Improved liquefied gas sample vaporizer regulation system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to an improved liquid vaporization and conditioning system and related methods for efficiently vaporizing liquid samples to accurately determine their composition, thereby providing enhanced flow rate, pressure, and thermal control. The improvements include: a resistance temperature detector; a swept bend; an in-line thermal barrier; a flow buffer inlet manifold; an enhanced multi-path heater vaporizer structure with four heater units; a vaporizer output mixing manifold and control elements that provide partial shut-off capability in the event of impaired heating or abnormal flow, without the risk of flow loss / volume capacity exceeding permissible thresholds; and an improved modular thermal vaporizer housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an improved system and method for the efficient vaporization and measurement of cryogenic liquefied natural gas (LNG), applicable to certain processing of non-cryogenic natural gas liquids (NGL), and most specifically, applicable to the vaporization of LNG samples extracted from containers for analysis. Background Technology

[0002] This invention relates to similar problems faced by systems described and disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,484,404 and its successors and U.S. Patent 8,056,399 and its successors. LNG is produced by taking natural gas from a production site, removing impurities, and liquefying the natural gas. During liquefaction, the gas is cooled to a temperature of approximately -162°C (-260°F). The volume of this condensed, cryogenic liquid form of natural gas is approximately 1 / 600th of the volume of vaporized natural gas. Typically, natural gas is converted into a liquid form for loading, transporting, or delivering to containers. Pipelines, tanks, and transport vehicles all include containers for holding natural gas. For example, LNG is loaded onto ships and then transported to receiving facilities, where it is typically unloaded into storage tanks. In this process, especially in the case of managed transfers, accurate analysis of composition and energy value (BTU value) is crucial, as the BTU value / composition of the cargo can change during transport due to factors such as evaporation.

[0003] A crucial part of precise analysis in gas sample conditioning involves the vaporization process of a liquid sample extracted from a gas-containing container (such as a pipe) via a probe. Once the liquid sample is extracted, it is typically conveyed from the extraction probe to a sample conditioner for vaporization and pressure regulation via a relatively small diameter corrosion-resistant superalloy tube (such as stainless steel), and finally to an analyzer (such as a chromatograph) for analysis.

[0004] When the extracted liquid sample is evaporated, the pressure during the vapor phase drops significantly to a relatively low pressure range, such as 10–30 psig (68.9 kPa–206.8 kPa), which is typical for analyzers / chromatographs. Throughout the liquid-to-vapor process, it is important to prevent pre-evaporation and to maintain the vapor at temperatures and pressures outside the gas phase profile to minimize the risk of Joule-Thomson hydrocarbon dew point drop as a condensation.

[0005] If such condensation occurs, the analyzer / chromatograph input may be contaminated with liquid, compromising the integrity of any measurements obtained, and the chromatograph may be damaged, for example, by column runoff. At best, the result is erroneous readings from ghost peaks, etc.; at worst, the analyzer will cease to function. Uneven flow rates and pressure drops during the liquid-to-vapor conversion process can also lead to erroneous readings and reduced system accuracy and efficiency.

[0006] Therefore, it is important to maintain the integrity of the liquid sample to the vaporizer and to keep the vaporized liquid sample with minimal pressure and temperature changes to avoid inaccuracies.

[0007] Turning to issues inherent to vaporization itself, vaporization devices that vaporize low-carbon-number hydrocarbon liquids (such as natural gas liquids (NGLs), particularly cryogenic LNG) may experience the development of temperature gradients near the liquid sample inlet. When these temperatures exceed the heat of vaporization, pre-vaporization of the liquid sample may occur. When the extracted liquid sample undergoes partial or complete vaporization at the vaporizer inlet but before reaching the flash chamber, the integrity of the vaporized sample leaving the vaporizer can be compromised by undesirable fractionation of product components (light, intermediate, and heavy) that separate and enter the vaporizer at different times. This fractionation or separation often leads to incorrect energy content and composition analysis. Furthermore, if the pre-vaporized sample is exposed to subsequent cooling or pressure reduction leading to partial recondensation during its entry into the vaporization chamber, further undesirable component stratification / partitioning may occur. Additionally, when pre-vaporization occurs at the vaporizer inlet, the cooling effect from the liquid expanding into gas can create external icing upstream of the inlet, increasing thermal anomalies and further impairing sample homogeneity and integrity. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a liquid sample vaporizer and conditioning system with multiple paths, offering redundancy in the event of evaporator failure. This would allow for remixing of the vaporized flow and continued operation even at reduced pressure and flow levels, while maintaining sample integrity by preventing vaporized sample dispensing / condensation. Finally, it is highly desirable to minimize system start-up time to stabilize the system and ensure sufficient sample flow rate even at lower pressures during managed transfer operations.

[0008] Another problem arises in the conventional existing technology construction. The vaporization shell makes it inconvenient to replace heater cylinder elements because these elements are typically mounted vertically inside the shell using welded plates to secure the cylinder to the support plate platform and position it within the coiled heat exchange tubes. Therefore, when a heater cylinder unit fails or its heating performance is impaired, indicating a need for replacement, disassembly, and reassembly, this presents a degree of difficulty, requires skill, and leads to unnecessary extended downtime, in addition to the time and labor required.

[0009] Therefore, there is a continuous need to improve sample handling from extraction to analysis, as well as to improve the vaporization shell assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention overcome the above-mentioned and other disadvantages associated with prior art liquid gas vaporization and measurement systems.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved system and method for efficiently and accurately sampling and regulating liquid gas vapor from liquid samples.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reliable liquid sample vaporizer conditioning system that prevents pre-vaporization of the liquid sample while maintaining appropriate temperature and pressure throughout the sample conditioning process to avoid Joule-Thomson condensation and maintain sufficient sample flow.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide enhanced sample prevaporization mixing and postvaporization mixing without condensation due to pressure loss.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved explosion-proof carburetor housing that provides efficient modular installation of heat exchange elements, including a coiled tube-wrapped heater cylinder that improves heat exchange, extends the service life of the heater cylinder, and facilitates maintenance and replacement.

