[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transferring an industrial gas from
a gas supplying device to a gas consuming device as well as to a gas and data transfer
unit, to a device for supplying and/or consuming an industrial gas and to a system
for transferring an industrial gas.
Background
[0002] For transferring industrial gases from devices supplying this industrial gas, e.g.
from fluid storage and transportation devices like storage vessels, containers, tanks,
trailers, cylinders, etc., to devices consuming or in need of this industrial gas
like welding and cutting equipment, machines, robots, furnaces or the like, pipes,
pipelines or hoses can be used.
[0003] If data is to be transferred between such fluid utilising devices, e.g. between sensors
and control units, a wireless data connection or a wired data connection can be established
between these devices. Establishing a wired connection between the devices may be
rather elaborately, since a separate data transmission line needs to be connected
with the corresponding devices. However, wireless communication may be limited and
power consuming. A limiting factor for wireless data transfer can be the energy supply
e.g. of measuring technology and transmitters. As every wireless data transfer increases
energy consumption, the number of realised data transfer is oftentimes deliberately
reduced to extend batteries lifetime, e.g. in smart cylinder valves. Energy limitations
can determine data limitations. Another limiting factor for use of wireless data transfer
especially in fabrication sites with large number of devices is the higher risk for
technical cross-disturbances or even for cyber criminality.
Disclosure of the invention
[0004] The present invention relates to a method for transferring an industrial gas from
a gas supplying device to a gas consuming device as well as to a gas and data transfer
unit, to a device for supplying and/or consuming an industrial gas, and to a system
for transferring an industrial gas for performing the method with the features of
the independent claims. Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become
apparent from the description and the appended figures.
[0005] The gas and data transfer unit, the device for supplying and/or consuming the industrial
gas and the system for transferring the industrial gas according to the present invention
are in particular configured to perform the method according to the present invention
or to be used in the course of the method according to the present invention. Advantages
and advantageous embodiments of the method, the gas and data transfer unit, the device
and the system according to the present invention shall arise from the present description
in an analogous manner.
[0006] According to the present invention, for transferring the industrial gas from the
gas supplying device to the gas consuming device, a gas and data transfer unit is
connected with the gas supplying device and with the gas consuming device. For reasons
of simplicity, this "gas and data transfer unit" is also referred to as "transfer
unit". In particular, this transfer unit comprises a first end and a second end, wherein
each of these two ends is configured to be connected with the corresponding gas supplying
device and/or the gas consuming device. The transfer unit is further configured to
transfer the industrial gas between these two ends and to transfer data bidirectionally
between these two ends.
[0007] Data is bidirectionally exchanged between the gas supplying device and the gas consuming
device via the gas and data transfer unit. For this purpose, each of the gas supplying
device and the gas consuming device particularly comprise an electronic device, wherein
the data is exchanged between these electronic devices via the transfer unit. For
example, these electronic devices can be provided as computing units, logic devices
or information technology devices for generating or processing data, e.g. as a microprocessor,
a microcontroller, an electric control unit, a computer, a control unit like a numerical
control (NC) or a computer numerical control (CNC), a sensor, an actuator, alarm,
valve, shut-off valve, wireless transmitter, battery, etc.
[0008] In dependence of the exchanged data it is evaluated, whether to enable or to disable
the transfer of the industrial gas from the gas supplying device to the gas consuming
device. Particularly, this evaluation can be performed by the corresponding electronic
device(s) of the gas supplying device and/or the gas consuming device. The exchanged
data can expediently characterise the possible gas transfer between the devices in
general. In particular, the exchanged data can characterise the gas supplying device
and the gas consuming device in detail as well as the specific industrial gas supplied
by the gas supplying device and the specific industrial gas needed or consumed by
the gas consuming device. In dependence of these kind of data it can particularly
be evaluated, whether the possible gas transfer is reasonable, safe and of high quality,
or whether the gas transfer should reasonably not be performed e.g. because of safety
risks or low-quality.
[0009] If the industrial gas transfer is enabled, the industrial gas is transferred from
the gas supplying device to the gas consuming device via the gas and data transfer
unit. For enabling the gas transfer, the corresponding electronic device(s) of the
gas supplying device and/or the gas consuming device can particularly allow corresponding
valves to be opened, e.g. by sending corresponding control signals or directly control
corresponding valves.
[0010] The gas supplying device and the gas consuming device can each be provided as or
can comprise a device according to the present invention. The system according to
the present invention comprises a corresponding gas supplying device and a corresponding
gas consuming device, connected via a gas and data transfer unit according to the
present invention, and is configured to perform or to be operated according to the
method according to the present invention.
[0011] The present invention expediently increases quality, quality assurance and safety
of the industrial gas transfer, especially such that only an industrial gases with
optimal quality properties is exchanged between the devices and especially such that
no safety risks can occur during the connection of the devices and during the industrial
gas transfer. By means of exchanging and evaluating data automatically and autonomously
after the connection between the gas supplying and the gas utilising device is established,
the industrial gas can expediently only be transferred between the two devices if
predetermined conditions, criteria or requirements are fulfilled, in particular regarding
safety and quality.
