit 112, while the lateral orifices 115b, 115c of the peripheral element 115 are “blocked” by the side wall 113 of the central element 111.

[0065] The absence of leaks between the peripheral element 115, the central element 111 and their respective orifices can be ensured by integrating seals (not shown), for example O-rings, around the lateral orifices 115a-115c of the peripheral element 115.

[0066] Furthermore, the orifices 115a-115c of the rotary valve 110 are respectively connected, for example force-fitted, welded or otherwise, to the regeneration conduit 109, to the cooling conduit 108 and to the filling conduit 107.

[0067] Furthermore, the central orifice 112b of the bent conduit 112 of the central element 111 is itself connected to the junction conduit 120, as illustrated in [Fig. 3]. This connection is of the circular type in the sense that the central element 111 having a solid cylinder shape, can perform a rotational movement around the axis defined by the central orifice 112b, physically connected to the junction conduit 120. Such a rotational movement can be obtained by mechanical coupling to a rotary actuator (not shown), for example a stepper motor controlled by the second control card 150, then allowing the central element 111 to perform a rotational movement in the peripheral element 115.

[0068] By means of appropriate control by the second control means 15, typically by the second control card 150, the gas distribution device 100, namely here the rotary valve 110, can be configured so as to select a fluidic configuration, that is to say, in [Fig. 5], to fluidically connect the regeneration conduit 109 to the junction conduit 120, while the cooling conduit 108 and the filling conduit 107 are closed and cannot convey gas.

[0069] In other words, the gas distribution device 100, that is to say here the rotary valve 110, is controlled by the second control card 150 so as to achieve fluid communication between the regeneration conduit 109 and the junction conduit 120, and therefore all of the gas circulating in the regeneration conduit 109 is conveyed into the junction conduit 120.

[0070] Such a configuration can be modified by the second control means 15, typically the second control card 150, so as to fluidly connect the cooling conduit 108 to the junction conduit 120, or the filling conduit 107 to the same junction conduit 120.

[0071] In other words, depending on the configuration of the gas distribution device 100, namely here the rotary valve 110, controlled by the second control means 15, the junction conduit 120 is fluidically connected, either to the regeneration conduit 109, or to the cooling conduit 108, or to the filling conduit 107. Preferably, the junction conduit 120 is flexible and can extend and retract as required.

[0072] The filling system or unit 1 further comprises cartridge receiving means 140 for receiving and maintaining a used O2 cartridge 5, typically saturated with CO2 and / or empty, during its filling process with oxygen coming from the oxygen production unit 3.

[0073] The cartridge receiving means 140 comprise a cartridge housing 130 for receiving, i.e. housing, the used O2 cartridge 5, i.e. saturated with CO2 and / or empty (i.e. of which (almost) all the oxygen has been used) to be regenerated and filled with fresh gas, and cartridge holding means 121, 122, i.e., in the embodiment of [Fig. 3], a first support 121 and a second support 122 arranged on either side of the cartridge housing 130, serving to mechanically hold the O2 cartridge 5 in position in the cartridge housing 130 and to ensure fluid communication, when necessary, between the internal volume of the O2 cartridge 5 and one and / or the other of the junction conduit 120 and the port (i.e. discharge orifice) for connection to the atmosphere 123a, as explained below.

[0074] At the end 120a of the junction conduit 120 is arranged the first support 121. It is circular in shape and has a first flat bottom 121a in the center of which is arranged a first orifice 121b in fluidic relation with the junction conduit 120.

[0075] Preferably, the first support 120 is movable in translation from bottom to top on [Fig.3], that is to say that it can be moved according to vertical translation movements in response to an action of the second control card 150.

[0076] To do this, the first support 121 is preferably mechanically coupled to displacement means (or a device) 160, i.e. comprising a mechanical actuator or the like, such as a linear motor or the like, ensuring the translational movement of the first support 121 in response to the piloting, i.e. command, of the second control card 150 of the second piloting means 15.

[0077] In other words, the displacement means 160 cooperate with the cartridge holding means 121, 122 to move the O2 cartridge 5 in vertical translation, that is to say along its longitudinal axis, when it is positioned in the cartridge housing 130.

