Small Diameter Fluid Transport Tubing for Extractive Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sampling systems are unreliable and ineffective for handling complex fluids with suspended solids, condensable chemicals, and high-temperature gases, leading to frequent plugging and inaccurate analysis, especially in applications like coal combustion and bioprocesses.
Innovation Solution
The system employs small diameter fluid transport tubing and strategically placed filters with specialized media, combined with a high flow rate blow back and an optional second fluid supply system that dissolves or reacts with deposits to maintain sample integrity and extend system operation without frequent servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger diameter fluid transport tubing is used, then particle plugging is reduced, but sample transit time increases and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using small diameter tubing (0.030-0.065 inches) instead of large diameter tubing. This counterintuitive choice reduces plugging by minimizing the volume where particles can accumulate, while high velocity flow (achieved through high flow rates in the small diameter) prevents particle deposition and maintains rapid transit time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow velocity parameter by pumping fluid through the small diameter tubing at high flow rates (typically 0.5-5 mL/min). This high velocity compensates for the small cross-sectional area, ensuring particles are swept through quickly without depositing, thus maintaining both rapid transit and resistance to plugging.
2Reliability
If larger diameter fluid transport tubing is used, then particle plugging is reduced, but cooling efficiency and chemical analysis accuracy worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using small diameter tubing to enhance cooling efficiency. The high surface-area-to-volume ratio of small diameter tubing maximizes heat transfer from the sample, rapidly cooling hot gases to preserve chemical composition for accurate analysis while simultaneously reducing plugging through minimized particle accumulation volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal transfer parameter by utilizing the high surface-area-to-volume ratio inherent in small diameter tubing. This geometric parameter change maximizes cooling efficiency, rapidly reducing sample temperature to prevent chemical reactions that would compromise analysis accuracy.
3Reliability
If particle filters are installed near the sample location, then particle removal is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filtration function from the traditional location near the sample point and places it at the analyzer interface. This strategic relocation simplifies the sample transport line to just small diameter tubing, eliminating the need for intermediate filtration components while still achieving effective particle removal at the critical analysis interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The small diameter tubing itself serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transport medium and a form of filtration by preventing large particles from reaching the analyzer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate filtration components, simplifying the overall system design.
4Reliability
If high flow rate blow back is used, then particle and condensable removal is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter by using high flow rates during blow-back cycles. This high velocity flow effectively removes accumulated particles and condensables from the small diameter tubing through forced convection, preventing plugging. The energy consumption is managed by using this high flow rate only periodically rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic blow-back cycles rather than continuous high flow operation. The system alternates between normal sampling mode and periodic cleaning mode, where high flow rate blow back is activated only when needed to remove accumulated deposits. This periodic action maintains plugging prevention while minimizing overall energy consumption.
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
This approach significantly reduces plugging, maintains sample accuracy, and extends system operation to over six months by effectively removing particulates and condensables, ensuring rapid sample transit and minimal chemical changes during analysis.
Implementation Method 1
Because the unit fluid transport tubing wall surface area to internal cross-sectional volume of small diameter is greater than larger diameter fluid transport tubing, fluids in small diameter fluid transport tubes cool more rapidly
Implementation Method 2
strategically placed filters with specialized media
Implementation Method 3
periodically reverse sample flow or reverse flow ('blow back') a non-reactive usually inert clean fluid different from the sampled fluid in an attempt to remove accumulated particles
Implementation Method 4
an optional second fluid supply system that dissolves or reacts with deposits to maintain sample integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an extractive sampling system to secure representative fluid samples and transport to analyzers as a sample destination. The invention is directed to modification of sample acquisition components and the addition of elements to overcome sample obtainment issues that occur in a variety of fluids to be samples.