[0012] For example, the exchanged data can be analysed as to whether a correct, accurate,
compatible gas supplying/consuming devices are connected with each other. Only when
compatible devices are connected, the transfer of the industrial gas is enabled. If
wrong or incompatible devices are connected with specifications not matching predetermined
parameters, the transfer of the industrial gas can be disabled. This way, safety can
be improved by avoiding the industrial gas to enter devices which are not designed
or approved for it. Further, the gas consuming device can reject transfer of an industrial
gas which does not fulfil required and pre-set specifications.
[0013] Further, the exchanged data can for example be analysed as to the specific industrial
gas provided by the gas supplying device. Expediently, only when the gas supplying
device offers an industrial gas, which is safe to be transferred to the gas consuming
device and which fulfils predetermined quality standards of the gas consuming device,
the transfer of the industrial gas is enabled. However, if transferring the gas would
yield in a safety risk or if the provided gas is of low-quality, the transfer can
be disabled.
[0014] By transferring both data and the industrial gas via the same transfer unit, it is
particularly not necessary to provide different wired connections or lines for transferring
these different kinds of streams, thereby reducing or saving costs, expenditure, time,
material, space, and energy. Separate handling effort for transferring the industrial
gas and the data is particularly not necessary and safety risks can be reduced. With
only one transfer unit needing to be connected to the corresponding gas supplying/consuming
devices, a space-saving possibility to transfer different kinds of streams is provided,
which can comply with reduced and limited construction space. Moreover, the gas and
data transfer unit expediently yields the possibility to also transfer power between
the gas supplying/utilising device, thereby allowing to transfer the industrial gas,
data and power via the same unit, thus further reducing or saving costs, expenditure,
time, material, space, and energy.
[0015] Expediently, a data connection can automatically be established between the gas supplying
and gas consuming device, when the transfer unit is connected. Problems and disadvantages
with wireless data transfer can be avoided. Wireless data transfer systems oftentimes
require additional effort for energy supply, either continuous or for loading batteries,
are limited by energy availability (energy consumption, battery lifetime, etc.), and
add cost to the corresponding device. Thus, by transferring data via the gas and data
transfer unit, energy, effort and costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by transferring
the data via a wired connection by means of the transfer unit and not via a wireless
communication method, safety and security of the data exchange can be increased, since
wired connections are less susceptible for data breaches than wireless connections.
In particular, information security of the data exchange can be increased, since access
protection can be increased such that unauthorized access to the data can be reduced
or minimised. It can especially be prevented that attackers read out or even manipulate
the exchanged data. Further, functional or operational safety of the various hardware
and software units of the gas supplying device and the gas consuming devices can be
increased and their correct operation can be enabled, since manipulation by attackers
can be prevented.
[0016] The present invention thus provides a possibility to transfer data and industrial
gases between different gas supplying and utilising devices with low costs and low
expenditure in a time-saving, material-saving, space-saving, energy-saving, effective
manner with a high level of safety and quality.
[0017] The term "industrial gas" in the present context is particularly to be understood
as a fluid, especially provided for use in an industrial application, wherein the
term "fluid" particularly designates a gas or a mixture of gases or a liquid or a
mixture of liquids. The industrial gas can particularly be a chemical substance in
its gaseous form . Particularly, the industrial gas can also be a liquefied gas, often
also referred to as cryogenic liquefied gas, refrigerated liquefied gas, deeply refrigerated
gas or cryogenic liquid, i.e. a chemical substance, which is in its gaseous state
at room temperature and which has been refrigerated into its liquid state. The industrial
gas can particularly also be a cryogenic gas or a cryogenic liquefied gas, i.e. a
cryogenic liquid, which has been vaporised and may still be at a low temperature.
For example, the industrial gas can be hydrogen, compressed natural gas or biogas
(CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), etc.
[0018] The gas supplying device or device for supplying the industrial gas is particularly
to be understood as a device, which supplies delivers or provides the industrial gas
to the corresponding gas consuming device. The gas consuming device or device for
consuming the industrial gas is particularly to be understood as a device, which uses
or utilises the corresponding industrial gas provided by the gas supplying device
in any manner, e.g. which stores, consumes, process, etc. the corresponding industrial
gas.
[0019] For example, the gas supplying device and/or the gas consuming device can be provided
as or can comprise a fluid storage and/or transportation devices like a vessel, container,
cylinder, tank, trailer, truck, etc.
[0020] For example, the gas supplying device can be provided as or can comprise a device
or plant for generating the industrial gas, e.g. operated by a gas supplier or gas
provider, e.g. a gas generation plant, a gas production site, an air separation unit
(ASU), etc. The gas supplying device can e.g. also be an outlet point of a central
fluid supply line at a customer end.
[0021] For example, the gas consuming device can be provided as or can comprise a fluid
powered device or a fluid processing device, e.g. operated by a costumer, e.g. machine
or a process engineering apparatus like a welding equipment, burner, furnace, reactor,
cleaning device, freezer, plasma device, laser, robot, automated fabrication line,
analytical equipment, mixer, multiplexer, manifold or analyser etc.
[0022] For example, the gas supplying device and/or the gas consuming device can be provided
as or can comprise a mobile or transportable device or a stationary device. A mobile
device of that kind can e.g. be a truck or bulk supply truck for transporting and
delivering the industrial gas from a supplier to a costumer. A stationary device of
that kind can e.g. be located at a production site or plant operated by the costumer,
to which the industrial gas shall be delivered by the mobile device. The stationary
device can e.g. also be located at the supplier site, e.g. for filling the industrial
gas into the mobile device, which shall then deliver the industrial gas to the costumer.
