Adjustable multi-stage pressure reducing regulator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-stage pressure regulation system, apparatus, and related method for reducing the pressure of vaporous gases passing through a gas sample pressure regulation system, wherein the system and method rely on an optionally heated enclosure that contains a series of calibratable pressure regulating valve assemblies arranged in a non-gassing array, where each assembly is configured to reduce the pressure of an input vapor sample to a selected reduced pressure while avoiding a drop in the dew point during passage, thereby ensuring accurate sample analysis by a downstream analyzer.

Description

[0001] This PCT international application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 904,022, filed on September 23, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for reducing vapor pressure and an adjustable / calibratable multi-stage pressure reduction regulating device. The present invention allows for intelligent automatic or manual adjustment and is suitable for customization according to specific thermodynamic requirements of stepwise pressure reduction of condensable vapor gases indicated by a phase curve associated with specific properties of the vapor gas. When used for regulated applications of vaporized natural gas samples, the present invention provides a compact system and method for controlling the stepwise pressure reduction of vapor samples, avoiding Joule-Thomson / dew point depression condensation, while maintaining the compositional integrity of the vapor throughout the pressure reduction process to provide a vapor sample at a low enough pressure to ensure that downstream analyzers are not damaged. BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Although the present invention is described herein as being very useful in the context of natural gas, the present invention is not intended to be limited to applications in the field of natural gas sampling. Since natural gas liquids (NGLs) are combustible gas mixtures of various hydrocarbons, their exact composition can vary widely, especially when produced by hydraulic fracturing, and thus natural gas liquids (NGLs) have a wide range of properties. For example, a specific liquid may consist of ethane, propane, butane, isobutane, pentane, etc., and can thus be used in various applications such as heating, fuel, separation / fractionation, petrochemical feedstock, plastic manufacturing, etc. In the past decade, significant advancements have been made in technologies such as horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques, leading to a steady increase in natural gas production.

[0004] Different from NGLs, liquefied natural gas (LNG) with a high methane content is produced by extracting natural gas from the production site, removing impurities, and liquefying the natural gas for transportation. LNG is safer and easier to transport in the gas / vapor phase because it occupies approximately 1 / 600 of the natural gas volume in the gas phase state. Natural gas is mainly converted to LNG in cases of domestic long-distance transportation or overseas shipping when laying pipelines is not economically or technically feasible.

[0005] When used as an energy source, the energy content of natural gas, LNG, and NGLs is typically measured and reported in BTUs. During the storage transfer and end - use of NGL and LNG products, the BTU measurement of any particular extracted gas sample must be accurate. Therefore, in the context of storage transfer, accurate sampling and analysis of samples at various points along the distribution network, from the source through the pipeline network to the end - user, is of economic importance. Especially when the liquid natural gas supply is sourced from inputs from different origins and locations, the responsibility for different energy contents at any given point in the pipeline can have economic consequences. Thus, particularly in storage transfer operations, from the perspective of energy auditing, the corresponding energy content values of each stage of liquid feedstock must be sampled accurately and precisely.

[0006] In addition, some samples, such as extracted natural gas samples, may be contaminated with small amounts of impurities that need to be detected and removed. Acid gases may contain trace contaminants such as mercury (Hg), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), mercaptans (R - SH), and aromatic compounds, which include compounds from BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene). Therefore, the amounts of these trace contaminants must be sampled accurately and precisely to determine the quality of the sample.

[0007] A gas sample conditioning system provides this accurate and precise sampling capability. A preferred system for natural gas sampling includes a sample conditioning system available from Mustang Sampling, LLC of Ravenswood, West Virginia, and described in U.S. Patent 7,162,933, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. When sampling LNG and, more importantly, NGL, an important part of the gas sample conditioning process involves the evaporation of liquid samples extracted from natural gas pipelines or sources through a probe and maintaining the compositional integrity of the evaporated sample from removal to analysis. To this end, the applicants of the present invention have introduced several systems and techniques related to generating and maintaining accurate and precise conditioning and control of NGL and LNG extraction samples, such as the systems and techniques described and disclosed in U.S. Patents USRE47478, US9285299, US10281368, US7484404, and US9057668, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and sold as a vaporizer sampling system. Specifically, to evaporate the extracted liquid sample, the Mustang vaporizer sampling system and The NGL sample conditioning system can include a vaporizer device that vaporizes the incoming sample as it cascades around an internal heating core. An exemplary vaporizer device for such purposes is described in Applicant's U.S. Patent 10,613,006 (WO2020068325A1), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] Once the incoming liquid sample is vaporized into a gas, the gas vapor passes through a small-diameter conduit made of a corrosion-resistant superalloy or equivalent into an analyzer (such as a chromatograph). It is readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that a gas chromatograph analyzes a gas / vapor sample, identifies and quantifies the gas components / vapor components, and provides a data output representative of the energy content of the extracted sample.

[0009] To accurately analyze a gas sample from a liquid source without damaging the analyzer / chromatograph, the gas sample that typically leaves the vaporizer at high pressure must be depressurized (by up to two orders of magnitude) to a safe level for the analyzer before being introduced. For example, a vaporized NGL sample can leave the vaporizer at a high pressure above 6996.11 kPa and then must be reduced to a safe pressure for the analyzer, typically between 135.83 kPa - 328.88 kPa, to avoid damage and / or malfunction of the analyzer. However, at any given pressure, if the temperature of the gas sample, whether a non-uniform mixture of components with a series of vapor condensation lines or a substantially uniform component with a more predictable phase envelope curve, drops low enough to intersect a particular liquid-vapor phase curve, the result is dew point condensation / hydrocarbon dew point depression. In such a case, due to the gas / vapor thermodynamic properties, the vapor gas sample reverts to a liquid form. This undesirable phase change not only reduces the accuracy of the energy content assessment but also affects the downstream analyzer / chromatograph because liquid input is created as the gas sample passes through the condensation / phase change boundary. For example, in the natural gas field, failure to adequately maintain the pressure and temperature parameters of the vaporized sample will result in Joule-Thomson hydrocarbon dew point depression. The introduction of such liquids will always damage the chromatographic packing through column bleed, leading to the generation of false readings such as ghost peaks. Such contaminants may require taking the poisoned device offline for complete replacement or restoration to an operationally acceptable state, which can cause significant disruption to normal processing in the case of large-scale transfer operations.

[0010] Therefore, to obtain an accurate and precise analysis of natural gas composition, avoid contamination of the analyzer by liquid input, and keep the system operating properly, it is important to maintain the vaporized liquid sample at a safe analysis temperature and pressure and minimize the risk of phase change and vapor condensation.

