Liquefied gas supply device

Abstract

To provide a liquefied gas supply device which can rapidly supply liquefied gas to a supply destination.SOLUTION: A liquefied gas supply device includes: a body which can store a liquefied gas container therein; first piping which connects the liquefied gas container, a first end and second piping; the second piping which is connected to the first piping and is stored in the body; and a measurement section which can measure mass of the second piping. The body has an intake section which can take in air from the outside of the body to the inside of the body and an exhaust section which can discharge the air from the inside of the body to the inside of the body. In a state where the liquefied gas supply device is installed, the intake section is positioned below the exhaust section in a vertical direction and the first end is positioned below a second end in the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquefied gas supply device.

Background Art

[0002] As a device for supplying liquefied gas filled in a liquefied gas container to a supply destination, a cylinder cabinet is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the cylinder cabinet disclosed in Patent Document 1, the flow rate of the gas flowing to the supply destination is measured by a flow meter installed near the gas supply port.

[0003] In the cylinder cabinet described in Patent Document 2, a part of the pipe arranged in the cabinet and connected to the liquefied gas container can be partitioned from other parts by a valve and is a thick-diameter pipe. By temporarily storing liquefied gas in this thick pipe portion and measuring the mass of this portion, the mass of the liquefied gas discharged from the cylinder cabinet can be accurately grasped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Gas supply from the cylinder cabinet is preferably performed quickly. One of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a liquefied gas supply device capable of quickly supplying liquefied gas to a supply destination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The liquefied gas supply device according to the present disclosure includes a housing capable of accommodating a liquefied gas container therein, a first end connectable to the liquefied gas container, and a second end opposite to the first end. It includes a first pipe housed inside the housing, a second pipe housed inside the housing and connected to the first pipe at the second end, and a third pipe including a third end connected to the second pipe and a fourth end exposed outside the housing. It further includes a first valve unit installed in the first pipe and capable of realizing a first switching for switching the first pipe between a closed state and an open state, a second valve unit installed in the third pipe and capable of realizing a second switching for switching the third pipe between a closed state and an open state, and a measuring unit capable of measuring the mass of the second pipe. The housing has an intake part capable of taking in air from outside the housing into the housing, and an exhaust part capable of discharging air from inside the housing to outside the housing. In a state where the liquefied gas supply device is installed, the intake part is located below the exhaust part in the vertical direction, and the first end is located below the second end in the vertical direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, gas can be quickly supplied to the supply destination.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] [Overview of Embodiment] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. The liquefied gas supply device according to the present disclosure includes a housing capable of accommodating a liquefied gas container therein, a first end portion connectable to the liquefied gas container, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. It includes a first pipe housed inside the housing, a second pipe connected to the first pipe at the second end portion and housed inside the housing, a third pipe including a third end portion connected to the second pipe and a fourth end portion exposed to the outside of the housing, and a first valve portion installed in the first pipe and capable of realizing a first switching for switching the first pipe between a closed state and an open state, and a second valve portion installed in the third pipe and capable of realizing a second switching for switching the third pipe between a closed state and an open state, and a measurement unit capable of measuring the mass of the second pipe. The housing has an intake portion capable of taking in air from the outside of the housing into the housing and an exhaust portion capable of discharging air from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing. In a state where the liquefied gas supply device is installed, the intake portion is located below the exhaust portion in the vertical direction, and the first end portion is located below the second end portion in the vertical direction.

[0010] When storing flammable gas or toxic gas inside a liquefied gas supply device (cylinder cabinet), it is necessary to always discharge the air inside the housing and maintain a negative pressure state inside the housing. For this reason, the housing is provided with an intake part for taking in air from the outside and an exhaust part for discharging the internal air to the outside. When circulating the air inside the housing in this way, it has become clear that non-uniformity occurs in the temperature and pressure of the air inside the housing. That is, near the exhaust part, the pressure decreases as the air is discharged, adiabatic expansion occurs, and the temperature decreases. Near the intake part where warm outside air is taken in from outside the housing, the temperature and pressure are relatively higher than near the exhaust part. Focusing on this state, a configuration for quickly supplying liquefied gas was studied.

[0011] In the liquefied gas supply device according to the present disclosure, in the installed state, the intake part is located below the exhaust part in the vertical direction. When maintaining a negative pressure inside such a housing, the temperature is high at the lower part of the housing and relatively low at the upper part of the housing. Further, in the gas supply device according to the present disclosure, the first end part (the end part connected to the liquefied gas container) of the first pipe is located below the second end part (the end part connected to the second pipe). That is, the liquefied gas container can be arranged at the lower part inside the housing, and the second pipe can be arranged above the liquefied gas container. Then, the liquefied gas container is in a state where the temperature is relatively high and it is warmed, while the second pipe is maintained at a relatively low temperature, and the transfer of liquefied gas from the liquefied gas container to the second pipe is promoted by the temperature difference. For this reason, liquefied gas can be supplied quickly.

