Gas storage assembly and method for assembling and testing such an assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a method which comprises the following steps: - obtaining a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14) each connected to a manual shut-off valve (16), the manual shut-off valve (16) being in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) can selectively adopt an open state or a closed state; - connecting each manual shut-off valve (16) to a manifold (28); - testing the leak tightness of the manifold (28), each manual shut-off valve (16) being in the closed state; - opening the manual valves (16); - filling the tanks (10, 12, 14); and - locking the manual valves (16) in the open state, each manual shut-off valve (16) being placed in a locked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is irreversibly locked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Gas storage assembly and method for assembling and testing such an assembly

[0002] The invention generally relates to a gas storage system, particularly intended to power a fuel cell.

[0003] The invention relates in particular to a method for assembling and testing a gas storage system comprising several tanks, each tank delimiting a gas storage cavity.

[0004] The cavities are fluidly connected to a common manifold designed to supply the gas-consuming component, for example, the fuel cell.

[0005] This assembly must be subjected to leak tests, in particular to check for leaks at the manifold.

[0006] A constant concern for this type of test is to minimize the amount of gas used to perform the leak test, and to minimize the duration of the test.

[0007] Furthermore, the standards require that, once the entire gas storage system is in operation, the storage cavities be permanently interconnected.

[0008] In this context, the invention aims to propose a method for assembling and testing a multi-tank gas storage system, enabling the above constraints to be met.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a method for assembling and testing a gas storage unit, the method comprising the following steps:

[0010] - obtaining a plurality of tanks each connected to a manual shut-off valve, each tank delimiting a gas storage cavity having an orifice, the manual shut-off valve having a first port connected to the orifice and a second port, the manual shut-off valve being in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port communicates fluidly with the second port or a closed state in which the first port is fluidly isolated from the second port, each manual shut-off valve at the end of the obtaining step being in the closed state;

[0011] - connection of the second port of each manual shut-off valve to a manifold, each manual shut-off valve remaining in the closed state;

[0012] - leak test of the manifold, with each manual shut-off valve remaining in the closed state;

[0013] - opening of the manual valves, each manual shut-off valve being placed in the open state; - filling of the tanks with said pressurized gas, each manual shut-off valve remaining in the open state;

[0014] - blocking of manual valves in the open state, each manual shut-off valve being placed in a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0015] Thus, each tank is equipped with a manual shut-off valve having two configurations: an operational configuration allowing the manual shut-off valve to be selectively switched to the open or closed state, and a blocked configuration, in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly blocked in the open state.

[0016] During the initial stages of the process, the manual shut-off valve is in its operational configuration. It can therefore be switched to the open or closed position at will.

[0017] When the tanks are connected to the manifold, the manual valves are closed to maintain a minimum pressure in each tank. This is necessary both to prevent damage to the inner lining of the gas storage cavity and to maintain the cleanliness of the cavity.

[0018] The manual shut-off valve remains closed during the manifold leak test. This leak test is performed by pressurizing the manifold with a very high gas pressure. Because the manual valves are closed, only the internal volume of the manifold needs to be filled. This significantly reduces the amount of gas required for the leak test and also speeds up the testing process.

[0019] The fact that, at the end of the manifold leak test stage, the manual shut-off valve is still in its operational configuration allows it to be returned to the open state to ensure the filling of each tank with pressurized gas.

[0020] Finally, the fact that each manual shut-off valve has a locked-in open configuration ensures compliance with the standard. The manual valves are irreversibly locked in the open position, making it impossible, once commissioning is complete, to isolate the tanks from one another by closing the manual valves.

