Compressed Gas Regulator Venting With Upstream Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas regulators lack sufficient security measures to prevent excessive outlet pressure, particularly when the pressure reducer becomes stuck in an open position, and often require electric command signals which may not be available in all end-user facilities.
Innovation Solution
A gas regulator design featuring a flow restriction upstream of the shut-off device and a pressure relief device downstream, with a burst disk that opens when outlet pressure exceeds a set value, ensuring the pressure at the outlet does not exceed a maximum value without the need for electric commands, utilizing a non-return valve and a filter element to manage gas flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure relief device is added to protect against overpressure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure relief device with the existing regulator body, integrating multiple functions (pressure reduction, flow restriction, and pressure relief) into a single unified device. This merging approach provides overpressure protection without requiring a completely separate safety system, thus improving safety while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restriction element acts as an intermediary component between the inlet and outlet, working in conjunction with the pressure relief device to control and limit pressure. This intermediary mechanism provides an additional layer of safety control that works passively without requiring external power or complex active control systems.
2Reliability
If a flow restriction is added upstream of the shut-off device, then outlet pressure control is improved, but gas flow capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction is designed with specific local characteristics (restricted cross-section) at a particular location upstream of the shut-off device. This localized restriction provides pressure control where needed while minimizing the impact on overall gas flow capability. The restriction is positioned and dimensioned to achieve pressure control without unnecessarily limiting productivity during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The regulator provides reliable security by maintaining outlet pressure within a safe range, even if the pressure reducer is blocked, through an adequate matching of the flow restriction and pressure relief device, without moving parts or electric commands, effectively preventing overpressure.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restriction in the gas passage upstream of the shut-off device, dimensioned for reducing the gas pressure at the gas outlet under a maximum pressure value when the pressure relief device is opened
Implementation Method 2
a pressure relief device downstream of the regulating chamber... with a burst disk that opens when outlet pressure exceeds a set value
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator for compressed gas, comprising a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage fluidly interconnecting the gas inlet and gas outlet; a pressure reducer with, in the gas passage, a shut-off device and a movable assembly operatively connected to the shut-off device and delimiting with the body a regulating chamber downstream of the shut-off device; a pressure relief device in the gas passage downstream of the regulating chamber; and a flow restriction in the gas passage upstream of the shut-off device, dimensioned for reducing the gas pressure at the gas outlet under a maximum pressure value when the pressure relief device is opened and the shut-off device is opened.