For example, the mobile device can also be a vehicle powered by the industrial gas,
e.g. a hydrogen vehicle, and the stationary device can be a fuelling station for fuelling
the vehicle with the industrial gas, e.g. with hydrogen, compressed natural gas or
biogas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), etc.
[0023] Communication and data exchange within a corresponding stationary device like a machine
or plant, e.g. between different sensors and control units, can oftentimes be performed
by means of wired communication methods, e.g. via a safe and secure bus-system. When
connecting a corresponding mobile device like a truck to the stationary device, a
wired communication link can automatically be established between the bus-system of
the stationary and the mobile device via the gas and data transfer unit, thereby increasing
safety and security of the data exchange between the stationary and the mobile device.
[0024] Each end of the gas and data transfer unit can particularly be provided as or comprise
a port, terminal or interface configured to be connected with a corresponding port,
terminal or interface of the respective gas supplying/consuming device. Each end of
the transfer unit can particularly be configured to being connected to a valve of
the respective gas supplying/consuming device for transferring the industrial gas.
Each end can also expediently comprise a valve of its own, e.g. configured to being
connected to a valve of the corresponding device. Further, each end of the transfer
unit can particularly be configured to being connected to an electronic device of
the respective gas supplying/consuming device for the data transfer. The transfer
unit could also comprise one or several corresponding electronic devices of its own,
e.g. a logic like a sensor, actuator, alarm, or the like.
[0025] Furthermore, each end of the transfer unit can expediently be connected to an electric
energy source of the respective gas supplying/consuming device, e.g. a battery, a
generator, etc., for transferring power. Electric energy can then e.g. be transferred
from a power source of one of the devices for powering an electronic device of the
other device or e.g. for loading or charging a battery. For example, electric energy
can be transferred between different batteries for charging the battery with the lower
state of charge. In this case, e.g. one of the devices can be a device with a constant
supply of power, e.g. a welding equipment, a gas production site, etc., whereas the
other device can e.g. be a portable device without constant supply of power, e.g.
a portable fluid storage vessel or the like.
[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, device related data and/or gas related data
are bidirectionally exchanged between the gas supplying device and the gas consuming
device. These device related data preferably comprise information characterising the
gas supplying device and/or the gas consuming device. The gas related data preferably
comprise information characterising the industrial gas provided by the gas supplying
device and/or a gas needed or to be consumed by the gas consuming device. By exchanging
these kinds of data, the gas supplying device can expediently introduce itself to
the gas consuming device and can state to the gas consuming device which kind of industrial
gas it offers. Vice versa, the gas consuming device can expediently introduce itself
to the gas supplying device and can state to the gas supplying device which kind of
industrial gas it needs. In dependence of these device related data it can particularly
be evaluated, whether the two devices are compatible with each other. Based on the
gas related data it can expediently be evaluated, whether the offered gas is a desired
or needed gas of a required quality and whether the offered gas should reasonably
be transferred. For example, exchanging and evaluating these kinds of data allows
recognising a vehicle type, tank status, customer identity, statistics and thus enables
an optimised filling process, smart payment methods, safety improvements, avoidance
of wrong filling pressure when using the same transfer unit for different devices,
etc.
[0027] Advantageously, the exchanged data, especially the device related data, comprise
properties of the gas supplying device, properties of the gas consuming device, an
identification of the gas supplying device, an identification of the gas consuming
device, safety data of the gas supplying device and/or safety data of the gas consuming
device. These device related data can particularly describe the type and characteristics
of the corresponding device in general and further expediently its current required
specification for the industrial gas, e.g. current consumption conditions like a current
filling state, pressure etc. The corresponding properties can e.g. characterise the
specific type and configuration of the respective device as well as physical, chemical,
mechanical properties, etc. These identification related data can e.g. comprise a
unique registration ID, type number and/or a digital nameplate e.g. in the form a
cluster of distinct identification information about the corresponding device. The
safety related data can e.g. characterise safety regulations or safety precautions
of the corresponding device, e.g. whether the device comprises explosion protection,
which specific kinds of fluids the correspond device can safely handle, etc. For example,
if the gas consuming device comprises no explosion protection, transfer of a highly
flammable industrial gas or an industrial gas with highly flammable components can
be disabled. By means of these kinds data it can especially be evaluated, whether
the two devices are compatible with each other and whether a gas transfer between
the devices can be performed safely.
[0028] Advantageously, the exchanged data, especially the gas related data, comprise properties
of the industrial gas provided by the gas supplying device and/or properties of a
gas needed or to be consumed by the gas consuming device. These gas related data can
especially characterise conditions of the corresponding offered or needed industrial
gas, e.g. its quality, purity, mixing accuracy, chemical composition, pressure, temperature,
flowrate, amount, safety data, etc. By means of these kinds of data it can expediently
be evaluated, whether the offered gas is suitable for the needs of the gas consuming
device.
[0029] Alternatively or additionally the exchanged data, especially the gas related data,
advantageously comprise information on gases or gas components, which may not be transferred
to the gas consuming device, especially for safety reasons. For example, highly flammable
gases or gas components may not be transferred, e.g. if the gas consuming device comprises
no explosion protection. Safety of the gas transfer and operation of the devices can
thus further be increased.
