Controlled pressure gas supply installation feeding a hospital network

Abstract

Title of the Invention: Controlled Pressure Gas Supply Installation for a Hospital Network. The invention relates to a gas supply installation (1) for supplying gas to at least one gas pipeline (2) carrying said gas within a hospital establishment, comprising a first gas source (10) containing the gas at a first pressure (P01), and first pressure-reducing means (11; 11.1, 11.2) for reducing the gas pressure to a fixed first pressure-reducing pressure (P1) lower than the first pressure (P01). A second gas source (20) containing the gas at a second pressure (P02) and second pressure-reducing means (21) for reducing the gas pressure to a fixed second pressure-reducing pressure (P2) lower than the second pressure (P02).The first expansion pressure (P1) is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2), and the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (P1) is at least 80%. (See abstract figure: Figure 1.)

Description

Title of the invention: Controlled pressure gas supply installation for a hospital network

[0001] The invention relates to a gas supply installation intended to supply a hospital network of a hospital establishment, that is to say one or more gas conduits or pipes, with a gas under pressure, for example oxygen, air, nitrous oxide or another medical gas, used within said hospital establishment, such as a hospital, clinic or the like.

[0002] Medical gas distribution facilities or plants make it possible to supply hospital establishments with medical gases, also called medicinal gases, typically oxygen (O2), medical air, nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) or others.

[0003] To ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas to the hospital's gas pipeline network and to the distribution outlets supplied by this network, a hospital gas distribution installation must take into account not only the so-called "service" pressure of the gas in question to which the gas in question must be supplied to the network but also the gas flow rate that can be requested within the hospital, which varies according to the demand for gas, i.e. the use of gas to treat patients for example.

[0004] In other words, a gas distribution system must be able to supply, under all circumstances, the flow rate of gas drawn from within the hospital, including when consumption increases drastically on a temporary basis, i.e., in the event of a consumption peak. For example, such peaks in oxygen consumption were recurrent during the Covid-19 pandemic, sometimes leading to disruptions in the supply of medical oxygen in certain hospitals due to demand exceeding the capacity and sizing of existing systems.

[0005] Generally speaking, it is understood that any peak in gas consumption (i.e., excessive flow rate) can also generate a concomitant pressure drop in the network. Many existing installations encounter this problem because they were not designed to handle a peak flow rate, i.e., a peak in consumption, exceeding the usual consumption under normal operating conditions.

[0006] To try to overcome this problem, oversized installations capable of absorbing very high flow rates, such as flow peaks, have been proposed.

[0007] However, these are not ideal because they cause problems related to their bulk, particularly due to their larger dimensions, which Their installation is impossible in some hospitals that lack suitable facilities. Their significantly higher cost is also often a barrier to their deployment, especially since these systems operate most of the time in 'normal' mode (i.e., non-excessive flow rates) and consumption peaks represent only exceptional situations.

[0008] Hospital establishments wishing to equip themselves with a gas distribution installation or plant capable of also meeting peak flow rates or other peaks in gas consumption are currently encountering all or part of these problems.

[0009] In this context, the present invention aims to attempt to solve all or part of the problems related to peak gas consumption, by proposing an improved gas distribution installation or plant, in particular capable of providing a standard gas flow rate under normal operating conditions but also, in the event of a peak consumption, of increasing the flow rate capacity delivered and thus ensuring an uninterrupted supply of medical gases during said peak consumption.

