Multi-Stream Fluid Sampler with Cover Position Detector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid analysis systems require multiple analyzers for handling multiple fluid streams, leading to high costs due to the expense of analyzers, and there is a need for accurate calibration and sampling methods that ensure the composition of known samples is maintained, while existing sampling mechanisms may not accurately reflect the fluid stream's composition between sampling intervals.

Innovation Solution

A multiple stream sampler with a housing containing two fluid inlets, sampling outlets, and a discharge chamber, equipped with a valve for connecting to an analyzer, and a housing cover position detector to manage vial samples and prevent errors, allowing for continuous sampling of fluid streams with minimal disruption and accurate calibration without additional tools or moving parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple analyzers are used to handle multiple fluid streams, then the analysis capability for each stream is ensured, but the cost increases due to the high price of analyzers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampler is designed to handle multiple fluid streams (first online fluid stream and second online fluid stream) through a single device with multiple inlets and sampling outlets, enabling one analyzer to perform multiple analysis functions for different streams, thereby reducing the need for multiple analyzers and lowering overall system cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If periodic sampling is performed on the fluid stream, then the majority of fluid can bypass the analyzer, but the samples may not accurately reflect the composition of the stream between sampling intervals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid throughputVSAvoidcomposition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sampler enables continuous or near-continuous sampling of the fluid stream by maintaining a constant sampling rate through its chamber design and flow paths, ensuring that the analyzer receives ongoing samples that accurately reflect stream composition changes over time, rather than discrete periodic samples

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If known samples are delivered in controlled conditions, then the analyzer can be accurately tested and calibrated, but additional handling steps increase the risk of composition changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidhandling steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampler extracts known samples directly from their storage containers and delivers them to the analyzer through a controlled sampling pathway, minimizing the number of handling steps and exposure to environmental factors, thereby maintaining sample composition integrity while enabling accurate calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2936113B1Apparatus for sampling and supplying a fluid to an analyzer
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 BL TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2936113B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2936113B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2936113B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Apparatuses and systems for sampling fluid and providing fluid to an analyzer are provided. In an embodiment, a sampler may have a state switch for the housing cover. In another embodiment, multiple fluid streams may be housed in a single housing.