[0011] To address these issues, a device has been developed to provide staged / graded decompression to maintain a selected temperature, thereby minimizing the risk of approaching the vapor phase transition boundary. For example, a graded decompression regulator system achieves multi-stage decompression while maintaining sufficient temperature to prevent vapor phase transition migration. Such systems are typically located between the output of a liquid sample vaporizer and the vapor supply line of a downstream analyzer / chromatograph. However, due to the non-dynamic adjustability of prior art regulators, they require a specified minimum output pressure to meet or exceed the threshold input vapor gating pressure of the closest downstream system. Additionally, a series of dedicated in-line regulators are typically manufactured and calibrated for specific applications and are not easily convertible or adaptable for use outside of the specific parameters of the application once manufactured.

[0012] Other pressure regulation designs seek to reduce the footprint of an array of discrete single systems by stacking decompression regulator elements in a modular, multi-stage configuration. While a smaller footprint is achieved, such regulator systems or arrays suffer from the common functional drawbacks of multi-unit systems, such as the inability to dynamically adjust and calibrate the pressure parameters of individual modules. In this type of prior art system, the parameter range of each unit / module is pre-set and has a factory pre-calibration for input and output pressures, where the output pressure level must exceed the minimum input pressure required to introduce it to the downstream module to ensure the operation of the entire regulation system. In operation, the outlet pressure of the closest upstream module may be lower than the minimum threshold pressure required to deliver vapor to the adjacent downstream stage. As a result, the array is unable to deliver the required vapor sample to the downstream analyzer or collection vessel.

[0013] For example, for a four-stage modular regulator, the minimum supply pressure input for the first stage in the series must be high enough so that after the third stage, the degree of decompression still exceeds the minimum threshold for introducing it to the fourth stage. If this threshold is not met, the prior art system will stop delivering vapor to the downstream element.

[0014] The operation of prior art systems can present the opposite problem. If the sample source pressure is too high, the final output vapor pressure may exceed the allowable pressure threshold of the downstream analyzer. In this case, there is no protection against delivering a destructive overpressure gas to the chromatograph. In other words, the preset pressure (e.g., fourth stage input) is too high for the reduction in output pressure required for the safe operation of the analyzer.

[0015] Accordingly, there is a need to improve the currently recognized and commonly used devices and methods for sampling and controlling pressure regulation of extracted vapor samples. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, system and method that at least do not have the problems described previously herein and are capable of providing a more efficient and dynamically reliable pressure regulating device for regulating the pressure of a vapor gas sample and then delivering it to a gas analyzer or other pressure-sensitive device.

[0017] Another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a compact, adjustable, and calibratable multi-stage pressure regulating apparatus, system and method, which represent an improvement over the prior art.

[0018] Another object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a staging system and method for significantly reducing the pressure of a vapor gas sample and avoiding dew point depression / condensation.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide an integrated, multi-stage pressure reducing regulator that keeps the pressure and temperature of the vapor gas sample well outside the two-phase envelope boundary.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, system and method that can be used to provide a more accurate measurement of the BTU value for storage transfer. In addition, in order to monitor and reduce the undesired presence of acid gas samples, the apparatus, system and method can also be used to provide accurate measurements of trace contaminants such as mercury (Hg), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbonyl sulfide (COS), mercaptans (RSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene).

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a more compact device that is less prone to mechanical failure and provides dynamic pressure calibration adjustment.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact device that is automatically and / or manually configurable and that maintains the integrity of the vapor composition from the evaporator to the analyzer by avoiding intermittent condensation during multi-component vapor gas multi-stage pressure reduction.

[0023] Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a compact, generally integral, multi-stage pressure regulating device that is adjustable and calibratable for pressure input and output at each stage.

[0024] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention can overcome the above and other disadvantages associated with prior art liquid gas vaporization and measurement systems. In addition, the present invention does not necessarily need to overcome the above disadvantages, and the illustrative non-limiting embodiments of the present invention may not overcome any of the above problems.

[0025] To achieve the above and other objects, a pressure regulating system according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by a pressure regulating system for the step-down decompression of a steam sample, the system having: a housing; a core disposed generally longitudinally along the central axis of the housing; a steam sample input port, which is connected to a steam sample passage and integrally formed with the steam sample passage within the housing; a plurality of non-venting openings on the upper surface of the housing, each non-venting opening being arranged around the periphery of the core and adjacent to at least one other non-venting opening, each non-venting opening having a selected cross-sectional dimension and extending substantially along the elongation direction of the housing, each non-venting opening being connected by an interconnecting passage integrally formed in the housing and connected to an adjacent non-exit opening; a plurality of pressure regulating valves, the cross-sectional dimension of each of the plurality of pressure regulating valves corresponding to the selected cross-sectional dimension of the non-venting opening, each of the plurality of pressure regulating valves being switchable between a non-pressure regulating mode and a pressure regulating mode to transfer the steam sample to an adjacent downstream pressure regulating valve at a selected regulated pressure through the connected interconnecting passage, wherein each pressure regulating valve of the plurality of pressure regulating valves establishes a decompression stage and includes a valve stem, a sensing piston, and a sensing piston actuator; a reduced steam sample output port.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure regulating system for the step-down of a natural gas steam sample, comprising: a regulator body having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a perimeter surface including a steam sample input port and a steam sample output port, and a thermal control device for maintaining the thermal stability of the regulator body; a plurality of non-venting openings disposed around the first surface adjacent to the perimeter surface, each of the plurality of non-venting openings having a selected cross-sectional dimension and extending between the first and second surfaces, each of the non-venting openings being connected by a non-exit interconnecting passage integrally formed in the housing and connected to an adjacent non-venting opening; an adjustable valve assembly device for adjustable pressure regulation, sized to be contained within each non-venting opening to regulate the steam pressure of the steam sample to a preset maximum value and prevent the steam sample from entering an adjacent valve assembly device through the non-exit interconnecting passage at a pressure outside the preset range, to establish a device for continuously and step-down decompressing the steam sample while keeping the steam sample in the gas phase.

[0027] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure regulating device, the device comprising a housing having a core disposed generally longitudinally along a central axis of the housing; a steam sample input port connected to a steam sample passage and integrally formed with the steam sample passage within the housing; a plurality of openings in an upper surface, each opening being disposed radially around the core and extending generally along an elongation direction of the housing. The pressure regulating device further includes a plurality of pressure regulating valves configured to reduce the pressure of a steam sample received from the steam sample passage, each pressure regulating valve being disposed within a respective opening to create a steam sample flow path therein; and a component having a base and a central rod extending axially from the base and generally orthogonal to the base, the valve stem being disposed within the core. In one embodiment, the pressure regulating device includes a component having a base and a rod extending axially from and orthogonal to the base, the rod being formed to substantially conform to the dimensions of the core.

[0028] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for reducing the pressure of a steam sample by a plurality of calibrated stepped pressure reduction stages, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a steam sample through a steam sample input port formed within a housing of a pressure regulating device; selectively directing the steam sample to an adjustable first pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a first closed-end opening integrally formed within the housing, wherein the first closed-end opening is connected by an interconnecting passage to an adjacent second pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a second closed-end opening integrally formed within the housing; reducing the pressure of the steam sample to a preset amount and transferring the steam sample to an adjacent adjustable second pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within the second closed-end opening integrally formed within the housing, wherein the second closed-end opening is connected by an interconnecting passage to an adjacent third pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a third closed-end opening integrally formed within the housing; reducing the pressure of the steam sample to a second preset amount and transferring the steam sample to an adjacent adjustable third pressure regulating valve assembly; and maintaining the sample in the gas phase as the steam sample passes through the first, second, and third pressure regulating valve assemblies.

[0029] The present invention provides further embodiments based on the foregoing embodiments, wherein each pressure regulating valve self-regulates based on a selected pressure setpoint at each pressure reduction stage to regulate the incoming steam sample pressure.

[0030] The present invention provides further embodiments based on the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one pressure regulating valve includes an adjustment device configured to adjustably set the amount of pressure reduction applied by the respective pressure regulating valve at the pressure reduction stage.

[0031] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments. Among them, according to the arrangement of the sensing piston actuator and the valve stem, in the pressure regulation mode, each stage of the sensing piston is configured to be in an open and adjustable position, and the sensing piston in the non-pressure regulation mode is configured to be in a closed position.

[0032] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the arrangement of the valve stem and the sensing piston actuator is based on the pressure of the steam sample and the pressure reduction set value of the pressure regulating valve.

[0033] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the non-venting opening is threaded, and each adjusting device is threaded and can move axially relative to the housing.

[0034] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sensing piston is in a pressure regulation position, and each pressure regulating valve has a valve stem passage for conveying the steam sample through the respective pressure regulating valve; when the sensing piston is in the closed position, the valve stem passage is blocked to prevent the steam sample from passing through the pressure regulating valve.

[0035] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the housing further includes a component having a base and a rod, the rod is disposed substantially orthogonally to the base and extends axially from the base; the rod is formed to substantially conform to the size of the core and extends axially from the central portion of the base; wherein the pressure regulation system further includes a heating device disposed within the rod, the heating device being configured to heat the steam sample passing through the plurality of pressure regulating valves.

[0036] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the housing further includes a plurality of unsealed pressure calibration ports, the pressure calibration ports are radially disposed around the plurality of openings, each unsealed pressure calibration port corresponds to a respective pressure regulating valve and is configured to allow measurement of the pressure.

[0037] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein each unsealed pressure calibration port is connected to a respective interconnecting channel.

[0038] The present invention provides further embodiments on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one unsealed pressure calibration port includes a pressure gauge configured to display the pressure of the steam sample in the respective interconnecting channels.

[0039] The present invention provides a further embodiment on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the regulating device is electromechanically actuated and further includes a non-sealable pressure calibration port and an electronic pressure sensor configured to provide an electronic signal to the regulating device to regulate the pressure of the vapor sample at a selected reduced pressure level.

[0040] The present invention provides a further embodiment on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one high-pressure regulating valve assembly includes a pair of nested sensing piston actuator compression springs; a bifurcated sensing piston arrangement with an external sensing piston and a nested internal piston, the internal piston being axially slidable relative to the external sensing piston; and a sensing piston actuator contact disk disposed between the nested sensing piston actuator compression springs and the bifurcated sensing piston, the contact disk contacting the valve stem to concentrate the force of at least one nested sensing piston actuator compression spring to provide enhanced pressure reduction.

[0041] The present invention provides a further embodiment on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein at least one high-pressure regulating valve assembly has dimensions corresponding to those of other regulating valve assemblies.

[0042] The present invention provides a further embodiment on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the housing includes five non-venting openings, wherein a first valve opening is connected to a vapor sample passage connected to a vapor sample input port, and the first regulating valve assembly and the second regulating valve assembly are high-pressure regulating valve assemblies.

[0043] The present invention provides a further embodiment on the basis of the foregoing embodiments, wherein each adjustable valve assembly device is intelligently and automatically controlled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Various aspects of the present invention will become more apparent by referring to the exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1A A perspective view of a pressure regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 1B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a pressure regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1C is as according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1B An exploded view of a pressure regulating valve of the pressure regulating device shown, showing the vapor flow through the valve.

[0048] Figure 1D is a top view of a pressure regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 1E is a cross-sectional view of a pressure regulating device as shown in Figure 1D accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2A Shows the flow paths of the pressure regulating device in different stages according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 2B Shows the flow paths of the pressure regulating device in different stages according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2C Shows the flow paths of the pressure regulating device in different stages according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 3A is an internal perspective view of a pressure regulating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3B is according to Figure 3A an internal perspective view of the pressure regulating device according to the embodiment of the present invention as shown.

[0055] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a pressure regulating system and components according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view providing for regulating high pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5B is an exploded view of an embodiment of a high-pressure regulating valve assembly.

[0058] Define

[0059] The terms used herein are for describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms. It should be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "having" specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of at least one other feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or group thereof.

[0060] It should be understood that as used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to those features, but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0061] As used herein, "connected" includes physical (whether direct or indirect), permanently fixed or adjustably mounted. Thus, unless otherwise specified, "connected" is intended to encompass any operative functional connection.

[0062] In the detailed description, reference to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "in an embodiment" means that the recited feature is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Further, separate references to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or "in an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, none of these embodiments are mutually exclusive unless so stated and unless readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the invention can include any kind of combination and / or union of the embodiments described herein.

[0063] As used herein, "substantially", "relatively", "approximately", "around", and "near" are relative modifiers intended to indicate a permitted deviation from the feature so modified. They are not limited to the absolute value or property being modified, but are close to or approximate such physical or functional property.

[0064] As used herein, "tubular" refers to any axially oriented, generally elongated, generally symmetric geometric configuration, and is not limited to structures having only a cylindrical cross-sectional profile.

[0065] As used herein, if not specified, "gas" refers to any type of gaseous chemical substance or fluid in gaseous form, including, for example, a particular vaporized hydrocarbon component containing a liquid substance and / or a heterogeneous mixture of hydrocarbon components, where the gas can include natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas, its gas mixtures, and equivalents.

[0066] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. While specific configurations and dimensions are discussed to provide a clear understanding, it should be understood that the disclosed dimensions and configurations are for illustrative purposes only. Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that other dimensions and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, unless otherwise specified.

[0067] It should also be understood that, as used herein, any reference to a range of values is intended to include each value within that range, including the endpoints of the recited range, unless the contrary is expressly stated. Detailed Description

[0068] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustrative purposes and represent specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The embodiments shown below are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural changes may be made based on currently known structural and / or functional equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0069] In view of the following detailed description, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention provides a novel pressure regulating device and method therefor that provides significantly enhanced efficiency while alleviating problems, both recognized and unrecognized, in prior art structures and methods.

[0070] Figure 1A -E shows various views of different parts of the tubular upper body or housing 102, which in the illustrated embodiment has an elongated cylindrical geometry, and the lower body or assembly 116 has a corresponding geometry such that when assembled, the adjustable pressure regulating valve 112 of the pressure regulating system provides the pressure regulating device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to a cylindrical / circular cross-sectional geometry as other geometries (e.g., polygonal, elliptical, etc.) are equally applicable.

[0071] In summary, the pressure regulating device 100 includes the assembly 116, which is preferably formed from a corrosion-resistant superalloy (e.g., stainless steel or aluminum). Instead of an alloy, the upper body 102 and the assembly 116 may also be made / molded from high-strength engineering thermoplastics, ceramics, or other compatible materials for steam gas pressure regulation. The assembly 116 of the current embodiment includes a base 116A having a circular cross-section and an upper surface defining a shoulder, a stepped and partially hollow rod 116B that projects orthogonally from the center of the shoulder. The rod 116B is dimensioned and adapted to be inserted into a complementary stepped axial core or bore 111 in the body 102, the core or bore 111 including a larger diameter lower section 111C that tapers to a narrower bore intermediate section 111B and expands to an upper bore section 111A.

[0072] The rod 116B includes an internal cavity 136 for receiving and holding an optional electric heating cartridge element 138 powered by a power supply line 134 and an output sensed by a thermocouple 135, both of which extend from the base of the heating cartridge element 138 and exit the assembly 116 through electrical and control output ports 129.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper body 102 has an opening 107 formed in the upper surface 106 at the top of the bore 111. A series of threaded plugs 114 are disposed around and adjacent to the perimeter ring 104 of the upper surface 106. Each threaded plug 114 seals an access channel 115 that slopes radially inward from the perimeter ring 104 toward the bore 111. The upper surface 106 also has five axially offset, longitudinally projecting valve receiving recessed openings 146. The recessed openings 146 are disposed around the opening 107 and extend longitudinally and generally parallel to the axis of extension of the upper body 102. Each recessed opening 146 is stepped and sized to secure and hold a pressure regulating valve 112 (see Figure 4 ).

[0074] Figure 1B A cutaway perspective view of the pressure regulating device 100 is shown, where components 116 are disposed within sections 111A, B, C of the upper body 102 and the pressure regulating valves 112 are located within their respective openings 146. As shown in the cutaway Figure 1B view, the first pressure regulating valve 112 is configured to receive a steam sample via a radial steam sample channel 109 from a steam sample inlet 108.

[0075] The steam gas sample is directed to the first stage pressure regulating valve 112 via the steam sample channel 109 at the connector port 113A. As described below, the pressure regulating valve 112 reduces the pressure of the steam gas sample, and then the steam gas sample is directed serially to adjacent pressure regulating valves 112 for additional pressure reduction while optionally effecting thermal control via an optional central heating cartridge element 138. When exiting the final stage pressure regulating valve 112, the steam gas sample, now at the analyzer safe pressure, is directed from the tubular upper body 102 via a steam sample channel 142 to a steam sample outlet 110.

[0076] Referring to the structure and position below the reference pressure regulating valve 112, the pressure regulating valve 112 is located in the valve receiving recess opening 146 to allow for controlled axial adjustment based on spring pressure. The recess opening 146 has a stepped structure and includes a lower hole 118, a larger-diameter middle hole 121, and a larger upper hole 123, and is located within the opening 146 at a distance from the upper plane 106. The combined features of the pressure regulating valve 112 are: an upward-biased, axially arranged helical compression valve stem spring 112M; a valve stem 112L that is segmented into a cylindrical valve stem base 112L-1 with an upper shoulder at its end that defines a flared conical valve stem protrusion 112L-2; a valve stem tip 112L-3 that projects upward through a valve seat 112J and a valve guide 112I to a sensing piston 112G and a downward-biased planar / Belleville / wave sensing piston actuator spring 112F. The upper shoulder serves as a stop for the upward-biased, axially arranged helical compression valve stem spring 112M, which holds the valve stem 112L below the conical valve stem protrusion 112L-2. An extended section of the valve stem tip 112L-3 projects axially and upward from the conical surface of the conical valve stem protrusion 112L-2 to the bottom surface of the sensing piston 112G.

[0077] A valve seat 112J and a valve guide tube 112I are provided within the middle hole 121. The valve seat 112J and the valve guide tube 112I are sealed to each other by a sealing device 112K (such as an O-ring), and both the valve seat 112J and the valve guide tube 112I have a substantially central passage 127 to allow the valve stem tip 112L-3 and the steam gas sample to pass through this passage. The valve guide tube 112I can be bolted or screwed into the tubular upper body 102 through a guide hole 131 to connect with the tubular upper body 102. One face of the valve seat 112J faces the lower hole 118, and the other face faces the valve guide tube 112I, and both together form the entirety of the middle hole 121. The valve seat 112J can be composed of a compliant material, such as ceramic, elastomer, or silicone, which helps prevent contamination of or seal the substantially central passage 127 by the conical valve stem protrusion 112L-2. The conical valve stem protrusion 112L-2 is also protected from contamination due to its shape (as it compresses into the valve seat 112J) and acts as a wiper. Therefore, the diameter of the central passage 127 passing through the valve seat 112J is larger than the diameter of the central passage 127 passing through the valve guide tube 112I to allow for compression by the conical valve stem protrusion 112L-2 and safe sweeping contact with the valve seat 112J. The valve seat 112J and the valve guide tube 112I are fixed in place within the middle hole 121 and do not move during the operation of the pressure regulating valve 112.

[0078] The upper orifice 123 includes a sensing piston actuator 112F disposed axially, such as a spring, secured by a spring housing 112C, and extending from an adjusting means 112A (such as a screw or bolt) from an opening 146 to a sensing piston 112G disposed within the lower portion of the upper orifice 123. The pressure regulating valve 112 can be in one of three positions at any given time: fully open position, regulating position, and fully closed position. When the pressure regulating device 100 is not in use and there is no pressure or very low pressure within the lower orifice 118, the pressure regulating valve 112 will be in the fully open position. This occurs when the pressure exerted by the sensing piston spring 112F far exceeds any minimal incoming steam gas sample pressure entering the lower orifice 118, such that the axial movement exerted on the valve stem 112L by the valve stem spring 112M is very small or even non-existent. This provides a substantial clearance between the tapered valve stem projection 112L-2 and the valve seat 112J.

[0079] When the pressure regulating device 100 is in use and regulating the incoming steam gas sample, the pressure regulating valve 112 will be in the regulating position. In this case, depending on the setting of the sensing piston spring 112F, the pressure exerted by the sensing piston spring 112F on the sensing piston 112G will counteract any incoming steam gas sample pressure entering the lower orifice 118. Thus, when the pressure regulating valve 112 is in the regulating position and the pressure exerted by the sensing piston spring 112F exceeds any incoming steam sample pressure entering the lower orifice 118, the sensing piston 112G will be proximate but not in contact with the upper surface of the valve conduit 112I and exert a linear downward pressure on the valve stem tip 112L-3, thereby moving the tapered valve stem projection 112L-2 away from the valve seat 112J. This linear displacement maintains the flow of any steam sample from the lower orifice 118 through the passage 127 to the upper orifice 123. However, an incoming steam gas sample with a pressure greater than that exerted by the sensing piston spring 112F will force the valve stem 112L to move axially upward, such that the valve stem tip 112L-3 slightly moves the sensing piston 112G from its position proximate to the valve conduit 112I, while also axially moving the tapered valve stem projection 112L-2 into a portion of the passage 127 within the valve seat 112J. Thus, when in the operating and regulating position, the pressure regulating valve 112 will continuously regulate according to the pressure setting per stage and the incoming steam sample pressure until a steady state is reached, i.e., at a constant flow rate of the downstream analyzer, the pressure per stage will decrease.

[0080] Figure 1CAn exploded view of the pressure regulating valve 112 in the regulating position is shown. As shown, a steam gas sample 119 with a pressure greater than the pressure exerted by the sensing piston 112G on the valve stem tip 112L-3 has entered the lower hole 118, causing the valve stem 112L to move axially upward, such that the valve stem tip 112L-3 moves axially upward slightly within the upper hole 123 to move the sensing piston 112G, and causing the tapered valve stem protrusion 112L-2 to move to encroach on a portion of the passage 127 within the valve seat 112J. As shown, the diameter of the central passage 127 formed between the valve seat 112J and the valve conduit 112I is slightly larger than the diameter of the valve stem tip 112L-3, which allows the steam sample 119 to flow from the lower hole 118 through the middle hole 121 and into the clearance 128 within the upper hole 123. Thus, depending on the pressure difference between the lower hole 118 and the upper hole 123, the passage within the limited space of the central passage 127, and the limited passage size between the valve seat 112J and the tapered valve stem protrusion 112L-2, the pressure of any steam sample 119 entering the upper hole 123 will be reduced. The decompressed steam sample 119 will continue to pass through the holes 118, 121, and 123, while the pressure exerted by the steam sample 119 on the sensing piston 112G is the same as the valve setting of the sensing piston spring 112F. If the pressure of the steam sample 119 is no longer sufficient to match the force exerted by the sensing piston spring 112F, the pressure regulating valve 112 will move to a more open position, where the sensing piston spring 112F will move the sensing piston 112G, which in turn will move the tapered valve stem protrusion 112L-2 away from the valve seat 112J via the valve stem tip 112L-3. Conversely, if the pressure of the steam sample flow 119 is too high, the tapered valve stem protrusion 112L-2 will block the valve seat 112J, thus preventing steam flow.

[0081] Thus, when the pressure regulating valve 112 is in the regulating position, any steam sample 119 flowing out of the lower hole 118 to the clearance 128 in the upper hole 123 will flow out at a preselected pressure through the interconnecting passage 144 and be directed to the next stage pressure regulating valve 112 in the body 102 for further decompression. This structure and operation eliminate the need to vent overpressure steam from the interconnecting passage 144 between the pressure regulating valves. Since the steam pressure output in the interconnecting passage 144 has been reduced to the regulated level, it is neither necessary nor desirable to provide a vent for the overpressure steam output to the downstream regulating valve assembly 112. Thus, a non-venting, less complex structure in the disclosed embodiments is achieved. In addition, venting the steam before analysis can affect the integrity and accuracy of the final sample analysis.

[0082] When the output of the valve is blocked, the outlet pressure conditions are met, and there is no volume consumption or condensation (i.e., the downstream analyzer is closed and the pressure at outlet 110 is not continuously decreasing), the pressure regulating valve 112 will be in the fully closed position. In other words, in addition to any pressure exerted by the valve stem tip 112L-3 on the sensing piston spring 112G, the pressure formed by the blocked incoming steam sample will translate backward and exert a greater pressure on the sensing piston 112G. The increased pressure on the sensing piston 112G causes the sensing piston 112G to move axially upward within the upper hole 123, thereby causing the valve stem 112L to move axially upward accordingly and be fully seated within the valve seat 112J, thus completely blocking the passage 127.

[0083] Figures 2A-2C The flow of the steam sample 119 is shown, which flows downstream from the steam sample passage 109 through five stages, through a plurality of pressure regulating valves 112 and corresponding interconnecting passages 144, to the steam sample outlet 110. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the pressure regulating valves 112 have been correctly calibrated and the appropriate pressure settings have been applied through the regulating means 112A so that the incoming steam sample 119 has sufficient pressure at each pressure regulating valve 112 to force each pressure regulating valve 112 into the regulating position. The regulating means 112A is configured to move axially within the opening 146 through the threaded spring housing 112C and the end nut 112B, thereby bringing the washer 112E into abutment with the sensing piston spring 112F (see Figure 4 ). Alternatively, as Figure 1E and shown in FIG. 3, the regulating means 112A, such as a screw or bolt, can be configured to directly abut the upper plane 106 of the tubular upper body 102 and pass through it into the pressure regulating valve 112 to adjust the pressure setting. In this embodiment, the regulating means 112A requires less space, thereby reducing the overall profile of the pressure regulating device 100. However, different from Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B 、FIG. 2 and the regulating means 112A shown in FIG. 3, this requires adding threads within the hole 125 of the pressure regulating valve, which may increase the manufacturing cost.

[0084] To adjust the pressure of a specific stage of the pressure regulating device 100, the regulating means 112A can be rotated through the threaded spring housing 112C to compress or decompress the sensing piston spring 112F through the washer 112E, thereby calibrating by increasing or decreasing the pressure of the sensing piston spring 112F abutting on the sensing piston 112G. The higher the pressure setting value at a specific stage, the higher the converted pressure of the sensing piston spring 112F, which forces the sensing piston 112G to move the tapered valve stem protrusion 112L-2 through the valve stem tip 112L-3 to a less restrictive position close to the valve seat 112J. Therefore, Figure 2A and Figure 2BAmong them, the pressure setting value of the first-stage pressure regulating valve 112 will be greater than that of the second-stage pressure regulating valve 112, and so on. The pressure setting value of the fifth-stage pressure regulating valve 112 is the lowest.