[0010] One solution of the invention relates to a gas supply installation or plant for supplying gas to at least one gas pipeline (i.e., gas conduit or delivery line) carrying said gas, typically a medical or medicinal gas, within a hospital establishment, comprising: - a first gas source containing the gas at at least a first pressure (POi), fluidly connected to the gas pipeline, and - the first means of pressure reduction, arranged downstream of the first gas source, configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas coming from the first gas source down to a first pressure reduction (Pi) fixed lower than the first pressure POi (i Pi < POi), and to supply the gas at said first pressure reduction (Pi) to said gas pipeline.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the invention, the gas supply installation or plant further comprises: - a second gas source containing the gas at at least a second pressure (PO2), fluidly connected to the gas pipeline, and - second means of pressure reduction, arranged downstream of the second gas source, configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas coming from the second gas source down to a fixed second pressure reduction (P2) lower than the second pressure (P02) (i.e. P2 < P02), and supply the gas at said second pressure reduction (P2) to the gas pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the invention, in the installation: - the first expansion pressure (Pi) is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2), i.e., Pi > P2, and - the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (Pi) is such that: P2 / P1 > 80%.

[0013] Depending on the embodiment considered, the gas supply installation or plant of the invention may comprise one or more of the following features: - the second gas source is fluidly connected to the gas pipeline, downstream of the first gas source. - the first expansion pressure (Pi) is between 4 and 18 bar, preferably less than 15 bar. - according to one embodiment, the first expansion pressure (Pi) is between 4 and 10 bar. - according to another embodiment, the first expansion pressure (Pi) is between 7 and 12 bar, preferably between 8.5 and 10.5 bar, for example around 9 bar. - according to another embodiment, the first expansion pressure (Pi) is between 4 and 10 bar, preferably less than 8 bar, for example in the order of 5 bar. - the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (Pi) is such that: P2 / Pi > 82%, preferably between 85% and 95%, preferably still between 87% and 93%. - according to one embodiment, the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (Pi) is between 88% and 92%, for example around 90%. - the second expansion pressure (P2) is between 4 and 14.5 bar, preferably less than 12 bar. - according to one embodiment, the second expansion pressure (P2) is between 4 and 10 bar. - according to another embodiment, the second expansion pressure (P2) is between 5 and 9 bar, preferably between 7 and 8.5 bar, for example around 8.1 bar. - according to a particular embodiment, the first expansion pressure (Pi) is equal to 9 bar, the second expansion pressure (P2) is equal to 8.1 bar and the ratio P2 / Pi is equal to 90%. - the first gas source is fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via at least one first section of pipeline. - at least part of the first means of decompression are arranged on said at least one first section of conduit. The first means of pressure relief include at least one upstream pressure relief device and at least one downstream pressure relief device. The downstream expansion device(s) is arranged downstream of the upstream expansion device(s) so as to operate a two-stage successive expansion of the gas coming from the first gas source. at least one upstream pressure-reducing device is arranged on said at least one first section of pipeline. It comprises two initial pipeline sections, each including an upstream pressure-reducing device. According to another embodiment, the first means of expansion comprise a single expansion device so as to operate a single-step expansion of the gas from the first gas source. The first expansion pressure (Pi) corresponds to the gas pressure measured (i.e. exerted) downstream of the first means of expansion, in particular downstream of the upstream and downstream expansion device(s). the second gas source is fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via a second section of pipe. said second means of decompression are arranged on said second section of pipeline. said second means of decompression include at least one second decompression device. The second expansion pressure (P2) corresponds to the gas pressure measured (i.e. exerted) downstream of the second means of expansion, in particular downstream of the second expansion device. the first gas source comprises one or more pressurized gas vessels, preferably several pressurized gas vessels, fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via one or more first pipeline sections. According to one embodiment, the first gas source comprises at least two groups or sets of gas containers, each comprising one or more pressurized gas containers, preferably two groups of several gas containers (i.e., 2 or more containers). According to one embodiment, the first gas source comprises two groups of gas containers, each comprising (at least) 3 pressurized gas containers. The two groups of gas containers are arranged in parallel. The gas containers of each group of gas containers are simultaneously fluidly connected to a first section of pipe. Each group