Light Hydrocarbon Sampling with Automated Accumulator Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light hydrocarbon sampling systems require manual intervention for switching between accumulator vessels, leading to downtime and potential contamination, especially in remote locations where manpower is scarce.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system with multiple accumulator vessels and a single sampling pump, automated control system, and bi-directional fluid flow capability, allowing simultaneous sampling and mixing without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used for switching between accumulator vessels, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to downtime and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sampling function into multiple accumulator vessels (first and second accumulators) that can operate independently. While one accumulator is being drained, the other continues sampling, eliminating downtime. This segmentation allows continuous operation without requiring complex manual switching procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically switches between accumulator vessels based on their status (full/empty), eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system monitors accumulator status and autonomously directs the sampling pump to the appropriate vessel, reducing both downtime and contamination risk while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated logic.
2Reliability
If a single sampling pump is used for multiple accumulators, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential contamination between accumulators
Solution Approach 1:
Product valves act as intermediaries between the single sampling pump and multiple accumulator vessels. These valves create isolated flow paths that prevent cross-contamination between accumulators while allowing the single pump to service multiple vessels. The control system manages valve actuation to ensure proper isolation and connection at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically actuated product valves that change their state based on real-time accumulator status. The valves transition between open and closed positions to direct flow to the appropriate accumulator, enabling a single pump to reliably serve multiple accumulators without cross-contamination through automated, status-dependent valve control.
3Loss of time
If manual switching between accumulators is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases due to downtime during switching
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the status of each accumulator vessel and uses this feedback to automatically determine when to switch between accumulators. This closed-loop control eliminates downtime by pre-positioning the system to switch before the current accumulator is completely drained, ensuring continuous sampling operation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary switching actions based on predicted accumulator status. By monitoring fill levels and proactively switching to the next available accumulator before the current one is exhausted, the system eliminates downtime and ensures continuous operation without requiring manual intervention during critical transition moments.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling system is provided for sampling fluids flowing through a pipe. The system includes at least two accumulator vessels; a single sampling pump for collection of samples and delivering samples via sampling lines to one or more of the at least two accumulators; one or more product valves associated with each of the accumulator vessels actuatable to direct sample flow to a particular accumulator vessel depending on the status of each of the at least two accumulator vessels; and a control system in connection with the sampling pump, product valves and accumulator vessels for automation of the pumping of samples to a particular accumulator vessel, depending on status of each of the at least two accumulator vessels, to ensure consistent sample taking and accumulation. The control system and sample pump is configured to accommodate bi-directional flow of fluid travelling through the pipe.