Gas storage and dispensing container and method of dispensing from the gas storage and dispensing container

Abstract

To provide a gas storage and dispensing container that dispenses a stored pressurized gas at a reduced pressure.SOLUTION: A gas storage and dispensing container includes a storage vessel, a first gas pressure regulator, and a second gas pressure regulator. The storage vessel is configured to contain a pressurized gas. The gas storage and dispensing container has a discharge flow path for discharging the pressurized gas. The first gas pressure regulator is disposed within the storage vessel, and the second gas pressure regulator is external to the storage vessel. The discharge flow path extends through the first gas pressure regulator and the second gas pressure regulator. A method of discharging gas from the gas storage and dispensing container includes a first gas pressure regulator reducing a pressure of the pressurized gas to a first pressure, and a second gas pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a second pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a gas storage and dispensing container for storing pressurized gas. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a gas storage and dispensing container that dispenses stored pressurized gas at a reduced pressure. [Background technology]

[0002] Gas storage and dispensing containers can be used to supply gas in industrial processes. Such containers can be configured to accommodate high pressures to increase the amount of gas contained therein. Gas storage and dispensing containers can be configured to supply the pressurized gas at significantly lower pressures. For example, industrial processes such as semiconductor manufacturing processes may utilize gases that are hazardous (e.g., toxic, acidic, flammable, etc.) and / or expensive. Gas storage and dispensing containers can also be used to transport such hazardous and / or expensive gases. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a gas storage and dispensing container for storing pressurized gas and a method for dispensing the stored gas from the container. The gas storage and dispensing container has a gas regulator assembly having a gas pressure regulator internal to the storage vessel of the container and another gas pressure regulator external to the vessel of the container.

[0004] In an embodiment, the gas storage-dispensing container includes a storage vessel, a first gas pressure regulator, and a second gas pressure regulator. The storage vessel has an interior volume for holding pressurized gas. The first gas pressure regulator is disposed within the interior volume of the storage vessel, and the second gas pressure regulator is disposed external to the storage vessel. The container further includes an exhaust flow path for exhausting the pressurized gas from the gas storage-dispensing container. The exhaust flow path extends through the first gas pressure regulator and the second gas pressure regulator.

[0005] In an embodiment, a method for venting gas from a gas storage-dispensing container for dispensing pressurized gas stored within an interior volume of a storage vessel of the gas storage-dispensing container includes: a container having a first gas pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a first pressure; and a second gas pressure regulator reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas from the first pressure to a second pressure. The first gas pressure regulator is disposed within the interior volume of the storage vessel. The second pressure regulator is located external to the storage vessel.

[0006] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this disclosure, that illustrate embodiments in which the gas storage-dispensing containers described herein may be practiced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a gas storage-dispensing container. [Figure 2] 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gas storage-dispensing container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gas storage-dispensing container 1. Container 1 is configured to contain pressurized gas and to discharge the gas at a predetermined pressure, e.g., a pressure lower than the pressure of the pressurized gas. Container 1 includes a storage vessel 10 for storing the pressurized gas and a gas regulator assembly 20 for discharging the stored gas at the lower pressure. Gas regulator assembly 20 extends from within storage vessel 10 to the exterior of storage vessel 10. Gas regulator assembly 20 is configured to reduce the pressure of the pressurized gas as it flows through gas regulator assembly 20, such that the gas is discharged from container 1 at a pressure lower than its storage pressure within container 1. Gas regulator assembly 20 includes first and second gas pressure regulators 30 and 40, which may be adjustable or non-adjustable, that reduce the pressure of the gas as it flows through gas regulator assembly 20 and is discharged from container 1. The second gas pressure regulator can further reduce the pressure of the gas by 25%, 35%, 45%, or more depending on the setting of the second gas pressure regulator. The first pressure regulator 30 is an internal pressure regulator (e.g., disposed within the storage container 10) that reduces the pressure of the gas by a first amount within the storage container 10, and the second pressure regulator 40 is an external pressure regulator (e.g., located outside the storage container 10) that further reduces the pressure of the pressurized gas by a second amount outside the storage container 10.

