Gas storage assembly and method for assembling and testing such an assembly

Abstract

Gas storage assembly and method for assembling and testing such an assembly. The method comprises the following steps: - obtaining a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14), each connected to a manual shut-off valve (16), the manual shut-off valve (16) being in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is capable of selectively adopting an open or closed state; - connecting each manual shut-off valve (16) to a manifold (28); - leak testing of the manifold (28), each manual shut-off valve (16) being in the closed state; - opening the manual valves (16); - filling the tanks (10, 12, 14); - locking the manual valves (16) in the open state, each manual shut-off valve (16) being placed in a locked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is irreversibly locked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state. Figure for the abridged version: 3

Description

Title of the invention: Gas storage assembly and method for assembling and testing such an assembly

[0001] The invention relates generally to a gas storage assembly, in particular intended to supply a fuel cell.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to a method for assembling and testing a gas storage system comprising several tanks, each tank delimiting a gas storage cavity.

[0003] The cavities are fluidly connected to a common manifold intended to supply the gas-consuming component, for example the fuel cell.

[0004] This assembly must be subjected to leak tests, in particular to check for the absence of leaks at the manifold.

[0005] A constant concern for this type of test is to minimize the amount of gas used to perform the leak test, and to minimize the duration of the test.

[0006] Furthermore, the standards require that, once the gas storage system is in operation, the storage cavities be permanently interconnected.

[0007] In this context, the invention aims to propose a method for assembling and testing a multi-tank gas storage system, enabling the above constraints to be met.

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a method for assembling and testing a gas storage unit, the method comprising the following steps:

[0009] - obtaining a plurality of tanks each connected to a manual valve of shut-off, each tank delimiting a gas storage cavity having an orifice, the manual shut-off valve having a first port connected to the orifice and a second port, the manual shut-off valve being in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port communicates fluidly with the second port or a closed state in which the first port is fluidly isolated from the second port, each manual shut-off valve at the end of the obtaining step being in the closed state;

[0010] - connection of the second port of each manual shut-off valve to a manifold, each manual shut-off valve remaining in the closed state;

[0011] - manifold leak test, each manual shut-off valve remaining in the farm ;

[0012] - opening of the manual valves, each manual shut-off valve being placed at the open state;

[0013] - filling the tanks with said pressurized gas, each manual valve of cut remaining in the open state;

[0014] - blocking of manual valves in the open state, each manual shut-off valve being placed in a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0015] Thus, each tank is equipped with a manual shut-off valve having two configurations: an operational configuration allowing the manual shut-off valve to be selectively switched to the open or closed state, and a blocked configuration, in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly blocked in the open state.

[0016] The manual shut-off valve, during the initial stages of the process, is in its operational configuration. It can therefore be switched at will to the open or closed state.

[0017] When the tanks are connected to the manifold, the manual valves are in the closed position, which maintains a minimum pressure in each tank. This is necessary both to avoid damaging the inner lining that defines the internal boundary of the gas storage cavity, and to maintain the cleanliness of the cavity.

[0018] The manual shut-off valve remains closed during the manifold leak test. This leak test is performed by subjecting the manifold to a very high gas pressure. Because the manual valves are closed, only the internal volume of the manifold needs to be filled. This significantly reduces the amount of gas required to perform the leak test and also speeds up the leak test.

[0019] The fact that, at the end of the leak test step of the manifold, the manual shut-off valve is still in its operational configuration allows it to be returned to the open state to ensure the filling of each tank with pressurized gas.

[0020] Finally, the fact that each manual shut-off valve has a configuration locked in the open position ensures compliance with the standard. The manual valves are irreversibly locked in the open position, such that it is not possible, once commissioning has been completed, to isolate the tanks from each other by closing the manual valves.

[0021] The switch to the blocked configuration of the manual valves only occurs after the tanks have been filled, so that it is possible to take advantage of the possibility of isolating the storage cavity of each tank at the time of connection and at the time of the leak test.

