EP2153110A1

EP2153110A1 - Method for controlling an electronic pressure gauge and pressure gauge therefor

Info

Publication number: EP2153110A1
Application number: EP08788063A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Bleys; Philippe Deck; Fabrice Pin
Original assignee: Air Liquide SA; LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude; Air Liquide Medical Systems SA
Current assignee: LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude; Air Liquide Medical Systems SA
Priority date: 2007-05-03
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2010-02-17
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-27
Also published as: WO2008139075A1; US20100132474A1; FR2915798A1; US8047079B2; FR2915798B1; EP2153110B1; ES2360269T3; ATE497123T1; DE602008004767D1

Abstract

The invention provides a method for controlling an electronic manometer for measuring pressure (p) inside a pressurized gas receptacle. The manometer comprises at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit designed for the acquisition, storage and processing of data, and at least one information device device capable of transmitting at least one item of information (p).

Description

Method of controlling an electronic manometer and corresponding pressure gauge

The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic manometer and a corresponding pressure gauge.

The invention more particularly relates to a method for controlling an electronic pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside a container, in particular a pressurized gas bottle, said manometer comprising at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit configured for acquiring, storing and processing data and at least one information device capable of transmitting at least one piece of information.

Such a manometer is described for example in the document FR2868160A1. Because of their multiple reuse, the fluid bottles are successively confronted with many cases of use with users with different needs.

The information displayed or transmitted by the individual manometers measuring the pressure in bottles is not adapted to the use situations. To solve this problem, such electronic manometers require multiple human interventions (actuation of buttons, sensors or other actuators). Therefore, such manometers must provide actuating means, interrogation or configuration that increase the structure and therefore the cost of such devices. In addition, interventions on such electronic manometers can be the cause of handling error and increase the power consumption of the manometer.

The document WO01 / 6934 A1 describes a method for controlling the contents of a liquefied gas cylinder (propane type) only when it is used via a pressure sensor associated with an electronic system to signal the remaining product level as a function of pressure measurements. compared to predefined thresholds.

An object of the present invention is to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. To this end, the method according to the invention, moreover in conformity with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it comprises:

at least one step of measuring the pressure in the container by the pressure sensor,

a step of automatically modifying the mode of operation of the manometer and / or the information transmitted by the manometer to adapt said mode of operation or said information to the current operating state of the container among a plurality of predefined operating states, said operating states being predefined by pre-established reference pressure threshold values, said operating states being linked chronologically so as to form a chronological cycle,

the modification step being carried out following the detection of a switchover from a first operating state to a second operating state, ie when the pressure values measured during the first operating state and pre-established reference pressure threshold values correspond to the second operating state and the second operating state is the next in the time cycle.

The invention also relates to an electronic manometer for measuring the pressure inside a container, in particular a pressurized gas bottle, comprising at least one pressure sensor, an electronic unit configured for the acquisition, storage and the data processing, at least one information device capable of transmitting at least one piece of information, the electronic data processing unit being shaped to receive the pressure values measured by the pressure sensor and having a logic for comparing the values measured pressure and pressure variation measured with preset reference values respectively stored or stored, the electronic data processing unit storing at least two operating states of the container respectively representative of a filling state when the pressure variation is positive and of a state of withdrawal (negative pressure variation), in unction of the measured pressure values and the pressure variation measured with respect to the preset reference values of pressure and pressure variation, and that the unit The electronic data processing system is configured to automatically modify the operation and / or the nature of the information transmitted by the manometer as a function of the operating state of the container determined in real time from the measured values of pressure and pressure variation.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features:

the predefined operating states are linked chronologically according to a closed-loop chronological cycle; the succession of the predefined operating states in closed loop operates in a single direction of unwinding,

the method comprises at least two, and preferably at least three predefined operating states,

the method comprises three operating states predefined by three distinct values of reference pressure threshold,

when the measured pressure falls below a first upper threshold and then falls between a first low threshold and said first high threshold, the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge into a so-called "use" operating state during which the manometer performs at least one of the following operating steps:

^* Regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor at time intervals separated by a first acquisition frequency,

^* Electronic display of at least one information from: the measured pressure, a calculated volume remaining in the container, a period of autonomy in the container calculated,

^* Regular wireless transmission, radio frequency type at a first transmission frequency, of at least one information from: the measured pressure, of autonomy information (volume or time).

when, during the so-called "use" operating state, the measured pressure variation is decreasing, the pressure gauge carries out a regular calculation, at a first calculation frequency, of a remaining gas remaining time from the measured pressure variation, when, during the so-called "use" operating state, the pressure variation is zero during a determined period of time, the electronic unit defines a "non-use or non-flow" operating state during which the manometer performs at least one of the following operating steps: * regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor at time intervals separated by a second acquisition frequency,

^* calculation of a remaining gas remaining time from a previous use of the container or on the basis of a typical or standard predefined use, * electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a remaining volume in the calculated container, a duration of autonomy in the calculated container,

^* Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, at a second transmission frequency of at least one of: the pressure measured at time intervals, information autonomy (volume or duration).

- from a state of use, when the measured pressure becomes lower than the first low threshold the electronic unit detects or defines a so-called "filling" state of operation during which the pressure gauge carries out at least one of the steps of following operation:

^* Regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor at time intervals separated by a third acquisition frequency,

^* Electronic display of at least one information from: the measured pressure, a calculated volume remaining in the container, * regular wireless transmission, radio frequency type at a third frequency of transmitting at least one information from: the pressure measured at intervals of time, an autonomy information such as the volume for example.

the electronic manometer comprises a clean power supply independent of a wired network and in that it comprises a step of measuring and displaying or transmitting the operating state of the power supply, the method comprises a step of comparing the operating state or the autonomy of the power supply with minimum conditions and, when the operating state or the autonomy of the power supply does not satisfy the minimum conditions, a step of automatic switching of the manometer in a "degraded" operating state in which the manometer performs at least one of the following operating steps:

^* interruption of the regular calculation of a duration of autonomy,

^* Electronic display of at least one alert message, * Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, an alert message.

the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface able to receive configuration data from the electronic unit and in that the method comprises a step of configuring the electronic unit to switch the manometer in a forced operating mode said "inactive" regardless of the measured values of pressure and possibly of pressure variation, in the inactive state the manometer interrupting at least one of the following steps:

* the acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor, * the electronic display,

^* wireless data transmission,

* No action waiting for a wake up event to exit this idle state.

the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface capable of receiving configuration data from the electronic unit, the method comprising a step of comparing the current operating mode of the container with a plurality of predefined operating modes and in that it includes a step of authorizing a configuration change of the electronic unit only when the operating mode corresponds to one or more predefined operating modes allowing such a configuration change,

the electronic manometer comprises a gas temperature sensor inside a container and / or the ambient temperature close to the manometer the method comprises a step of displaying and / or transmitting the measured temperature value at a fourth transmission frequency,

the method comprises a step of calculating a volume of gas autonomy in the container from the measured pressure, the calculated range volume being corrected as a function of the measured temperature,

the method comprises a step of measuring or calculating the measured pressure variation and a step of comparing the current pressure variation with predetermined reference values to determine the operating mode and / or automatically modifying the operating mode of the manometer and / or information transmitted by the pressure gauge according to the current pressure variation,

from a state of vacuum or during filling, when the measured pressure becomes greater than a second high threshold, the pressure gauge is switched to a so-called full cooling operating state in which the pressure gauge carries out one of several of the operating steps previously described,

the information is transmitted by at least one of: a display screen, one or more indicator lights, a buzzer, a loudspeaker, one or more radio transmitters, the first acquisition frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the second acquisition frequency,

the first calculation frequency is greater than or less than or equal to or greater than the second calculation frequency,

