Fuel supply device, and method for checking gas leaks in this fuel supply device.

Abstract

To provide a fuel supply device capable of suppressing gas fuel leakage. [Solution] A fuel supply device for supplying gas fuel to a gas engine comprises: a fuel line connected to an engine inlet pipe located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping and supplying gas fuel to the engine inlet pipe; a fuel shut-off valve provided in the fuel line; at least one downstream valve provided downstream of the fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line; a pressure measuring device including a first pressure sensor provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line; a vent line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line; a vent valve provided in the vent line; an inert gas line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line and configured to supply inert gas to the fuel line; and an inert gas shut-off valve provided in the inert gas line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel to a gas engine, and a gas leak check method for this fuel supply device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gas leak check device including a first safety shutoff valve provided in a fuel gas supply pipe, a second safety shutoff valve provided downstream of the first safety shutoff valve on the fuel gas supply pipe, a gas vent valve provided in a gas leak check pipe branching from a portion between the first safety shutoff valve and the second safety shutoff valve of the fuel gas supply pipe, a first pressure gauge provided upstream of the gas vent valve, and a second pressure gauge provided downstream of the second safety shutoff valve. In this gas leak check device, while controlling the opening and closing of the first safety shutoff valve, the second safety shutoff valve and the gas vent valve, the first pressure gauge detects the pressure between the first safety shutoff valve and the second safety shutoff valve, and the second pressure gauge detects the pressure downstream of the second safety shutoff valve, thereby disclosing a technique for checking defects of the first safety shutoff valve, the second safety shutoff valve, and the gas vent valve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since defects of the first safety shutoff valve, the second safety shutoff valve, and the gas vent valve are checked using gaseous fuel, there is a possibility that the gaseous fuel may leak. In particular, when ammonia gas or hydrogen gas is adopted as the gaseous fuel, if leakage of the gaseous fuel occurs, for example, there is a possibility of adversely affecting the human body or adversely affecting the surrounding environment.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a fuel supply device capable of suppressing gas fuel leakage, and a method for checking gas leaks in this fuel supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the fuel supply device according to the present disclosure is a fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel to a gas engine, comprising: a fuel line connected to an engine inlet pipe located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping of the gas engine and for supplying gaseous fuel to the engine inlet pipe; a fuel shut-off valve provided in the fuel line; at least one downstream valve provided downstream of the fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line; a pressure measuring device including a first pressure sensor provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line; a vent line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line; a vent valve provided in the vent line; an inert gas line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line and configured to supply inert gas to the fuel line; and an inert gas shut-off valve provided in the inert gas line.

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the gas leak checking method for a fuel supply device according to the present disclosure is a gas leak checking method for a fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel to a gas engine, wherein the fuel supply device is connected to an engine inlet pipe located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping of the gas engine, and comprises a fuel line for supplying gaseous fuel to the engine inlet pipe, a fuel shut-off valve provided in the fuel line, at least one downstream valve provided downstream of the fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line, a first pressure sensor provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve in the fuel line, and the fuel shut-off valve of the fuel line The gas engine comprises a vent line connected between a shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve, a vent valve provided in the vent line, an inert gas line connected between the fuel shut-off valve of the fuel line and the at least one downstream valve and configured to supply inert gas to the fuel line, and an inert gas shut-off valve provided in the inert gas line, and includes a vent valve closing step for closing the vent valve when the gas engine is stopped, and a determination step after the vent valve closing step for determining whether there is a malfunction in at least one of the fuel shut-off valve and the inert gas shut-off valve based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the fuel supply device and the gas leak checking method for this fuel supply device, gas fuel leakage can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a fuel supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a fuel supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of a gas leak check method for a fuel supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A]This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the gas engine according to the first embodiment is stopped. [Figure 4B] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the vent valve closing step according to the first embodiment is performed. [Figure 4C] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the inert gas shut-off valve opening step according to the first embodiment is performed. [Figure 4D] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the inert gas shut-off valve closing step according to the first embodiment is performed. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of a gas leak check method for a fuel supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6A] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the gas engine according to the second embodiment is stopped. [Figure 6B] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the second vent valve closing step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Figure 6C] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Figure 6D] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Figure 6E] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the pressure control valve opening step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Figure 6F] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the pressure control valve closing step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Figure 6G] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the second vent valve opening step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Figure 6H] This figure shows the state of the fuel supply device when the vent valve opening step according to the second embodiment is performed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, a fuel supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and a gas leak check method for this fuel supply device will be described based on the drawings. Such embodiment represents one aspect of the present disclosure, and does not limit this disclosure, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0011] The fuel supply device according to the present disclosure supplies gaseous fuel to a gas engine. Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the fuel supply device 1 is attached to the gas engine 100. An example of the configuration of the gas engine 100 will be described. As illustrated in Figure 1, the gas engine 100 includes a combustion chamber 101, an engine-side fuel pipe 104 communicating with the combustion chamber 101, a fuel injection valve 106 provided in the engine-side fuel pipe 104, and a control device 150.

[0012] The combustion chamber 101 is defined between a piston 112 and a cylinder head 114 in a cylinder 110. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the gas engine 100 includes a plurality of combustion chambers 101. In some embodiments, the gas engine 100 includes one combustion chamber 101.

[0013] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the engine-side fuel pipe 104 includes, in order from the upstream side in the direction in which gaseous fuel F (described later) flows through the engine-side fuel pipe 104, an engine inlet pipe 116, a header pipe 118, and a plurality (six) of branch pipes 120.

[0014] As described above, the engine inlet pipe 116 is located on the upstream side of the engine-side fuel pipe 104 of the gas engine 100. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the engine inlet pipe 116 is positioned at the most upstream of the engine-side fuel pipe 104 of the gas engine 100. The engine inlet pipe 116 has an inlet 122 of the engine-side fuel pipe 104 formed at one end for allowing gaseous fuel F to flow into the engine-side fuel pipe 104 from the outside of the gas engine 100. In the present disclosure, the engine-side fuel pipe 104 has one end connected to the valve 126 and the other end connected to the cylinder head 114, and the other end is formed with an outlet 124 that opens to the combustion chamber 101. The valve 126 is configured to be switched between open and closed states by a worker.

[0015] The header pipe 118 is connected to the downstream end of the engine inlet pipe 116. Each of the plurality of branch pipes 120 is connected to the header pipe 118 such that their connection positions are different from one another. The outlet 124 of the engine-side fuel pipe 104 is formed at the downstream end of each of the plurality of branch pipes 120. The fuel injection valve 106 is provided on each of the plurality of branch pipes 120. The fuel injection valve 106 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p1), and is operable in accordance with an instruction transmitted from the control device 150.

