Abstract: A hydrogen dispenser comprises a programmable controller and a user interface operably connected to the programmable controller. The programmable controller has a plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms. The user interface offers the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms and is used for setting a user-selected dispensing rate algorithm from among the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms.

Abstract: Method for supplying a high purity gas product comprising providing a first gas stream including a major component and at least one impurity component, determining the concentration of the at least one impurity component, and comparing the concentration so determined with a reference concentration for that component. When the value of the concentration so determined is less than or equal to the reference concentration, the first gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product. When the value of the concentration so determined is greater than the reference concentration, a second gas stream comprising the major component is provided and the first and second gas streams are mixed to yield a mixed gas stream having a concentration of the at least one impurity component that is less than the reference concentration.

Abstract: Method for dispensing a gas comprising (a) providing a gas storage system containing pressurized gas and having at least first and second gas storage volumes, first and second flow control valves in flow communication with the first and second gas storage volumes, respectively, wherein each flow control valve is initially closed, and wherein the first gas storage volume has a smaller volumetric capacity than the second gas storage volume; (b) selecting a reference temperature; (c) measuring the ambient temperature; (d) providing a gas receiving vessel and placing it in flow communication with each flow control valve and with the gas storage system; and (e) initiating delivery of the gas by (i) opening the first flow control valve when the ambient temperature is equal to or greater than the reference temperature or (ii) opening the second flow control valve when the ambient temperature is less than the reference temperature.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for filling a vessel with compressed gas is disclosed. Gas is compressed into the vessel at a predetermined flow rate using a variable speed pump or compressor. The flow rate is adjusted to increase the gas pressure at a predetermined rate of change. The flow rate is adjusted based upon the instantaneous value of a measured parameter such as gas temperature or pressure or ambient temperature. The parameter is measured by a transducer and the value is fed back to a controller which adjusts the speed of the compressor or pump to produce the flow rate needed to achieve the predetermined pressure rate of change.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for a gas supply system includes: determining a desired ramp rate for filling a vessel from a supply of compressed gas; monitoring the actual pressure of gas entering the vessel; and discontinuing the flow of gas into the vessel when the actual pressure deviates from the intended pressure at the desired ramp rate by an undesired amount. A system for carrying out the method includes a flow controller for controlling operation of the supply system to deliver compressed gas from a source to a vessel through a supply line at a desired ramp rate. The system employs a pressure monitor downstream of a control valve for measuring the pressure of gas directed into the vessel and transmitting pressure-related data to the flow controller, which closes the control valve to discontinue filling of the vessel if the actual pressure exceeds a permissible deviation from the intended pressure.

Abstract: Method for supplying a high purity gas product comprising providing a first gas stream including a major component and at least one impurity component, determining the concentration of the at least one impurity component, and comparing the concentration so determined with a reference concentration for that component. When the value of the concentration so determined is less than or equal to the reference concentration, the first gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product. When the value of the concentration so determined is greater than the reference concentration, a second gas stream comprising the major component is provided and the first and second gas streams are mixed to yield a mixed gas stream having a concentration of the at least one impurity component that is less than the reference concentration.

Abstract: Method for supplying a high purity gas product comprising providing a first gas stream including a major component and at least one impurity component, determining the concentration of the at least one impurity component, and comparing the concentration so determined with a reference concentration for that component. When the value of the concentration so determined is less than or equal to the reference concentration, the first gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product. When the value of the concentration so determined is greater than the reference concentration, a second gas stream comprising the major component is provided and the first and second gas streams are mixed to yield a mixed gas stream having a concentration of the at least one impurity component that is less than the reference concentration. The mixed gas stream is utilized to provide the high purity gas product.

Abstract: A pumping/compressing apparatus for use in a fluid handling system transferring a fluid from one location, e.g., a tank, to another location or to an end use is provided. The apparatus basically includes a motor and a multistage, e.g., two stage, device including at least one reciprocating piston, an inlet stage chamber, an outlet stage chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The piston is arranged to be reciprocated at multiple, e.g., respective first and second, speeds. The second speed is higher than the first speed, whereupon when the piston is reciprocated at the first speed the device effectively pumps liquid or mostly liquid to the outlet. When the piston is reciprocated at the second speed the device effectively compresses gas or mostly gas fluid and provides it to the outlet. A blowby port may be provided to provide blowby fluid back to the tank or the device.

Abstract: A hydrogen dispenser comprises a programmable controller and a user interface operably connected to the programmable controller. The programmable controller has a plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms. The user interface offers the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms and is used for setting a user-selected dispensing rate algorithm from among the plurality of user-selectable hydrogen dispensing rate algorithms.