[0022] The process may further represent one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or according to all technically possible combinations:

[0023] - each manual shut-off valve includes a passage connecting fluidly the first port and the second port to each other, a shuttering member occupying a position of the passage closed and occupying a position of the passage open, and an actuator capable of being used by a user to move the shuttering member between its position of the shutter and its position of the passage open, the actuator being connected to the shuttering member by a mechanical link in the operational configuration, the mechanical link being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration;

[0024] - the mechanical linkage comprises a rod, the rod being broken in the configuration blocked;

[0025] - the rod is designed to break when a torque exceeds a limit predetermined force is exerted on said rod;

[0026] - each manual shut-off valve includes a passage connecting fluidly the first port and the second port to each other, a shuttering member occupying a position of shuttering the passage in the closed state and occupying a position of clearance of the passage in the open state, and an actuator capable of being used by a user to move the shuttering member between its shuttering position and its clearance position, the actuator being connected to the shuttering member by a mechanical link in the operational configuration, the actuator being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration;

[0027] - the actuator is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a non-removable cover;

[0028] - the actuator is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a plug of a solidified material on the actuator;

[0029] - the step of obtaining a plurality of reservoirs comprises, for each reservoir:

[0030] - a sub-step of filling and leak testing said tank, the valve manual shut-off connected to the tank being in the open state during the filling and leak test sub-step;

[0031] - a closing sub-step, the manual shut-off valve connected to the tank being placed in the closed state.

[0032] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a gas storage assembly, the assembly comprising:

[0033] - a plurality of tanks, each delimiting a gas storage cavity featuring an opening;

[0034] - for each tank a manual shut-off valve, the manual valve of shut-off having a first port connected to the orifice and a second port, the manual shut-off valve having an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port communicates fluidly with the second port or a closed state in which the first port is fluidly isolated from the second port;

[0035] - a manifold, the second port of each manual shut-off valve being connected to the collector;

[0036] each manual shut-off valve having a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0037] Preferably, each manual shut-off valve includes a passage fluidly connecting the first port and the second port to each other, a shut-off member occupying a shut-off position of the passage in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage in the open state, and an actuator capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator being connected to the shut-off member by a mechanical linkage in the operational configuration;

[0038] - the mechanical link being irreversibly deactivated in the configuration blocked; or the actuator being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

[0039] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: - [Fig-1] The [Fig. 1] is a schematic representation illustrating the state of the entire gas storage system at the end of the stage of obtaining the plurality of tanks, before connection to the collector; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a view similar to that of [Fig.1], illustrating the state of the entire gas storage system during the manifold leak test stage, including the conduits interconnecting the tanks; - [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a view similar to that of the [Fig.1], illustrating the state of the entire gas storage system at the end of the step of blocking the manual valves in the open state; - [Fig.4] [Fig.5] [Fig.6] Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a first variant embodiment of the manual shut-off valve, respectively in the open operating configuration, in the closed operating configuration, and in the blocked configuration; and - [Fig.7] [Fig.8] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two other embodiments of the manual shut-off valve, in the blocked configuration.

[0040] The method illustrated in figures 1 to 3 is intended for the assembly and testing of a gas storage unit.

[0041] The gas is typically intended to power a fuel cell.

[0042] For example, the gas in this case is hydrogen.

[0043] Alternatively, the gas is of another type: nitrogen, oxygen, air, etc.

[0044] The gas is stored under pressure. For example, it is stored up to a pressure Maximum allowable of 875 bars.

[0045] The process includes a step of obtaining a plurality of tanks 10, 12, 14, each connected to a manual shut-off valve 16.

[0046] The manual shut-off valve 16 is specific to each tank 10, 12, 14. In other words, there are as many manual valves as there are tanks.

[0047] The assembly comprises two tanks, or three tanks, as in the example shown, or more than three tanks.

[0048] Each reservoir 10, 12, 14 delimits a gas storage cavity 18 having an orifice 20.

[0049] The orifice 20 opens into the cavity 18, and allows this cavity 18 to communicate with the outside of the reservoir. It is designed for filling the cavity 18 with gas, and for extracting the gas from the cavity 18.

[0050] The manual shut-off valve 16 has a first port 22 connected to the orifice 20 and a second port 24. The first port 22 is directly connected to the orifice 20, or is fluidly connected to the orifice 20 by a conduit 26, as shown in [Fig.1].