of gas containers is fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via a first section of pipe equipped with at least some of the first means of pressure reduction, typically by 2 first sections each equipped with an upstream pressure reduction device. the second gas source comprises (a set or group of) one or more pressurized gas vessels fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via the second pipeline section, preferably several gas vessels. According to one embodiment, the second gas source comprises an assembly or group of gas containers comprising (at least) 3 pressurized gas containers. it further includes (at least) a third gas source containing the gas at at least a third pressure (PO3), fluidly connected to the gas pipeline. third means of pressure reduction, such as at least one third pressure reduction device, are arranged downstream of the third gas source, and are configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas from the third gas source to a fixed third pressure reduction (P3) lower than the third pressure (P03), i.e. P3 < P03, and supply the gas at said third pressure reduction (P3) to said gas pipeline. said third expansion pressure (P3) is either less than the first and second expansion pressures (Pb P2), or equal to the first expansion pressure (PJ, and greater than the second expansion pressure (P2). The third gas source connects to the gas pipeline, downstream of the second gas source. Preferably, the third gas source is connected to the gas pipeline via a third section of pipe. according to one embodiment, said third expansion pressure (P3) is less than the first and second expansion pressures (PB P2), i.e. Pi > P2 > P3. according to an alternative embodiment, said third expansion pressure (P3) is (approximately) equal to the first expansion pressure (PJ, i.e. P3=Pi, and is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2), i.e. P2>P3. According to one embodiment, the third expansion pressure (P3) is between 3.5 and 8 bar, preferably less than 8 bar, for example in the order of 7 bar. According to another embodiment, the third expansion pressure (P3) is between 5 and 7.5 bar, for example around 5 bar. the third expansion pressure (P3) corresponds to the gas pressure within (i.e. exerted in) said third section of pipe, downstream of the third expansion device. the third gas source comprises (a set or group of) one or more pressurized gas vessels fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via the third pipeline section, preferably several gas vessels. According to one embodiment, the third gas source comprises a group of gas containers comprising (at least) 3 pressurized gas containers. The pressurized gas containers are connected to the first pipeline section, the second pipeline section and / or the third pipeline section via flexible or similar conduits. Gas containers are or include pressurized gas cylinders. Gas cylinders have a capacity (volume or internal capacity) of between 10 and 150 L (water equivalent), preferably between 50 and 100 L. the first pressure (PO1) and / or the second pressure (PO2) and / or the third pressure (PO3) are less than 350 bar, preferably less than or equal to 300 bar, typically less than 250 bar. the gas (contained in the containers) is chosen from O2, air, N2O, CO2 or others. the main gas flow rate from the first gas source is at least 30 m3 / h, typically between 30 and 120 m3 / h. the additional gas flow rate from the second gas source is at least 20 m3 / h, typically between 30 and 120 m3 / h. The gas pipeline is in fluidic communication with a hospital network, also called a gas or fluid network, comprising several gas pipelines, to supply said hospital network with gas. The installation therefore supplies, via the gas pipeline, gas from: • from the first gas source, when network consumption is normal, i.e. in the case of "usual" demand and without excess. • or, where applicable, from the first gas source and the second gas source, in the event of a consumption peak, i.e. in the event of "Unusual" and excessive demand on the network, for example as during episodes related to Covid-19. • or, where applicable, from the third gas source, when the first and second gas sources are empty or almost empty, i.e. that the third gas source acts as a backup gas source. - the first, second and third means of pressure reduction are or include one or more gas regulators, in particular the first upstream and downstream pressure reduction devices, and / or the second pressure reduction device and / or the third pressure reduction device - each gas container is equipped with a gas distribution valve (also called a "valve") and possibly a protective cover arranged around said valve. - the gas pipeline and / or sections of conduit are fixed to one (or more) wall(s) of the hospital establishment, such as walls, partitions, ceilings... - The hospital network carries the gas to wall outlets used to distribute the gas

[0014] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for controlling a gas supply installation or plant according to the invention, enabling the supply of gas to at least one gas pipeline carrying said gas, within a hospital establishment, typically a medical or medicinal gas, in which the first expansion pressure (Pi) and the second expansion pressure (P2) are selected, controlled and / or delivered such that: - the first expansion pressure (Pi) is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2), i.e., Pi > P2, and - the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (PJ) is such that: P2 / Pi > 80%.

