Pressurized container with restrictor tube having multiple capillary passages
DCFirst Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the outlet of a container, the apparatus comprising:
- a container for holding a pressurized fluid in an at least partial gas phase;
an outlet port for delivering pressurized fluid from the container;
a fluid flow path defined at least in part by the outlet port for delivering pressurized fluid from the container; and
,a flow restrictor in the form of a tube defining multiple capillary passages along at least a portion of the fluid flow path.
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Abstract
The present invention uses a flow restrictor in the form of a tube containing multiple capillary sized passages to minimize any discharge of toxic gases from compressed gas cylinders in the unlikely event of the control valve or regulator failure. The use of this arrangement to provide a flow restriction in combination with a regulator in the form of dispensing check valve provides a virtually fail safe system for preventing hazardous discharge of fluid from a pressurized cylinder or tank. The multiple capillary passage structure provides carefully sized openings that minimize any discharge of gas. Location of the inlet to the capillary tube at the midpoint of the cylinder can also prevent the discharge of liquid from the cylinder if the control valve system fails. Limiting the accidental discharge of fluid from the cylinder to gas phase fluids greatly reduces the uncontrolled mass flow rate at which fluid can escape from the cylinder. A diaphragm can control the movement of a check valve element to prevent discharge of gas from a tank unless a predetermined vacuum condition exists downstream of the check valve. This system is particularly useful in the delivery of arsine gas and provides multiple safeguards against accidental discharge.
66 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the outlet of a container, the apparatus comprising:
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a container for holding a pressurized fluid in an at least partial gas phase; an outlet port for delivering pressurized fluid from the container; a fluid flow path defined at least in part by the outlet port for delivering pressurized fluid from the container; and
,a flow restrictor in the form of a tube defining multiple capillary passages along at least a portion of the fluid flow path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A cylinder and a valve assembly for containing pressurized fluid and controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the cylinder, the cylinder and valve assembly comprising:
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a cylinder defining a cylinder opening; a port body adapted for sealing engagement with the cylinder opening; a fluid inlet port defined by at least in part by the port body and located within the cylinder; a fluid outlet port defined by the port body and located outside the cylinder; a fluid discharge path defined by the port body between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port; a manually operated shut off valve for controlling fluid flow along the fluid discharge path; and
,a flow restriction along the fluid discharge path in the form of a tube defining at least seven capillary passages along at least a portion of the fluid discharge path for restricting the discharge of fluid from the fluid outlet port to a mass flow rate of less than 5 sccm. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification