FR2878312A1 - Containers` e.g. bottle, filling method, involves applying locking units to cooperate with extraction ports of containers, and injecting pressurized fluid in containers through valve blocks cooperating with filling ports of containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves positioning a predetermined quantity of containers (A-F) on a pressurized fluid distribution system (300) having valve blocks (301-306) cooperating with filling ports (341-346) of the containers. Locking units (310, 320) are applied for cooperating with extraction ports of the containers to mechanically maintain the containers. A pressurized fluid is injected in the containers through the blocks and filling ports. An independent claim is also included for a unit of packaging a pressurized fluid in containers.

Description

The invention relates generally to methods for filling

  containers for pressurized fluids, and more particularly separate inlet and outlet containers.

  In addition to the flow direction of the fluid, the conditions of filling (fluid inlet) and of emptying (outlet of the fluid), of a container, of a bottle, or more generally of a container containing a fluid under pressure, can to be different. Thus, the input may be faster than the output, be at a higher pressure, or it may be conditioned to the activation of a safety (positive pressure holding valve). The input and output ports can also be very different, especially for elaborate containers, and integrate relaxation, measurement and security functions. Thus when input and output are located in the same container port, the circuits are complex, so expensive and fragile.

  Most known containers have a fill port (inlet) and a draw port (outlet) connected to the same single pipe through a valve. For example, integrated pressure reducing valves (RDI) are known which have a significant convenience and safety by making the fluid ready for use without the need for connection of a pressure reducer on the high pressure circuit. However, because of the integration of many functions on the tap, its devices are relatively complex, heavy and bulky. They must especially be protected by a hat that is necessarily bulky himself. The RDI includes a high pressure fill circuit and a low pressure and / or controlled flow drain circuit. The proximity of the organs providing the customer functions (port of withdrawal) and the gas functions (filling port) are an additional concern. Solutions are needed to avoid handling errors, and unwanted access to the filler connections.

  There are RDIs with a single fill and drain connection. If the goals of ergonomics and efficiency are well achieved, the system remains complex.

  More satisfactory solutions have been proposed as in EP 1 037 269 A1, which consists of using a container having two separate orifices, a first orifice of the container acting as a filling port, and a second orifice that of port. racking. Each of the ports being specialized, it is simplified and of reduced volume. For containers with large orifices (diameter greater than 45 mm, such as Dynetek containers), a large part of the components of each port can be accommodated inside the neck of the orifice, which limits the protruding volume, for containers used in fixed containers or permanently integrated in a container pack. This separation of the ports makes it possible to design distinct circuits for the withdrawal and the replenishment.

  For containers used as a removable fluid reserve, for example, this arrangement thus makes it possible to separate the gas face from the customer face. In particular, it allows the gas face to be completely hidden without hindering access to the customer functions and thus makes the filling connection free from unwanted interventions.

  This separation of the draw and fill ports also provides access to fast and efficient filling processes such as that proposed in the present invention.

  Thus, the present invention provides an automated container filling method from a pressurized fluid, each of the containers comprising a fill port on one end thereof, and a draw port on its opposite end, and comprising the following steps: a) a predetermined quantity of container is positioned on a pressurized fluid distribution system comprising at least a homologous quantity of valve plugs adapted to cooperate with each of the filling ports, b) locking means are applied cooperating with the respective withdrawal ports of the quantity of containers to mechanically maintain this predetermined quantity of containers, c) injecting the pressurized fluid into the predetermined quantity of containers through the valve pads and the filling ports.

  Thus, this automated method allows filling of a plurality of containers installed on the same distribution system of the pressurized fluid without using any hoses. The installation of the containers, as well as their filling, are facilitated.

  The invention also relates to a unit for conditioning a pressurized fluid in containers, each of the containers comprising a filling port on one of its ends, and a withdrawal port on its opposite end, this packaging unit comprising furthermore: a pressurized fluid distribution system comprising a plurality of valve plugs adapted to cooperate with the filling ports of a predetermined quantity of containers; own locking means to cooperate with the respective withdrawal ports; the predetermined quantity of containers for mechanically maintaining this predetermined quantity of containers; feeding means adapted to inject the pressurized fluid into the predetermined quantity of containers through the valve pads and the filling ports.

  Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description which follows. This is purely illustrative and should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure la is a block diagram of a pressure vessel with separate filling and withdrawal ports, - Figure 1b is a view FIG. 1c is a sectional view of one embodiment of the filling port; FIG. 2 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the filling port, FIG. a container positioned on the valve stem of a pressurized fluid distribution system, and; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the filling method according to the invention.

  The separate inlet and outlet vessel 1 may be an aluminum or polymer liner container and composite reinforcement, and constructed to receive a fluid under pressure. It comprises a pipe at each end, in the form of a filling port on a first end, and a withdrawal port with expansion valve integrated on its other end. Composite bottles are particularly used after filling and condemnation of the filling port. The filling method according to the invention can advantageously recharge these containers after use.

  Figure 1a shows a block diagram of a container with a filling port 50 and a separate withdrawal port 60. The container 1, intended to contain a fluid under pressure, is connected to a system for dispensing a pressurized fluid 10 via an input interface 51 of the filling port 50. This port may comprise, for example, a check valve 12, a filter 14 for retaining migrating bodies carried by the pressurized fluid, and a safety member 16 (rupture disk or pressure relief valve and / or thermal fuse) for releasing the pressurized fluid contained in the container 1 in case of accidental overpressure. The container 1 also has a draw-off port 60 which connects this container to a use circuit 42 via an output interface 61. This extraction port 60 may in particular comprise another filter 2.3 which also serves to block the migrating bodies, an isolation valve 22 provided with a control 24 for closing the outlet of the fluid under pressure. This port of withdrawal also comprises an expansion valve 33 and a non-return valve 40.

  An example of a draw port is shown in Figure 1b. This port of withdrawal can be in the form of a tap and include in particular: - an output port can be an ISO type connector or a screw connection to supply the fluid use circuit through a pipe, means for controlling the flow and / or pressure delivered to the output port, a flow control member, for example of the lever type, which can move from a closed position to an open position. The opening can be obtained after unlocking a safety device preventing the risk of unexpected opening.

  Figure 1b shows an embodiment of a draw-off tap integrable on one end of the container 1 to form the port of withdrawal. The body 420 of the tap expander valve is threaded at 421 to be fixed on the end of the container 1. The thread 421 may be conical as in the example of Figure lb, and the seal is thus provided by a paste or PTFE tape disposed between the tapping of the container and the thread of the valve. The thread 421 may also be cylindrical, the seal being obtained by a seal. A valve 422 protected by a filter 423 is controlled by a pusher 424 (corresponding to the control member mentioned above) ensures the passage of the fluid contained in the container 1 to a channel 431 leading to the means of expansion of the equipment. The pusher 424 is activated by a device of the lever or steering wheel type not shown.

  The detent is provided by a valve 432 mu by a membrane 433, itself subject to the valve side to the pressure of the expanded fluid, and the opposite side to the action of a spring 434 itself compressed by a screw 435 to adjust the relaxation instruction. The expanded fluid is conveyed from the low pressure chamber 436 to the outlet fitting through a channel perpendicular to the cutting plane (not shown). A manometer 442 connected inside the container 1 by a channel 441 makes it possible to permanently know the pressure of the fluid contained in the container 1. The membrane 433 is moreover connected to a push rod 437 which cooperates with the valve 432. the absence of pressure to close the access to the low pressure chamber 436.

  FIG. 1c shows a sectional view of the filling port of the container 1. This filling port is provided with a mechanical connection means (thread, bayonet, or STAUBLI or SWAGELOK type high-pressure quick coupling) and a sealing valve retaining the fluid. It can for example be covered by a screwed lid protecting it against shock, abrasion, or dirt. In another embodiment, the opening of the lid may be of the encrypted type.

