Direct Tank Liquid Sampling Device with Surge Pipe and In-Line Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tank sampling systems are prone to blockages, lack representativity, and pose safety hazards due to manual operation and direct contact with hazardous substances, failing to ensure reliable and safe sampling of liquids from large tanks without operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A direct tank liquid sampling device with a surge pipe system that collects liquid at a distance from the tank wall, preventing blockages and ensuring representativity, combined with automated operation and in-line measurement capabilities, allowing continuous sampling and analysis without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sampling with a sampling bottle is used, then operator flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but operator safety is compromised due to direct contact with hazardous substances
Solution Approach 1:
An automated sampling device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous liquid in the tank. The device includes a sampling probe that can be lowered into the tank, a collection chamber, and an automated dispensing mechanism, eliminating the need for operators to directly handle sampling bottles near hazardous substances while maintaining the sampling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of lowering, filling, and retrieving sampling bottles is replaced with an automated mechanical system. The automated device uses motorized mechanisms to control the sampling probe movement, liquid collection, and dispensing, thereby protecting operators from exposure to hazardous substances while performing the same sampling function.
2Ease of operation
If direct sampling from the tank wall area is performed, then sampling simplicity is maintained, but blockages occur due to contact with dirty surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling probe is extracted from the tank wall area and positioned to collect liquid from the bulk liquid zone. The probe extends through a sealed penetration in the tank wall, allowing sampling from the liquid interior without contact with the dirty external tank wall surface, thus preventing blockages while maintaining sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed penetration or flange assembly acts as an intermediary between the sampling probe and the tank interior. This intermediary component provides a clean, sealed interface that prevents contamination from the tank wall area while allowing the probe to access the liquid for sampling without direct contact with dirty surfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If sampling is performed close to the tank internal wall, then installation simplicity is maintained, but sample representativity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling probe is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be extended to various depths and positions within the tank liquid. This enables the probe to reach the bulk liquid zone away from the tank wall while maintaining easy installation through a fixed penetration point, thus achieving both installation simplicity and sample representativity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling approach transitions from a two-dimensional wall-mounted interface to a three-dimensional liquid volume access. The probe extends radially and vertically from the tank wall penetration into the liquid bulk, enabling sampling from multiple positions and depths, thereby ensuring representativity while maintaining simple wall penetration installation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If automated sampling systems are implemented, then operator safety is improved, but system complexity increases leading to maintenance challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The automated sampling device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a probe assembly for liquid access, a collection chamber for sample accumulation, a dispensing mechanism for sample release, and a control system. This segmentation allows each module to be independently maintained or replaced, reducing overall system complexity challenges while maintaining automated safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated sampling device incorporates self-cleaning or self-flushing capabilities through integrated fluid lines that can circulate cleaning solutions through the probe and collection chamber. This self-service feature reduces maintenance requirements and complexity by enabling the system to maintain itself without extensive external intervention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Direct tank liquid sampling device (1) comprising a plurality of inlet lines (2) to supply a liquid of a liquid tank stock (3) to a main collector (7); a pump (4) configured to circulate a collected liquid in the device (1); a packing section (6); a main piping (19, 20, 21) fluidly coupling the main collector (7) and the packing section (6) for supplying the packing section (6) with a portion of said collected liquid; an in-line measuring instrument (5) fluidly coupled to the main piping ((19, 20, 21) in an intermediate position between the main collector (7) and the packing section (6), said in-line measuring instrument (5) being configured for measuring one or more of the following liquid parameters: density, viscosity, temperature, electrical conductivity, or sulphur content.