[0015] To achieve the above and other objectives, one embodiment of the invention includes an improved liquid vaporizer conditioning system comprising a liquid sample input; a vaporizer operable to receive the liquid sample and convert the received liquid sample into vapor, the vapor being transferred to an accumulator operable to receive the vaporized sample; and a heating pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the accumulated vaporized sample output from the accumulator to reduce its pressure for transfer through a channel to a downstream analyzer; the improvement sequentially includes: a resistance temperature detector unit aligned with the liquid sample input; a sweep bend located downstream of the resistance temperature detector unit and aligned with it; and a... A thermal barrier, located downstream of the swept bend and in a straight line, minimizes heat transfer. A flow buffer inlet manifold, also located downstream of the thermal barrier and in a straight line, includes a liquid sample inlet receiving chamber that splits the liquid sample input in the receiving chamber into multiple outputs from the receiving chamber to reduce pressure drop and provide flow uniformity. The vaporizer includes a vaporizer housing and a heater cylinder unit, the vaporizer housing containing multiple liquid sample inlets and vapor outputs corresponding to the multiple outputs from the flow buffer inlet manifold. The heater cylinder unit is associated with each of the multiple liquid sample vaporizer inlets, and is characterized in that: i ii) a heater cylinder having an upper end and a lower end, the heater cylinder including an elongated electric heater element of a selected length; ii) a coil section having a selected height greater than the selected length of the elongated electric heater element to extend above it, and a helical winding with reduced inter-turn spacing, configured to increase the contact surface area between the coil and the elongated electric heater element and limit the pressure drop across the coil section; iii) a thermocouple disposed below the coil section; and iv) an output; the system includes an outlet manifold that incorporates multiple vapor inputs corresponding to multiple vapor outputs from the vaporizer housing, each vapor input including a shut-off valve for terminating the vapor flow, the outlet manifold including An internal vapor accumulator chamber for mixing multiple corresponding vapor inputs into a common vapor output stream, and an output from the common output stream of the internal vapor accumulator chamber, an outlet manifold thermocouple associated with the outlet manifold output stream, and a shut-off valve for preventing flow to the accumulator when the outlet manifold thermocouple detects a temperature anomaly; wherein the vaporizer housing includes: a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, an angled mounting plate defining a front edge, and a rear portion fixed to the rear wall near the bottom wall, the mounting plate projecting from the rear wall at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall, the mounting plate including at least one receiving groove formed in the front edge having a tapered groove extending a selected distance from the receiving groove along the rear portion;Each coil section includes an elongated cylindrical channel having a defined diameter and a first length, and a lower section disposed substantially perpendicular to the elongated cylindrical channel of the coil. Each heater element has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the elongated cylindrical channel, and the lower end of the heater cylinder protrudes through a receiving groove in an angled mounting plate. The vaporizer housing includes a releasable clamp for engaging the lower end of the heater cylinder to secure it to the mounting plate. The heater cylinder is removable by releasing the releasable clamp from the lower end of the heater cylinder and the mounting plate and sliding the heater cylinder from the coil section.

[0016] Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one vapor sample outlet path is a pipeline from the accumulator and includes a heating pressure regulator, a rotor flow meter, a pressure relief valve and a downstream vapor sample outlet for downstream analysis; and a bypass path, including a rotor flow meter and a mass flow controller, for outputting unused vapor samples.

[0017] Another embodiment of the invention according to the foregoing is characterized in that the bypass path recovers unused vapor samples.

[0018] Another embodiment of the improved vaporizer regulating system is characterized by further including a PID controller for controlling electronically controlled components, said electronically controlled components including sensors, heaters, thermocouples, solenoid valves, and rotor flow meters. Alternatively, the liquid vaporizer regulating system is characterized by further including a PLC controller for controlling electronically controlled components, said electronically controlled components including sensors, heaters, thermocouples, solenoid valves, and rotor flow meters.

[0019] In other embodiments, the improved vaporizer regulation system according to any of the foregoing is characterized by further including a thermal mass flow controller.