  In the example of Figure 1c the filling port of the container 1 comprises the inner tubular 111 formed on the end of the container opposite the port of withdrawal. This inner tubular 111 is surrounded by an outer tubular 112 to protect it circumferentially. The external tubing also protects a lid or shield 119 clipped (fastened with fasteners, here bolted) on a closure cap 115 inserted partially inside the inner tubular 111. The tubing 111 is also threaded on its inner wall so that the closure cap 115 can be screwed over a portion of its length. The threading on the inner wall of the tubing 111 may be cylindrical as in the example of Figure 1c, and the seal is thus provided by the seal 113. The thread on the inner wall of the tubing 111 may also be conical , the seal being obtained by a PTFE paste or tape disposed between the tapping of the container and the thread of the closure plug 115. This plug 115 also has a portion of enlarged diameter 115 'which protrudes from the internal tubing 111 and comes to rest on its outer edge after screwing. The closure cap 115 also has a hollow portion through its center, and housing a chamber 120 for receiving a valve 12. This valve 12 is pushed outwardly of the container 1 via a spring 118 to to close a seal 117 open in its central part, and interposed between the closure cap 115 and an adapter 116 screwed into the inner portion of the enlarged portion 115 'of the closure cap 115. Finally, the closure cap 115 is connected on its end opposite its enlarged portion 115 'to a filter 14 opening into the interior of the container 1.

  Under the action of both the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 120, and the spring 118, the valve is pushed against the liner 117 in order to close the filling port shown in Figure lc. The adapter 116 is tubular in shape and therefore has at its center a cylindrical portion which forms with the central portion of the clipped lid 119 a receiving zone 125 adapted to receive a tubular end of a fluid distribution system. The inlet interface of the container described with reference to FIG. 1a includes the receiving zone 125 and the valve 12.

  The valve 12 also has a rod 12 'protruding from the seal through its central opening and which allows to push the valve 12 into the chamber 120 when the container is installed on a dispensing system. The valve 12 thus pushed away from the liner 117 and thus allows the fluid to pass therethrough to the chamber 120 and the filter 14 to open inside the container 1. For this purpose, the valve 12 has a enlarged part (cone-shaped, disk, ...) located in the chamber 120, to close the seal under the action of the spring and the internal pressure of the container. The rod 12 'also has a smaller diameter than the central opening of the liner 117 to allow entry of the pressurized fluid when the valve is pushed through the rod 12'.

  Figure 2 shows an example of port valve 200 clean to fill a container 1 as previously described by a fluid under pressure. The container 1 is placed inside a receiving box 150 and held in place inside this box by lower stops 155 and lateral stops 157. These stops can be circular or in the form of a succession. individual stops. The filling port 50 of the container 1 is inserted at the receiving zone 125 described in the previous figure in a tubular end 202 of a filling column 201. This tubular end 202 cooperates sealingly with the central portion of the container. the adapter 116 through seals. The filling column 201 has a pipe inlet 210 of a pressurized fluid distribution system, and is in the form of a tubular body having a hollow cylindrical portion at its center.

  This cylindrical portion comprises a valve push 205 cooperating with a push rod 211, itself controlled by a cam 215. The valve push 205 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical hollow rod. The cam 215, held by a support 220, actuates the push rod 211 which moves the valve push 211 beyond the channel 210 'connecting the inlet 210 of the distribution system pipe to the central portion of the column 201. The check valve 205 in turn can push the end 12 'valve-shaped valve 12 and thus cause the opening of the filling port of the container 1.

  The pressurized fluid can thus freely circulate from the arrival 210 of the channel of the distribution system to the interior of the container 1 by passing in particular through the channel 210 'and the hollow central part of the valve push 205. The hollow cylindrical portion of the filling column 201 also has a sufficient diameter on the side of its tubular end 202 to allow the circulation of the fluid beyond the valve push 205 and around the valve 12. The pressurized fluid can then pass through the seal 117 left free by the valve 12 pushed into the interior of the container 1, and thus reach the chamber 120 and the filter 14 and finally the interior of the container 1.

  The association valve 12 and push valve 205 allows better control of the filling pressure. In an alternative embodiment it can be envisaged that the valve 12 is simply moved under the action of the pressure of the fluid arriving at the filling port.

  The cam 215 can be linear or rotary and provides control of the valve push 205 manually or automatically.

  Figure 3 shows the implementation of the method according to the invention. In a first step, a predetermined quantity of containers, numbered A to F in FIG. 3, is positioned on a pressurized fluid distribution system represented by a filling ramp 300. This ramp has at least a homologous quantity of valve pads. , numbered 301 to 306 in Figure 3, adapted to cooperate with each of the filling ports 341 to 346 of the containers A to F. Each container has at its upper end, opposite the filling port, a draw port 331 to 336, as well as an output flow control member (numbered 330 for the container A).

  Locking means 310, shown in open position on the draw-off port 332, cooperate with the draw-off ports 331 to 336 to mechanically hold the containers A to F. These locking means are shown in their closed position 320 on the The locking means 310 may, for example, be in the form of lids that conform to the shape of the draw port. The closing of the locking means can be controlled individually, or simultaneously when a predetermined quantity of container has been installed on the valve pads. The locking means may for example be included on a grid which is placed simultaneously on all of the container withdrawal ports, and which thus locks all of these containers simultaneously.

  Once the effective locking, the valve pads, such as those described in Figure 2, are activated to fill the containers. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, a link (pins 311, 321) makes it possible to directly or indirectly control the valve pads from the position of the locking means. In the open position 310 of the locking means, the link 311 is inactive so that the pad valve does not deliver the fluid under pressure. In the closed position 320 of the locking means, the link 321 activates the pad valve to fill the container. The connection can come for example to control the system described in Figure 2 and thus actuate the cam 215 which in turn actuates the push rod 211, and the valve push 205 and finally the valve 12, as described above.

  The containers can be placed on their valve pads, then filled and removed independently of each other. In another embodiment, several containers assembled in baskets can be installed simultaneously on the filling ramp in a single operation. For this purpose, the ramp and the basket have adequate shapes to ensure perfect coupling between the valve pads and the filling ports of the containers.

  In a further embodiment, the filling port of the containers being different from the withdrawal port, one or more containers can continue to feed its supply circuit during filling on the valve pad. In FIG. 3, the container F continues to feed its supply circuit via the hose 350 while being filled simultaneously by means of the pad valve 306. In this case, the control lever of the container F is in open position.

  The invention also relates to a unit for conditioning a fluid under pressure, as described in FIG. 3, which makes it possible to implement the method described above. This unit comprises the pressurized fluid distribution system in the form of a filling ramp 300, locking means adapted to cooperate with withdrawal pipes of the containers to be filled, in order to mechanically hold these containers, as well as means supply (not shown in Figure 3) for injecting the fluid under pressure in the distribution system to the containers, through the coupling of the valve pads with the respective filling ports.

  The shape of the valve pads, as well as that of the filling ports of the containers, allows a quick connection of the containers on the fluid distribution system, thus ensuring easy handling and rapid filling of the containers with fluid under pressure. Once the containers removed from the filling ramp, the embodiment of the filling port allows its immediate closure by moving the non-return valve 12 under the action of the internal pressure of the container, and the spring. The check valve retaining system (positive pressure) allows immediate unlocking of the filling port when positioned on a valve pad.

  Furthermore, the configuration of the bottles with separate inlet and outlet, allows better filtration of the particles by allowing the flow of fluid in only one direction through the container. Thus, the particles are filtered at the inlet through the filter 14 of Figure 1c and output through the filter 423 of Figure 1b.

  Another advantage of this type of container is that it makes it possible to control the mixture injected into the container. Indeed, since one can draw the fluid from the container as shown in Figure 3, at the same time as the container is filled, it is possible to continuously monitor the mixture in the container by analyzing the withdrawn fluid. The result of these analyzes notably makes it possible to correct the mixture circulating in the distribution system. The analysis of this withdrawn mixture also qualifies the fluid contained in the bottle.

  An additional advantage of this type of container is that it allows to dispense with a flow limiter output. Indeed, for bottles using a single inlet and outlet valve it is necessary to place on the output channel a flow limiter to limit the amount of fluid withdrawn. A fast filling effectively requires to have a sufficiently large inlet diameter that must be limited by the limiting flow rate on the withdrawal side. The separate inlet and outlet containers make it possible to overcome this problem since the inlet can have a large diameter to accommodate high filling rates, and the outlet diameter can be reduced in order to overcome a limiting device. debit. In case of failure, rapid emptying can be achieved by placing a bursting disk on the filling port. This rupture disc acts as a valve or fuse through which can pass a high flow and thus prevents the explosion or violent ruin of the container.