[0051] At the obtaining stage, the manual shut-off valve 16 is in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve 16 is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port 22 communicates fluidly with the second port 24, or a closed state in which the first port 22 is fluidly isolated from the second port 24.

[0052] At the end of the production step, each manual shut-off valve 16 is in the closed state, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0053] At the end of the production step, the various tanks 10, 12, 14 are independent of each other. In other words, they are not connected to each other by conduits, nor connected to the same manifold.

[0054] Advantageously, the obtaining step includes, for each tank 10, 12, 14, a substep of filling and leak testing said tank. The manual shut-off valve 16 connected to the tank 10, 12, 14 is in the open state during the leak testing substep.

[0055] The obtaining step also includes a closing substep, following the filling and leak test substep, during which the manual shut-off valve 16 connected to the tank 10, 12, 14 is placed in the closed state.

[0056] Thus, each tank 10, 12, 14 is tested individually during the filling and leak test sub-step, independently of the other tanks.

[0057] The filling and leak test substep aims to test the leak-tightness of the tank itself, in particular of the lining (inner jacket) delimiting the cavity 18 as well as the leak-tightness at the interfaces with the O components equipping the bottle heads.

[0058] This substep is carried out by connecting the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16 to a very high-pressure test gas source. The manual shut-off valve is held in the open state, as described above.

[0059] While the cavity 18 of the tank is maintained at very high pressure, any leaks are detected, for example, by analyzing the atmosphere around the tank to detect traces of the test gas.

[0060] The test gas is for example a mixture of hydrogen in sufficient quantity for detection and another inert gas in sufficient quantity to avoid a condition of explosiveness of the mixture.

[0061] At the end of the leak test substep, the pressure inside the tank cavity is brought back to a determined moderate final pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0062] After the closing substep, each tank 10, 12, 14 is therefore filled with the test gas, at the determined final pressure.

[0063] The method also includes a step of connecting the second port 24 of each manual shut-off valve 16 to a manifold 28, each manual shut-off valve 16 remaining in the closed state.

[0064] The connection step occurs after the obtaining step.

[0065] The state of the gas storage assembly at the end of the connection step is illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0066] It should be noted that the tanks 10, 12, 14 at the end of the production step are pre-equipped for connection to the manifold 28. This pre-equipment is part of the O components equipping the bottle heads.

[0067] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the pre-equipment varies from one tank 10, 12, 14 to another.

[0068] The reservoir 14 has a conduit 30 connected to the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16. The end of the conduit 30 is closed by a removable flap 32.

[0069] The reservoir 12 has a T-shaped conduit connected to the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16. The T-shaped conduit 34 has two ends 36 closed by removable flaps 37.

[0070] The tank 10 has a line 38, one end of which is connected to the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16. This line is equipped with process equipment, for example, a pilot valve 40, a main manual shut-off valve 42, filters 44, etc. The end 46 of the line, opposite the manual shut-off valve 16, is closed by a removable flap 48. A bypass conduit 50 is branched off from the line 38 in the immediate vicinity of the second port 24. It is closed by a removable flap 52.

[0071] At the connection stage, the tanks 12 and 14 are fluidly interconnected by a conduit 54, connecting the conduit 30 of the tank 14 to one of the ends 36 of the T-conduit 34. In the same way, the tanks 10 and 12 are fluidly interconnected by a conduit 56, fluidly connecting the other end 36 of the T-conduit to the bypass conduit 50.

[0072] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the end 46 of the conduit 38 is connected to lines 58 and 60. Line 58 is equipped with devices intended for connection to the filling station. Line 60 is equipped with a pressure reducing device.

[0073] At the end of the connection step, the manifold 28 consists of all the interconnected lines, connected to the second ports 24 of the various manual valves 16. In the example shown, the manifold 28 includes the conduit 30, the conduit 54, the T-conduit 34, the conduit 56, the line 38, the line 58 and the line 60.

[0074] The conduit 50 is connected between the manual shut-off valve 16 associated with the tank 10 and the general manual shut-off valve 42. As a result, it is possible to isolate all the tanks 10, 12, 14 from the manifold 28 by closing only the general manual shut-off valve 42.

