Abstract:
In a method for mixing two gases in a predetermined ratio, the two gases are supplied to respective chambers, having fixed or adjustable preselected volumes, through respective first pressure regulators while maintaining the discharge pressures of the two first pressure regulators in such predetermined ratio. The flow of the two gases to the chambers is then interrupted, and the two gases are thereafter discharged from the respective chambers to a common discharge line through respective second pressure regulators while maintaining the discharge pressures of the two second pressure regulators in such predetermined ratio. The apparatus includes adjustable means for conjointly adjusting both the first and second pressure regulators so that the discharge ratios thereof are equal and equal to the predetermined ratio. A reversing shut-off valve may be used to connect the chambers to the first pressure regulators or to discharge the chambers through the second pressure regulators. A magnetically biased torsion resistant lever may be used to commonly bias the pressures of the first and second pressure regulators and also to adjust the respective pressure ratios. The respective first and second pressure regulators for each gas may be combined into a single unit.
Abstract:
TWO GASES TO BE MIXED ARE INTRODUCED, AT EQUAL PRESSURES, INTO RESPECTIVE CHAMBERS WHOSE VOLUMES HAVE THE DESIRED MIXTURE RATIO. THE GASES CONTINUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE RESPECTIVE CHAMBERS UNTIL THE PRESSURE IN THE CHAMBERS ATTAINS A DESIRED VALUE, AFTER WHICH FLOW OF GASES INTO THE CHAMBERS IS INTERRUPTED AND FLOW OF GASES FROM THE CHAMBERS IS INITIATED. AS THE GASES FLOW FROM THE CHAMBERS, THEY ARE MIXED TO FORM THE GAS MIXTURE. A PRESSURE REDUCER IS CONNECTED TO THE TWO GAS INFLOW LINES TO EQUALIZE THE TWO GAS PRESSURES. A SHUTOFF VALVE IS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH INFLOW LINE. BETWEEN THE PRESSURE REDUCER AND RESPECTIVE CHAMBER, A SHUT-OFF VALVE ALSO CONTROLS THE OUTFLOW OF GAS TO A FURTHER PRESSURE EQUALIZING PRESSURE REDUCER VALVE WHOSE OUPUT IS CONNECTED TO A GAS MIXING TANK OR THE LIKE. IN A MODIFICATION, THE PRESSURE REDUCING INFLOW VALVE AND THE SHUT-OFF VALVES ARE COMBINED INTO A SINGLE UNIT. PREFERABLY, MEANS ARE PROVIDED TO ASSURE MAINTENANCE OF EQUAL PRESSURE IN THE TWO CHAMBERS.