the first transmission frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the second transmission frequency,

the third transmission frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the first transmission frequency,

the fourth transmission frequency is greater than or equal to or less than the first transmission frequency, the energy source comprises at least one of: a battery, an electric accumulator, a photovoltaic cell, a current system by induction, the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge from the operating state to the empty or filling state when the measured pressure becomes lower than the first low threshold,

the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge from the filling state to the cooling state when the measured pressure becomes greater than the second high threshold,

the electronic unit automatically switches the pressure gauge from the filling or cooling state to the use or standby state when the measured pressure falls below the first high threshold, the manometer may comprise a recognition system of a user or user type (eg identifier with user type or level of access among several types or predefined levels) the pressure gauge allowing configuration and / or use changes depending on the user or the type of user transmitting control data, - the nature of the configuration may be conditioned to one or more identifiers and / or to one or more predefined types of users (for example a level of access or authorization allow or not the modification of one or more parameters),

- each user of the parameterization can have an own identifier with an access level, - the following access levels can be envisaged: manufacturer of the pressure gauge, gauge of the manometer on container, gas, operator of maintenance, operator (center) of filling , logistics operator, manometer user,

- The electronic unit records the identifier of a user including having made a configuration change.

Other particularities and advantages will appear on reading the following description, made with reference to the figures in which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic and partial view illustrating an exemplary structure and operation of an electronic manometer according to one possible embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 2 and 3 show, respectively in the form of a graph and a closed curve, an example of a cycle of variation of pressure inside a gas cylinder during a complete cycle of use . The invention applies preferentially to gas cylinder taps with or without integrated expansion valves, industrial or medical type on which is mounted an electronic pressure measurement system (electronic manometer). As represented in FIG. 1, the electronic manometer may comprise within the same housing:

one or more pressure sensors P,

an electronic processing unit 44 (microprocessor type for example), a wireless power supply system 54 (independent of an external network) such as a battery, an accumulator, a photovoltaic cell, an induction system or equivalent,

at least one information and / or communication system 34 comprising for example at least one of: one or more screens, one or more lights, a buzzer, a speaker, one or more transmitter radio / receiver. The manometer 1 may also comprise at least one of: one or more sensors 24 of temperature T, - a motion or displacement sensor, a brightness sensor or a sound sensor, one or more buttons (an interface of capture),

- a radio receiver.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the mode of operation of the manometer and / or the information supplied by the latter are automatically adapted to the current operating state detected in real time and compared with predefined operating modes. The predefined operating modes are based on a typical pressure variation cycle that the gauge is likely to measure during a typical use cycle of the container.

The cycle of use of a gas cylinder can be represented symbolically according to a pressure curve (Figure 2) or a pressure loop (Figure 3). Starting for example from a full gas cylinder, it is possible to isolate a first zone A during which the bottle is for example in a "final" user.

In this utilization zone A, the pressure P measured by the sensor is between a first low threshold S1 and a first high threshold S2 (for example

205 bar). Depending on the need, the user withdraws gas from the cylinder continuously or not, which lowers the pressure inside (negative pressure variation).

Figure 2 illustrates different types of pressure drops (a steady and continuous decline or several successive slopes). This may correspond to several different flow rates or levels representative of the withdrawal flow pauses.

The pressure gauge comes out of this first state of use (at the end user or when it is purged at the factory before refilling for example) when the pressure measured by the gauge 1 drops below the first low threshold S1 order, for example, 10 bar or 5 bar).

Therefore the manometer detects or defines a second state in which the bottle is called "empty" or being filled.

Thus, when the pressure gauge is in the use zone A and the measured pressure falls below the first low threshold S1, the gauge detects the passage into a second empty state or during filling (zone B - C). The transition from zone A (use) to zone B-C (vacuum or filling) is detected and preferably taken into account even if the measured pressure decreases or rises (compared to the low threshold S1) or remains stable. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, zone B illustrates an empty bottle or almost, the pressure is then zero or almost. The bottle is, for example, either at the end user, transported or back to a filling station of a gas.