[0015] According to another aspect, the invention further relates to the use of a gas supply installation or plant according to the invention to supply gas, typically a medical or medicinal gas, to at least one gas pipeline carrying said gas, within a hospital establishment, in particular to a hospital gas pipeline network.

[0016] Definitions

[0017] Within the scope of the invention: - the term "gas" is used to refer to a single gaseous constituent or compound, such as oxygen (O2), or a mixture of several gaseous constituents or compounds, such as air (i.e. a mixture containing O2, N2...). - pressures are expressed in relative bar. - the term “hospital establishment” refers to a building of the hospital, clinic or similar type. - the term "canalisation" is considered equivalent to the terms "conduit", "pipe" and / or "line" or similar. - the term "downstream" is considered in relation to the normal direction of gas flow in the installation, namely from the gas sources and towards the network. - the terms “gas bottle” are considered equivalent to the terms “gas cylinder” or “gas canister”.

[0018] The invention will now be better understood with reference to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0019] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a supply installation gas according to the invention.

[0020] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a supply installation gas according to the invention.

[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates a first embodiment of a supply installation gas 1 according to the invention intended to supply gas, i.e. a medical gas (also called medicinal or therapeutic gas), to a gas pipeline 2 carrying this gas and supplying a network of gas pipelines 4 arranged within a hospital establishment, such as a hospital, clinic or similar.

[0022] Oxygen is taken below as an example of a medical gas, but installation 1 can supply other gases (i.e., a single constituent or a mixture of several constituents), such as air, N2O, CO2, or any other medical gas.

[0023] Such a hospital network 4 usually carries the gas(s) to wall outlets used to distribute the gas to patient rooms, operating rooms, treatment rooms, recovery rooms or other areas of the hospital establishment, such as the wall outlets described by FR2628820, EP3922895, EP3922894, EP3922339 or EP3719377.

[0024] The installation 1 here includes a first gas source 10, also called the "main source", comprising two sets or groups 10.1, 10.2 of several gas containers 3, typically pressurized gas cylinders, namely here two groups 10.1, 10.2 each comprising three gas containers 3, such as pressurized oxygen cylinders.

[0025] The two sets or groups 10.1, 10.2 of gas containers 3 supply the gas sequentially, that is to say, a first group 10.1 of gas containers 3 supplies the gas first, then the second group takes over when the first group 10.1 no longer has any gas, i.e. the containers are empty or almost empty.

[0026] The first gas source 10, i.e. the gas containers 3, is fluidly connected to the gas pipeline 2 in order to supply it with pressurized gas, for example oxygen, at a main gas flow rate.

[0027] In the gas containers 3, the gas has a first pressure POi, referred to as the "high pressure," which can reach 200 bar, or even 250 bar, or even 350 bar when the gas containers 3 are full, i.e., before any withdrawal. In other words, these pressure values ​​correspond to the maximum gas pressure measured in the container 3 in question, before any use or withdrawal of gas.

[0028] Of course, the pressure decreases within the container 3 as the gas is used, that is to say, the more gas is sent to the gas pipeline 2 and to the network 4 afterwards, the more the pressure in the container 3 considered decreases.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the pressure within the containers 3 of the same group 10.1, 10.2 is substantially equal since they are all fluidly connected to the same section of pipe 12, as explained below, therefore the containers 3 empty substantially in a quasi-simultaneous or quasi-synchronized manner, and the internal pressures of these are balanced.

[0030] Furthermore, first expansion means 11 are arranged downstream of each group of containers 10.1, 10.2 of the first gas source 10, i.e. downstream of the containers 3, in order to ensure expansion of the gas, as detailed below.