[0012] The exhaust part of the liquefied gas supply device may be arranged on the top surface of the housing. When the exhaust part is arranged on the top surface of the housing, the temperature difference between the top and bottom inside the housing becomes clearer, and the effects according to the present disclosure become clearer.

[0013] In the installed state, the intake section of the liquefied gas supply device may be located below the first end portion in the vertical direction. When the intake section is located below the first end portion, the effect of warming the liquefied gas container by the warm air near the intake section becomes clearer, and the effect according to the present disclosure becomes clearer.

[0014] In the liquefied gas supply device, the second pipe may have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the first pipe, and the third pipe may have an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second pipe. By making the second pipe have a larger diameter than the first pipe and the third pipe, the amount of liquefied gas that can be accommodated in the second pipe can be increased, and the gas supply capacity from the liquefied gas supply device can be expanded.

[0015] The liquefied gas supply device may further include a control unit that controls the first switching and the second switching based on the mass of the second pipe measured by the measuring unit. By the control unit controlling the switching by the first valve unit and the switching by the second valve unit based on the mass of the second pipe measured by the measuring unit, gas metering and gas supply can be easily carried out.

[0016] [Specific Example of Embodiment] Next, an example of a specific embodiment of the liquefied gas supply device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0017] In FIGS. 2 to 4, the X direction indicates the width direction of the cylinder cabinet A in a state where the cylinder cabinet A is installed. The Y direction indicates the depth direction of the cylinder cabinet A in a state where the cylinder cabinet A is installed. The Z direction indicates the height direction (vertical direction) of the cylinder cabinet A in a state where the cylinder cabinet A is installed.

[0018] [Cylinder Cabinet] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cylinder cabinet A in the embodiment. In FIG. 1, the broken lines conceptually show the paths through which control signals from the control unit 9 are sent to each of the on-off valves AV1 to AV7. The dashed-dotted line conceptually shows the state in which the measurement unit 8 is communicably connected to the control unit 9. In FIG. 1, the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 are represented by thick lines.

[0019] First, with reference to FIG. 1, each component of the cylinder cabinet A (liquefied gas supply device), which is an embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described.

[0020] The cylinder cabinet A (liquefied gas supply device) houses the liquefied gas container B and supplies the liquefied gas filled in the liquefied gas container B to a supply destination (not shown). Examples of the supply destination include a refrigerator. A part of the liquefied gas may be vaporized inside the liquefied gas container B. Examples of the liquefied gas include propane gas (R290), ethane gas (R170), and carbon dioxide gas.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, the cylinder cabinet A includes a housing 10, a first pipe 1, a second pipe 2, a third pipe 3, a fourth pipe 4, a fifth pipe 5, a first valve unit V1, a second valve unit V2, a measurement unit 8, and a control unit 9.

[0022] <Housing> FIG. 2 is a view of the inside of the housing 10 with the cylinder cabinet A installed, as seen from the left side of the housing 10. In the width direction, the side where the door portion 14 described later is arranged is defined as the left side. FIG. 3 is a view of the outside of the housing 10 with the cylinder cabinet A installed, from the same viewpoint as FIG. 2. In FIG. 3, the components housed inside the housing are shown by dotted lines. FIG. 4 is a view of the inside of the housing 10 of FIG. 2, as seen from the upper side of the housing 10. In the vertical direction, the side where the exhaust damper 12 described later is arranged is defined as the upper side. In FIGS. 2 to 4, the illustration of the control unit 9 and the gas detector 13 is omitted.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the exhaust damper 12 and the gas detector 13 are installed outside the housing 10. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the exhaust damper 12 is disposed on the top surface 10t of the housing 10. By operating a fan (not shown) installed inside the exhaust damper 12, the gas inside the housing 10 is discharged from the exhaust damper 12, and the inside of the housing 10 is kept at a negative pressure. The exhaust damper 12 is an exhaust part capable of discharging air from the inside of the housing 10 to the outside. The gas detector 13 is a suction type gas detector. The gas detector 13 is connected to the exhaust damper 12 and monitors for gas leakage inside the housing 10. Inside the housing 10, a negative pressure gauge NP for measuring the pressure inside the housing 10 is installed.

