Dual-Sampling Gas Probe for Continuous Flue Gas Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring systems for gaseous flue gas components in hot, dusty environments, such as rotary cement kilns, face challenges with dust caking on sampling probes, requiring complex maintenance and disrupting continuous measurement operations.

Innovation Solution

A dual-sampling tube gas probe design with coolant supply and radially aligned sampling openings, allowing continuous operation and automatic switching between tubes for continuous sampling and cleaning, along with external control of gas shut-off valves and pipe backflushing devices for maintenance-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single sampling probe is used in hot, dusty environments, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to maintenance interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprobe structureVSAvoidcontinuous measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The single sampling probe is segmented into two separate sampling tubes (first sampling tube and second sampling tube) that operate independently. This allows one tube to be used for measurement while the other undergoes cleaning or maintenance, enabling continuous measurement capability without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex mechanisms are added to scrape or shake off deposits, then the reliability of continuous measurement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous measurement availabilityVSAvoidcleaning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding complex cleaning mechanisms to a single probe, the system segments the sampling function into two separate tubes. This eliminates the need for complex scraping or shaking mechanisms while maintaining continuous measurement availability through simple tube switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the natural flow of process gas to automatically clean the sampling tubes during operation, eliminating the need for external complex cleaning mechanisms. The gas flow itself serves the dual purpose of sampling and cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If regular cleaning of the filter and extraction line is performed, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to system unavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflue gas analysis accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement outage duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering system is segmented into two independent filter assemblies (first filter assembly and second filter assembly). When one filter requires cleaning, the system automatically switches to the other filter, maintaining measurement precision without measurement outage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual-tube design with automatic switching ensures that gas sampling and analysis continue uninterrupted. While one sampling tube and its associated filter are being cleaned, the other tube continues to provide measurement data, eliminating measurement outages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables continuous, maintenance-free monitoring of gaseous flue gas components in extremely dusty environments, ensuring reliable data collection and minimizing downtime due to caking issues, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

The integrated cooling of both sampling tubes also ensures trouble-free operation in hot environments.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

the coolant only exits there. This allows the coolant to flow from the base through the probe body towards the cover, thus providing a beneficial cooling effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4155710B1Measuring system and method for measuring gaseous flue gas components
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SICK AG
  • EP4155710B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155710B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4155710B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring system with a measuring probe for measuring gaseous smoke components in a hot, dust-laden gas atmosphere, which can operate continuously with minimal maintenance and is designed to be simple in construction.This is achieved in particular by a measuring gas probe comprising: - a tubular, coolant-cooled probe body, - a first sampling tube running inside the probe body parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe body, with a sampling opening for gas extraction located laterally on the outer wall of the tube, - a second sampling tube running essentially parallel to the first sampling tube and constructed identically to the first sampling tube and having a second sampling opening, - wherein both sampling tubes are surrounded by coolant, - and the sampling tubes pass through the cover for connection to a measuring device for measuring the flue gas components, so that gas can be extracted alternately through the sampling tubes, allowing gas to be extracted through one tube while the other tube is being cleaned.