Low-Pressure Cryogenic Sampling System for Safe Gas Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic liquid sampling systems pose safety risks due to exposure to cold temperatures and high-pressure gases, fail to maintain stoichiometric quantities of analytes, and suffer from cross contamination and decontamination difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A low-pressure cryogenic fluid sampling system comprising a cryogenic sample handle assembly, a transfer and vaporization tubular loop, and a sample vessel that directly vaporizes cryogenic liquids into a low-pressure gas, reducing user exposure and maintaining stoichiometric analyte distribution, with features like insulating handles, adaptive fittings, and pressure regulating devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sampling systems pressurize cryogenic fluid to maintain sample integrity, then sample stability is improved, but safety hazards increase due to high-pressure gas exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The system fundamentally changes the pressure parameter from high-pressure (conventional) to low-pressure (below 200 kPa) operation. The sample vessel is specifically designed to maintain samples at low pressure while preserving sample integrity through controlled vaporization and immediate sealing, eliminating the need for high-pressure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of cryogenic fluid from liquid to vapor in a controlled manner. The cryogenic fluid is vaporized in the transfer line and the vapor sample is captured in the sample vessel, allowing sample collection without requiring high-pressure liquid containment or high-pressure gas storage.
2Productivity
If cryogenic fluid is directly vaporized in high-pressure vessels, then sampling efficiency is improved, but cross contamination increases due to annular space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vaporization process from the high-pressure sample vessel and relocates it to the transfer line. This removes the source of cross-contamination (annular space in high-pressure vessels) from the sample collection path. The sample vessel receives only already-vaporized sample, eliminating contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer line acts as an intermediary between the cryogenic fluid source and the sample vessel. It provides a controlled environment for vaporization and serves as a barrier that prevents contamination of the sample vessel, while still allowing efficient sample transfer.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sampling devices are used to vaporize cryogenic liquids, then sample collection is simplified, but decontamination difficulty increases due to vessel construction
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the transfer line for vaporization and the separate sample vessel for storage. This segmentation allows the sample vessel to be easily removed and decontaminated independently, while the transfer line can be purged through its vent valve. Each component's simple design facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance.
4Productivity
If cryogenic fluid is handled in traditional sampling systems, then sample acquisition is achieved, but user exposure to cold temperatures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual handling of cryogenic liquids with an automated valve-controlled mechanism. The user operates valves to control fluid movement without directly handling the cryogenic substance. The cryogenic fluid is contained in a storage vessel and transferred through insulated lines, eliminating direct user exposure while maintaining efficient sample acquisition.
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 system safely vaporizes cryogenic liquids at low pressure, minimizing hazardous exposure, maintaining stoichiometric analyte distribution, and facilitating easy decontamination, while operating without electricity or utilities.
Implementation Method 1
a transfer and vaporization tubular loop in fluid communication with the cryogenic sample handle assembly
Implementation Method 2
configured to accommodate a gaseous sample having a pressure lower than about 200 kPa
Data Source
AI summary
A low-pressure cryogenic fluid sampling system includes a cryogenic sample handle assembly; a transfer and vaporization tubular loop; and a sample vessel. The sample handle assembly connects to a cryogenic storage vessel containing a cryogenic fluid. The tubular loop connects to the cryogenic sample handle assembly. The sample vessel removably connects to the transfer and vaporization tubular loop and accommodates a gaseous sample having a pressure lower than about 200 kPa. A method of collecting a gaseous sample with the sampling system includes purging the sample vessel; actuating the handle to purge and refrigerate the tubular loop; extracting a volume of a cryogenic fluid from the storage vessel into the loop to vaporize the cryogenic fluid and produce a gaseous sample; and transferring the sample from the tubular loop into the sample vessel. The sampling system is safer, maintains stoichiometric quantities in the cryogenic liquid, and reduces cross contamination.