Insertion Probe Adapter Segmentation for Pipeline Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipeline sample extraction probe designs require disassembly of the housing from both the pipeline and the probe to access the insertion probe for maintenance, increasing time, labor, and costs.
Innovation Solution
An insertion probe adapter with a pipe mounting flange and a projecting stem for securing to the pipeline, featuring a feedthrough bore for retaining the insertion probe and tool-engaging flats for secure removal without disassembling the housing, allowing direct access to the probe from within the enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective housing is permanently mounted to the pipeline and the insertion probe is permanently mounted to the housing, then the sampling system maintains stable operation and reliable sealing, but maintenance of the insertion probe requires complete disassembly of both the probe and housing from the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three separable components: the pipeline-mounted body, the removable insertion probe, and the protective housing. The feedthrough bore in the body allows the probe to be independently removed and replaced without affecting the housing's attachment to the pipeline, enabling maintenance of the probe while the housing remains in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion probe is extracted as a separate removable component from the permanently mounted body and housing assembly. The feedthrough bore provides a dedicated interface for the probe to be inserted and removed independently, allowing the probe to be taken out for maintenance while the housing remains attached to the pipeline.
2Reliability
If the insertion probe is permanently mounted within the protective housing, then the system maintains stable operation, but maintenance requires disassembly of the housing from the pipeline which increases time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the maintenance-requiring component (insertion probe) from the permanently mounted components (body and housing). The feedthrough bore in the body creates an independent mounting interface for the probe, allowing it to be serviced without disturbing the housing's permanent attachment to the pipeline, thereby reducing maintenance time.
3Reliability
If the insertion probe is permanently mounted within the protective housing, then the system maintains stable operation, but maintenance requires disassembly of the housing which increases labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sampling assembly into separable components with the insertion probe mounted independently in the body via the feedthrough bore. This segmentation allows the probe to be removed and replaced without disassembling the housing from the pipeline, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing labor requirements while maintaining system reliability.
4Ease of operation
If tooling flats are added to the body for probe removal, then probe maintenance becomes easier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body is modified with localized features (tooling flats) only at the specific locations where probe engagement and removal operations are performed. These flats are positioned on the outer surface of the body at the feedthrough bore interface, providing tool engagement points without adding complexity to the internal feedthrough structure or the housing assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An insertion probe adapter for fluid sample extraction from a pipeline for mounting of an overlying housing element is illustrated and described. The invention permits disengagement of an insertion probe from the body of the probe adapter without disassembling the body from the pipeline and without disassembling the overlying housing element from the body.