Reusable Helium Shroud Soil Vapor Sampling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helium shroud soil vapor sampling systems are not reusable, lack in-field leak integrity checks, require new systems for each sample, consume excessive helium, and are costly, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A reusable modified helium shroud soil vapor sampling system with an in-line helium detector, featuring a portable sampling platform, a flexible collapsible shroud cover, and disposable components to ensure leak integrity and prevent cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional rigid shroud is used to seal the sampling area, then the system can maintain helium for leak detection, but the system cannot be reused and requires certification each time components are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides components into disposable (three-way valve, flow controller, connections) and reusable (shroud, sampling can, pump) segments. The disposable components are replaced after each use to maintain leak integrity, while the reusable shroud and sampling can are retained for subsequent sampling events, enabling system reusability without compromising detection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-way valve, flow controller, and their connections are designed as disposable components that are replaced after each sampling event. This eliminates the need to recertify these components for leak integrity, allowing the overall system to be reused while maintaining reliable helium detection capability.
2Reliability
If a large rigid shroud is used to cover the sampling area, then the shroud can effectively seal the area, but excessive helium is consumed and field time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the large rigid shroud with a flexible thin film cover that conformally seals around the wellhead and sampling components. This flexible membrane creates an effective seal using minimal material and occupies minimal volume, thereby reducing helium consumption while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover is designed to conformally wrap around the curved surfaces of the wellhead and sampling apparatus, creating an optimal seal that minimizes the enclosed volume. This curved, form-fitting approach reduces the amount of helium required compared to a large rigid shroud.
3Device complexity
If the three-way valve and flow controller are affixed to the shroud wall, then the system structure is simplified, but the system cannot be reused without recertification
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates affixed components (three-way valve, flow controller) from the reusable shroud structure. These components are mounted on a disposable platform that is replaced after each use, while the shroud itself remains reusable. This segmentation allows simplified structure during operation while enabling reusability across multiple sampling events.
4Reliability
If a new system is required for each soil vapor sample, then leak integrity can be ensured, but operational efficiency is reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides components into disposable (affecting sample integrity) and reusable (structural elements) categories. The disposable three-way valve, flow controller, and connections are replaced for each sample to ensure integrity, while the shroud, sampling can, and pump are reused across multiple sampling events, thereby improving productivity without compromising sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards only the disposable components (valve, flow controller, connections) after each sampling event while recovering and reusing the shroud, sampling can, and pump. This selective discarding and recovery approach maintains sample integrity while significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing costs compared to replacing the entire system.
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 system allows for efficient, cost-effective, and portable soil vapor sampling, with in-field leak integrity checks, reduced helium consumption, and the ability to reuse components, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
An in-line helium detector is coupled between the at least one purge line and the at least one purge source
Implementation Method 2
an ambient helium detector placed inside the shroud
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable modified helium shroud soil vapor sampling system with an in-line helium detector includes a reusable, portable, sampling platform including a chimney attachable to a well head. The sampling platform includes an area for placement of at least one disposable three-way valve, at least one flow controller, at least one sampling can, an ambient helium detector, a line coupled to a helium tracer source, at least one vapor sampling line coupled to a soil vapor sampling well at a predetermined depth, and at least one purge line coupled to at least one purge source. An in-line helium detector is coupled between the at least one purge line and the at least one purge source, and a flexible collapsible shroud cover is configured to optimally seal a volume of helium between the shroud cover and the sampling platform.