[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, evaluating whether to enable or to disable the
transfer of the industrial gas comprises evaluating whether the exchanged data fulfil
predetermined requirements, especially related to safety and/or quality. In particular,
it can be evaluated whether the data characterising the gas supplying device fulfils
corresponding requirements of the gas consuming device and vice versa. These requirements
can define certain conditions, criteria or scenarios, under which industrial gas can
safely be transferred with high-quality.
[0031] Preferably, evaluating whether to enable or to disable the transfer of the industrial
gas comprises evaluating whether the gas supplying device and the industrial gas provided
by the gas supplying device fulfil safety and/or quality requirements of the gas consuming
device. Expediently, these requirements can characterise which specific types of gas
supplying devices are compatible and can safely be coupled with the gas consuming
device. Further, these requirements can expediently characterise specific requirements,
types and properties of the needed industrial gas such that the gas consuming device
can consume the correspond gas with optimum efficiency and quality.
[0032] Advantageously, if the transfer of the industrial gas is enabled and if the industrial
gas is transferred from the gas supplying device to the gas consuming device, payment
data is exchanged bidirectionally between the gas supplying device and the gas consuming
device via the gas and data transfer unit regarding a payment of the transferred industrial
gas. Expediently, these payment data can characterise an amount of the industrial
gas transferred from the gas supplying device to the gas consuming device. For example,
this amount can be fixed and predetermined in advance before the transfer. Alternatively,
the amount can flexibly be determined during the transfer and can e.g. be a necessary
amount to fill a tank of the consuming device. Further, the payment data can e.g.
relate to or characterise a user, costumer or owner of the respective devices, e.g.
to a customer identity, account number, etc.
[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, if the transfer of the industrial gas is enabled
and if the industrial gas is transferred from the gas supplying device to the gas
consuming device, the transfer of the industrial gas is controlled in dependence of
the exchanged data. Expediently, one or several electronic devices of the gas supplying
device and/or the gas consuming device can perform this control, e.g. a microprocessor,
a microcontroller, an electric control unit, etc. For this purpose, corresponding
data can expediently be exchanged during the industrial gas transfer, for example
data characterising the transfer itself, e.g. sensor data related to the transferred
industrial gas. The transferred industrial gas can particularly be analysed, e.g.
by means of sensors, and results of this analysis can be exchanged as corresponding
data via the transfer unit. For example, this exchanged data can characterise the
current quality, purity, mixing accuracy, composition, pressure, temperature, flowrate,
amount, etc. of the transferred industrial gas. After a predetermined amount of the
industrial gas is transferred, valves or actuators can expediently be controlled such
that the industrial gas flow is stopped.
[0034] Advantageously, the gas and data transfer unit is provided as a pipe for transferring
the industrial gas with at least one data line for bidirectionally exchanging the
data. For example, at least one fibre or wire can be provided as data line(s). The
at least one data line, e.g. the at least one fibre or wire, is preferably provided
in a wall of the pipe and/or at an inner surface of the wall of the pipe and/or at
an outer surface of the wall of the pipe. The industrial gas can expediently be transferred
through an inner volume of the pipe, i.e. through a volume enclosed by the walls of
the pipe, wherein data and also electric energy can be transferred though the corresponding
integrated data line(s) provided within the wall or at surfaces of the wall. It is
also possible that the pipe can be made of a conductive polymer, i.e. a polymer or
plastic with electric conductivity. In this case, data can particularly be exchanged
bidirectionally via the pipe itself.
[0035] It should be noted that the previously mentioned features and the features to be
further described in the following are usable not only in the respectively indicated
combination, but also in further combinations or taken alone, without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0036] The present invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which
- Figure 1
- schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a system for transferring an industrial
gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred embodiment
of the method according to the invention.
- Figure 2
- schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a system for transferring an industrial
gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred embodiment
of the method according to the invention.
- Figure 3
- schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a system for transferring an industrial
gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred embodiment
of the method according to the invention.
- Figure 4
- schematically shows a preferred embodiment of a system for transferring an industrial
gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred embodiment
of the method according to the invention.
Detailed description
[0037] Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of system 100 for transferring
an industrial gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred
embodiment of the method according to the invention.
[0038] The system 100 comprises a first device 110 for supplying and/or consuming an industrial
gas and a second device 120 for supplying and/or consuming an industrial gas connected
via a gas and data transfer unit 130.
[0039] The gas and data transfer unit 130 comprises a first end 131 and a second end 132.
The first end 131 of the transfer unit 130 is configured to be connected with the
first device 110 by means of a first transfer interface unit 151 and the second end
132 of the transfer unit 130 is configured to be connected with the second device
120 by means of a second transfer interface unit 152.
[0040] The transfer unit 130 is configured to transfer an industrial gas between the first
end 131 and the second end 132 and thus between the first and the second device 110,
120. The transfer unit 130 is further configured to bidirectionally transfer data
and especially also electric energy between the first end 131 and the second end 132
and thus between the two devices 110, 120.
[0041] For this purpose, the transfer unit 130 for example comprises a pipe 131, wherein
the industrial gas is transferred though an inner volume enclosed by a wall of the
pipe. Further, at least one data line, e.g. at least one wire and at least one optical
fibre, are provided inside this wall for transferring electric energy and data. Wire(s)
and fibre(s) can e.g. also be provided at an inner surface or an outer surface of
the wall.
