System and method for dispensing compressed gas

Abstract

An apparatus and corresponding method for dispensing compressed gas to a receiving tank is provided which includes a compressed gas source, a valve for controlling the flow of the compressed gas between the compressed gas source and the receiving tank, an electronic controller, a conduit between the valve and the receiving tank, and a density sensor for sensing the density of the compressed gas inside the receiving tank. The density sensor may be a capacitive sensor, a vibrating element sensor, or a nucleonic sensor. The electronic controller stores a predetermined set point density and the density sensor measures the density of the compressed gas in the receiving tank. The electronic controller periodically compares the density of the compressed gas with the predetermined set point density and controls the flow of compressed gas through the valve.

1 . An apparatus for dispensing a compressed gas to a receiving tank comprising: 
 a compressed gas source;    a valve in fluid communication with the compressed gas source, said valve operable by a valve signal;    an electronic controller for generating the valve signal;    a fluid tight conduit having a first end and a second end wherein the first end is in fluid communication with said valve and wherein the second end is in fluid communication with a dispensing connector for connecting to the receiving tank; and    a sensor for measuring the density of a fluid in the receiving tank, said sensor selected from the group consisting of a capacitive sensor, vibrating element sensor, and nucleonic sensor, said sensor including a signal generator for generating a sensor signal corresponding to the density of the fluid inside the receiving tank, said signal generator in communication with said electronic controller.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the sensor is integrated with the dispensing connector.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the sensor is integrated with the receiving tank.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electronic controller has an electronic memory location for storing a predetermined set point density and is programmed to compare the sensor signal with the predetermined set point density.  
   
   
       5 . A method for dispensing a compressed gas from a compressed gas source to a receiving tank comprising: 
 storing a predetermined set point density in an electronic controller;    connecting a dispensing connector to the receiving tank;    obtaining a direct density measurement of the compressed gas in the receiving tank using a density sensor selected from the group consisting of capacitive sensor, vibrating element sensor, and nucleonic sensor;    transmitting the direct density measurement to the electronic controller;    comparing the direct density measurement with the predetermined set point density; and    providing a signal to a valve to control the flow of the compressed gas from the compressed gas source to the receiving tank.