Portable Gas Dilution Case for High-Concentration Field Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas sampling methods in oilfields face challenges such as high concentrations exceeding instrument capabilities, safety risks, contamination from harsh weather, and remote locations unsuitable for laboratory sampling, leading to downtime and reduced sampling accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A hand-portable gas sampling and dilution system with a portable case and integrated dilution assembly that mixes dilution gas with sample gas to form a diluted sample, allowing safe and accurate on-site analysis, reducing gas concentrations to safe levels for instruments and personnel, and protecting the system from environmental damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gas samples are analyzed directly at remote oilfield locations, then sampling frequency increases and downtime is reduced, but instrument capability is exceeded due to high gas concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling frequencyVSAvoidinstrument measurement capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary dilution of the gas sample before it reaches the analysis instrument. The dilution assembly pre-mixes the high-concentration gas sample with dilution gas in a controlled ratio, ensuring the diluted sample falls within the instrument's measurable range while maintaining representative composition for accurate analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dilution assembly acts as an intermediary component between the gas source and the analysis instrument. It includes a mixing chamber and flow control mechanisms that mediate the transition from high-concentration raw gas to appropriately diluted sample, enabling the instrument to process the sample without being overwhelmed by excessive concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If gas samples are transported to laboratory for analysis, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but downtime increases and sampling frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalysis accuracyVSAvoidsampling downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service analysis at the remote oilfield location by providing all necessary components for sample dilution and analysis directly at the site. The portable dilution assembly and analysis instrument work together to perform complete sampling and analysis operations locally, eliminating the need to transport samples to external laboratories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If open space sampling is used in harsh weather conditions, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but contamination occurs and sampling accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling simplicityVSAvoidsampling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a portable case that encloses the dilution assembly and analysis instrument, creating a protected environment that shields components from harsh weather conditions such as rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. This flexible enclosure maintains operational simplicity while preventing environmental contamination of the sampling process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Speed

If high concentration gas samples are handled directly, then sampling speed is maintained, but personnel safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling speedVSAvoidpersonnel safety

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces downtime, improves sampling accuracy, enhances personnel safety, increases sampling frequency, and enables sampling at remote locations, ensuring safe and precise gas analysis in oilfield settings.

Implementation Method 1

The dilution system mixes a dilution gas with a sample gas to form a diluted sample

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas mixing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250369841A1Diluting a gas sample

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A hand-portable gas sampling and dilution system includes a hand-portable case and a dilution system. The hand-portable case has a first side and a second side hingedly coupled to the first side, a retractable handle coupled to the first side proximal the carry handle, and a pair of wheels couple to the hand-portable case opposite the carry handle and the retractable handle. The carry handle has a first portion coupled to the first side of the hand-portable case and a second portion coupled to the second side of the hand-portable case. The first portion and the second portion mate when the first side and second side are closed together. The dilution system is positioned in the hand-portable case and coupled to an inner surface of the first side. The dilution system mixes a dilution gas with a sample gas to form a diluted sample.