Granular Solid Sampling Probe with Lateral Pneumatic Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sampling and extracting granular solids are limited in depth reach and require partial emptying of containers, making it difficult to sample at multiple depths without compromising the physico-chemical integrity of the solids.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sampling probe and transfer tubes featuring a central conduit and lateral conduits, equipped with a collection chamber and a system of flaps for retaining solids, connected to a source of gaseous fluid for extraction, allowing for precise sampling and transfer of granular solids from various depths without emptying the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If existing sampling devices are used to extract granular solids from deep containers, then the sampling depth is limited to one or two metres, but the container must be partially emptied to sample at different depths
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the sampling function into multiple sampling tubes, each capable of reaching different depths independently. This allows sampling at various depths without emptying the container, as each tube can be inserted to its specific depth and operated independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-depth sampling approach to multi-depth sampling by adding the depth dimension as a variable. Multiple sampling tubes extend to different depths, enabling three-dimensional sampling throughout the container volume without requiring vertical emptying operations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sampling tubes are used to sample at different depths, then the sampling precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple sampling tubes into a single integrated structure that can be inserted as one unit. The tubes are arranged side by side and connected to a common support structure, reducing the operational complexity of deploying multiple separate sampling devices while maintaining the ability to sample at different depths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device can sample at multiple depths and can be used for different types of granular solids. The modular design allows the same basic structure to be adapted for various sampling requirements, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Productivity
If granular solids are aspirated into the central tube, then the sampling efficiency is improved, but the turbulences generated affect the sampling quality
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces intermediary lateral tubes that act as mediators between the granular solids and the central sampling tube. These lateral tubes gently guide the granular solids into the central tube, reducing turbulence and improving sampling quality while maintaining efficient aspiration through the central conduit.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses pneumatic principles with gas streams flowing through lateral tubes to equilibrate turbulences generated during aspiration. The controlled gas flow creates a more uniform stream of granular solids entering the central tube, improving both sampling efficiency and quality by reducing chaotic motion.
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
Enables sampling of small quantities of granular solids with high precision, preserving their integrity and allowing for the detection of quality and physico-chemical properties, particularly in deep containers like silos and reactors, without the need for intermediate emptying.
Implementation Method 1
the lateral conduits of said sampling tube and transfer tube are connected to a source of gaseous fluid capable of extracting said granular solid retained in the collection chamber via the lateral conduits of said sampling tube and transfer tube
Implementation Method 2
a sampling probe, a sample collector connected to said sampling probe... a sampling tube which is capable of extracting said granular solid from said pack, said sampling tube being connected to at least one transfer tube which is capable of transferring said extracted granular solid via said sampling tube to the sample collector
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the sampling and extraction of a granular solid in a pack of granular solids, containing a sampling probe (1), a sample collector (2) connected to said sampling probe (1), and a controller (3), the sampling probe (1) comprising a sampling tube (4) and at least one transfer tube (5), the sampling tube (4) and transfer tube (5) containing at least one central conduit and at least two lateral conduits, wherein the central conduit (6a) of the sampling tube (4) contains a collection chamber (10) containing a system (11) for retaining the granular solid, and the lateral conduits (7a, 7b) of the sampling tube (4) and transfer tube (5) are connected to a source of gaseous fluid (12) which is capable of extracting the granular solid retained in the collection chamber (10) via the lateral conduits (8a, 8b) of the sampling tube (4) and transfer tube (5).