[0016] The control device 150 is a computer such as an electronic control unit, and includes a processor such as a CPU or GPU (not illustrated), a memory such as ROM or RAM, an I / O interface, and the like. The control device 150 implements each functional unit included in the control device 150 by causing the processor to operate (perform calculations and the like) in accordance with instructions of a program loaded into the memory. In some embodiments, the control device 150 is a cloud server provided in a cloud environment.

[0017] <First Embodiment> (Configuration) The configuration of the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 1, the fuel supply device 1 includes a fuel line 2, a fuel shut-off valve 4, a downstream valve 6, a pressure measuring device 7 including a first pressure sensor 8, a vent line 10, a vent valve 12, an inert gas line 14, an inert gas shut-off valve 16, and a determination device 80.

[0018] Fuel line 2 is connected at one end to a fuel supply source 50 (fuel tank) that stores gaseous fuel F, and at the other end to an engine inlet pipe 116 via a valve 126. This fuel line 2 is configured to allow gaseous fuel F to flow from the fuel supply source 50 to the engine inlet pipe 116, and supplies gaseous fuel F to the gas engine 100. In the first embodiment, gaseous fuel F is hydrogen gas. The fuel supply source 50 stores gaseous fuel F in a gaseous state. The fuel supply source 50 may also store liquefied gaseous fuel F (liquid fuel), in which case a vaporizer for vaporizing the liquid fuel is provided. This disclosure is not limited to hydrogen gas for gaseous fuel F. In some embodiments, gaseous fuel F is ammonia gas or natural gas. In some embodiments, gaseous fuel F is lighter than air. In some embodiments, gaseous fuel F is lighter than the inert gas Gn described later.

[0019] The fuel shut-off valve 4 is provided in the fuel line 2. In the first embodiment, the fuel shut-off valve 4 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p2), and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150. However, this disclosure is not limited to the control device 150 of the gas engine 100 controlling the opening and closing of the fuel shut-off valve 4. In some embodiments, the fuel supply device 1 further includes a fuel supply side control device provided independently of the control device 150, which is electrically connected to the fuel shut-off valve 4 and capable of controlling the opening and closing of the fuel shut-off valve 4.

[0020] The downstream valve 6 is located downstream of the fuel shut-off valve 4 in the fuel line 2. In the first embodiment, the downstream valve 6 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p3), and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150. In other words, in the first embodiment, the downstream valve 6 is a valve that can be switched between an open state and a closed state (a second fuel shut-off valve 6A, described later). In some embodiments, the downstream valve 6 is a pressure-regulating valve (a pressure-regulating valve 6B, described later). In some embodiments, the fuel supply device 1 includes two or more downstream valves 6.

[0021] The first pressure sensor 8 is installed between the fuel shut-off valve 4 and the downstream valve 6 of the fuel line 2 and measures the pressure in the fuel line 2. The first pressure sensor 8 is electrically connected to the control device 150 and transmits the measured value to the control device 150.

[0022] The vent line 10 is connected between the fuel shut-off valve 4 and the downstream valve 6 of the fuel line 2. In the first embodiment, one end 10a of the vent line 10 is connected downstream of the first pressure sensor 8 in the fuel line 2, and the other end 10b is open to the atmosphere.

[0023] The vent valve 12 is installed in the vent line 10. The vent valve 12 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p4), and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150.

[0024] In the first embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 further includes a vent check valve 60 provided on the other end 10b side (downstream side) of the vent line 10, rather than the vent valve 12. The vent check valve 60 prevents gas (atmosphere) from flowing through the vent line 10 into the fuel line 2.

[0025] The inert gas line 14 is connected between the fuel shut-off valve 4 and the downstream valve 6 of the fuel line 2 and is configured to supply inert gas Gn to the fuel line 2. The inert gas Gn is not particularly limited as long as it is a gas that does not undergo a combustion reaction. In the first embodiment, the inert gas Gn is nitrogen gas. One end 14a of the inert gas line 14 is connected to an inert gas supply source 52 that stores the inert gas Gn, and the other end 14b is connected upstream of the first pressure sensor 8 in the fuel line 2. The inert gas Gn flows through the inert gas line 14 from the inert gas supply source 52 towards the fuel line 2. In some embodiments, the other end 14b of the inert gas line 14 is connected downstream of the first pressure sensor 8 in the fuel line 2.

[0026] The inert gas shut-off valve 16 is installed in the inert gas line 14. The inert gas shut-off valve 16 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p5), and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 further includes an inert gas check valve 70 which is provided on the fuel line 2 side (downstream side) of the inert gas line 14 than the inert gas shut-off valve 16. The inert gas check valve 70 prevents gas (gas fuel F or inert gas Gn) from flowing through the inert gas line 14 to the inert gas supply source 52.

[0028] Hereinafter, the region including the portion of fuel line 2 between fuel shut-off valve 4 and downstream valve 6, the portion of vent line 10 on the fuel line 2 side (upstream) of vent valve 12, and the portion of inert gas line 14 on the fuel line 2 side (downstream) of inert gas shut-off valve 16 will be referred to as the first region X1.

[0029] The determination device 80 determines whether or not there is a gas leak from the fuel supply device 1 based on the measurement value of the pressure measuring device 7. In the first embodiment, the control device 150 functions as the determination device 80. Based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8, the determination device 80 determines whether or not there is a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the fuel shut-off valve 4, a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the downstream valve 6, a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the vent valve 12, and a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the inert gas shut-off valve 16. Furthermore, based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8, the determination device 80 determines whether or not there is a gas leak (external leak) from the first region X1. Note that this disclosure is not limited to the control device 150 of the gas engine 100 functioning as the determination device 80. In some embodiments, the fuel supply device 1 includes a determination device 80 provided independently of the control device 150 of the gas engine 100. This disclosure is not limited to the determination device 80 being located inside the gas engine 100. In some embodiments, the determination device 80 is located outside the gas engine 100. In some embodiments, the control device 150 is located outside the gas engine 100.

[0030] As illustrated in Figure 1, in the first embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 further includes a gas fuel pressure sensor 40 for measuring the pressure upstream of the fuel line 2 from the fuel shut-off valve 4, and an inert gas pressure sensor 42 for measuring the pressure at one end 14a (upstream) of the inert gas line 14 from the inert gas shut-off valve 16.

[0031] (Effects / Actions) The operation and effects of the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described. According to the first embodiment, it is possible to check for gas leaks from the first region X1, gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the fuel shut-off valve 4, gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the downstream valve 6, gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the vent valve 12, and gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the inert gas shut-off valve 16 using inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F (an example of a specific method for checking for gas leaks will be described later). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of gas fuel F. This is particularly advantageous when gas fuel F is a hydrogen gas, for example, and leakage could have adverse effects on the human body or the surrounding environment.

[0032] According to the first embodiment, since a control device 150 (determination device 80) is provided, the presence or absence of the above-mentioned gas leak can be automatically confirmed.

