Combined pressure regulator for cryogenic tanks

Abstract

To provide a combination pressure regulator for cryogenic tanks.SOLUTION: A combination pressure regulator includes a regulator body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a combined inlet and outlet port. A first pressure regulator includes a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly, and a first biasing member that applies a first bias force to the first diaphragm to establish a first regulator setting. A second pressure regulator includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly, and a second biasing member that applies a second bias force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting. An input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port. An output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. An output portion of the first pressure regulator and an input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the combined inlet and outlet port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 155,848, filed Mar. 3, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a pressure regulator or a pressure regulating control valve, and more particularly to a pressure regulator for cryogenic tanks.

Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to regulators for cryogenic cylinders or liquid dewars. A liquid dewar is a cylinder designed to contain liquefied gas, vaporize the liquid, and safely control the output pressure and flow to a downstream process. These containers are uniquely designed to hold cryogenic gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in a liquid state for as long as possible. Cryogenic gases, for example, are at low temperatures and are potentially exposed to ambient temperatures, which can cause ignition, resulting in extremely high pressures in a closed system. Due to the inherent dangers associated with cryogenics, many hardware, valves, and regulators are utilized in these cylinders to safely handle the gas. The presence of such hardware can clutter a part of the cylinder, for example, the upper part of the cylinder.

[0004] Currently, three types of regulators are used in liquid dewars: a pressure - increasing regulator, a back - pressure regulator, generally called an economizer regulator, and a final - line regulator that controls the output pressure to a downstream process. It is desirable to combine some of the regulators into a single unit, thereby reducing the hardware footprint, reducing the hardware used, and also reducing the overall cost of the cylinder.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following summary provides a simplified overview to offer a basic understanding of some aspects of the devices, systems, and / or methods discussed herein. This summary is not a comprehensive overview of the devices, systems, and / or methods discussed herein. It is not intended to identify or define the essential elements of such devices, systems, and / or methods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed descriptions that follow.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a composite pressure regulator is provided. The composite pressure regulator includes a regulator body, which has an inlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, an outlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, and a composite inlet / outlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body. The composite pressure regulator has a first pressure regulator, which includes a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that imparts a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. The composite pressure regulator has a second pressure regulator, which includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that imparts a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting. The input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port. The output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. Both the output section of the first pressure regulator and the input section of the second pressure regulator communicate with the combined inlet and outlet ports.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a composite pressure regulator is provided. The composite pressure regulator includes a regulator body, which has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a composite inlet / outlet port spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body. The composite pressure regulator has a first pressure regulator, which includes a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly attached to the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that imparts a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. The composite pressure regulator has a second pressure regulator, which includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly attached to the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that imparts a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting. The input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port, and the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. The output portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the input portion of the second pressure regulator within the regulator body.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a composite pressure regulator is provided. The composite pressure regulator includes a regulator body, which has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a composite inlet / outlet port spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body. The composite pressure regulator has a first pressure regulator, which includes a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that imparts a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting. The composite pressure regulator has a second pressure regulator, which includes a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that imparts a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting. The regulator body further includes a first internal fluid path connecting the input portion of a first pressure regulator to an inlet port, a second internal fluid path connecting the output portion of a second pressure regulator to an outlet port, a third internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the first pressure regulator to a combined inlet / outlet port, and a fourth internal fluid path connecting the input portion of the second pressure regulator to a combined inlet / outlet port.

[0009] The above and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an exemplary bulk CO2 storage system is shown. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a combined pressure regulator and final line regulator. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a combined pressure regulator and final line regulator. [Figure 4] This is an end view of a combined pressure regulator and final line regulator. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a combined pressure regulator and final line regulator. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a combined pressure regulator and final line regulator. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] This invention relates to a pressure regulator for cryogenic tanks. The invention is described below with reference to the drawings, where similar reference numerals are used to refer to similar elements. Various drawings, both between different drawings and within the same drawing, are not necessarily drawn to the correct scale, and component sizes, in particular, are drawn arbitrarily for the sake of clarity. Many specific details are provided in the following description for explanatory purposes to facilitate understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, other embodiments of the invention are possible, and the invention can be implemented and realized in ways different from those described. Terms and phrases used in this description are adopted for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention and should not be considered limiting.

