FIELD OF THE INVENTION

(001) The invention relates to a Valve Integrated Pressure Regulator (VIPR) valve for a pressure vessel used for storing compressed gas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(002) Pressure vessels for storing compressed gases are well known and are often referred to as "gas cylinders" because they conventionally have a cylindrical shape. A gas cylinder is typically able to store gas at a pressure of up to 300 bar and is generally formed as a one-piece vessel, symmetrical about a longitudinal axis, from a strong material, such as steel. To be able to release gas from the cylinder, the cylinder has an axial opening to accommodate a valve, generally with external screw threads that engage with

complimentary screw threads in the axial opening of the cylinder. One type of valve is a VIPR (Valve Integrated Pressure Regulator). As the name suggests, VIPR valves comprise an integral pressure regulator as well as a main shut off valve. VIPRs are well known in the art and no further description is given herein. Known VIPR valves generally include a gauge that measures the pressure within the cylinder body, which can then be used to calculate remaining contents of the cylinder, and a gauge which indicates the post regulation pressure or flow.

(003) VIPR valves are expensive as compared to other types of valves, often costing as much as ten times the amount of a separate simple valve and regulator arrangement. In addition, VIPR valves can be damaged relatively easily because of the fragile nature of the gauges. These gauges can be accidentally hit or knocked when the cylinder is being moved or by other equipment being used. This damage may result in the need to replace the gauges or the entire VIPR valve, therefore significantly increasing the cost of use and operation.

(004) There remains a need in the art for improvements to VIPR valves for use in pressure vessels, e.g. gas cylinders.

DESCRIPTION O F THE INVENTION

(005) The VIPR valve according to the invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art, by using pressure transducers or similar sensors instead of gauges. These transducers or sensors are connected to a visual display which can show any combination, as the end user desires, of remaining contents, contents pressure, outlet pressure and outlet flow rate. The user can determine what information to display, and in what combination. The end user may choose to view only one parameter, two parameters together, or all four measure parameters as desired.

(006) The invention provides a pressure transducer or sensor on the outlet side of the VIPR valve. This transducer or sensor measures the outlet pressure which can be converted into a flow rate from the VIPR valve and provide a signal that can be displayed on the associated cylinder display.

(007) By using transducers or sensors instead of gauges, the possibility of damaging components is lessened, as transducers or sensors are more robust and less likely to be damaged or broken in use. In addition, the transducer or sensor can be placed in a position where it is at least partially hidden within the body of the VIPR valve. This not only makes the component more secure but also reduces the likelihood of damage. In addition, the VIPR is able to be more compact, not requiring packaging space for two gauge windows. (008) The display to which the transducer or sensor is connected can be made integral with the cylinder. For example, the display can be fitted into the cylinder collar or guard.

(009) The drawing figure provides a schematic view of a VIPR valve according to the invention. In particular, the figure shows a cylinder 10 having a VIPR valve 20 attached thereto. The VIPR valve 20 has a standard outlet 30, main cylinder valve 40 and regulator 50. According to the invention a pressure transducer or sensor 60 is associated with the regulator 50. The transducer or sensor 60 may be attached by appropriate wiring or cable to a display for the cylinder. A further pressure transducer or sensor (not shown) is located upstream of the main shut off valve to measure the internal cylinder pressure and/or contents. The further pressure transducer or sensor may be located in the cylinder itself or within the VIPR. The further pressure transducer or sensor is attached by appropriate wiring or cable to a display for the cylinder. In an alternative embodiment, communication between the pressure transducers/sensors may be via any suitable wireless mode of communication.

(010) The invention provides the advantages as noted above. Namely, by using pressure transducers or sensors rather than pressure gauges, the VIPR valve is better protected against possible damage and can therefore be maintained and operated at lower cost. In addition, the VIPR of the invention allows the user to display both content and outlet pressure or flow. It will be understood that the terms pressure transducer and pressure sensor as used herein to refer to devices which provide an electronic signal output, which signal may be fed to a suitable computational device for interpretation and display.

(011) It is anticipated that other embodiments and variations of the present invention will become readily apparent to the skilled artisan in the light of the foregoing description, and it is intended that such embodiments and variations likewise be included within the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.