[0024] The housing 10 can accommodate the liquefied gas container B inside. The housing 10 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Referring to FIG. 2, inside the housing 10, it includes holding chains 16a, 16b connected to brackets 17a, 17b, and a shelf 18. The brackets 17a, 17b are support parts for holding the liquefied gas container B in a predetermined position. The brackets 17a, 17b are both provided below the center in the height direction (Z direction) of the housing 10 so that the liquefied gas container B can be placed on the floor surface 10c of the housing 10. The shelf 18 is a pedestal part for placing the measuring unit 8 (meter) and the second pipe 2. The shelf 18 is provided above the center in the height direction of the housing 10 so that the measuring unit 8 (meter) and the second pipe 2 are located above the liquefied gas container B. The housing 10 has, outside it, an exhaust damper 12 and a control box 15.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, the holding chains 16a, 16b hold the liquefied gas container B. The holding chain 16b is located below the holding chain 16a. Both ends of the holding chain 16a are connected to a bracket 17a disposed inside the rear wall portion 10a of the housing 10. Both ends of the holding chain 16b are connected to a bracket 17b disposed inside the rear wall portion 10a of the housing 10.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the second pipe 2 is specifically placed on the weighing pan 8a of the measuring unit 8 which is a weighing instrument (for example, a digital weighing scale). The measuring unit 8 is arranged on the shelf 18. With this configuration, in the arrangement state of the cylinder cabinet A, the second pipe 2 is located vertically above the liquefied gas container B.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, the housing 10 has an openable and closable door portion 14. FIG. 3 shows the state where the door portion 14 is closed. The whole door portion 14 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, and has an air inlet 41, a viewing window 42, and an opening / closing handle (not shown). The air inlet 41 is an air intake portion capable of taking in outside air from the outside of the housing 10 into the inside of the housing 10. The air inlet 41 may be a louver having, for example, a plurality of openable and closable openings. The lower end 41b of the air inlet 41 is located at substantially the same position as the floor surface 10c in the height direction (Z direction) or slightly above it. The upper end 41t of the air inlet 41 is located at a position overlapping the body portion of the liquefied gas container B housed in the housing 10 in the height direction. The viewing window 42 is made of a transparent material such as wire glass through which the inside can be visually recognized.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, the door portion 14 is installed on the left side of the housing 10. The rear end portion 14a of the door portion 14 is pivotally held by the rear wall portion 10a of the housing 10. The door portion 14 opens and closes in the opening / closing direction D with the rear end portion 14a as the base end. When the front end portion 14b of the door portion 14 moves away from the front wall portion 10b of the housing 10, the door portion 14 is opened. When the door portion 14 is opened, it becomes possible to take the liquefied gas container B in and out of the housing 10. When the front end portion 14b of the door portion 14 is fixed to the front wall portion 10b of the housing 10, the door portion 14 is closed. When the door portion 14 is closed, the inside of the housing 10 is blocked.

[0029] When a fan (not shown) installed inside the exhaust damper 12 is operated with the door portion 14 closed, the gas inside the housing 10 is discharged from the exhaust damper 12, and outside air is drawn into the housing from the intake port 41. The inside of the housing 10 is maintained at a negative pressure, and an air flow from the intake port 41 toward the exhaust damper 12 is generated inside the housing. The pressure decreases in the vicinity of the exhaust damper 12, and the temperature decreases due to decompression expansion. Air having the same temperature and pressure as the outside air is inhaled in the vicinity of the intake port 41.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the control box 15 is installed outside the front wall portion 10b of the housing 10. The control box 15 houses the control unit 9. The liquefied gas container B is disposed on the floor surface 10c of the housing 10. Above the liquefied gas container B, the second pipe 2 is located.

[0031] <First Pipe> Referring to FIG. 1, the first pipe 1 includes a first end portion E1 connectable to the liquefied gas container B and a second end portion E2 which is an end portion opposite to the first end portion E1. The first pipe 1 is housed inside the housing 10.

[0032] The first pipe 1 is composed of a flexible hose FP, a first metal pipe P1, a first tube T1, and a second metal pipe P2 connected in order from the first end portion E1 to the second end portion E2. The first tube T1 is made of, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or nylon. An inlet valve Va is installed at a portion where the flexible hose FP and the first metal pipe P1 are connected. The first metal pipe P1, the first tube T1, and the second metal pipe P2 are connected to each other by a joint (not shown).

[0033] A check valve CV1 is installed in the flexible hose FP. In the first metal pipe P1, a filter FL, an on-off valve AV1, and a first valve part V1 are installed in order from the flexible hose FP toward the second metal pipe P2. The first pipe 1 includes a main pipe MP1 and a bypass pipe BP1 formed in the first metal pipe P1. The bypass pipe BP1 connects a region between the part of the first metal pipe P1 where the on-off valve AV1 is installed and the part where the first valve part V1 is installed, and a region between the part of the first metal pipe P1 where the first valve part V1 is installed and the part connected to the first tube T1.

[0034] The on-off valve AV1 is composed of, for example, a pneumatic valve. The dashed line in Fig. 1 conceptually shows a pipe for sending a pneumatic pressure signal, which is a control signal sent to the pneumatic valve under the control of the control unit 9. The same applies to the on-off valves AV2 to AV7 described later.

