Digital gas assist with flow control and gauge

Abstract

This specification describes gas control devices and related methods and systems. In one embodiment, the method may include determining whether at least one of (1) a characteristic C1 relating to the gas entering a gas valve and (2) a characteristic C2 relating to the gas exiting the gas valve satisfies a condition, wherein the gas valve is fluidly coupled to a gas regulator and a gas output unit, and the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other and (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other, and based on the determination, the gas valve can be converted from one of the first states to the other of the second state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 503,559, "Digital Gas Assist with Flow Control and Gauge" (filed May 22, 2023), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to digital gas assist control and gauge devices, and more particularly to those for chromatography systems.

Background Art

[0003] In liquid supply systems and various chromatography applications involving fluid flow, it may be necessary to push the fluid through a fully wetted path or provide a gas medium with gas assist, particularly with inert gases such as ultra - pure helium or nitrogen, in the supply of fluid flow. By applying a certain positive pressure measured at the start of the liquid source, the performance of the fluid flow is often improved. In many cases, this positive gas pressure is referred to as headspace gas to assist in the uniform supply of the liquid and minimize the intrusion of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide from the surroundings. This can result in unwanted background drift in conductivity, high noise, and potential contamination from carbonate peaks in the chromatogram. The pressurized supply can be used not only to provide headspace gas assist but also for the supply of samples, reagents, and regeneration solutions. In many cases, the pressurized supply provides a ripple - free supply method, improving the noise performance of chromatography. In existing systems, the function of controlling this gas flow is carried out using manually adjustable valves, and the recognition of gas pressure levels is observed only using analog pressure gauges. Due to issues such as the variability of manual control, it is highly desirable to have enhanced functions for enabling and controlling the gas flow and monitoring the related pressures.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This specification describes digital gas assist systems and related systems and methods with flow control and gauging devices. The device can enable or disable flow through a digitally controllable solution via an electronic interface. The device may incorporate a calibrated pressure transducer that provides the user with a real-time digital sensing monitor or a measured value of a set gas pressure level. In some cases, the device can be piped in a purging-only direction to allow or prevent the regulated gas from being discharged from any liquid tubular path. In some cases, the device also allows for digital setting or control of the actual pressure level of the delivered gas. The digital interface to the device can be integrated into the measuring instrument or developed into a wired or wireless external communication interface.

[0005] To illustrate the present invention, the drawings show a currently preferred embodiment, but it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact arrangement and means shown. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A front view of a chromatography system incorporating the gas control device described herein is shown. [Figure 2] This diagram shows a rear view of a chromatography system incorporating the gas control device described herein. [Figure 3] This disclosure shows a gas control device. [Figure 4] This disclosure shows a gas control device. [Figure 5] This disclosure shows a display and a gas control device. [Figure 6] This disclosure shows a display for a gas control device. [Figure 7] This disclosure shows a disassembled and assembled diagram of the gas control device. [Figure 8] This disclosure shows a gas control device. [Figure 9] This disclosure shows a gas control device. [Figure 10] This disclosure shows a gas control device. [Figure 11] This disclosure outlines the process for implementing the gas control device described herein. [Figure 12] This disclosure shows a controller for implementing the gas control device described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] This disclosure may be more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings and examples that form part of this disclosure. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular apparatus, method, application, condition, or parameter described and / or illustrated herein, and that the terms used herein are intended to describe a particular embodiment as an example only and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. Also, as used in the specification including the accompanying claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms, and references to a particular number include at least that particular number unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The term “plural” as used herein means two or more. When a numerical range is expressed, another embodiment includes those from one particular number and / or up to the other particular number. Similarly, when a number is expressed as an approximation, it will be understood that the particular number forms another embodiment by using the antecedent “about.” All ranges are comprehensive and combinable, and it should be understood that the steps may be performed in any order. All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for any and all purposes.

[0008] It should also be understood that certain features of the invention described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity may be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features of the invention described in the context of a single embodiment may be provided separately or in any subcombination. Furthermore, references to values ​​described in ranges include each and all values ​​within that range. Moreover, the term “comprising” should be understood to have its standard open-ended meaning, but also to encompass “consisting.” For example, an apparatus comprising parts A and B may include parts A and B in addition to parts B, but may also be formed from parts A and B alone.