In the following zone C the bottle is being filled with compressed gas (positive pressure variation). Because of the compression there is heating of the gas during this operation (for understanding, this is simplified here in one line). The manometer detects the output of this second state (empty or during filling) when the measured pressure passes above a second high pressure threshold S3 (example: 210 bar). It should be noted that this second high threshold S3 is not necessarily the highest pressure reached during filling. Then (zone D), the filling is finished, the gas heated in the previous step will gradually return to room temperature. As the pressure is proportional to the temperature, the measured pressure P will slowly go down to the nominal pressure of use of the bottle.

Thus, at the end of filling and cooling, or from the beginning of the first use, the apparatus exits the filling / cooling state when the pressure P returns below the first high threshold S2 (for example: 205 bar) . Cycle A to D can then start again.

By means of this pressure representation, the manometer 1 can then detect with certainty the use (state) in progress and the type of user using the pressure vessel.

The system can then adapt the data display and the manometer operation to the detected state. For example, the pressure gauge can - display or automatically transmit specific information relevant to the current state - send warning signals or not depending on the data but also the operating status.

The behavior of the pressure gauge and the information presented or transmitted to the user can thus adapt automatically depending on the context and use in progress, without human intervention by a button, a sensor or other actuator which increases the ergonomics of the system.

The fact of being able to overcome the above technical means (buttons, sensors ...), it is possible to simplify the design of the manometer, its cost and improve its sealing and reliability.

The system thus proposes a definition of several operating states, the chronology between these states, the passage from one to the other and the detection of the present state of the container whose pressure is measured.

The system also proposes an adaptation of the manometer behavior to the detected state. This system or method can be applied in a particular and different way to a multitude of industrial and medical applications.

The electronic unit 44 can thus comprise stored parameters (re-parameterizable or not) defining different operating states and modes of operation / communications (also re-parametriable or not) specially adapted to these states.

The pressure gauge 1 may comprise a port (radio) or a communication interface adapted to receive in particular data configuration / parameterization of the electronic unit. The electronic unit may include an "inactive" stored state in which the manometer provides minimal functions for minimal power consumption. In this inactive state, the display, the acquisition of the pressure data, the data transmission can be inhibited. This inactive state can be adopted for example via a communication interface or automatically when the state of the power supply appears insufficient.

Even if the time interval is shortened between two measurements or two operations performed by the manometer, it can be configured to turn off almost completely, only to reappear after a time interval (ten seconds for example). Thus, the device is almost off for about ten or ten seconds while it is only lit for a few tens of milliseconds each period of use. During the off phase, for example, only the display (to avoid flashing), the radio reception and the time counter that determines the time of the alarm are active. The electronic unit may comprise a stored state of "standby" in which the manometer is able to operate but is not withdrawn. This standby state can correspond to a "sub-state" of the zone A of use. In this state, the manometer is switched into an operating mode in which for example at least one of the following actions are performed: - the data display is activated,

- there is wireless transmission of data (pressure, autonomy ...), for example every hour, - the modification of the memorized settings (re-parameterization) is possible,

the acquisition of the measured pressure data P is carried out for example every 30 seconds, a display or wireless transmission of the remaining autonomy during the previous use (function of the pressure and the volume of the stored or parameterized bottle) )

the acquisition of the measured temperature data T is carried out for example every 60 seconds; the state of the battery is checked periodically at intervals of less than 24 hours.