[0085] Reference Figure 1D and Figure 1E and, the pressure settings of each stage can be set and verified through their respective access channels 115. Each access channel 115 is connected to the corresponding interconnection channel 144 at the output end of the corresponding pressure regulating valve 112. For example, in order to calibrate the pressure setting of the fifth-stage pressure regulating valve 112, the pressure in the interconnection channel 144 output from the fifth-stage pressure regulating valve 112 to the channel 142 is measured through the corresponding access channel 115. Figure 1E The access channel 115 connected to the interconnection channel 144 of the first-stage pressure regulating valve 112 is shown. The access channel 115 is illustrated as being blocked by an access channel plug 114, such as a crown cap or a nut. However, in order to calibrate the pressure and / or temperature at the first stage, the access channel plug 114 is removed, and one or both of a pressure sensor and a thermal sensing device can be installed in the access port 114 to provide additional input to the controller. Therefore, when the steam sample 119 passes through the pressure regulating device 100, the pressure and / or temperature sensor will detect the pressure / temperature of the steam sample 119, and the steam sample 119 flows out from the first-stage pressure regulating valve 112 of the interconnection channel 144 via the access channel 115. Then, the pressure regulating valve 112 can be adjusted through the regulating device 112A until the pressure sensor detects the desired pressure reduction reading of the steam sample 119 input to the steam sample input port 108. Then, the process can be repeated for each successive pressure regulating valve 112 at each stage using the pressure sensor at the corresponding access channel 115. Accordingly, the thermal heater can be adjusted to raise or lower the steam sample temperature according to the requirements and operations of the controller.

[0086] Another method of calibrating the pressure regulating device 100 is to measure the pressure at each access channel 115 simultaneously and adjust the pressure regulating valve 112 at each stage simultaneously. The pressure setting value can be adjusted according to the specific application or the specific gas profile. Of course, when calibration is not performed or calibration is completed, the access channel plug 114 will be replaced to block the access channel 115, unless continuous maintenance of the automatic pressure sensor is required.

[0087] The ability to individually adjust the pressure setpoint of the pressure regulating valve 112 at different stages provides a pressure regulating device 100 that can be used for various gases with different profiles. Thus, based on the thermodynamic properties and phase curves of the specific vapor gas profile processed by the pressure regulating device 100, each pressure regulating valve 112 can be calibrated to reduce the pressure at each stage to a reduced level that does not allow the vapor gas sample to return or re-enter the two-phase region of the phase curve. The reduction amount at each stage can be further controlled by the assembly 116, and more specifically, by the optional heating cartridge element 138, which is substantially located at a central position radially surrounding the pressure regulating valve 112, and the regulating valve 112 maintains the temperature of the vapor sample 119 during all pressure reduction stages required to prevent dew point condensation / hydrocarbon dew point depression. Thus, the pressure regulating device 100 can be dynamically calibrated over time for various applications and / or gas profiles, rather than requiring different pressure regulating devices for each application or gas profile. Additionally, the pressure regulating device 100 does not require a particularly high minimum initial pressure amount to enter the first stage, as other stages can be dynamically set lower to offset any initial low pressure entering the pressure regulating device 100.

[0088] Refer again to Figure 2A and Figure 2B, and as an example, once the pressure regulating valve 112 is correctly calibrated using the respective regulating device 112A and the access channel 115, the pressure P0 of the steam sample 119 input into the lower hole 118 through the channel 109 at the connector port 113A will be greater than the pressure set value of the first stage. This will cause the valve stem tip 112L-3 to move axially upward to move the sensing piston 112G. This movement causes the tapered valve stem protrusion 112L-2 to move axially upward within the valve seat 112J, thereby restricting the flow of the steam sample 119 guided through the channels 127 in the middle hole 121 and the upper hole 123 to a reduced pressure P1, which is then guided through the interconnecting channel 144 to the second stage. Then, the steam sample 119 with the reduced pressure P1 enters the lower hole 118 of the pressure regulating valve 112 where the pressure set value of the second stage is lower than P1, so that the steam sample 119 can enter the next stage through the pressure regulating valve 112 again. This process is repeated until the steam sample 119 with the reduced pressure P5 leaves the pressure regulating valve 112 via the outlet sample port 110 at the fifth stage and is conveyed to an external device such as an analyzer. When the steam sample 119 flows through each stage at the respective radially arranged pressure regulating valve 112, the steam sample 119 can be optionally thermally controlled by an optional heating element 138 substantially located at the center of the rod 116B of the assembly 116. Therefore, the pressure of the steam sample 119 is affected by thermal control and the controlled pressure reduction at each stage to avoid the dew point dropping into the two-phase sample during the pressure reduction sequence. When the well integrates pressure and temperature sensing between each stage, the steam remains in a state outside the phase curve to avoid endangering the sample by creating two-phase separation conditions. The controlled environment provided by the specially calibrated pressure regulating valve 112 and the substantially centrally located heating element 138 keeps the steam sample 119 in the steam phase region, thereby eliminating the risk of condensation or dew point drop, which may contaminate the analysis of the sample and / or damage or destroy the downstream analyzer.

[0089] Although not shown, it is further contemplated herein that the pressure regulating device 100 can be calibrated manually using a multi-faceted calibration tool or automatically using a motor that is mechanically connected to the regulating device 112A and electrically connected to or includes a pressure sensor. Such a calibration tool can calculate the pressure detected by the pressure sensor and automatically adjust one or more regulating devices 112A in real time using the motor to provide the optimal calibration set value for each stage. Alternatively, the pressure regulating device 100 can include a motor connected to the regulating device 112A that can be accessed locally or remotely to adjust the pressure set value for each stage based on readings processed from one or more pressure sensors connected to one or more access channels 115.

[0090] Figure 3A and 3BAn internal view of a pressure regulating device 100 assembled in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. As shown, the pressure regulating device 100 includes a plurality of access channels 115 connected to an interconnect channel 144, thereby providing the ability to measure pressure and calibrate the various stages. Also shown is the approximate central position of a heating cartridge element 138 (disposed within a component rod 116B) within a radially disposed pressure regulating valve 112. A vapor gas sample enters the pressure regulating device through a vapor sample input port 108 and is directed through a channel 109 to a stage 1 pressure regulating valve 112. Assuming the pressure regulating device has been properly calibrated, the vapor sample will pass through each pressure regulating valve 112 in series such that the pressure is reduced at each stage, thereby rendering the pressure of the vapor sample exiting the stage 5 pressure regulating valve 112 through an outlet 110 suitable for analysis using a pressure sensitive device such as a chromatograph.