[0009] This invention provides a gas control device and related systems and methods. The gas control device can provide a user with the ability to enable or disable a regulated gas flow to incorporated equipment. Typically, household gas sources or gas cylinders provide an immediate supply of gas at higher regulated pressures. The gas source in this facility is distributed to one or more target equipment for more specific use. Each analytical instrument platform then benefits from the disclosed technology for further control of the available gas flow.

[0010] According to this disclosure, gas can flow into a low-pressure regulator of a gas control device. The user can set a desired pressure level based on the parameters or characteristics of a sample inspection system coupled to the gas control device, such a sample inspection system being, for example, a chromatography system. A gas pressure relief valve can be incorporated to provide additional piped safety devices at the set maximum allowable level. In some cases, a manually adjustable gas regulator can be incorporated. In some cases, an electronically or digitally controlled gas regulator can be incorporated into the gas control device. The gas control device enables pressure measurements of the regulated gas pressure by using piped gas pressure transducers. One or more pressure transducers can be incorporated to enable pressure measurements upstream or downstream of a gas on / off valve. Analog signals from the pressure transducers can be sampled and converted into digital values ​​representing the pressure. A multi-display numerical display can provide visual feedback of the gas pressure. The digital signal values ​​can also be transmitted to application measuring instruments for additional displays or programmable use.

[0011] The pressure display can also incorporate a toggle switch to control the on / off state of the gas activation valve. The gas valve control function can also be used with application measuring instruments for remote or programmable use.

[0012] An on / off valve can be used to gate the controlled gas to the manifold inlet. The controlled gas can then be supplied through the manifold's outlet port to one or more bottles or other gas piping devices downstream. The manifold may include one or more output ports with various fittings. The gas control device may include quick-cut fittings, which are in-line or bulkhead tube connectors with static valves that are normally closed for each unused port. Once connected, the valves become active, allowing the target device to accept the shared gas flow.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a front view of the sample inspection system 100 according to this disclosure. In some cases, the sample inspection system 100 may include a chromatography system, such as a gas chromatography system or a liquid chromatography system.

[0014] The sample testing system 100 may include a column 105 that can be configured to transport a fluid, such as a liquid, gas, or both. The column 105 can receive a fluid from one or more sample containers through an inlet. In some cases, the sample container may be configured to hold an eluent, which may be transported through the column 105 to one or more detectors in the system. The detectors can sense or measure the properties of the fluid, which can be further analyzed via the computing system of the sample testing system 100 (or an external computing system).

[0015] Figure 2 shows a rear view of the sample inspection system 100. The sample inspection system 100 may include a gas control device for regulating the flow of gas to the sample inspection system 100, for example, through the sample container of the system 100. The gas control device may include a gas regulator and a display. The gas regulator panel 115 of the gas regulator is shown in Figure 2, and the display 110 is shown in Figure 1. In some cases, the display 110 is located on the front of the sample inspection system 100 to improve ease of use for the user. In some cases, the regulator panel 115 is located on the rear of the sample inspection system 100, which may be the location of the source gas input of a typical sample inspection system, for example, when a gas control device is retrofitted to the sample inspection system.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a gas control device 300 according to the present disclosure. In some cases, the gas control device 300 may be an example of a gas control device described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. For example, the gas regulator 115 and display 110 in Figures 1 and 2 may be components of the gas control device 300. In other cases, the gas control device 300 may be a standalone device not coupled to, for example, a household gas source or output component.

[0017] The gas control device 300 may include an input section 305 configured to receive gas from a gas source. For example, the input section 305 may be configured to receive gas from a household gas source such as nitrogen or argon. The input section 305 may be configured to include different connector types for connection to the gas source. For example, the input section 305 may include a spring-loaded compressor that (1) closes the input section 305 when no connection exists (such a connection can be made via a connector on the gas control device 300 or a connector on the gas source), and (2) opens when the connector is coupled to the input section 305 to allow gas to flow into the gas control device 300. In some cases, the input section 305 may include a push-to-connect fitting configured to couple with a valved quick-cut fitting (e.g., of the source gas) and vice versa. Examples of other fittings include compression fittings, quick-cut fittings, and threaded fittings.