[0033] <Second Embodiment> A fuel supply device 1 according to a second embodiment of this disclosure will now be described. The fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a second inert gas line 18, a second inert gas shut-off valve 20, a second vent line 22, a second vent valve 24, a pressure measuring device 7 further having a second pressure sensor 26 and a third pressure sensor 28, a third vent line 30, and a check valve 32. In the second embodiment, components that are the same as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the fuel supply device 1 further includes a second inert gas line 18, a second inert gas shut-off valve 20, a second vent line 22, a second vent valve 24, a second pressure sensor 26, a third pressure sensor 28, a third vent line 30, and a check valve 32.

[0035] In the second embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 includes two downstream valves 6. The two downstream valves 6 are a second fuel shut-off valve 6A(6) and a pressure regulating valve 6B(6) located downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve 6A in the fuel line 2. The second fuel shut-off valve 6A is a solenoid valve electrically connected to a control device 150 (p3) and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150. The pressure regulating valve 6B is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p6) and is opened or closed to any degree according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150.

[0036] The second inert gas line 18 is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure regulating valve 6B of the fuel line 2, and is configured to supply inert gas Gn to the fuel line 2. In the second embodiment, one end 18a of the second inert gas line 18 is connected to the one end 14a side (upstream side) of the inert gas line 14, which is further upstream than the inert gas shut-off valve 16, and the other end 18b is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure regulating valve 6B of the fuel line 2. A portion of the inert gas Gn extracted from the inert gas line 14 flows through the second inert gas line 18 toward the fuel line 2. In the second embodiment, the second inert gas line 18 was connected to the inert gas line 14, but the disclosure is not limited to this form. In some embodiments, the second inert gas line 18 is provided independently of the inert gas line 14.

[0037] The second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is provided in the second inert gas line 18. The second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p7) and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150.

[0038] In the second embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 further includes a second inert gas check valve 72 which is provided on the fuel line 2 side (downstream side) of the second inert gas line 18 than the second inert gas shut-off valve 20. The second inert gas check valve 72 prevents gas (gas fuel F or inert gas Gn) from flowing through the second inert gas line 18 to the inert gas line 14.

[0039] The second vent line 22 is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure regulating valve 6B of the fuel line 2, and is configured to discharge inert gas Gn from the fuel line 2. In the second embodiment, one end 22a of the second vent line 22 is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure regulating valve 6B of the fuel line 2, and the other end 22b is connected to the other end 10b (downstream side) of the vent line 10, beyond the vent check valve 60. One end 22a of the second vent line 22 is located downstream of the fuel line 2 beyond the other end 18b of the second inert gas line 18. In the second embodiment, the second vent line 22 was connected to the vent line 10, but the disclosure is not limited to this form. In some embodiments, the second vent line 22 is provided independently of the vent line 10. In some embodiments, one end 22a of the second vent line 22 is located upstream of the fuel line 2 than the other end 18b of the second inert gas line 18.

[0040] A second vent valve 24 is provided in the second vent line 22. The second vent valve 24 is a solenoid valve electrically connected to the control device 150 (p8) and is opened or closed according to instructions transmitted from the control device 150.

[0041] In the second embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 further includes a second vent check valve 62 provided on the other end 22b side (downstream side) of the second vent line 22, relative to the second vent valve 24. The second vent check valve 62 prevents gas (atmosphere) from flowing through the second vent line 22 into the fuel line 2.

[0042] The second pressure sensor 26 is installed between the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure control valve 6B of the fuel line 2 and measures the pressure in the fuel line 2. In the second embodiment, the second pressure sensor 26 measures the pressure in the portion of the fuel line 2 downstream of the connection to the other end 18b of the second inert gas line 18 and upstream of the connection to one end 22a of the second vent line 22. The second pressure sensor 26 is electrically connected to the control device 150 and transmits the measured value to the control device 150.

[0043] The third pressure sensor 28 is located downstream of the pressure control valve 6B in the fuel line 2 and measures the pressure in the fuel line 2. In the second embodiment, the third pressure sensor 28 measures the pressure in the portion of the fuel line 2 between the pressure control valve 6B and the valve 126. The third pressure sensor 28 is electrically connected to the control device 150 and transmits the measured values ​​to the control device 150.

[0044] The third vent line 30 is configured to discharge inert gas Gn from the fuel line 2 by connecting the downstream side of the fuel line 2 beyond the pressure control valve 6B and the upstream side of one end 22a of the second vent line 22 beyond the second vent valve 24. In the second embodiment, one end 30a of the third vent line 30 is connected downstream of the fuel line 2 beyond the third pressure sensor 28, and the other end 30b is connected to the upstream side of one end 22a of the second vent line 22 beyond the second vent valve 24. In the second embodiment, the third vent line 30 was connected to the second vent line 22, but the disclosure is not limited to this form. In some embodiments, the third vent line 30 is provided independently of the second vent line 22. In some embodiments, one end 30a of the third vent line 30 is connected between the pressure control valve 6B and the valve 126 of the fuel line 2.

[0045] The check valve 32 is installed in the third vent line 30. The check valve 32 prevents gas (inert gas Gn or gaseous fuel F) from flowing from the second vent line 22 to the fuel line 2 via the third vent line 30.

[0046] Hereinafter, the region including the portion of fuel line 2 between the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure regulating valve 6B, the portion of the second inert gas line 18 that is on the fuel line 2 side (downstream) of the second inert gas shut-off valve 20, the portion of the second vent line 22 that is on the fuel line 2 side (upstream) of the second vent valve 24, and the portion of the third vent line 30 that is on the second vent line 22 side (downstream) of the check valve 32 will be referred to as the second region X2.

[0047] Hereinafter, the region including the portion of fuel line 2 between the pressure regulating valve 6B and valve 126, the portion of the third vent line 30 on the fuel line 2 side (upstream) of the check valve 32, the engine inlet pipe 116, the header pipe 118, and the portion of each of the multiple branch pipes 120 upstream of the fuel injector 106 will be referred to as the third region X3.

[0048] In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 determines, based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26, whether or not there is a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the pressure control valve 6B, a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the second vent valve 24, and a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the second inert gas shut-off valve 20. Furthermore, the determination device 80 determines, based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26, whether or not there is a gas leak (external leak) from the second region X2.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 determines, based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28, whether or not there is a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the pressure control valve 6B, and whether or not there is a gas leak (internal leak) between the upstream and downstream of the fuel injection valve 106. Furthermore, the determination device 80 determines, based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28, whether or not there is a gas leak (external leak) from the third region X3.

