Modular Quill for Isolation Valve Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current isolation devices, such as double block and bleed valves, do not allow for the integration of analytical sample conditioning components, which can interfere with emergency valve closure, posing a safety risk in emergency situations and non-compliance with safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned quill that can receive and retain sample conditioning components on the pressurized process gas side of the isolation device, enabling it to be isolated quickly and without delay, even during emergencies, by incorporating components like membrane separators, filters, and sensors within a modular housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sample conditioning components are integrated into the isolation device, then sampling and analysis capability is improved, but emergency valve closure is delayed due to interference from the components
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation device is divided into separate functional modules: the valve body for isolation and the quill assembly for sampling. The quill can be independently removed from the valve body, allowing the valve to close quickly in emergencies without the sampling components interfering, while still providing sampling capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling components (quill, membranes, filters) are extracted from the main valve body and placed in a separate, removable quill assembly. This allows the valve to function independently for emergency closure while the sampling components can be removed or retained based on operational needs, eliminating interference during emergencies.
2Reliability
If sample conditioning components are retained with the valve in closed position, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the components interfere with emergency valve closure
Solution Approach 1:
The quill assembly is designed to be dynamically configurable - it can be retained in place during normal operation for continuous monitoring, or quickly removed when emergency closure is needed. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to switch between monitoring mode and emergency response mode, eliminating the harmful interference effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The quill is designed with preliminary isolation capability through the downstream valve, which can close the sampling line before removing the quill. This preliminary action prepares the system for safe quill removal while maintaining isolation, enabling continuous monitoring when needed while preventing interference during emergencies.
3Ease of manufacture
If a hollow tube quill is used for sampling, then sample extraction is simple, but analytical sample conditioning components cannot be mounted or retained
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tube quill structure is retained and nested components (membranes, filters, sensors) are placed inside it. This nested configuration maintains the simple sample extraction capability of the hollow tube while adding conditioning functionality within the same space, achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The quill assembly is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of conditioning components (membranes, filters, sensors) within its hollow structure. This multi-functional design allows the same basic quill structure to perform both simple sample extraction and complex conditioning tasks depending on what components are installed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sampling and/or conditioning a process gas such as natural gas or the like with selective isolation capability. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed to be OSHA compliant, contemplating a system to insert, retract, maintain and service analytical sample conditioning components or the like in fluid communication with a pressurized pipeline, but upstream an isolation component such as, for example, a double block and bleed sample valve or the like. The preferred embodiment of the present invention thereby provides an apparatus and method for selective isolation of existing or potential hazardous energies which may be associated with the pressurized pipeline and fluids therein from upstream the modular sample component(s) or the like therein.