[0035] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, in the installed state of the cylinder cabinet A, the first end E1 of the first pipe 1 is located below the second end E2 in the vertical direction. The second end E2, which is the entrance to the second pipe 2, is located above the first end E1, which is the outlet of the liquefied gas container B, in the vertical direction. Also, referring to Fig. 3, the first end E1 is located above the intake port 41 of the housing 10 in the vertical direction.

[0036] <Second Pipe> Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing a vertical cross-section of the second pipe 2 in the state where the cylinder cabinet A is installed. Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing the bottom wall portion 22 of the second pipe 2 in Fig. 5 and its periphery.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the second pipe 2 is connected to the first pipe 1 at the second end E2 and is housed inside the housing 10. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in a state where the cylinder cabinet A is installed, the second pipe 2 is disposed vertically above the liquefied gas container B. The second pipe 2 is made of stainless steel such as SUS304 conforming to JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards).

[0038] The second pipe 2 has an inner diameter larger than that of the first pipe 1. The inner diameter of the second pipe 2 is, for example, 60 mm or more and 200 mm or less.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 5, the second pipe 2 includes a side wall portion 20 having a cylindrical shape, an upper wall portion 21 closing the upper end portion in the vertical direction of the side wall portion 20, and a bottom wall portion 22 closing the lower end portion in the vertical direction of the side wall portion 20. The second pipe 2 is disposed, for example, so as to extend along the vertical direction. The central axis of the second pipe 2 is along the vertical direction, for example.

[0040] Above the center of the side wall portion 20 in the vertical direction, a through hole 200 penetrating the side wall portion 20 is formed. A fifth pipe 5 is connected to the through hole 200.

[0041] In the second pipe 2, a first through hole H1 and a second through hole H2 penetrating the second pipe 2 are formed so that a part of the bottom wall portion 22 is missing. The second end E2 of the first pipe 1 is connected to the first through hole H1. The third end E3 (described later) of the third pipe 3 is connected to the second through hole H2.

[0042] The first through hole H1 and the second through hole H2 are constituted by an integrated through hole H that serves as both. The integrated end E of the integrated pipe C (described later) is connected to the integrated through hole H.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 6, the integrated through-hole H penetrates from the outer peripheral side surface 22a of the bottom wall portion 22 to the top surface 22b. The integrated through-hole H is formed by a through-hole 20a formed in the side wall portion 20 and having a cross-sectional shape with a circular part cut out, and an arc-shaped recess 22c formed in the bottom wall portion 22 and opening upward. An integrated pipe C is inserted into the integrated through-hole H.

[0044] <Third pipe> Referring to FIG. 1, the third pipe 3 includes a third end portion E3 connected to the second pipe 2 and a fourth end portion E4 exposed to the outside of the housing 10. A coupler C1 connectable to a pipe (not shown) connected to a supply destination and a vacuum pump (not shown) is installed at the fourth end portion E4. The third pipe 3 has an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the second pipe 2.

[0045] The third pipe 3 is composed of a second metal pipe P2, a first tube T1, and a third metal pipe P3 connected in order from the third end portion E3 to the fourth end portion E4. The second metal pipe P2, the first tube T1, and the third metal pipe P3 are connected to each other by a joint (not shown).

[0046] A second valve portion V2 and a check valve CV2 are installed in the third metal pipe P3 in order from the first tube T1 toward the fourth end portion E4. The third pipe 3 includes a main pipe MP2 and a bypass pipe BP2 formed in the third metal pipe P3. The bypass pipe BP2 connects a region between a portion of the third metal pipe P3 connected to the first tube T1 and a portion where the second valve portion V2 is installed, and a region between a portion of the third metal pipe P3 where the second valve portion V2 is installed and a portion where the check valve CV2 is installed.

[0047] The region including the second end portion E2 of the first pipe 1 and the region including the third end portion E3 of the third pipe 3 are composed of an integrated pipe C that also serves as the first pipe 1 and the third pipe 3. The integrated pipe C is composed of a first tube T1 and a second metal pipe P2 connected to each other. The integrated pipe C includes an integrated end portion E that also serves as the second end portion E2 and the third end portion E3.

[0048] <Fourth pipe> Referring to FIG. 1, the fourth pipe 4 includes a fifth end portion E5 connected to the integrated pipe C and a sixth end portion E6 exposed to the outside of the housing 10. A coupler C2 connectable to a discharge pipe (not shown) for discharging gas to the atmosphere is installed at the sixth end portion E6. The fourth pipe 4 is made of metal. An on-off valve AV7 and a check valve CV3 are installed in the fourth pipe 4 in order from the fifth end portion E5 toward the sixth end portion E6.