[0021] The manual valves are switched to a closed configuration only after the tanks are filled, allowing the storage cavity of each tank to be isolated during connection and leak testing. The process may also incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, considered individually or in all technically feasible combinations:

[0022] - each manual shut-off valve includes a passage fluidly connecting the first port and the second port to each other, a shut-off member occupying a shut-off position in the closed state and a clearance position in the open state, and an actuator capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator being connected to the shut-off member by a mechanical link in the operational configuration, the mechanical link being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration;

[0023] - the mechanical link includes a rod, the rod being broken in the locked configuration;

[0024] - the rod is designed to break when a torque exceeding a predetermined limit is applied to said rod;

[0025] - each manual shut-off valve includes a passage fluidly connecting the first port and the second port to each other, a shutting device occupying a shutting position of the passage in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage in the open state, and an actuator capable of being used by a user to move the shutting device between its shutting position and its clearance position, the actuator being connected to the shutting device by a mechanical link in the operational configuration, the actuator being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration;

[0026] - the actuator is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the locked configuration by a non-removable cover;

[0027] - the actuator is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a plug of a solidified material on the actuator;

[0028] - The step of obtaining a plurality of reservoirs includes, for each reservoir:

[0029] - a sub-step of filling and leak testing said tank, the manual shut-off valve connected to the tank being in the open state during the sub-step of filling and leak testing;

[0030] - a closing sub-step, the manual shut-off valve connected to the tank being placed in the closed state.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a gas storage assembly, the assembly comprising: - a plurality of tanks, each delimiting a gas storage cavity having an orifice;

[0032] - for each tank a manual shut-off valve, the manual shut-off valve having a first port connected to the orifice and a second port, the manual shut-off valve having an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port communicates fluidly with the second port or a closed state in which the first port is fluidly isolated from the second port;

[0033] - a manifold, the second port of each manual shut-off valve being connected to the manifold; each manual shut-off valve having a locked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly locked in the open state, with no possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0034] Preferably, each manual shut-off valve includes a passage fluidly connecting the first port and the second port to each other, a shut-off member occupying a shut-off position of the passage in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage in the open state, and an actuator capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator being connected to the shut-off member by a mechanical linkage in the operational configuration;

[0035] - the mechanical link being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration; or the actuator being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the attached figures, including:

[0037] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation illustrating the state of the entire gas storage system at the end of the stage of obtaining the plurality of tanks, before connection to the collector;

[0038] - Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, illustrating the state of the entire gas storage system during the manifold leak test stage, including the conduits interconnecting the tanks;

[0039] - [Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figure 1, illustrating the state of the gas storage assembly at the end of the step of blocking the manual valves in the open state;

[0040] - Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate a first variant of the manual shut-off valve, respectively in the operational configuration in the open state, in the operational configuration in the closed state, and in the blocked configuration; and - Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two other variants of the manual shut-off valve, in the blocked configuration.

[0041] The process illustrated in figures 1 to 3 is intended for the assembly and testing of a gas storage unit.

[0042] The gas is typically intended to power a fuel cell.

[0043] For example, the gas in this case is hydrogen.

[0044] Alternatively, the gas is of another type: nitrogen, oxygen, air, etc.

[0045] The gas is stored under pressure. For example, it is stored up to a maximum permissible pressure of 875 bar.

[0046] The process includes a step of obtaining a plurality of tanks 10, 12, 14, each connected to a manual shut-off valve 16.

[0047] The manual shut-off valve 16 is specific to each tank 10, 12, 14. In other words, there are as many manual valves as there are tanks.

[0048] The system includes two tanks, or three tanks, as in the example shown, or more than three tanks.

[0049] Each tank 10, 12, 14 delimits a gas storage cavity 18 having an orifice 20.

[0050] The orifice 20 opens into the cavity 18, allowing this cavity 18 to communicate with the outside of the tank. It is designed for filling the cavity 18 with gas, and for extracting the gas from the cavity 18.

[0051] The manual shut-off valve 16 has a first port 22 connected to the orifice 20 and a second port 24. The first port 22 is directly connected to the orifice 20, or is fluidly connected to the orifice 20 by a conduit 26, as shown in Figure 1.

[0052] At the acquisition stage, the manual shut-off valve 16 is in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve 16 is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port 22 communicates fluidly with the second port 24, or a closed state in which the first port 22 is fluidly isolated from the second port 24.

[0053] At the end of the production step, each manual shut-off valve 16 is in the closed state, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0054] At the end of the production stage, the different tanks 10, 12, 14 are independent of each other. In other words, they are not connected to each other by pipes, nor connected to the same manifold.