[0042] According to the present invention, when connecting the devices 110, 120 with each
other via the gas and data transfer unit 130, data is exchanged bidirectionally between
these devices 110, 120 via the transfer unit 130 and it is evaluated in dependence
of these exchanged data whether to enable or to disable the transfer of the industrial
gas. Only when if the transfer of the industrial gas is enabled as a result of this
evaluation, the industrial gas is transferred between the devices 110, 120 via the
transfer unit 130, as shall be explained hereafter.
[0043] The first device 110 is for example provided as a fluid storage device, e.g. as a
storage cylinder.
[0044] The second device 120 can for example be a gas supplying device providing the industrial
gas to the cylinder 110. In this case, the first device is provided as a gas consuming
device for consuming or storing the industrial gas provided by the gas supplying device
120. For example, the second device 120 can be an air separation unit (ASU), etc.
[0045] The second device 120 can also be a provided as a gas consuming device, e.g. a welding
equipment, burner, furnace, etc., and the first device 110. In this case, the industrial
gas is transferred from the cylinder 110 to the second device 120.
[0046] In the following, the latter example shall be discussed that the cylinder 110 is
provided as a gas supplying device providing the industrial gas to the second device
120 as a gas consuming device, e.g. a welding equipment.
[0047] In the present example, the first transfer interface unit 151 is fixedly connected
to the first device 110 and the second transfer interface unit 152 can fixedly be
connected to the second device 120. The first end 131 and the second end 132 of the
transfer unit 130 can e.g. be provided as ports or terminals configured to be connected
with the respective transfer interface unit 151, 152. However, it is also possible,
that the transfer interface unit 151 is fixedly connected with the first end 131 and
that the second transfer interface unit 152 is fixedly connected with the second end
132 of the transfer unto 130. These transfer interface units can then be connected
with a corresponding port of the respective fluid utilising device 110, 120.
[0048] The first transfer interface unit 151 is connected with a valve 111 of the first
device 110 for transferring the industrial gas between the transfer unit 130 and the
device 110. Further, the first transfer interface unit 151 is connected with an electronic
device 115 of the first device via an electrical wire 112 and a data line 113 for
transferring electric energy and data between the transfer unit 130 and the first
device 110. For example, the electronic device 115 can be provided as a control unit
and can comprise sensors, e.g. for measuring a flow, temperature and pressure of the
gas, as well as actuators for opening and closing the valve 111. The electronic device
115 can also comprise an electric energy source, e.g. a battery, to be loaded by the
transferred electric energy.
[0049] The second transfer interface unit 152 is connected with a valve 121 of the second
device 120 for transferring the industrial gas between this device 120 and the transfer
unit 130. Further, the second transfer interface unit 152 is connected with an electronic
device 125 of the second device 120 via an electrical wire 122 and a data line 123
for transferring electric energy and data between the transfer unit 130 and the second
device 120. This electronic device 125 can e.g. be provided as a control unit. The
electronic device 125 can further serve as an energy source providing electric energy
to be transferred via the transfer unit 130.
[0050] Thus, electric energy can be transferred from the control unit 125 to the electronic
device 115 via the transfer unit 130 in order to power said device. Further, data
can be exchanged between the control unit 125 and the electronic device 115 via the
transfer unit 130.
[0051] When connecting the first device, i.e. the cylinder 110, with the second device 120,
i.e. welding equipment, via the transfer unit 130, the electronic devices or control
units 115, 125 of the devices 110, 120 exchange bidirectionally data with each other
via the transfer unit 130.
[0052] These exchanged data for example comprises device related data characterising the
gas supplying device 110 and the gas consuming device 120 as well as gas related data
characterising the industrial gas provided by the gas supplying device 110 and a gas
needed or to be consumed by the gas consuming device 120.
[0053] The device related data e.g. characterises an identification or registration ID and
the specific type and configuration of the respective device 110, 120 as well as physical,
chemical, mechanical properties, etc. The gas related data further e.g. comprises
safety related data characterising safety regulations or safety precautions of the
corresponding device 110, 120, e.g. whether the corresponding device 110, 120 comprises
explosion protection, which specific kinds of fluids the correspond device can safely
handle, etc.
[0054] The gas related data e.g. characterises properties of the industrial gas provided
by the gas supplying device 110 and properties of the gas needed by the gas consuming
device 120, e.g. quality, purity, mixing accuracy, chemical composition, pressure,
temperature, flowrate, amount, safety data of the corresponding gases. The gas related
data further comprises information on gases or gas components, which may not be transferred
to the gas consuming device 120 for safety reasons.
[0055] By exchanging these data, the cylinder 110 can introduce itself to the welding equipment
120 and can state which specific kind of industrial gas it offers. Vice versa, the
welding equipment 120 can introduce itself to the cylinder 110 and can state which
specific kind of industrial gas it needs. In dependence of the exchanged data it is
evaluated, whether the two devices 110, 120 are compatible with each other and whether
the offered gas is suitable for the needs of the gas consuming device 120.
