Sequential Gas Cylinder Filling via Bypass Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for filling gas cylinders and buffer capacities involves simultaneous filling, which results in inefficiencies due to the need to wait for both to be fully filled before replacing full bottles with empty ones, leading to increased time and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sequential filling process where the cryogenic pump only fills the gas cylinders, while the buffer capacity is filled separately from an external source once the pressure equilibrium is reached, using a bypass line with a non-return valve to prevent gas from returning to the buffer tank, allowing for independent filling of the cylinders and buffer capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simultaneous filling of buffer capacity and gas cylinders is performed, then both components are filled together, but the overall filling time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filling process is segmented into two independent phases: first filling the buffer capacity, then filling the gas cylinders. This is achieved by dividing the filling circuit into a first circuit for buffer filling and a second circuit for cylinder filling, allowing sequential operation without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer capacity is filled in advance before the gas cylinders are filled. By pre-filling the buffer during the first phase, the system ensures that gas is available for rapid cylinder filling in the second phase, eliminating the need to wait for simultaneous completion.
2Loss of time
If sequential filling is implemented, then filling time is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to additional valves and bypass lines
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass line serves multiple functions: it allows gas to flow from the buffer to the cylinders during normal operation, enables isolation of the buffer during filling operations, and provides an alternative flow path for maintenance. The isolation valve on the bypass line is used both for filling operations and for maintenance isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass line acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the buffer capacity and the gas cylinders. It provides a controlled alternative path that allows the system to switch between different filling modes and isolates components as needed without requiring direct connections for each function.
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 approach significantly reduces overall filling time and increases efficiency by allowing the buffer capacity to be filled during bottle substitution, optimizing the use of time previously considered 'dead' in the filling process.
Implementation Method 1
a non-return device (9) on the main supply pipe (2) between the buffer capacity (1) and the control valve (8)
Implementation Method 2
the pressurized gas delivered by the cryogenic pump (6) is sent only to the gas container(s)
Implementation Method 3
until a pressure equilibrium is obtained with the bottles (4), that is to say until an equal balancing pressure is obtained in the buffer capacity (1) and in the bottles (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The installation has a buffer capacity (1) containing pressurized gas. A filling ramp (3) is placed for filling gas containers (4). A gas supply line (2) enables fluidic connection of the buffer capacity with the filling ramp. A filling valve (5) is arranged on the supply line. A control valve (8) is arranged on the supply line between the buffer capacity and the filling valve. A non-return device (9) i.e. non-return valve, is arranged on a by-pass line (10) to authorize a passage of gas in a direction of the filling ramp. An independent claim is also included for a method for filling gas containers.