Sample Pressure Reducing System Using Dual Cavity Cylinder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crude oil sampling systems face equipment damage and altered sample quality due to rapid pressure drops from high to low pressures, which is not effectively managed by current methods.
Innovation Solution
A sample pressure reducing system utilizing a dual cavity cylinder, pre-charge gas tank, proximity switches, two-way actuated valves, a dual coil four-way solenoid valve, and a sample pump to gradually and automatically reduce pressure from high to low, transferring the sample to a low-pressure container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single-step pressure drop is used to reduce pressure from high to low, then the pressure reduction is quick and simple, but equipment is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction process is divided into multiple stages using a two-stage pressure reducing valve assembly. The first pressure reducing valve reduces pressure from high pressure (e.g., 3800 psi) to intermediate pressure, and the second pressure reducing valve further reduces it to low pressure (e.g., 0-100 psi). This segmentation prevents sudden pressure drops that damage equipment while maintaining efficient pressure reduction.
2Productivity
If pressure is reduced quickly from high to low, then the process is efficient, but the sample quality is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The two-stage pressure reduction system maintains sampling efficiency by automating the process while preserving sample quality through controlled intermediate pressure reduction. The system includes automated valves, pressure sensors, and control logic that manage the sequential pressure reduction without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring accurate sample representation.
3Device complexity
If a single pressure reducing valve is used, then the device complexity is low, but it cannot provide controlled multi-stage pressure reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines two pressure reducing valves with automated control mechanisms (solenoid valves, pressure sensors, and control logic) into an integrated pressure reduction system. This merging provides controlled multi-stage pressure reduction capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through coordinated component design and automated operation.
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 preserves equipment integrity by gradually reducing pressure, allowing for accurate analysis while maintaining high-pressure components and extending equipment life by distributing the pressure reduction across multiple stages, thus avoiding the damage caused by sudden pressure drops.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-charge gas tank that applies a blanket pressure to the dual cavity cylinder
Implementation Method 2
an actuation gas or hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
A sample pressure reducing system is provided that integrates various pressure applications into a single system that provides the end user with a high-integrity sample without damaging equipment. The system facilitates sampling high-pressure product into a low-pressure container. The system fills and transfers product to reduce pressure automatically and repeatedly.