Pipeline Sampling Device Segmented Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling devices for pipelines suffer from seal wear issues, requiring pipeline shutdown and emptying for seal replacement, leading to operational inefficiencies and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A sampling device with a movable sample housing portion allows for separate seals between the sample extracting portion and the pipe, utilizing a primary valve to maintain pipe integrity during maintenance and sampling, enabling the sample housing portion to be removed without shutting down the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single seal set is used between the sampling device and the pipeline, then the device structure is simple, but the seal wear requires pipeline shutdown and emptying for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is divided into separate functional components: a sampling assembly with its own seal set that can be removed independently from the pipeline coupling assembly. This segmentation allows the sampling assembly to be serviced without shutting down the pipeline, as the seal set is replaced on the sampling assembly rather than on the pipeline coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling assembly is designed to be movable relative to the pipeline coupling assembly, allowing it to be inserted into and removed from the pipeline coupling without disrupting the pipeline flow. This dynamic configuration enables maintenance operations to be performed while the pipeline remains operational.
2Reliability
If the outer seal set is used to prevent leakage during normal operation, then pipeline integrity is maintained, but seal wear forces shutdown and emptying of the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented between two separate seal sets: an outer seal set that remains in place to prevent leakage during normal operation, and an inner seal set that is part of the removable sampling assembly. This allows the outer seal to maintain pipeline integrity while the inner seal can be replaced without shutting down the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling assembly acts as an intermediary component between the pipeline coupling and the sampling mechanism. It includes its own seal set that interfaces with the pipeline coupling, allowing sampling operations to be performed without compromising the main pipeline seal integrity or requiring shutdown for seal maintenance.
3Ease of repair
If the sample housing portion is made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but pipe integrity may be compromised during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device is segmented into a sample housing portion and a pipeline coupling assembly that can be separated. The sample housing portion with its associated sampling assembly can be removed for maintenance while the pipeline coupling remains in place, maintaining pipe integrity during the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling assembly is designed with preliminary sealing features that ensure pipe integrity is maintained before removal. The outer seal set is positioned to prevent leakage during the removal and installation operations, ensuring that pipe integrity is preserved even when the sample housing is being serviced.
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling device (10) includes a sample extraction portion (28) which reciprocates within a cylindrical sample housing portion (26). The sample housing portion is axially moveable through a gate valve (22) to permit removal and maintenance of the sample extractor.