Gas supply installation including a liquid oxygen source supplying a hospital network

Abstract

Title of the Invention: Gas Supply Installation Including a Liquid Oxygen Source Supplying a Hospital Network. The invention relates to an oxygen supply installation (1) for supplying gaseous oxygen to at least one gas pipeline (2) carrying oxygen within a hospital facility, comprising a first oxygen source (10) containing oxygen (O2) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), and a second oxygen source (20) containing gaseous oxygen (GOX) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2). The first oxygen source (10) comprises at least one LOX tank (11) containing oxygen in liquid form (LOX) and at least one evaporator device (12) for vaporizing liquid oxygen (LOX) from said at least one LOX tank (11) and obtaining gaseous oxygen (GOX) at a first pressure (P1). Abstract Figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Gas supply installation including a liquid oxygen source supplying a hospital network

[0001] The invention relates to an oxygen supply installation intended to supply a hospital network of a hospital establishment, i.e. one or more gas conduits or pipes, with gaseous oxygen, 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 gas pipeline network of the hospital establishment and to the distribution outlets which are supplied by this network, it is necessary to take into account not only the so-called "service" pressure of the gas in question at which the gas in question must be supplied to the network but also the gas flow rate which can be requested within the hospital establishment, which varies according to the demand for gas, i.e. to treat patients for example.

[0004] In other words, a gas distribution installation must be able to supply, under all circumstances, the flow of gas drawn, including when consumption increases drastically on a one-off basis, i.e. in the event of a peak in consumption.

[0005] For example, peaks in oxygen consumption were recurrent during the Covid-19 pandemic, sometimes causing disruptions in the supply of medical oxygen in some hospital establishments due to demand being too high in view of the capacity and sizing of existing facilities.

[0006] Generally speaking, it is understood that any peak in oxygen consumption (i.e., excessive withdrawal 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 consumption peak, exceeding the usual consumption under normal operating conditions.

[0007] To try to overcome this problem, oversized installations capable of absorbing very high flow rates, such as flow peaks, have been proposed. However, these are not ideal because they generate problems related to their larger size, which makes their installation impossible in some hospitals lacking suitable premises. Their significantly higher cost is also often a barrier to their deployment, especially since these installations operate most of the time in so-called 'normal' operating mode (i.e. non-excessive flow rates) and oxygen consumption peaks represent only exceptional situations.

[0008] In this context, the present invention aims to attempt to solve all or part of the problems related to the supply of oxygen, including during peak oxygen consumption, by proposing an improved oxygen distribution installation or plant, in particular capable of providing a standard flow rate of gaseous oxygen, under normal operating conditions, and without interruption of oxygen supply, but preferably also, in the event of a consumption peak, of increasing the delivered flow capacity and thus ensuring an uninterrupted supply of oxygen during the consumption peak.

[0009] One solution then relates to an oxygen supply installation or plant for supplying gaseous oxygen to at least one gas pipeline (i.e. gas conduit or delivery line) carrying oxygen within a hospital establishment, typically medical or medicinal oxygen, comprising a first oxygen source containing oxygen (O2) fluidically connected to the gas pipeline, and a second oxygen source containing gaseous oxygen (GOX) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline.

[0010] In addition, the first oxygen source of the installation includes at least one LOX tank containing oxygen in liquid form (LOX) and at least one evaporator device for vaporizing oxygen in liquid form (LOX) from said at least one LOX tank and obtaining gaseous oxygen (GOX) at a first pressure (Pi).

