Static Charge Dissipation in Nonconductive Liquid Sampling Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The collection of hydrocarbon liquid samples from drums and vessels can lead to electrical static charge buildup, resulting in dangerous electrical arcs and potential fires or explosions when the sample is transferred, as existing methods do not effectively discharge static charges from nonconductive liquids.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electrically conductive outer and inner member, connected via a conductive rod, that grounds the liquid upon contact, using a grounding cable and clamps to prevent arcs, and includes sealing mechanisms to contain the sample, either made from conductive materials for safe grounding or resistive materials to prevent spark generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a grounded metal collection tube is used to collect hydrocarbon liquid samples, then the sample can be collected effectively, but electrical arcs may occur when the tube engages grounded structures, causing fire or explosion hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive element (the collection tube itself acting as a mediator) that is deliberately designed to be conductive rather than insulating. This conductive tube serves as a controlled pathway for static charge dissipation, allowing the harmful static charge to be safely conducted to ground through the tube wall itself, thereby eliminating the harmful arc effect while maintaining effective sample collection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful static charge accumulation effect into a beneficial controlled discharge mechanism. By making the collection tube electrically conductive, the static charge that would otherwise accumulate and create hazardous arcs is instead channeled through the tube wall to a controlled ground connection, transforming the harmful electrostatic energy into a safe, controlled discharge path
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a nonconductive collection tube is used, then electrical arcs are prevented, but static charge buildup in the liquid sample cannot be effectively discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive collection tube acts as an intermediary element that bridges the liquid sample and the ground connection. It provides a controlled electrical pathway that allows static charge to discharge safely from the liquid through the tube wall to ground, preventing both arc formation and charge buildup simultaneously
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the collection device is made from resistive materials, then spark generation is prevented, but the device cannot effectively ground the static charge from the liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the specific components that contact the liquid (the collection tube and its grounding connection) electrically conductive, while other parts of the device can be made from nonconductive or resistive materials. This localized conductive property ensures effective grounding where needed without requiring the entire device to be conductive, balancing safety with functional requirements
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 device safely discharges static charges from nonconductive liquids, preventing electrical arcs and allowing safe transportation and analysis of the samples without risking fires or explosions, regardless of whether it is grounded or not.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive outer member; an electrically conductive inner member disposed within the electrically conductive outer member; means for electrically discharging the nonconductive liquid entering the outer conductive member
Implementation Method 2
A feature of the device is a grounding cable with electrically conductive clamps attached to opposite ends of the grounding cable
Data Source
AI summary
A device 10 for electrically discharging samples of an electrically non-conductive liquid includes an electrically conductive outer member 12, an electrically conductive inner member 14 disposed within the outer member 12, an electrically conductive rod 16 with upper and lower plugs 18 and 19 secured thereto to maintain a non-conductive fluid in the device 10, non-conductive handles 20 and 22 secured to the outer and inner members 12 and 14, and an electrically conductive ground cable 26 detachably secured to the rod 16 to ultimately remove or reduce static charge in the electrically non-conductive liquid via the liquid engaging the outer member 12, inner member 14 and rod 16, which are electrically grounded via the cable 26.