High pressure gas charging apparatus

Abstract: Common manifold (10), which is connectable to a source of pressurised gas, is connected via two symmetrical sets of rigid components to respective coupling elements (24), which are connectable directly to vessels to be charged with gas. Since there is no flexible hose section the risk of bursting at high pressure is obviated. To facilitate connection of vessels at any convenient position each set includes at least one component (16, 18) which is rotatable, and preferably at least one elbow joint (17).

Description: This invention relates to apparatus enabling cylinders or other vessels to be charged with high pressure gas. Conventionally, cylinders have been filled with compressed air by way of appropriate valves and couplings and a flexible hose connection from a pressurized source. That was satisfactory, even if the connection apparatus was sometimes untidy and cumbersome, for air pressures up to and in the region of 2000 psi (141 Kg/sq cm approx), which was the standard pressure used in air cylinders for fire fighting purposes, and other portable air supply purposes. Recently, however, a requirement has arisen for air cylinders to be filled to greater pressure, in the region of 4000psi (282 Kg/sq cm approx) so that the cylinders are less rapidly exhausted. At these higher pressures there is a risk that the flexible hose sections of conventional charging apparatus may burst open, particularly if they have any faults. This would clearly be dangerous for operatives, as well as putting the apparatus out of commission until repaired. It is an object of the present invention to provide improved charging apparatus which is compact, universal in its application (i.e. applicable to any gas and any form of vessel), and which is capable of reliable operation at high gas pressures so as to avoid the abovementioned problem. GB 1587090 discloses a pipeline system for transferring natural gas from a plurality of wells to vehicle mounted pressure vessels, for transportation under pressure, and for subsequently off-loading said vessels. It includes connections between respective vessels and a vehicle mounted manifold, which, in each case, are by way of a series of rigid components including an elbow element, which is also a manually actuable control valve. The present invention provides apparatus for charging portable pressurized gas cylinders comprising a single common element adapted for connection to a gas source, two coupling elements adapted for direct connection to respective cylinders which are to be charged, and respective series of rigid components whereby each coupling element is respectively connected, in non-flexible manner, to the common element, each series of rigid components including at least one elbow element and an adjustable charging valve provided with a manually actuable control knob, characterised in that each series of rigid components further includes at least one rotatable connection and a quick release connector. There is no flexible hose section giving rise to a risk of failure. The inclusion of an elbow element in each series of components facilitates easy access to the apparatus for attachment of a cylinder which is to be charged. For the same reason, each elbow element conveniently constitutes a rotatable element. An alternative or additional rotatable element may, however, be provided in each series of components, an additional such element being especially advantageous as it provides greater versatility in the positioning of the coupling for connection of the vessel to be charged. The apparatus includes two coupling elements so that two vessels can be simultaneously charged. Conveniently such apparatus is symmetrically constructed. In preferred practical embodiments each charging valve consists of a specially designed component comprising a valve body formed with intersecting first and second passageways therethrough, the first passageways having an inlet/outlet port at one end and the aforesaid control knob disposed at its other end, and having a valve seat located therebetween, the control knob being threadedly adjustable to move a valve element into contact with the valve seat or out of contact at varying spacing therefrom, and the second passageway having an inlet/outlet branch closable by said valve element and a branch fitted with bleed means. Practical examples of apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a practical embodiment of the apparatus; and Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-section of a charging valve used in both embodiments. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 has two charging stations and can, if desired, be used for charging two cylinders simultaneously, by respective couplings 24. This embodiment comprises a manifold 10 and symmetrical series of components connected to each end thereof, to form two "arms". Considering one "arm" only, connected to one end of the manifold 10, by way of a dowty seal 13, there is a rotary component 16. This connects by way of a further dowty seal 13 c to a charging valve 17 with a control knob 27 and a lateral branch 28. The said branch 28 is perpendicular and is connected by way of a male adaptor 20 and further dowty seal 13 d , to a quick release (e.g. Hanson) connector 18 and a corresponding plug 19. The plug 19 is connected by way of a dowty washer 22 to a high pressure elbow component 23 and associated high pressure coupling 24 of appropriate size and configuration for direct sealing connection to a commercially available gas storage cylinder. A further identical "arm" extends symmetrically from the other end of the manifold 10. Rotation of each coupling 24 in two planes is possible by way of the rotary component 16 and the Hanson connector 18. All the components are preferably made of steel, with rubber O-rings and dowty seals. The connections are for the most part by screw threaded engagement. In use the manifold 10 is mounted in any suitable location and connected centrally, by way of a locknut 41 to a pipe 40 from a source of pressurised gas, usually compressed air. Supply of compressed air is then switched on and controlled by manual actuation of the knob 27 of the charging valve 17. The charging valve 17 is especially designed for this purpose and is shown in detail in Fig. 2. Basically this comprises a valve body 30 having four limbs at right angles and intersecting passageways, extending therethrough. Compressed air enters at 'A' from the connection with the rotary component 16, and the control knob 27 is located at the opposite end of the body 30. The passageway 31 from 'A' terminates in a seat 32 for a valve member 33 which is disposed in an enlarged passageway 34 extending to the knob 27. Adjacent the valve seat 32 opposing perpendicular passages 35, 36 lead from the enlarged passage 34 to an adaptor 37 and to a bleed screw assembly, labelled generally as 38, respectively. The main feed adaptor 37 in Fig. 2 has a female connector 39 attached. Fig. 2 a shows a modified main feed adaptor 37 a with a male connector attached, equivalent to male adaptor 20 in Fig. 1. Obviously the respective adaptor arrangements are interchangeable depending on the component to which they are to be connected. The valve member 33 is formed with a recess 43 into which a shaft 44 engages, the latter being movable along the passage 34 under the influence of a valve nut 45, against which the knob 27 presses. The knob 27 is threaded connected to the valve body at 47. When it is tightened it acts via the nut 45 and shaft 44 to push the valve member 33 against the seat 32, thus closing off the flow of air from A to the adaptor 37 via passages 34, 35. Conversely when the knob 27 is loosened, the shaft 44 and the valve member 33 are forced back by the air pressure and the flow passage is opened. The shaft 44 is also spring biassed by a helical spring 46 which is retained in a countersunk bore in the knob by a further nut 48, whereby the sensitivity of valve control can be adjusted. The illustrated embodiments are, of course, only particular examples to enable better understanding of the invention. Many other variations, particularly in the specific components used and their sequence, are possible within the scope of the invention.