[0055] Advantageously, the obtaining step includes, for each tank 10, 12, 14, a substep of filling and leak testing said tank. The manual shut-off valve 16 connected to the tank 10, 12, 14 is in the open state during the leak testing substep.

[0056] The obtaining step also includes a closing substep, following the filling and leak test substep, during which the manual shut-off valve 16 connected to the tank 10, 12, 14 is placed in the closed state.

[0057] Thus, each tank 10, 12, 14 is tested individually during the filling and leak test sub-stage, independently of the other tanks.

[0058] The sub-step of filling and leak testing aims to test the leak tightness of the tank itself, in particular of the lining (inner jacket) delimiting the cavity 18 as well as the tightness at the interfaces with the O components equipping the bottle heads.

[0059] This substep is performed by connecting the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16 to a very high-pressure test gas source. The manual shut-off valve is held in the open position, as described above.

[0060] While cavity 18 of the tank is maintained at very high pressure, any leaks are detected, for example by analyzing the atmosphere around the tank to detect traces of the test gas.

[0061] The test gas is, for example, a mixture of hydrogen in sufficient quantity for detection and another inert gas in sufficient quantity to avoid an explosive condition of the mixture.

[0062] At the end of the leak test sub-step, the pressure inside the tank cavity is reduced to a predetermined moderate final pressure above atmospheric pressure.

[0063] After the closing sub-step, each tank 10, 12, 14 is therefore filled with the test gas, at the determined final pressure.

[0064] The process also includes a step of connecting the second port 24 of each manual shut-off valve 16 to a manifold 28, each manual shut-off valve 16 remaining in the closed state.

[0065] The connection stage takes place after the obtaining stage.

[0066] The state of the entire gas storage system at the end of the connection stage is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0067] It should be noted that tanks 10, 12, 14, at the end of the production stage, are pre-equipped for connection to the collector 28. This pre-equipment is part of the O components equipping the cylinder heads.

[0068] As illustrated in Figure 1, the pre-equipment varies from one tank 10, 12, 14 to another. Tank 14 has a conduit 30 connected to the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16. The end of the conduit 30 is closed by a removable flap 32.

[0069] The reservoir 12 has a T-shaped conduit connected to the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16. The T-shaped conduit 34 has two ends 36 closed by removable flaps 37.

[0070] Tank 10 has a line 38, one end of which is connected to the second port 24 of the manual shut-off valve 16. This line is equipped with process equipment, for example, a pilot valve 40, a main manual shut-off valve 42, filters 44, etc. The end 46 of the line, opposite the manual shut-off valve 16, is closed by a removable flap 48. A bypass conduit 50 is branched off from the line 38 in the immediate vicinity of the second port 24. It is closed by a removable flap 52.

[0071] At the connection stage, tanks 12 and 14 are fluidly interconnected by a conduit 54, connecting the conduit 30 of tank 14 to one of the ends 36 of the T-conduit 34. In the same way, tanks 10 and 12 are fluidly interconnected by a conduit 56, fluidly connecting the other end 36 of the T-conduit to the bypass conduit 50.

[0072] As illustrated in Figure 2, the end 46 of the conduit 38 is connected to lines 58 and 60. Line 58 is equipped with devices intended for connection to the filling station. Line 60 is equipped with a pressure reducing device.

[0073] At the end of the connection stage, the manifold 28 consists of all the interconnected lines, connected to the second ports 24 of the various manual valves 16. In the example shown, the manifold 28 includes the conduit 30, the conduit 54, the T conduit 34, the conduit 56, the line 38, the line 58 and the line 60.

[0074] The conduit 50 is connected between the manual shut-off valve 16 associated with the tank 10 and the general manual shut-off valve 42. Therefore, it is possible to isolate all the tanks 10, 12, 14 from the manifold 28 by closing only the general manual shut-off valve 42.

[0075] At the end of the connection step, tanks 10, 12, 14 are in the same state of filling as at the end of the production step. They are filled with the test gas, at the determined final pressure.

[0076] The process further includes a leak test step of the manifold 28, each manual shut-off valve 16 remaining in the closed state during the manifold leak test step.

