LNG Sampling Cylinder Piston Heat Exchanger Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling liquefied natural gas (LNG) often result in non-representative samples due to stratification and vaporization, which can alter the composition and make it difficult to obtain accurate BTU values, essential for pricing and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sampling cylinder design that allows direct sampling of LNG in its liquid state, incorporating a tubular member with a movable piston, a heat exchanger isolated from the sample chamber, and multiple flow conduits for cooling and pressure management, enabling the collection and storage of a representative LNG sample without vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If LNG is vaporized prior to sampling, then the sampling process can be simplified and historical methods can be used, but the sample becomes non-representative due to component loss and composition alteration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the sample collection process by enabling direct collection of LNG in liquid state rather than requiring vaporization. The sampling cylinder is designed to receive and store liquid LNG directly, maintaining the sample in its original liquid state throughout collection and transport, thereby preserving accurate compositional data without the component loss that occurs during vaporization.
2Ease of operation
If LNG is stored static, then the sampling process is simplified, but stratification occurs making representative sampling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic mixing mechanisms within the sampling cylinder that actively prevent stratification during the sampling process. The cylinder incorporates mixing elements that continuously agitate the LNG sample, ensuring uniform composition throughout the collection process. This dynamic approach prevents the static stratification problem while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LNG vaporizes, then the sampling process can proceed with existing equipment, but volumetric increase causes dramatic pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the sample collection process by enabling direct collection of LNG in liquid state rather than requiring vaporization. The sampling cylinder is designed to receive and store liquid LNG directly, maintaining the sample in its original liquid state throughout collection and transport, thereby preserving accurate compositional data without the component loss that occurs during vaporization.
4Ease of operation
If lower boiling point fractions evaporate or flash off, then the sampling process is simplified, but the sample becomes non-representative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature and pressure parameters within the sampling cylinder to prevent vaporization of any LNG components. By maintaining the sample in a pressurized liquid state throughout collection and transport, the system prevents the evaporation or flashing of lower boiling point fractions, ensuring the sample remains representative of the original LNG composition.
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
This design ensures a uniform and representative LNG sample is collected and maintained in a liquid state during transport, preventing component loss and allowing for accurate analysis of component percentages, thereby addressing the challenges of stratification and vaporization.
Implementation Method 1
The heat exchanger is operable to cool the second end member and sample chamber and at least two heat exchange fluid flow conduits are in flow communication with the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
A piston is movably positioned in the chamber and selectively moves toward and away from the first and second ends
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling cylinder for LNG (liquefied natural gas) is provided. The sampling cylinder includes a piston cylinder arrangement having opposite end members closing the chamber inside the cylinder. Various porting arrangements are provided for allowing fluid to be fed into a chamber inside the cylinder on opposite sides of a piston. A sample chamber is provided at one end member of the cylinder. The end member containing the sample chamber is also provided with a heat exchanger that may be connected to a source of coolant and preferably the LNG to be sampled to effect cooling of the end member at least partially prior to the sample chamber having a sample of LNG injected thereinto.