[0078] Opposite the first support 121, which is separated by the cartridge housing 130, i.e. a space or compartment, designed and sized to receive a O2 cartridge 5 to be regenerated and filled, there is a second support 122, which is preferably identical to the first support 121, that is to say also having a second flat bottom 122a in the center of which there is a second orifice 122b in fluidic relation with a conduit for connection to the atmosphere 123 which is fluidically connected with the ambient atmosphere A, via a port or orifice for connection to the atmosphere 123a.

[0079] Preferably, the atmosphere connection conduit 123 is of the flexible type and can extend and retract.

[0080] The second support 122 is, just like the first support 121, movable in translation, that is to say from top to bottom, when it is moved by the movement means 160, such as a mechanical actuator, for example of the linear motor type or the like, when they are controlled by the second control means 15, in particular the second control card 150.

[0081] An embodiment of an O2 container or cartridge 5 with two valves 51, 52 which can be regenerated and filled by the conditioning installation 1 according to the invention is shown diagrammatically in [Fig.6] and [Fig.7].

[0082] This type of O2 cartridge is well described by EP4227575 which can be referred to in order to better understand its operation, in particular its use for providing oxygen to a user, typically a patient or a person needing to inhale oxygen.

[0083] More specifically, such an O2 cartridge 5 comprises an elongated body 500 or receptacle, for example made of an aluminum alloy or another metal, defining an internal volume 510 receiving the oxygen and containing (at least) an adsorbent material 520 selective for CO2. The body 500 is here of cylindrical shape and contains the adsorbent material 520.

[0084] At the ends of the cylindrical body 500 are arranged the first and second valves 51, 52, preferably identical, controlling the gas inlets and outlets of the O2 cartridge 5, in particular during the filling process, as explained below.

[0085] In the rest position (see [Fig.6]), the first and second valves 51,5 are closed so as to isolate the internal volume 510 of the O2 cartridge 5 from the ambient atmosphere A and to prevent the entry and exit of oxygen from said internal volume 510. Therefore, when it is not in use or in demand, the O2 cartridge 5 can contain and store pressurized oxygen, preferably at a pressure less than or equal to 10 bar relative.

[0086] Conversely, in the active position, typically following a mechanical action on them, the first and second valves 51, 52 can “enter” into the body 500, that is to say move by performing a vertical translation movement in the direction of the center of the body 500, as illustrated in [Fig.7]. The first and second valves 51, 52 then establish a fluid connection between the volume of gas 510 contained in the body 500 and the ambient atmosphere A, i.e. the ambient air.

[0087] Of course, one of the first and second valves 51, 52 can be in the active position, while the other is in the rest position, and vice versa.

[0088] When used to supply oxygen to a user and capture the CO2 contained in the gases exhaled by the user, the valves 51, 52 are retracted as illustrated in [Fig.7] and explained by EP4227575, following the connection to said valves 51, 52, on the one hand, of a reservoir bag used to collect oxygen and, on the other hand, of a respiratory interface, such as a facial respiratory mask. During the gas exchanges occurring between the cartridge 5 and the lungs of the user, the adsorbent 520 will gradually trap the exhaled CO2 which will then be retained by said adsorbent 520 until it is saturated by CO2 species.

[0089] Having reached saturation, the adsorbent 520 will have to undergo regeneration in order to eliminate the CO2 species and the consumed oxygen replaced by 'fresh' oxygen. The regeneration followed by filling of the O2 cartridge 5 with 'fresh' oxygen is carried out with a conditioning installation according to the invention.

[0090] [Fig.8] to [Fig. 10] illustrate a regeneration sequence by the system or unit filling 1 of the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.l] to [Fig.3], of a used O2 cartridge 5, i.e. whose adsorbent 520 is saturated with CO2 and at least part of the oxygen it contained has been used, i.e. inhaled by a user, such as a patient.

[0091] [Fig.8] shows a diagram of the installation of the O2 5 cartridge in the system or unit filling 1 of the invention, in the cartridge receiving means 140, that is to say here between the first and second supports 121, 122, via for example one (or more) openings made in the carcass of the system 1, preferably provided with one or more sliding doors or panels (not shown).

