Inverted Sampling Probe for Particulate Matter Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particulate monitoring systems lose accuracy due to particulate matter deposition and trapping in sampling probes and cyclonic heaters, as they are configured to extend upwards, leading to incomplete sampling and biased results.
Innovation Solution
A sampling probe with a sloped configuration that directs the gas stream in a direction corresponding to the gravitational force, reducing particulate matter loss by utilizing gravity to transport particles to a detector, and additional modules like heaters, dilution, water spray, and air pulses to prepare the sample for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sampling probe is configured to extend upwards away from the ground, then the probe can be installed in conventional positions and allow self-cleaning through gravity pulling water droplets back towards the main gas flow, but particulate matter is lost due to deposition in the probe leading to biased concentration determination results
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling probe is inverted so that the sampling opening faces downward toward the ground rather than upward. This inversion changes the angle β to be less than 90 degrees, allowing gravity to pull particulate matter along the probe wall toward the sampling opening, thereby reducing PM loss and improving measurement accuracy while maintaining conventional installation capabilities
2Temperature
If cyclonic heating is used to remove moisture from PM before evaluation, then moisture can be removed from particulate matter, but a portion of the PM becomes trapped in the cyclonic heater resulting in further loss
Solution Approach 1:
The cyclonic heating component is removed from the system entirely. Instead of using cyclonic heating to remove moisture, the patent employs alternative methods such as heating elements positioned within the sampling probe or condensation traps that do not involve cyclonic action, thereby eliminating PM loss while still achieving moisture removal
3Ease of operation
If the probe is configured with upward extension to allow self-cleaning, then water droplets can be pulled back towards the main gas flow by gravity, but particulate matter from the sample is lost affecting accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is inverted with the sampling opening facing downward, which reverses the gravitational effect on particulate matter. Instead of gravity pulling PM away from the sampling opening as in conventional upward-facing probes, the inverted configuration causes gravity to pull PM along the probe wall toward the opening, improving sample collection accuracy while the probe can still utilize gravity for condensate drainage
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
Ensures a more representative particulate matter sample reaches the detector, reducing losses and improving the accuracy of concentration determination in both manual and continuous monitoring applications.
Implementation Method 1
the second portion is configured to direct the sample of the gas stream in a first direction with a second direction corresponding to a direction of the gravitational force of the earth. A first ray corresponding to the first direction forms an angle β with a second ray corresponding to the second direction. The angle β is less than 90 degrees.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus includes a sampling probe having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to penetrate inside a wall of a duct having an inner chamber that is configured to carry a gas stream containing particulate matter therethrough. The first portion is further configured to divert a sample of the gas stream from the inner chamber of the duct to the second portion that extends from the wall of the duct opposite the inner chamber. The second portion of the sampling probe is configured to direct the sample of the gas stream in a first direction with a second direction corresponding to a direction of the gravitational force of the earth. A first ray corresponding to the first direction forms an angle ß with a second ray corresponding to the second direction. The angle ß is less than 90 degrees.