[0056] Based on these exchanged data, the electronic devices or control units 115, 125 of
the devices 110, 120 evaluate, whether to enable or to disable the transfer of the
industrial gas. For this purpose, the control units 115, 125 evaluate whether the
exchanged data fulfil predetermined requirements, especially related to safety and/or
quality. For example, it is evaluated whether the type of the cylinder 110 is compatible
and can safely be used with the welding equipment 120, e.g. whether the cylinder 110
comprises required safety precautions for welding procedures. For example, if the
cylinder comprises no explosion protection, the gas transfer is disabled. It is e.g.
further evaluated, whether the properties of the offered industrial gas, e.g. its
quality, composition, and mixing accuracy, fulfil requirements and are suitable for
the welding process to be performed by the welding equipment 120.
[0057] Only when the exchanged data fulfil the predetermined requirements, the control units
115, 125 enable the transfer of the gas. For this purpose, the control units 115,
125 control the respective valves 111, 121 to be opened. By means of this evaluation,
it can e.g. be prevented that a wrong or incompatible cylinder 110 is used in connection
with the welding equipment 120 or that a wrong type of gas is transferred to the welding
equipment 120, which could reduce quality of the welding process or which could pose
a safety risk.
[0058] After opening the valves 111, 121, data corresponding to the transferred gas can
be measured via the corresponding sensor and can be exchanged between the control
units 115, 125 via the transfer unit 130, e.g. data characterising the current quality,
purity, mixing accuracy, composition, pressure, temperature, flowrate, amount, etc.
of the transferred industrial gas. One or both of the control units 115, 125 can control
the transfer of the gas in dependence of these exchanged data. After a predetermined
amount of the industrial gas is transferred, the control units 115, 125 can control
the corresponding valves 111, 121 to be closed and to stop the industrial gas transfer.
[0059] Further, payment data may be exchanged bidirectionally between the gas supplying
device 110 and the gas consuming device 120 or their corresponding control units 115,
125 via the gas and data transfer unit 130 regarding payment of the transferred industrial
gas. These payment data e.g. characterise the amount of the industrial gas transferred
and can further identify the user, costumer or owner of the respective devices 110,
120, e.g. via a customer identity, account number, etc.
[0060] Figure 2 schematically shows another preferred embodiment of a system 200 for transferring
an industrial gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred
embodiment of the method according to the invention.
[0061] The system 200 comprises a fluid mixer 220 for generating a fluid mixture as a gas
consuming device. This fluid mixer 220 is connected with several fluid storage devices
210, e.g. storage cylinders storing individual fluids, wherein each fluid storage
device 210 is provided as a gas suppling device. The fluid mixer 220 can extract individual
amounts of these different fluids from the cylinders 210 in order to produce a predetermined
fluid mixture. For this purpose, the fluid mixer 220 is connected to each of the cylinders
210 via one gas and data transfer unit 230 for transferring the corresponding fluid
as well as data. Each gas and data transfer unit 230 comprises a pipe 233 with integrated
fibre(s) and wire(s). The mixing mechanism in the fluid mixer 220 is not illustrated
in detail.
[0062] Correspondingly to Fig. 1, a first interface unit 251 connects each transfer unit
230 with a valve 211 of the corresponding cylinder 210 for transferring the fluid
as well as with an electronic device 215 of the corresponding cylinder 210 for transferring
data. In accordance to the electronic device 115 of Fig. 1, these electronic devices
215 comprise a control unit, sensors, e.g. for measuring a flow, temperature and pressure
of the fluid, and actuators for opening and closing the respective valve 211. Further,
these electronic devices 215 can comprise a battery.
[0063] Accordingly, a second interface unit 252 connects each transfer unit 230 with a valve
221 of the fluid mixer 220 for transferring the corresponding fluid as well as with
a control unit 225 of the mixer 220 via an electrical wire 222 and a data line 223
for transferring electric energy and data.
[0064] By exchanging and evaluating data between the control units 215, 225, it is evaluated,
whether the individual cylinders 210 are compatible and can safely be used with the
mixer 220. It is further evaluated whether the corresponding fluid or industrial gas
provided by the individual cylinders 210 meet requirements of fluids needed by the
mixer 220. The control units 215, 225 can further individually control the extraction
of the fluids from each of the cylinders 210 by means of the data exchanged via the
transfer units 230. Therefore, the control units 215, 225 can flexibly control the
mixing of the fluid mixture.
[0065] Figure 3 schematically shows another preferred embodiment of a system 300 for transferring
an industrial gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred
embodiment of the method according to the invention.
[0066] A central fluid supply pipe line system 310 is provided as a gas suppling device.
This pipe line system 310 can supply an industrial gas or fluid to a gas consuming
device 320, e.g. a welding equipment, burner, furnace, etc. For this purpose, the
devices 310, 320 are connected with a gas and data transfer unit 330 for transferring
the industrial gas as well as data. For this purpose, the gas and data transfer unit
330 comprises a pipe 333 with integrated fibres and wires. A first end 331 of the
transfer unit 330 is connected to the supply pipe line system 310 via a first interface
unit 351 and a second end 332 of the transfer unit 330 is connected with the gas consuming
device 320 via a second interface unit 152.