The electronic unit may have a stored state of "use" (area A above when the pressure decreases). This state can correspond to a second sub-state of the zone A of use. In this state, the manometer is in an operating mode in which, for example, at least one of the following actions is performed: the data display is activated, there is wireless data transmission (pressure, autonomy ...), for example every minute, - it is not possible to change the stored settings (re-parameterization),

the acquisition of the measured pressure data P is carried out for example every 10 seconds,

- A calculation of the remaining autonomy (function of the pressure and the stored or set volume of the bottle) is carried out every 10 to 30 seconds and communicated (displayed or sent wireless), the acquisition of the measured temperature data T is performed for example every 60 seconds or less, the condition of the battery is checked periodically at intervals of less than 24 hours.

The electronic unit may also include a stored state of "filling" (zone C above when the pressure increases) in which, for example, at least one of the following actions is performed: - the data display is activated, there is wireless transmission of data (pressure, autonomy ...), for example every minute, modification of the settings stored (re-parameterization) is possible,

the acquisition of the measured temperature data T is carried out for example every 60 seconds or less, the state of the battery is checked periodically at intervals of less than 24 hours. In summary, the system can define three linked states in a loop:

- A: use,

- B-C: empty or during filling, - D: end of filling / cooling.

The state A of use can itself be decomposed in two "under states":

- in flow = withdrawal = use, and

- stopped. The system can define and detect another state independent of the cycle: a state of standby corresponding for example to a storage state (manometer stopped or disassembled for example).

The system can define and detect yet another state independent of the so-called "degraded" cycle. The invention is in no way limited to the examples described above. Thus, the parameters, information transmitted, states and modes of operation can be adapted and modified according to all the possible combinations according to the needs of an application.

Similarly, the invention relates to a pressure gauge comprising elements for implementing all or part of the functions or steps described above.

The manometer can also be used in particular for measuring the pressure in a line of a gas network or on removable pressure reducers.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an electronic manometer for measuring the pressure (P) inside a container of pressurized gas, in particular a pressurized gas bottle, said manometer (1) comprising at least one sensor ( 14), an electronic unit (44) shaped for acquiring, storing and processing data, at least one information device (34) capable of transmitting at least one piece of information (P), the method comprising:

at least one step of measuring the pressure (P) in the container by the pressure sensor (14),

a step of automatically modifying the operating mode of the pressure gauge (1) and / or information (P) transmitted by the pressure gauge (1) to adapt said operating mode or said information (P) to the operating state (A); , BC, D) of one of a plurality of predefined operating states (A, BC, D), said operating states (A, B, C, D) being predefined by reference pressure threshold values ( S1 to S3), said operating states (A, BC, D) being linked chronologically so as to form a chronological cycle,

the modification step being performed following the detection of a switchover from a first operating state (A, BC, D) to a second operating state, that is to say when the pressure values ( P) measured in the first operating state and compared to the preset reference pressure threshold values (S1 to S3) correspond to the second operating state and the second operating state is the following in the chronological cycle, characterized in that the operating states (A, BC, D) predefined are linked chronologically in a closed loop chronological cycle, and in that the manometer (1) is connected to the container and is able to measure the pressure within the container during the entire period of time. closed loop chronology cycle.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating states of the closed loop chronological cycle comprising a so-called state of use during which gas is likely to be withdrawn from the equipped container. pressure gauge and a so-called filling state during which the container equipped with the manometer is filled with compressed gas.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the succession of operating states (A, B-C, D) predefined closed loop operates in a single direction of unwinding.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least two, and preferably at least three predefined operating states (A, B-C, D).

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises three operating states (A, B-C, D) predefined by three distinct values of reference pressure threshold (S1 to S3).

6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that when the measured pressure (P) falls below a first high threshold (S2) to be then between a first low threshold (S1). and said first high threshold (S2), the electronic unit (44) automatically switches the pressure gauge into a state of operation (A) called "use" during which the manometer (1) performs at least one of the steps of following operation:

- Regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14) at time intervals separated by a first acquisition frequency,

electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a volume remaining in the calculated container, an autonomy time in the calculated container,

- Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, at a first transmission frequency, of at least one of: the measured pressure (P), an autonomy information (volume or duration).

