Sampling Apparatus Bypass for Freezing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling and blow-down arrangements for evaporative cooling equipment are ineffective in freezing environments, as they require heating and insulation to prevent freezing, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus with a fluid by-pass system that allows a portion of the fluid to bypass the first fluid passage device, reducing the need for heating and insulation, and includes a three-way valve assembly and conductivity sensor to manage fluid flow and sampling without freezing issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sampling apparatus and bleed line are heated and insulated to prevent freezing in freezing environments, then the equipment can operate in freezing conditions, but the energy consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling apparatus is divided into two separate fluid passage devices (first and second) arranged in sequence, with a by-pass connecting the inlet of the first device to the inlet of the second device. This segmentation allows fluid to flow through only one passage device at a time, ensuring continuous movement and preventing stagnation and freezing without requiring heating systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches fluid flow paths using the by-pass mechanism, alternating between the first and second fluid passage devices. This dynamic flow arrangement ensures that fluid is constantly moving through the system, preventing freezing conditions without energy-intensive heating.
2Device complexity
If a single fluid passage device is used for sampling, then the device structure is simple, but fluid stagnation occurs leading to freezing in cold environments
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling apparatus uses two separate fluid passage devices (first and second) arranged in sequence, with a by-pass connecting them. This segmentation creates multiple flow paths, ensuring fluid continuously moves through the system and preventing stagnation and freezing, while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The by-pass mechanism ensures continuous fluid flow through the system by allowing fluid to alternately pass through the first and second fluid passage devices. This continuous motion prevents fluid stagnation and freezing without complex heating systems.
3Reliability
If the fluid flow rate through the sampling apparatus is increased to prevent stagnation, then freezing is prevented, but the mineral content concentration in the sampled fluid changes affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically alternates fluid flow between the first and second fluid passage devices using the by-pass mechanism. This dynamic switching maintains continuous flow to prevent freezing while allowing the fluid to return to its original state after passing through one passage device, preserving the original mineral content concentration for accurate conductivity measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The by-pass enables continuous fluid circulation that prevents stagnation and freezing while maintaining the fluid's original composition. Fluid flows through one passage device, returns via the by-pass, and can flow through the other device, ensuring continuous motion without altering mineral content concentration.
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 apparatus effectively samples fluid conductivity without the need for heating or insulation in freezing conditions, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance costs by preventing fluid stagnation and damage from freezing.
Implementation Method 1
Conductivity of the re-circulating cooling water is sometimes measured to reflect the mineral content thereof
Implementation Method 2
Evaporative cooling equipment dissipates heat by evaporation of the re-circulating cooling water
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling apparatus for sampling a fluid from a fluid source includes a first fluid passage device, a second fluid passage device and a fluid by-pass. The first fluid passage device is disposed downstream of and in fluid communication with the fluid source. The second fluid passage device is disposed downstream of and is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage device. The fluid by-pass is disposed downstream of the fluid source and upstream of the second fluid passage device. The fluid by-pass being in fluid communication with and disposed between the fluid source and the second fluid passage device is operative to cause a first portion of the fluid to flow through the first fluid passage device and to cause a second portion of the fluid to by-pass the first fluid passage device and to flow to the second fluid passage device.