Gas Temperature Reducing System for High-Pressure Regulator Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure gas delivery systems, particularly those using oxygen, experience rapid temperature spikes due to 'instant on' activation, which can lead to auto-ignition of non-metallic components in pressure regulators, posing a fire or explosive risk.
Innovation Solution
A system with a chamber and flow paths, including a flow restrictor and delay valve, slows the pressure build-up at the regulator from 0.05 seconds to 1-2 seconds, preventing compression-related temperature spikes by balancing gas pressures before allowing high-pressure gas to flow to the regulator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If instant on delivery is used, then rapid gas delivery is achieved, but temperature spike occurs causing safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
A flow restrictor is introduced as an intermediary component in the gas delivery path between the high-pressure source and the regulator. This restrictor mediates the pressure transition by limiting the flow rate, thereby preventing the temperature spike that would otherwise occur during instant-on delivery while still enabling rapid gas delivery to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary pressure equalization before the regulator operates. The flow restrictor预先 slows the pressure build-up in the regulator chamber, allowing the system to prepare for safe operation before full high-pressure delivery is activated, thus preventing temperature spikes before they can occur.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pressure build-up is slowed, then temperature spike is prevented, but delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor applies partial restriction only during the critical pressure build-up phase, not throughout the entire delivery process. Once the pressure equalizes and the regulator is safely pressurized, the restriction effect diminishes, allowing full flow rate to be achieved. This partial action prevents temperature spikes during the vulnerable phase while minimizing time loss during the delivery phase.
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
This solution ensures safe delivery of high-pressure gases by preventing temperature spikes at the regulator, enhancing safety without compromising the 'instant on' capability needed for emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
A flow restrictor, disposed in the first flow path, slows the high-pressure gas traveling along the first flow path to the chamber
Implementation Method 2
A valve, disposed in the second flow path, seals the second flow path when gas pressure at the source exceeds gas pressure in the chamber. The valve opens the second flow path when the gas pressure at the source is balanced with the gas pressure in the chamber
Implementation Method 3
the oxygen gas must be passed through a pressure or flow regulator to lower the oxygen's gas pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system provides regulated delivery of a high-pressure gas. A first flow path, coupled to a high-pressure gas source, is in fluid communication with a chamber. A flow restrictor, disposed in the first flow path, slows the gas traveling along the first flow path to the chamber. A second flow path, coupled to the high-pressure gas source, is in fluid communication with the chamber. A third flow path connects the chamber to a pressure regulator. A valve, disposed in the second flow path, seals the second flow path when gas pressure at the source exceeds gas pressure in the chamber. The valve opens the second flow path when the gas pressure at the source is balanced with the gas pressure in the chamber allowing the high-pressure gas to flow to the regulator via the third flow path.