[0009] There are several advantages to having a second gas pressure regulator in series with a first gas pressure regulator. For example, the first and second gas pressure regulators in series provide a stable (constant) supply pressure to the process tool / implant tool over the entire life of the gas exhaust storage container. This improved stability is achieved by reducing the range of inlet pressures to the second stage regulator as the pressure in the gas exhaust storage container transitions from a high pressure to a low pressure. Another advantage includes that the series of gas pressure regulators that reduces the pressure further reduces the gas release flow rate, thereby providing safety benefits for problems or gas leaks within the gas exhaust storage container. Another example is that the series of gas pressure regulators provides more control over the gas flow rate due to the lack of excess gas released from the second gas pressure regulator. This results in reduced complexity for the system to which the gas exhaust storage container is connected. Another advantage includes the adjustability of the second gas pressure regulator, which allows for flexibility in the use of the gas exhaust storage container. This allows customers or suppliers to adjust the supply pressure of the gas exhaust storage container to be applicable to multiple industries including, but not limited to, implants, photovoltaic panels, flat panels, or LEDs.

[0010] Container 1 has an exhaust flow path 2 for exhausting pressurized gas from container 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , gas regulator assembly 20 has an exhaust flow path 2, forming an exhaust flow path 2. Exhaust flow path 2 extends through gas regulator assembly 20. Exhaust flow path 2 extends through first gas pressure regulator 30 and second pressure regulator 40, which are in series within gas regulator assembly 20. Container 1 is configured such that pressurized gas can only be exhausted from container 1 through exhaust flow path 2. In an embodiment, pressurized gas can flow out of container 1 only by passing through gas regulator assembly 20.

[0011] Container 1 may further include a fill flow path 4 that is sealed during times when container 1 is not being filled. As shown in FIG. 1 , gas pressure regulator 20 may include and form fill flow path 4. Fill flow path 4 may extend through gas pressure regulator 20. Fill flow path 4 is sealed after container 1 is filled with gas to a desired pressure. As shown in FIG. 1 , fill flow path 4 is separate from exhaust flow path 2. Container 1 may include inlet valve 6, which is a one-way valve that prevents gas from being exhausted through fill flow path 4 (e.g., pressurized gas from flowing back through fill flow path 4). Fill flow path 4 extends through inlet valve 6.

[0012] Container 1 can contain one of a variety of suitable gases. In embodiments, the gas in container 1 is a gas used in semiconductor manufacturing. For example, the gas can include, but is not limited to, a hydride gas (e.g., arsine, phosphine, stibine, silane, diborane, etc.) or an acid gas (e.g., a halogenated gas, a hydrogen-halogen complex gas, a halogenated silane, etc.) used in semiconductor manufacturing. In some embodiments, the gas can be a mixture of various types of gases (e.g., a mixture of boron trifluoride and hydrogen, a mixture of germanium tetrafluoride and hydrogen, etc.).

[0013] Storage container 10 has an interior volume 12 and an opening 14. Pressurized gas is stored within interior volume 12. Gas regulator assembly 20 has an upper portion 22 and a lower portion 21. Lower portion 21 is directly coupled to upper portion 22. In some embodiments, lower portion 21 may be welded to upper portion 22. Upper portion 22 of gas regulator assembly 20 is installed at opening 14 of storage container 10. Lower portion 21 extends from upper portion 22 into interior space 12 of container 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , lower portion 21 extends downward from opening 14 into interior space 12 of storage container 10. The entire bottom portion 21 is disposed within storage container 10.

[0014] For example, upper portion 21 is coupled to opening 14 of storage container 10 to seal opening 14. A seal is formed between an outer portion of upper portion 22 and an inner wall of opening 14. The seal is configured to contain pressurized gas within interior volume 12 of storage container 10, except through gas regulator assembly 20. The pressure of the gas contained within storage container 10 is discussed in more detail below. As shown in FIG. 1 , opening 14 may have threads, and gas regulator assembly 20 may be coupled to opening 14 by threading gas regulator assembly 20 into the threads of opening 14. More specifically, embodiment gas regulator assemblies 20 may be coupled to opening 14 by threading upper portion 22 of gas regulator assembly 20 into opening 14 of storage container 10. Upper portion 22 of gas regulator assembly 20 may have threads that thread into threads in opening 14 of storage container 10. In some embodiments, a sealant may be used to ensure a seal between storage container 10 and gas regulator assembly 20. For example, lubricants used to prevent wear, such as Teflon tape or paste, can also function as a sealant. Gas regulator assembly 20 is discussed in more detail below.