[0049] <Fifth Pipe> Referring to FIG. 1, the fifth pipe 5 includes a seventh end portion E7 connected to a through hole 200 formed in the second pipe 2 and an eighth end portion E8 connected to the fourth pipe 4 between the on-off valve AV7 and the check valve CV3. The fifth pipe 5 is composed of a fourth metal pipe P4, a second tube T2, and a fifth metal pipe P5 connected in order from the seventh end portion E7 to the eighth end portion E8. The second tube T2 is made of, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or nylon. A minute flow rate adjustment valve FV1 and an on-off valve AV2 are installed in the fifth metal pipe P5 in order from the second tube T2 toward the eighth end portion E8.

[0050] <First Valve Portion> Referring to FIG. 1, the first valve portion V1 is installed in the first pipe 1 and can realize a first switching for switching the first pipe 1 between a closed state in which the first pipe 1 is blocked and an open state in which the first pipe 1 is opened. The first valve portion V1 includes an on-off valve AV3, a minute flow rate adjustment valve FV2, and an on-off valve AV4.

[0051] The on-off valve AV3 and the minute flow rate adjustment valve FV2 are installed in the main pipe MP1. The on-off valve AV4 is installed in the bypass pipe BP1. The first pipe 1 is in a closed state when the on-off valve AV3 and the on-off valve AV4 are closed. The first pipe 1 is in an open state when the on-off valve AV3 or the on-off valve AV4 is opened.

[0052] <Second Valve Portion> Referring to FIG. 1, the second valve section V2 is installed in the third pipe 3 and can realize a second switching for switching the third pipe 3 between a closed state and an open state. The second valve section V2 includes an on-off valve AV5, a minute flow rate adjustment valve FV3, an on-off valve AV6, and a minute flow rate adjustment valve FV4.

[0053] The on-off valve AV5 and the minute flow rate adjustment valve FV3 are installed in the main pipe MP2. The on-off valve AV6 and the minute flow rate adjustment valve FV4 are installed in the bypass pipe BP2. The third pipe 3 is in a closed state when the on-off valve AV5 and the on-off valve AV6 are closed. The third pipe 3 is in an open state when the on-off valve AV5 or the on-off valve AV6 is opened.

[0054] <Measurement unit> The measurement unit 8 can measure the mass of the second pipe 2. The measurement unit 8 is composed of, for example, an explosion-proof platform scale.

[0055] <Control unit> The control unit 9 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valves AV1 to AV7 installed in the cylinder cabinet A. The control unit 9 controls the first switching by controlling the on-off valve AV3 and the on-off valve AV4 of the first valve section V1. The control unit 9 controls the second switching by controlling the on-off valve AV5 and the on-off valve AV6 of the second valve section V2.

[0056] The control unit 9 is composed of, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 9 controls the opening and closing of the on-off valves AV1 to AV7 by executing a control program such as a ladder program. Connected to the input / output section (not shown) of the control unit 9 are the on-off valves AV1 to AV7, the measurement unit 8, a display section (not shown) including a liquid crystal panel, etc., and an operation reception section (not shown) including a touch panel, etc., for receiving input operations from the user.

[0057] In addition to the components described above, referring to FIG. 1, the cylinder cabinet A includes discharge pipes 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. The discharge pipes 6a, 6b, 6c are for discharging liquefied gas to the outside of the housing 10 in an emergency.

[0058] The discharge pipe 6a connects the first pipe 1 and the coupler C2. A pressure gauge PG and a safety valve SV1 are installed in the discharge pipe 6a. The discharge pipe 6b connects the fifth pipe 5 and the coupler C2. A safety valve SV2 is installed in the discharge pipe 6b. The discharge pipe 6c connects the third pipe 3 and the coupler C2. A safety valve SV3 is installed in the discharge pipe 6c. The discharge pipe 6d connects a region on the coupler C2 side of the third pipe 3 with respect to the safety valve SV3 and the discharge pipe 6c. An outlet valve Vb is installed in the discharge pipe 6d.

[0059] 〔Control Procedure by the Control Unit〕 FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure by the control unit 9.

[0060] Next, referring to FIG. 7, an outline of the control by the control unit 9 in the present embodiment will be described. Note that operations by an operator such as an operation of removing the supply destination, the pipe connected to the supply destination, and the vacuum pump from the coupler C1, and other controls such as controls for starting or stopping the operation of the vacuum pump are omitted from the description and illustration. In the initial state of the control by the control unit 9, the on-off valve AV1 is open, and the on-off valves AV2 to AV7 are closed.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, in step ST1, the control unit 9 executes a "zero point calibration" process for calibrating the zero point of the measurement unit 8.

[0062] In step ST2, the control unit 9 executes a "gas measurement" process for measuring the amount of liquefied gas corresponding to the supply amount supplied to the supply destination using the measurement unit 8 whose zero point has been calibrated in step ST1.