[0077] The leak test step occurs immediately after the connection step. As illustrated in Figure 2, during the manifold leak test step, the manifold 28 is filled with the test gas at a very high pressure.

[0078] The test gas is the same as for the tank leak test sub-step.

[0079] For example, a mixture of hydrogen in sufficient quantity for detection and another inert gas in sufficient quantity to avoid a condition of explosiveness of the mixture.

[0080] For example, the manifold 28 is maintained at a pressure of 875 bars during the leak test stage.

[0081] All parts of the manifold 28 are tested during the leak test. In other words, the leak test step allows for testing the leak tightness of all lines downstream of the manual valves 16.

[0082] The presence of possible leaks is identified, for example, by detecting the presence of traces of the test gas around the manifold 28.

[0083] At the end of the manifold leak test stage, the pressure in the manifold is reduced to a moderate value, for example to the final determined pressure of the test gas inside tanks 10, 12, 14.

[0084] The process still includes a step of opening the manual valves, then a step of filling the tanks with pressurized gas.

[0085] These steps are performed after the leak test step.

[0086] At the manual valve opening stage, each manual shut-off valve 16 is placed in the open state.

[0087] At the stage of filling tanks 10, 12, 14, the test gas filling the cavities 18 of tanks 10, 12, 14 is purged, and the cavities 18 are filled with hydrogen at a delivery pressure complying with local transport standards.

[0088] The manual shut-off valves 16 remain in the open state during the tank filling stage.

[0089] The state of the entire gas storage system at the end of the filling stage is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0090] The cavities 18 of the tanks 10, 12, and 14 are in fluidic communication with the manifold 28 via the manual valves 16. The end of line 58 is connected to the cell filling device, and the end of line 60 is connected to the gas extraction device. The solenoid valve 40 is in the closed position. The pressurized gas is therefore contained within the gas storage assembly.

[0091] After the filling stage, an operator manually closes the main shut-off valve 42. This valve provides a double sealing barrier during the transport of the storage unit to the location where it will be mounted on a vehicle.

[0092] Then, the part of the manifold 28 located downstream of the manual main shut-off valve 42 is inertized by purging with an inert gas, and brought back to atmospheric pressure.

[0093] In a final step, the ends of lines 58 and 60 are disconnected from the filling and extraction devices, and the openings are then plugged to prevent the intrusion of foreign bodies.

[0094] The process further includes a step of locking the manual valves in the open state, each manual shut-off valve being placed in a locked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve is irreversibly locked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0095] In other words, in its operational state, the manual shut-off valve 16 can be operated by a user, who can selectively switch it, that is, choose to switch it either to the open state or to the closed state.

[0096] Conversely, in the locked configuration, the user can no longer operate the manual shut-off valve to close it. The manual shut-off valve is locked in the open position.

[0097] More specifically, the user cannot switch the manual shut-off valve from the open state to the closed state without first destroying one or more elements of the manual shut-off valve.

[0098] The step of locking the manual valves in the open state follows the tank filling step. Alternatively, it is performed between the opening step and the tank filling step.

[0099] As illustrated in figures 4 to 8, each manual shut-off valve 16 has a passage 66 fluidly connecting the first port 22 and the second port 24 to each other.

[0100] This passage is provided in a valve body 68.

[0101] The manual shut-off valve 16 further includes a shut-off member 70 which, in the closed state, occupies a position of closing the passage 22 and, in the open state, a position of clearing the passage 22, as well as an actuator 72 which can be used by a user to move the shut-off member 70 between its shut-off position and its clearing position.

[0102] In the operational configuration of the manual shut-off valve, the actuator 72 is connected to the shut-off member 70 by a mechanical linkage 74. According to a first embodiment, illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the mechanical linkage 70 is irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration of the manual shut-off valve.

[0103] This means that in the blocked configuration of the manual shut-off valve, the mechanical link is no longer operational and cannot be restored by the user.

[0104] The mechanical link 74 typically includes a rod 75. For example, the sealing member 70 is formed by one end of the rod 75. It defines a frustoconical bearing surface 76, resting in the sealing position in a sealed manner on a seat 78 provided in the passage 66.