[0075] At the end of the connection step, the tanks 10, 12, 14 are in the same state of filling as at the end of the preparation step. They are filled with the test gas, at the determined final pressure.

[0076] The process further includes a leak test step of the manifold 28, each manual shut-off valve 16 remaining in the closed state during the leak test step of the manifold.

[0077] The leak test step takes place immediately after the connection step.

[0078] As illustrated in [Fig.2], during the manifold leak test step, the manifold 28 is filled with the test gas at a very high pressure.

[0079] The test gas is the same as for the tank leak test substep.

[0080] For example, a mixture of hydrogen in sufficient quantity for detection and another inert gas in sufficient quantity to avoid an explosive condition of the mixture.

[0081] The manifold 28 during the leak test step is for example maintained at a pressure of 875 bars.

[0082] All parts of the manifold 28 are tested during the leak test. In other words, the leak test step makes it possible to test the leak tightness of all lines downstream of the manual valves 16.

[0083] The presence of possible leaks is identified for example by detecting the presence of traces of the test gas around the manifold 28.

[0084] At the end of the manifold leak test step, the pressure in the manifold is reduced to a moderate value, for example to the final pressure determined of the test gas inside the tanks 10, 12, 14.

[0085] The process further includes a step of opening the manual valves, then a step of filling the tanks with pressurized gas.

[0086] These steps are carried out after the leak test step.

[0087] At the manual valve opening stage, each manual shut-off valve 16 is placed in the open state.

[0088] At the stage of filling the tanks 10, 12, 14, the test gas filling the cavities 18 of the tanks 10, 12, 14 is purged, and the cavities 18 are filled with hydrogen at a delivery pressure complying with local transport standards.

[0089] The manual shut-off valves 16 remain in the open state during the tank filling step.

[0090] The state of the gas storage system at the end of the filling step is illustrated in [Fig.3].

[0091] The cavities 18 of the tanks 10, 12, 14 are in fluidic communication with the manifold 28, via the manual valves 16. The end of line 58 is connected to the cell filling device and the end of line 60 is connected to the gas extraction device. The solenoid valve 40 is in the closed position. The pressurized gas is therefore contained within the gas storage assembly.

[0092] After the filling step, an operator manually closes the main shut-off manual valve 42. This valve constitutes a double sealing barrier during the transport of the storage unit to the place where this unit will be mounted on board a vehicle.

[0093] Then, the part of the manifold 28 located downstream of the manual main shut-off valve 42 is inertized by purging with an inert gas, and brought back to atmospheric pressure.

[0094] In a final step, the ends of lines 58 and 60 are disconnected from the filling and extraction devices, and the openings are then plugged to prevent the intrusion of foreign bodies.

[0095] The method further includes a step of blocking the manual valves in the open state, each manual shut-off valve being placed in a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0096] In other words, in its operational state, the manual shut-off valve 16 can be operated by a user, who can selectively switch it, that is, at will, either to the open state or to the closed state.

[0097] Conversely, in the locked configuration, the user can no longer operate the manual shut-off valve to close it. The manual shut-off valve is locked in the open position.

[0098] More specifically, the user cannot change the manual shut-off valve from the open state to the closed state without first destroying one or more elements of the manual shut-off valve.

[0099] The step of blocking the manual valves in the open state follows the tank filling step. Alternatively, it is performed between the opening step and the tank filling step.

[0100] As illustrated in figures 4 to 8, each manual shut-off valve 16 has a passage 66 fluidly connecting the first port 22 and the second port 24 to each other.

[0101] This passage is provided in a valve body 68.

[0102] The manual shut-off valve 16 further includes a shutting member 70 which, in the closed state, occupies a position of shutting off the passage 22 and, in the open state, a position of clearing the passage 22, as well as an actuator 72 which can be used by a user to move the shutting member 70 between its shutting position and its clearing position.

[0103] In the operational configuration of the manual shut-off valve, the actuator 72 is connected to the shut-off member 70 by a mechanical link 74.