[0018] The input section 305 can be fluidly coupled to the gas regulator 310. The gas regulator 310 can adjust the gas pressure received from the input section 305. For example, the gas regulator 310 may be a spring-controlled regulator, and the size of the regulator chamber can be changed by a spring to correspond to a desired pressure or set pressure that can be set by, for example, a user. The gas regulator 310 may also include a knob 315 or other control mechanism for the user to control the pressure. For example, the user can turn the knob 315 to increase or decrease the gas pressure in the regulator chamber of the gas regulator 310. In some cases, the gas regulator 310 may include a relief valve or safety valve 320. The relief valve 320 can be configured to discharge gas from the gas regulator 310 when the pressure in the gas regulator 310 exceeds a pressure threshold. In some cases, the pressure threshold of the relief valve 320 can be set according to the parameters of the gas control device 300 or according to a component connected to the output section of the gas control device 300. For example, the pressure threshold can be configured to limit the gas pressure so that it does not exceed the maximum pressure of a sample container coupled to the output section of the gas control device 300. In some cases, the relief valve can be energized mechanically or electronically via feedback from a gas flow sensor.

[0019] The gas regulator 310 can be fluidly coupled to a valve 325. The valve 325 can be configured to fluidly couple and separate the gas regulator 310 to the output section. In some cases, the valve 325 may be a two-way valve, in which case the gas regulator 310 is coupled to the output section in the "on" state or disconnected from the output section in the "off" state. In some cases, the gas regulator 310 includes a three-way valve, in which case the gas regulator is coupled to the output section in the "on" state, disconnected from the output section in the "off" state, and the output section is fluidly coupled to the external environment of the gas control device 300 in the "vent" state.

[0020] Valve 325 may be fluidly coupled to one or more output portions 330. The output portion 330 may output the gas received from the gas regulator 310. The output portion 330 can be configured to include various connector types for connecting to downstream measuring devices. For example, the output portion 330 can include a spring-loaded compressor that closes the output when not connected, and such a connection can be made, for example, via the connector of the gas control device 300 or via the connector of the downstream instrumentation device, and the connector opens when coupled to the output portion, thereby allowing gas to flow from the gas control device 300. Examples of downstream measuring devices include sample containers of a sample inspection system (e.g., systems 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2). Examples of downstream measuring devices include, for example, columns of a sample inspection system, columns of a chromatography system, and the like.

[0021] The gas control device 300 may also include one or more pressure sensors 335. The pressure sensor 335 can be fluidly coupled to one or more points in the gas flow through the gas control device 300. For example, the pressure sensor can be fluidly coupled to the fluid channel that couples the gas regulator 310 to the valve 325. The pressure sensor 335 in FIG. 4 represents this example. As another example, the pressure sensor can be coupled to the fluid channel that couples the valve 325 to the output portion 330. The gas sensor 335-b shows this example. Although two pressure sensors are shown in FIG. 4, this is merely illustrative, and the gas control device 300 can include one or more pressure sensors coupled along the fluid path (e.g., from input to output), and the pressure sensors can be coupled at various points along the fluid path.

[0022] The pressure sensor 335 can measure the pressure of the fluid path at the point where the pressure sensor 335 is coupled to the fluid path. In some cases, the pressure sensor 335 may be a pressure transducer.

[0023] The gas control device 300 may also include a display 340. The display 340 may be an example of the display 110 described with reference to Figure 1. The display 340 can communicate electronically with the pressure sensor 335. The display 340 can receive the measurement values ​​from the pressure sensor 335 and, for example, convert the measurement values ​​into a digital visualization to display the measurement values.

[0024] Depending on the circumstances, the display 340 may include a toggle or other mechanism to provide input to the user. The toggle can control the state of the valve 325. For example, the toggle can communicate electronically with the valve 325, for example, via a communication path 345. The on / off / vent state of the valve 325 is switched by activating the toggle or by other user input received by the toggle / user input mechanism. For example, pressing the toggle can switch the valve 325 from a state in which the gas regulator 310 is coupled to the output unit 330 to a state in which the gas regulator 310 is disconnected from the output unit 330, or vice versa. In another example, pressing the toggle can switch the valve 325 from a state in which the gas regulator 310 is coupled to the output unit 330 to a state in which the output unit 330 is discharged or purged to the external environment, and vice versa. In another example, pressing a toggle switch can cause valve 325 to switch from a state where it disconnects the gas regulator 310 from the output unit 330 to a state where it discharges or purges the output unit 330 to the outside environment, and vice versa. In some cases, the display 340 may include a button to switch between measurements between pressure sensors 335, for example, if the gas control device 300 includes multiple pressure sensors.

