Fluid delivery system and method for forming a pressure regulator - Patents.com

Abstract

A high pressure fluid storage system including at least one pressure sensing device (PSD) capable of functioning as a pressure regulator. The PSD is manufactured via an additive manufacturing process to include a first and second unitary integral structure, with the housing body and the internal pressure regulator being fabricated together during the process. The PSD can be fabricated without any welded components or bellows.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of sub-atmospheric gas delivery systems with vacuum actuated cylinders (VACs) and pressure regulating valves. [Background technology]

[0002] In sub-atmospheric pressure delivery systems such as VAC, a pressure sensing device may be used to control the opening and closing of a valve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Conventional pressure sensing assemblies (TPSAs) typically contain 10 or more components that require multiple assembly and welding steps. Some TPSAs can have 17 or more separate components made from different materials. Assembling and welding these various components to produce a TPSA can result in unstable performance, failures due to manufacturing and quality control flaws, or both. Furthermore, the multiple components of a TPSA are often manufactured in different locations or by different manufacturers, and tolerance variations among these components can lead to unstable quality and performance in the final assembled TPSA. Unstable performance can include, for example, gas spikes, fluctuations in gas pressure, or both. TPSA failures are typically detected during operation. Because there can be many different components in an assembled TPSA that could contribute to a failure, identifying the specific cause of such a failure can be difficult.

[0004] In some embodiments, devices are disclosed herein that can replace these TPSAs. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a pressure sensing device (PSD). In some embodiments, the PSD is a VAC regulator. The PSD may have more stable performance than a TPSA and may mitigate gas spikes, gas pressure fluctuations, or both.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a VAC having a VAC regulator, the VAC regulator including an embodiment of a PSD. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a VAC having one or more VAC regulators, at least one of the VAC regulators including an embodiment of a PSD.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to PSDs that do not contain any of the manufacturing defects that may be present in TPSAs. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a PSD that does not have welded components.

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to PSDs that do not have bellows. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to PSDs that do not have flexible diaphragms. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to PSDs that can be manufactured by additive manufacturing processes (eg, 3D printing).

[0008] In some embodiments, the PSD is made from a material that can be additively manufactured. In some embodiments, the material is a polymer. In some embodiments, the material is a metal, such as stainless steel. In some embodiments, the material is a composite material that is a combination of multiple materials. In some embodiments, the PSD is made from different materials, with some parts made from a first material and other parts made from a second material. For example, the housing, the movable plate with slip joint, and the O-ring that make up some embodiments of the PSD can be made from different materials. In some embodiments, the housing and the movable plate with slip joint can be made from the same material. In some embodiments, the O-ring can be made from a different material than the housing, the movable plate, and / or the slip joint.

[0009] In some embodiments, the PSD includes a housing and a pressure reduction mechanism. In some embodiments, the housing is a one-piece structure with no welds. In some embodiments, the pressure reduction mechanism (e.g., a movable plate with a slip joint) is a one-piece structure with no welds. In some embodiments, the housing and pressure reduction mechanism are formed together by additive manufacturing, such that the pressure reduction mechanism is housed in a housing made from a single, one-piece body. During this manufacturing process, for example, an O-ring can be introduced, also by additive manufacturing, or by obtaining an O-ring and installing it in the appropriate location and time.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pressure reducing mechanism includes at least a moving part having a slip joint. The slip joint is a component contained in an internal chamber defined by a structure of the housing. The slip joint moves the moving part (e.g., a moving plate or faceplate) relative to a non-moving structure inside the housing. Hello The action of the slip joint opens and closes a valve located near the inlet.

[0011] As used herein, the term "fluid" includes gases. In some embodiments, there are no welds between the moving part and the housing. In some embodiments, the device comprises a first unitary, one-piece body including a housing and a second unitary, one-piece body including a pressure reducing mechanism. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The pressure reducing mechanism is contained within the housing and disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The pressure reducing mechanism includes a movable part connected to a valve. The pressure reducing mechanism is configured to receive fluid flowing through the inlet at a primary pressure and direct fluid flow at a secondary pressure toward the outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments of the device, the pressure reducing mechanism further comprises a stem. The valve includes a poppet valve. A first end of the stem is connected to the movable part and a second end of the stem is connected to the poppet valve. The pressure reducing mechanism is operable such that the poppet valve is in an open state when the movable part is moved toward the inlet and in a closed state when the movable part is stationary or moved toward the outlet.

