Leakage inspection apparatus for hydrogen gas containers and the method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a leak detection device and method for a hydrogen gas container. A leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a chamber portion for mounting a hydrogen gas container to be inspected in an internal space; a gas pressurizing portion for injecting a set gas into the hydrogen gas container mounted in the chamber portion and pressurizing the hydrogen gas container to a set pressure; a vacuum forming portion for forming a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber portion; a pump portion for diffusing leaked gas into the internal space of the chamber portion; and a gas leak detection portion for inspecting the leaked gas.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a leak detection device and method for hydrogen gas containers. Background Technology

[0002] The following description is provided solely for the purpose of providing background information related to embodiments of the present invention, and the described content does not automatically constitute prior art.

[0003] Due to their inherent properties, gases are easily ignited and pose a risk as they can explode depending on certain levels of concentration, pressure, and temperature, so safety management is required.

[0004] A gas cylinder is a device used to store gas. To verify the safety of a gas cylinder, various tests such as internal pressure, rupture, flame, impact, and leakage must be performed.

[0005] A gas leak detection device refers to a device that inspects and evaluates whether a gas leak has occurred in a gas container.

[0006] Generally, gases such as LNG, LPG, oxygen, nitrogen, and chlorine, which are mostly stored in containers under high pressure, utilize gas containers made of metal materials like carbon steel, and leaks were primarily detected at valves or other connection points where they typically occur. Furthermore, in the past, low-precision leak detection devices were mainly used during these leak verification processes, as they could only confirm the presence of a leak or struggled to determine the extent of the leak.

[0007] The following methods are introduced for inspecting and measuring the leakage and loss of fluids, such as gas, from gas containers.

[0008] For example, methods have been introduced to measure changes in the mass of a gas cylinder, to measure gas loss using differential pressure, or to visually confirm color changes of detection reagents applied to the outside of the gas cylinder. In addition, methods such as injecting detectable gas into the gas cylinder to detect leaks around the valve have been introduced. Furthermore, pressure gauges, halogen detectors, and mass spectrometers are utilized in these conventional methods.

[0009] However, conventional gas leak detection methods indirectly confirm gas leaks and have disadvantages such as localized detection areas, susceptibility to interference from other gases, and low accuracy regarding the amount of gas leakage. For this reason, conventional methods face difficulties in precisely measuring the total amount of gas leakage from a gas container for low molecular weight gases.

[0010] As prior art related to the present invention, Korean Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0397044 (Prior Art 1) discloses a gas leak detection device.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional gas leak detection device (20) disclosed in prior art 1 includes a pressure line (22), a supply valve (23), a pressure regulator (24), and a pressure sensor (25).

[0012] To briefly explain, the pressure line (22) connects the gas container (21) and the object (26). The supply valve (23) is installed in the pressure line (22) to control the flow of gas. The pressure regulator (23) is installed in the pressure line (22) to maintain the supply pressure at a constant level. The pressure sensor (25) checks the pressure of the pressure line (22). However, the conventional gas leak detection device (20) according to prior art 1 has the disadvantage that it can only confirm the gas leak condition by measuring the absolute pressure of the gas container (21) using the pressure sensor (25), but it is difficult to confirm the precise amount of gas leak from the entire surface of the gas container (21).

[0013] In addition, as another prior art related to the present invention, Korean Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0191427 (Prior Art 2) discloses a leak detection device using a tracer gas.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional leak detection device (30) using a tracer gas includes a gas container (31), a valve (32), a tracer gas flow meter (33), and a vacuum pump (34). However, the conventional leak detection device (30) using a tracer gas according to prior art 2 uses a tracer gas flow meter (33) to check for airtightness using a tracer gas such as ammonia, helium, or halogen gas. It also checks the amount of leakage in the container through a local valve. However, according to prior art 2, there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to check the amount of leakage of a specific minute gas leaking from the entire gas container.

[0015] In addition, as another prior art related to the present invention, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-0716550 (Prior Art 3) discloses a leak detection device for a pressure structure having a hermetic internal space.