[0025] In some cases, the gas control device 300 can also be controlled manually. For example, the gas control device 300 may be coupled to a gas source at the input unit 305 and to a measuring instrument at the output unit 330. The user can adjust the gas arriving from the gas source via the gas regulator 310. For example, the user can adjust the knob / mechanism of the gas regulator 310 to match the pressure value. The user can monitor the pressure readings in the gas control device 300 on the display 340. Based on the position of the pressure sensor 335 and the state of the valve 325, the user can make a well-informed decision about whether the pressure is appropriate. For example, turning the valve on or off may affect the pressure readings of the sensor 330. Furthermore, the pressure readings when the pressure sensor is coupled before the valve 325 may differ from the pressure readings when the pressure sensor is coupled after the valve 325. Depending on these factors and the pressure readings on the display 340, the user can adjust the pressure via the gas regulator 310. As shown in the figure, the device has a flow path, which may include an input section 305, a gas regulator 310, a valve 325, and an output section 330.

[0026] In some cases, the gas control device 300 may include a controller such as the controller 405 shown in Figure 4. The controller 405 can electronically communicate with the valve 325 and the pressure sensor 335. The controller 405 can be configured to monitor parameters of the gas control device 300 and control the state of the valve 325. For example, the controller 405 can monitor the pressure readings of the pressure sensor 335. Based on the pressure readings, the controller 405 can switch the state of the valve 325 (e.g., on, off, and vented). For example, the controller 405 can determine whether the pressure readings are above or below a pressure threshold, whether the difference between the pressure readings is above or below a difference threshold, whether the length of time is above or below a time threshold, a combination of these, etc. Furthermore, in some cases, the controller 405 can control the state of the valve 325 based on a schedule or program. For example, the controller can switch the state of the valve 325 based on a schedule time, thresholds, differences, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the controller 405 can control the gas regulator 310. For example, the controller 405 can communicate electronically with the gas regulator 310. The controller 405 can cause the gas regulator 310 to adjust the pressure level of the gas source. In some cases, this adjustment can be based on a time threshold, a pressure measurement threshold, a pressure difference, a schedule or program, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the controller 405 may be integrated into the housing of the gas control device 300, for example. In some cases, the controller 405 may be a component of a computing system coupled to the gas control device 300, such as a computing system for a corresponding sample inspection system, for example, a computing system configured to analyze samples in a sample inspection system.

[0027] Figures 5 to 10 show various perspective views of the components of the gas control device according to this disclosure.

[0028] Figure 11 shows a process for implementing the gas control device according to this disclosure. The gas control device may be an example of the gas control device shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4. In some cases, this process can be performed by a controller such as the controller 405 in Figure 4.

[0029] In step 1105, the controller can determine whether at least one of (1) a characteristic C1 related to the gas entering the gas valve and (2) a characteristic C2 related to the gas exiting the gas valve satisfies the conditions. In some cases, the gas valve can be fluidically coupled to a gas regulator and a gas output unit. In some cases, the gas valve can be converted between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other and (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidically isolated from each other.

[0030] In step 1110, the controller may, based on the decision, convert the gas valve from one of the first states to the other of the second state. In some cases, at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of the time value, gas flow rate value, gas flow rate difference, and pressure, with pressure being particularly preferred but not required. In some cases, the gas valve may be further convertible between a third state in which the gas output is (a) in fluid communication with the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator. In some cases, a gas chromatography system may be included in the system. In some cases, the decision and generation are performed according to a schedule accessible by the controller in an electronic memory.

[0031] Figure 12 shows the controller 1200 according to this disclosure. Controller 1200 may be an example of the controller 405 described with reference to Figure 4.

[0032] The controller 1200 can be a microcontroller, a general-purpose computer (e.g., a personal computer or PC), a workstation, a mainframe computer system, or other computing device. The controller 1200 includes a processor unit 1202 (e.g., a central processing unit or "CPU"), a memory unit 1204, a storage device 1206, a user interface 1208, a system bus 1210, and a communication interface 1212.

[0033] The processor 1202 can be any type of processing unit that performs tasks such as executing instructions and processing data.

[0034] The memory device 1204 can be any type of memory device, including one or more of the following: random access memory ("RAM"), read-only memory ("ROM"), flash memory, and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM").

[0035] The storage device 1206 can be any data storage device that reads from and writes to removable and / or integrated optical, magnetic, and / or magneto-optical storage media, such as hard disks, compact disc read-only memory "CD-ROM", CD-rewritable; CDRW, digital multipurpose disc ROM "DVD-ROM", DVD-RW, etc. The storage device 1206 may also include a controller / interface for connection to the system bus 1210. Thus, the memory device 1204 and the storage device 1206 are suitable for storing not only instructions for programmed processes running on the processor 1202, but also data.