[0031] In the embodiment of [Fig.1], the first decompression means 11 comprise upstream decompression devices 11.1 and downstream 11.2 arranged in series so as to achieve decompression in two stages, i.e. according to two levels of decompression.

[0032] Each of the groups of containers 10.1, 10.2 of the first gas source 10 supplies a first section of pipe 12 with gas from one or more containers 3, for example oxygen at 200 bar or another high pressure (i.e. > 9 bar).

[0033] The first expansion means 11 are configured to operate a reduction or decrease in pressure, i.e. a gas expansion, of the gas coming from the containers 3 from the first gas source 10, for example oxygen at the first pressure POi of 200 bar (or another high pressure), also called the initial pressure, down to a first fixed expansion pressure Pi (i.e. a first expansion pressure level) which is lower than the first pressure POi, i.e. Pi < POi, of the gas within the containers 3.

[0034] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the expansion occurs in two stages, i.e., the gas from each group 10.1, 10.2 of gas containers 3 is first relaxed once by one of the upstream relaxation devices 11.1 to a given intermediate pressure level or plateau Pi (also called "pre-relaxation"), then a second time by the downstream relaxation device 11.2 arranged in series after the upstream relaxation devices 11.1.

[0035] During this first expansion carried out by the first upstream expansion device(s) 11.1, the gas pressure can go from the initial pressure POi, for example a pressure POi of 200 bar, to a lower intermediate pressure Pi which can be for example between 13 and 20 bar, for example fixed at 14 bar.

[0036] Then, during the second expansion carried out by the downstream expansion device 11.2, the gas pressure is brought to its final level, to the first expansion pressure (Pi), for example a first expansion pressure (Pi) equal to approximately 9 bar.

[0037] After its expansion within the first expansion means 11, the expanded gas (i.e. downstream of the downstream expansion device 11.2) which is at the first expansion pressure (Pi) fixed, feeds the gas pipeline 2 and is sent to the network 4.

[0038] More specifically, as can be seen, here each first upstream pressure-reducing device 11.1 is arranged on a first section of pipe 12 which connects fluidly, downstream, to the gas pipeline 2 at a first connection site 13 to supply it with the gas reduced to the first pressure reduction (Pi), for example oxygen at 9 bar.

[0039] Furthermore, the downstream pressure-reducing device 11.2 is arranged in series and downstream of said upstream pressure-reducing devices 11.1, that is to say, it is arranged on the gas pipeline 2 (or, according to the embodiment considered, on an intermediate gas section which connects fluidly downstream to said gas pipeline 2).

[0040] Of course, according to another embodiment, the first means of expansion 11 could comprise only one single gas expansion device operating a single expansion (i.e. without a step) or, conversely, one or more additional gas expansion devices to operate a cascade expansion in 3 or more steps / expansion levels.

[0041] In all cases, the gas expanded to the first pressure Pb such as oxygen at 9 bar, from the first gas source 10, i.e. from the two groups 10.1, 10.2 of gas containers 3, is then supplied to the hospital network 4, during the usual or normal operation of the installation 1.

[0042] According to the invention, in order to ensure continuity of gas supply during peak consumption, the installation 1 further comprises a second gas source 20 containing the gas, for example here oxygen, at at least a second pressure P02, fluidly connected to the gas pipeline 2. The second gas source 20 supplies the gas at an additional gas flow rate.

[0043] The second pressure (PO2) is also a high pressure, for example at least 150 to 200 bar. It may be equal to or of the same order as the first pressure (POi), or be different.

[0044] This second gas source 20 connects to the gas pipeline 2, namely here downstream of the first gas source 10. In this case, it comprises a group of several gas containers 3, such as pressurized gas cylinders, for example three gas containers 3.

[0045] The gas containers 3 of the second gas source 20 are fluidly connected to the gas pipeline 2 via a second section of pipe 22, said second means of expansion 21, such as a gas expansion device, being arranged on this second section of pipe 22 in order to ensure the expansion of the gas, i.e. a reduction in pressure.