[0016] Referring to FIG. 3, a leak detection device (40) of a pressure structure having a conventional airtight internal space includes a gas container (41) and an injection port sealing mechanism (43). The injection port sealing mechanism (43) is connected to the injection port (42) of the gas container (41), and by sealing the area around the injection port (42) to create an airtight space, it prevents external leakage of the gas being tested and thus detects the leak.

[0017] However, according to prior art 3, since other gases may be mixed into the entire surface of the gas container (41), it is difficult to accurately determine the amount of leakage of a specific gas that leaks out.

[0018] Meanwhile, metals such as carbon steel and alloy steel, which are used as materials for hydrogen gas containers that store hydrogen under high pressure, have the characteristic of hydrogen brittleness. For this reason, tungsten, vanadium, molybdenum, titanium, etc. are added to the materials of hydrogen gas containers, or metal materials such as aluminum and chromium are partially used as materials for hydrogen gas containers, but there are safety issues.

[0019] In addition, recently, gas containers have been introduced that feature an inner lining made of non-metallic material (e.g., nylon, polyamide, etc.) and an outer shell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic with excellent rigidity for rupture safety against high pressure.

[0020] However, low-molecular-weight gases such as hydrogen are relatively prone to leakage, and even if polymers with low hydrogen permeability are used and reinforced with carbon fibers, the risk of gas leakage still exists.

[0021] In addition, hydrogen is a flammable gas, and it burns extremely rapidly in a wide concentration range of 4–75% in air, posing a high risk of explosion. Therefore, more precise leakage testing is required.

[0022] Therefore, there is a need to develop technology for a device and method capable of precisely detecting leaks in a short time, even for minute amounts of leakage, on the entire surface of a hydrogen gas container without the mixing of other gases. Prior art literature

[0023] Republic of Korea Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0397044 Republic of Korea Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0191427 Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-0716550 The problem to be solved

[0024] The objective of the present invention is to provide a leak inspection device for a hydrogen gas container that can perform precise leak inspection on the entire surface of the hydrogen gas container within a short period of time, even for minute amounts of leakage, without mixing with other gases.

[0025] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a leak inspection method for a hydrogen gas container that can perform a precise leak inspection on the entire surface of the hydrogen gas container within a short period of time, even for minute amounts of leakage, without mixing with other gases.

[0026] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. means of solving the problem

[0027] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a leak inspection device for a hydrogen gas container capable of performing a precise leak inspection on the entire surface of the hydrogen gas container within a short period of time, even for minute amounts of leakage, without mixing with other gases.

[0028] A leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a chamber portion for mounting a hydrogen gas container to be inspected in an internal space; a gas pressurizing portion for injecting a set gas into the hydrogen gas container mounted in the chamber portion and pressurizing the hydrogen gas container to a set pressure; a vacuum forming portion for forming a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber portion; a pump portion connected to the chamber portion for diffusing the leaked gas into the internal space of the chamber portion; and a gas leak detection portion connected to the chamber portion for inspecting the leaked gas.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber portion comprises a chamber body having an internal space larger than that of the hydrogen gas container, at least a portion of which is open; and a chamber door that opens and closes the open portion of the chamber body.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas pressurizing unit comprises: a pressurizing compressor that pressurizes the set gas to a set pressure; and a pressurizing line, one end of which is connected to the pressurizing compressor and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen gas container mounted in the chamber unit, and which injects the set gas pressurized to a set pressure into the hydrogen gas container.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum forming unit comprises at least one vacuum pump; and a vacuum line, one end of which is connected to the vacuum pump and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber unit.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the set gas is injected into the hydrogen gas container at a set pressure by the gas pressurizing unit, the vacuum pump operates with the chamber door closed to form a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber unit, thereby enabling inspection of even minute leaks throughout the entire hydrogen gas container without mixing of other gases.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas leak detection unit comprises: at least one gas leak detector that detects gas leaked into the internal space of the chamber unit and detects the type and amount of the leaked gas; a gas leak detection line, one end of which is connected to the gas leak detector and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber unit; and a gas leak detection valve provided in the gas leak detection line and controlling the opening and closing of the flow of the gas leaked in the internal space of the chamber unit.