[0020] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an improved explosion-proof vaporizer housing comprising: a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall; an upper inlet on the top wall; a lower outlet on the bottom wall; an angled mounting plate defining a front edge and a rear portion, the rear portion being fixed to the rear wall near the bottom wall, the mounting plate projecting from the rear wall at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall, the mounting plate including at least one receiving groove formed in the front edge having a tapered groove extending a selected distance from the receiving groove along the direction of the rear portion; a tube of continuous length passing through the inlet and defining a liquid input; a coil section having a pitch to limit the gap between coils, the coil section defining an elongated cylindrical channel having a defined diameter and a first length, disposed substantially perpendicular to the elongated cylindrical channel of the coil. The lower section, and the length of the steam output section passing through the lower outlet; a removable elongated heater tube having a top, a bottom, and an electrically heated element disposed therebetween, the heater tube having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the elongated cylindrical channel, wherein the length of the heating element is less than the length of the coiled portion of the tube, and the bottom protrudes through a receiving groove of the angled mounting plate; and a releasable clamp for engaging the lower end of the heater tube to secure the heater tube to the mounting plate, wherein the steam outlet section of the tube passes through a tapered groove of the mounting plate to reach the lower outlet on the bottom wall; wherein the heater tube is removable by releasing the releasable clamp from the lower end of the heater tube and the mounting plate and sliding the heater tube from the bottom of the coiled section.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention provides an improved method for evaporating and regulating a liquid sample flow for analysis, the improved method comprising the steps of: detecting the temperature of an input liquid sample using a resistance temperature detector; passing the liquid sample flow through a swept bend, an in-line thermal barrier, and into a vaporizer liquid input manifold to divide the liquid sample flow into a selected plurality of vaporizer liquid input flows having the same flow rate, pressure, and temperature; outputting each of the selected plurality of vaporizer liquid input flows to a vaporizer housing having a plurality of vaporization paths corresponding to the selected plurality of vaporizers, each vaporization path including a tube having an upper liquid inlet and a lower vaporized gas outlet, and a coiled intermediate section spirally wound around a heater cylinder, the coiled intermediate section being configured to increase the heat transfer contact area between the heater cylinder and the coiled intermediate section, and a temperature-sensing vaporized gas output thermocouple associated with a lower vaporized gas output; inputting the vaporized gas output to a device having a temperature-sensing vaporized gas output thermocouple associated with a lower vaporized gas output; and inputting the vaporized gas output to a device having a temperature-sensing vaporized gas output thermocouple associated with a lower vaporized gas output. A vaporized gas mixing manifold with multiple inputs corresponding to multiple vaporization paths is configured to receive outputs from the multiple vaporization paths, each of which is associated with a shut-off valve to terminate the vaporized gas input to the manifold when a temperature anomaly is detected by a thermocouple at the vaporized gas output. The vaporized gas mixing manifold includes a mixing chamber and an outlet for mixing a vaporized sample. A mixed vaporized sample is output from the vaporized gas mixing manifold through a tube including a thermocouple for detecting the temperature of the output mixed vaporized sample. This thermocouple is associated with an electromagnetic control valve to terminate flow from the vaporized gas mixing manifold when the thermocouple detects a thermal anomaly exceeding a selected threshold. The mixed vaporized sample is input into a sample accumulator. The accumulated vaporized sample is output from the sample accumulator to a heating regulator to reduce sample pressure while maintaining the temperature of the accumulated vaporized sample and preventing Joule-Thomson condensation. The accumulated vaporized sample from the heating regulator is then transferred for compositional analysis.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved explosion-proof vaporizer housing comprising: a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall; an upper inlet on the top wall; a lower outlet on the bottom wall; an angled mounting plate defining a front edge and a rear portion, the rear portion being fixed to the rear wall near the bottom wall, the mounting plate projecting from the rear wall at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall, the mounting plate including at least one receiving groove formed in the front edge having a tapered groove extending a selected distance from the receiving groove along the direction of the rear portion; a tube of continuous length passing through the inlet and defining a liquid input, a coil section having a pitch to limit the gap between coils, the coil section defining a defined diameter and a first length. The device comprises: an elongated cylindrical channel, a lower section generally perpendicular to the elongated cylindrical channel of the coil, and a steam output section extending through the lower outlet; a removable elongated heater tube having a top, a bottom, and an electrically heated element disposed therebetween, the heater tube having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the elongated cylindrical channel, wherein the length of the heating element is less than the length of the coiled portion of the tube, and the bottom protruding through a receiving groove in the angled mounting plate; and a releasable clamp for engaging the lower end of the heater tube to secure it to the mounting plate, wherein the steam outlet section of the tube extends through a tapered groove in the mounting plate to the lower outlet on the bottom wall.

[0023] The improvements provided by this intelligent control invention include an enlarged vaporizer pipe diameter to minimize pressure drop at higher flow rates, a resistance temperature detector (RTD) unit, a swept bend to avoid pressure drop during passage through the measuring device, a bypass for any liquid sample input (as detected by the RTD), an in-line thermal barrier to minimize heat transfer and prevent the introduction of mixed-phase samples into the vaporizer below, a flow buffer input manifold with an enlarged input mixing chamber to provide enhanced flow uniformity with reduced pressure drop, an enhanced multipath heater vaporizer structure with four heater units supplied by the manifold output, the manifold output having an enlarged diameter multi-layer wound spiral coil to minimize the spacing between turns, maximizing heat transfer from the heating rod to the sample passing through the coil while avoiding hot spots, and minimizing pressure drop along the length of the vaporizer, while providing the ability to partially shut off in the event that the associated thermocouple detects impaired heating or abnormal flow of a particular heater without the risk of flow loss / volume capacity exceeding permissible thresholds.

[0024] The present invention envisions a system with fully “intelligent” capabilities, relying on a PID control unit that is fully automated in terms of temperature, pressure, and flow detection using a corresponding solenoid shut-off valve that can be actuated when an abnormal reading falls outside an allowable threshold, and an associated bypass that redirects the sample input completely or partially out of the vaporization and regulation path.

[0025] Referring to the improved multipath explosion-proof carburetor housing assembly envisioned in this invention, it envisions a more precise multipath structure that provides extended cylinder life, uniform spacing, modular component installation, and easy access—features not found in the prior art.

[0026] 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 any disclosed dimensions and configurations are provided for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other dimensions and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, unless otherwise specified.

[0027] As used in this article, “basically,” “relative,” “general,” “approximately,” and “approximately” are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variations with respect to the property so modified. They are not limited to the absolute value or property it modifies, but rather to something that approximates or approximates such a physical or functional property.

[0028] In the detailed description, references to “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” mean that the mentioned features are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, individual references to “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment; however, unless stated otherwise, and unless obvious to those skilled in the art, these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Therefore, the invention can include any various combinations and / or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” should also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that when the root terms “comprising” and / or “having” are used in this specification, the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components is specified, but the presence or addition of at least one other feature, step, operation, element, component, and / or group thereof is not excluded.

[0030] It should be understood that, as used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises 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.

[0031] It should also be understood that, as used herein, any reference to a range of values ​​is intended to include every value within that range, including the endpoints of the range, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0032] As used in this article, “gas” refers to any type of vapor gas produced by the evaporation of a liquid.

[0033] As used herein, “liquid” means any type of liquid, including cryogenic liquids that can be vaporized and analyzed, such as liquefied natural gas and diatomic liquids, including mixtures thereof, and non-cryosensitive liquids, including hydrocarbon-containing liquid substances, such as natural gas liquids and their equivalents.

[0034] As used herein, “connection” includes physical connections, whether direct or indirect, permanently fixed or adjustable. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, “connection” means any functional connection that can be operated.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 utilized without departing from the scope of the invention, and structural changes may be made based on currently known structural and / or functional equivalents.