[0067] The first interface unit 351 can fixedly be connected to the supply system 310 and
can particularly be connected with a valve 311 of the system 310 for transferring
the industrial gas between the transfer unit 330 and the system 310. The first transfer
interface unit 351 can further be connected with an electronic device 315 of the system
310 via an electrical wire 312 and a data line 313 for transferring electric energy
and data between the transfer unit 330 and the supply system 310. The electronic device
315 can comprise a control unit, sensors, e.g. for measuring flow, temperature and
pressure, as well as an actuator for opening and closing the valve 311.
[0068] The second transfer interface unit 352 can fixedly be connected to the gas consuming
device 320, e.g. with a valve 321 of the device 320 and further with an electronic
device 325, e.g. a control unit, via an electrical wire 322 and a data line 323 for
transferring the industrial gas, electric energy and data between the transfer unit
330 and the gas consuming device 320.
[0069] In dependence of the data exchanged via the transfer unit 330, it is evaluated whether
the individual devices 310, 320 are compatible with each other and whether the supply
system 310 provides an industrial gas needed by the gas consuming device 320.
[0070] Figure 4 schematically shows another preferred embodiment of a system 400 for transferring
an industrial gas according to the present invention, configured to perform a preferred
embodiment of the method according to the invention.
[0071] For example, a bulk supply truck 410 is provided as a gas supplying device delivering
an industrial gas to a gas consuming device 420 e.g. in the form of a production site
or plant. For this purpose, the truck 410 and the plant 420 are connected via a gas
and data transfer unit 430 comprising a pipe 422 with integrated wires and fibres.
[0072] The transfer unit 430 can be connected to the bulk truck 410 via a first transfer
interface unit 451 and to the plant 420 via a second transfer interface unit 452.
For example, the first transfer interface unit 451 can be fixedly connected with the
first end 431 of the transfer unit 430 and can be configured to be connected with
a corresponding port of the truck 410. The second transfer interface unit 452 can
for example also be fixedly connected with the second end 432 of the transfer unit
430 and can be configured to be connected with a corresponding port of the utilising
device 420.
[0073] The first transfer interface unit 451 can e.g. be connected with a valve 411 of the
truck 410 and with an electronic device 415, e.g. a control unit, of the truck 410
via an electrical wire 412 and a data line 413 for transferring fluid, electric energy
and data between the transfer unit 430 and the bulk supply truck 410.
[0074] The second transfer interface unit 452 can be connected with a valve 421 of the second
device 420 as well as with an electronic device 425, e.g. a control unit, via an electrical
wire 422 and a data line 423 for transferring the fluid, electric energy and data
between the transfer unit 430 and the device 420.
[0075] In dependence of the data exchanged between the control units 415, 425 via the transfer
unit 430, the transfer of fluid can be controlled, e.g. by means of the control unit
425. For example, after connecting the transfer unit 430 with the utilising devices
410, 420, the control unit 415 of the truck 410 sends data regarding the truck 410
via the transfer unit 430 to the control unit 425. The control unit 425 evaluates
this received data, for example as to whether the truck 410 is a correct, accurate,
compatible device. When this is the case, the control unit 425 enables the transfer
of the industrial gas and instructs the control unit 415 to open the valve 411 of
the truck 410. If the truck is not compatible, the control unit 420 disables the transfer
of the industrial gas. This way, safety can be improved. After a predetermined amount
of fluid is transferred, the control unit 425 instructs the control unit 415 to close
the valve 411 of the truck 410.
Reference list
[0076]
- 100
- system for transferring an industrial gas
- 110
- device for supplying and/or consuming an industrial gas
- 111
- valve
- 112
- electrical wire
- 113
- data line
- 115
- electronic device, sensors, actuators
- 120
- device for supplying and/or consuming an industrial gas
- 121
- valve
- 122
- electrical wire
- 123
- data line
- 125
- electronic device, control unit
- 130
- gas and data transfer unit
- 131
- first end of the gas and data transfer unit
- 132
- second end of the gas and data transfer unit
- 133
- pipe with wires and/or fibres
- 151
- first interface unit
- 152
- second interface unit
- 200
- system for transferring an industrial gas
- 210
- gas supplying device, fluid storage device
- 211
- valve
- 215
- electronic device, control unit, sensors, actuators
- 220
- gas consuming device, fluid mixer
- 221
- valve
- 222
- electrical wire
- 223
- data line
- 225
- electronic device, control unit
- 230
- gas and data transfer unit
- 233
- pipe with wires and/or fibres
- 251
- first interface unit
- 252
- second interface unit
- 300
- system for transferring an industrial gas
- 310
- gas supplying device, central fluid supply pipe line system
- 311
- valve
- 312
- electrical wire
- 313
- data line
- 315
- electronic device, control unit, sensors, actuators
- 320
- gas consuming device
- 321
- valve
- 322
- electrical wire
- 323
- data line
- 325
- electronic device, control unit
- 330
- gas and data transfer unit
- 331
- first end of the gas and data transfer unit
- 332
- second end of the gas and data transfer unit
- 333
- pipe with wires and/or fibres
- 351
- first interface unit
- 352
- second interface unit
- 400
- system for transferring an industrial gas
- 410
- gas supplying device, bulk supply truck
- 411
- valve
- 412
- electrical wire
- 413
- data line
- 415
- electronic device, control unit
- 420
- gas consuming device, production plant
- 421
- valve
- 422
- electrical wire
- 423
- data line
- 425
- electronic device, control unit
- 430
- gas and data transfer unit
- 431
- first end of the gas and data transfer unit
- 432
- second end of the gas and data transfer unit
- 433
- pipe with wires and/or fibres
- 451
- first interface unit
- 452
- second interface unit
1. A method for transferring an industrial gas from a gas supplying device (110, 210,
310, 410) providing the industrial gas to a gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420)
comprising:
connecting a gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430) with the gas supplying
device (110, 210, 310, 410) and with the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420);
exchanging data bidirectionally between the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410)
and the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) via the gas and data transfer unit
(130, 230, 330, 430);
evaluating whether to enable or to disable the transfer of the industrial gas from
the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) to the gas consuming device (120, 220,
320, 420) in dependence of the exchanged data;
transferring the industrial gas from the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410)
to the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) via the gas and data transfer unit
(130, 230, 330, 430) if the transfer of the industrial gas is enabled.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein exchanging the data comprises:
exchanging device related data bidirectionally between the gas supplying device (110,
210, 310, 410) and the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) comprising information
characterising the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) and/or the gas consuming
device (120, 220, 320, 420); and/or
exchanging gas related data bidirectionally between the gas supplying device (110,
210, 310, 410) and the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) comprising information
characterising the industrial gas provided by the gas supplying device (110, 210,
310, 410) and/or a gas to be consumed by the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320,
420).