[0092] The O2 cartridge 5 can be held in position in the cartridge receiving means 140 by any suitable means or device, for example by clipping, by clamping means, by screw means, ... or others.

[0093] In [Fig.8], it can be seen that the second control means 15, in particular the second control card 150, control the gas distribution device 100, i.e. the rotary valve 110, to operate a fluid communication between the regeneration conduit 109 and the junction conduit 120. The O2 cartridge 5 to be regenerated is placed by the user between the first and second supports 121, 122.

[0094] Then, as shown in [Fig.9], the second control means 15, in particular the second control card 150, control the first and second supports 121, 122 so that they move in contact with the first and second valves 51, 52 and press on them to open the valves 51, 52. The first support 121 therefore performs a downward translational movement and the first flat bottom 121a of the first support 121 then pushes the valve 51 downwards, while, at the same time, the second support 122 performs an upward translational movement and the second flat bottom 122a of the second support 122 pushes the valve 52 upwards. Fluid continuity is then established between the gas volume 510 of the O2 cartridge 5 and the first and second orifices 121b, 122b of the first and second supports 121, 122, therefore also between the junction conduit 120 and the connection conduit to the atmosphere 123.

[0095] Due to the configuration of the rotary valve 110, i.e. of the gas distribution device 100, the regeneration conduit 109 and the atmosphere connection conduit 123 are also fluidically connected, and therefore both communicate with the ambient atmosphere A, via the atmosphere connection port 123a.

[0096] In the context of the invention, the O2 generation unit 3 is used to regenerate the adsorbent material 520 contained in the internal volume 510 of the cartridge 5, which is loaded with CO2, or even saturated with CO2. Indeed, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], the exhaust duct 330 of the O2 generation unit 3 conveys a gas depleted in O2 (i.e. with a concentration of less than 21% vol. of O2) at high temperature, i.e. at least approximately 300°C. However, this exhaust duct 330 is fluidically connected to the second interconnection duct 33, itself fluidically connected to the regeneration duct 109 of the filling system or unit 1.

[0097] Therefore, the gas circulating in the regeneration conduit 109 is a high temperature gas (eg >300°C) which is then directed into the junction conduit 120 and the O2 cartridge 5, due to the pneumatic configuration of the rotary valve 110. This gas will penetrate the O2 cartridge 5, via the first valve 51, entrain part of the CO2 and water vapor contained in the first O2 cartridge 5 and exit through the second valve 52.

[0098] In other words, the air flow leaving the O2 cartridge 5 via the valve 52 is enriched with CO2 and water vapor. Although the gas circulating in the regeneration conduit 109 contains traces (i.e. very low contents) of water vapor and CO2, since it emanates from the ambient air having circulated in the intake conduit 310 of the O2 generation unit 3, the high temperature, i.e. at least approximately 300°C, makes it possible to ensure complete desorption of the O2 cartridge 5 without also causing temporary adsorption of the traces of water vapor and CO2 likely to be present therein.

[0099] The gas flow leaving the O2 cartridge 5, via the second valve 52, circulates in the atmosphere connection conduit 123, before being discharged to the ambient air, via the atmosphere connection port 123a of the atmosphere connection conduit 123. In other words, a regeneration of the O2 cartridge 5 is obtained by the flow of heated gas coming from the O2 generation unit 3.

[0100] The gas circulating in the regeneration conduit 109 is only a part of the gas coming from the exhaust conduit 330 of the O2 generation unit 3. Indeed, a part of it escapes, via the exhaust valve 33b of the second interconnection circuit 33, while the remainder circulates in the downstream portion 33d of the second interconnection circuit 33 and then in the regeneration conduit 109.

[0101] Furthermore, due to the configuration of the rotary valve 110, the first inlet 100.1, fluidly connected to the filling duct 107 and to the oxygen outlet 320 of the oxygen production unit 3 is blocked, while the second inlet 100.2 fluidly connected to the cooling duct 108 and to the air intake inlet 331 of the oxygen production unit 3 is also blocked.

[0102] Consequently, the oxygen produced by the oxygen production unit 3 cannot flow freely into the filling line 11 and the pressure in the latter will gradually increase until it reaches a value higher than the exhaust pressure of the exhaust valve 11b, to then discharge into the ambient atmosphere A.