[0012] As used herein, “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open expressions that function both conjunctively and disjunctively. For example, the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” mean A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, B and C, or A, B, and C, respectively. Any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative items should be understood as assuming the possibility of including one of the items, any of the items, or both of the items, whether in the description of the embodiment, the claims, or the drawings. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood as including the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary conventional bulk CO2 storage system 10. System 10 includes an insulated tank 12 or cylinder and various regulators and valves. In particular, system 10 utilizes an economizer regulator 14, a final line regulator 16, and a pressure rise regulator 18. The pressure rise regulator 18 sets and controls the pressure in the vapor space above the liquid inside the cylinder, i.e., the upper pressure. The upper pressure allows the gas to be drawn out of the cylinder through the final line regulator 16. The pressure rise regulator 18 receives the liquid and / or gas via a pressure rise coil 20. The liquid from the bottom of the cylinder flows through the pressure rise coil 20 and is vaporized therein. The pressure rise regulator 18 discharges the gas into the vapor space of the cylinder and regulates the pressure in the vapor space. The final line regulator 16 regulates the pressure of the gas, which is then discharged to downstream processes that use that gas. In the conventional bulk CO2 storage system 10 shown in the figure, the pressure rise regulator 18 and the final line regulator 16 are separate devices attached to the cylinder, each having its own valve body and pressure control hardware.

[0014] The present invention combines a pressure rise regulator and a final line regulator into a single device, which has a common regulator body and two separate regulators at both ends of the body. Figures 2-4 are external views of an exemplary combined pressure rise regulator and final line regulator 30. The pressure rise and final line regulators are combined into a single unit, thereby reducing the number of devices connected to the cryogenic cylinder. The pressure rise regulator 32 is located on one axial side of the combined regulator 30, and the final line regulator 34 is located on the opposite axial side of the combined regulator. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the pressure rise regulator 32 is axially aligned with the final line regulator 34 along the axis 35 of the regulator body 36. However, other configurations are possible, and the regulators 32 and 34 do not have to be axially aligned as shown in the figure. The body 36 of the combined regulator 30 includes many ports 38, which are arranged symmetrically along the circumference of the body 36 (for example, spaced 90 degrees apart). In the embodiment shown in the figure, the combined regulator 30 includes four ports 38, which are arranged symmetrically along the circumference of the regulator body 36, located on the outer surface of the regulator body, and spaced apart along the outer surface of the body. The ports are for connection to the input to the pressure rise regulator (inlet port), for connection to the output of the final line regulator (outlet port), a gauge port, and a combined pressure rise regulator outlet and final line regulator inlet port (combined inlet / outlet port).

[0015] The inlet port for the pressure rise regulator is connected to the pressure rise coil inside the cylinder and will be in fluid communication with it. The combined pressure rise regulator outlet and the final line regulator inlet port (combined inlet / outlet port) are connected to the steam space inside the cylinder, i.e., the headspace, and will be in fluid communication with it. A pressure gauge can be connected to the gauge port, thereby monitoring the pressure of the final line regulator. The gauge port will be in fluid communication with the output section of the final line regulator. The final line regulator outlet port will be connected to a downstream process that utilizes the gas from the cylinder. The bulk storage system including the combined regulator 30 may further include additional shut-off valves, such as the ports schematically shown in Figure 1, thereby isolating, for example, one or both of the regulators 32, 34.