[0011] Depending on the embodiment considered, the installation of the invention may include one or more of the following features: - at least one evaporator device, also called an evaporator, is arranged downstream of said at least one LOX tank. - two evaporator devices are arranged downstream of the LOX tank. - the evaporator device(s) is configured to heat the LOX and thus obtain GOX. - for example, the heating of LOX is achieved by heat exchange with the ambient atmosphere. - pressure reduction means are arranged downstream of the second oxygen source and configured to operate a reduction of the pressure of the oxygen from said second oxygen source to a second pressure reduction (P2) and supply the oxygen at said second pressure reduction (P2) to the gas pipeline. the first pressure (PJ) is greater than or equal to the second expansion pressure (P2), preferably the first pressure (Pi) is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2). the first pressure (Pi) is between 4 and 15 bar, preferably between 4.5 and 12 bar, for example around 11 bar. the second pressure (P2), i.e. a relief pressure, is between 4 and 11 bar, preferably between 4.5 and 9.5 bar. The second oxygen source comprises several pressurized gas containers, such as pressurized gas cylinders, fluidly connected to the gas pipeline. the second oxygen source preferably comprises at least two groups of containers, each comprising one or more pressurized gas containers, preferably several containers. It also includes a third oxygen source containing gaseous oxygen (GOX), fluidically connected to the gas pipeline. Additional pressure-reducing means are arranged downstream of said third gas source and configured to operate a pressure reduction of the oxygen (GOX) from said third gas source to a fixed third pressure-reducing point (P3) and supply the gas at said third pressure-reducing point (P3) to said gas pipeline. the third expansion pressure (P3) is lower than the second expansion pressure (P2). the third pressure (P3), i.e. a relief pressure, is between 4 and 9 bar, preferably still between 4 and 8.5 bar. The second oxygen source and / or the third gas source are fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via a connecting section, i.e. a common or similar conduit. the gas pipeline is in fluidic communication with a hospital network comprising several gas pipelines to supply said hospital network with gaseous oxygen (GOX). The means of pressure reduction and additional means of pressure reduction include one or more gas regulators. the second gas source is fluidly connected to the gas pipeline, downstream of the first gas source. The first means of pressure reduction include at least one upstream pressure reduction device and at least one downstream pressure reduction device so as to operate a two-stage expansion of the gas from the second gas source. the second expansion pressure (P2) corresponds to the gas pressure measured (i.e. exerted) downstream of the expansion means arranged downstream of the second gas source. The third expansion pressure (P3) corresponds to the gas pressure measured (i.e. exerted) downstream of the additional expansion means arranged downstream of the third (optional) gas source. the second gas source comprises several pressurized gas containers fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via one or more first sections of pipeline. According to one embodiment, the second 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 second 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 in each group of gas containers are fluidly connected to a common upstream section of piping, which is itself fluidly connected to the gas pipeline. the third gas source comprises (a set or group of) one or more pressurized gas vessels fluidly connected to the gas pipeline via the common pipeline section, preferably several gas vessels. According to one embodiment, the third gas source comprises an assembly or group of gas containers comprising (at least) 2 pressurized gas containers. The second and third gas sources are connected to the gas pipeline via a section or connecting line. commune. The second gas source and the third gas source supply the said common connection line with GOX. The gas containers in the groups of 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 gas pressures within the first and / or second GOX sources, i.e. before expansion, are less than 350 bar, preferably less than or equal to 300 bar, typically less than 250 bar. - The installation is configured to supply GOX to the gas pipeline supplying the hospital network from: • from the first source of gas, when network consumption is normal, i.e. in the event of "usual" demand, even in the event of high demand, or even in the event of peak consumption. • or, where applicable, from the second gas source, i.e. of GOX, when the first gas source is empty or almost empty, that is to say that the second gas source acts as a backup gas source, which makes it possible to avoid any interruption or break in gas supply when the first gas source is empty. • or, where applicable, from the second and third gas sources in the event of peak consumption, that is, in the event of "unusual" and excessive demand on the network, for example, as during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the network supply is ensured by the second gas source, i.e., GOX. In this case, the GOX flow rate supplied by the third gas source is added to the GOX flow rate supplied by the second gas source. The third gas source is also called a peak source or "booster." - 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, that is to say that the gas pipeline carrying the GOX within the hospital establishment branches into several sub-pipes each ending in a wall outlet for distributing GOX, that is to say outlets or fittings arranged on walls, in particular in patient rooms, treatment rooms or other areas.

[0012] 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. Definitions

[0013] Within the scope of the invention: - the term "gas" is used to refer to a constituent or compound in gaseous form, such as oxygen (O2). - The term "GOX" refers to oxygen in gaseous form. - The term "LOX" refers to oxygen in liquid form. - 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", "gas canister" or similar.

[0014] 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 attached figure where:

[0015] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an embodiment of a gas supply installation according to the invention.

[0016] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates an embodiment of a gas supply installation or plant 1 according to the invention intended to supply gaseous oxygen (GOX), i.e. medical oxygen (also called medicinal or therapeutic oxygen), to a gas pipeline 2 carrying this GOX and supplying a network of gas pipelines 4 arranged within a hospital establishment, such as a hospital, clinic or the like.

