Rotary Valve Sampling Device with Pneumatic Buffer for Petroleum Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic distillation apparatuses for petroleum products are heavy, bulky, require large sample volumes, and have long analysis times, making online successive sampling in industrial production facilities challenging due to reliability issues and potential sample flowback, which affects result accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a rotary valve with a sample reservoir and a pneumatic buffer chamber, using compressed gas to transfer samples efficiently and accurately into an analysis cell, with pressure monitoring to ensure complete transfer and prevent obstruction, allowing for continuous sample renewal and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic distillation apparatuses are used for analyzing petroleum products, then reliable and reproducible results are obtained, but the devices are heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sampling and transfer functions from the bulky distillation apparatus and implements them in a separate, compact sampling device. The sampling device includes a metering pump, sample dose reservoir, and transfer circuit that can be independently positioned near the pipeline, while the analysis cell remains separate. This separation allows the sampling system to be lightweight and portable while maintaining reliable sample transfer for analysis.
2Measurement precision
If automatic distillation apparatuses are used for analyzing petroleum products, then accurate measurement is achieved, but the sample volume required is large (about 100 ml)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by introducing only the necessary minimum sample volume (5-15 ml) into the analysis cell rather than the full 100 ml required by traditional distillation apparatuses. The metering pump is calibrated to deliver precise partial doses of sample, and the analysis cell is designed to perform complete distillation analysis on these reduced volumes, achieving acceptable measurement precision with significantly less sample material.
3Reliability
If automatic distillation apparatuses are used for analyzing petroleum products, then complete analysis is performed, but the analysis time is long (not less than 45 min)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the analysis process by using a series of analysis cells that can operate in sequence or parallel. While one cell performs the complete distillation analysis (maintaining reliability), other cells are preparing or analyzing subsequent samples. The metering pump can transfer multiple sample doses simultaneously to different cells, and the system can switch between cells to continue analysis without waiting for each complete cycle, thereby reducing overall analysis time while maintaining complete analysis quality.
4Extent of automation
If metering pump devices are used for automatic sampling, then sample transfer is automated, but the moving parts lack reliability and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical metering pump components with pneumatic and hydraulic mechanisms. The system uses a piston displaced by compressed gas to transfer sample doses through the transfer circuit, eliminating many mechanical moving parts that require maintenance. The pneumatic buffer chamber and pressure-controlled valves provide automated sample transfer with fewer wear-prone components, improving reliability while maintaining automation. The system uses fluid pressure rather than complex mechanical linkages to control sample flow.
5Productivity
If sample transfer is performed in automatic sampling devices, then successive sampling is enabled, but sample flowback into the evacuation pipe occurs, falsifying results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary transfer circuit with a piston and pneumatic buffer chamber between the sample source and the analysis cell. This intermediary system uses compressed gas to push sample doses through the transfer circuit, creating positive pressure that prevents sample flowback into the evacuation pipe. The capillary tube and pressure control mechanisms act as intermediaries to ensure unidirectional sample flow, maintaining result accuracy while enabling successive sampling operations.
6Productivity
If analysis is performed with reduced sample volume and time, then productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sampling device with multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. The metering pump serves both to draw sample from the pipeline and to inject it into the analysis cell. The pneumatic buffer chamber functions as both a pressure source for sample transfer and a control element for timing. The transfer circuit serves as both the sample delivery path and the return path for pneumatic pressure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, managing device complexity while achieving high productivity through rapid successive sampling and analysis.
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
Enables reliable, efficient, and accurate online successive sampling of petroleum products with reduced sample volume and analysis time, minimizing waiting times and ensuring precise results by controlling sample transfer and maintaining device integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, in particular a heating resistor
Implementation Method 2
a condenser tube
Implementation Method 3
a differential sensor allowing the pressure prevailing near the capillary inlet to be measured
Implementation Method 4
a temperature sensor which is immersed in the sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves circulating a flow of liquid to be analyzed to change the liquid in a sample tank (2) in circulation position of a rotating valve (1) e.g. six-way valve. A closing valve (9) is opened to inject compressed gas in a filling circuit (7) for pressurizing a pneumatic buffer chamber (10) in a loading position of the valve (1). The sample volume is pushed to an analysis cell (3). The chamber pressure is controlled by a pressure sensor (11) to verify whether entire volume is transferred to the cell. The valve is moved to the circulation position when the transfer is terminated. An independent claim is also included for a device for in-line successive automatic taking of samples from liquid to be analyzed.