[0034] A leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention further comprises: a pump connection line, one end of which is connected to the pump unit and the other end of which is branched from and connected to the gas leak detection line; and a pump connection valve provided in the pump connection line and controlled to open and close.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pump unit diffuses the gas leaked from the internal space of the chamber unit and moves it to the gas leak detector, and the gas leak detector receives the leaked gas that is diffused and flowed by the pump unit and can precisely measure the type and amount of the leaked gas in real time or at set time intervals.

[0036] A leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention is, The apparatus further includes a calibration gas storage unit that stores the set gas and leaks the set gas into the internal space of the chamber unit during calibration. The calibration gas storage unit includes a calibration line, one end of which is connected to the calibration gas storage unit and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber unit; and a calibration valve that is openable and regulated and provided on the calibration line.

[0037] A leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a residual adsorbed gas removal unit for removing residual and adsorbed gas in the internal space of the chamber portion when the leak detection for the hydrogen gas container is completed. The residual adsorbed gas removal unit includes: a nitrogen storage unit for storing nitrogen gas; a nitrogen supply line for supplying nitrogen gas stored in the nitrogen storage unit; a plurality of nitrogen injection branch lines, one end of which is connected to the nitrogen supply line and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber portion to inject nitrogen gas into the internal space of the chamber portion; and a plurality of nitrogen injection valves provided on each of the plurality of nitrogen injection branch lines and controlled to open and close.

[0038] To achieve the other objective mentioned above, the present invention provides a method for leak testing of a hydrogen gas container that can precisely test for even minute amounts of leakage within a short time on the entire surface of the hydrogen gas container without mixing with other gases.

[0039] A method for inspecting a leak of a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of mounting a hydrogen gas container to be inspected in the internal space of a chamber; a step of injecting a set gas into the hydrogen gas container and pressurizing the hydrogen gas container to a set pressure; a step of forming a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber where the hydrogen gas container is mounted; and a step of diffusing the leaked gas into the internal space of the chamber to inspect the type and amount of the leaked gas.

[0040] A method for inspecting a leak of a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention further comprises, after the step of inspecting the type and amount of the leaked gas, the step of discharging the hydrogen gas container from the internal space of the chamber and injecting nitrogen gas into the internal space of the chamber to remove the gas remaining and adsorbed in the internal space of the chamber. Effects of the invention

[0041] According to the present invention, a precise leak inspection can be performed on the entire surface of a hydrogen gas container in a short time, even for minute amounts of leakage, without mixing with other gases.

[0042] In addition to the effects described above, the specific effects of the present invention are described together with the specific details for implementing the invention below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0043] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional gas leak detection device. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a conventional leak detection device using tracer gas. Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram of a leak detection device for a pressure structure having a conventional airtight internal space. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram briefly illustrating a leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart briefly illustrating a leak inspection method for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0044] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0045] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0047] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0048] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0049] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0050] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0051] Due to their inherent properties, gases are prone to ignition and pose a risk of explosion depending on certain levels of concentration, pressure, and temperature, requiring safety management.

[0052] In the following description, a gas container refers to a container of various shapes for storing gas, and a hydrogen gas container refers to a container for storing hydrogen under high pressure.

[0053] In the following description, the leak detection device refers to a device for detecting leaks in hydrogen gas containers.

[0054] The leak inspection device and method for a hydrogen gas container according to the present invention, described below, are designed to inspect the type and amount of leaked gas on the entire surface of the hydrogen gas container without mixing with other gases, and in particular, to perform leak inspections quickly and precisely even for extremely small amounts of leakage.

[0055] Hereinafter, a leak detection device and method for a hydrogen gas container according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] [Hydrogen gas cylinder leak detection device]

[0057] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram briefly illustrating a leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, a leak detection device (1) for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a chamber section (110), a gas pressurizing section (120), a vacuum forming section (130), a gas leak detection section (140), a pump section (150), a calibration gas storage section (160), and a residual adsorbed gas removal section (170).