[0050] (Effects / Actions) The operation and effects of the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment will now be described. According to the second embodiment, it is possible to check for gas leaks from the second region X2, the third region X3, the upstream and downstream gas leaks of the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, the upstream and downstream gas leaks of the second inert gas shut-off valve 20, the upstream and downstream gas leaks of the second vent valve 24, the upstream and downstream gas leaks of the pressure regulating valve 6B, and the upstream and downstream gas leaks of the fuel injection valve 106, using inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F.

[0051] According to the second embodiment, the presence or absence of gas leaks (external leaks and internal leaks) can be checked in the first region X1, the second region X2, and the third region X3. The fuel supply device 1 is checked for gas leaks in the order of the first region X1, the second region X2, and the third region X3.

[0052] According to the second embodiment, since a third vent line 30 is provided, the unnecessary inert gas Gn can be discharged from the fuel line 2 after checking for gas leaks in the third region X3. Furthermore, by providing a check valve 32, it is possible to suppress the flow of inert gas Gn from the second region X2 to the third region X3 via the third vent line 30.

[0053] <Method for checking gas leaks in fuel supply systems> A method for checking for gas leaks from the fuel supply device 1 when the gas engine 100 is stopped will be described for each of the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment and the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment. While the gas engine 100 is running, the fuel shut-off valve 4, the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, the pressure regulating valve 6B, and the valve 126 are open, and the vent valve 12, the inert gas shut-off valve 16, the second vent valve 24, and the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 are closed. The fuel injection valve 106 is opened or closed according to the rotational speed and process of the gas engine 100.

[0054] (First Embodiment) Figure 3 is a flowchart of the gas leak check method for the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the gas leak check method for the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a vent valve closing step S1, a determination step S2, an inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3, a second determination step S4, an inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5, and a first external / internal leak determination step S6.

[0055] Figure 4A shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the gas engine 100 according to the first embodiment is stopped. Figure 4B shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the vent valve closing step S1 according to the first embodiment is performed. Figure 4C shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3 according to the first embodiment is performed. Figure 4D shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5 according to the first embodiment is performed.

[0056] When the gas engine 100 is stopped, the fuel supply device 1 closes the fuel shut-off valve 4, the downstream valve 6, and the fuel injection valve 106, and opens the vent valve 12. In the first embodiment, when the operation of the gas engine 100 is stopped, the control device 150 sends a shut-off instruction to the fuel shut-off valve 4, the downstream valve 6, and the fuel injection valve 106, and sends an open instruction to the vent valve 12. The fuel shut-off valve 4, the downstream valve 6, and the fuel injection valve 106 each receive the shut-off instruction and close. The vent valve 12 receives the open instruction and opens. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4A, the fuel shut-off valve 4, the downstream valve 6, the inert gas shut-off valve 16, and the fuel injection valve 106 are all in a closed state. The vent valve 12 and valve 126 are in an open state.

[0057] In the vent valve closing step S1, the vent valve 12 is closed when the gas engine 100 is stopped. In the first embodiment, the control device 150 sends a closing instruction to the vent valve 12 after the operation of the gas engine 100 has stopped. The vent valve 12 receives the closing instruction and closes. As a result, as shown in Figure 4B, the vent valve 12 is in a closed state, and the first region X1 becomes a low-pressure sealed state. At this time, the pressure in the first region X1 is, for example, about atmospheric pressure.

[0058] In the determination step S2, after the vent valve closing step S1, the determination device 80 determines whether there is a malfunction in at least one of the fuel shut-off valve 4 and the inert gas shut-off valve 16 based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8. In the first embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8 after the first region X1 has entered a low-pressure sealed state. The determination device 80 then determines that there is a malfunction in at least one of the fuel shut-off valve 4 and the inert gas shut-off valve 16 if the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8 rises to a specified degree of change or more after a predetermined time has elapsed since the timing of closing the vent valve 12. In other words, the determination device 80 determines that at least one of the gaseous fuel F and the inert gas Gn is flowing into the first region X1.

[0059] In the inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3, the inert gas shut-off valve 16 is opened after the vent valve closing step S1. In the first embodiment, the control device 150 sends an open instruction to the inert gas shut-off valve 16 after the determination step S2. The inert gas shut-off valve 16 receives the open instruction and opens. As a result, as shown in Figure 4C, the inert gas shut-off valve 16 is in the open state, and the first region X1 is filled with inert gas Gn. Therefore, the pressure in the first region X1 is high, for example, greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0060] In the second determination step S4, after the inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3, the presence or absence of abnormality in the vent valve 12 is determined based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8. In the first embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8 from the time the inert gas Gn flows into the first region X1. The determination device 80 then determines that there is an abnormality in the vent valve 12 if the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8 does not reach a predetermined value within a predetermined time from the time the inert gas shut-off valve 16 is opened. In other words, the determination device 80 determines that inert gas Gn is flowing out of the first region X1 through the vent valve 12.

[0061] In the inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5, the inert gas shut-off valve 16 is closed after the inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3. In the first embodiment, the control device 150 transmits a closing instruction to the inert gas shut-off valve 16 after the second determination step S4. The inert gas shut-off valve 16 receives the closing instruction and closes. As a result, as shown in Figure 4D, the inert gas shut-off valve 16 is in a closed state, and the first region X1 becomes a high-pressure sealed state. At this time, the first region X1 is filled with inert gas Gn, and the pressure in the first region X1 is greater than, for example, atmospheric pressure.

[0062] In the first external / internal leak determination step S6, after the inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5, the determination device 80 determines whether there is a gas leak (external leak) from the first region X1 and whether there is an abnormality in the downstream valve 6, based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8. In the first embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8 after the first region X1 has entered a high-pressure sealed state. The determination device 80 then determines that if the measurement value of the first pressure sensor 8 drops to a specified degree of change or more after a predetermined time has elapsed since the timing of closing the inert gas shut-off valve 16, at least one of the following has occurred: outflow of inert gas Gn from the first region X1 to the outside of the fuel supply device 1, and outflow of inert gas Gn from the first region X1 through the downstream valve 6. When the gas leak check of the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment is completed, the vent valve 12 is opened.

[0063] According to the gas leak checking method for the fuel supply device 1 of the first embodiment, the presence or absence of at least one of the following can be confirmed in the determination step S2: gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the fuel shut-off valve 4 and gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the inert gas shut-off valve 16, using inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F. Similarly, the presence or absence of gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the vent valve 12 can be confirmed in the second determination step S4 using inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F. Similarly, the presence or absence of at least one of the following can be confirmed in the first external / internal leak determination step S6: gas leakage from the first region X1 and gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the downstream valve 6, using inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F.