[0016] Cross-sectional views of the combined pressure rise regulator and final line regulator 30 are shown in Figures 5 and 6. It can be seen that the pressure rise regulator 32 and the final line regulator 34 are similarly configured. Each includes springs 40a, 40b, diaphragms 42a, 42b, and valve assemblies 44a, 44b attached to their respective diaphragms. The operation of the valve assemblies 44a, 44b is controlled by the corresponding regulator pressure setpoints established by the springs 40a, 40b and the diaphragms 42a, 42b. The valve assemblies 44a, 44b are attached to their respective diaphragms 42a, 42b and are movable by them. The springs 40a, 40b are biasing members, which impart biasing force to the diaphragms 42a, 42b, causing the valves 44a, 44b to open if the regulated output pressure is lower than their respective pressure setpoints. The pressure setting points of the pressure rise regulator 32 and the final line regulator 34 can be adjusted by screws 46a and 46b, respectively, which adjust the spring load on the diaphragms 42a and 42b. Each regulator 32 and 34 includes bonnets 48a and 48b attached to the body 36. The bonnets 48a and 48b extend from both axial ends of the regulator body 36. The biasing springs 40a and 40b are located within the bonnets 48a and 48b, and the bonnets cover the springs and diaphragms. The adjustment screws 46a and 46b pass through the bonnets 48a and 48b. The operation of the diaphragm pressure regulator is known and does not need to be discussed in detail here.

[0017] The inlet port 50 of the combined regulator 30 can be seen in Figure 5. The inlet port 50 is in fluid communication with the input portion of the pressure rise regulator 32 via an internal fluid path 52 within the regulator body 36. The internal fluid path 52 connects the input portion of the pressure rise regulator 32 in the valve assembly 44a to the inlet port 50, which is connected to the pressure rise coil on the cryogenic cylinder.

[0018] The outlet port 54 of the combined regulator 30 can also be seen in Figure 5. The outlet port 54 is in fluid communication with the outlet port of the final line regulator 34 via an internal fluid path 56 within the regulator body 36. The internal fluid path 56 connects the output portion of the final line regulator 34 downstream of the valve assembly 44b to the outlet port 54, which is connected to a downstream process that utilizes the stored gas.

[0019] The gauge port 58 of the combined regulator 30 can be seen in Figure 6. The gauge port 58 is in fluid communication with the output portion of the final line regulator 34 via an internal fluid path 60 within the regulator body 36. The internal fluid path 60 connects the output portion of the final line regulator 34 downstream of the valve assembly 44b to the gauge port 58. A pressure gauge can be connected to the gauge port 58 to monitor the pressure of the gas supplied to the downstream process. The diameter of the internal fluid path 60 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator 34 to the gauge port 58 can be the same as the diameter of the internal fluid path 56 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator to the outlet port 54, or the internal fluid paths 56 and 60 can have different diameters. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the diameter of the internal fluid path 60 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator 34 to the gauge port 58 is smaller than the diameter of the internal fluid path 56 connecting the output portion of the final line regulator to the outlet port 54.

[0020] The composite inlet / outlet port 62 of the composite regulator 30 can be seen in FIG. 6. The composite inlet / outlet port 62 is in fluid communication with both the output portion of the pressure increase regulator 32 and the input portion of the final line regulator 34. It can be seen that the output portion of the pressure increase regulator 32 is in fluid communication with the input portion of the final line regulator 34 within the regulator body 36. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the regulator body 36 includes respective internal fluid paths 64, 66 that connect the composite inlet / outlet port 62 to the output portion of the pressure increase regulator 32 (downstream of the valve assembly 44a) and the input portion of the final line regulator 34 (upstream of the valve assembly 44b). The pressure increase regulator 32 adjusts the pressure of the gas in the cylinder head space, and the final line regulator 34 receives the gas from the head space / pressure increase regulator 32 and adjusts the pressure of the supply gas to the downstream process. FIG. 6 shows separate internal fluid paths 64, 66 extending from the regulators 32, 34 to the composite inlet / outlet port 62, but the regulator body 36 can include an internal fluid path that directly connects the output portion of the pressure increase regulator 32 to the input portion of the final line regulator 34, and these two regulators are in fluid communication with each other.