[0059] The chamber section (110) is a chamber device with a sealed structure capable of accommodating a hydrogen gas container, and can perform a leak test by mounting the hydrogen gas container (10) to be inspected in the internal space.

[0060] The gas pressurizing unit (120) injects a set gas (i.e., a gas composed of nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, etc. in a certain ratio) into the hydrogen gas container (10) mounted in the chamber unit (110) and can pressurize the hydrogen gas container (10) to a set pressure. Here, the set pressure can be determined within a pressure range required for the hydrogen gas container (10), and preferably, the set pressure can be determined within a range of 100 to 1,000 Bar.

[0061] The vacuum forming unit (130) can form a vacuum in the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110). Preferably, the vacuum level can be set within the range of 10⁻¹ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr.

[0062] The gas leak detection unit (140) is connected to the chamber unit (110) and can inspect the leaked gas. Preferably, the gas leak detection unit (140) can precisely detect the type and amount of the leaked gas.

[0063] The pump unit (150) is connected to the chamber unit (110) and can diffuse the leaked gas into the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110).

[0064] The calibration gas storage unit (160) stores a certain amount of set gas, such as that injected into the hydrogen gas container (10) from the gas pressurization unit (120), and allows the calibration work to be performed by leaking the set gas into the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110) during calibration.

[0065] The residual adsorbed gas removal unit (170) can perform a purging or exhaust function by removing residual and adsorbed gas in the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110) after the leak inspection of the hydrogen gas container (10) to be inspected is completed.

[0066] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, each detailed configuration included in the leak inspection device (1) of a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0067] The chamber section (110) is a chamber device with a sealed structure capable of accommodating a hydrogen gas container, and can perform a leak test by mounting the hydrogen gas container (10) to be inspected in the internal space.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the chamber portion (110) includes a chamber body (111) having an internal space larger than that of the hydrogen gas container (10) and at least a portion of which is open.

[0069] Additionally, according to a preferred embodiment, the chamber section (110) includes a chamber door (113) that opens and closes an open portion of the chamber body (111). When the chamber door (113) is opened, the internal space (112) of the chamber section (110) is opened, allowing the hydrogen gas container (10) to be inserted or removed. When the chamber door (113) is closed, the internal space (112) of the chamber section (110) can have a structure that is completely sealed from the outside, thereby completely blocking the inflow of other gases when a vacuum is formed.

[0070] The gas pressurizing unit (120) injects a set gas (i.e., a gas composed of nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, etc. in a certain ratio) into the hydrogen gas container (10) mounted in the chamber unit (110) and can pressurize the hydrogen gas container (10) to a set pressure. Here, the set pressure can be determined within a pressure range required for the hydrogen gas container (10), and preferably, the set pressure can be determined within a range of 100 to 1,000 Bar.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas pressurizing unit (120) includes a pressurizing compressor (121).

[0072] The pressurizing compressor (121) can pressurize a set gas, that is, a gas composed of detectable nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, etc. in a certain ratio, to a set pressure.

[0073] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas pressurizing unit (120) includes a pressurizing line (122).

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the pressurizing line (122) may be formed as a piping structure in which one end is connected to the pressurizing compressor (121) and the other end is connected to the hydrogen gas container (10) mounted in the chamber (110). By using the pressurizing line (122), a set gas pressurized to a set pressure by the pressurizing compressor (121) can be injected into the hydrogen gas container (10).

[0075] The vacuum forming unit (130) can form a vacuum in the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110). Preferably, the vacuum level can be set within the range of 10⁻¹ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vacuum forming unit (130) includes at least one vacuum pump (131) and a vacuum line (132).

[0077] The vacuum pump (131) creates a vacuum in the internal space (112) of the chamber (110), thereby enabling inspection for minute leaks on the entire surface of the hydrogen gas container (10) without mixing in other gases.