[0064] (Second Embodiment) Figure 5 is a flowchart of the gas leak check method for the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the gas leak checking method of the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment includes a vent valve closing step S1, a determination step S2, an inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3, a second determination step S4, an inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5, a first external / internal leak determination step S6, a second vent valve closing step S7, a third determination step S8, a second inert gas shut-off valve opening step S9, a fourth determination step S10, a second inert gas shut-off valve closing step S11, a second external / internal leak determination step S12, a fifth determination step S13, a pressure regulating valve opening step S14, a third external / internal leak determination step S15 (sixth determination step), a pressure regulating valve closing step S16, a coating step S17, a second vent valve opening step S18, and a vent valve opening step S19.

[0065] Figure 6A shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the gas engine 100 according to the second embodiment is stopped. Figure 6B shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the second vent valve closing step S7 according to the second embodiment is performed. Figure 6C shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step S9 according to the second embodiment is performed. Figure 6D shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step S11 according to the second embodiment is performed. Figure 6E shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the pressure regulating valve opening step S14 according to the second embodiment is performed. Figure 6F shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the pressure regulating valve closing step S16 according to the second embodiment is performed. Figure 6G shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the second vent valve opening step S18 according to the second embodiment is performed. Figure 6H shows the state of the fuel supply device 1 when the vent valve opening step S19 according to the second embodiment is performed.

[0066] When the gas engine 100 is stopped, the fuel supply device 1 closes the fuel shut-off valve 4, the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, the pressure regulating valve 6B, and the fuel injection valve 106, and opens the vent valve 12 and the second vent valve 24. In the second embodiment, when the operation of the gas engine 100 is stopped, the control device 150 sends a shut-off instruction to each of the fuel shut-off valve 4, the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, the pressure regulating valve 6B, and the fuel injection valve 106, and sends an open instruction to the vent valve 12 and the second vent valve 24. Each of the fuel shut-off valve 4, the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, the pressure regulating valve 6B, and the fuel injection valve 106 receives the shut-off instruction and closes. The vent valve 12 and the second vent valve 24 receive the open instruction and open. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6A, the fuel shut-off valve 4, the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, the pressure regulating valve 6B, the inert gas shut-off valve 16, the second inert gas shut-off valve 20, and the fuel injection valve 106 are all in the closed state. The vent valve 12, the second vent valve 24, and the valve 126 are in the open state.

[0067] In the gas leak check method of the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, the vent valve closing step S1, the determination step S2, the inert gas shut-off valve opening step S3, the second determination step S4, the inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5, and the first external / internal leak determination step S6 are the same as the gas leak check method of the fuel supply device 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the "downstream valve 6" is replaced with the "second fuel shut-off valve 6A". For this reason, a detailed explanation of the steps from the vent valve closing step S1 to the first external / internal leak determination step S6 in the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0068] In the second vent valve closing step S7, the second vent valve 24 is closed after the inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 transmits a closing instruction to the second vent valve 24 after the first external / internal leak determination step S6. The second vent valve 24 receives the closing instruction and closes. As a result, as shown in Figure 6B, the second vent valve 24 is in a closed state, and the second region X2 becomes a low-pressure sealed state. At this time, the pressure in the second region X2 is, for example, about atmospheric pressure.

[0069] In the third determination step S8, after the second vent valve closing step S7, the determination device 80 determines whether there is a malfunction in at least one of the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26. In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26 after the second region X2 has entered a low-pressure sealed state. The determination device 80 then determines that there is a malfunction in at least one of the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 if the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26 rises to or above a specified pressure rise level after a predetermined time has elapsed since the timing of closing the second vent valve 24. In other words, the determination device 80 determines that at least one of the following is occurring: inflow of inert gas Gn from the first region X1 to the second region X2 via the second fuel shut-off valve 6A, and inflow of inert gas Gn to the second region X2 via the second inert gas shut-off valve 20. Furthermore, the first region X1 is in a high-pressure sealed state by the inert gas shut-off valve closing step S5.

[0070] In the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step S9, the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is opened after the second vent valve closing step S7. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 transmits an open command to the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 after the third determination step S8. The second inert gas shut-off valve 20 receives the open command and opens. As a result, as shown in Figure 6C, the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is in the open state, and the second region X2 is filled with inert gas Gn. Therefore, the pressure in the second region X2 is high, for example, greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0071] In the fourth determination step S10, after the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step S9, the determination device 80 determines whether there is an abnormality in the second vent valve 24 based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26. In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26 from the time the second region X2 is filled with inert gas Gn. The determination device 80 determines that there is an abnormality in the second vent valve 24 if the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26 does not reach a predetermined value within a predetermined time from the time the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is opened. In other words, the determination device 80 determines that inert gas Gn is leaking out of the second region X2 through the second vent valve 24.

[0072] In the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step S11, the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is closed after the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step S9. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 transmits a closing instruction to the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 after the fourth determination step S10. The second inert gas shut-off valve 20 receives the closing instruction and closes. As a result, as shown in Figure 6D, the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 is in a closed state, and the second region X2 becomes a high-pressure sealed state.

[0073] In the second external / internal leak determination step S12, after the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step S11, the determination device 80 determines whether there is a gas leak (external leak) from the second region X2 and whether there is an abnormality in the pressure control valve 6B, based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26. In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26 after the second region X2 has entered a high-pressure sealed state. The determination device 80 then determines that if the measurement value of the second pressure sensor 26 decreases to a predetermined pressure reduction level or more after a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing of closing the second inert gas shut-off valve 20, at least one of the following is occurring: outflow of inert gas Gn from the second region X2 to the outside of the fuel supply device 1, and outflow of inert gas Gn from the second region X2 via the pressure control valve 6B.

[0074] In the fifth determination step S13, after the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step S11, the presence or absence of abnormality in the pressure regulating valve 6B is determined based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28. In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28 after the second region X2 has entered a high-pressure sealed state. The determination device 80 then determines that there is an abnormality in the pressure regulating valve 6B if the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28 rises to a specified pressure rise level or higher after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second inert gas shut-off valve 20 was closed. In other words, the determination device 80 determines that inert gas Gn is leaking from the second region X2 to the third region X3 through the pressure regulating valve 6B. The fifth determination step S13 may be performed after the second external / internal leak determination step S12, before the second external / internal leak determination step S12, or simultaneously with the second external / internal leak determination step S12.

[0075] In the pressure regulating valve opening step S14, the pressure regulating valve 6B is opened after the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step S11. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 sends an open instruction to the pressure regulating valve 6B after both the second external / internal leak determination step S12 and the fifth determination step S13. The pressure regulating valve 6B receives the open instruction and opens. As a result, as shown in Figure 6E, the pressure regulating valve 6B is in the open state. At this time, the third region X3 is filled with inert gas Gn, and the pressure in the third region X3 becomes high pressure. The pressure in the third region X3 is greater than, for example, atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the combined region of the second region X2 and the third region X3 becomes high-pressure.