[0036] The user interface 1208 includes a touchscreen, control panel, keyboard, keypad, display, or other type of interface, which can be connected to the system bus 1210 via a corresponding input / output device interface / adapter.

[0037] The communication interface 1212 can be adapted and configured to communicate with any type of external device or other components of the gas control device. Furthermore, the communication interface 1212 can be adapted and configured to communicate with any system or network, such as a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), the internet, or one or more computing devices. The communication interface 1212 can be connected directly to the system bus 1210 or via an appropriate interface.

[0038] Accordingly, the controller 1200, by itself and / or in conjunction with one or more additional devices, can execute processes that include algorithms for controlling components of the sample query system in accordance with this disclosure. The controller 1200 can be programmed or instructed to execute these processes according to any communication protocol and / or programming language on any platform. Thus, the processes are embodied in data and instructions stored in memory device 1204 and / or storage device 1206, or received at user interface 1208 and / or communication interface 1212 for execution on processor 1202.

[0039] Examples The following embodiments are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the attached claims. It should be understood that any part of any one or more embodiments may be combined with any part of any other one or more embodiments.

[0040] Embodiment 1 A device for controlling the flow of gas, comprising: a gas input unit configured to receive gas from a gas source; a gas regulator configured to fluidly communicate with the gas input unit, receive user input, and adjust the gas flow rate of the gas based on the user input; a gas output unit configured to output from the device; and a gas valve fluidly communicating with the gas regulator and the gas output unit, wherein the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other; (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other; and optionally (3) a third state in which the gas output unit is fluidly communicating with (a) the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator; and one or more sensors configured to output (1) a characteristic C1 related to the gas located between the gas regulator and the gas valve, (2) a characteristic C2 related to the gas located between the gas valve and the gas output unit, or both (1) and (2).

[0041] Embodiment 2 The apparatus according to Embodiment 1 further comprises a display configured to show at least one of characteristic C1 and characteristic C2.

[0042] Embodiment 3 The apparatus according to either Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein a gas valve communicates with a control device configured to receive an input, the input being optionally a manual input, and the gas valve is configured to convert between one state and a different state based on the input.

[0043] Embodiment 4 In the apparatus described in any of Embodiments 1 to 3, the sensor includes a pressure transducer.

[0044] Embodiment 5 In the apparatus described in any of Embodiments 1 to 4, the gas regulator further comprises a relief valve.

[0045] Embodiment 6 An apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of the time value, gas flow rate value, gas flow rate difference, and pressure.

[0046] Embodiment 7 An apparatus according to any of Embodiments 1 to 6, further comprising a controller that electronically communicates with a gas valve, wherein the controller is configured to convert the gas valve from one state to another based on a comparison of C1 with a threshold, a comparison of C2 with a threshold, or both.

[0047] Embodiment 8 An apparatus according to any of Embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the controller is further configured to perform the following operations: determine the presence of a gas leak in the device based on a comparison of C1 with a threshold, a comparison of C2 with a threshold, or both, and provide a notification indicating a gas leak.

[0048] Embodiment 9 An apparatus according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the gas output unit is coupled to a chromatography system.

[0049] Embodiment 10 A method for controlling the flow of gas in a system, comprising the steps of: determining whether at least one of (1) a characteristic C1 relating to the gas entering a gas valve and (2) a characteristic C2 relating to the gas exiting a gas valve satisfies a condition, wherein the gas valve is fluidly connected to a gas regulator and a gas output unit, and the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other and (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other; and causing the gas valve to convert from one of the first states to the other of the second state based on the determination result.

[0050] Embodiment 11 The apparatus according to Embodiment 10, wherein at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of the time value, gas flow rate value, gas flow rate difference, and pressure.

[0051] Embodiment 12 The method according to either Embodiment 10 or 11, wherein the gas valve is further convertible between a third state in which the gas output is (a) in fluid communication with the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator.

[0052] Embodiment 13 A method according to any one of embodiments 10 to 12, wherein the system includes a gas chromatography system.

[0053] Embodiment 14 A method according to any of embodiments 10 to 13, which is performed by a controller of a gas control device.

[0054] Embodiment 15 The method according to any of embodiments 10 to 14, wherein the determination and the triggering are performed according to a schedule accessible by the controller in an electronic storage device.