[0078] The vacuum line (132) refers to a piping structure connected for forming a vacuum, with one end connected to the vacuum pump (131) and the other end connected to the internal space (112) of the chamber (110).

[0079] In other words, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a set gas can be injected at a set pressure into a hydrogen gas container (10) mounted in the internal space (112) of a chamber (110) using a gas pressurizing unit (120). The vacuum pump (131) operates while the chamber door (113) is closed, and the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) is rapidly formed into a vacuum state by the operation of the vacuum pump (131), thereby completely blocking the mixing of other gases.

[0080] The gas leak detection unit (140) is connected to the chamber unit (110) and can inspect the leaked gas. Preferably, the gas leak detection unit (140) can precisely detect the type and amount of the leaked gas.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas leak detection unit (140) includes at least one gas leak detector (141).

[0082] The gas leak detector (141) is a device for detecting gas leaked into the internal space (112) of the chamber (110). Specifically, the gas leak detector (141) can detect both the type and amount of the leaked gas. Preferably, the gas leak detector (141) can be configured to detect the type and amount of the leaked gas in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

[0083] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the gas leak detection unit (140) includes a gas leak detection line (142) and a gas leak detection valve (143).

[0084] The gas leak detection line (142) refers to a piping line in which one end is connected to the gas leak detector (141) and the other end is connected to the internal space (112) of the chamber (110).

[0085] The gas leak detection valve (143) is provided in the gas leak detection line (142) and is a valve that controls the opening and closing of the flow of gas leaked from the internal space (112) of the chamber part (110).

[0086] The pump unit (150) is connected to the chamber unit (110) and can diffuse the leaked gas into the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110).

[0087] A leak detection device (1) for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a pump connection line (152) and a pump connection valve (153) together with a pump unit (150).

[0088] One end of the pump connection line (152) is connected to the pump unit (110), and the other end can be branched from the gas leak detection line (142) and connected.

[0089] The pump connection valve (153) is a valve that is provided in the pump connection line (152) and is open / closed.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pump unit (150) can diffuse the leaked gas in the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110), and the leaked gas flowing through the diffuse flow can be introduced into the gas leak detector (141). The gas leak detector (141) receives the leaked gas from the pump unit (150) and can precisely measure the type and amount of the leaked gas in real time or at set time intervals.

[0091] The calibration gas storage unit (160) stores a certain amount of set gas, such as that injected into the hydrogen gas container (10) from the gas pressurization unit (120), and allows the calibration work to be performed by leaking the set gas into the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110) during calibration.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the calibration gas storage unit (160) further includes a calibration line (161) and a calibration valve (162).

[0093] One end of the calibration line (161) is connected to the calibration gas storage unit (160), and the other end can be connected to the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110).

[0094] The calibration valve (162) is provided in the calibration line (161) and is a valve that is controlled to open and close to prevent leakage of the set gas during calibration.

[0095] The residual adsorbed gas removal unit (170) can perform a purging or exhaust function by removing residual and adsorbed gas in the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110) after the leak inspection of the hydrogen gas container (10) to be inspected is completed.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the residual adsorbed gas removal unit (170) includes a nitrogen storage unit (171) for storing nitrogen gas. The nitrogen gas can be used to remove residual and adsorbed gas in the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110) after the leak test is completed.

[0097] Additionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the residual adsorbed gas removal unit (170) further includes a nitrogen supply line (172), a nitrogen injection branch line (173), and a nitrogen injection valve (174).

[0098] The nitrogen supply line (172) refers to a pipe that supplies nitrogen gas stored in the nitrogen storage unit (171).

[0099] Multiple nitrogen injection branch lines (173) may be provided. Each of the multiple nitrogen injection branch lines (173) may be connected to the internal space (112) of the chamber section (110) at a certain distance from each other.

[0100] Preferably, one end of the nitrogen injection branch line (173) is connected to the nitrogen supply line (172), and the other end is connected to the internal space (112) of the chamber (110), so that nitrogen gas can be injected into the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) at set intervals.

