Air-Saturated RVP Analyzer for Accurate Fuel Volatility Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Reid vapor pressure (RVP) analyzers do not accurately saturate test samples with air at the required temperature range of 32° F. to 40° F., leading to inaccurate measurements due to incomplete air saturation, which is crucial for determining the volatility of fuels.
Innovation Solution
An RVP analyzer with an integrated air saturation system that includes a circulation chamber and a pump to move hydrocarbon liquid between chambers, ensuring uniform air saturation within the specified temperature range, connected to a pressure measuring system for precise vapor pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional RVP analyzers use correction methods to compensate for dissolved air partial pressure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by saturating the hydrocarbon liquid sample with air at controlled temperature (32°F to 40°F) before performing the vapor pressure measurement. This preliminary air saturation step ensures that the dissolved air content is known and consistent, eliminating the need for inaccurate correction factors and enabling direct, precise measurement of Reid vapor pressure according to ASTM D-323 standards.
2Measurement precision
If manual shaking is used to saturate test samples with air as specified by ASTM D-323, then the measurement precision improves through uniform air saturation, but the productivity deteriorates due to impracticality for continuous testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical shaking process with an automated mechanical agitation system consisting of a circulation pump and chamber system. This substitution maintains the air saturation effectiveness required by ASTM D-323 while enabling continuous, automated operation for high-throughput testing of fuel samples, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If air saturation is performed outside the specified temperature range, then the ease of operation improves, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to non-compliance with ASTM D-323 requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a temperature sensor and controller that continuously monitor and adjust the temperature of the hydrocarbon liquid in the air saturation chamber. This feedback mechanism ensures the liquid temperature remains within the ASTM D-323 specified range of 32°F to 40°F throughout the air saturation process, maintaining measurement precision while automating temperature control for ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The air saturation system ensures accurate and consistent air saturation of hydrocarbon samples, improving the reliability of RVP measurements and aligning with ASTM D-323 standards, thereby enhancing the precision of fuel volatility assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operable to move the hydrocarbon liquid back and forth between the first and second chambers so as to saturate the hydrocarbon liquid with air
Implementation Method 2
uniform saturation of a test sample with dissolved air at a temperature between 32° F. and 40° F.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an analyzer for measuring the vapor pressure of a hydrocarbon liquid. The analyzer includes a pressure measuring system connected to an air saturation system having a circulation chamber with opposing first and second ends. A first opening is disposed toward the first end and a second opening is disposed toward the second end. A plumbing system connects the first and second openings. A pump moves the hydrocarbon liquid through the plumbing system from the first opening to the second opening so as to saturate the hydrocarbon liquid with air. The air saturation system has a cooler for cooling the hydrocarbon liquid and the pressure measuring system has a heater for heating the hydrocarbon liquid. The pump may be a piston actuated pump or a motor-driven pump and the plumbing system may include an aeration chamber.