Abstract: A method for supplying a cryogenic fluid to a network of two or more cryogenic fluid receiving stations, wherein a cryogenic liquid is routed to cryogenic fluid receiving stations in a single cryogenic vessel and is dispensed to the cryogenic fluid receiving stations as either a cryogenic liquid, a compressed gas, both a cryogenic liquid and a compressed gas, or as a mixture of a cryogenic liquid and a compressed gas.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A pumping/compressing apparatus for use in a fluid handling system transferring a fluid from one location, e.g., a tank, to another location or to an end use is provided. The apparatus basically includes a motor and a multistage, e.g., two stage, device including at least one reciprocating piston, an inlet stage chamber, an outlet stage chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The piston is arranged to be reciprocated at multiple, e.g., respective first and second, speeds. The second speed is higher than the first speed, whereupon when the piston is reciprocated at the first speed the device effectively pumps liquid or mostly liquid to the outlet. When the piston is reciprocated at the second speed the device effectively compresses gas or mostly gas fluid and provides it to the outlet. A blowby port may be provided to provide blowby fluid back to the tank or the device.

Abstract: A check valve for use in a pump. The valve is arranged to be subjected to severe service conditions and high impact loads, yet be resistant to damage to its components. The check includes a body, a valve seat, a poppet and an impact cushion. The poppet is movably coupled to the valve seat and is biased by a spring into engagement with the valve seat. Upon the opening of the valve the poppet moves off of the valve seat and into engagement with the impact cushion against the spring bias. The impact cushion is movably coupled to the valve body and is biased by another spring. When the poppet engages the impact cushion they stay together and move, with the movement of the impact cushion absorbing energy from the poppet.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: A mobile self-contained self-powered station having a plurality of vessels delivers a pressurized fluid to a receiving tank (e.g., a fuel tank of a hydrogen-powered vehicle) without using mechanical compression, external electric power, or other external utilities. The station includes first and second vessels, a conduit in fluid communication with the receiving tank and each of the first and second vessels, means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the first vessel to the receiving tank, means for measuring continuously a pressure differential between the increasing pressure in the receiving tank and the decreasing pressure in the first vessel, means for discontinuing the transfer from the first vessel when a predetermined limit value is reached, and means for transferring at least a portion of a quantity of the pressurized fluid from the second vessel to the receiving tank.

Abstract: Method for detecting and controlling the concentration of a flammable gas in an enclosed space. The method includes providing a source of flammable gas to an enclosed space, wherein the enclosed space includes a device which consumes or stores the flammable gas, and wherein the enclosed space further includes unclassified electrical equipment and an electrical power supply to the unclassified electrical equipment. The atmosphere in the enclosed space is analyzed to determine the concentration of the flammable gas therein and this concentration is compared to a first reference concentration and a second reference concentration that is less than the first reference concentration. When the concentration of the flammable gas in the enclosed space is between the first and second reference concentrations, the source of flammable gas to the enclosed space is terminated and the enclosed space is ventilated.

Abstract: A process for measuring a total mass of a pressurized fluid flowing through a conduit is provided which includes measuring a first volume, temperature and pressure of the fluid during a first timed interval of a sequence of timed intervals, calculating a first mass during the first timed interval by applying the first temperature and pressure to an equation of state to determine a first density and multiplying the first density by the first volume to determine the first mass, measuring a second volume, temperature and pressure of the fluid during a second timed interval, calculating a second mass during the second timed interval by applying the second temperature and pressure to the equation of state to determine a second density and multiplying the second density by the second volume to determine the second mass, and calculating the total mass of the fluid by summing the first and second masses.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pressurized gas is provided which includes a pressurized gas source, a receiving tank, a gas flow line connected between the gas source and the receiving tank, a valve for initiating and terminating flow of gas between the gas source and the receiving tank, an electronic controller, and temperature and pressure sensors for sensing temperature and pressure of gas inside the receiving tank. The electronic controller stores a tank rated density and the temperature and pressure of gas and periodically calculates a density of the gas in the receiving tank based on the temperature and pressure. The electronic controller periodically compares the density of the gas with the tank rated density and initiates flow of gas through the valve when the density in the receiving tank is below the rated density and terminates flow of gas through the valve when the density reaches the tank rated density.

Abstract: A system for dispensing pressurized gas is provided which includes a pressurized gas source, a receiving tank, a gas flow line connected between the gas source and the receiving tank, a valve for initiating and terminating flow of gas between the gas source and the receiving tank, an electronic controller, and temperature and pressure sensors for sensing temperature and pressure of gas inside the receiving tank. The electronic controller stores a tank rated density and the temperature and pressure of gas and periodically calculates a density of the gas in the receiving tank based on the temperature and pressure. The electronic controller periodically compares the density of the gas with the tank rated density and initiates flow of gas through the valve when the density in the receiving tank is below the rated density and terminates flow of gas through the valve when the density reaches the tank rated density.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump includes a housing, a piston slideably mounted within the housing for a reciprocating movement, a shaft connected to the piston and adapted for reciprocating movement concurrently with the piston, an inlet valve, a discharge valve, and an interstage valve means. A first chamber on one side of the piston is in fluid communication with an inlet and a second chamber on the opposite side of the piston is in fluid communication with a discharge, and the first and second chambers are in fluid communication. At least part of the shaft is in the second chamber. The interstage valve means, which controls the fluid flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber, is closed during a suction stroke and is open during a compression stroke.