[0101] The nitrogen injection valve (174) is provided in each of the plurality of nitrogen injection branch lines (173) and is a valve that is controlled to open and close for the injection of nitrogen gas.

[0102] Meanwhile, in order to verify the performance of the leak inspection device (1) and the gas leak detection unit (140) of the hydrogen gas container in advance, a preliminary calibration operation called calibration may be performed.

[0103] A set gas detectable in the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) is injected into a predetermined bottle (hereinafter, calibration gas storage unit) (160). Then, the calibration gas storage unit (160) is connected to the chamber (110). The set gas injected into the interior of the calibration gas storage unit (160) is a gas composed of nitrogen, hydrogen, helium, etc., in a certain ratio, which has a fast diffusion rate, is inert, and allows for leak detection. When the calibration gas storage unit (160) is connected, the calibration valve (162) is adjusted so that a certain amount of the set gas leaks into the chamber (110). At this time, the amount of leakage may vary depending on the required leak detection specifications, and the amount of leakage can be finely controlled within the range of 1 x 10⁻¹cc to 1 x 10⁻¹cc per second.

[0104] And the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) can be made into a vacuum state using the vacuum forming part (130).

[0105] Next, the pump unit (150) is operated to diffuse the gas leaked from the calibration gas storage unit (160) into the internal space (112) of the chamber unit (110), and the gas leak detection unit (140) is used to detect the minute amount of gas leaking from the calibration gas storage unit (160). In this way, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the performance and detection time of the device capable of detecting the type of leaked gas and the minute amount of leakage can be verified through calibration.

[0106] In addition, the calibration gas storage unit (160), that is, a predetermined bottle in which the set gas is injected and stored, is directly connected to the gas detector (141) to check whether the gas detector (141) detects the amount of leakage of the calibration gas storage unit (160), thereby allowing the gas detector (141) itself to be verified and calibrated.

[0107] [Hydrogen Gas Container Leak Inspection Method]

[0108] FIG. 5 is a flowchart briefly illustrating a leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] A leak detection method for a hydrogen gas container according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step of mounting inside a hydrogen gas container chamber (S10), a step of pressurizing a detectable set gas (S20), a step of forming a chamber vacuum (S30), a step of detecting the type and amount of leaked gas (S40), and a step of removing residual adsorbed gas (S50).

[0110] The step of mounting the hydrogen gas container inside the chamber (S10) is a step of mounting the hydrogen gas container to be inspected into the internal space of the chamber.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4, in this step, the chamber door (113) is opened, and a hydrogen gas container (10) is inserted and installed in the internal space (112) of the chamber section (110). Then, the pressurization line (122) of the gas pressurization section (120) is connected to the hydrogen gas container (10), and then the chamber door (113) is closed.

[0112] The hydrogen gas container (10) may be composed of an inner lining made of a non-metallic material (e.g., nylon, polyamide, etc.) and an outer lining made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

[0113] The detectable set gas pressurization step (S20) is a step of injecting a set gas into a hydrogen gas container and pressurizing the hydrogen gas container to a set pressure.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 4, in this step, a pressurizing compressor (121) is operated to inject a set gas into a hydrogen gas container (10).

[0115] At this time, the pressure can be increased to the high pressure required for the inspection of the hydrogen gas container (10). The set gas can be changed depending on the type of inspection gas, but preferably, for the leak inspection of the hydrogen gas container (10), a gas composed of nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, etc. in a certain ratio can be used for safety.

[0116] In addition, at this stage, the hydrogen gas container (10) can be pressurized to a pressure within the range of 100 to 1,000 Bar.

[0117] In one embodiment, the hydrogen gas container (10) can be pressurized to a high pressure of 875 Bar, and the set gas can use a gas having a weight ratio of 95% hydrogen and 5% helium.

[0118] The chamber vacuum formation step (S30) is a step of forming a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber part equipped with a hydrogen gas container.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 4, in this step, the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) can be made into a vacuum state using a vacuum pump (131). Preferably, the vacuum level can be adjusted within the range of 10⁻¹ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr.