[0103] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the O2 generation unit 3 comprises an intake duct 310 with an air intake inlet (i.e. orifice) 331 supplied with ambient air coming from the filling system or unit 1, via the first interconnecting duct 31.

[0104] A blower-type fan 311 arranged in the intake duct 310, downstream of the intake orifice 331, makes it possible to suck in the ambient air conveyed by the first interconnection duct 31.

[0105] The inlet duct 310 of the O2 generation unit 3 of [Fig.2] is connected to the cooling duct 108 of the filling system or unit 1 of [Fig.3], via the first interconnection duct 31. In the same way, the second inlet 100.2 fluidically connected to the cooling duct 108 being closed, the captured air then circulates through the inlet valve 31b, the branch 31a to the downstream portion 31d of the interconnection duct 31 and to the inlet duct 310 of the O2 generation unit3.

[0106] Once the O2 cartridge 5 has been regenerated, it must be cooled by gas flushing. The second control card 150 then controls the gas distribution device 100, preferably here a rotary valve 110, in order to achieve a fluid communication between the cooling duct 108 and the junction duct 120, via the second and fourth inlets 100.2, 100.4. Fluid communication is then established between the cooling duct 108 and the atmosphere connection duct 123, through the cartridge 5 when the latter is arranged in the cartridge receiving means 140.

[0107] Since the atmosphere connection duct 123 is connected to the ambient air via the atmosphere connection port 123a, the fan 311 arranged in the intake duct 310 of the O2 generation unit 3 can draw ambient air through the atmosphere connection port 123a and supplement it through the intake valve 31b. The flow rate circulating in the downstream portion 31d of the first interconnection circuit 31, connected to the intake duct 310 of the O2 generation unit 3 is then the sum of the flow rate circulating through the cartridge 5 and the intake valve 31b. The sizing of the intake valve 31b can be adjusted so that the flow rate circulating in said cartridge 5 is sufficient for its cooling.

[0108] A portion of the aspirated gas (i.e. air) then passes through, respectively, the atmosphere connection conduit 123, the internal volume 510 of the O2 cartridge 5 and the cooling conduit 108 of the filling system 1, to then exit via the first interconnection conduit 31, creating a fluid connection with the intake conduit 310.

[0109] In other words, the O2 generation unit 3 is supplied with air by the interconnection conduit 31 (and the intake valve 31b) which is fluidically connected to the intake conduit 310 by one of its ends, said interconnection conduit 31 being fluidically connected, via its other end, to the cooling conduit 108 itself connected to the atmosphere connection conduit 123 in communication with the atmosphere, via the atmosphere connection orifice or port 123a.

[0110] The gas sucked in at ambient temperature (e.g. 20 to 25°C) will cool the adsorbent material 520 of the O2 cartridge 5 by passing through it, whereas the latter has previously been heated by the hot gases (>300°C) having passed through the regeneration conduit 109 and the connection conduit to the atmosphere 123.

[0111] The adsorbent material 520 contained in the O2 cartridge 5 is then freed from residual CO2 and water vapor due to the regeneration, and at ambient temperature due to the sweeping carried out with the atmospheric air flow.

[0112] Due to the configuration of the rotary valve 110, the first inlet 100.1, fluidly connected to the filling conduit 107 and to the oxygen outlet 320 of the oxygen production unit 3, is closed and the oxygen produced then escapes through the exhaust valve 11b as described above. Similarly, the third inlet 100.3 fluidly connected to the waste gas outlet 332, via the regeneration conduit 109 and the second interconnecting conduit 33 is blocked. Consequently, the waste gas produced by the oxygen production unit 3 cannot flow freely into the second interconnecting conduit 33 and the pressure in the latter will gradually increase until it reaches a value higher than the exhaust pressure of the exhaust valve 33b, to then discharge into the ambient atmosphere A.

[0113] The following steps involve refilling the O2 cartridge so that it can be reused, i.e. recycled.