[0046] As before, second expansion means 21, such as a second expansion device, are arranged downstream of the second gas source 20 and are configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas from the second gas source 20 to a fixed second expansion pressure P2 which is lower than the second pressure P02, i.e. P2 < P02, and supply the gas at said second expansion pressure P2 to said gas pipeline 2.

[0047] However, in order to be able to cope with peak consumption, i.e. a gas demand, typically punctual, greater than the usual or normal consumption of the installation, the first expansion pressure Pi must be chosen to be greater than the second expansion pressure P2, i.e. Pi > P2), and the ratio of the second expansion pressure P2 to the first expansion pressure Pi must be such that: P2 / Pi > 80%, preferably P2 / Pi > 85%, for example P2 / Pi is equal to about 90%.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first expansion pressure Pi is between 4 and 18 bar, preferably less than 15 bar, typically between 4 and 10 bar, for example in the order of 9 bar, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0049] Thus, if the first expansion pressure Pi is fixed at 9 bar, then the second expansion pressure P2 can be chosen to be around 8.1 bar, which corresponds to a ratio P2 / Pi of 90%.

[0050] Such an arrangement makes it possible to respond to peak gas consumption within the hospital establishment, by increasing the flow capacity delivered to the network 4 of the establishment, i.e. the hospital.

[0051] Indeed, when, on occasion, particularly during peak consumption periods, the demand for gas flow from the hospital's network 4 increases, the pressure in network 4 will drop due to the excessive demand until it becomes sufficient for the first gas source 10 to be able to supply the supply of the total required gas. This pressure drop in network 4 will then propagate, i.e. rise, up to pipeline 2 and the pressure will then drop there even if the first gas source 10 continues to supply it with gas at the first pressure Pb such as oxygen at 9 bar for example in the example of [Fig.1], because the quantity of gas supplied will be insufficient.

[0052] According to the invention, when the pressure within the network 4 and therefore of the pipeline 2 falls below the value of P2, for example below 8.1 bar in the example of [Fig.1] (i.e. ratio P2 / Pi of 90%), the second gas source 20 will then begin to supply gas at the pressure P2 in order to assist the first gas source 10 and to supplement the gas at this pressure P2 in the pipeline 2 which will then be conveyed to the network 4 by the latter.

[0053] In other words, in the event of overconsumption of gas by the network 4, the installation 1 of the invention makes it possible to ensure an additional supply of gas, such as oxygen, to the pipeline 2 and therefore also to the network 4. In this case, the gas supplied to the network 4 therefore comes not only from the first gas source 10 but also from the second gas source 20, that is to say from the gas containers 3 of the said first and second gas sources 10, 20.

[0054] Using a P2 / Pi ratio of at least 80%, for example 90%, ensures that the supplementary gas supply from the second gas source 20 does not occur too early or unexpectedly, i.e. only in the event of an excessive pressure drop.

[0055] Installation 1 of the invention has the advantage of not requiring any electronic control and pressure or flow sensors to operate since its operation is totally pneumatic (i.e. gas pressures).

[0056] The second gas source 20 therefore acts as a “boost” source (i.e. peak source) capable of delivering gas to the hospital network 4, the flow (i.e. additional flow rate) of which is then added to the flow (i.e. main flow rate) from the first gas source 10 in order to meet the flow rate required by the network 4.

[0057] By way of example, the main flow rate from the first gas source 10 and the additional flow rate from the second gas source 20 may be equal or different, preferably they are several tens of m3 / h each, in particular at least 50 m3 / h each, typically between 50 and 120 m3 / h each.

[0058] For example, when the main flow rate and the additional flow rate are each 80 m³ / h, their addition leads to a combined flow rate of 160 m³ / h, which is double the nominal / usual flow rate coming solely from the first gas source 10. This combined flow rate makes it possible to meet peak consumption in the network 4, thus limiting the risks of supply disruptions in network 4, therefore risks for patients needing gas, for example gaseous oxygen.

