Flame Photometric Online Detection of Sulfur Compounds in Natural Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for on-line detection of sulfur-containing compounds in natural gas, such as UV absorption spectrometry and hydrolysis-rate meter colorimetry, face challenges in accuracy and efficiency due to instrument configuration and application principles, failing to meet the demands of new production processes.
Innovation Solution
A system for on-line flame photometric detection comprising a sampling device, depressurization system, and chromatographic column system with a flame photometric detector, allowing for real-time analysis of sulfur-containing compounds in natural gas pipelines, capable of detecting at least six compounds by separating and detecting sulfur compounds using a boiling point column and sulfur column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-site sampling and laboratory detection by oxidative microcoulometry and ultraviolet fluorescence method are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but detection time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical laboratory analysis process with an optical detection system. The flame photometric detector uses light emission principles to detect sulfur-containing compounds, substituting the complex oxidative microcoulometry and ultraviolet fluorescence methods with a more efficient optical measurement approach that provides both high accuracy and real-time results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from the laboratory setting and implements it directly in the field through a portable flame photometric detector. This extraction allows the system to perform accurate sulfur compound detection on-site without requiring sample transportation to the laboratory, thereby eliminating detection delays while maintaining measurement precision.
2Productivity
If UV absorption spectrometry and hydrolysis-rate meter colorimetry are used for on-line detection, then detection speed is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from UV absorption or colorimetric measurement to flame photometric detection. By utilizing the characteristic light emission of sulfur-containing compounds in a flame, the system achieves both rapid detection speed and high measurement precision, overcoming the limitations of previous methods that sacrificed accuracy for speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the characteristic blue-violet light emission (color change) of sulfur-containing compounds when combusted in the flame photometric detector. This optical property provides a direct, rapid, and precise measurement method that simultaneously achieves fast detection speed and high measurement accuracy, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.
3Productivity
If on-line detection technology is applied, then productivity and detection speed are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flame photometric detector that can detect multiple sulfur-containing compounds (H2S, COS, CS2, methyl mercaptan, ethyl mercaptan, and other sulfur compounds) using a single instrument and detection principle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized instruments, thereby maintaining high detection efficiency while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame photometric detector utilizes the inherent light-emitting property of sulfur-containing compounds during combustion, requiring no additional reagents or complex sample preparation. The system essentially detects itself through the natural optical characteristics of the target compounds, simplifying the instrument configuration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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
This system enables fast, efficient, and accurate on-site detection of sulfur-containing compounds, reducing the need for laboratory analysis and lowering detection costs, while improving the separation and detection efficiency of sulfur compounds in natural gas.
Implementation Method 1
the flame photometric detector is used for combusting each of components delivered into the flame photometric detector to detect light transmission and convert it into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
flame photometric detector is used for combusting each of components delivered into the flame photometric detector to detect light transmission
Implementation Method 3
the chromatographic column system is provided with a carrier gas input line, and a chromatographic column, comprising a boiling point column and a sulfur column
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for on-line flame photometric detection of the content of sulfur-containing compounds in natural gas. The system comprises a sampling device, a depressurization system, a chromatographic column system and a flame photometric detector; wherein the chromatographic column system is provided with a carrier gas input line, and a chromatographic column, comprising a boiling point column and a sulfur column, is provided in the chromatographic column system; the output port of the sampling device is in communication with the input port of the depressurization system through a first delivery pipeline; the output port of the depressurization system is in communication with the input port of the boiling point column through a switchable connecting pipeline; the input port of the boiling point column and the input port of the sulfur column are each connected to the carrier gas input line through a switchable connecting pipeline; the output port of the boiling point column is in communication with the input port of the sulfur column through a switchable connecting pipeline; the output port of the sulfur column is in communication with the input port of the boiling point column through a switchable connecting pipeline; and the output port of the boiling point column and the output input port of the sulfur column are each connected to the input port of the flame photometric detector through a switchable connecting pipeline.