[0105] In the closed position, the closing device 70 thus closes a section of the passage 66.

[0106] The stem 75 is arranged in a well 80 formed in the body 68. The well has an open end 81, opening outside the valve body 68.

[0107] The rod 75 has a section with an external thread 82.

[0108] The external thread 82 cooperates with an internal tapping 84 provided on a part of the internal surface of the well 80.

[0109] The actuator 72 is formed by the end of the rod 75 opposite the sealing member 70. The actuator 72 protrudes out of the well 80 through the open end 81.

[0110] To move the manual shut-off valve 16 between its open position and its closed position, the user rotates the rod 75 around its axis of rotation A. Due to the cooperation of the external thread 82 and the internal tapping 84, the rod 75 moves along the axis of rotation A.

[0111] In the open position, the obturator 70 is raised away from the seat 78. This situation is shown in Figure 4. In the closed position, the obturator 70 is abutted against the seat 78. This situation is shown in Figure 5.

[0112] The blocked configuration is shown in Figure 6. In this blocked configuration, rod 75 is broken.

[0113] In the example shown, the rod 75 is broken at its junction 86 between the actuator 72 and the threaded section of the rod 75.

[0114] Alternatively, the rod 75 is broken at another point, for example between the threaded section and the sealing member 70.

[0115] Advantageously, rod 75 is designed to break when a torque exceeding a predetermined limit is exerted on rod 75.

[0116] In other words, the section of the stem designed to break is sized to break when a torque exceeding the predetermined limit is applied to the stem 75. To achieve this, the manual shut-off valve 16 includes a stop 88 against which the stem 75 bears in the open position. The stop 88 halts the movement of the stem 75 when, during its movement from the open position to the closed position, the valve reaches its open position.

[0117] In the example shown, the stop 88 is a washer placed in a groove cut into the inner surface of the well 80. The inner edge of the washer 88 protrudes towards the inside of the well 80. In the open position, the threaded section of the rod 75 bears axially against the washer.

[0118] When a user applies a rotational torque to the actuator 72, in the direction that would normally cause the rod 75 to move away from the seat 78, the stop 88 prevents the rod from moving. If the torque applied by the user exceeds the predetermined limit, the rod 75 breaks at the section dimensioned for this purpose.

[0119] It should be noted that the rod 75 has a sealing joint 90 ensuring a sliding seal between the rod 75 and the internal surface of the well 80.

[0120] An alternative embodiment of the manual shut-off valve is shown in Figure 7. Only the points at which this manual shut-off valve differs from that shown in Figures 4 to 6 will be detailed below. Identical elements or those performing the same function will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0121] In the embodiment variant of Figure 7, in the blocked configuration, the actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible.

[0122] In other words, the user can only access the actuator to move the manual shut-off valve to its closed position by damaging the manual shut-off valve or elements mounted on the valve, rendering the actuator inaccessible.

[0123] In the alternative embodiment, the actuator 72 is again formed by one end of the rod 75.

[0124] In the open position of the manual shut-off valve, the actuator 72 is housed inside the well 80.

[0125] On the contrary, in the embodiment variant of figures 4 to 6, the actuator 72 protrudes out of the well 80, to facilitate gripping by the user.

[0126] In the embodiment variant of figure 7, the actuator 72 is a raised or recessed relief, provided at the end of the rod 75 opposite the sealing member 70.

[0127] In the operational configuration, to move the sealing element 70 between its closed and open positions, the user inserts a tool into the well 80. The tool engages with the recessed or protruding feature. The tool rotates the rod 75 around axis A via the recessed or protruding feature. Preferably, and as illustrated in Figure 7, the actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the closed configuration by a non-removable cover 92.

[0128] The non-removable cover 92 is mounted on the manual shut-off valve 16 and prevents access to the actuator 72. It is non-removable in the sense that it can only be separated from the manual shut-off valve 16 by breaking either the cover or the valve.

[0129] The non-removable cover 92 is housed in well 80.

[0130] A second groove 94 is formed in the internal surface of the shaft 80. The second groove 94 is, for example, formed between the stop 88 and the open end 81 of the shaft 80.

