Automated Mobile Sampling Apparatus for Non-Homogeneous Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sampling non-homogeneous fluids, such as crude oil, are inaccurate due to the non-representative nature of samples taken from pipelines, which can vary significantly in composition and contamination levels, including water and bottom sediments.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, automated portable sampling apparatus and system that can collect representative samples from non-homogeneous hydrocarbon systems and pipelines without releasing toxic vapors or liquids into the atmosphere. The system includes a fluid sampling device with an inlet, double block bleed valves, flexible hoses, a collection drum, and a container, equipped with pressure controllers, level indicators, and a battery-operated positive displacement compressor to ensure accurate sampling and analysis onsite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If samples are taken from a fluid stream in a pipeline using known methods, then the sampling process is simple and quick, but the samples are not representative for the bulk of fluid and accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into multiple independent components: a collection drum for accumulating fluid, a sample vessel for storing samples, a booster pump for pressurization, and various valves for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while collectively achieving representative sampling without requiring overly complex integrated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection drum accumulates a volume of fluid before sampling occurs, allowing the fluid to be mixed and homogenized in advance. This preliminary accumulation and mixing action ensures that when sampling takes place, the sample is representative of the bulk fluid, resolving the accuracy issue without requiring continuous complex monitoring during the sampling moment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual sampling from drains or vents is performed, then equipment and personnel exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide increases, but automated sampling systems reduce this risk
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling system operates autonomously to collect, process, and analyze fluid samples without requiring personnel to physically access drains or vents. The system self-manages the sampling process through automated valve control, pump operation, and sample collection, thereby eliminating personnel exposure to toxic hydrogen sulfide while maintaining high automation levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary automated sampling apparatus between the hazardous fluid source and the personnel. This intermediary device performs all operations that would otherwise require direct human intervention, protecting personnel from toxic substances while the automation handles the hazardous environment remotely.
3Measurement precision
If samples are taken during different stages of tanker unloading, then sampling can be performed continuously, but the composition variations cause large fluctuations in sample representativeness
Solution Approach 1:
The collection drum continuously accumulates fluid from the pipeline throughout the unloading process, maintaining continuous operation without interruption. This continuous collection ensures that samples taken at any stage represent the cumulative bulk fluid, eliminating composition fluctuations that would occur with discrete sampling at different unloading stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary accumulation of a sufficient volume of fluid in the collection drum before sampling occurs. This preliminary action ensures that regardless of when sampling takes place during unloading, the sample is drawn from a well-mixed accumulated volume that represents the bulk fluid composition, maintaining accuracy while allowing continuous productivity.
4Loss of time
If all sampling analysis is conducted in remote laboratories, then specialized equipment can be used, but transport time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a collection system and an analysis system. The same apparatus that collects samples can also perform preliminary analysis and processing, eliminating the need for separate transport to remote laboratories and reducing time losses while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the sampling function with the analysis function into a single integrated apparatus. By combining sample collection, storage, and analysis capabilities in one location, the system eliminates the time-consuming transport step to remote laboratories while keeping device complexity controlled through unified design rather than separate distributed systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sampling device including an inlet configured to receive a portion of a non-homogeneous fluid flowing through a conduit, a first double block bleed valve coupled to the inlet, a first flexible hose coupled to the first double block bleed valve by a first quick acting and leakage free coupling, a collection drum coupled to the first flexible hose by a first control valve, and a container coupled to the connection drum by a manual valve, wherein the device is configured to collect a fluid sample in the container. The device also includes a pressure controller to control pressure within the collection drum, and a level indicator to indicate a level of fluid in the collection drum.