[0114] To do this, the second control card 150 controls the gas distribution device 100, i.e. the rotary valve 110, in order to achieve fluid communication between the filling conduit 107 and the junction conduit 120. There then exists a fluid relationship between the filling conduit 107, the junction conduit 120, the O2 cartridge 5, the conduit connecting to the atmosphere 123 and by extension the ambient air A. During this phase, the initial pressure in the filling line 11 and the filling conduit 107 respectively is equal to the exhaust pressure of the exhaust valve 11b, but will suddenly drop to atmospheric pressure, which will result in putting the exhaust valve 11b in the closed position.

[0115] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the O2 generation unit 3 comprises a first outlet conduit 320, delivering O2, connected to the filling line 11, which is connected to the filling conduit 107 of the filling system 1.

[0116] The oxygen supply from the O2 generation unit 3 which passes through the filling line 11, the filling conduit 107 and thus the junction conduit 120 passes through the O2 cartridge 5 to exit via the valve 52 and the connection conduit to the atmosphere 123 until it reaches the ambient air A. This makes it possible to expel the air previously present as a volume of gas 54 in the receptacle 50 and to replace it with oxygen.

[0117] Once the O2 cartridge 5 is filled with O2 at ambient pressure, it must then be pressurized. This pressurization step is shown diagrammatically in [Fig. 10].

[0118] More precisely, to do this, the second control card 150 controls the second support 122 in order to order it to move in translation downwards. The second flat bottom 122a of the second support 122 releases the second valve 52 of the O2 cartridge 5 which then returns to the rest position. At the same time, the first support 121 maintains its position and forces the first valve 51 of the O2 cartridge 5 to remain in a position where there is a fluidic relationship between the junction conduit 120 and the gas volume 54 of the O2 cartridge 5. In other words, the second valve 52 isolates the gas volume 54 of the O2 cartridge from the second conduit 122, while the junction conduit 120 is still in fluidic relationship with the gas volume 54 of the O2 cartridge.

[0119] As illustrated in [Fig.2], in the proposed embodiment, the O2 generation unit 3 is capable of producing O2 up to a pressure of up to 10 bar, measured in the first outlet conduit 320.

[0120] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the filling system 1 directs the O2 produced by the O2 generation unit 3, via the first outlet conduit 320, towards the filling line 11 and the filling conduit 107 respectively.

[0121] The oxygen produced by the O2 generation unit 3 is then directed into the O2 cartridge 5, i.e. the cartridge 5 fills with O2.

[0122] While the O2 cartridge 5 receives O2, the second control card 150 monitors the pressure returned by the pressure sensor 1070, arranged in the filling conduit 1070. When the control card determines that the pressure in the O2 cartridge 5 has reached 10 bar, it controls the first support 121 so as to release the first valve 51 and return to the configuration illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0123] The second inlet 100.2 fluidly connected to the cooling duct 108 being closed, the captured air then circulates through the inlet valve 31b, the branch 31a to the downstream portion 31d of the interconnection duct 31 and to the inlet duct 310 of the O2 generation unit 3. The third inlet 100.3 fluidly connected to the waste gas outlet 332, via the regeneration duct 109 and the second interconnection duct 33 being blocked, the waste gas produced by the oxygen production unit 3 cannot flow freely into the second interconnection duct 33 and the pressure in the latter will gradually increase until reaching a value greater than the exhaust pressure of the exhaust valve 33b, to then discharge into the ambient atmosphere A.

[0124] The gas distribution device 100 of the rotary valve type 110 and intake and exhaust valves 11b, 31b, 33b serve to direct the different gas flows. Alternatively, other means, such as single or multi-port proportional on / off valves, may be used for the same purposes.

[0125] At the end of these different phases, the O2 cartridge 5 is then full of oxygen and can be removed for future use, that is to say it is then regenerated and ready for use.

[0126] The filling system 1 then makes it possible to recycle O2 5 cartridges that have been used, thus avoiding their disposal.

[0127] It also has the advantage of being able to be used on site and whatever the site of use, i.e. including in complicated areas, and therefore does not require a filling center nearby, nor complicated logistics to recover the used oxygen cartridges, typically saturated with CO2 and / or empty, then return the cartridges 5 refilled to their site of use.

