A valve manifold for a compressed gas

Abstract

A valve manifold (100) includes a manifold block assembly (102) having faces (102A to 102D), a plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4) provided on the faces (102A to 102D), a plurality of internal conduits (104-1,104-2) provided within the manifold block assembly (102) to allow the compressed gas to flow between selected ports (106-1 to 106-4), a plurality of control devices (108-1,108-2) fitted at a first set of ports (106-1) among the plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4) to control the flow rate of the compressed gas and a plurality of monitoring devices (110-1,110-2) fitted at a second set of ports (106-2) among the plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4) to monitor a flow rate of the compressed gas, thereby eliminating the need for tube connections and fittings to facilitate flow of compressed gas.

Description

A VALVE MANIFOLD FOR A COMPRESSED GASTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the technical field of manifolds. In particular, the present disclosure pertains to a valve manifold for a compressed gas.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional compressed gas priority fill systems rely heavily on interconnected tubing featuring multiple lines of pilot valves operated by solenoid valves, which can be interconnected through tubing. This setup is crucial for filling and cascading compressed gas into storage cascades or vehicles, ensuring correct sequence filling under high-pressure conditions (approximately 200 kg / cm2g) with optimal flow rates from compressors and cascade arrangements. However, the extensive use of tubing introduces significant operational challenges.

[0003] The drawbacks of conventional compressed gas priority fill systems are primarily rooted in their reliance on tubing networks. Firstly, the system becomes notably heavy and bulky due to the tubing, complicating installation and handling. Moreover, the extensive tubing requires more space, posing limitations in applications where space efficiency is critical. Maintenance of these systems is particularly cumbersome as any servicing or replacement of components / subcomponents necessitates disturbing and rearranging the entire tubing structure, leading to increased downtime and operational inefficiencies.

[0004] There is a requirement of an innovative system that aims to streamline operations, to reduce weight and bulkiness, optimize space utilization, and simplify maintenance procedures. By redesigning the system layout and incorporating advanced valve and control mechanisms, the invention achieves a more compact and lightweight structure while maintaining efficient control over filling sequences and ensuring optimal pressure and flow rates.

[0005] There is, therefore, a need to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, shortcomings, and limitations associated with the existing manifolds, by providing a compact, robust, and simple valve manifold for the compressed gas.OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, compact and, cost efficient valve manifold for a compressed gas.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to eliminate the need for tube connections and fittings, resulting in a more compact and streamlined structure that facilitates easier installation and maintenance.

[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide one or more internal channels for the flow of the compressed gas from one end of the valve manifold to the other end of the valve manifold.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to allow direct mounting of internal pilot-operated solenoid valves, and other accessory components such as Pressure gauges (PGs), Pressure Transmitters (PTs), Block and Bleed Valves (BBVs), Non Return or Check Valves (NRVs), Ball valves (BVs), and Actuators onto or around the valve manifold.SUMMARY

[0010] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the technical field of manifolds, more specifically to a valve manifold for a compressed gas.

[0011] According to an aspect, the proposed valve manifold for a compressed gas includes a manifold block assembly having a front face, a pair of vertical faces, and a pair of horizontal faces. The proposed valve manifold includes a plurality of ports provided on one or more of the front face, the vertical faces, and the horizontal faces. The valve manifold includes a plurality of internal conduits provided within the manifold block assembly to allow the compressed gas to flow between selected pairs of ports among the plurality of ports. The valve manifold includes a plurality of control devices fitted at a first set of ports among the plurality of ports to control the flow rate of the compressed gas and a plurality of monitoring devices fitted at a second set of ports among the plurality of ports to monitor a flow rate of the compressed gas.

[0012] In an embodiment, the manifold block assembly may include a base block and a plurality of secondary blocks fixed to the base block.

[0013] In an embodiment, the plurality of internal conduits may define a set of inlet lines, a set of outlet lines and a set of pressure check lines.

[0014] In an embodiment, the valve manifold may include at least one inlet provided on one of the horizontal faces of the manifold block assembly. The inlet may receive the compressed gas from an external source.

