Multistage Pressure Regulator to Prevent Vapor Dew Point Dropout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor gas sampling systems face challenges in accurately and safely reducing pressure of vaporized natural gas samples for analysis, as they often result in dew point dropout and damage to downstream analyzers due to inadequate pressure and temperature control, and prior art regulators are not dynamically adjustable or adaptable for varying applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, adjustable, and calibratable multistage pressure regulating device that maintains the vapor phase by dynamically adjusting pressure and temperature through a series of interconnected pressure regulating valves and a thermal control system, ensuring the vapor sample remains outside the two-phase envelope boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-stage pressure reduction is used, then device complexity is reduced, but dew point dropout and condensation occur damaging downstream analyzers
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction process is divided into multiple stages with intermediate heating zones. Each stage reduces pressure incrementally while maintaining temperature above the dew point, preventing condensation. The system includes first, second, and third pressure regulating valves with interstage heating elements that separately control pressure reduction steps.
Solution Approach 2:
Interstage heating elements are introduced as intermediary components between pressure reduction stages. These heating elements temporarily add thermal energy to the vapor sample between pressure stages, ensuring the sample remains in vapor phase and avoiding direct contact with condensation conditions that would damage the analyzer.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed pressure regulation is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to varying applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulating valves are designed with adjustable setpoints that can be dynamically changed based on application requirements. Each valve includes adjustment mechanisms allowing operators to modify pressure reduction parameters for different vapor samples and downstream analyzer requirements, providing both precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of pressure regulation parameters including setpoint pressures, heating temperatures, and flow rates. These parameters can be adjusted to match specific application requirements while maintaining precise control through calibrated valve mechanisms and temperature control systems.
3Use of energy by moving object
If inadequate thermal control is used, then energy consumption is reduced, but dew point dropout occurs compromising sample integrity
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal energy is applied in advance at each interstage heating zone before the vapor sample encounters conditions that would cause condensation. This preliminary heating action ensures the sample maintains sufficient temperature throughout the pressure reduction process, preventing dew point dropout and preserving sample integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control system operates continuously through multiple heating zones positioned at strategic points in the pressure reduction path. This continuous thermal management ensures the vapor sample consistently maintains temperature above the dew point throughout the entire pressure reduction process, preventing intermittent condensation events.
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 solution provides accurate and precise pressure reduction of vapor gas samples, preventing dew point condensation and ensuring the integrity of the vapor phase, thereby enhancing the reliability and accuracy of BTU measurements and trace contaminant analysis while minimizing mechanical failures and disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
avoids Joule-Thomson/dew point dropout condensation
Implementation Method 2
maintains the vapor phase by dynamically adjusting pressure and temperature through a series of interconnected pressure regulating valves and a thermal control system
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage pressure regulation system, device and associated methodology for reducing the pressure of gas passing through a gas sample conditioning system. The device and method allow for automatic and/or manual configuration settings for regulating different types of gas having different profiles while still avoiding dew point dropout thereby ensuring accurate sample analysis at a downstream analyzer. The pressure regulating device includes a housing having a core, a vapor sample input port, a plurality of openings on an upper surface, a plurality of pressure regulating valves configured to reduce the pressure of a vapor sample, and an assembly having a base and substantially central stem orthogonal to the base and extending axially therefrom, the stem being disposed within the core.