[0015] Pressurized gas is stored within the interior volume 12 of the storage vessel 10. The container 1 may be configured to contain pressurized gas having a pressure of 689 kPa (100 pounds square inch gauge (psig)) or greater. In embodiments, the container 1 contains pressurized gas at a pressure of 1379 kPa (200 psig). In embodiments, the container 1 contains pressurized gas at a pressure of 4826 kPa (700 psig) or 5516 kPa (800 psig) or greater. In embodiments, the container 1 contains pressurized gas at a pressure of 13790 kPa (2000 psig) or greater. In one embodiment, the container 1 contains pressurized gas at a pressure of 15168 kPa (2200 psig). In one embodiment, the container 1 contains pressurized gas at a pressure of 15858 kPa (2300 psig). The container 1 is operable to discharge pressurized gas at a pressure lower than the internal pressure of the container 1. A gas regulator assembly 20 controls the pressure at which gas is discharged from the container 1 .

[0016] The gas regulator assembly 20 has an exhaust inlet 26 and an exhaust outlet 24. The exhaust inlet 26 is located within the interior volume 12 of the storage container 10. The exhaust outlet 24 is located external to the storage container 10. An exhaust flow path 2 extends from the exhaust inlet 26 to the exhaust outlet 24. Gas is exhausted from the container 1 by entering the exhaust inlet 26, flowing through the exhaust flow path 2, and exiting through the exhaust outlet 24. In an embodiment, a portion of the fill path 4 may overlap the exhaust flow path 2.

[0017] Gas regulator assembly 20 includes first gas pressure regulator 30 and second gas pressure regulator 40. As shown in FIG. 1 , upper portion 22 of gas regulator assembly 20 includes a container inlet (e.g., inlet of fill channel 4), an outlet (e.g., discharge outlet 24 of discharge channel 2) of container 1, and second gas pressure regulator 40. Upper portion 21 may further include inlet valve 6 and adjustable flow valve 60. Lower portion 22 of gas regulator assembly 20 includes second pressure regulator 30 and filter 50.

[0018] A first gas pressure regulator 30 is disposed within the interior volume 12 of the storage container 10. A second gas pressure regulator 40 is located external to the storage container 10. As shown in FIG. 1 , an exhaust flow path 2 extends through both gas pressure regulators 30, 40. The gas pressure regulators 30, 40 are configured to control the pressure of gas being exhausted from the container 1. The gas pressure regulators 30, 40 reduce the pressure of the gas as it flows through and out of the exhaust flow path 2. The container 1 can exhaust gas to the outside at a pressure significantly lower than the pressure at which the gas is stored within the container 1.

[0019] 1 , gas regulator assembly 20 can include filter 50 and adjustable flow valve 60. Exhaust flow path 2 extends through filter 50 and adjustable flow valve 60. Filter 50 can be located at exhaust inlet 26 of exhaust flow path 2. For example, filter 50 can be configured to prevent solid and / or liquid materials from entering exhaust flow path 2. Additional filters (not shown) can be added to second gas pressure regulator 40 and / or inlet valve 6 and / or exhaust flow path 2.

[0020] The gas regulator assembly 20 may further include a restrictive flow orifice 32 in the discharge passage 2. As shown in FIG. 1 , the restrictive flow orifice 32 may be provided at the discharge outlet 24 of the gas regulator assembly 20. The restrictive flow orifice 32 limits the maximum flow rate of gas through the discharge passage 2 at which gas can be discharged from the gas regulator assembly 20. For example, in the event of a gas pressure regulator failure, the restrictive flow orifice 32 restricts the flow of gas through the discharge passage 2, preventing a rapid, large amount of pressurized gas from being discharged from the container 1.

[0021] The adjustable flow valve 60 is a flow control valve that is adjustable to adjust the flow rate through the discharge flow path 2. The adjustable flow valve 60 has at least an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the flow valve 60 allows gas to flow through the flow valve 60 and the discharge flow path 2. In the closed position, the flow valve 60 blocks flow through the discharge flow path 2 (e.g., prevents pressurized gas from being discharged from the container 1). The adjustable flow valve 60 may further have one or more positions between the open and closed positions. The flow control valve 60 of FIG. 1 is a manual valve that can be operated manually by hand. In another embodiment, the flow control valve 60 may be a pneumatic flow control valve. The flow control valve 60 of FIG. 1 is disposed between the second pressure regulator 40 and the discharge outlet 24, with the discharge outlet 24 being downstream of the first gas pressure regulator 30 and the second gas pressure regulator 40 within the discharge flow path 2. However, the flow control valve 60 may be disposed in other positions in other embodiments. In an embodiment, a flow control valve 60 may be disposed between the first gas pressure regulator 30 and the second gas pressure regulator 40, thereby being located downstream of the first gas pressure regulator 30 and upstream of the second gas pressure regulator 40 in the discharge flow path.