[0063] In step ST3, the control unit 9 executes the "gas supply" process of supplying the liquefied gas measured in step ST2 to the supply destination. Thus, the control unit 9 ends a series of processes.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the zero-point calibration procedure. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the gas measurement procedure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the gas supply procedure.

[0065] Subsequently, with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10, the detailed procedures of each process in steps ST1 to ST3 will be described.

[0066] <Zero-point calibration> Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, the control unit 9 performs "initial inflow" of allowing a predetermined initial inflow amount (for example, 10% or more and 30% or less of the volume of the second pipe 2) of liquefied gas to flow into the second pipe 2 from the liquefied gas container B. Thereafter, the control unit 9 calibrates the zero point of the measurement unit 8 by setting the mass of the second pipe 2 after the initial inflow as the zero point. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 8, it will be described below. In the initial state of zero-point calibration, the vacuum pump is connected to the coupler C1.

[0067] In step ST10, the control unit 9 performs evacuation to reduce the pressure in the second pipe 2. The control unit 9 opens the on-off valves AV5 and AV6 of the second valve unit V2 for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), so that the liquefied gas remaining in the second pipe 2 is discharged from the coupler C1 to the vacuum pump through the third pipe 3. The pressure in the second pipe 2 is reduced to less than, for example, 10 Pa. Thereafter, the vacuum pump is removed from the coupler C1.

[0068] In step ST11, the control unit 9 sets the measured value of the measurement unit 8 as the zero point.

[0069] In step ST12, the control unit 9 opens the on-off valve AV4 of the first valve unit V1 to put the first pipe 1 in an open state. By putting the first pipe 1 in an open state, the control unit 9 performs an initial inflow of liquefied gas into the second pipe 2. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined first target value, the control unit 9 executes step ST13. The first target value is set lower than the mass corresponding to the initial inflow amount (the mass of the second pipe 2 into which the liquefied gas of the initial inflow amount has flowed).

[0070] In step ST13, after closing the on-off valve AV4 of the first valve unit V1, the control unit 9 opens the on-off valve AV3 to perform fine adjustment to further allow a small amount of liquefied gas to flow into the second pipe 2 from the liquefied gas container B through the fine flow rate adjustment valve FV2. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined second target value, the control unit 9 closes the on-off valve AV3 to put the first pipe 1 in a closed state and then executes step ST14. The second target value is set higher than the first target value and lower than the mass corresponding to the initial inflow amount.

[0071] In step ST14, the control unit 9 determines whether the mass of the second pipe 2 including the liquefied gas flowing into the second pipe 2 is equal to or less than a predetermined initial allowable value. The initial allowable value is set higher than the mass corresponding to the initial inflow amount.

[0072] If the control unit 9 determines that the mass of the second pipe 2 is equal to or less than the initial allowable value, it executes step ST16. If the control unit 9 determines that the mass of the second pipe 2 exceeds the initial allowable value, it executes step ST15.

[0073] In step ST15, the control unit 9 opens the on-off valve AV2 to discharge the surplus liquefied gas flowing into the second pipe 2 to the outside of the cylinder cabinet A via the fifth pipe 5 and the fourth pipe 4. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches the initial allowable value, the control unit 9 closes the on-off valve AV2 and then executes step ST16.

[0074] In step ST16, the control unit 9 resets the measured value of the measurement unit 8 to zero. Thus, the control unit 9 finishes the "zero point calibration" process.

[0075] <Gas metering> Based on the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8, the control unit 9 controls the switching by the first valve unit V1 to meter the liquefied gas in an amount corresponding to the supply amount while allowing the liquefied gas to flow into the second pipe 2. Specifically, it will be described below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0076] In step ST20, the control unit 9 opens the on-off valve AV4 of the first valve unit V1 to put the first pipe 1 in an open state. By putting the first pipe 1 in an open state, the control unit 9 starts the inflow of the liquefied gas into the second pipe 2. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined third target value, the control unit 9 executes step ST21. The third target value is set lower than the mass corresponding to the supply amount (the mass of the second pipe 2 into which the liquefied gas of the supply amount has flowed).

[0077] In step ST21, the control unit 9 further causes a small amount of liquefied gas to flow into the second pipe 2 from the liquefied gas container B through the minute flow rate adjustment valve FV2 by opening the on-off valve AV3 after closing the on-off valve AV4 of the first valve unit V1. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined fourth target value, the control unit 9 closes the on-off valve AV3 to put the first pipe 1 in a closed state and then executes step ST22. The fourth target value is set higher than the third target value and lower than the mass corresponding to the supply amount.

[0078] In step ST22, the control unit 9 determines whether the mass of the second pipe 2 including the liquefied gas flowing into the second pipe 2 is equal to or less than a predetermined allowable value. The allowable value is set higher than the mass corresponding to the supply amount.