[0015] In an embodiment, the valve manifold may include at least one pair of eyelets fixed to the manifold block assembly at an upper horizontal face among the horizontal faces. The eyelets may receive hooks to facilitate lifting of the valve manifold.

[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary blocks may include a first secondary block fixed to the top face of main block. The main block may be close to the upper horizontal face. The top secondary block may include first ports and second ports among the plurality of ports. The first ports may be fluidically coupled to the inlet through internal conduits. The internal conduits may work as inlet lines to receive compressed gas from the inlet through the internal conduits. The internal conduits may work as inlet lines.

[0017] In an embodiment, the first ports and the second ports may be provided in pairs. Each pair may be fitted with a first control device among the plurality of control devices to control flow of the compressed gas received at the corresponding first port and discharge into the corresponding second port after the control.

[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of secondary blocks may include a plurality of second secondary blocks fixed to the top face of the main block. The main block may be close to a lower horizontal face. The plurality of second secondary blocks may include outlets fluidically coupled to the second ports provided in the first secondary block to receive the compressed gas through the internal conduits that work as outlet lines.

[0019] In an embodiment, the outlets may be configured for receiving the second control valves for controlling dispensing of the compressed gas.

[0020] In an embodiment, a first vertical face among the pair of vertical faces of the manifold block assembly may include third ports among the plurality of ports. The third ports may be configured for fitting the first monitoring devices among the plurality of mounting devices. The third ports may be fluidically coupled to the outlet lines through internal conduits. The internal conduits may work as the pressure check lines.

[0021] In an embodiment, the first monitoring devices may be selected from a group comprising block and bleed 4 valves, pressure gauges, and pressure transmitters.

[0022] In an embodiment, the third port of the one or more third ports may include a first non-retum valve to prevent backflow of the compressed gas.

[0023] In an embodiment, a second vertical face among the pair of vertical faces of the manifold block assembly may include fourth ports from the plurality of ports. The fourth ports may be configured for mounting second monitoring devices among the plurality of mounting devices. The fourth ports may be fluidically coupled to the outlet lines through internal conduits. The internal conduits may work as the pressure check lines.

[0024] In an embodiment, the second monitoring devices may be selected from a group comprising block and bleed valves, pressure gauges, and pressure transmitters.

[0025] In an embodiment, the fourth port of the one or more fourth ports may include a second non-retum valve for preventing the backflow of the compressed gas.

[0026] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of ports may be adapted to receive at least one pipe connection fluidically connected to any of the base block or at least one of the plurality of secondary blocks of the manifold block assembly.

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGs. 1A and IB illustrate exemplary schematic views of a valve manifold for a compressed gas, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary a front view of the proposed valve manifold showing a top face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary top view of the proposed valve manifold showing a first vertical face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the proposed valve manifold showing a second vertical face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary left side view of the proposed valve manifold showing a first horizontal face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 2E illustrates an exemplary right side view of the proposed valve manifold showing a second horizontal face, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the proposed valve manifold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3B illustrates a circuit diagram of the proposed valve manifold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the proposed valve manifold with control devices and monitoring devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIGs. 5A and 5B show exemplary representations of the proposed valve manifold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0040] Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a valve manifold that integrates multiple internal flow channels and mounting ports within a single, solid manifold block for enabling the flow of a compressed gas. Unlike conventional systems that rely on extensive external tubing and fittings to connect control and monitoring devices.

[0041] According to an aspect, the proposed valve manifold for the compressed gas includes a manifold block assembly having ports and internal conduits within it. The internal conduits allow the compressed gas to flow between the selected ports. The valve manifold includes control devices and monitoring devices fitted to the ports for controlling and monitoring a flow rate of the compressed gas, thereby eliminating the need for tube connections and fittings to facilitate the flow of compressed gas through the proposed valve manifold.