[0059] Installation 1 of the invention has an additional advantage, namely that it can be easily installed on existing power plants or installations to which the second gas source 20 and the required piping and expansion elements are added.

[0060] Preferably, the installation 1 may also include a second additional gas source acting as a "backup", i.e., a "save", to allow gas to be supplied to the network when the first and second gas sources 10, 20, i.e. the main source and the peak source, run out or are empty, and while waiting for their empty containers 3 to be replaced with full containers.

[0061] To do this, a third gas source 30, also called a "backup source" or "spare source", containing the gas at at least a third pressure P03, is advantageously provided, which connects fluidly (at 33) to the gas pipeline 2, for example here downstream of the second gas source 20.

[0062] The third gas source 30 (i.e. backup source) is in every respect similar to the second gas source 20 (i.e. peak source) since it comprises a group of several gas containers 3 connected, via a third section of pipe 32, to the pipeline 2 and therefore also to the network 4.

[0063] Third means of pressure reduction 31, such as a gas pressure reducing device, are again arranged downstream of the third gas source 30, and configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas coming from the third gas source 30 to a fixed third pressure reduction P3 lower than the third pressure (P03), and then supply the gas at the third pressure reduction P3 to the gas pipeline 2.

[0064] The third expansion pressure P3 is lower than the first and second expansion pressures PB P2.

[0065] For example, the third expansion pressure P3 can be around 7 bar when the first pressure Pi is 9 bar, and the second pressure P2 is 8.1 bar, and the gas is oxygen.

[0066] Of course, the pressure levels PI, P2, P3 can vary from one installation 1 to another depending on the specifics of each installation 1. Choosing the most suitable pressure levels for a given installation 1 can be done easily, in particular through simple routine tests.

[0067] Moreover, it goes without saying that the gas contained in the first, second and third gas sources 10, 20, 30 is the same, for example here oxygen.

[0068] In summary, the installation 1 of the invention supplies gas to the gas pipeline 2 and therefore to the hospital network 4 with gas, for example here oxygen, coming from: - either from the first gas source 10 (i.e., main source) when the gas flow rate consumed is less than the nominal flow rate delivered by the first gas source 10, for example a nominal flow rate of 80 m3 / h, - either from the first gas source 10 (i.e. main source) and the second gas source 20 (i.e. peak source), in the event of a peak flow, i.e. overconsumption of gas by the network 4, so as to ensure a flow much higher than the nominal flow, in particular a doubled nominal flow, for example a combined flow of 160 m3 / h, - either from the third gas source 30 (i.e. backup source), in case of emergency, i.e. in case of unavailability or malfunction of the first and second gas sources 10, 20.

[0069] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a supply installation for gas 1 according to the invention, which is identical to that of [Fig. 1], except for the following differences. The common parts will not be repeated.

[0070] One difference lies in the levels of expansion pressures PI, P2, P3 which are in installation 1 of [Fig.2] lower than those of [Fig.1].

[0071] Indeed, in this embodiment, the expansion means 11, 21, 31 have been configured to deliver lower expansion pressures PI, P2, P3, namely for example a first expansion pressure PI of 5 bar, a second expansion pressure P2 of 4.5 bar and a third expansion pressure P3 of 5 bar.

[0072] Here, we do have P2 <p1 et la rapport p2 pi est bien d’au moins 80%, à savoir là aussi de 90%. de même, première pression détente comprise entre 5 10 bar, préférence inférieure 7 i.e. égale bar environ.

[0073] However, the third expansion pressure P3 is chosen here to be equal to the first expansion pressure PI, for example approximately 5 bar.

[0074] Indeed, in this case, the pressure PI is substantially equal to the pressure delivered to the patients via network 4, up to pressure losses, since there is no other regulator downstream of the first means of relief 11. There is therefore no margin to choose a third relief pressure P3 between PI and the pressure delivered from network 4.