7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that when during the state (A) of operation called "use" the pressure variation (dP) measured is decreasing, the manometer (1) performs regular calculation at a first calculation frequency, a duration of remaining gas autonomy from the measured pressure variation.

8. Method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that when during the state (A) of operation called "use" the pressure variation (dP) is zero for a predetermined period, the electronic unit (44) defines a state (A) of operation called "non-use or non-flow" during which the manometer (1) performs at least l one of the following operating steps: - regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14) at time intervals separated by a second acquisition frequency,

- calculating a remaining gas remaining time from a previous use of the container or on the basis of a typical or standard predefined use, - electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a remaining volume in the calculated container, a duration of autonomy in the calculated container,

- Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, at a second transmission frequency of at least one of: the pressure (P) measured at time intervals, an autonomy information (volume or duration).

9. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, from a state of use, when the measured pressure (P) becomes lower than the first low threshold (S1) the electronic unit ( 44) detects or defines a state of operation (A) called "filling" during which the pressure gauge (1) performs at least one of the following operating steps:

- Regular acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14) at time intervals separated by a third acquisition frequency,

electronic display of at least one of: the measured pressure, a volume remaining in the calculated container,

- Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, to a third transmission frequency of at least one of: the pressure (P) measured at time intervals, an autonomy information such as volume for example.

10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that when from a state (A) of filling, the measured pressure passes above a second high threshold (S 3) of pressure, the electronic unit (44) automatically switches the manometer out of the so-called filling state.

11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the electronic manometer comprises a clean power supply independent of a wired network and in that it comprises a measuring step and display or transmission the operating state of the power supply.

12. The method of claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a step of comparing the operating state or the autonomy of the power supply with minimum conditions and, when the operating state or the autonomy of the power supply does not satisfy the minimum conditions, a step of automatic switching of the manometer in a "degraded" operating state in which the pressure gauge (1) performs at least one of the following operating steps

- interruption of the regular calculation of a duration of autonomy,

- Electronic display of at least one alert message, - Regular wireless transmission, of the radio frequency type, an alert message.

13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface adapted to receive configuration data from the electronic unit (44) and in that the method comprises a step of configuring the electronic unit (44) to switch the manometer in a forced operating mode called "inactive" whatever the measured values of pressure (P) and possibly of pressure variation (dP), in the inactive state the manometer (1) interrupting at least one of the following steps:

the acquisition of the values measured by the pressure sensor (14),

- the electronic display,

- wireless data transmission,

- no action waiting for a wake up event to exit this idle state.

14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the electronic manometer comprises a port or a communication interface able to receive configuration data of the unit. electronics (44), the method comprising a step of comparing the current operating mode (A, BC, D) of the container with a plurality of predefined operating modes and in that it comprises a step of authorizing a change. configuring the electronic unit (44) only when the operating mode (A, BC, D) corresponds to one or more predefined operating modes allowing such a configuration change.

15. An electronic manometer for measuring the pressure (P) inside a container, in particular a pressurized gas cylinder, implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pressure sensor (14), an electronic unit (44) shaped for acquiring, storing and processing data, at least one information device (34) capable of transmitting at least one information item (P), characterized in the electronic data processing unit (44) is shaped to receive the pressure values (P) measured by the pressure sensor (14) and has a logic for comparing the measured pressure and variation values (P). pressure sensor (dP) measured with preset or stored respective reference values, the electronic data processing unit (44) storing at least two operating states (A, B, C, D) of the representative container respectively of a state of filling of the container when the variation of pressure is positive and of a state of withdrawal (variation of negative pressure), as a function of the pressure values (P) measured and pressure variation (dP) measured with respect to the values pre-established references for pressure and pressure variation, and that the electronic data processing unit (44) is shaped to automatically modify the operation and / or the nature of the information transmitted by the pressure gauge according to the state operating temperature (A, BC, D) of the container determined in real time from the measured values of pressure (P) and pressure variation (dP).