[0091] Figure 4 An exploded view of an exemplary pressure regulating system 101 is shown which, when assembled, forms the pressure regulating device 100. The pressure regulating system 101 includes one or more pressure regulating valves 112, a tubular upper body 102, a component 116, and a heating element 138. The one or more pressure regulating valves 112 include an adjusting device 112A that passes through a termination nut 112B, a spring housing 112C, and a housing seal 112D to contact a washer 112E that can increase or decrease the force exerted by a sensing piston spring 112F on a sensing piston 112G. A valve stem 112L enclosed within a valve stem spring 112M provides an opposing force to the sensing piston seat 112G through the movement of a valve seat 112J and a valve conduit 112I sealed by a guide seal 112K. The one or more pressure regulating valves 112 are mounted within one or more openings 146 that axially extend within the tubular upper body 102 to provide a stepped bore well within the interior of the tubular upper body 102.

[0092] In one embodiment, a section 111B is formed within the tubular upper body 102 by drilling from the bottom of the body 102 proximate a radially drilled vapor sample input port 108 and an output port 110 (see Figure 1B) Section 111B is approximately conical at its midpoint along the axial length of section 111B. The opening 107 can be drilled separately from the upper plane 106 of the tubular upper body 102 to form and connect section 111A and the drilled section 111B. The opening 107 in this embodiment is formed by the upper plane 106 because the diameter of section 111A is larger than the diameter of section 111B formed directly below the opening 107. At the point where section 111A meets section 111B, when section 111A is inserted, the assembly 116 is sealed within the tubular upper body 102 using an assembly seal. Maximum heat transfer is ensured by holding the heating cartridge element 138 in the central interior of the tubular upper body 102 and holding the rod 116B on the taper formed by section 111B.

[0093] Assembly 116 includes a lumen 136 drilled from the base 116A of the assembly 116 within the assembly rod 116B for inserting an optional heating cartridge element 138 therein. The cavity can be cylindrical or conical to increase the contact area and enhance the transfer of thermal energy into the body 102. The power supply line 134 and the thermocouple 135 can be inserted through the control output port 129 drilled radially into the assembly 116 and connected to the heating cartridge element 138 through the lumen 136. The thermocouple 135 can be connected to a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and / or a programmable logic controller (PLC) (not shown), such as an Allen-Bradley 850 series PLC or an equivalent controller, to provide signal feedback and control for the pressure regulating device 100. Once the heating cartridge element 138, the power supply line 134, and the thermocouple 135 are enclosed within the assembly 116, the opening drilled into the base 116A of the assembly 116 is closed with an internally threaded plug to provide a closed system. For safety, the plug can be explosion-proof according to one or more applicable standards, such as the ATEX standard.

[0094] The assembled pressure regulating device 100 provides a compact design with lower manufacturing costs and the ability to use the pressure regulating device 100 in a smaller area within a sample conditioning device. As discussed herein, the pressure regulating device 100 can be used in a variety of different applications because it can be dynamically adjusted based on the specific application or profile of the gas to be measured. Additionally, the series of radial pressure regulating valves 112 avoid the gravity problems typically associated with vertically designed multi-stage regulators.

[0095] Figure 5ADepicts an alternative embodiment of the regulating valve assembly. This embodiment provides a greater degree of pressure reduction for the incoming steam sample at higher startup pressures (e.g., from 41300 kPa (6000 psi) up to 69000 kPa (10,000 psi)). The high-pressure regulator embodiment includes a regulator housing 102 and a base 116 that are substantially the same as those in the above embodiment. The third to fifth regulating valves 112 are also the same as those described above. However, preferably, at least the first and second pressure regulating valve assemblies 512 are different. The high-pressure embodiment has a nested bifurcated sensing piston 530 and at least one heavier sensing piston actuator spring.

[0096] An embodiment of the high-pressure valve assembly is as Figure 5B shown. As shown, the high-pressure valve embodiment is dimensionally compatible with the valve assembly 112 but includes a two-component sensing piston 512G structure that substantially creates an inner core cylinder element 512Gi that is slidably nested within an outer housing cylinder 512Go to allow relative axial movement between the two cylinders. The cylinder elements 512Gi and 512Go may include one or more sealing rings 532 disposed around their outer surfaces to prevent steam leakage. The high-pressure pressure reduction arrangement also eliminates the gasket 112E disposed below the sensing piston shown in Figure 4 shown. Eliminating the gasket 112 enables the use of a heavier downward-biased sensing piston actuator spring, or as Figure 5B shown, preferably a dual-spring arrangement. The dual-spring structure includes an inner spring 512Fi nested within an outer spring 512Fo, and both outer springs are located within a spring housing 512C. At least the inner spring disposed below is a washer 530 that has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the spring housing 512C. In one embodiment, the inner spring 512Fi directly impacts the disk-shaped washer 530, effectively expanding the diameter of the inner core cylinder 512Gi to concentrate the downward spring force from the inner spring 512Fi. This force is transmitted through the inner core cylinder 512Gi to the valve stem tip 512L-3. The outer spring 512Fo may directly impact the upper surface of the outer housing cylinder 512Go of the sensing piston 512G.

[0097] In another embodiment, the diameter of the washer 530 substantially extends to the entire inner diameter of the spring housing 512C, thereby making direct contact with both the inner spring 512Fi and the outer spring 512Fo. When the diameter of the washer 530 corresponds to the outer diameter of the outer spring 512Fo, the two springs apply the maximum spring force to the sensing piston. Using a washer with a smaller diameter reduces the spring pressure applied to the washer due to the reduced spring-washer contact. This characteristic allows for a greater degree of design flexibility to achieve the desired pressure reduction regulation.

[0098] In other words, this arrangement guides the entire compressive spring force of springs 512Fi and 512Fo through washer 530 to the smaller diameter inner core 512Gi. The washer 530 enhances its effective compressive force and the downward force on the upwardly projecting valve stem 512L-3 which contacts and presses against the inner core piston barrel 512Gi of the sensing piston, thereby providing effective pressure regulation at a higher starting pressure.

[0099] Structurally, washer 530 is formed of stainless steel or an alternative rigid material such as ceramic, non-reactive metal alloy, etc. and preferably includes a receiving notch at the center of a central opening 532 sized to receive and cooperate with a protrusion 534 projecting above the generally planar upper surface of inner core piston barrel 512Gi to position washer 530 stably in spring housing 512C.

[0100] As previously described, when the high-pressure valve assembly dimensions correspond to the valve assembly embodiments described previously, standardization of the housing bore size can be achieved. However, when the situation requires, when a desired enhanced pressure regulation degree needs to be achieved, the aperture of the first two valve receiving recessed openings can be increased to accommodate a larger sized high-pressure regulating valve assembly.

[0101] It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that a device or method incorporating any of the above additional or alternative details will fall within the scope of the invention as determined by the claims of the present invention and any equivalents thereof. For example, although five access channels 115, five openings 146 and five corresponding pressure regulating valves 112 are illustrated, it is contemplated herein that fewer or more of these features can be implemented to provide different configurations that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, in the exemplary embodiments discussed herein, a vapor gas sample is received from the output of a vaporizer device that has vaporized a liquid sample into vapor form. However, pressure regulating device 100 can be used to regulate a vapor gas sample received directly from natural gas or from other types of equipment at other points upstream or downstream within a gas sample conditioning system.