[0021] The composite pressure increase regulator and final line regulator 30 can be used in systems for delivering various cryogenic gases. However, in certain embodiments, the composite regulator 30 is designed for use in, for example, CO2 cylinders used in the food and beverage industry. The composite regulator 30 can comply with the requirements for use in food and beverages published by standardization organizations, such as government agencies and other organizations (e.g., NSF International). For this purpose, the composite regulator 30 does not expose the process gas discharged to the downstream process to any component that may contain lead.

[0022] The pressure rise regulator 32 controls and limits the upper pressure of the CO2 cylinder. When valve 44a is open, liquid CO2 flows from the cylinder and through the cylinder's pressure rise coil. Liquid and / or gaseous CO2 is pushed into the input side or input portion of the pressure rise regulator 32 through its inlet port 50. The pressure regulating valve 44a and the spring-biased diaphragm 212a control the upper pressure of the cylinder. Liquid and / or gaseous CO2 enters the pressure rise regulator 32, is regulated to a specific pressure through the regulator, and the gaseous CO2 enters the cylinder's headspace, i.e., the vapor space, through the outlet of the pressure rise regulator, maintaining a constant upper pressure. When the pressure setting of the pressure rise regulator increases (by compression of spring 40a), the upper pressure of the cylinder also increases. Similarly, when the pressure setting of the pressure rise regulator decreases (by decreasing compression of spring 40a), the upper pressure of the cylinder also decreases. The typical pressure range for the pressure rise regulator 32 is 120–130 PSI, but other pressure ranges are also possible.

[0023] The final line regulator 34 receives the output pressure from the pressure rise regulator 32 and adjusts and reduces it to a level usable by the downstream process. An exemplary pressure range for the output of the final line regulator 34 is 110–115 PSI, but other pressure ranges are also possible. The output pressure of the pressure rise regulator 32 is the input pressure to the final line regulator 34 (and the upper pressure of the cylinder). The outlet port 62 of the regulator body 36 for the pressure rise regulator 32 is shared as the inlet port of the final line regulator 34. Therefore, the regulator body 36 includes a combined inlet / outlet port 62. Through the internal fluid paths 64, 66, the output side or output portion of the pressure rise regulator 32 is in fluid communication with the input side or input portion of the final line regulator 34, and also with the combined inlet / outlet port 62.

[0024] The regulator body 36 is made of aluminum bar and can be anodized and cleaned for oxidizing gas service in accordance with CGA G-4.1. The compound regulator 30 can include 300 series stainless steel diaphragms for both the pressure increase side and the final line regulator side. The valve seat and seal can be made of unused PTFE available at cryogenic temperatures. All internal wetted components can be 100% plated with lead-free or electroless nickel to prevent the gas from coming into contact with any lead material. The various ports and internal passages can be sized so as not to restrict the necessary gas outflow from the cylinder or the time for internally increasing the upper pressure. The bonnets 48a, 48b can be made of zinc die-cast and chrome-plated. The springs 40a, 40b and the pressure adjusting screws 46a, 46b do not come into contact with the gas and can be made of materials that perform the necessary functions. The diaphragm seal can be made of VITON material. The ports of the regulator body can be 1 / 4 inch NPT (national pipe taper).

[0025] This disclosure is illustrative, and it is clear that various changes may be made by adding details, making improvements, or eliminating details without departing from the fair scope of the teachings contained in this disclosure. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of this disclosure except insofar as the following claims are necessarily so limited.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0026] 30 Compound regulator 32 Pressure increase regulator 34 Final line regulator 35 Axis of regulator body 36 Regulator body 38 Port 40a, 40b Springs 42a, 42b Diaphragms 44a, 44b Valve assemblies 46a, 46b Pressure adjusting screws 48a, 48b Bonnets 50 Inlet port 52 Internal fluid pathways 54 Exit Ports 56 Internal fluid pathways 58 Gauge Port 60 Internal fluid pathways 62 Combined entrance / exit ports 64, 66 Internal fluid pathways

Claims

1. A regulator body having an inlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, an outlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, and a combined inlet / outlet port on the outer surface of the regulator body, A first pressure regulator comprising a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that applies a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting, A second pressure regulator comprising a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that applies a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting, Includes, The input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port, the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port, and both the output portion of the first pressure regulator and the input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the combined inlet and outlet ports. A combined pressure regulator.

2. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 1, wherein the output portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the input portion of the second pressure regulator located within the regulator body.

3. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 1, wherein the regulator body further includes a gauge port on the outer surface of the regulator body, and the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the gauge port.

4. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 3, wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, the combined inlet / outlet port, and the gauge port are arranged symmetrically around the regulator body.

5. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 3, wherein the regulator body includes an internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port, and another internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the gauge port, wherein the diameter of the other internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the gauge port is smaller than the diameter of the internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port.

6. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 1, further comprising a first bonnet extending from a first end of the regulator body and a second bonnet extending from a second end of the regulator body opposite to the first end, wherein the first biasing member is disposed within the first bonnet and the second biasing member is disposed within the second bonnet.

7. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 6, wherein the first pressure regulator is axially aligned with the second pressure regulator along the axis of the regulator body.

8. The regulator body has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a combined inlet / outlet port spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body, A first pressure regulator comprising a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly attached to the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that applies a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting, A second pressure regulator comprising a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly attached to the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that applies a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting, Includes, The input portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the inlet port, and the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the outlet port. A composite pressure regulator in which the output portion of the first pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the input portion of the second pressure regulator within the regulator body.

9. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 8, wherein both the output portion of the first pressure regulator and the input portion of the second pressure regulator are in fluid communication with the composite inlet / outlet port.

10. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 8, wherein the regulator body further includes a gauge port, and the output portion of the second pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the gauge port.

11. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 10, wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, the combined inlet / outlet port, and the gauge port are arranged symmetrically around the regulator body.

12. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 10, wherein the regulator body includes an internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port, and another internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the gauge port, wherein the diameter of the other internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the gauge port is smaller than the diameter of the internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port.

13. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 8, further comprising a first bonnet extending from a first end of the regulator body and a second bonnet extending from a second end of the regulator body opposite to the first end, wherein the first biasing member is disposed within the first bonnet and the second biasing member is disposed within the second bonnet.

14. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 13, wherein the first pressure regulator is aligned axially with the second pressure regulator along the axis of the regulator body.

15. The regulator body has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a combined inlet / outlet port spaced apart along the outer surface of the regulator body, A first pressure regulator comprising a first diaphragm, a first valve assembly movable by the first diaphragm, and a first biasing member that applies a first biasing force to the first diaphragm to establish a first pressure regulator setting, A second pressure regulator comprising a second diaphragm, a second valve assembly movable by the second diaphragm, and a second biasing member that applies a second biasing force to the second diaphragm to establish a second pressure regulator setting different from the first pressure regulator setting, A composite pressure regulator including, The regulator body, A first internal fluid path connects the input portion of the first pressure regulator to the inlet port, A second internal fluid path connects the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port, A third internal fluid path connects the output portion of the first pressure regulator to the composite inlet / outlet port, A fourth internal fluid path connects the input portion of the second pressure regulator to the composite inlet / outlet port, A composite pressure regulator, including a bellows.

16. The regulator body, Gauge port and, A fifth internal fluid path connects the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the gauge port, The composite pressure regulator according to claim 15, further comprising:

17. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 16, wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, the combined inlet / outlet port, and the gauge port are arranged symmetrically around the regulator body.

18. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 16, wherein the diameter of the fifth internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the gauge port is smaller than the diameter of the second internal fluid path connecting the output portion of the second pressure regulator to the outlet port.

19. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 15, further comprising a first bonnet extending from a first end of the regulator body and a second bonnet extending from a second end of the regulator body opposite to the first end, wherein the first biasing member is disposed within the first bonnet and the second biasing member is disposed within the second bonnet.

20. The composite pressure regulator according to claim 19, wherein the first pressure regulator is aligned axially with the second pressure regulator along the axis of the regulator body.

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