[0076] In the third external / internal leak determination step S15, after the pressure control valve opening step S14, the determination device 80 determines whether there is a gas leak (external leak) from the third region X3 and whether there is an abnormality in the fuel injection valve 106, based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28. In the second embodiment, the determination device 80 acquires the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28 from the timing when the pressure control valve 6B is opened. The determination device 80 then determines that if the measurement value of the third pressure sensor 28 drops to a predetermined pressure drop level or more after a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing when the pressure control valve 6B is opened, at least one of the following is occurring: outflow of inert gas Gn from the third region X3 to the outside of the fuel supply device 1, and abnormal outflow of inert gas Gn from the third region X3 via the fuel injection valve 106.

[0077] In the pressure regulating valve closing step S16, the pressure regulating valve 6B is closed after the pressure regulating valve opening step S14. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 transmits a closing instruction to the pressure regulating valve 6B after the third external / internal leak determination step S15. The pressure regulating valve 6B receives the closing instruction and closes. As a result, as shown in Figure 6F, the pressure regulating valve 6B is in a closed state, and the second region X2 and the third region X3 each become in a high-pressure state independently of each other.

[0078] In the application step S17, after the pressure regulating valve closing step S16, gas leak detection fluid is applied to at least one of the following: the first area X1, the second area, the third area, the fuel shut-off valve, the second fuel shut-off valve, the pressure regulating valve, the inert gas shut-off valve, the second inert gas shut-off valve, the vent valve, and the second vent valve. For example, an operator can apply the gas leak detection fluid to areas where more gas leaks than usual are detected, even if they are within the specified range, in the various judgment steps (automatic leak checks) described above, and manually perform a more detailed check for gas leaks. Note that the application step S17 is not mandatory and should only be performed as needed, such as when more gas leaks than usual are detected in the automatic leak checks described above.

[0079] In the second vent valve opening step S18, after the third external / internal leak determination step S15, the pressure regulating valve 6B is closed and then the second vent valve 24 is opened. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 sends an open command to the second vent valve 24 after the coating step S17. For example, when the control device 150 receives notification from a worker via a terminal or the like that the coating step S17 has been completed, it sends an open command to the second vent valve 24. The second vent valve 24 receives the open command and opens. As a result, as shown in Figure 6G, the second region X2 and the third region X3 are released from the high-pressure state, and the pressures in the second region X2 and the third region X3 become approximately atmospheric pressure.

[0080] In the vent valve opening step S19, the vent valve 12 is opened after the second vent valve opening step S18. In the second embodiment, the control device 150 sends an open command to the vent valve 12 after the pressures in the second region X2 and the third region X3 have become approximately atmospheric pressure. The vent valve 12 receives the open command and opens. As a result, as shown in Figure 6H, the first region X1 is released from its high-pressure sealed state, and the pressure in the first region X1 becomes approximately atmospheric pressure.

[0081] The gas leak check method for the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment is completed when the pressure in the first region X1 becomes approximately atmospheric pressure after the vent valve opening step S19 is performed.

[0082] According to the gas leak check method for the fuel supply device 1 of the second embodiment, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of at least one of the following: gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the fuel shut-off valve 4 and gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the inert gas shut-off valve 16, in the determination step S2. Similarly, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the vent valve 12 in the second determination step S4. Similarly, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of at least one of the following: gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the second inert gas shut-off valve 20, in the third determination step S8. Similarly, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the second vent valve 24 in the fourth determination step S10. Similarly, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the pressure regulating valve 6B in the fifth determination step S13.

[0083] According to the gas leak checking method for the fuel supply device 1 of the second embodiment, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, the presence or absence of at least one of the following can be confirmed in the first external / internal leak determination step S6: a gas leak from the first region X1 and a gas leak between the upstream and downstream sides of the downstream valve 6. Similarly, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, the presence or absence of at least one of the following can be confirmed in the second external / internal leak determination step S12: a gas leak from the second region X2 and a gas leak between the upstream and downstream sides of the pressure regulating valve 6B. Similarly, by using an inert gas Gn instead of gas fuel F, at least one of the following can be confirmed in the third external / internal leak determination step S15: a gas leak from the third region X3 and an abnormal gas leak between the upstream and downstream sides of the fuel injection valve 106.

[0084] If the downstream side of fuel line 2 is made to have a higher pressure than the upstream side (by performing a gas leak check from the downstream side of fuel line 2), for example, the second fuel shut-off valve 6A may open due to the back pressure, making it difficult to determine whether or not there is a malfunction in the second fuel shut-off valve 6A. According to the gas leak check method of the fuel supply device 1 according to the second embodiment, a high-pressure state is formed sequentially from the upstream side of fuel line 2 (in the order of first region X1, second region X2, and third region X3), so it is possible to determine whether or not there is a malfunction (internal leak) in the second fuel shut-off valve 6A and the pressure control valve.

[0085] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows:

[0086] [1] The fuel supply device (1) relating to this disclosure is A fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel (F) to a gas engine (100), A fuel line (2) is connected to the engine inlet pipe (116) located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping (104) of the gas engine, and is for supplying the gas fuel to the engine inlet pipe. A fuel shut-off valve (4) is provided in the fuel line, At least one downstream valve (6) is a valve provided downstream of the fuel line from the fuel shut-off valve, A pressure measuring device (7) including a first pressure sensor (8) provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent line (10) connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent valve (12) is provided in the aforementioned vent line, An inert gas line (14) is connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply inert gas (Gn) to the fuel line, The system includes an inert gas shut-off valve (16) provided in the inert gas line.

[0087] According to the configuration described in [1] above, it is possible to check for at least one of the following gas leaks from the fuel supply device (gas leak to the outside of the fuel supply device, gas leak between the upstream and downstream of the fuel shut-off valve, gas leak between the upstream and downstream of the downstream valve, gas leak between the upstream and downstream of the vent valve, and gas leak between the upstream and downstream of the inert gas shut-off valve) using an inert gas instead of gas fuel. Therefore, gas fuel leakage can be suppressed.

[0088] [2] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [1] above, The at least one downstream valve includes a second fuel shut-off valve (6A) and a pressure regulating valve (6B) located downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line, A second inert gas line (18) is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply the inert gas to the fuel line, A second inert gas shutoff valve (20) is provided in the second inert gas line, A second vent line (22) is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line, The system further comprises a second vent valve (24) provided in the second vent line, The pressure measuring device further includes a second pressure sensor (26) provided between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve of the fuel line.

[0089] According to the configuration described in [2] above, it is possible to check for the presence or absence of at least one of the following: gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve, gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the second inert gas shut-off valve, and gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the second vent valve. Furthermore, it is possible to check for gas leakage in the fuel line by dividing it into the portion upstream and the portion downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve.

