Multi-Point Fluid Sampling Nozzle Manifold for Mass-Velocity Weighted Averaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for obtaining real-time, accurate measurements of fluid composition and mass flow rates in conduits with uniform or non-uniform velocity, composition, and temperature profiles are inadequate, as single-point sampling fails to represent the entire flow field, leading to significant errors in combustion applications and emission measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device with sampling nozzles and a sample collection manifold that adjusts flow rates to equalize manifold static pressure with conduit static pressure, ensuring mass-average composition and flow rate measurements, using an Active Control System to offset pressure drops and maintain independent sample streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-point gas sampling probe is inserted into a conduit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it only samples fluid composition in one location which is not representative of the entire flow field
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling probe divides the conduit cross-section into multiple sampling zones with nozzles distributed across different locations. Each nozzle samples from a specific segment of the flow field, and the samples are combined to represent the entire cross-section. This segmentation approach allows comprehensive sampling without requiring a single complex probe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-point sampling to multi-point sampling across the conduit cross-section by distributing nozzles in both radial and axial directions. This dimensional expansion from one point to multiple points in space enables representative sampling of the entire flow field while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sampling nozzles are used to sample across the conduit cross-section, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a manifold and flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample streams from different nozzles are merged into a single combined sample stream through the manifold. This merging approach allows the system to capture composition information from multiple locations while delivering a single integrated sample to the analysis instrument, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold design allows sample streams to automatically mix and combine without requiring active control mechanisms. The passive mixing capability of the manifold structure enables the system to achieve representative sampling while minimizing the complexity of flow control systems.
3Measurement precision
If sampling nozzles are oriented into the flow to capture mass-velocity weighted samples, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for pressure control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from manifold static pressure measurements to actively control the flow rates from individual sampling nozzles. This feedback mechanism ensures that each nozzle contributes a sample flow rate proportional to the local mass flow rate in the conduit, achieving mass-velocity weighted sampling while maintaining manageable device complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow rate parameter of each sample stream based on the local conditions in different regions of the conduit. By adjusting flow rates dynamically to match local mass flow rates, the system achieves accurate mass-velocity weighted sampling without requiring overly complex device structures.
4Measurement precision
If the manifold static pressure is equalized with conduit static pressure, then the measurement precision improves by ensuring independent sample streams, but the device complexity increases due to the need for active pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from manifold static pressure measurements to actively control the flow rates from individual sampling nozzles. This feedback mechanism ensures that each nozzle contributes a sample flow rate proportional to the local mass flow rate in the conduit, achieving mass-velocity weighted sampling while maintaining manageable device complexity through intelligent control.
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 solution provides accurate, mass-velocity weighted fluid composition and mass flow rate measurements, independent of swirl and non-axial velocity components, effectively addressing the limitations of existing technologies by ensuring representative sampling across the conduit.
Implementation Method 1
The basic concept is to use the dynamic pressure of the fluid in the conduit to force a mass-velocity proportional sample flow into each nozzle.
Implementation Method 2
The flow device adjusts a flow rate of the sample flow such that the manifold static pressure is equal to the conduit static pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device and method for use with a conduit for fluid which has at least one sampling nozzle or sample hole. The sample collected is directed to a manifold where an analysis is conducted and flow rates are measured. The sampled fluid is returned to the conduit. The Static Pressure Control System uses a vacuum pump or other device to equalize the static pressures of the sample nozzle collection manifold and the Static Pressure of the Conduit to achieve the mass-velocity and area-weighted average fluid composition and mass flow rate.