[0013] In some embodiments of the device, the housing and the vacuum mechanism do not include any welds or welded components. In some embodiments of the device, any of the single, unitary bodies described herein is made of metal. In some embodiments of the device, the metal comprises stainless steel.

[0014] In some embodiments of the device, the single, one-piece body further includes a second pressure reducing mechanism contained in the housing and disposed between the pressure reducing mechanism and the outlet, the second pressure reducing mechanism configured to receive fluid having a secondary pressure from the pressure reducing mechanism and to direct a flow of fluid at a tertiary pressure toward the outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments of the device, the primary pressure is greater than subatmospheric pressure. In some embodiments of the device, the secondary pressure is subatmospheric. In some embodiments of the device, the secondary pressure is less than the primary pressure.

[0016] In some embodiments, the device comprises a first unitary, one-piece body including a housing and a second unitary, one-piece body including a pressure reducing mechanism. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The pressure reducing mechanism is contained within the housing and disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The pressure reducing mechanism includes a movable part connected to a valve. The pressure reducing mechanism is configured to receive fluid flowing through the inlet at a primary pressure and direct fluid flow at a secondary pressure toward the outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments of the device, the pressure reducing mechanism further comprises a stem. The valve includes a poppet valve. A first end of the stem is connected to one side of the movable part and a second end of the stem is connected to the poppet valve. The pressure reducing mechanism is operable such that the poppet valve is in an open state when the movable part moves toward the inlet and in a closed state when the movable part is stationary or moves toward the outlet.

[0018] In some embodiments of the device, the housing and the vacuum mechanism do not include any welds or welded components. In some embodiments of the device, the first unitary, integral body is made from metal.

[0019] In some embodiments of the device, the metal comprises stainless steel. In some embodiments of the device, the second unitary, integral body is made from metal. In some embodiments of the device, the metal comprises stainless steel.

[0020] In some embodiments of the device, the pressure reducing mechanism does not include a bellows, a diaphragm, or both. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a third unitary, integral body including a second pressure reducing mechanism contained in the housing and disposed between the pressure reducing mechanism and the outlet, the second pressure reducing mechanism configured to receive fluid having a secondary pressure from the pressure reducing mechanism and direct a flow of fluid at a tertiary pressure toward the outlet.

[0021] In some embodiments of the device, the primary pressure is greater than subatmospheric pressure. In some embodiments of the device, the secondary pressure is subatmospheric. In some embodiments of the device, the secondary pressure is less than the primary pressure.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fluid supply system includes a container body and a pressure regulator. The container body defines an internal cavity for storing a fluid at a primary pressure. The pressure regulator is disposed in the internal cavity. The pressure regulator includes a first unitary, integral body including a housing and a second unitary, integral body including a pressure reducing mechanism. The housing includes an inlet and an outlet. The pressure reducing mechanism is housed in the housing and disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The pressure reducing mechanism includes a movable part connected to a valve. The pressure reducing mechanism is configured to receive fluid having a primary pressure flowing through the inlet and to direct a flow of the fluid at a secondary pressure toward the outlet.

[0023] In some embodiments of the fluid supply system, the pressure reducing mechanism further includes a stem. The valve includes a poppet valve. A first end of the stem is connected to one side of the movable part, and a second end of the stem is connected to the poppet valve. The pressure reducing mechanism is operable such that the poppet valve is in an open state when the movable part moves toward the inlet and in a closed state when the movable part is stationary or moves toward the outlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fluid delivery system further comprises a second pressure regulator, the inlet of the second pressure regulator being connected to the outlet of the pressure regulator. In some embodiments, the fluid supply system further comprises a filter device connected to the inlet of the pressure regulator.