[0037] The following detailed description will make it clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention provides an improved liquefied gas vaporization and regulation system and method, which provides significantly improved efficiency while mitigating the problems of the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Various aspects of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 It is a copy of a prior art drawing extracted from US Patent 7,484,404.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vaporization and measuring device according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an embodiment of the vaporization and measurement system according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a detailed diagram of an RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5This is a diagram of a swept bend according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a top view of the carburetor assembly input manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a front view of a carburetor housing assembly having four bracket-mounted heating elements according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A side sectional view of section AA of the carburetor housing depicts the carburetor heating element mounted on a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a front view of the output manifold of the carburetor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 10 It is based on Figure 7 and Figure 8 The image shows a front view of the heater mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 11 It is based on Figure 7 and Figure 8 The image shows a side view of the vaporizer heater mounting bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 12 It is based on Figure 7 and Figure 8 The image shows a side view of the evaporator gas coil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 and Figure 8 The image shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the evaporator gas pipeline of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 14 This is a side view of the fracture surface of a thermal isolator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A perspective view of the fracture surface of the thermal isolator.

[0054] Figure 16 This is a photographic image of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 1 Prior art is illustrated. This figure is taken from the applicant's patent US 7,484,404 and its successor patents, including US 9,057,668. Figure 1In the prior art embodiment, LNG is introduced into the vaporizer cabinet P110 through inlet port P111 located near the top of cabinet P110. The first-stage vaporizer P112 receives a portion of the LNG, and the second-stage vaporizer P113 receives the remaining LNG. The length of the pipe introducing LNG into the cabinet should be as short as possible to minimize any heating of the LNG in the inlet pipe. As shown, the second-stage vaporizer P113 uses four cylindrical heaters. In this prior art, both the first and second stages heat the LNG and convert it into vapor gas that accumulates in the accumulator P118. Furthermore, connected to each of the first stage P112 and the second stage P113, as well as the accumulator P118, is pipe P132, which discharges from cabinet P110 to the LNG vapor return line. Heater P135, located inside the LNG vaporizer cabinet, is used to maintain the outlet pipe at or above a minimum temperature, thereby keeping the gas in the outlet pipe in a gaseous state. The vapor pressure in the system is also monitored.

[0056] In the prior art embodiment illustrated, vapor gas enters the accumulator P118 at the top and is delivered via pipe P119 inside the accumulator. Vapor pressure is sampled from the accumulator P118 and removed through port P134 for analysis via pipe P120 near the top of the accumulator P118. A PID-controlled mass flow component P114 minimizes irregularities in sample flow.

[0057] Figure 2 and Figure 3A representative embodiment of the system according to the invention is shown. A source container 210 (tank, pipeline, ship, railcar, truck, etc.) containing liquid provides the liquid for processing by the system. The liquid feedstock is cryogenic, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquid nitrogen, or liquid hydrogen. The invention can also be used with other non-cryopreneurial liquid feedstocks, such as natural gas liquids (NGL). The liquid is extracted from the source container 210 via a valved outlet 212 and communicates downstream through a conventional insulated vacuum jacket pipe 214, of the type described in the applicant's patent US 8,056,399, and enters a regulating cabinet 211. Inside the cabinet, to promote uniform sample flow while minimizing fluid flow anomalies and hysteresis interruptions and compensating for inlet pressure variations, the thermal mass flow meter 225 is a flow controller, such as the Brooks 5850i mass flow controller from Brooks Instruments in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, with a built-in control valve and associated with a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control system 230. When the mass flow meter 225 detects an anomaly triggering the sample inlet flow, the control system 230 is associated with an activated liquid bypass to redirect the incoming liquid sample. Under appropriate operating input conditions, the liquid sample is passed through a 1 / 4-inch (0.635 cm) diameter conduit and connected to a resistance temperature detector (RTD) 216 (see also...). Figure 4 ), used to monitor liquid temperature, and then through a sweeping bend 218 (see also) Figure 5 To minimize fluid disturbance, and through thermal isolator 220 (see also...) Figure 14 and 15 This is to prevent upstream heat from migrating to RTD 216. Liquid enters the vaporizer input distribution manifold 222 from isolator 220, where it is split into multiple streams (see also...). Figure 6 ), and passes through inlet pipe 224 to reach the top of a single vaporizer unit 228 mounted on bracket 702 (see also) Figure 7 , 8 (10 and 11), bracket 702 is installed in the explosion-proof multipath vaporizer housing 226. Before being introduced into the flash chamber in the vaporizer housing 226, the liquid input is maintained under pipeline conditions to prevent pre-vaporization, as cryogenic liquids such as LNG, as is well known in the art, begin to vaporize immediately upon exposure to heat. Therefore, the length of the piping connecting the various devices within the housing 211 to the cabinet, particularly the multipath vaporizer containing housing 226, is preferably kept as short as possible, i.e., to minimize the possibility of vaporization before the liquid, especially the cryogenic liquid, is introduced into the flash zone of the housing.

[0058] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, four separate sample streams exiting manifold 222 via inlet tube 224 are introduced into 3 / 16-inch (0.46 cm) tube 229, which includes the upper portion of the vaporizer unit sample tube, tightly coiled around a stainless steel sheath surrounding the electric heater cylinder to maximize contact area for efficient heat transfer to achieve flash evaporation, while minimizing hot spot formation caused by exposed sheath areas.

[0059] Each individual vaporizer unit 228 is securely mounted on a bracket 702 within the housing 226 via a pipe clamp 811, which engages with each corresponding cylinder base 809 (see also...). Figure 7 , 8 (12 and 13). The vaporized sample exits the multipath vaporizer housing 226 via the output pipe 232 and reaches the output manifold 234 assembly (see also...). Figure 9 A manifold assembly is used to mix the respective output vapor streams. A dedicated shut-off valve 236 for each corresponding output pipe 232 is incorporated to terminate the vapor flow from the corresponding vaporizer unit 228 when the associated thermocouple 230 detects an abnormality in the vaporizer heater unit. The vaporized sample then flows from the output manifold 234 through a pipe 238 including a thermocouple 237, via a solenoid-controlled valve 241, which terminates the flow if the vapor temperature detected by the thermocouple is below 50°F (10°C), and into the sample accumulator 242. Another shut-off valve 240 is also provided to prevent liquid from entering the collector 242 in the event of a severe system failure.