[0017] Such a hospital network 4 usually carries GOX, or other gases, such as air or N2O, 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.

[0018] The installation 1 here includes a first gas source 10, also called "LOX source", and a second gaseous oxygen source 20 comprising two sets or groups 20A, 20B of several gas containers 22, typically pressurized GOX cylinders, namely here two groups 20A, 20B each comprising here three gas containers 22, such as pressurized oxygen cylinders.

[0019] The first oxygen source 10 supplies the gas pipeline 2 carrying the GOX. It includes (at least) a LOX tank 11, such as an LOX storage capacity having a capacity of at least 1000 L, and containing oxygen in liquid form (LOX), for example between 5,000 and 25,000 L.

[0020] Within the LOX reservoir, 11.1' O2 in liquid form may optionally be surmounted by a gaseous "sky" formed of GOX.

[0021] One or more evaporator devices 12 for vaporizing oxygen in liquid form (LOX) from said at least one LOX reservoir 11 and thus obtaining gaseous oxygen or GOX at a first pressure Pp. Typically, the first pressure Piest is between 4 and 15 bar, preferably between 4.5 and 12 bar, for example in the order of 11 bar.

[0022] When the LOX tank 11 is empty, the second gaseous oxygen source 20 takes over and supplies GOX to the gas line 2.

[0023] In the embodiment of [Fig.1], the second source of gaseous oxygen 20 comprises two sets or groups 20A, 20B of gas containers 22 supply the gas sequentially, that is to say, a first group 20A of gas containers 22 first supplies the gas, then the second group 20B takes over when the first group 20A no longer has gas, that is to say, when the containers 22 are empty or almost empty.

[0024] The assemblies or groups 20A, 20B of containers 22 of the second gas source 20 are fluidly connected to the gas pipeline 2, via a connecting section 3, in order to supply it with pressurized oxygen, at a second pressure P2 and preferably at a main gas flow rate, for example in the order of 70 to 130 m3 / h.

[0025] The second pressure P2 is between 4 and 11 bar, preferably between 4.5 and 9.5 bar, for example here of the order of 9 bar.

[0026] The second pressure P2 is an expansion pressure. Indeed, in the gas containers 22 of groups 20A and 20B, the O2 is compressed to a so-called "high" pressure (Ph) which can reach 200 bar, or even 250 bar, or even 300 to 350 bar when the gas containers 22 are full, that is, before any withdrawal. In other words, these pressure values ​​correspond to the maximum gas pressure measured in a given container 22, before any use or withdrawal of gas. Naturally, the pressure decreases within the container 22 as the O2 is used; that is, the more O2 is sent to the gas pipeline 2 and then to the network 4, the more the pressure in the container(s) 22 decreases.

[0027] In general, the pressure within the containers 22 of the same group 20A, 20B is substantially equal since they are all fluidly connected to the same section of conduit 23, and that they therefore empty in a substantially almost simultaneous or almost synchronized manner, the internal pressures of these being balanced.

[0028] In order to ensure the transition from the high pressure (Ph) to the second pressure P2, first expansion means 21 are arranged downstream of each group of containers 20A, 20B of the second gas source 20, i.e. downstream of the containers 22, which allow to ensure a gas expansion, i.e. the desired pressure reduction, for example of oxygen at 200 bar or another high pressure (Ph) down to the desired pressure P2 of 9 bar here.

[0029] The first pressure-reducing means 21 comprise, for example, one or more pressure-reducing devices, for example, upstream and downstream pressure-reducing devices arranged in series, so as to achieve pressure reduction in two stages, i.e., according to two successive levels of pressure reduction. In the embodiment of [Fig. 1], two upstream pressure-reducing devices are arranged on the sections 23 and one downstream pressure-reducing device is arranged downstream of the point of junction (at 24) of the sections 23.

[0030] The joining of sections 23 and their fluid connection to the connecting section 3 supplying the gas pipeline 2 are carried out via a control device 24 allowing the passage of oxygen from either of the sections 23 to the connecting section 3 supplying the gas pipeline 2

[0031] In order to ensure continuity of gas supply during peak consumption, the installation 1 further includes a third gas source 30 (i.e. called "booster") containing pressurized oxygen, also fluidly connected to the gas pipeline 2, via section 3, allowing gaseous oxygen to be supplied at an additional flow rate and / or pressure.

