Portable Hydrocarbon Sampling Probe for Pipeline Vent Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrocarbon sampling devices are cumbersome, costly, and impractical for long-term use in certain pipelines due to installation challenges, maintenance requirements, and limited accessibility, making it difficult to accurately sample hydrocarbons at various positions and depths within pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A portable hydrocarbon sampling device that can be removably coupled to any vent on a pipeline, featuring a probe that extends into the pipeline bore to collect samples using a differential pressure mechanism, allowing for flexible and safe sampling at any position from top to bottom, with a double block and bleed configuration for safety and pressure monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydrocarbon sampling devices are installed in pipelines, then hydrocarbon sampling can be performed, but installation becomes cumbersome and expensive with long-term maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into separate modular components including a sampling unit, actuator, and probe that can be independently installed and removed. The sampling unit couples to the pipeline while the probe extends through the vent, allowing the system to be assembled in sections rather than requiring complex integrated installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is made extendable and retractable through the vent using an actuator mechanism, transforming it from a static fixed structure to a dynamic adjustable component. This allows the probe to be extended into the pipeline bore only when sampling is needed and retracted otherwise, simplifying installation and enabling flexible operation.
2Reliability
If conventional sampling devices are used, then sampling can be performed, but routine maintenance and inspections increase non-productive time and operating expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device incorporates self-contained features where the sampling unit automatically couples to the pipeline vent, the actuator independently controls probe extension and retraction, and the sampling container automatically collects hydrocarbons when pressure differential is applied. This eliminates the need for routine manual maintenance and inspections.
3Reliability
If conventional sampling devices are installed, then sampling can be performed, but cost increases due to long-term expenses and limited accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is designed to interface with standard pipeline vents and can be applied to various pipeline configurations without requiring custom installation. The universal coupling mechanism and adjustable probe allow the same device to be used across different locations and pipeline types, reducing overall cost through standardization.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling container and probe are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components that can be quickly exchanged when needed, eliminating the need for expensive long-term maintenance of complex permanent sampling infrastructure. The portable nature of the device allows for economical one-time or periodic use.
4Measurement precision
If conventional sampling devices are used, then sampling can be performed, but accuracy is limited due to inability to sample at various positions and depths
Solution Approach 1:
The probe's extendable and retractable design allows it to reach different depths and positions within the pipeline bore at various heights from the vent. This dynamic adjustment capability enables sampling at multiple locations (top, bottom, middle) and depths, providing flexibility to obtain representative samples from different positions in the pipeline flow.
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 efficient, flexible, and reliable hydrocarbon sampling at any point on a pipeline, reducing operational costs and non-productive time by eliminating the need for fixed sampling points and allowing sampling at any position, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of hydrocarbon quality assessment.
Implementation Method 1
pushing the hydrocarbons up the probe and into a cross bore with a differential pressure between the bore and a sampling container fluidly coupled to the cross bore
Data Source
AI summary
A portable hydrocarbon sampling device may include a first housing with a first bore, a valve housing with a second bore coupled to the first housing, and a cross-flow housing with a third bore coupled to the valve housing to form a continuous flow path. The valve housing includes a valve to open and close the second bore. A cross bore may be coupled to the cross-flow housing, and is perpendicular to the third bore. A probe may be disposed within the continuous flow path and in fluid communication with the cross bore. An actuator housing may be coupled to the cross-flow housing. The actuator housing may include an actuator to extend into the probe. A sampling container fluidly may be coupled to the cross bore at end distal to the cross-flow housing. The sampling container may be configured to collect the fluids from the probe.