Segmented Gas Bladders for Low-Pressure Corrosive Gas Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently storing and dispensing corrosive gases at low pressures, as high-pressure storage poses risks of leaks and inefficiencies, while low-pressure gases occupy large volumes and are difficult to transport.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a bladder within a vessel, equipped with sensors and a controller, regulates gas flow by controlling pressure through a solenoid and pressure reducer, allowing for precise dispensing of corrosive gases at low pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If corrosive gases are stored in compressed gas cylinders at high pressure, then transport efficiency and storage efficiency are improved, but the risk of leaks from corrosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the gas storage into a removable bladder component that can be replaced when corroded, separating the storage function from the delivery infrastructure. This allows the gas to be stored in a disposable or replaceable container rather than a permanent high-pressure cylinder, reducing leak risks while maintaining transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure reduction system between the high-pressure gas source and the reaction chamber. This intermediary mechanism (including pressure regulators and flow controllers) allows the gas to be stored at high pressure for efficient transport, then safely reduced to low pressure for use, eliminating direct exposure of high-pressure corrosive gas to the reaction environment.
2Reliability
If corrosive gases are stored at low pressure, then the risk of leaks from corrosion is reduced, but the volume of space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into a compact high-pressure reservoir and a separate low-pressure delivery system. The high-pressure storage maintains compact volume, while the low-pressure delivery portion is minimized through efficient flow control mechanisms, allowing the system to achieve both compact size and reduced leak risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the pressure parameter along the gas flow path. Gas is stored at high pressure to minimize volume, then pressure is progressively reduced through regulated stages just before and during delivery to the reaction chamber. This parameter change allows the gas to occupy minimal space while maintaining low pressure at the point of use.
3Productivity
If high pressure gas supplies are used, then storage efficiency is improved, but the gases can be detrimental to various types of work that uses them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces multiple intermediary pressure reduction mechanisms between the high-pressure gas source and the reaction chamber. These intermediaries (pressure regulators, flow controllers, and the bladder system) act as buffers that protect the reaction environment from the harmful effects of high pressure while maintaining storage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-pressure storage function from the reaction environment. By separating the high-pressure reservoir from the low-pressure reaction chamber and using a removable bladder system, the harmful high-pressure conditions are confined to the storage component only, while the work environment operates safely at low pressure.
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
Enables safe and efficient storage and dispensing of corrosive gases at low pressures, reducing the risk of leaks and improving transport efficiency, while maintaining precise control over reaction rates and toxicity levels.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid, where the solenoid controls flow from the gas source into the bladder based on a signal from the controller
Implementation Method 2
a pressure reducer between the gas source and the bladder to reduce a pressure of the gas before it reaches the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and method that allows for the dispensing of corrosive gases into a vessel at low pressures. Examples provided include a method for storing low pressure gas including: receiving a gas within a bladder at least partially confined within a vessel; pressing the bladder against at least one wall of the vessel based on a pressure of the gas within the bladder; receiving, at a controller, a signal from at least one sensor disposed between the bladder and the at least one wall of the vessel; and controlling, with the controller, gas flow from a gas source into the bladder based on the signal from the at least one sensor disposed between the bladder and the at least one wall of the vessel.