[0079] When the control unit 9 determines that the mass of the second pipe 2 is equal to or less than the allowable value, it ends the "gas measurement" process. When the control unit 9 determines that the mass of the second pipe 2 exceeds the allowable value, it executes step ST23.

[0080] In step ST23, the control unit 9 discharges the excess liquefied gas flowing into the second pipe 2 to the outside of the cylinder cabinet A through the fifth pipe 5 and the fourth pipe 4 by opening the on-off valve AV2. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches the allowable value, the control unit 9 closes the on-off valve AV2 and then ends the "gas measurement" process.

[0081] <Gas supply> Based on the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8, the control unit 9 controls the switching by the second valve unit V2 to supply the liquefied gas measured in step ST2 from the second pipe 2 to the supply destination. Specifically, it will be described below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0082] In step ST30, the control unit 9 opens the on-off valve AV6 of the second valve unit V2 to put the third pipe 3 in an open state. By putting the third pipe 3 in an open state, the control unit 9 starts the supply of liquefied gas from the second pipe 2. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined fifth target value, the control unit 9 executes step ST31. The fifth target value is set lower than the mass corresponding to the supply amount.

[0083] In step ST31, after closing the on-off valve AV6 of the second valve unit V2, the control unit 9 opens the on-off valve AV5 to further supply a small amount of liquefied gas from inside the second pipe 2 through the minute flow rate adjustment valve FV3. Here, the control unit 9 monitors the mass of the second pipe 2 measured by the measurement unit 8. When the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined sixth target value, the control unit 9 closes the on-off valve AV5 to put the third pipe 3 in a closed state and then executes step ST32. The sixth target value is set lower than the fifth target value.

[0084] In step ST32, the control unit 9 determines whether the mass of the second pipe 2 including the liquefied gas remaining in the second pipe 2 is within a predetermined allowable range. The median value of the allowable range is set lower than the sixth target value.

[0085] If the control unit 9 determines that the mass of the second pipe is within the allowable range, it ends the "gas supply" process. If the control unit 9 determines that the mass of the second pipe is outside the allowable range, it executes step ST33.

[0086] In step ST33, the control unit 9 executes error processing. In the error processing, for example, the control unit 9 notifies the user of the occurrence of the error by sound.

[0087] In addition, in the processing by the control unit 9 described above, the control unit 9 may wait for an input from the user and then execute the next procedure.

[0088] Note that after the step ST3 described above, the control unit 9 may prompt the user to select whether to change the supply amount of the gas supplied to the destination. In this case, if the user selects not to change the supply amount, the control unit 9 may return to step ST2 and repeat the subsequent processing.

[0089] Note that the cylinder cabinet A may not be provided with the control unit 9. In this case, the series of processes by the control unit 9 described above may be realized by operations performed by the user from outside the cylinder cabinet A. For example, from step ST20 to step ST21, after the user opens the on-off valve AV4, the user may visually check the measured value of the measuring unit 8 and close the on-off valve AV4 when the mass of the second pipe 2 reaches a predetermined third target value.

[0090] Note that the rigidity of the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 only needs to not affect the measured value of the measuring unit 8. The rigidity of the first tube T1 and the second tube T2 only needs to enable the measuring unit 8 to accurately measure the mass of the second pipe 2.

[0091] [Modification Example] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cylinder cabinet 100A, which is an example of an embodiment of the gas supply device according to the present disclosure. The cylinder cabinet 100A is a modification of the cylinder cabinet A (FIG. 1), and the same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to the cylinder cabinet A and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the differences between the cylinder cabinet 100A and the cylinder cabinet A will be described.

[0092] In the cylinder cabinet 100A, a minute flow rate adjustment valve FV5 is installed in a bypass pipe BP1 in the first valve unit V1. By installing the minute flow rate adjustment valve FV5 in the bypass pipe BP1, it becomes easy to adjust the amount of gas flowing through the bypass pipe BP1 when the on-off valve V4 is in the open state. In the cylinder cabinet 100A, a pressure gauge PG1 is installed in the discharge pipe 6a. A pressure gauge PG2 is installed in the fourth pipe 4.

[0093] The cylinder cabinet 100A includes a discharge pipe 6e. An on-off valve V8 and a check valve CV4 are installed in the discharge pipe 6e. The discharge pipe 6e connects between the third pipe 3 and the coupler C2. The on-off valve V8 is controlled for its open / closed state by the control unit 9.

[0094] The cylinder cabinet 100A includes a first evacuation line 6g, a second evacuation line 6h, and a discharge pipe 6f branched from the middle of the first evacuation line 6g. A safety valve SV4 is installed in the discharge pipe 6f. An on-off valve V9 and a check valve CV5 are installed in the first evacuation line 6g. The first evacuation line 6g includes a tenth end portion E10 where the coupler C4 is installed. The second evacuation line 6h includes a ninth end portion E9 where the coupler C3 is installed. The second evacuation line 6 connects between the coupler C3 and the coupler C2. The couplers C3 and C4 are each provided so as to be exposed outside the housing 10. A vacuum pump VP is installed outside the housing 10, and the vacuum pump VP is connected to each of the couplers C3 and C4.