Claims: Apparatus for charging portable pressurized gas cylinders comprising a single common element (10) adapted for connection to a gas source, two coupling elements (24) adapted for direct connection to respective cylinders which are to be charged, and respective series of rigid components (16 to 23, 28) whereby each coupling element (24) is respectively connected, in non-flexible manner, to the common element (10), each series of rigid components (16 to 23, 28) including at least one elbow element (17) and an adjustable charging valve (17) provided with a manually actuable control knob (27), characterised in that each series of rigid components (16 to 23, 28) further includes at least one rotatable connection (16, 18) and a quick release connection (18). Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the two coupling elements (24) are connected to the common element (10) in a symmetrical manner. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein each charging valve (17) comprises a valve body (30) formed with intersecting first and second passageways (31, 35/36) therethrough, the first passageway (31) having an inlet/outlet port (A) at one end and the aforesaid control knob (27) disposed at its other end, and having a valve seat (32) located therebetween, the control knob (27) being threadedly adjustable to move a valve element (33) into contact with the valve seat (32) or out of contact at varying spacing therefrom and the second passageway (35/36) having an inlet/outlet branch (35) closable by said valve element (33) and a branch fitted with bleed means (38).

Inventors: GLOSSOP RONALD, GLOSSOP, RONALD
Applicants: GLOSSOP RONALD, GLOSSOP, RONALD
Application year: 1990
Main classification: F17C5
IPC codes: F17C5