[0075] To activate the supply of this third pressure relief P3 to the network 4, a manual valve 34 arranged downstream of the third pressure relief means 31, on the third section 32, is opened, which can be opened or closed manually by an operator to switch the installation 1 to backup mode. Here, the switchover is therefore not automatic as in [Fig. 1].

[0076] Generally speaking, since the installation 1 of the invention is controlled according to the different pressures, the connections of the first, second and third sources of gas 10-30 to gas pipeline 2 could be carried out, within the framework of the invention, at sites different from those shown on [Fig.1] and [Fig.2].

[0077] More generally, a gas supply installation makes it possible to supply any gas network, in particular an oxygen, air or nitrous oxide network, arranged in said hospital establishment.

Claims

Demands

1. Gas supply installation (1) to supply gas to at least one gas pipeline (2) carrying said gas within a hospital establishment comprising: - a first gas source (10) containing the gas at at least a first pressure (PoO, fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), and - of the first pressure-reducing means (11; 11.1, 11.2), arranged downstream of said first gas source (10), configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas from said first gas source (10) down to a first fixed pressure-reducing (Pi) lower than the first pressure POi (i Pi < PoO, and supply the gas at said first pressure-reducing (PO) to said gas pipeline (2), characterized in that it further comprises: - a second gas source (20) containing the gas at at least a second pressure (PO2), fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), and - second pressure-reducing means (21), arranged downstream of said second gas source (20), configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas coming from the second gas source (20) down to a fixed second pressure reduction (P2) lower than the second pressure (P02), and to supply the gas at the second pressure reduction (P2) to the gas pipeline (2), and in which: - the first expansion pressure (PO) is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2) (i.e., PI > P2), and - the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (PO) is such that: P2 / Pi > 80%.

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the first expansion pressure (PO) is between 4 and 18 bar, preferably less than 15 bar.

3. Installation according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first expansion pressure (PJ) is between 4 and 10 bar, for example in the order of 9 bar or 5 bar.

4. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the ratio of the second expansion pressure (P2) to the first expansion pressure (Pi) is such that: P2 / Pi > 82%, preferably between 85% and 95%, preferably still between 87% and 93%.

5. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the first gas source (10) is fluidly connected (at 13) to the gas pipeline (2) via at least one first section of pipe (12), at least a part of said first pressure-reducing means (11; 11.1, 11.2) being arranged on said at least one first section of pipe (12).

6. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the second gas source (20) is fluidly connected (at 23) to the gas pipeline (2) via at least one second pipe section (22), said second pressure-reducing means (21) being arranged on said second pipe section (22).

7. Installation according to any one of claims 1 and 5 or 6, characterized in that the first gas source (10) comprises several pressurized gas containers (3) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2) via one or more first pipeline sections (12), preferably at least two groups of gas containers (10.1; 10.2) each comprising several pressurized gas containers (3), and / or the second gas source (20) comprises several pressurized gas containers (3) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2).

8. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: - a third gas source (30) containing the gas at at least a third pressure (P03), fluidly connected (at 33) to the gas pipeline (2), and - third pressure-reducing means (31), arranged downstream of said third gas source (30), configured to operate a pressure reduction of the gas from said third gas source (30) down to a fixed third pressure-reducing pressure (P3) lower than the third pressure (P03), and supply the gas at said third expansion pressure (P3) to said gas pipeline (2), and in which said third expansion pressure (P3) is: be lower than the first and second expansion pressures (Pi, P2), be equal to the first expansion pressure (PJ, and greater than the second expansion pressure (P2).

9. Installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas is chosen from O2, air, N2O and CO2.

10. An installation according to any one of claims 1 or 6 to 9, characterized in that the gas pipeline (2) is in fluidic communication with a hospital network (4) comprising several gas pipelines to supply said hospital network (4) with gas from: either from the first gas source (10), either from the first gas source (10) and the second gas source (20), either from the third gas source (30).

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