[0022] The second gas pressure regulator 40 is downstream of the first gas pressure regulator 30 in the discharge flow path 2. In the discharge flow path 2, the gas passes through the first gas pressure regulator 30 and then through the second gas pressure regulator 40. The first gas pressure regulator 30 can reduce the pressure of the pressurized gas flowing through the discharge flow path 2 by a first amount, and the second gas pressure regulator 40 can further reduce the pressure of the gas flowing from the first gas pressure regulator 30 by a second amount. The first gas pressure regulator 30 discharges the gas at a first pressure P1, and the second pressure regulator 40 discharges the gas at a second pressure P2 (e.g., P2 < P1) that may be lower than the first pressure P1. In an embodiment, the discharge pressure P1 of the first gas pressure regulator 30 is 3447 kPa (500 psig) or less, for example 3103 kPa (450 psig) or 2068 (300 psig). In an embodiment, the discharge pressure P1 of the first gas pressure regulator 30 is 1379 kPa (200 psig) or less. In an embodiment, the discharge pressure P1 of the first gas pressure regulator 30 is 689 kPa (100 psig) or about 689 kPa (100 psig). In an embodiment, the discharge pressure P1 of the first gas pressure regulator 30 is 172 kPa (25 psig) or about 172 kPa (25 psig).

[0023] In an embodiment, the first gas pressure regulator 30 is configured to be non-adjustable within the container 1. The first gas pressure regulator 30 is configured to have a set pressure reduction setting. In an embodiment, the pressure reduction setting of the first gas pressure regulator 30 can be changed only by disassembling the container 1 (e.g., by removing / extracting the gas regulator assembly 20 from the storage container 10). In another embodiment, the first gas pressure regulator 30 can have a structure that does not have an adjustable discharge pressure.

[0024] The second pressure regulator 40 receives gas at a set pressure from the first pressure regulator 30. The second pressure regulator 40 receives the gas at the discharge pressure P1 of the first pressure regulator 30. For example, the second pressure regulator 40 reduces the pressure of the gas from the first pressure P1 to a second pressure P2. The second pressure regulator 40 controls the pressure at which the gas is discharged from the container 1. For example, the gas discharged from the discharge outlet 2 is at the discharge pressure P2 of the second pressure regulator 30.

[0025] In embodiments, the pressure reduction setting of the second pressure regulator 40 is adjustable. The pressure reduction setting controls the discharge pressure P2 of the second pressure regulator 40. The pressure reduction setting of the second pressure regulator 40 may be adjustable even while the container is in use (e.g., while the container 1 is being assembled). For example, the pressure reduction setting of the second pressure regulator 40 may be adjusted while the container 1 is pressurized with gas. In embodiments, the pressure reduction setting of the second pressure regulator 40 may be accessible through the flow valve 60. In embodiments, the pressure reduction setting of the second pressure regulator 40 may be accessible through the discharge outlet 24. In another embodiment, the housing of the gas regulator assembly 20 may have a separate opening for accessing the pressure reduction setting of the second pressure regulator 40.

[0026] The adjustability of the second gas pressure regulator 40 allows for additional safety controls and utility for suppliers, customers, and end-user systems. This adjustment can range depending on the application, but in some applications the pressure will be subatmospheric or at the outlet setpoint of the first gas pressure regulator. In other non-limiting examples, the pressure can be adjusted to 25 psig (172 kPa), 50 psig (345 kPa), 100 psig (689 kPa), or 150 psig (1034 kPa), or any value beneficial to the application. Furthermore, this adjustment can be completed in use or can be predetermined when installing the gas-emission storage container in a fleet or at the time of application. Furthermore, this adjustment can be made remotely via a software system or at the gas-emission storage container. This remote control of adjustability allows for increased flexibility for the commercial capabilities and utility of the gas-emission storage container.

