Liquid Sampling Support Structure for Reduced Contaminant Exposure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting fluid samples, such as water during fracking or crude oil operations, are inefficient and expose operators to harmful gases or liquid contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A liquid sampling device with a support structure that connects to a fluid source and a container, featuring a fluid line, gas exhaust, and a secure cap system that allows sample collection without manual handling, ensuring safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual valve opening and container filling is used, then the sampling operation can be performed, but the operator is exposed to harmful gases or liquid contaminants and the operation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated sampling device as an intermediary between the fluid source and the sample container. This device includes a sampling probe that can be inserted into the fluid source, a pump to transfer the fluid, and a sealing mechanism. The operator never directly handles the harmful fluid, instead controlling the automated device through interfaces, thus eliminating direct exposure to contaminants while maintaining sampling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of opening valves and filling containers with an automated system. The automated sampling device uses motorized actuators to open/close valves, motorized pumps to transfer fluid, and motorized sealing mechanisms to close containers. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems eliminates operator exposure to harmful substances while improving operational efficiency
2Productivity
If automated sampling device is used, then operator safety is improved and efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling device is designed as a multi-functional integrated system that combines sampling, pumping, sealing, and container handling capabilities in a single unit. This universal device can perform multiple sampling operations across different fluid sources and container types, reducing the need for multiple separate devices and justifying the increased complexity through enhanced productivity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structural design where the sampling probe, pump, and sealing mechanisms are integrated within a compact housing unit. The sampling probe can be retracted into the housing when not in use, and the pump and sealing mechanisms are arranged in a space-efficient nested configuration. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint and manages complexity by organizing components in a compact, integrated manner
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a liquid sampling device has an upper cavity and a neck within the upper cavity. The neck has a first end and a second end, and a passage that extends from the first end to the second end, and opens into a bottom opening of the support structure. The bottom opening is configured to attach to a liquid sample container. The support structure may also include a gas exhaust path and a second neck configured to attach to a gas-exhaust line. The support structure may also be configured to retain an adapter configured to engage a secure cap on the liquid sample container.