[0060] After the vaporized sample is introduced into the accumulator 242 under normal operation, the mixed collector sample is one of multiple streams output from the accumulator 242. For example... Figure 2 As shown, these flows include a sample capture flow 250 and a higher-velocity sample recirculation / bypass flow 252. The sample capture flow 250 does not require a large sample volume and is directed to the analyzer sample capture tube or even directly to the analyzer via a pressure regulator 260 that is first heated, such as a Mustang heating regulator (MHR) available from the applicant, or alternatively, an upgraded adjustable multi-stage regulator of the type described in the applicant's patent US11,144,078. After pressure regulation, the sample flow passes through a pressure gauge 261, a pressure relief valve 262, and a rotor flow meter 264. The mixed accumulator-vaporized sample exits the source container 210 from the rotor flow meter 264, reaching the sample collection gripper, a composite sampling collection tube, or directly to the downstream analyzer. In larger systems where a dedicated sample flow needs to be simultaneously delivered to a set of discrete grippers and directly to the analyzer, multiple sample capture flows can be used. For example, Figure 3The system shown includes two parallel sample capture streams, each including its own heating pressure regulator 260, etc. A recirculation / bypass stream 252, envisioned to receive a larger volume of mixed sample output from the accumulator 242, includes a rotor flowmeter 248 and is associated with an online mass flow controller 225 and a metering device 227 to direct the recirculation stream for recirculation back to the liquid source or flare.

[0061] In the disclosed embodiments, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) controller or a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control system 250 can be used to provide robust control over connected components, improve response time, and allow data logging. The packaged PLC / PID control system 250 is mounted on an external cabinet and physically connected to internal electrical components, including sensors, heaters, thermocouples, solenoid valves, and flow meters, via hard-wiring or wireless communication technology using conventional signal receiving elements. Furthermore, the PLC / PID control system 250 allows for the connection of phase-controlled solid-state relays to enhanced heater cylinder control within the carburetor housing, which in turn extends cylinder life by avoiding energy pulses, as it is able to control the temperature within a limited range, such as ±1 / 2°C. For the PLC controller, if properly programmed, it will allow for system soft-start to prevent heater overshoot and system surges, while also improving alarm functionality and enhancing the solid-state relays with workload indicators.

[0062] Examples of PLC / PID controllers that can be used in the context of this invention include PLCs from the Allen Bradley Micro800 controller series from Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and PID controllers from Oven Industries, Mecanixburg, Pennsylvania, and Watlow, St. Louis, Missouri. Upon receiving a signal indicating an operational anomaly where system parameters (temperature, pressure, or flow rate) deviate from a selected threshold, or in the event of system power loss, the PLC / PID controller responds quickly by energizing or de-energizing the solenoid control valve and mass flow controller 225 to automatically terminate flow locally or globally.

[0063] Now refer to the more detailed illustrations. Figures 4 to 14 They provide more details about certain specific components mentioned above.

[0064] Figure 4Details of an assembly 400, including a programmable resistance thermometer (RTD) 216, are described, which improves the accuracy of inlet temperature measurement compared to conventional thermocouples and minimizes pressure loss through the measuring device. As cryogenic liquid passes through a tee 402, some of it is directed to the RTD. This assembly detects the temperature of a liquid sample from source container 210 as it passes through an internally threaded branch tee 402, which is inline secured to a 1 / 4-inch (0.635 cm) inlet tube via a suitable NPT fitting 404. A signal representing the temperature is transmitted by a transmitter (not shown) to a system control unit, where the RTD is entirely contained within an explosion-proof housing sealed with a nut connector 406. Reliance on the RTD provides linear characteristics based on established resistance for single-point calibration without reference to other electrical measurements. Compared to conventional thermocouples, the RTD eliminates the uncertainty based on the requirement of two or more reference voltages, and unlike conventional thermocouples which require at least two sensors (one of which is the cold junction), the RTD does not require calibration associated with specific electronics. In this embodiment, RTD 216 is also associated with a bypass loop to direct the liquid input away from the vaporizer assembly below when the detection temperature of the input fluid exceeds a pre-selected minimum value. Beyond this minimum value, the liquid sample will undergo pre-vaporization or partitioning of the heavier hydrocarbon components and lighter components of the incoming liquid composition.

[0065] Figure 5 A sweeping bend 218 embodiment is illustrated in detail, connected to branch tee 402 via a short section of insulating tubing. The sweeping bend comprises fitting 502 and a 1 / 4-inch (0.635 cm) long tube 501, which is arched at 90° to reduce pressure loss typically associated with using standard bend fittings in fluid paths. By minimizing pressure loss and avoiding pre-vaporization, the sweeping bend provides operational capability at lower pressures, even down to 20 psi (138 kPa).

[0066] Jump to Figure 14 and Figure 15 This illustrates an embodiment of a thermal isolator / partition 220 structurally corresponding to the structure disclosed in the applicant's U.S. Patent 11,248,735, describing an external insulator 1402 that surrounds a 1 / 4-inch (0.635 cm) fluid channel 1502 that passes through an NPT fitting 1404 and extends through the length of the insulator 1402. The NPT fitting protrudes from an end face of the insulator 1402 and is located in a complementary end face recess 1504. The construction of the channel 1502 and the insulator minimizes heat transfer between the fittings to prevent unwanted pre-vaporization of any liquid sample that may enter due to thermal migration from the underlying vaporizer housing 226 via the manifold 222.

[0067] Now for reference Figure 6After passing through the thermal isolator / barrier 220, the incoming liquid flow enters the input distribution manifold 222. For example... Figure 6 As shown, manifold 222 is constructed from body 602, which includes machined internal channels that divide the input flow from input 604 into four uniform, discrete flows, which are then output through NPT fitting outlet 606 into a 3 / 16-inch (0.46 cm) inner diameter pipe. This manifold assembly structure facilitates uniform distribution of the input liquid to the underlying vaporizer assembly 226.