[0090] [3] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [2] above, The pressure measuring device further includes a third pressure sensor (28) provided downstream of the pressure control valve in the fuel line.

[0091] According to the configuration described in [3] above, it is possible to check for gas leaks in the portion of the fuel line downstream of the pressure regulating valve.

[0092] [4] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in [2] or [3] above, A third vent line (30) is configured to connect the fuel line downstream of the pressure control valve and the second vent line upstream of the second vent valve, and to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line. The system further includes a check valve (32) provided in the third vent line.

[0093] According to the configuration described in [4] above, after checking for gas leaks in the portion of the fuel line downstream of the pressure regulating valve, the unnecessary inert gas can be discharged from the fuel line. By providing a check valve, it is possible to suppress the flow of inert gas from the portion of the fuel line upstream of the pressure regulating valve toward the portion downstream of the pressure regulating valve via the third vent line.

[0094] [5] In some embodiments, in the configuration described in any one of [1] to [4] above, The system further includes a determination device (80) that determines whether or not there is a gas leak from the fuel supply device based on the measurement value of the pressure measuring device.

[0095] According to the configuration described in [5] above, it is possible to automatically check for gas leaks from the fuel supply device.

[0096] [6] The gas leak check method for a fuel supply device relating to this disclosure is: A method for checking gas leaks in a fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel to a gas engine, The fuel supply device is A fuel line connected to the engine inlet pipe located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping of the gas engine, for supplying the gas fuel to the engine inlet pipe, A fuel shut-off valve provided in the fuel line, At least one downstream valve, which is a valve located downstream of the fuel line from the fuel shut-off valve, A first pressure sensor is provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent valve provided in the aforementioned vent line, An inert gas line is connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply inert gas to the fuel line, The system includes an inert gas shutoff valve provided in the aforementioned inert gas line, When the gas engine is stopped, a vent valve closing step (S1) is performed to close the vent valve, The system includes a determination step (S2) after the vent valve closing step, in which, based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in at least one of the fuel shut-off valve and the inert gas shut-off valve.

[0097] According to the method described in [6] above, it is possible to check for at least one of the following: gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of a fuel shutoff valve, or gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of an inert gas shutoff valve, using an inert gas instead of gaseous fuel. Therefore, gaseous fuel leakage can be suppressed.

[0098] [7] In some embodiments, the method described in [6] above, After the vent valve closing step, there is an inert gas shut-off valve opening step (S3) in which the inert gas shut-off valve is opened, The system further includes a second determination step (S4) which, after the inert gas shut-off valve opening step, determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the vent valve based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor.

[0099] According to the method described in [7] above, it is possible to check for gas leaks between the upstream and downstream sides of a vent valve using an inert gas without using gas fuel.

[0100] [8] In some embodiments, the method described in [7] above, The at least one downstream valve includes a second fuel shut-off valve and a pressure regulating valve located downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line. The fuel supply device is A second inert gas line is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply the inert gas to the fuel line, A second inert gas shutoff valve is provided in the second inert gas line, A second vent line is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line, A second vent valve provided in the second vent line, The system further comprises a second pressure sensor provided between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve of the fuel line, After the inert gas shut-off valve opening step, there is an inert gas shut-off valve closing step (S5) in which the inert gas shut-off valve is closed, Following the inert gas shut-off valve closing step, a second vent valve closing step (S7) is performed to close the second vent valve, The system further includes a third determination step (S8) after the second vent valve closing step, in which a determination is made based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in at least one of the second fuel shut-off valve and the second inert gas shut-off valve.

[0101] According to the method described in [8] above, it is possible to check for at least one of the following: gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the second fuel shutoff valve, and gas leakage between the upstream and downstream of the second inert gas shutoff valve, using an inert gas instead of gaseous fuel.

[0102] [9] In some embodiments, in the method described in [8] above, Following the second vent valve closing step, a second inert gas shut-off valve opening step (S9) is performed to open the second inert gas shut-off valve, The system further includes a fourth determination step (S10) which, after the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step, determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the second vent valve based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor.

[0103] According to the method described in [9] above, it is possible to check for gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of the second vent line using an inert gas without using gas fuel.

[0104]

[10] In some embodiments, the method described in [9] above, The fuel supply device further includes a third pressure sensor located downstream of the pressure control valve in the fuel line, Following the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step, a second inert gas shut-off valve closing step (S11) is performed to close the second inert gas shut-off valve, The system further includes a fifth determination step (S13) after the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step, in which a determination is made based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the pressure control valve.

[0105] According to the method described in

[10] above, it is possible to check for gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of a pressure regulating valve using an inert gas without using gas fuel.

[0106]

[11] In some embodiments, the method described in

[10] above, After the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step, a pressure regulating valve opening step (S14) is performed to open the pressure regulating valve, The system further includes a sixth determination step (S15) after the pressure control valve opening step, in which a determination is made based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the fuel injection valve provided in the engine-side fuel piping.

[0107] According to the method described in

[11] above, it is possible to check for abnormal gas leaks between the upstream and downstream of a fuel injection valve using an inert gas without using gaseous fuel.

[0108]

[12] In some embodiments, the method described in

[11] above, A third vent line is configured to connect the fuel line downstream of the pressure control valve and the second vent line upstream of the second vent valve, and to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line. After the sixth determination step, the process further includes a coating step (S17) in which the pressure control valve is closed and a gas leak detection fluid is applied to detect gas leaks in the fuel line, the fuel shut-off valve, the second fuel shut-off valve, the pressure control valve, the inert gas line, the inert gas shut-off valve, the second inert gas line, the second inert gas shut-off valve, the vent line, the vent valve, the second vent line, the second vent valve, and the third vent line.

[0109] According to the method described in

[12] above, a gas leak detection fluid can also be used to check for gas leaks from the fuel supply system.

[0110]

[13] In some embodiments, the method described in

[11] or

[12] above, After the sixth determination step, a second vent valve opening step (S18) is performed, in which the pressure regulating valve is closed and then the second vent valve is opened. The system further includes a vent valve opening step (S19) which opens the vent valve after the second vent valve opening step.

