Cyclonic Sample Probe for Wet Gas Liquid Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for sampling pressurized natural gas with entrained liquids are inadequate, as they can be overwhelmed by excessive liquid loading, leading to sample distortion and contamination, and lack standards for obtaining representative samples of 'wet' gas, resulting in operational and safety issues during custody transfer.
Innovation Solution
A cyclonic filtration apparatus integrated into a sample probe that prevents liquids from entering the sample stream by using a cyclone filter at the probe tip, combined with a coalescing element to capture any remaining liquid droplets, eliminating the need for bypass streams and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If membrane-tipped probes with coalescing elements are used to shed entrained liquids, then liquid separation is improved, but the system can be overwhelmed by excessive liquid loading causing maximum differential pressure to be exceeded and liquids to force through into the sample system
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the liquid separation function into two distinct stages: (1) a cyclone separator that handles bulk liquid removal using centrifugal force, and (2) a coalescing element that captures remaining liquid droplets. This segmentation allows each component to operate within its optimal performance range, preventing the coalescing element from being overwhelmed by excessive liquid loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone separator performs preliminary liquid removal before the sample reaches the coalescing element. By removing the bulk of entrained liquids in advance through centrifugal separation, the coalescing element only needs to handle residual droplets, ensuring it operates within its pressure differential limits and never allows liquids to force through into the sample system.
2Reliability
If coalescing membranes are used to separate liquids, then liquid removal is improved, but they require periodic maintenance and replacement to ensure reliable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the separation system into a maintenance-free cyclone separator for bulk liquid removal and a coalescing element for fine droplet capture. The cyclone separator, being a mechanical device with no consumable parts, eliminates the need for periodic membrane replacement while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclone separator acts as an intermediary device between the process stream and the coalescing element. It pre-treats the gas stream by removing bulk liquids, thereby protecting the coalescing element from excessive liquid loading and extending its service life, reducing maintenance frequency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bypass streams are used to handle liquid loading, then liquid management is improved, but venting to atmosphere or ground is required which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of centrifugal force (which normally throws liquids outward) into a beneficial separation mechanism. By designing the cyclone separator with a central outlet positioned above the liquid accumulation zone, the centrifugal force that separates liquids from gas also naturally directs cleaned gas upward through the outlet while liquids drain downward, eliminating the need for bypass streams or atmospheric venting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to the separation process by positioning the gas outlet above the liquid separation zone. This dimensional arrangement allows gas to exit through the upper central outlet while liquids accumulate and drain from the lower portion, enabling liquid-free sampling without requiring lateral bypass streams or atmospheric discharge.
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 solution effectively prevents liquids from entering the sample system, ensuring a single gas-phase sample, reducing the likelihood of sample distortion and costly analysis errors, while complying with industry standards without requiring venting to the atmosphere or external liquid drainage.
Implementation Method 1
A cyclonic filtration apparatus integrated into a sample probe that prevents liquids from entering the sample stream by using a cyclone filter at the probe tip
Implementation Method 2
Cyclonic separation techniques have been utilized in a variety of capacities for over 100 years. A typical cyclonic separator channels a fluid stream through a housing having a geometry formed to generate a vortex, exploiting centrifugal force with gravity and pressure differentials to separate liquid particles from gaseous streams
Implementation Method 3
combined with a coalescing element to capture any remaining liquid droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclonic filter separator system, as well as alternatives, suitable for use as liquid block apparatus integrated into a sample probe that is inserted into the pressurized process to prevent entrained liquids from entering the probe and being extracted for sampling is provided. The present invention enhances sampling of pressurized process fluids for on-stream and spot sampling of pressurized process fluid such as natural gas or the like, particularly pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as multiphase or “wet”.