[0068] Figures 7 to 13 The multipath vaporizer housing 226 and its components are shown. Figure 7 Each of the multipath vaporizer structures shown is secured to a mounting bracket 702 within the housing 226 via an electrically powered collar to provide precise alignment within the housing, corresponding to the upper feedthrough 802 and the lower feedthrough 804. This provides precise angular positioning of each unit 228 within the housing 226 to maintain separation from the housing wall, establish uniform spacing between the individual units 228, and facilitate maintenance access. The sample carrying tube 1228 includes an upper inlet section 1229, a coil section 1227, and a lower outlet section 1232.

[0069] To efficiently convert the incoming liquid sample into vapor and minimize the exposure of the actual heating element 808 contained in the heater cylinder unit 228 to the interior of the housing, the coil section 1227 has a selected height greater than the length of each surrounding heater cylinder, which includes a unit 228 extending above its upper end 807 to prevent the top of the heater cylinder from being exposed. The tube section is also spirally wound around the heater cylinder at a certain pitch to minimize the spacing between turns, maximize the contact surface area between the coil section 1227 and the heater cylinder to enhance heat exchange, and minimize the pressure drop over the entire length of the coil. Each of the vaporizer units 228 includes a lower protruding mounting portion 809 extending from the heater element 808 below the heat exchange coil, which engages with a removable tube clamp 811 to secure to a mounting bracket 702 in a corresponding slot 810. A bolted J-type thermocouple 230 is positioned below the coil section 1227 along the orthogonal protrusion of the tube 1230. The straight section 1230 terminates at an obtuse-angle bend (to avoid unnecessary pressure drop), which leads to section 232 that aligns with and passes through the vaporizer housing outlet 804.

[0070] Carburetor unit mounting bracket 702 in Figure 10 and Figure 11The details are shown below. It includes a lower mounting plate portion 806 with mounting bolt holes 1009 for securing the bracket to the inner rear wall of the vaporizer housing 226. A retaining plate portion 1007 protrudes from the mounting plate portion 806 at an angle. Orthogonally arranged and extending from the opposite edges of the plate portion 807 is a set of four vaporization unit retaining slots 810, sized to mate with mounting tube clamps 811 to stabilize the corresponding units in position. The vaporization unit retaining slots 810 taper towards slot extensions 812, which are sized to provide a width sufficient to accommodate a passageway 232 and a length aligned with the housing outlet 804 below.

[0071] Therefore, the housing structure provides enhanced accessibility and simplified maintenance. In fact, it offers a modular structure in which the heater cylinder element can be easily removed from the mounting plate 702 by loosening and removing the tube clamp 811 and allowing the unit to slide through the slot 810. A replacement heater element cylinder can then be reinserted into the coil and secured using the tube clamp 811 through the slot 810.

[0072] Figure 9 A vaporizer outlet manifold assembly 234 according to the illustrated embodiment is shown. The vaporizer outlet manifold comprises an integral outlet manifold incorporating an inlet 232 for each sample channel and a mounted shut-off valve 236, reducing the space required to combine four streams into one. The body of the outlet manifold assembly 234 comprises an aluminum block machined to provide an enlarged inner cavity that acts as an accumulator for the vaporizer output and effectively buffers any pressure drop and increased hysteresis time, while promoting a more uniform downstream flow through the output 238. Each shut-off valve 236 can be manually operated, but is preferably electronically controlled by a PID controller system 250 to terminate the flow from one or more of the vaporizer units 228 if the vaporizer output may be impaired due to a heater malfunction detected by an associated thermocouple. In this case, the output from the impaired vaporizer unit can be shut off by the corresponding valve 236 to isolate the impaired airflow, while the manifold assembly 234 continues to provide sufficient outlet volumetric flow rate, which is affected by minimal pressure drop and flow loss resulting from such closure.

[0073] As the gas leaves the output manifold 234, it passes through a 1 / 4-inch (0.635 cm) pipe, through another thermocouple (not shown) associated with the manual shut-off valve 240, and then through the cryogenic solenoid valve 241, introducing redundancy to prevent any liquid from being introduced. Figure 1The image shows the top of a downstream accumulator device 242 of the type described in the applicant's prior art. In short, vapor enters through the top of the accumulator, is transported via a tube to a low internal location within the accumulator 242, and is directed towards its inner wall to mix with the vapor gas already present in the accumulator. Extraction of the accumulated sample is achieved via an output tube that passes through a valved tube to a heated pressure regulator to further reduce the sample pressure, thus being compatible with the design requirements of a sample grabbing system or composite sample system (e.g., as described in the applicant's patent US 9,562,833), or directly downstream of an analyzer / chromatograph.

[0074] Comparative performance established through testing demonstrates the significant operational improvements provided by this invention. In a comparative test using liquid nitrogen as a reference cryogenic fluid (whose boiling point is lower than that of cryogenic LNG), the following were measured: 1) system start-up time to achieve a pressure-dependent stable vaporization temperature, as measured by the RTD, from ambient temperature to cooling to -300°F (-184°C); 2) sample flow rate at the bypass mass flow controller; and 3) pressure drop measured from the liquid sample input before the RTD to the input to the accumulator tank. Specifically, the prior art and Figure 3 and Figure 16 Tests between the illustrated embodiments of the invention confirmed a 62%–66% reduction in system startup time, coupled with a 29% increase in flow rate and a 72% reduction in pressure drop. These results demonstrate a significant performance improvement compared to prior art systems. Furthermore, tests showed that the invention achieves full operating conditions even at inlet pressures as low as 20 psi (138 kPa) and initial ambient temperatures of 110°F (43°C), with the system stabilizing for approximately 4 minutes at the expected operating threshold of 30 minutes. In short, faster startup time corresponds to reduced operating costs, enhanced operating performance, and improved recovery time, as well as the ability to maintain a higher internal cumulative pressure relative to the corresponding inlet pressure, even when processing at lower input pressures (e.g., below 50 psi (344 kPa)). In conclusion, the system provides faster recovery time and enhanced performance even under low and fluctuating process pressures.