[0042] Referring to FIGs. 1 to 4, a valve manifold (hereinafter referred to as “valve manifold 100”) for a compressed gas is disclosed. The valve manifold 100 includes a manifold block assembly 102, a plurality of internal conduits 104-1,104-2 provided within the manifold block assembly 102, a plurality of ports 106-1,106-2,106-3,106-4, a plurality of control devices 108-1,108-2 and a plurality of monitoring devices 110-1,110-2 fitted at the ports 106-1 to 106-4 for facilitating controlled and monitor flow or pressure of compressed gas through the valve manifold 100, thereby eliminating the need for tube connections and fittings.

[0043] The plurality of ports 106-1,106-2,106-3,106-4 may include one or more first ports 106-1, one or more second ports 106-2, one or more third ports 106-3, and one or more fourth ports 106-4. The plurality of control devices 108-1,108-2 may include a first controldevice 108-1 and a second control device 108-2. In an exemplary embodiment, the compressed gas can be a hydrogen gas or a compressed natural gas (CNG).

[0044] In an embodiment, the manifold block assembly 102 having a front face 102F, a pair of vertical faces 102C, 102D and a pair of horizontal faces 102A, 102B. The manifold block assembly 102 includes a base block 102-1 and a plurality of secondary blocks 102-2, 102-3, 102-4... . fixed to the base block 102-1.

[0045] The pair of vertical faces 102C, 102D may include a first vertical face 102C and a second vertical face 102D. The first vertical face 102C may include one or more third ports 106-3 configured for fitting one or more first monitoring devices 110-1 among the plurality of mounting devices 110-1,110-2. The second vertical face 102D may include one or more fourth ports 106-4 configured for mounting one or more second monitoring devices 110-2 among the plurality of mounting devices 110-1,100-2.

[0046] The plurality of secondary blocks 102-2, 102-3, 102-4.... may include a first secondary block fixed 102-2 and a plurality of second secondary blocks 102-3,102-4.... The first secondary block fixed 102-2 to the top face of base block 102-1 close to the upper horizontal face 102A, and the second secondary blocks 102-3,102-4... fixed to the front face 102F of the base block 102-1 close to a lower horizontal face 102B.

[0047] The first secondary block 102-2 may include first ports 106-1 and second ports 106-2. The first ports 106-1 are fluidically coupled to the at least one inlet 112 through internal conduits 104-1,104-2 that work as inlet lines 104-1 A to receive compressed gas from the at least one inlet 112.

[0048] The plurality of second secondary blocks 102-3,102-4,... includes one or more outlets 116-1,116-2 fluidically coupled to the second ports 106-2 provided in the first secondary block 102-2 to receive the compressed gas through the internal conduits 104- 1,104-2 that work as outlet lines 1O4-1B,1O4-2B. The outlets 116-1,116-2 may be configured for receiving the one or more second control valves 118-1,118-2 for controlling dispensing of the compressed gas.

[0049] As illustrated in FIGs. 5A and 5B, each of the ports 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, and 106- 4 may be configured to receive at least one pipe or tubing connection. These ports 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, and 106-4 may be fluidically coupled to either the base block 102-1 or to one or more of the secondary valve blocks 102-2, 102-3, 102-4...., which collectively form part of the manifold block assembly 102. This configuration allows each of the ports 106-1, 106- 2, 106-3, and 106-4 to serve as an interface for gas flow into or out of the manifold block assembly 102.

[0050] The valve manifold 100 includes at least one inlet 112 provided on one of the horizontal faces 102B of the manifold block assembly 102. The at least one inlet 112 being configured to receive the compressed gas from an external source.

[0051] The valve manifold 100 includes at least one pair of eyelets 114A fixed to the manifold block assembly 102 at an upper horizontal face among the horizontal faces 102B, the eyelets 114A being configured to receive hooks 114B to facilitate lifting of the valve manifold 100.

[0052] In an embodiment, the plurality of ports 106-1, 106-2, 106-3, 106-4 are provided on one or more of the front face 102F, the vertical faces 102C, 102D and the horizontal faces 102 A, 102B.