  In another embodiment, especially when provision is made for withdrawal of the fluid under pressure simultaneously with the filling of the containers, the locking means may be positioned near the valve pads for example to maintain the containers in their common parts.

  The fluid for filling the pressure vessels can be a gas such as hydrogen, oxygen, air. It can also be a mixture based on methane or propane, or any other mixture of hydrocarbon gases.

  The filling method according to the invention, as well as the conditioning unit, can be implemented over a wide range of pressure, depending on the filling pressure targeted for the containers. Preferentially, pressures of 300 to 700 bars are targeted.

Claims (19)

  An automated method of filling containers (1) from a pressurized fluid, each of said containers comprising a filling port (50) on one of its ends, and a withdrawal port (60) on its end opposite, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) positioning a predetermined quantity of containers (A, B, C, D, E, F) on a distribution system (300) of the pressurized fluid comprising at least a homologous quantity of valve plugs (301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306) capable of cooperating with each of said filling ports; b) locking means (310, 320) co-operating with the draw-off ports are applied; respective of said predetermined quantity of containers for mechanically maintaining said predetermined quantity of containers; c) injecting the pressurized fluid into said predetermined quantity of containers through said valve pads and said ports of re mplissage.   2. Automated method according to claim 1, wherein the fluid distribution system is fed by supply means adapted to inject the pressurized fluid into the predetermined quantity of containers, and characterized in that after step b) the supply means are actuated.   3. Automated method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid distribution system comprises at least one pipe (300) on which are positioned the valve pads.   4. Automated method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each filling pad of a container comprises a non-return valve (12) adapted to retain the pressurized fluid inside said container, and each pad valve comprises a cam steerable (215) adapted to move said check valve and open said fill pad.   5. Automated method according to the preceding claim, wherein the cam is controlled by the closure of the locking means.   6. Automated method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking means are capable of separately locking each of the containers of the predetermined quantity of containers. 7. Automated method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the locking means are adapted to simultaneously lock each of the containers of the predetermined amount of containers 8. Automated method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the containers of the predetermined amount of containers are integral in the form of a rack.   9. Automated method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after step b) or step c), the fluid is withdrawn from at least one container of the predetermined amount of container.   10. An automated method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid is a gas such as hydrogen, or a mixture based on methane.   11. Unit for conditioning a pressurized fluid in containers, each of said containers comprising a filling port (50) on one of its ends, and a withdrawal port (60) on its opposite end, characterized in that it comprises: - a pressurized fluid distribution system comprising a plurality of valve pads (301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306) suitable for cooperating with said filling ports with a predetermined quantity of containers ( A, B, C, D, E, F), - locking means (320, 321) adapted to cooperate with said respective withdrawal ports of said predetermined quantity of containers for mechanically maintaining said predetermined quantity of containers, - means feeders for injecting the pressurized fluid into said predetermined quantity of containers through said valve pads and said filling ports.   12. Packaging unit according to the preceding claim, wherein the fluid distribution system comprises at least one pipe (300) on which are positioned the valve pads.   13. Packaging unit according to one of claims 11 and 12, wherein each filling pad of a container comprises a non-return valve (12) adapted to retain the fluid under pressure inside said container, and each plot valve comprises a controllable cam (215) adapted to move said non-return valve and open said filling pad.   14. Packaging unit according to the preceding claim, wherein the cam is controlled by the closure of the locking means.   15. Packaging unit according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the locking means are adapted to separately lock each of the containers of the predetermined amount of containers. 16. Packaging unit according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the locking means are adapted to simultaneously lock each of the containers of the predetermined quantity of containers. 17. Packaging unit according to one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the containers of the predetermined amount of containers are integral in the form of a rack.   18. Packaging unit according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the withdrawal means are connected to at least one of the withdrawal ports of the predetermined amount of container, to allow a withdrawal of the fluid of said container simultaneously to its filling.   19. Packaging unit according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the fluid is a gas such as hydrogen, or a mixture based on methane.