Patent ID: 7104292
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: F17C

Abstract:
1. A gas supply and dispensing system, comprising: an array of at least two gas storage and dispensing vessels arranged for sequential on-stream dispensing operation involving switchover from a first vessel to a second vessel in the array; a pump coupled in gas flow communication between the array and a gas-consuming process unit for pumping of gas derived from an on-stream one of the vessels in the array to the gas-consuming process unit; and an auto-switchover system constructed and arranged to sense a switchover setting and to initiate auto-switching from the on-stream one of the vessels to another of the vessels in the array having gas therein, for subsequent dispensing of gas from said another of the vessels, as a subsequent on-stream vessel, wherein the auto-switchover system between sensing of the switchover setting and initiating auto-switching terminates flow of gas to the pump and inactivates the pump; and wherein the auto-switchover system after initiating auto-switching reinitiates flow of gas to the pump and reactivates the pump.