[0027] The second pressure regulator 40 is adjustable to have a discharge pressure P2 that may be equal to or less than 207 kPa (30 psig). The second pressure regulator 40 may be configured to have a discharge pressure P2 of 172 kPa (25 psig). In some embodiments, the second pressure regulator 40 is adjustable to have a discharge pressure P2 that is less than atmospheric pressure. For example, in such a configuration, a vacuum may be applied to the discharge outlet 24 to evacuate gas from the container 1.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gas storage-dispensing container 100. The container 100 is configured to store pressurized gas and to discharge the gas at a predetermined pressure, e.g., a lower pressure. Similar to the container 1 of FIG. 1, the container 100 has a discharge flow path 102 for discharging the pressurized gas from the container 100 and is configured such that the pressurized gas can be discharged from the container 100 only through the discharge flow path 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the gas storage-dispensing container 100 has a storage vessel 110 and a gas regulator assembly 120. The storage vessel 110 and the gas regulator assembly 120 can have configurations similar to those discussed above for the storage vessel 10 and the gas regulator assembly 12 of FIG. 1. For example, storage container 110 has an interior volume 112 for storing pressurized gas, and gas regulator assembly 120 has a first gas pressure regulator 130 coupled to opening 114 of storage container 110 and disposed within storage container 110, and a second gas pressure regulator 140 located external to storage container 110 contained within exhaust flow path 102. For example, gas regulator assembly 120 can have a filter 150 configured to prevent solid and / or liquid materials from entering exhaust flow path 102.

[0029] In embodiments, a portion of the gas may be stored in one or more of an absorbed and / or liquid state within the internal volume 112. For example, pressure within the storage vessel 110 causes the gas within the storage vessel 110 to liquefy and / or be absorbed within the internal volume 112. When the gas is evacuated from the container 100, the absorbed and liquefied gas returns to a gaseous state within the storage vessel 110 and is then evacuated from the container 100 in a gaseous state.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , the container 100 can have a solid sorbent 116 in the interior volume 112 for absorbing gas. For example, a filter 150 can be configured to prevent the solid sorbent from entering the exhaust flow path 102. The solid sorbent 116 can be utilized to increase the capacity of the vessel 100. When the interior volume 112 is filled with and pressurized with gas, the sorbent 116 absorbs the gas. When the gas is exhausted from the interior volume 112, the gas within the sorbent 116 desorbs and enters the open space of the interior volume 112 of the container 110. In an embodiment, the sorbent 116 can desorb gas until the interior volume 112 is completely depleted (e.g., until it reaches or generally reaches atmospheric pressure). In an embodiment, the absorbent 116 can desorb until the interior volume 112 reaches a subatmospheric pressure (e.g., a pressure below 760 Torr and above 550 Torr, or a pressure below 760 Torr and above 650 Torr). In another embodiment, the absorbent 116 can desorb until the interior volume 112 reaches a subatmospheric pressure of less than 550 Torr. Thus, by using the absorbent 116, a larger amount of gas can be stored within the container 100. The solid absorbent 116 can be in one or more forms, such as granules, particles, beads, pellets, and sheets. The solid absorbent 116 is at least one absorbent selected from absorbents suitable for a particular gas or type of gas stored within the container 100. Two or more absorbents can be included within the container 100. For example, the solid sorbent 116 can include one or more carbon sorbents and metal-organic framework sorbents. In embodiments, the metal-organic framework sorbent can comprise a zeolitic imidazolate framework having transition metal atoms connected by imidazolate linkers. In such embodiments, the transition metal atoms can be zinc. In embodiments, the metal-organic framework sorbent can include one or more of ZIF-8, Cu-MOF-74, Ni-MOF-74, Mg-MOF-74, MOF-5, PCN-250(Fe), and Cu-BTC.The storage-dispensing container embodiments described above (e.g., storage-dispensing container 1 described above, storage-dispensing container 100 described above, etc.) may be employed in a method for venting gas from a storage-dispensing container. In an embodiment, the method may be modified according to utilizing storage-dispensing container 1 or storage-dispensing container 100 as described above.

[0031] The method may include reducing the pressure of a flow of pressurized gas contained within an internal volume of a storage container (e.g., internal volume 12 of storage container 12 and internal volume 114 of storage container 112) to a first pressure (e.g., first pressure P1) with a first gas pressure regulator (e.g., first pressure regulator 30 and first pressure regulator 130). The first pressure regulator is located within the internal volume of the storage container. The first pressure regulator receives pressurized gas at a storage pressure of the pressurized gas within the internal volume. The method may further include reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas from the first pressure to a second pressure (e.g., second pressure P2) with a second gas pressure regulator (e.g., second pressure regulator 40 and first pressure regulator 140).

