In Situ Sampling Device for Pressurized Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling methods lack precision in timing and require transferring samples from high-pressure or temperature environments, leading to changes in sample conditions during processing, and cannot process samples contemporaneously with capture.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with an extendable sample capture element that allows for in situ processing, such as quenching and dilution, within a sealed unit capable of operating across various pressures and temperatures, enabling simultaneous sample capture and processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sample is extracted using known sampling methods, then the sample can be removed from the vessel, but the sample conditions change during transfer to another container before processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sample capture function and sample processing function into a single integrated sampling device. The sample capture element includes both the sampling mechanism and processing chambers/regions within the same sealed unit, allowing samples to be captured and processed without transfer to another container, thereby maintaining sample condition stability and eliminating time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed sampling device acts as an intermediary between the reaction vessel and the processing environment. The device maintains a controlled internal atmosphere that preserves sample conditions during capture, and the integrated processing chambers enable subsequent processing steps within the same sealed environment, preventing sample degradation that would occur during transfer to external containers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual sample capture methods are used, then samples can be taken at atmospheric pressure, but reactions under pressure cannot be sampled
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is designed to operate across a range of pressure parameters. The sealed construction and pressure-resistant components allow the device to function in pressurized environments while maintaining the ability to capture representative samples. The device can withstand reaction pressures during sampling and then process samples under controlled conditions, enabling adaptation to different pressure requirements.
3Ease of operation
If sample transfer to another container is required, then processing can occur, but the state of the sample changes from extraction to processing
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges sample capture and processing operations into a single integrated unit. The sample capture element contains both the sampling mechanism and processing chambers, allowing sequential capture and processing steps to occur within the same sealed environment without transfer to external containers. This integration enables precise timing control and maintains sample state integrity throughout the process.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
An in situ autosampling method and associated sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Methods of the present invention make use of a sampling device having an extendable sample capture element (60) with a concave sample capture pocket (65) located near a distal end (60b) thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. Ports (75) in the sample capture pocket may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.