[0102] Given the drawings and the disclosure, other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0103] Industrial Applicability

[0104] The present invention is used to provide a multi-stage pressure regulation system, particularly applicable to natural gas sampling for reducing the pressure of vaporous gas passing through a gas sample pressure regulation system using devices and related methods, wherein the system and method rely on a series of calibrated pressure regulating valve assemblies arranged in a non-ventilated array, and each assembly is configured to reduce the pressure of the input vapor sample to a selected reduced pressure while avoiding a dew point drop during passage, so as to output a vaporized gas sample at a pre-established reduced pressure to a downstream analyzer.

Claims

1. A pressure regulating system for the stepwise pressure reduction of a steam sample, characterized in that, Comprising: A housing; A core longitudinally disposed along the central axis of the housing; A steam sample input port, which is connected to a steam sample channel and integrally formed with the steam sample channel within the housing; A plurality of non-venting openings on the upper surface of the housing, each non-venting opening being arranged around the periphery of the core and adjacent to at least one other non-venting opening, each non-venting opening having a selected cross-sectional dimension and extending in the direction of the central axis of the housing, each non-venting opening being connected by an interconnecting channel integrally formed in the housing and connected to an adjacent non-exit opening of the non-venting opening; A plurality of pressure regulating valves, the cross-sectional dimension of each pressure regulating valve in the plurality of pressure regulating valves corresponding to the selected cross-sectional dimension of the non-venting opening and being located in the corresponding non-venting opening, each pressure regulating valve in the plurality of pressure regulating valves being switchable between a non-pressure regulating mode and a pressure regulating mode to transfer the steam sample at a selected regulated pressure to an adjacent downstream pressure regulating valve or to a reduced-pressure steam sample output port through the connected interconnecting channel, wherein each pressure regulating valve in the plurality of pressure regulating valves establishes a pressure reduction stage and includes a valve stem, a sensing piston, and a sensing piston actuator, and the first pressure regulating valve in the plurality of pressure regulating valves is configured to receive the steam sample from the steam sample input port via the steam sample channel; A reduced-pressure steam sample output port; Wherein at least one pressure regulating valve includes an adjusting device configured to adjustably set the amount of pressure reduction applied by the corresponding pressure regulating valve at the pressure reduction stage; the non-venting opening is threaded, and each adjusting device is threaded and axially movable relative to the housing.

2. The pressure regulation system according to claim 1, wherein Each pressure regulating valve self-regulates based on a selected pressure set value at each pressure reduction stage to regulate the pressure of the incoming steam sample.

3. The pressure regulation system according to claim 1, wherein According to the arrangement of the sensing piston actuator and the valve stem, in the pressure regulating mode, the sensing pistons at each stage are configured to be in an open, adjusted position, and the sensing pistons in the non-pressure regulating mode are configured to be in a closed position.

4. The pressure regulating system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The arrangement of the valve stem and the sensing piston actuator is based on the pressure of the steam sample and the pressure reduction set value of the pressure regulating valve.

5. The pressure regulation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the sensing piston is in the pressure regulating position, each pressure regulating valve has a valve stem channel for conveying the steam sample through the respective pressure regulating valve; when the sensing piston is in the closed position, the valve stem channel is blocked to prevent the steam sample from passing through the pressure regulating valve.

6. The pressure regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing further includes a component having a base and a rod, the rod being orthogonally arranged with respect to the base and axially extending from the base; the rod is formed to conform to the size of the core and axially extends from the central portion of the base; wherein the pressure regulating system further includes a heating device disposed within the rod and configured to heat the steam sample passing through the plurality of pressure regulating valves.

7. The pressure regulating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing further includes a plurality of unsealed pressure calibration ports that are radially disposed around the plurality of openings, each unsealed pressure calibration port corresponding to a respective pressure regulating valve and configured to permit measurement of pressure.

8. The pressure regulating system according to claim 7, wherein, Each unsealed pressure calibration port is connected to a respective interconnecting channel.

9. The pressure regulation system according to claim 8, characterized in that At least one of the unsealed pressure calibration ports includes a pressure gauge configured to display the steam sample pressure in the respective interconnecting channels.

10. The pressure regulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regulating means is electromechanically actuated and further includes an unsealed pressure calibration port and an electronic pressure sensor configured to provide an electronic signal to the regulating means to regulate the pressure of the steam sample at a selected pressure reduction stage.

11. The pressure regulating system according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one high-pressure regulating valve assembly includes a pair of nested sensing piston actuator compression springs; a bifurcated sensing piston arrangement with an external sensing piston and a nested internal piston, the internal piston being axially slidable relative to the external sensing piston; A sensing piston actuator contact disk disposed between the nested sensing piston actuator compression springs and the bifurcated sensing piston, the sensing piston actuator contact disk contacting the valve stem to concentrate the force of at least one nested sensing piston actuator compression spring to provide enhanced pressure reduction.

12. The pressure regulation system according to claim 11, wherein, At least one high-pressure regulating valve assembly has dimensions corresponding to other regulating valve assemblies.

13. The pressure regulating system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The housing includes five non-venting openings, wherein a first valve opening is connected to a steam sample channel connected to a steam sample input port, and the first regulating valve assembly and the second regulating valve assembly are high-pressure regulating valve assemblies.

14. A method for reducing the pressure of a steam sample by means of a plurality of calibrated step-down stages, based on the pressure regulation system according to any one of claims 1 - 13, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Inputting a steam sample through a steam sample input port formed within the housing of the pressure regulating means; Selectively directing the steam sample to an adjustable first pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a first non-outlet opening integrally formed within the housing, wherein the first non-outlet opening is connected through an interconnecting channel to an adjacent second pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a second non-outlet opening integrally formed within the housing; Reducing the pressure of the steam sample to a preset amount and transferring the steam sample to an adjacent adjustable second pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a second non-outlet opening integrally formed within the housing, wherein the second non-outlet opening is connected through an interconnecting channel to an adjacent third pressure regulating valve assembly disposed within a third non-outlet opening integrally formed within the housing; Reducing the pressure of the steam sample to a second preset amount and transferring the steam sample to an adjacent adjustable third pressure regulating valve assembly; Maintaining the sample in the gas phase as the steam sample passes through the first, second, and third pressure regulating valve assemblies.

15. The method for reducing the pressure of a steam sample through a plurality of calibrated step-down stages according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following step: outputting the steam sample to an analyzer for analysis.

16. The method for reducing the pressure of a steam sample through a plurality of calibrated stepped pressure reduction stages according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes the following step: regulating the pressure regulation amount through the first, second, and third pressure regulating valve assemblies.

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