[0120] The leak gas type and leakage amount detection step (S40) is a step of diffusing the leaked gas into the internal space of the chamber to inspect the type and amount of the leaked gas.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 4, at this stage, the pump unit (150) is operated to diffuse the leaked gas, and the gas leak detection valve (143) is opened to detect the amount of leaked gas leaked from the hydrogen gas container (10) in real time or at set time intervals.

[0122] Meanwhile, leak detection data can be checked after the time required for leak detection confirmed through calibration (e.g., 2 minutes, etc.) has elapsed.

[0123] At this time, the gas leak detector (141) can precisely measure the amount of minute leakage according to the type of gas. For example, the gas leak detector (141) can detect from 1 x 10⁻¹ cc to 1 x 10⁻¹ cc per second, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0124] Meanwhile, when the measurement of the leak test data is completed, the vacuum state in the internal space (112) of the chamber section (110) is released, the pressurized state of the hydrogen gas container (10) is released, and the hydrogen gas container (10) is removed from the chamber section (110) to complete the inspection.

[0125] Meanwhile, another hydrogen gas container to be inspected can be inserted and leak testing can be performed repeatedly. In this case, a process is required to remove the gas remaining and adsorbed in the chamber (110) during the leak testing process performed earlier.

[0126] The residual adsorbed gas removal step (S50) is a step of removing the hydrogen gas container to the outside of the chamber section after the leak gas inspection is completed, and injecting nitrogen gas into the internal space of the chamber section to remove the residual and adsorbed gas in the internal space of the chamber section.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 4, at this stage, a residual adsorbed gas removal unit (170) is used, and when the nitrogen injection valve (174) is opened, nitrogen gas is injected from the nitrogen storage unit (171) into the chamber unit (110) through the nitrogen supply line (172) and the nitrogen injection branch line (173).

[0128] Accordingly, purging and exhaust are performed, and residual and adsorbed gases can be removed.

[0129] This step may be performed every time after the leak test is completed and before the next leak test begins, or as needed at the operator's request.

[0130] If the leak inspection of the hydrogen gas container (10) is performed continuously, finely leaked gas may accumulate in the gas leak detection line (142) connecting the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) and the gas leak detector (141). The gas accumulated after the leak inspection may reduce the accuracy of the leak inspection. In particular, since hydrogen gas has the property of adsorbing to metal, extra caution must be taken. Therefore, it is desirable to perform purging and exhaust operations on the internal space (112) of the chamber (110) and various piping parts using nitrogen gas.

[0131] As described above, according to the configuration and operation of the present invention, there is an advantageous technical effect of being able to precisely perform a leak inspection on the entire surface of a hydrogen gas container within a short period of time, even for minute amounts of leakage, without mixing with other gases.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized. Explanation of the symbols

[0133] S10: Step of mounting inside the hydrogen gas container chamber S20: Detectable set gas pressurization stage S30: Chamber vacuum formation step S40: Detection step for leak gas type and amount S50: Residual adsorbed gas removal step 1: Hydrogen gas cylinder leak detection device 10: Hydrogen gas container 110: Chamber section 111: Chamber body 112: Interior space 113: Chamber door 120: Gas pressurization section 121: Pressure compressor 122: Pressurization line 130: Vacuum forming unit 131: Vacuum pump 132: Vacuum line 140: Gas leak detection unit 141: Gas leak detector 142: Gas leak detection line 143: Gas leak detection valve 150: Pump section 152: Pump connection line 153: Pump connection valve 160: Calibration gas storage unit 161: Calibration Line 162: Calibration valve 170: Residual adsorbed gas removal unit 171: Nitrogen storage unit 172: Nitrogen supply line 173: Nitrogen injection branch line 174: Nitrogen injection valve