[0104] According to a first embodiment, illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the mechanical link 70 is irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration of the manual shut-off valve.

[0105] This means that in the blocked configuration of the manual shut-off valve, the mechanical link is no longer operational, and cannot be restored by the user.

[0106] The mechanical linkage 74 typically comprises a rod 75. For example, the sealing member 70 is formed by one end of the rod 75. It defines a bearing surface truncated cone 76, resting in the closed position in a sealed manner on a seat 78 provided in the passage 66.

[0107] In the closing position, the closing member 70 thus closes a section of the passage 66.

[0108] The stem 75 is arranged in a well 80 formed in the body 68. The well has an open end 81, opening outside the valve body 68.

[0109] The rod 75 has a section carrying an external thread 82.

[0110] The external thread 82 cooperates with an internal tapping 84 provided on a part of the internal surface of the well 80.

[0111] The actuator 72 is constituted by the end of the rod 75 opposite the sealing member 70. The actuator 72 protrudes out of the well 80 through the open end 81.

[0112] To move the manual shut-off valve 16 between its open position and its closed position, the user rotates the rod 75 around its axis of rotation A. Due to the cooperation of the external thread 82 and the internal tapping 84, the rod 75 moves along the axis of rotation A.

[0113] In the open position, the obturator member 70 is raised away from the seat 78. This situation is shown in [Fig. 4]. In the closed position, the obturator 70 is against the seat 78. This situation is shown in [Fig. 5].

[0114] The blocked configuration is shown in [Fig.6]. In this blocked configuration, the rod 75 is broken.

[0115] In the example shown, the rod 75 is broken at its junction 86 between the actuator 72 and the threaded section of the rod 75.

[0116] Alternatively, the rod 75 is broken at another location, for example between the threaded section and the sealing member 70.

[0117] Advantageously, the rod 75 is designed to break when a torque exceeding a predetermined limit is exerted on the rod 75.

[0118] In other words, the section of the rod intended to break is dimensioned to break when a torque greater than the determined limit is exerted on the rod 75.

[0119] To achieve this, the manual shut-off valve 16 includes a stop 88 against which the stem 75 bears in the open position. The stop 88 stops the movement of the stem 75 when, during the movement from the open position of the valve to the closed position, the valve reaches its open position.

[0120] In the example shown, the stop 88 is a washer placed in a groove cut into the inner surface of the well 80. The inner edge of the washer 88 protrudes towards the inside of the well 80. In the open position, the threaded section of the rod 75 bears axially against the washer.

[0121] When a user applies a rotational torque to the actuator 72, in the direction that would normally cause the rod 75 to move away from the seat 78, the stop 88 prevents the rod from moving. If the torque applied by the user exceeds the predetermined limit, the rod 75 breaks at the section dimensioned for this purpose.

[0122] It should be noted that the rod 75 has a sealing joint 90 ensuring a sliding seal between the rod 75 and the internal surface of the well 80.

[0123] An alternative embodiment of the manual shut-off valve is shown in [Fig. 7]. Only the points by which this manual shut-off valve differs from that of Figures 4 to 6 will be detailed below. Identical elements or elements performing the same function will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0124] In the embodiment variant of [Fig.7], in the blocked configuration, the actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible.

[0125] In other words, the user can only access the actuator in order to move the manual shut-off valve to its closed position by damaging the manual shut-off valve or elements mounted on the valve, making the actuator inaccessible.

[0126] In the embodiment variant, the actuator 72 is again constituted by one end of the rod 75.

[0127] In the open position of the manual shut-off valve, the actuator 72 is housed inside the well 80.

[0128] On the contrary, in the embodiment variant of figures 4 to 6, the actuator 72 protrudes out of the well 80, to facilitate gripping by the user.

[0129] In the embodiment variant of [Fig.7], the actuator 72 is a raised or recessed relief, provided at the end of the rod 75 opposite the obturator member 70.

[0130] In the operational configuration, to move the sealing element 70 between its sealing position and its disengagement position, the user inserts a tool into the well 80, the tool cooperating with the recessed or protruding relief. The tool drives the rod 75 in rotation around the axis A via the recessed or protruding relief.