[0053] The first ports 106-1 and the second ports 106-2 may be provided in pairs. Each of the pairs of the first port 106-1 and the second port 106-2 may be fitted with a first control device 108-1 to control flow of the compressed gas received at the corresponding first port 106-1 and discharge into the corresponding second port 106-2 after the control.

[0054] The third ports 106-3 are fluidically coupled to the outlet lines 1O4-1B,1O4-2B through internal conduits 104-1,104-2 that work as the pressure check lines 1O4-1C,1O4-2C where at least one third port of the one or more third ports 106-3 may include at least one first non-retum valve 120-1 configured to prevent backflow of the compressed gas.

[0055] The fourth ports 106-4 are fluidically coupled to the outlet lines 1O4-1B,1O4-2B through internal conduits 104-1,104-2 that work as the pressure check lines 1O4-1C,1O4-2C where at least one fourth port of the one or more fourth ports 106-4 may include at least one second non-retum valve 120-2 configured for preventing the backflow of the compressed gas.

[0056] In an embodiment, the plurality of internal conduits 104-1,104-2 are provided within the manifold block assembly 102 to allow the compressed gas to flow between selected pairs of ports among the plurality of ports 106-1,106-2. The internal conduits 104- 1,104-2 may define a set of inlet lines 1O4-1A,1O4-2A, a set of outlet lines 1O4-1B,1O4-2B and a set of pressure check lines 1O4-1C,1O4-2C. In an exemplary embodiment one internal conduit 104-1 can be internally connected to other internal conduit 104-2 to facilitate the desired flow of the compressed gas.

[0057] In an embodiment, the plurality of control devices 108-1,108-2 fitted at a first set of ports 106-1 among the plurality of ports 106-1 to 106-4 to control the flow rate of the compressed gas.

[0058] In an embodiment, the plurality of monitoring devices 110-1,110-2 fitted at a second set of ports 106-2 among the plurality of ports 106-1,106-2 to monitor one or more ofa flow rate or pressure of the compressed gas. The plurality of monitoring devices 110-1,110- 2 may include a first monitoring devices 110-1 and a second monitoring devices 110-2.

[0059] The first monitoring devices 110-1 may be selected from a group comprising block and bleed valves 110-1A, pressure gauges 110-1B, and pressure transmitters 110-1C. The second monitoring devices 110-2 may be selected from a group comprising block and bleed valves 110-2A, pressure gauges 110-2B, and pressure transmitters 110-2.

[0060] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0061] The present disclosure provides a simple, compact, and cost-efficient valve manifold for compressed gas.

[0062] The present disclosure eliminates the need for tube connections and fittings, resulting in a more compact and streamlined structure that facilitates easier installation and maintenance.

[0063] The present disclosure provides one or more internal channels for the flow of the compressed gas from one end of the valve manifold to the other end of the valve manifold.

[0064] The present disclosure allows direct mounting of internal pilot-operated solenoid valves, and other accessory components such as Pressure gauges (PGs), Pressure Transmitters (PTs), Block and Bleed Valves (BBVs), Non Return or Check Valves (NRVs), Ball valves (BVs), and Actuators onto or around the valve manifold block.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A valve manifold (100) for a compressed gas, the valve manifold (100) comprising: a manifold block assembly (102) having a front face (102F), a pair of vertical faces (102C, 102D) and a pair of horizontal faces (102A, 102B); a plurality of ports (106-1,106-2,106-3,106-4) provided on one or more of the front face (102F), the vertical faces (102C,102D) and the horizontal faces (102A, 102B); a plurality of internal conduits (104-1,104-2) provided within the manifold block assembly (102) to allow the compressed gas to flow between selected pairs of ports among the plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4); a plurality of control devices (108-1,108-2) fitted at a first set of ports (106-1) among the plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4) to control the flow rate of the compressed gas; and a plurality of monitoring devices (110-1,110-2) fitted at a second set of ports (106- 2) among the plurality of ports (106-1,106-2).

2. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manifold block assembly (102) comprises a base block (102-1) and a plurality of secondary blocks (102-2, 102-3, 102-4... .) fixed to the base block (102-1).

3. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of internal conduits (104-1,104-2) define a set of inlet lines (1O4-1A,1O4-2A), a set of outlet lines (1O4-1B,1O4-2B) and a set of pressure check lines (1O4-1C,1O4-2C).

4. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one inlet (112) provided on one of the horizontal faces (102B) of the manifold block assembly (102), the at least one inlet (112) being configured to receive the compressed gas from an external source.

5. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one pair of eyelets (114A) fixed to the manifold block assembly (102) at an upper horizontal face among the horizontal faces (102B), the eyelets (114A) being configured to receive hooks (114B) to facilitate lifting of the valve manifold (100).

6. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the plurality of secondary blocks (102-2, 102-3, 102-4....) comprise a first secondary block fixed (102- 2) to the top face of base block (102-1) close to the upper horizontal face (102A), wherein the first secondary block (102-2) comprises one or more first ports (106-1) and one or more second ports (106-2) among the plurality of ports (106-1,106-2), wherein theone or more first ports (106-1) are fluidically coupled to the at least one inlet (112) through internal conduits (104-1,104-2) that work as inlet lines (104-1A) to receive compressed gas from the at least one inlet (112) through the internal conduits (104- 1,104-2) that work as inlet lines (1O4-1A,1O4-2A).

7. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more first ports (106- 1) and the one or more second ports (106-2) are provided in pairs such that each of the pairs of the first port (106-1) and the second port (106-2) is fitted with a first control device (108-1) among the plurality of control devices (108-1,108-2) to control flow of the compressed gas received at the corresponding first port (106-1) and discharge into the corresponding second port (106-2) after the control.

8. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of secondary blocks (102-2, 102-3, 102-4....) comprises a plurality of second secondary blocks (102- 3,102-4...) fixed to the front face (102F) of the base block (102-1) close to a lower horizontal face (102B) wherein the plurality of second secondary blocks comprise one or more outlets (116-1,116-2) fluidically coupled to the one or more second ports (106-2) provided in the first secondary block (102-2) to receive the compressed gas through the internal conduits (104-1,104-2) that work as outlet lines (1O4-1B,1O4-2B).

9. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more outlets (116- 1,116-2) are configured for receiving the one or more second control valves (108-2) for controlling dispensing of the compressed gas.

10. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first vertical face (102C) among the pair of vertical faces (102C,102D) of the manifold block assembly (102) comprises one or more third ports (106-3) among the plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4) configured for fitting one or more first monitoring devices (110-1) among the plurality of mounting devices (110-1,110-2), where the one or more third ports (106-3) are fluidically coupled to the outlet lines (1O4-1B,1O4-2B) through internal conduits (104- 1,104-2) that work as the pressure check lines (1O4-1C,1O4-2C).

11. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more first monitoring devices (110-1) are selected from a group comprising block and bleed 4 valves, pressure gauges, and pressure transmitters.

12. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one third port of the one or more third ports (106-3) comprises at least one first non-retum valve (120-1) configured to prevent backflow of the compressed gas.

13. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a second vertical face (102D) among the pair of vertical faces (102C,102D) of the manifold block assembly (102) comprises one or more fourth ports (106-4) from the plurality of ports (106-1 to 106-4) configured for mounting one or more second monitoring devices (110-2) among the plurality of mounting devices (110-1,100-2), wherein the one or more fourth ports (106- 4) are fluidically coupled to the outlet lines (1O4-1B,1O4-2B) through internal conduits (104-1,104-2) that work as the pressure check lines (1O4-1C,1O4-2C).

14. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the one or more second monitoring devices (110-2) are selected from a group comprising block and bleed valves, pressure gauges, and pressure transmitters.

15. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the at least one fourth port of the one or more fourth ports (106-4) comprises at least one second non-retum valve (120-2) configured for preventing the backflow of the compressed gas.

16. The valve manifold (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of ports (106-1,106-2,106-3,106-4) is adapted to receive at least one pipe connection fluidically connected to any of the base block (102-1) or at least one of the plurality of secondary blocks (102-2, 102-3, 102-4....) of the manifold block assembly (102).

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