[0032] Reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a first pressure with a first pressure regulator can include exhausting the pressurized gas at a second pressure with the first pressure regulator. Reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas flow to a second pressure with a second pressure regulator can include receiving the pressurized gas from the first gas pressure regulator at the first pressure and exhausting the gas at the second pressure with the second gas pressure regulator. In some embodiments, the second gas pressure regulator can exhaust the pressurized gas at a pressure below atmospheric pressure.

[0033] The method can further include externally adjusting a pressure reduction setting of a second gas pressure regulator (e.g., second pressure regulator 40 and second pressure regulator 140). For example, the pressure reduction setting is adjusted while the container is being assembled.

[0034] Aspects Any of the aspects 1 to 16 can be combined with any of the aspects 17 to 19.

[0035] Aspect 1. A gas storage-dispensing container comprising: a storage vessel having an interior volume for holding pressurized gas; a first gas pressure regulator within the interior volume; a second gas pressure regulator external to the storage vessel; and an exhaust flow path for exhausting the pressurized gas from the gas storage-dispensing container, the exhaust flow path extending through the first gas pressure regulator and the second gas pressure regulator.

[0036] Aspect 2. The gas storage and dispensing container of Aspect 1, further comprising a gas regulator assembly coupled to an opening of the storage vessel, the gas regulator assembly having a first gas pressure regulator and a second gas pressure regulator and forming an exhaust flow path.

[0037] Embodiment 3. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the gas regulator assembly has an upper portion forming a seal within the opening of the storage container and a lower portion extending from the upper portion into the interior volume of the storage container, the upper portion having a first gas pressure regulator and the lower portion having a second gas pressure regulator.

[0038] Aspect 4. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein the first gas pressure regulator discharges gas at a first pressure and the second gas pressure regulator discharges gas at a second pressure lower than the first pressure.

[0039] Embodiment 5. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 4, wherein a second gas pressure regulator is downstream of the first gas pressure regulator in the discharge flow path and receives gas at or generally at the first pressure.

[0040] Embodiment 6. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the storage vessel is configured to contain pressurized gas within the interior volume at a pressure of 4826 kPa (700 psig) or greater.

[0041] Embodiment 7. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the first gas pressure regulator is configured to be non-adjustable within the storage vessel.

[0042] Embodiment 8. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of Embodiments 1-7, wherein the pressure reduction setting of the second gas pressure regulator is adjustable during use.

[0043] Embodiment 9. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 8, wherein the gas is discharged from the outlet of the gas regulator assembly at an outlet pressure controlled by the second gas pressure regulator.

[0044] Embodiment 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 9, wherein the outlet pressure of the gas is controllable such that the pressure of the gas discharged from the outlet of the gas regulator assembly is less than atmospheric pressure.

[0045] Embodiment 11. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of embodiments 1-10, wherein the gas regulator assembly has an adjustable flow valve external to the storage container, and the discharge flow path extends through the adjustable flow valve.

[0046] Embodiment 12. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 11, wherein the flow valve has a closed position, the flow valve in the closed position preventing the flow of gas through the gas regulator assembly.

[0047] Embodiment 13. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the gas regulator assembly has a sealed fill flow path, the fill flow path being a separate path from the exhaust flow path.

[0048] Embodiment 14. The gas storage-dispensing container of any one of embodiments 1-13, further comprising: a solid sorbent disposed within the interior volume of the storage vessel, the solid sorbent configured to contain absorbed gas and desorb the absorbed gas into the interior volume, wherein the desorbed gas is included in the pressurized gas.

[0049] Embodiment 15. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 14, wherein the flow of pressurized gas into and through the discharge flow path reduces the pressure in the interior volume of the storage vessel, thereby causing desorption of gas from the solid sorbent into the interior volume.

[0050] Embodiment 16. The gas storage-dispensing container of embodiment 14, wherein the solid sorbent comprises one or more of a carbon sorbent and a metal-organic framework sorbent.

[0051] Aspect 17. A method of venting gas from a gas storage-dispensing container having a storage vessel with an internal volume containing pressurized gas, the method comprising reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a first pressure using a first gas pressure regulator disposed within the internal volume, and reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a second pressure using a second gas pressure regulator located external to the storage vessel.