[0025] Some embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring now specifically to the drawings in detail, it is emphasized that the illustrated embodiments are by way of example and are intended to be illustrative of embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the description taken in conjunction with the drawings will make apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of one non-limiting embodiment of a sub-atmospheric pressure delivery system having one or more PSDs described herein. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic side view of a non-limiting embodiment of a PSD described herein. [Figure 3] 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the PSD of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 shows a perspective view of one non-limiting embodiment of a PSD described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Among these disclosed benefits and improvements, other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Additionally, the examples provided with respect to various embodiments of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0028] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the following terms have the meanings expressly associated therewith throughout the specification and claims. As used herein, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and "in some embodiments" may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, as used herein, the phrases "in another embodiment" and "in some other embodiments" may, but do not necessarily refer to different embodiments. It is intended that all embodiments of the present disclosure be combinable without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.

[0029] As used herein, the term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for the basis of additional unrecited factors unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, throughout this specification, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents. The meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on."

[0030] As used herein, the term "between" does not necessarily mean that the object is directly adjacent to another element. Generally, the term refers to an object sandwiched between two or more other objects. At the same time, the term "between" may describe an object that is directly adjacent to two opposing objects. Thus, in any one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a particular structural portion that is disposed between two other structural elements may be: A particular structural part is placed directly between two other structural elements so that it is in direct contact with both of the other two structural elements; A particular structural part is placed directly adjacent to only one of the other two structural elements so that it is in direct contact with only one of the other two structural elements; The specific structural part is arranged indirectly adjacent to only one of the other two structural elements so that the specific structural part is not in direct contact with only one of the other two structural elements, and there is another structural element that is juxtaposed to the specific structural part and said one of the other two structural elements. or is indirectly located between two other structural elements such that the particular structural part does not directly contact either of the other two structural elements and the other element is located between them; or It may be a combination thereof.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "unitary unitary body" and "unitary body" refer to an article that is integrally formed or constructed by an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing).

[0032] As used herein, the term "integral device" refers to a device manufactured by an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing). Thus, an "integral device" may have one or more "single, integral bodies." That is, an "integral device" may include multiple parts that move relative to one another, such as components housed in a container housing, with said components in movably contact with said container housing (e.g., through hinges or sliding joints). The term "integral device" does not necessarily exclude other components that are not additively manufactured from forming part of it. In general, an "integral device" does not include welded components or welded or glued seams. Examples of materials for additive manufacturing processes include polymers, metals, stainless steel, composites, or combinations thereof.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of one non-limiting embodiment of a subatmospheric pressure delivery system 100 having mechanical devices 102, 104 configured to depressurize a fluid so that the fluid output is at subatmospheric pressure. The mechanical devices 102, 104 include a first VAC regulator 102 at stage 1 and a second VAC regulator 104 at stage 2. Each of the VAC regulators 102, 104 can be or can include a PSUD as disclosed herein. The first VAC regulator 102 is connected to an inlet filter device 106 and a second VAC regulator 104. The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 has the inlet filter device 106, the first VAC regulator 102, and the second VAC regulator 104 arranged in series. Thus, fluid stored at a high pressure, such as between 100 and 1600 psig, enters the inlet filter device 106 and then passes through the first VAC regulator 102 and the second VAC regulator 104. The fluid is then reduced in pressure by the VAC regulators 102, 104 and may be delivered out of the system 100 at sub-atmospheric pressure.

[0034] In some embodiments, each of the mechanical devices 102, 104 is an integral device. Thus, the two mechanical devices 102, 104 can be joined together, as depicted in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.

