RVP Analyzer Air Saturation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Reid vapor pressure (RVP) analyzers do not accurately saturate test samples with air at the required temperature range of 32°F to 40°F, leading to inaccurate measurements due to incomplete air saturation, which is necessary for precise volatility assessment of fuels.
Innovation Solution
An RVP analyzer with an integrated air saturation system that includes a circulation chamber, pump, and temperature control to ensure uniform air saturation of hydrocarbon liquids within the specified temperature range, ensuring accurate vapor pressure measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional RVP analyzers use correction methods to compensate for dissolved air partial pressure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by saturating the hydrocarbon liquid sample with air at controlled temperatures (32°F to 40°F) before introducing it to the measuring cell. This pre-saturation step ensures that the sample contains the correct amount of dissolved air required by ASTM D-323 standards, eliminating the need for post-measurement corrections and thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining practical device complexity
2Measurement precision
If manual shaking is used to saturate test samples with air according to ASTM D-323, then the measurement precision is improved through uniform air saturation, but the productivity deteriorates due to impractical manual operation for continuous fuel refiner needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated pump system that circulates the hydrocarbon liquid sample through the air saturation system. The pump automatically draws the sample from the collection system, passes it through the saturation chamber where it is saturated with air at controlled temperatures, and returns it to the collection system. This eliminates the need for manual shaking operations while maintaining uniform air saturation, thereby improving productivity for continuous fuel refiner operations without sacrificing measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If conventional RVP analyzers do not saturate samples with air at the required temperature range, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to incomplete air saturation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary air saturation system that includes a saturation chamber and temperature control mechanism. This intermediary system sits between the sample collection system and the measuring cell, automatically saturating the hydrocarbon liquid sample with air at the required temperature range (32°F to 40°F) before measurement. This intermediary component maintains ease of operation by automating the saturation process while ensuring measurement precision through proper air saturation according to ASTM D-323 standards
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 air saturation system ensures consistent and accurate air saturation of hydrocarbon samples within the required temperature range, enhancing the precision of RVP measurements and compliance with ASTM D-323 standards, thereby improving the reliability of fuel volatility assessments.
Implementation Method 1
A pump is operable to move hydrocarbon liquid through the plumbing system from the first opening to the second opening so as to saturate the hydrocarbon liquid with air
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is directed to an analyzer for measuring the vapor pressure of a hydrocarbon liquid. The analyzer includes a pressure measuring system connected to an air saturation system having a circulation chamber with opposing first and second ends. A first opening is disposed toward the first end and a second opening is disposed toward the second end. A plumbing system connects the first and second openings. A pump moves the hydrocarbon liquid through the plumbing system from the first opening to the second opening so as to saturate the hydrocarbon liquid with air. The air saturation system has a cooler for cooling the hydrocarbon liquid and the pressure measuring system has a heater for heating the hydrocarbon liquid. The pump may be a piston actuated pump or a motor-driven pump and the plumbing system may include an aeration chamber.