[0131] Preferably, and as illustrated in [Fig.7], the actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a non-removable cover 92.

[0132] The non-removable cover 92 is mounted on the manual shut-off valve 16 and prevents access to the actuator 72. It is non-removable in the sense that it can only be separated from the manual shut-off valve 16 by breaking either the cover or the valve.

[0133] The non-removable cover 92 is housed in the well 80.

[0134] A second groove 94 is formed in the internal surface of the well 80. The second groove 94 is, for example, formed between the stop 88 and the open end 81 of the well 80.

[0135] The non-removable cover 92 comprises a disc 96 and a plurality of tabs 98 integral with the disc 96.

[0136] In the example shown, the actuator 72 is a protruding relief. The disc 96 has an opening that internally receives the actuator 72. Once the disc 96 is placed around the actuator 72, it is no longer possible for a tool to cooperate with the actuator 72.

[0137] The legs 98 are distributed over the entire periphery of the disc 96. Each of them has a locking end 102 engaged in the groove 94, and another end integral with the disc 96.

[0138] Thus, the non-removable cover 92 is braced between on the one hand the rod 75 and on the other hand the groove 94.

[0139] The non-removable cover 92 is for example made of a metallic material.

[0140] The non-removable cover 92 is put in place through the open end 81 of the well 80. The arms 98 are flexible and bend elastically towards the center of the disc 96 when the non-removable cover 92 is inserted into the well 80. When the disc 96 comes into position around the actuator 72, the arms 98 reach the groove 94. They come into position in the groove 94 due to their elasticity.

[0141] A manual shut-off valve according to another variant will now be detailed, with regard to [Fig.8].

[0142] Only the points by which this manual shut-off valve differs from that of [Fig. 7] will be detailed. Identical elements or those performing the same function will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0143] The actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a plug 104 of a solidified material on the actuator 72.

[0144] The cap 104 replaces the non-removable cover 92.

[0145] The stopper 104 is made of wax or a plastic material.

[0146] This plug fills the entire portion of the well 80 located between the actuator 72 and the open end 81 of the well 80.

[0147] In the example shown, the cap 104 overhangs the peripheral edge of the open end 81.

[0148] Typically, the plug 104 is hot-poured into the well 80, and solidifies upon cooling.

[0149] The invention further relates to a gas storage assembly 106. This storage assembly is shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0150] The storage assembly 106 is intended to be obtained by the process described above. Conversely, the process is designed to obtain the storage assembly that will now be described.

[0151] The gas storage assembly 106 comprises:

[0152] - a plurality of reservoirs 10, 12, 14, each delimiting a storage cavity of gas 18 having an orifice 20;

[0153] - for each tank 10, 12, 14 a manual shut-off valve 16, the valve manual shut-off valve 16 having a first port 22 connected to the orifice 20 and a second port 24, the manual shut-off valve 16 having an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve 16 is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port 22 communicates fluidly with the second port 24 or a closed state in which a first port 22 is fluidly isolated from the second port 24;

[0154] - a manifold 28, the second port 24 of each manual shut-off valve 16 being connected to collector 28.

[0155] Each manual shut-off valve 16 also has a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve 16 is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0156] Tanks 10, 12, 14 are as described above.

[0157] The storage cavity 18 is as described above.

[0158] The manifold 28 is as described above.

[0159] Each manual shut-off valve 16 includes a passage 66 fluidly connecting the first port 22 to the second port 24 to each other, a shut-off member 70 occupying a shut-off position of the passage 66 in the closed state and a clearance position of the passage 66 in the open state, and an actuator 72 capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member 70 between its shut-off position and its clearance position.

[0160] The actuator 72 is connected to the sealing member 70 by a mechanical linkage 74 in the operational configuration of the manual shut-off valve 16.

[0161] According to an alternative embodiment, the mechanical link 74 is irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration.

[0162] According to another embodiment, the actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

[0163] The manual shut-off valve 16 is as described above.

[0164] The invention described above may have multiple variants.

[0165] The shut-off element of the manual shut-off valve can be of any type and is not necessarily a rod end with a frustoconical sealing surface. The shut-off element can be a disc, a plate, etc.