[0055] Embodiment 16 A method according to any of embodiments 10 to 15, further comprising: receiving information from at least one sensor corresponding to either C1, C2, or both, and the determination being made based on the received information.

[0056] Embodiment 17 A method according to any one of embodiments 10 to 16, wherein at least one sensor includes at least one pressure transducer.

[0057] Embodiment 18 A non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the following actions: a step of determining whether at least one of (1) a characteristic C1 relating to the gas entering a gas valve and (2) a characteristic C2 relating to the gas exiting a gas valve satisfies a condition, wherein the gas valve is fluidly connected to a gas regulator and a gas output unit, and the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other and (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other; and a step of converting the gas valve from one of the first states to the other of the second state based on the determination result.

[0058] Embodiment 19 Embodiment 18 is a non-temporary computer-readable medium in which at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of the following: time value, gas flow rate value, gas flow rate difference, and pressure.

[0059] Embodiment 20 A non-transient computer-readable medium according to any of embodiments 18 and 19, wherein the gas valve is further convertible between a third state in which the gas output section is in fluid communication with the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator.

Claims

1. A device for controlling gas flow, A gas input section configured to receive gas from a gas source, A gas regulator configured to communicate with a gas input section, receive user input, and adjust the gas flow based on the user input, A gas output unit configured to output from the aforementioned device, A gas valve that is in fluid communication with the gas regulator and the gas output unit, wherein the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other, (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other, and optionally (3) a third state in which the gas output unit is (a) fluidly in communication with the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator, An apparatus comprising one or more sensors configured to output (1) a characteristic C1 related to the gas located between the gas regulator and the gas valve, (2) a characteristic C2 related to the gas located between the gas valve and the gas output unit, or both (1) and (2).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display configured to display at least one of characteristic C1 and characteristic C2.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the gas valve communicates with a control unit configured to receive an input, the input being optionally manually input, and the gas valve is configured to convert between one state and another based on the input.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the one or more sensors comprises a pressure transducer.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gas regulator further comprises a relief valve.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of the time value, gas flow rate value, gas flow rate difference, and pressure.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a controller that electronically communicates with the gas valve, wherein the controller is configured to convert the gas valve from one state to another state based on a comparison of C1 with a threshold, a comparison of C2 with a threshold, or both.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to determine the presence of a gas leak in the apparatus based on a comparison of C1 with a threshold, a comparison of C2 with a threshold, or both, and to provide a notification indicating the gas leak.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gas output unit is coupled to a chromatography system.

10. A method for controlling gas flow within a system, (1) Determining whether at least one of the characteristics C1 related to the gas entering the gas valve and (2) the characteristics C2 related to the gas exiting the gas valve satisfies the conditions, wherein the gas valve is fluidly connected to a gas regulator and a gas output unit, and the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other, and (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other. A method comprising, based on the determination, causing the gas valve to change from one of the first states to the other of the second state.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of the time value, gas flow rate value, gas flow rate difference, and pressure.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the gas valve is convertible to and from a third state in which the gas output section is (a) in fluid communication with the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the system comprises a gas chromatography system.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the controller of the gas control device performs the above method.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the determination and the triggering are performed in accordance with a schedule accessible by the controller in an electronic storage device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising receiving information from at least one sensor corresponding to either C1, C2, or both, wherein the determination is made based on the received information.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the at least one sensor includes at least one pressure transducer.

18. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for storing instructions, which the processor uses (1) Determining whether at least one of the characteristics C1 related to the gas entering the gas valve and (2) the characteristics C2 related to the gas exiting the gas valve satisfies the conditions, wherein the gas valve is fluidly connected to a gas regulator and a gas output unit, and the gas valve is convertible between at least (1) a first state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are in fluid communication with each other, and (2) a second state in which the gas regulator and the gas output unit are fluidly isolated from each other. A non-temporary computer-readable medium that stores an instruction to cause the gas valve to change from one of the first states to the other of the second state, based on the determination.

19. The non-temporary computer-readable medium according to claim 18, wherein at least one of C1 and C2 is one or more of a time value, a gas flow rate value, a gas flow rate difference, and a pressure.

20. A non-temporary computer-readable medium according to any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the gas valve is convertible to and from a third state in which the gas output section is (a) in fluid communication with the environment outside the gas valve and (b) fluidly isolated from the gas regulator.

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