Fluid Collection Workstation With Integrated Sampling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current load line containment assemblies face challenges in efficiently obtaining and testing fluid samples, particularly in protecting against contaminants and facilitating the transfer of fluids like oil, water, and hazardous waste between containers while ensuring safe handling and storage of testing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A containment assembly with a pivoting lid and tool storage device that supports testing devices, coupled with an evacuator and sampling assembly, allows for fluid collection and evacuation, and includes features like a fluid delivery component and locking mechanism to manage fluid flow and storage, enhancing the sampling and testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current load line containment assemblies are used for fluid transfer, then fluid transfer between containers is enabled, but efficient sampling and testing of fluid samples is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sampling assembly and testing device into an integrated unit that attaches to the containment assembly. The sampling pump, collection vial, and testing components are merged into a single portable device, enabling both sampling and testing operations through one unified system rather than separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling and testing assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple operations: sampling fluid through the containment assembly, collecting samples in vials, and conducting tests on the collected samples. This universal device replaces the need for multiple separate tools and fittings.
2Reliability
If tools and fittings are used for connecting lines and testing fluid, then fluid transfer and testing can be performed, but protection against contaminants is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling assembly acts as an intermediary device that interfaces with the sealed containment assembly through its lid. It provides a controlled connection point that maintains the seal integrity while enabling sample extraction, thus mediating between the need for contamination protection and the need for sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment assembly is segmented into separate functional zones: a sealed container body for fluid storage, a lid with integrated sampling port for controlled access, and an external sampling assembly for operations. This segmentation allows the main container to remain sealed and protected while enabling sampling through the isolated lid interface.
3Productivity
If an integrated sampling and testing assembly is implemented, then sampling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a movable pump mechanism, rotatable collection vials, and adjustable testing components. These dynamic features enable the assembly to adapt its configuration during different operational phases (sampling vs. testing) and allow easy attachment and detachment from the containment assembly.
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 enables efficient sampling and evacuation of fluids, protects against contaminants, and facilitates safe handling and storage of testing equipment, improving the overall fluid transfer and testing process within the containment assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The evacuator and sampling assembly can be used to obtain samples due to pressure from the fluid tank pushing fluid through an outlet of the evacuator and sampling assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Concepts presented herein relate to containment methods, systems and apparatus to assist in obtaining and testing fluid samples during loading and unloading of fluid to and from a containment assembly. The containment assembly includes a container supporting a transfer line and a lid coupled with the container. A tool storage device connected with the lid supports at least one testing device. An evacuator and sampling assembly is fluidly connected with the transfer line to evacuate the container and obtain samples from the transfer line.