[0131] The non-removable cover 92 includes a disc 96 and a plurality of tabs 98 attached to the disc 96.

[0132] In the example shown, the actuator 72 is a protruding feature. The disc 96 has an opening that internally receives the actuator 72. Once the disc 96 is placed around the actuator 72, it is no longer possible for a tool to cooperate with the actuator 72.

[0133] The lugs 98 are distributed all around the periphery of the disc 96. Each has a locking end 102 engaged in the groove 94, and another end attached to the disc 96.

[0134] Thus, the non-removable cover 92 is braced between the rod 75 on one side and the groove 94 on the other.

[0135] The non-removable cover 92, for example, is made of a metallic material.

[0136] The non-removable cover 92 is put in place by the open end 81 of the well 80. The arms 98 are flexible and bend elastically towards the center of the disc 96 when the non-removable cover 92 is inserted into the well 80. When the disc 96 comes into position around the actuator 72, the arms 98 reach the groove 94. They come into position in the groove 94 due to their elasticity.

[0137] A manual shut-off valve conforming to another variant will now be detailed, with reference to Figure 8.

[0138] Only the points at which this manual shut-off valve differs from the one in Figure 7 will be detailed. Identical elements or those performing the same function will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0139] The actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a plug 104 of a solidified material on the actuator 72.

[0140] Cap 104 replaces non-removable cover 92.

[0141] The plug 104 is made of wax or a plastic material. This plug fills the entire portion of the well 80 located between the actuator 72 and the open end 81 of the well 80.

[0142] In the example shown, the cap 104 overflows onto the peripheral edge of the open end 81.

[0143] Typically, plug 104 is poured hot into well 80, and solidifies upon cooling.

[0144] The invention also relates to a gas storage unit 106. This storage unit is shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0145] The storage assembly 106 is intended to be obtained by the process described previously. Conversely, the process is designed to obtain the storage assembly that will now be described.

[0146] The gas storage unit 106 comprises:

[0147] - a plurality of tanks 10, 12, 14, each delimiting a gas storage cavity 18 having an orifice 20;

[0148] - for each tank 10, 12, 14 a manual shut-off valve 16, the manual shut-off valve 16 having a first port 22 connected to the orifice 20 and a second port 24, the manual shut-off valve 16 having an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve 16 is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port 22 communicates fluidly with the second port 24 or a closed state in which a first port 22 is fluidly isolated from the second port 24;

[0149] - a manifold 28, the second port 24 of each manual shut-off valve 16 being connected to the manifold 28.

[0150] Each manual shut-off valve 16 also has a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve 16 is irreversibly blocked in the open state, with no possibility of adopting the closed state.

[0151] Tanks 10, 12, 14 are as described above.

[0152] Storage cavity 18 is as described above.

[0153] Manifold 28 is as described above.

[0154] Each manual shut-off valve 16 includes a passage 66 fluidly connecting the first port 22 to the second port 24, a shut-off member 70 occupying a shut-off position of the passage 66 in the closed state and a clearance position of the passage 66 in the open state, and an actuator 72 capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member 70 between its shut-off position and its clearance position.

[0155] The actuator 72 is connected to the shut-off element 70 by a mechanical link 74 in the operational configuration of the manual shut-off valve 16. According to an alternative embodiment, the mechanical link 74 is irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration.

[0156] According to another embodiment, the actuator 72 is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

[0157] The manual shut-off valve 16 is as described above.

[0158] The invention described above may have multiple variations.

[0159] The shut-off element of the manual shut-off valve can be of any type and is not necessarily a rod end with a frustoconical sealing surface. The shut-off element can be a disc, a plate, etc.

[0160] The obturator moves between its obturating position and its disengaging position by any suitable movement, this movement not necessarily being a translational movement. This movement may be a rotational movement or involve both one or more rotations and one or more translations.

[0161] The actuator is not necessarily the end of a valve stem with a protruding or recessed feature. This actuator can be a lever, a wheel, or any other suitable actuator.