[0111] The method described in

[13] above can prevent unintended operation of the second fuel shutoff valve (e.g., opening) due to back pressure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Fuel supply device 2 Fuel line 4. Fuel shut-off valve 6 Downstream valve 6A Second fuel shutoff valve 6B Pressure regulating valve 7. Pressure measuring device 8. First pressure sensor 10 Vent Lines 10a One end of the vent line 10b The other end of the vent line 12 Vent valve 14. Inert gas line 14a Inert gas line, one end 14b Other end of inert gas line 16. Inert gas shutoff valve 18. Second inert gas line 18a One end of the second inert gas line 18b The other end of the second inert gas line 20 Second inert gas shutoff valve 22 Second vent line 22a One end of the second vent line 22b The other end of the second bend line 24. Second vent valve 26. Second pressure sensor 28. Third pressure sensor 30 Third vent line 30a One end of the third bend line 30b The other end of the third bend line 32 Check valve 40. Pressure sensor for gas fuel 42 Pressure sensor for inert gases 50 fuel source 52 Inert gas supply source 60 Vent check valve 62 Second vent check valve 70 Inert gas check valve 72 Second inert gas check valve 80 Judgment device 100 gas engine 101 Combustion chamber 104 Engine-side fuel piping 106 Fuel Injector 110 cylinders 112 Pistons 114 Cylinder head 116 Engine inlet pipe 118 Header pipes 120 Branch pipe 122 Engine-side fuel line inlet 124 Engine-side fuel line outlet 126 valves 150 Control device (determination device 80) F Gas fuel Gn inert gas S1 Vent valve closing step S2 Judgment Step S3 Inert gas shut-off valve opening step S4 Second determination step S5 Inert gas shut-off valve closing step S6 First external / internal leak determination step S7 Second vent valve closing step S8 Third Judgment Step S9 Second inert gas shut-off valve opening step S10 Fourth determination step S11 Second inert gas shutoff valve closing step S12 Second external / internal leak detection step S13 Fifth Judgment Step S14 Pressure regulating valve opening step S15 Third external / internal leak detection step (sixth detection step) S16 Pressure regulating valve closing step S17 Coating step S18 Second vent valve opening step S19 Vent valve opening step X1 First Domain X2 Second Domain X3 Third Domain

Claims

1. A fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel to a gas engine, A fuel line connected to the engine inlet pipe located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping of the gas engine, for supplying the gas fuel to the engine inlet pipe, A fuel shut-off valve provided in the fuel line, At least one downstream valve, which is a valve provided downstream of the fuel line from the fuel shut-off valve, A pressure measuring device including a first pressure sensor provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent valve provided in the aforementioned vent line, An inert gas line is connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply inert gas to the fuel line, The system comprises an inert gas shutoff valve provided in the inert gas line, Fuel supply device.

2. The at least one downstream valve includes a second fuel shut-off valve and a pressure regulating valve located downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line. A second inert gas line is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply the inert gas to the fuel line, A second inert gas shutoff valve is provided in the second inert gas line, A second vent line is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line, The present invention further comprises a second vent valve provided in the second vent line, The pressure measuring device further includes a second pressure sensor provided between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure regulating valve of the fuel line. The fuel supply device according to claim 1.

3. The pressure measuring device further includes a third pressure sensor provided downstream of the pressure regulating valve in the fuel line. The fuel supply device according to claim 2.

4. A third vent line is configured to connect the fuel line downstream of the pressure control valve and the second vent line upstream of the second vent valve, and to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line. The system further comprises a check valve provided in the third vent line, The fuel supply device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The system further includes a determination device that determines whether or not there is a gas leak from the fuel supply device based on the measurement value of the pressure measuring device. A fuel supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A method for checking gas leaks in a fuel supply device for supplying gaseous fuel to a gas engine, The fuel supply device is A fuel line connected to the engine inlet pipe located upstream of the engine-side fuel piping of the gas engine, for supplying the gas fuel to the engine inlet pipe, A fuel shut-off valve provided in the fuel line, At least one downstream valve, which is a valve provided downstream of the fuel line from the fuel shut-off valve, A first pressure sensor is provided between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent line connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line, A vent valve provided in the aforementioned vent line, An inert gas line is connected between the fuel shut-off valve and the at least one downstream valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply inert gas to the fuel line, The system includes an inert gas shutoff valve provided in the aforementioned inert gas line, A vent valve closing step is performed to close the vent valve when the gas engine is stopped, The system includes a determination step, after the vent valve closing step, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in at least one of the fuel shut-off valve and the inert gas shut-off valve based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor. Method for checking for gas leaks in fuel supply systems.

7. After the vent valve closing step, there is an inert gas shut-off valve opening step in which the inert gas shut-off valve is opened, The system further comprises a second determination step, after the inert gas shut-off valve opening step, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the vent valve based on the measurement value of the first pressure sensor. A method for checking for gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 6.

8. The at least one downstream valve includes a second fuel shut-off valve and a pressure regulating valve located downstream of the second fuel shut-off valve in the fuel line. The fuel supply device is A second inert gas line is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to supply the inert gas to the fuel line, A second inert gas shutoff valve is provided in the second inert gas line, A second vent line is connected between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line and is configured to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line, A second vent valve provided in the second vent line, The system further includes a second pressure sensor provided between the second fuel shut-off valve and the pressure control valve of the fuel line, After the inert gas shut-off valve opening step, there is an inert gas shut-off valve closing step in which the inert gas shut-off valve is closed, After the inert gas shut-off valve closing step, a second vent valve closing step is performed to close the second vent valve, The system further comprises a third determination step, after the second vent valve closing step, which determines whether or not there is a malfunction in at least one of the second fuel shut-off valve and the second inert gas shut-off valve based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor, A method for checking for gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 7.

9. Following the second vent valve closing step, the second inert gas shut-off valve is opened in a second inert gas shut-off valve opening step, The system further comprises a fourth determination step, after the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the second vent valve based on the measurement value of the second pressure sensor. A method for checking for gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 8.

10. The fuel supply device further includes a third pressure sensor located downstream of the pressure control valve in the fuel line. Following the second inert gas shut-off valve opening step, there is a second inert gas shut-off valve closing step, in which the second inert gas shut-off valve is closed. The system further includes a fifth determination step, after the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the pressure control valve based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor. A method for checking gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 9.

11. After the second inert gas shut-off valve closing step, the pressure regulating valve is opened in a pressure regulating valve opening step, The system further includes a sixth determination step, after the pressure control valve opening step, which determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the fuel injection valve provided in the engine-side fuel piping based on the measurement value of the third pressure sensor. A method for checking for gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 10.

12. A third vent line is configured to connect the fuel line downstream of the pressure control valve and the second vent line upstream of the second vent valve, and to discharge the inert gas from the fuel line. The process further includes, after the sixth determination step, closing the pressure control valve and then applying a gas leak detection fluid to detect gas leaks in the fuel line, the fuel shut-off valve, the second fuel shut-off valve, the pressure control valve, the inert gas line, the inert gas shut-off valve, the second inert gas line, the second inert gas shut-off valve, the vent line, the vent valve, the second vent line, the second vent valve, and the third vent line, A method for checking for gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 11.

13. After the sixth determination step, a second vent valve opening step is performed, in which the pressure regulating valve is closed and then the second vent valve is opened. The system further comprises a vent valve opening step, which opens the vent valve after the second vent valve opening step, A method for checking for gas leaks in a fuel supply device according to claim 11 or 12.

Images