[0032] In [Fig. 1], the third gas source 30 comprises two oxygen containers or cylinders 32 containing high-pressure oxygen (Ph), as before, typically at least 150 to 200 bar, or more. Of course, more or fewer than two cylinders 32 can be provided, depending on the requirements.

[0033] The high-pressure O2 is held, as before, by additional expansion means 31 arranged downstream of the section of pipe 33 to which the two cylinders 32 are connected. These additional expansion means 31 make it possible to obtain O2 (GOX) at a third expansion pressure (P3) which is lower than the second expansion pressure (P2).

[0034] Preferably, the third expansion pressure (P3) is between 4 and 9 bar, more preferably between 4 and 8.5 bar, for example here in the order of 8.1 bar.

[0035] Here, the third gas source 30 connects downstream of the second gas source 20, to section 3 which then supplies the gas pipeline 2.

[0036] 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).

[0037] Of course, the different levels of expansion pressure 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.

[0038] In summary, the installation 1 of the invention supplies gas to the gas pipeline 2 and therefore to the hospital network 4 with GOX from: - either from the first gas source 10 (i.e., the main source), that is, the LOX source, as long as the first gas source 10 contains LOX, i.e., is not empty, even in the event of high demand for LOX by the network, - or from the second gas source 20 when the first gas source 10 is empty of LOX. This ensures a continuous oxygen supply in the event of normal oxygen demand, i.e., nominal flow rate (e.g., a combined flow rate of 70 and 130 m³ / h), thus preventing any unexpected interruption of oxygen supply to the network when the first gas source 10 containing LOX is (almost) empty of gas. - either from the second and third gas source 30 or peak source (i.e., "booster"), in the event of a peak consumption flow, that is, overconsumption of gas by the network 4, so as to ensure a flow rate much higher than the nominal flow rate, in particular a doubled nominal flow rate, for example a combined flow rate of 140 and 260 m³ / h. This makes it possible to cope with any consumption peak when the gas comes from the second gas source 20.

[0039] More generally, a gas supply installation makes it possible to supply any oxygen network arranged in a hospital establishment and supplying GOX to the wall outlets of the hospital establishment.

Claims

Demands

1. Oxygen supply installation (1) for supplying gaseous oxygen to at least one gas pipeline (2) carrying oxygen within a hospital facility comprising: - a first oxygen source (10) containing oxygen (O2) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), and - a second oxygen source (20) containing gaseous oxygen (GOX) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), characterized in that the first oxygen source (10) comprises: - at least one LOX tank (11) containing oxygen in liquid form (LOX) and - at least one evaporator device (12) for vaporizing oxygen in liquid form (LOX) from said at least one LOX tank (11) and obtaining gaseous oxygen (GOX) at a first pressure (Pi).

2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one evaporator device (12) is arranged downstream of said at least one LOX tank (11).

3. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that pressure-reducing means (21) are arranged downstream of the second oxygen source (20) and configured to operate a reduction of the pressure of the oxygen from said second oxygen source (20) to a second pressure-reducing pressure (P2) and supply the oxygen at said second pressure-reducing pressure (P2) to the gas pipeline (2).

4. Installation according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the first pressure (Pi) is greater than or equal to the second expansion pressure (P2), preferably the first pressure (Pi) is greater than the second expansion pressure (P2).

5. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the first pressure (Pi) is between 4 and 15 bar, preferably between 4.5 and 12 bar, for example in the order of 11 bar.

6. Installation according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the second pressure (P2) is between 4 and 11 bar, preferably between 4.5 and 9.5 bar.

7. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the second oxygen source (20) comprises several pressurized gas containers (22) fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), preferably at least two groups of containers (121, 122) each comprising several pressurized gas containers (22).

8. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a third oxygen source (30) containing gaseous oxygen (GOX), fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2), and additional pressure-reducing means (31), arranged downstream of said third gas source (30), configured to operate a pressure reduction of the oxygen (GOX) from said third gas source (30) to a fixed third pressure-reducing point (P3) and to supply the gas at said third pressure-reducing point (P3) to said gas pipeline (2).

9. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second oxygen source (20) and / or the third gas source (30) are fluidly connected to the gas pipeline (2) via a connecting section (3).

10. Installation according to any one of the preceding claims, 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 gaseous oxygen (GOX).

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