[0075] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional aspects and embodiments are contemplated without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the invention may be realized from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0076] Industrial applicability

[0077] This invention provides a system that, through improved steady-state conditions, offers significantly greater control over the vaporization process of liquid samples during conditioning of the pathway to the relevant analyzer. The system exhibits better thermal condition control, reduced pressure drop across the entire system, while maintaining volumetric flow rate and achieving vaporization even at sample pressures as low as 10 psi (69 kPa), below the approximately 14 psi (97 kPa) levels commonly found on LNG bunkering vessels. This invention also provides intelligent performance allowing for faster start-up, avoiding downtime, and enabling continuous performance even in the event of isolated anomalies. This invention not only provides operation at lower pressures but also offers versatility for large-scale transfer operations, such as ship-to-shore operations, by providing the essentially fully automated control required by the operator. Furthermore, this invention provides an improved vaporizer housing structure employing angled modular heater cylinder units to maximize heat exchange, extend cylinder life, and provide efficient maintenance and replacement.

Claims

1. An improved liquid vaporizer conditioning system, comprising a liquid sample input; A vaporizer operable to receive a liquid sample and convert the received liquid sample into vapor, the vapor being transferred to an accumulator operable to receive the vapor; and a heating pressure regulator for regulating the accumulated vapor output from the accumulator to reduce its pressure for transfer to a downstream analyzer via at least a first vapor outlet path. The improvements include, in sequence: a) A resistance temperature detector unit, which is aligned with the liquid sample input; b) A swept bend, which is located downstream of the resistance temperature detector unit and is in a straight line; c) A thermal barrier for minimizing heat transfer, located downstream of the swept bend and in a straight line; d) A flow buffer input manifold located downstream of the thermal barrier and in a straight line, the flow buffer input manifold including a liquid sample input receiving chamber that diverts the liquid sample input in the receiving chamber into multiple outputs of the receiving chamber to reduce pressure drop and provide flow uniformity; e) The vaporizer includes a vaporizer housing and a heater cylinder unit, the vaporizer housing containing a plurality of liquid sample inputs and vapor outputs corresponding to a plurality of outputs from the flow buffer input manifold; the heater cylinder unit is associated with each of the plurality of liquid sample vaporizer inputs, characterized in that: i) A heater cylinder having an upper end and a lower end, the heater cylinder comprising an elongated electric heater element of a selected length; ii) A coil section having a selected height greater than the selected length of the elongated electric heater element to extend above it, and a helical winding with reduced inter-turn spacing, is configured to increase the contact surface area between the coil and the elongated electric heater element and limit the voltage drop across the coil section. iii) Thermocouple, located below the coil section, and iv) Output; f) An outlet manifold, which incorporates multiple steam inputs corresponding to multiple steam outputs from the vaporizer housing, each steam input including a shut-off valve for terminating the steam flow, the outlet manifold including an internal steam accumulator chamber for mixing the corresponding multiple steam inputs into a common steam output flow, an output from the common output flow from the internal steam accumulator chamber, an outlet manifold thermocouple associated with the outlet manifold output flow, and a shut-off valve for preventing flow to the accumulator when the outlet manifold thermocouple detects a temperature anomaly; The vaporizer housing includes: a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, an angled mounting plate defining a front edge, and a rear portion fixed to the rear wall near the bottom wall. The mounting plate protrudes from the rear wall at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall. The mounting plate includes at least one receiving groove formed in the front edge, which has a tapered groove extending a selected distance from the receiving groove along the rear portion. Each coil section includes an elongated cylindrical channel having a defined diameter and a first length, and a lower section disposed substantially perpendicular to the elongated cylindrical channel of the coil; wherein each heater element has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the elongated cylindrical channel, and the lower end of the heater cylinder protrudes through a receiving slot of an angled mounting plate; and A releasable clamp is used to engage the lower end of the heater cylinder to secure the heater cylinder to the mounting plate; The heater cylinder is removable by releasing the releasable clamp from the lower end of the heater cylinder and mounting plate and sliding the heater cylinder from the coil section.

2. The improved liquid vaporizer regulating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one steam outlet path is a pipeline from the accumulator and includes a heating pressure regulator, a rotor flow meter, a pressure relief valve, and a downstream steam outlet for downstream analysis; And bypass paths, including rotor flow meters and mass flow controllers, for outputting unused steam.

3. The improved liquid vaporizer regulating system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bypass path recovers unused vapor.

4. The improved liquid vaporizer regulating system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a PID controller for controlling the electronic control components, which include sensors, heaters, thermocouples, solenoid valves, and rotor flow meters.

5. The improved liquid vaporizer regulating system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a PLC controller for controlling electrical control components, which include sensors, heaters, thermocouples, solenoid valves, and rotor flow meters.

6. The improved liquid vaporizer regulation system according to any one of claims 1-5 further includes a thermal mass flow controller.

