Steam Sample Concentrator Preventing Gas Dissolution Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam sample condensation techniques fail to accurately measure impurities in steam due to interference from noncondensable gases like H2S and CO2, especially in geothermal steam, which leads to inaccurate analysis and equipment damage in power and industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A steam sample concentrator and conditioning (SSCC) system that partially condenses steam, uses acid addition to maintain a pH below 3.0, and separates condensate from noncondensable gases, preventing their dissolution and allowing for accurate measurement of impurities like sodium, silica, and chloride at ppb levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional full condensation techniques are used, then steam sample collection is achieved, but noncondensable gases dissolve into the condensate causing analytical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing partial condensation and gas separation before the analytical measurement step. The condensate is separated from noncondensable gases prior to analysis, preventing gas dissolution interference from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to remove gases after they have contaminated the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts noncondensable gases from the steam sample by maintaining partial condensation conditions. The gases are removed from the condensate phase through controlled condensation processes, separating the harmful gaseous components from the liquid condensate that undergoes analysis
2Ease of operation
If pH is not controlled, then natural condensation occurs, but H2S ionizes to bisulfide ions that cannot be purged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the pH of the condensate to remain below 3.0 through the addition of acid. This parameter change prevents H2S from ionizing into bisulfide ions, keeping it in its molecular form where it can be effectively purged from the condensate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of H2S dissolution into a beneficial outcome by controlling pH. The acid addition that might seem to complicate the process actually enables effective H2S removal by preventing ionization, turning a potential analytical interference into a removable component
3Quantity of substance
If impurity concentration is too low, then steam purity is maintained, but detection at ppb levels becomes difficult due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts interfering noncondensable gases from the condensate sample through controlled partial condensation and separation. By removing these interfering species before analysis, the measurement precision for low-concentration impurities at ppb levels is significantly improved
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary gas separation and pH control before the analytical detection step. This preliminary action eliminates interference from noncondensable gases, enabling accurate detection of trace impurities that would otherwise be masked by gas dissolution effects
4Reliability
If conventional condensation is used, then steam sampling is achieved, but multiple processing steps are required to remove dissolved gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs gas separation and pH control as preliminary actions during the condensation process itself, rather than requiring separate subsequent treatment steps. This integrated approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the condensation, gas separation, and pH control functions into an integrated process. The partial condensation and gas-liquid separation occur simultaneously with pH management, consolidating multiple processing steps into a unified 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 SSCC system enhances the reliability of steam purity analysis by concentrating impurities and preventing gas interference, enabling accurate measurement of impurities with a concentration factor of up to 20 times, reducing false positives and improving process control in industrial steam applications.
Implementation Method 1
The steam is partially condensed and the liquid condensate is separated from the steam in a vapor/liquid separator
Implementation Method 2
The steam sample is partially condensed and the liquid condensate is separated from the steam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a steam sample concentrator and conditioning (SSCC) system. The SSCC finds use in concentrating impurities carried in steam (e.g., used in power generation and other industrial processes) and facilitating steam analysis. A device for determining steam purity includes an isokinetic flow control device that maintain isokinetic flow of a steam sample stream through a nozzle, and a pump that prevents the steam sample stream from becoming superheated after the isokinetic flow control device. A contactor condenses the steam sample stream, and a separator that separates a condensate sample stream from a residual steam stream sample. A flowmeter measures a flowrate of the condensate sample stream and an analyzer is configured to measure impurities.