[0162] The mechanical link connecting the actuator to the closing mechanism can be of any suitable type. It is not necessarily a rod. The actuator can be fixed to the closing mechanism via the mechanical linkage or, conversely, drive the closing mechanism by means of a kinematic chain of any type.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Method for assembling and testing a gas storage unit, the method comprising the following steps: - obtaining a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14) each connected to a manual shut-off valve (16), each tank (10, 12, 14) delimiting a gas storage cavity (18) having an orifice (20), the manual shut-off valve (16) having a first port (22) connected to the orifice (20) and a second port (24), the manual shut-off valve (16) being in an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port (22) communicates fluidly with the second port (24) or a closed state in which the first port (22) is fluidly isolated from the second port (24), each manual shut-off valve (16) at the end of the obtaining step being in the closed state; - connection of the second port (24) of each manual shut-off valve (16) to a manifold (28), each manual shut-off valve (16) remaining in the closed state; - leak test of the manifold (28), each manual shut-off valve (16) remaining in the closed state; - opening of the manual valves (16), each manual shut-off valve (16) being placed in the open state; - filling of the tanks (10, 12, 14) with said pressurized gas, each manual shut-off valve (16) remaining in the open state; - blocking of manual valves (16) in the open state, each manual shut-off valve (16) being placed in a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein each manual shut-off valve (16) comprises a passage (66) fluidly connecting the first port (22) and the second port (24) to each other, a shut-off member (70) occupying a shut-off position of the passage (66) in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage (66) in the open state, and an actuator (72) capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member (70) between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator (72) being connected to the shut-off member (70) by a mechanical linkage (74) in the operational configuration, the mechanical linkage (74) being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the mechanical link (74) comprises a rod (75), the rod (75) being broken in the blocked configuration.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the rod (75) is designed to break when a torque greater than a predetermined limit is exerted on said rod (75).

5. Method according to claim 1, wherein each manual shut-off valve comprises a passage (66) fluidly connecting the first port (22) and the second port (24) to each other, a shut-off member (70) occupying a shut-off position of the passage (66) in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage (66) in the open state, and an actuator (72) capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member (70) between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator (72) being connected to the shut-off member (70) by a mechanical linkage (74) in the operational configuration, the actuator (72) being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (70) is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a non-removable cover (92).

7. Method according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (70) is rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration by a plug (104) of a material solidified on the actuator (72).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of obtaining a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14) comprises, for each tank (10, 12, 14): - a sub-step of filling and leak testing said tank (10, 12, 14), the manual shut-off valve (16) connected to the tank (10, 12, 14) being in the open state during the sub-step of filling and leak testing; - a closing sub-step, the manual shut-off valve (16) connected to the reservoir (10, 12, 14) being placed in the closed state.

9. Gas storage assembly, the assembly comprising: - a plurality of tanks (10, 12, 14), each delimiting a gas storage cavity (18) having an orifice (20); - for each tank (10, 12, 14) a manual shut-off valve (16), the manual shut-off valve (16) having a first port (22) connected to the orifice (20) and a second port (24), the manual shut-off valve (16) having an operational configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is capable of selectively adopting an open state in which the first port (22) communicates fluidly with the second 17 port (24) or a closed state in which the first port (22) is fluidly isolated from the second port (24); - a manifold (28), the second port (24) of each manual shut-off valve (16) being connected to the manifold (28); each manual shut-off valve (16) having a blocked configuration in which the manual shut-off valve (16) is irreversibly blocked in the open state, without the possibility of adopting the closed state.

10. Assembly according to claim 9, wherein each manual shut-off valve (16) comprises a passage (66) fluidly connecting the first port (22) and the second port (24) to each other, a shut-off member (16) occupying a shut-off position of the passage (66) in the closed state and occupying a clearance position of the passage (66) in the open state, and an actuator (72) capable of being used by a user to move the shut-off member (70) between its shut-off position and its clearance position, the actuator (72) being connected to the shut-off member (70) by a mechanical linkage (74) in the operational configuration; the mechanical linkage (74) being irreversibly deactivated in the blocked configuration; or the actuator (72) being rendered irreversibly inaccessible in the blocked configuration.

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