[0095] When the above-described gas supply (step ST3) is completed, the third pipe 3 is filled with the supplied gas. When repeating the gas supply to the supply destination again, the gas supply to the supply destination can be quickly performed by performing pressure release and evacuation of the third pipe 3. As a specific procedure, the control unit 9 opens AV8 and holds it for a certain period of time. At this time, the second valve portion V2 is in the closed state, and by opening AV8, the gas filled on the downstream side of the second valve portion V2 in the third pipe 3 is discharged through the coupler C2. Next, the control unit 9 closes AV8, opens AV9, and holds it for a certain period of time. At this time, by operating the vacuum pump VP, the air on the downstream side of the second valve portion V2 in the third pipe 3 is discharged, and the pipe on the downstream side of the second valve portion V2 in the third pipe 3 becomes vacuum. According to this configuration, the gas supply by the differential pressure can be more reliably performed.

[0096] In the cylinder cabinet 100A, a hot water chiller 45 as a heating device is provided near the air inlet 41. When the hot water chiller 45 is provided, it is possible to keep the temperature of the air inlet 41 of the housing 10 higher than the outside air. For example, even when the outside air temperature is low in winter or the like, gas supply using the cylinder cabinet 100A can be quickly carried out.

[0097] It should be understood that the embodiments and examples disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive in any way. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0098] 1 First pipe, 2 Second pipe, 3 Third pipe, 4 Fourth pipe, 5 Fifth pipe, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f Drain pipe, 6g First vacuum drawing line, 6h Second vacuum drawing line, 8 Measuring unit, 9 Control unit, 10 Housing, 12 Exhaust damper, 13 Gas detector, 14 Door part, 15 Control box, 16a Holding chain, 18 Shelf, 20 Side wall part, 20a Through hole, 21 Upper wall part, 22 Bottom wall part, 22a Outer peripheral side surface, 22b Top surface, 22c Recess, 200 Through hole, 41 Air inlet, 45 Chilled water unit, A Cylinder cabinet, AV1, AV2, AV3, AV4, AV5, AV6, AV7, AV8, AV9 On-off valve, B Liquefied gas container, MP1, MP2 Main pipe, BP1, BP2 Bypass pipe, C Integrated pipe, C1, C2, C3, C4 Coupler, CV1, CV2, CV3, CV4, CV5, CV6 Check valve, E Integrated end, E1 First end, E2 Second end, E3 Third end, E4 Fourth end, E5 Fifth end, E6 Sixth end, E7 Seventh end, E8 Eighth end, E9 Ninth end, E10 Tenth end, FL Filter, FP Flexible hose, FV1, FV2, FV3, FV4 Micro flow rate adjustment valve, H Integrated through hole, H1 First through hole, H2 Second through hole, NP Negative pressure gauge, P1 First metal pipe, P2 Second metal pipe, P3 Third metal pipe, P4 Fourth metal pipe, P5 Fifth metal pipe, P6 Sixth metal pipe, PG, PG1, PG2 Pressure gauge, SV1, SV2, SV3, SV4 Safety valve, T1 First tube, T2 Second tube, Va Inlet valve, Vb Outlet valve, V1 First valve part, V2 Second valve part, VP Vacuum pump.

Claims

1. A housing capable of accommodating a liquefied gas container therein; a first pipe including a first end connectable to the liquefied gas container and a second end opposite to the first end, the first pipe being accommodated in the housing; a second pipe connected to the first pipe at the second end and housed within the housing; a third pipe including a third end connected to the second pipe and a fourth end exposed to an outside of the housing; a first valve unit that is installed in the first pipe and is capable of performing a first switching operation for switching the first pipe between a closed state in which the first pipe is blocked and an open state in which the first pipe is opened; a second valve unit that is installed in the third pipe and is capable of performing a second switching operation to switch the third pipe between a closed state in which the third pipe is blocked and an open state in which the third pipe is opened; A measuring unit capable of measuring a mass of the second pipe, The housing includes: an intake section capable of taking in air from the outside of the housing to the inside of the housing; an exhaust unit capable of discharging air from inside the housing to outside the housing; having In the installed state, The intake section is located vertically below the exhaust section, The first end is located vertically below the second end. Liquefied gas supply equipment.

2. The exhaust unit is disposed on the top surface of the housing. The liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1.

3. In an installed state, the intake section is located vertically below the first end section. The liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The second pipe has an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the first pipe, The third pipe has an inner diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the second pipe. The liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The liquefied gas supply device according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit that controls the first switching and the second switching based on a mass of the second pipe measured by the measuring unit.

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