7. An improved liquid vaporizer conditioning system, comprising a liquid sample input; A vaporizer operable to receive a liquid sample and convert the received liquid sample into vapor, the vapor being transferred to an accumulator operable to receive the vapor; and a heating pressure regulator for regulating the accumulated vapor output from the accumulator to reduce its pressure for transfer to a downstream analyzer via at least a first vapor outlet path. The improvements include, in sequence: a) A resistance temperature detector unit, which is aligned with the liquid sample input; b) A swept bend, which is located downstream of the resistance temperature detector unit and is in a straight line; c) A thermal barrier for minimizing heat transfer, located downstream of the swept bend and in a straight line; d) A flow buffer input manifold located downstream of the thermal barrier and in a straight line, the flow buffer input manifold including a liquid sample input receiving chamber from which a selected number of outputs are split from the liquid sample input receiving chamber. e) A vaporizer housing comprising a selected number of liquid sample vaporizer inputs and vaporized vapor outputs corresponding to a selected number of outputs from the flow buffer input manifold, the vaporizer housing comprising a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, wherein the top wall comprises a selected number of liquid sample vaporizer inputs, the bottom wall comprises a selected number of vaporized vapor outputs, and an angled mounting plate defining a front edge and a rear portion fixed to the rear wall adjacent to the bottom wall; the mounting plate projecting from the rear wall at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall, the mounting plate comprising at least one receiving groove formed in the front edge having a tapered groove extending a selected distance from the receiving groove along the rear portion; f) A heater unit having a top, a bottom, and an electrically powered elongated heating element disposed therebetween, the heating element being associated with each of a selected number of liquid sample vaporizer inputs in the vaporizer housing, the electrically powered elongated heating element having a selected length and a selected diameter; g) A continuous length of tube in the vaporizer housing, passing through a coil section having a selected height greater than the selected length of the electric elongated heating element, and a helical winding with reduced inter-turn spacing, is configured to increase the contact surface area between the coil and the electric elongated heating element and limit pressure. The coil section defines an elongated cylindrical channel with a diameter corresponding to the selected diameter of the electric elongated heating element, and is substantially perpendicular to the lower section and the steam output section of the elongated cylindrical channel. Thermocouple, which is disposed below the coil section; and A releasable clamp is provided for engaging the bottom of the heater unit to secure it to the mounting plate, wherein the vapor output section of the tube passes through a tapered groove in the mounting plate to reach a corresponding vaporized vapor output in the bottom wall; wherein the heater unit is removable by releasing the releasable clamp from the bottom and the mounting plate and sliding the heater unit from the bottom of the coil section. h) An outlet manifold, wherein the outlet manifold is coupled with a selected number of steam inputs corresponding to a selected number of vaporized steam outputs from the vaporizer housing, each steam input including a shut-off valve for terminating the steam flow, the outlet manifold including an internal steam accumulator chamber for mixing the corresponding selected number of steam inputs into a common steam output flow, and an output for the common output flow from the internal steam accumulator chamber, and i) An outlet manifold thermocouple associated with the outlet manifold output flow, and a shut-off valve to prevent flow to the accumulator when the outlet manifold thermocouple detects a temperature anomaly.

8. The improved liquid vaporizer regulating system according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one steam outlet path is a pipeline from the accumulator and includes a heating pressure regulator, a rotor flow meter, a pressure relief valve, and a downstream steam outlet for downstream analysis; And bypass paths, including rotor flow meters and mass flow controllers, for outputting unused steam.

9. An improved explosion-proof carburetor housing, comprising: Rear wall, top wall, and bottom wall; The upper entrance on the top wall; The lower outlet on the bottom wall; An angled mounting plate defining a front edge and a rear portion, the rear portion being fixed to a rear wall near a bottom wall, the mounting plate projecting from the rear wall at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall, the mounting plate including at least one receiving groove formed in the front edge having a tapered groove extending a selected distance from the receiving groove along the direction of the rear portion; A continuous length of tube passing through the upper inlet and defining the liquid input, a coil section having a pitch to limit the gap between coils, the coil section defining an elongated cylindrical channel having a defined diameter and a first length, a lower section disposed generally perpendicular to the elongated cylindrical channel of the coil, and a length of a vapor output section passing through the lower outlet; A removable elongated heater tube having a top, a bottom, and an electrically powered heating element disposed therebetween, the heater tube having a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the elongated cylindrical channel, wherein the length of the electrically powered heating element is less than the length of the coil section, and the bottom protrudes through a receiving slot in an angled mounting plate; and A releasable clamp is provided for engaging the lower end of the heater cylinder to secure the heater cylinder to the mounting plate, wherein the steam outlet section of the tube passes through a tapered groove in the mounting plate to reach a lower outlet on the bottom wall; wherein the heater cylinder is removable by releasing the releasable clamp from the lower end of the heater cylinder and the mounting plate and sliding the heater cylinder from the bottom of the coil section.

10. The improved explosion-proof carburetor housing according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a thermocouple connected to the lower section of the tube for detecting the temperature of the tube.

11. The improved explosion-proof carburetor housing according to claim 10, characterized in that, The thermocouple is a bolted J-type thermocouple.

12. The improved explosion-proof carburetor housing according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The coil section extends above the heater cylinder.

13. The improved explosion-proof carburetor housing according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pitch of the coil section minimizes the gap between the coils, thereby minimizing the formation of hot spots on the heater cylinder and maximizing heat exchange between the coil section and the heater cylinder.

14. An improved method for evaporating and regulating a liquid sample flow for analysis, including a sample flow input; A vaporizer operable to receive a liquid sample and convert the received liquid sample into vapor, the vapor being transferred to an accumulator operable to receive the vapor. The improved method includes the following steps: A heating pressure regulator for regulating the accumulated vapor output from the accumulator to reduce its pressure for delivery to a downstream analyzer. The temperature of the input liquid sample is detected using a resistance temperature detector; The liquid sample stream is passed through a sweeping bend, a thermal barrier, and into the vaporizer liquid inlet manifold to divide the liquid sample stream into multiple selected vaporizer liquid inlet streams that are identical in flow rate, pressure, and temperature. Each of the selected plurality of vaporizer liquid input streams is output to a vaporizer housing having a plurality of vaporization paths corresponding to the selected plurality of vaporizers. Each vaporization path includes a tube having an upper liquid inlet and a lower vapor outlet, and a coiled intermediate section spirally wound around a heater cylinder, the coiled intermediate section being configured to increase the heat transfer contact area between the heater cylinder and the coiled intermediate section, and a temperature sensing vapor outlet thermocouple associated with a lower vapor outlet. The lower vapor is output to a vapor mixing manifold having multiple inputs corresponding to the multiple vaporization paths for receiving outputs from the multiple vaporization paths, wherein each of the multiple inputs is associated with a shut-off valve for terminating the vapor input to the manifold when a temperature anomaly is detected by the temperature-sensing vapor output thermocouple, wherein the vapor mixing manifold includes a mixing chamber and an outlet for mixing vapors; Mixed vapor is output from the vapor mixing manifold through a tube including a thermocouple for detecting the temperature of the output mixed vaporizer sample, the thermocouple being associated with an electromagnetic control valve for terminating the flow from the vapor mixing manifold when the thermocouple detects a thermal anomaly exceeding a selected threshold. The mixed vapor is fed into the sample accumulator; The accumulated vapor is output from the sample accumulator to the heating regulator to reduce the sample pressure, while maintaining the temperature of the accumulated vapor and preventing Joule-Thomson condensation; and The accumulated vapor from the heating regulator is transferred for analysis of the composition.

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