Fluid Separation Flow Split for Stable Tracer Gas Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helium leak testing methods face inefficiencies due to the mixing of tracer gas with residual fluid, leading to reduced concentration and increased tracer gas consumption, and existing fluid separation techniques do not optimize flow and pressure conditions for improved target fluid recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that divide the fluid mixture into portions, regulate flow rate and pressure, and utilize a separation device to enhance the efficiency of target fluid recovery by optimizing operating conditions, including the use of a flow control device and pressure control device downstream of the separation device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the entire fluid mixture is provided to the separation device, then the separation process handles all tracer gas, but the flow rate is not optimized leading to reduced separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid mixture is divided into a first portion and a second portion using a flow control device. The first portion is directed to the separation device at an optimized flow rate for efficient tracer gas recovery, while the second portion is returned to the compressor inlet. This segmentation allows the separation device to operate at optimal conditions without processing the entire fluid mixture volume.
2Quantity of substance
If pure tracer gas is periodically added to increase concentration, then tracer gas concentration is maintained, but tracer gas consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers tracer gas from the fluid mixture through the separation device and returns it to the tracer gas storage cylinder. This recovery process eliminates the need to periodically add pure tracer gas to maintain concentration, thereby reducing overall tracer gas consumption while maintaining the required concentration levels in the system.
3Ease of operation
If the flow rate to the separation device is not controlled, then the system is simpler to operate, but the separation efficiency varies due to inconsistent flow
Solution Approach 1:
A flow control device is positioned between the compressor outlet and the separation device inlet to regulate and maintain a consistent flow rate of the first portion to the separation device. This feedback control ensures stable operating conditions and consistent separation efficiency without requiring complex manual adjustments by the operator.
4Reliability
If tracer gas mixes with residual fluid in the component internal volume, then the leak test can proceed, but the tracer gas concentration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers tracer gas from the fluid mixture that exits the component internal volume through the separation device. The recovered tracer gas is returned to the storage cylinder, compensating for the dilution that occurs during mixing with residual fluid and maintaining adequate tracer gas concentration for subsequent leak tests.
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
Improves the efficiency of target fluid separation by maintaining consistent flow and pressure, reducing tracer gas consumption, and allowing for accurate determination of output characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the fluid mixture using a first compressor
Implementation Method 2
providing the first portion to a separation device at a predetermined flow rate; and separating the target fluid from the first portion of the fluid mixture with the separation device
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a fluid separation system (16) for recovering a target fluid from a fluid mixture. The fluid recovery system (16) comprises an inlet (18) that is configured to receive the fluid mixture; a first compressor (24) for compressing the fluid mixture; a return line (26) that comprises a return line inlet (28) that is disposed downstream of the first compressor, such that, in use, 2024/023507 the fluid mixture is divided into a first portion (34) and a second portion (36); and a separation device (30) that is disposed downstream of the return line inlet (28). The return line (26) is configured to return the second portion (36) to upstream of the first compressor (22). In use, the first portion (34) is provided to the separation device (30) at a predetermined flow rate.