Automated Liquid Sampler with Pump and Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual oil sampling methods from machinery are unreliable due to inconsistencies and time delays, leading to potential equipment damage or unnecessary maintenance costs, as they fail to ensure consistent sampling according to schedules.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sampling device with a sampling pump, flow control valve, and sensors that automatically extract and store discrete liquid samples at predetermined intervals, ensuring accurate and timely sampling through a controlled sampling regime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sampling methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but sampling consistency and reliability deteriorate due to time delays and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is designed to operate autonomously without human intervention. The automated pump extracts liquid samples at predetermined intervals based on programmed schedules, eliminating the need for manual sampling operations and ensuring consistent execution of sampling tasks according to maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-programs sampling schedules and intervals before operation begins. The controller is configured with predetermined timing parameters that automatically trigger sampling operations at appropriate intervals, ensuring samples are taken at the correct moments without requiring real-time human decision-making
2Reliability
If automated sampling is implemented, then sampling consistency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sampling operations are combined into a single integrated automated system. The pump, reservoir, controller, and flow chamber work together as one unified device that performs sample extraction, storage, and timing functions simultaneously, rather than using separate manual operations for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a programmable controller that allows sampling parameters such as time intervals, volume, and frequency to be adjusted without changing the physical structure. This enables flexible adaptation to different maintenance schedules and liquid types while maintaining the same core device architecture
3Measurement precision
If discrete liquid samples are extracted automatically, then sampling precision improves, but loss of liquid increases due to extraction processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect liquid flow and volume parameters during the sampling process. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to monitor and adjust the extraction process in real-time, ensuring that the precise sample volume required is extracted without excessive loss to the liquid circuit
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
The device ensures consistent and reliable liquid sampling, reducing errors and maintaining equipment health by adhering to predefined sampling schedules, thereby minimizing damage and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a sampling pump, the sampling pump connected to the liquid inlet, operable to extract a discrete amount of liquid from the liquid inlet
Implementation Method 2
The sampling pump may include a check valve between the liquid flow chamber and the sample chamber, operable to permit flow of liquid into the sample chamber but to prevent flow from the sample chamber back to the liquid flow chamber
Implementation Method 3
the second valve may be in the form of a solenoid valve selectively controllable to permit liquid to flow from the sample chamber to the sample reservoir
Implementation Method 4
The liquid sampler may include a liquid conditioning sensor in communication with a liquid to be sampled. The liquid conditioning sensor may be a di-electric sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a liquid sampler for the automated sampling of liquids at dedicated pre-determined intervals. The liquid sampler includes a liquid inlet connectable to a liquid circuit containing a liquid to be sampled, a sampling reservoir for collecting a liquid sample, and a sampling pump connected to the liquid inlet, operable to extract a discrete amount of liquid from the liquid inlet and to discharge the discrete amount of liquid into the sampling reservoir.