Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for filling a tank with a pressurized fuel gas, the average temperature of the gas in the tank is estimated in real time during the filling. The method includes, before the filling, determining the initial temperature of the gas in the tank, determining the initial pressure of the gas in the tank, determining the initial average temperature of the wall of the tank and determining the initial mass of gas in the tank. According to the method, during the filling, the enthalpy of the gas entering into the tank is determined as a function of time and the mass of gas injected into the tank is determined as a function of time or, respectively, the pressure in the tank is determined as a function of time. The average temperature of the gas at the time in the tank is determined in degrees K.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a valve for a pressurized fluid cylinder comprising a member for manually controlling a flow-regulating member, a sensor for detecting the position of the member for manually controlling the regulating member, a data acquisition, storage, and processing member, and a display for information relating to the fluid flow and/or pressure imposed by the regulating member and/or the valve use mode, wherein when the manual control member is disposed in an intermediate position between two respective adjacent values of the flow and/or pressure of the fluid allowed to pass from the upstream end to the downstream end, the data acquisition, storage and process member is designed to suppress the display information.
Abstract:
A fill valve (200) adapted for use with a pressurized fluid container includes a fill port (112) configured to be in fluidic communication with the pressurized fluid container and a fill valve member (201) configured for selectively blocking the fill port (112) and configured to be non-openable after the fill valve member (201) has been moved to a blocking position that substantially closes the fill port (112). The fill valve member (201) includes a valve member body (210) and a break-away head (220) joined to the valve member body (210) by a breakable neck (228). The breakable neck (228) is configured to break when the fill valve member (201) is moved to a substantially fully closed position in the fill port (112).
Abstract:
This invention relates generally to a boss assembly that seals a pressure vessel and more particularly to sealing a pressure vessel having a composite outer shell for use with a source of compressed gas having a boss and boss cover in sealing engagement. The composite outer shell is wound about the boss and locked into at least one notch and/or a reverse draft cut. The boss cover is removably fastened to the boss utilizing at least one fastener. The principle use is for storage and usage of compressed gas in mobile applications that typically benefit from light weight pressure vessels however other applications will benefit from this invention. For example, applications that routinely fill and/or un-fill containers made of woven, composite, and etc. materials will benefit from this invention.
Abstract:
A Compressed Air Breathing Apparatus (CABA) or Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is routinely used in environments when there is no breathable air and in emergency situations. However, CABA/SCBA tanks have limited capacity to hold compressed air, and BA filling stations are required in environments in which it may be necessary to refill the CABA/SCBA tanks during an emergency situation. Disclosed is a BA filling station system with a back-up air supply and remote activation. Two or more filling stations are interconnected by one or more air supply lines to provide a flow of compressed air between the filling stations, and one or more remote activation lines to control the flow. Advantageously, the system provides redundancy between the remotely located BA filling stations and substantially improves safety by making available a back-up source of an air supply from another interconnected filling station.
Abstract:
A pump-less inflation device including a hollow conical casing, a puncturable membrane, a one-way valve that allows gas egress from the casing, a first chemical that reacts with oxygen and generates heat, and a second chemical that decomposes when heated and releases nitrogen gas. A method of inflating an inflatable object using the inflation device whereby the puncturable membrane is punctured with a puncturing device to allow oxygen to enter the inflation device and react with the first chemical, which generates heat and decomposes the second chemical, which releases nitrogen gas that escapes from the narrow first end of the inflation device. The inflatable object is inflated with the released nitrogen gas.
Abstract:
A system (1) for recharging portable breathing apparatus, said system comprising a supply of high pressure air (2), a plurality of portable recharging stations (7), each recharging station being connected to the supply of air via an air delivery line (9), a valve portion (18) mounted within a handle (19) on each portable recharging station, said portion being connectable to a corresponding valve portion (17) on a portable breathing apparatus (25) in a push fit manner.
Abstract:
A flow regulator comprising a body housing a gas duct comprising an upstream end configured to be connected to a gas source and a downstream end comprising an outlet connector and configured to be connected to a gas user with a regulated flow rate, the gas duct comprising a selective fluid flow regulation component for the gas circulating between the upstream and downstream end depending on the position of the control component with respect to the body, wherein the control component comprises a peripheral wall delimiting a central hollow volume and in that the outlet connector is situated within the central cavity.
Abstract:
A storage system for an absorbing gas including a plurality briquette units situated within the storage tank is disclosed. In some embodiments, each briquette unit includes a liner or open vessel, and compressed gas-absorbing particulate matter associated with the liner for external support. In some embodiments, the liner or vessel maintains the form of the briquette unit. The liner or vessel do not form a pressure tight vessel, and in some embodiments, the local pressure rating of the liner or vessel is less than the gas pressure within the storage tank. Exemplary gas-absorbing materials include but are not limited to methane and hydrogen adsorbing materials such as activated carbon, zeolite, and other appropriate hydrocarbon gas and/or hydrogen adsorbing materials. Optionally, each briquette unit includes a wrapper for preventing circulation of said particulate matter within the storage tank. Optionally, the storage system includes a mechanism for supplying or removing heat to at least one briquette unit. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing any of the aforementioned gas storage systems is disclosed. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methane-powered motor vehicles including but not limited to automobiles, buses, trucks and ships including a storage system with compressed methane-adsorbing particulate matter.
Abstract:
A portable gas cylinder is disclosed which includes a gas cylinder including an upper portion having a valve port and an annular mounting collar surrounding the valve port, a handle assembly including a housing having a body portion configured to mate with the upper portion of the gas cylinder, a pair of diametrically opposed gripping handles extending upwardly from the body portion and a central aperture providing access to the valve port, wherein an annular retention channel is formed in an undersurface of the housing, extending about the periphery of the central aperture for receiving the mounting flange of the gas cylinder, and a blocking ring for securing the mounting flange of the gas cylinder within the retention channel of the handle assembly.