Gimbal Process Analyzer Adapter for Gas-Tight Flange Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field measurement instruments face challenges in maintaining a gas-tight seal during alignment with process flanges, as existing solutions either compromise alignment precision or suffer from seal integrity issues due to the number of adjustment screws or loss of transmission in optical measurements.
Innovation Solution
A process analyzer adapter featuring a gyrocompass gimbal system with two independently movable axes, utilizing a spherical geometry and O-ring seal within a triangular groove to maintain a gas-tight connection invariant to alignment changes, allowing intuitive and precise alignment without compromising seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible sealing element with numerous adjustment screws is used to combine sealing and alignment functions, then alignment capability is improved, but the gas tight seal is compromised in certain alignment positions due to non-uniform compression of the O-ring
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into three distinct parts: a first part connecting to the process analyzer, a second part serving as an intermediate rotational connector, and a third part connecting to the flange. This segmentation allows each part to have specialized functions - the first part maintains seal integrity, the second part provides alignment rotation, and the third part connects to the process equipment, thereby resolving the conflict between alignment capability and seal integrity by separating these functions into different components
Solution Approach 2:
The second part acts as an intermediary component between the first part (analyzer connection) and the third part (flange connection). It provides rotational movement capability while the seal between the first and third parts remains unaffected by this rotation, as the seal is positioned to remain perpendicular to the rotation axis. This intermediary structure enables alignment adjustment without compromising the gas tight seal
2Reliability
If a welded steel bellows is used to achieve gas tight system with movement capability, then seal integrity is improved, but the solution becomes suboptimal due to complexity and potential transmission loss in optical measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex welded steel bellows mechanism with a simpler rotational joint system. Instead of using a bellows to accommodate movement, the invention uses a rotational joint that allows the second part to rotate relative to the third part, maintaining gas tightness through a properly positioned seal. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same functional goals of movement capability and seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational joint incorporates spherical or curved surfaces to enable smooth rotation and alignment. The first part can rotate about a first axis relative to the second part, and the second part can rotate about a second axis relative to the third part, with the seal positioned to remain perpendicular to the rotation axis throughout the movement. This curved geometry simplifies the alignment process while maintaining gas tightness
Data Source
AI summary
A process analyzer adapter includes: a first part connectable to a process analyzer, the first part being rotatable about a first axis; a second part; and a third part. The first part is rotationally connected to the second part. The second part is rotationally connected to the third part. The second part is rotatable about a second axis, rotation of the second part about the second axis tilting the first axis. The third part is connectable to a flange of an industrial process equipment.