Claims

Claim 1 A chamber section for mounting a hydrogen gas container subject to inspection in an internal space; a gas pressurizing section for injecting a set gas into the hydrogen gas container mounted in the chamber section and pressurizing the hydrogen gas container to a set pressure; a vacuum forming section for forming a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber section; a pump section connected to the chamber section and diffusing gas leaked into the internal space of the chamber section; a gas leak detection section connected to the chamber section and inspecting the leaked gas; a calibration gas storage section for storing the set gas and leaking the set gas into the internal space of the chamber section during calibration; and a residual adsorbed gas removal section for removing gas remaining and adsorbed in the internal space of the chamber section upon completion of a leak inspection of the hydrogen gas container; wherein the chamber section comprises a chamber body having an internal space larger than the hydrogen gas container, at least a portion of which is open; and a chamber door that opens and closes an open portion of the chamber body; wherein the gas pressurizing unit comprises: a pressurizing compressor that pressurizes the set gas to a set pressure; and a pressurizing line, one end of which is connected to the pressurizing compressor and the other end of which is connected to the hydrogen gas container mounted on the chamber, and which injects the set gas pressurized to the set pressure into the hydrogen gas container; wherein the vacuum forming unit comprises: at least one vacuum pump; and a vacuum line, one end of which is connected to the vacuum pump and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber; and wherein the gas leak detection unit comprises: at least one gas leak detector that detects gas leaked into the internal space of the chamber and detects the type and amount of the leaked gas; and a gas leak detection line, one end of which is connected to the gas leak detector and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber. and a gas leak detection valve provided in the gas leak detection line and controlling the opening and closing of the flow of gas leaked in the internal space of the chamber; comprising a pump connection line, one end of which is connected to the pump unit and the other end of which is branched from the gas leak detection line and connected; and a pump connection valve provided in the pump connection line and controlled to open and close;It further includes, wherein the pump unit diffuses the gas leaked from the internal space of the chamber unit and moves it to the gas leak detector, and the gas leak detector receives the leaked gas that is diffused and flowed by the pump unit and precisely measures the type and amount of the leaked gas in real time or at set time intervals, and the calibration gas storage unit includes a calibration line, one end of which is connected to the calibration gas storage unit and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber unit; and a calibration valve provided on the calibration line and controlled to open and close; and the residual adsorbed gas removal unit includes a nitrogen storage unit for storing nitrogen gas; a nitrogen supply line for supplying nitrogen gas stored in the nitrogen storage unit; and a plurality of nitrogen injection branch lines, one end of which is connected to the nitrogen supply line and the other end of which is connected to the internal space of the chamber unit to inject nitrogen gas into the internal space of the chamber unit. A leak inspection device for a hydrogen gas container comprising: a plurality of nitrogen injection valves provided in each of the plurality of nitrogen injection branch lines and controlled to open and close; wherein the gas pressurizing unit pressurizes the hydrogen gas container to a pressure within the range of 100 Bar to 1,000 Bar, the vacuum forming unit forms the internal space of the chamber unit into a vacuum state within the range of 10⁻¹ Torr to 10⁻⁵ Torr, the calibration gas storage unit leaks a set gas into the internal space of the chamber unit at a rate of 1x10⁻¹cc to 1x10⁻¹cc per second by controlling the calibration valve, the gas leak detector detects a minute leakage amount according to the type of leaked gas at a rate of 1×10⁻¹cc to 1×10⁻¹cc per second, and the hydrogen gas container comprises an inner shell made of a non-metallic material and an outer shell made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A method for detecting a leak in a hydrogen gas container using a leak detection device for a hydrogen gas container according to claim 1, comprising: a step of mounting the hydrogen gas container to be inspected in the internal space of the chamber portion; a step of injecting a set gas into the hydrogen gas container and pressurizing the hydrogen gas container to a set pressure; a step of forming a vacuum in the internal space of the chamber portion where the hydrogen gas container is mounted; a step of diffusing the leaked gas into the internal space of the chamber portion to inspect the type and amount of the leaked gas; and a step of discharging the hydrogen gas container from the internal space of the chamber portion and injecting nitrogen gas into the internal space of the chamber portion to remove the gas remaining and adsorbed in the internal space of the chamber portion. Claim 10 delete

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