[0052] Embodiment 18. The method of embodiment 17, wherein reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a first pressure comprises discharging the pressurized gas at the first pressure with a first gas pressure regulator, and reducing the flow of pressurized gas to a second pressure comprises receiving the pressurized gas at the first pressure from the first gas pressure regulator with a second gas pressure regulator, and discharging the pressurized gas at the second pressure with the second gas pressure regulator.

[0053] Embodiment 19 The method of any one of embodiments 17 and 18, further comprising externally adjusting the pressure reduction setting of the second gas pressure regulator.

[0054] The embodiments disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. 1. A gas storage and dispensing container comprising: a storage container having an interior volume for holding a pressurized gas; a first gas pressure regulator within the interior volume; a second gas pressure regulator external to the storage container; a discharge flow path for discharging the pressurized gas from the gas storage-dispensing container, the discharge flow path extending through the first gas pressure regulator and the second gas pressure regulator; 1. A gas storage and dispensing container comprising:

2. a gas regulator assembly coupled to an opening of the storage container, the gas regulator assembly having the first gas pressure regulator and the second gas pressure regulator and defining the exhaust flow path; 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The gas storage and dispensing container of claim 2, wherein the gas regulator assembly further comprises an upper portion forming a seal within the opening of the storage vessel and a lower portion extending from the upper portion into the interior volume of the storage vessel, the upper portion comprising the first gas pressure regulator and the lower portion comprising the second gas pressure regulator.

4. the first gas pressure regulator discharging the gas at a first pressure; the second gas pressure regulator exhausts the gas at a second pressure lower than the first pressure; 10. The gas storage and dispensing container of claim 1.

5. 5. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 4, wherein the second gas pressure regulator is downstream relative to the first gas pressure regulator in the discharge flow path and receives the gas at or approximately the first pressure.

6. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the storage vessel is configured to contain the pressurized gas within the interior volume at a pressure of at least 550 psig (3792 kPa) or greater.

7. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 1 , wherein the first gas pressure regulator is configured to be non-adjustable within the storage vessel.

8. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the pressure setting of the second gas pressure regulator is adjustable.

9. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 8, wherein the pressure setting of the second gas pressure regulator is adjustable during use.

10. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 8, wherein the pressure setting of said second gas pressure regulator is settable as low as 25 psig (172 kPa).

11. 10. The gas storage and dispensing container of claim 8, wherein the pressure setting of the second gas pressure regulator is settable remotely from the gas storage and dispensing container.

12. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 8, wherein the gas is discharged from the outlet of the gas regulator assembly at an outlet pressure controlled by the second gas pressure regulator.

13. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 9, wherein the gas outlet pressure is controllable such that the pressure of the gas exiting the outlet of the gas regulator assembly is less than atmospheric pressure.

14. 10. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the gas regulator assembly includes an adjustable flow valve external to the storage vessel, the exhaust flow path extending through the adjustable flow valve.

15. 10. The gas storage and dispensing container of claim 1, wherein the gas regulator assembly has a sealed fill passage, said fill passage being a separate path from said exhaust passage.

16. a solid sorbent disposed within the interior volume of the storage vessel, the solid sorbent configured to contain absorbed gas and desorb the absorbed gas into the interior volume, the desorbed gas being included in the pressurized gas; The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 1 further comprising:

17. 17. The gas storage-dispensing container of claim 16, wherein the solid sorbent comprises one or more of a carbon sorbent and a metal organic framework sorbent.

18. 1. A method of venting gas from a gas storage-dispensing container having a storage vessel with an interior volume containing pressurized gas, the method comprising: reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to a first pressure using a first gas pressure regulator disposed within the interior volume; reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas from the first pressure to a second pressure using a second gas pressure regulator located external to the storage vessel; A method comprising:

19. reducing the pressure of the pressurized gas to the first pressure includes discharging pressurized gas at the first pressure with the first gas pressure regulator; reducing the pressurized gas to the second pressure; receiving the pressurized gas at the first pressure from the first gas pressure regulator by the second gas pressure regulator; discharging the pressurized gas at the second pressure through the second gas pressure regulator; 20. The method of claim 18, comprising:

20. Externally adjusting the pressure reduction setting of the second gas pressure regulator.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising:

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