Modular Sampling Probe for Wet Gas Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling systems for pressurized process gases with entrained liquids, such as natural gas, lack standards for obtaining representative samples, leading to operational and safety issues during transportation, and existing technologies are not compliant with revised Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regulations that mandate sampling without liquid rejection.
Innovation Solution
A unique sampling system that uses a linear-slot probe to capture a thin slice of the fluid stream, incorporating a capillary passage for higher velocity flow, and a modular vaporizing pressure reducing module to vaporize entrained liquids, ensuring a single-phase gas sample is provided to the analyzer without membrane filters or liquid rejection, and utilizing a separate power cord for heating and vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a linear-slot probe with capillary passage is used to capture fluid stream, then sample representativeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into distinct modular components: the linear-slot probe for sample capture, the capillary passage for transport, and the vaporizing pressure reducing module for conditioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system representativeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear-slot probe captures a two-dimensional slice of the fluid stream rather than a point sample, providing a more representative cross-section of the flow. The capillary passage then transports this distributed sample along a linear path to the conditioning module.
2Measurement precision
If a modular vaporizing pressure reducing module is used to vaporize entrained liquids, then sample quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizing and pressure reducing functions are merged into a single modular conditionin g component. This integration allows simultaneous phase change and pressure control in one unit, improving sample quality while reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular conditionin g component changes multiple parameters of the sample simultaneously: temperature (to vaporize liquids) and pressure (to reduce to analysis conditions). This coordinated parameter change ensures the sample reaches the analyzer in the required single-phase gaseous state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If membrane filters are eliminated to comply with BLM regulations, then regulatory compliance is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses phase transition (vaporization) to remove liquids from the sample instead of filtration. By heating the sample in the modular conditionin g component, entrained liquids convert to vapor and mix uniformly with the gas phase, eliminating the need for membrane filters while maintaining sample integrity and complying with BLM regulations.
4Reliability
If a separate power cord is used for heating and vaporization, then heating reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate power cord serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power for heating elements in the modular conditionin g component and potentially for other system components. This multi-functionality improves heating reliability by ensuring adequate power delivery while the modular design keeps the overall system complexity manageable.
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 system effectively prevents sample disassociation and achieves compliance with BLM regulations by ensuring that the gas sample is vaporized and free of entrained liquids, providing a representative and safe sample for analysis while eliminating the need for membrane filters and separate power sources for heating.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a capillary passage for higher velocity flow
Implementation Method 2
a modular vaporizing pressure reducing module to vaporize entrained liquids
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a separate power cord for heating and vaporization
Implementation Method 4
modular vaporizing pressure reducing module
Data Source
AI summary
A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, said system optimized for use with pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. In the preferred embodiment, a probe and method of sampling is contemplated to provide linear sample of fluids from a predetermined of said fluid stream. Further taught is the method of preventing compositional disassociation of a gas sample having entrained liquid utilizing a probe having a passage formed to facilitate capillary action in fluid(s) passing therethrough. The present system further contemplates a system for providing power and/or heat to modular conditioning components as well provide sample flow therefrom utilizing a tube bundle via a tube bundle boot mounted on the bracket of a modular sample system. Further provided is a system for providing to a conditioning component an easily reconfigurable pressure reducing module, as well as a system for heating a modular conditioning component utilizing a heat trace.