[0166] The obturator moves between its obturating position and its disengagement position by any suitable movement, this movement not necessarily being a translational movement. This movement may be a rotational movement or include both one or more rotations and one or more translations.

[0167] The actuator is not necessarily the end of a valve stem with a protruding or recessed relief. This actuator may be a lever, a wheel, or any other suitable actuator.

[0168] The mechanical link connecting the actuator to the sealing element can be of any suitable type. It is not necessarily a rod. The actuator can be fixed to the sealing element via the mechanical link or, conversely, drive the sealing element by means of a kinematic chain of any type.

Claims

Demands

1. Method for assembling and testing a gas storage assembly, the method comprising the following steps: - obtaining a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14) each connected to a manual shut-off valve (16), each tank (10, 12, 14) delimiting a gas storage cavity (18) having an orifice (20), the manual shut-off valve (16) having a first port (22) connected to the orifice (20) and a second port (24), the manual shut-off valve (16) being in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port (22) communicates fluidly with the second port (24) or a closed state in which the first port (22) is fluidly isolated from the second port (24), each manual shut-off valve (16) at the end of the obtaining step being in the closed state;- connection of the second port (24) of each manual shut-off valve (16) to a manifold (28), each manual shut-off valve (16) remaining in the closed state; - leak test of the manifold (28), each manual shut-off valve (16) remaining in the closed state; - opening of the manual valves (16), each manual shut-off valve (16) being placed in the open state; - filling of the tanks (10, 12, 14) with said pressurized gas, each manual shut-off valve (16) remaining in the open state; - locking of the manual valves (16) in the open state, each manual shut-off valve (16) being placed in a locked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is irreversibly locked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each manual shut-off valve (16) comprises a passage (66) fluidly connecting the first port (22) and the second port (24) to each other, a shut-off member (70) occupying a shut-off position of the passage (66) in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage (66) in the open state, and an actuator (72) capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member (70) between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator (72) being connected to the obturator (70) by a mechanical link (74) in the operational configuration, the mechanical link (74) being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical linkage (74) comprises a rod (75), the rod (75) being broken in the blocked configuration.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the rod (75) is designed to break when a torque exceeding a predetermined limit is exerted on said rod (75).

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein each manual shut-off valve comprises a passage (66) fluidly connecting the first port (22) and the second port (24) to each other, a shut-off member (70) occupying a shut-off position of the passage (66) in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage (66) in the open state, and an actuator (72) capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member (70) between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator (72) being connected to the shut-off member (70) by a mechanical linkage (74) in the operational configuration, the actuator (72) being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (70) is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a non-removable cover (92).

7. A method according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (70) is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a plug (104) of a material solidified on the actuator (72).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of obtaining a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14) comprises, for each tank (10, 12, 14): - a substep of filling and leak testing said tank (10, 12, 14), the manual shut-off valve (16) connected to the tank (10, 12, 14) being in the open state during the substep of filling and leak testing; - a substep of closing, the manual shut-off valve (16) connected to the tank (10, 12, 14) being placed in the closed state.

9. Gas storage assembly, the assembly comprising: - a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14), each delimiting a gas storage cavity (18) having an orifice (20); - for each tank (10, 12, 14) a manual shut-off valve (16), the manual shut-off valve (16) having a first port (22) connected to the orifice (20) and a second port (24), the manual shut-off valve (16) having an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port (22) communicates fluidly with the second port (24) or a closed state in which the first port (22) is fluidly isolated from the second port (24); - a manifold (28), the second port (24) of each manual shut-off valve (16) being connected to the manifold (28); each manual shut-off valve (16) having a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

10. Assembly according to claim 9, wherein each manual shut-off valve (16) comprises a passage (66) fluidly connecting the first port (22) and the second port (24) to each other, a shut-off member (16) occupying a shut-off position of the passage (66) in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage (66) in the open state, and an actuator (72) capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member (70) between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator (72) being connected to the shut-off member (70) by a mechanical linkage (74) in the operational configuration; the mechanical linkage (74) being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration; or the actuator (72) being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

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