[0035] 2 shows a side view of a non-limiting embodiment of a PSD 200. The PSD 200 has a housing 202 with an inlet 204 and an outlet 206. It should be understood that, according to some embodiments, two or more PSDs may be formed together in a single housing (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0036] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a PSD 300. The PSD 300 includes a housing 302, which is a single, integral body structure. The housing 302 includes an inlet 304 and an outlet 306. The PSD 300 includes a second, integral body structure. The second, integral body structure includes a movable portion (e.g., a movable faceplate) 308 that is connected to the interior chamber of the housing 302 via O-ring seals 310 and 312. The movable faceplate 308 is also connected to a slip joint 314 configured to slide along a portion of the interior surface of the interior chamber of the housing 302. The movable faceplate 308 is connected to a valve 316 via a stem 320. That is, one end of the stem 320 is connected to the valve 316, which is configured to interact with an aperture (e.g., a fluid flow opening) 318 when the movable faceplate 308 moves relative to the housing 302. Valve 316, which may be or may include a poppet valve, opens when movable faceplate 308 is moved closer toward inlet 304. Valve 316 closes when movable faceplate 308 is moved closer toward outlet 306. Movable faceplate 308, stem 320, valve 316, and slip joint 314 may all be part of a single, one-piece body that comprises the pressure reducing mechanism. Thus, PSD 300 may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process (i.e., 3D printing), while both the housing (first, one-piece, one-piece body) and the pressure reducing mechanism (second, one-piece, one-piece body) are formed together. Thus, PSD 300 does not require welding of various parts or components.

[0037] In some embodiments, both mechanical devices (102, 104 shown in FIG. 1) are an integrated device PSD 400. As shown in FIG. 4, such an embodiment of PSD 400 includes two sections 402, 404 (internal structure not shown, but similar to that shown, for example, in FIG. 3) housed contiguously in a single housing 406, with the housing 406 and the two sections 402, 404 formed from a single, integral body. Such a single, integral body may be made, for example, by an additive manufacturing process. Thus, PSD 400 does not require welding or assembly after the manufacturing process. Thus, PSD 400 does not include welds. In some embodiments, each of sections 402, 404 includes independently operating components. Thus, fluid can enter through inlet 408, pass through the internal compartments of section 402 (e.g., as shown in the figures and described herein), pass through the internal compartments of section 404 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3 and described herein), and exit through outlet 410. While FIG. 4 shows two sections 402, 404, it should be understood that in some embodiments of the PSD, there may be more than two sections in series, parallel, or any combination thereof.

[0038] It should be understood that changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of the materials of construction used and the shape, size and arrangement of parts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The specification and described embodiments are examples, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A fluid supply system comprising a container body and a pressure adjusting device, the container body defining an interior cavity for storing a fluid at a primary pressure; the pressure regulator is disposed in the internal cavity and includes a first unitary, one-piece body and a second unitary, one-piece body; the first single unitary body having a housing including an inlet and an outlet; the second single unitary body includes a pressure reducing mechanism; the housing is a single piece with no welds or welded components; the pressure reducing mechanism is accommodated in the housing and is disposed between the inlet and the outlet; the pressure reducing mechanism includes a valve, a movable part connected to the valve, and a slip joint configured to slide relative to a non-movable structure inside the housing; the valve, the movable part, and the slip joint are constructed as a single piece without any welds or welded components; The fluid supply system, wherein the pressure reducing mechanism is configured to receive fluid having a primary pressure through the inlet and direct a flow of the fluid at a secondary pressure toward the outlet.

2. the pressure reducing mechanism further comprises a stem; the valve includes a poppet valve; a first end of the stem connected to one side of the movable part; a second end of the stem connected to the poppet valve; 2. The fluid supply system of claim 1, wherein the pressure reducing mechanism operates such that the poppet valve is in an open state when the movable part moves toward the inlet, and is in a closed state when the movable part is stationary or moves toward the outlet.

3. Further comprising a second pressure regulator; The fluid supply system of claim 1 , wherein the inlet of the second pressure regulator is connected to the outlet of the pressure regulator.

4. The fluid supply system of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a filter device connected to the inlet of the pressure regulator.

5. 10. The method of forming a pressure regulator in a fluid supply system according to claim 1, wherein the housing and the pressure reducing mechanism are formed together by an additive manufacturing process such that the pressure reducing mechanism is housed in the housing.

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