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exchanged data comprise:
properties of the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410); and/or
properties of the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420); and/or
an identification of the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410); and/or
an identification of the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420); and/or
safety data of the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410); and/or
safety data of the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420).
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the exchanged data
comprise:
properties of the industrial gas provided by the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310,
410), especially a quality and/or a purity and/or a mixing accuracy and/or a composition
and/or a pressure and/or a temperature and/or a flowrate and/or an amount and/or safety
data of the provided gas; and/or
properties of a gas to be consumed by the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420),
especially a quality and/or a purity and/or a mixing accuracy and/or a composition
and/or a pressure and/or a temperature and/or a flowrate and/or an amount and/or safety
data of the gas; and/or
information on gases or gas components, which may not be transferred to the gas consuming
device (120, 220, 320, 420).
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein evaluating whether
to enable or to disable the transfer of the industrial gas comprises:
evaluating whether the exchanged data fulfil predetermined requirements, especially
related to safety and/or quality.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein evaluating whether
to enable or to disable the transfer of the industrial gas comprises:
evaluating whether the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) and the industrial
gas provided by the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) fulfil safety and/or
quality requirements of the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420).
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, if the
transfer of the industrial gas is enabled and if the industrial gas is transferred
from the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) to the gas consuming device (120,
220, 320, 420):
exchanging payment data bidirectionally between the gas supplying device (110, 210,
310, 410) and the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) via the gas and data transfer
unit (130, 230, 330, 430) regarding a payment of the transferred industrial gas.
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, if the
transfer of the industrial gas is enabled and if the industrial gas is transferred
from the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) to the gas consuming device (120,
220, 320, 420):
controlling the transfer of the industrial gas in dependence of the exchanged data.
9. A gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430),
comprising a first end (131, 331, 432) and a second end (132, 332, 432), each one
of these two ends being configured to be connected with a gas supplying device (110,
210, 310, 410) and/or a gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420);
the gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430) being configured to transfer an
industrial gas between these two ends and to transfer data bidirectionally between
these two ends.
10. The gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430) according to claim 9 being provided
as a pipe (133, 233, 333, 433) for transferring the industrial gas with at least one
data line for bidirectionally exchanging the data.
11. The gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430) according to claim 10, wherein
the at least one data line is provided in a wall of the pipe (133, 233, 333, 433)
and/or at an inner surface of the wall of the pipe (133, 233, 333, 433) and/or at
an outer surface of the wall of the pipe (133, 233, 333, 433).
12. A device (110, 120, 210, 220, 310, 320, 410, 420) for supplying and/or consuming an
industrial gas,
configured to be connected with a gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430)
according to any one of the claims 9 to 11;
configured to send and receive data via the gas and data transfer unit (130, 230,
330, 430);
configured to evaluate whether to enable or to disable a transfer of an industrial
gas;
configured to transfer or receive the industrial gas via the gas and data transfer
unit (130, 230, 330, 430) if the industrial gas transfer is enabled.
13. A system (100, 200, 300, 400) for transferring an industrial gas, configured to perform
a method according to any one of the claims 1 to 8,
comprising a gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) providing the industrial gas,
which is provided as or comprises a first device according to claim 11, a gas consuming
device (120, 220, 320, 420), which is provided as or comprises a second device according
to claim 11, and a gas and data transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430) according to any
one of the claims 9 to 11 connected with the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310,
410) and the gas consuming device (110, 210, 310, 410);
configured to exchange data bidirectionally between the gas supplying device (110,
210, 310, 410) and the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) via the gas and data
transfer unit (130, 230, 330, 430);
configured to evaluate whether to enable or to disable the transfer of the industrial
gas from the gas supplying device (110, 210, 310, 410) to the gas consuming (120,
220, 320, 420) in dependence of the exchanged data;
configured to transfer the industrial gas from the gas supplying device (110, 210,
310, 410) to the gas consuming device (120, 220, 320, 420) via the gas and data transfer
unit (130, 230, 330, 430) if the gas transfer is enabled.