Claims

1. Claims Installation (50) for conditioning an O2 cartridge (5) comprising: - an oxygen production unit (3) comprising: • an air intake inlet (331) supplied with ambient air, • at least one electrochemical separation module (316) configured to produce oxygen having a purity of at least 99% vol. from ambient air coming from the air intake inlet (331), and releasing a waste gas, • first control means (35) controlling said at least one electrochemical separation module (316), • an oxygen outlet (320) for supplying oxygen produced by said at least one electrochemical separation module (316), and • a waste gas outlet (332) delivering the waste gas from said at least one electrochemical separation module (316), and - a filling unit (1) comprising: • a gas distribution device (100) fluidically connected to the oxygen outlet (320), to the air intake inlet (331) and to the waste gas outlet (332) of the oxygen production unit (3), and furthermore to a connecting conduit (120), • second control means (15) controlling the gas distribution device (100) to operate a fluid connection between the junction conduit (120) and one of said oxygen outlet (320), air intake inlet (331) and waste gas outlet (332) of the oxygen production unit (3), • cartridge receiving means (140) for receiving an O2 cartridge (5) provided with two valves (51, 52) controlling the gas flows entering and leaving the O2 cartridge (5), and • an atmosphere connection port (123a) in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere (A).

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas distribution device (100) comprises a rotary valve (110).

3. Installation according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gas distribution device (100) comprises: - a first inlet (100.1) fluidly connected to the oxygen outlet (320) of the oxygen production unit (3), - a second inlet (100.2) fluidly connected to the air intake inlet (331) of the oxygen production unit (3), - a third inlet (100.3) fluidly connected to the waste gas outlet (332), and - a fourth inlet (100.4) fluidly connected to the junction conduit (120).

4. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the cartridge receiving means (140) comprise a cartridge housing (130) for housing the O2 cartridge (5).

5. Installation according to claim 4, characterized in that the cartridge receiving means (140) comprise cartridge holding means (121, 122) for holding the O2 cartridge (5) in the cartridge housing (130).

6. Installation according to claim 5, characterized in that the filling unit (1) comprises displacement means (160) cooperating with the cartridge holding means (121, 122) to effect a translational displacement of the O2 cartridge (5) in the cartridge housing (130).

7. Installation according to claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the cartridge holding means (121, 122) comprise a first support (121) and a second support (122) arranged on either side of the cartridge housing (130), serving to mechanically hold the O2 cartridge (5) in position in the cartridge housing (130).

8. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one electrochemical separation module (316) of the oxygen production unit (3) comprises one or more ceramic membranes, preferably one or more ceramic membranes doped with one or more electrolytes.

9. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the oxygen production unit (3) further comprises gas suction means (311), gas heating means (313) and / or heat exchange means (312).

10. Method for regenerating and filling an O2 cartridge (5) provided with valves (51, 52) and containing an adsorbent material (520), in which an installation according to one of the preceding claims is used for: a. position the O2 cartridge (5) in the cartridge receiving means (140), b. holding the O2 cartridge (5) by means of the cartridge holding means (121, 122), c. moving the cartridge holding means (121, 122) by means of the moving means (160) so as to establish a fluid connection, through the valves (51, 52) of the O2 cartridge (5), between the internal volume (510) of the O2 cartridge (5), the junction conduit (120) and the atmosphere connection port (123a) connected to the ambient atmosphere (A), d. regenerating the adsorbent material (520) contained in the internal volume (510) of the O2 cartridge (5) with a waste gas at a temperature of at least 300°C coming from the oxygen production unit (3), e. cooling the adsorbent material (520) contained in the internal volume (510) of the O2 cartridge (5) with air from the atmosphere connection port (123a), f. moving the cartridge holding means (121, 122) by the moving means (160) to interrupt any fluid communication between one (52) of the valves (51, 52) of the O2 cartridge (5) and the atmosphere connection port (123a), g. filling the internal volume (510) of the O2 cartridge (5) with oxygen from the oxygen production unit (3) until a given pressure is obtained, preferably less than 10 bar, h. moving the cartridge holding means (121, 122) by the moving means (160) to interrupt any fluid communication via the other (51) of the valves (51, 52) of the O2 cartridge (5), and i. remove the O2 cartridge (5) filled with oxygen.

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