Vacuum Jacketed Probe Adapter for Remote LNG Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LNG sample vaporizer take-off probe assemblies are limited by design constraints that require the LNG transmission pipeline to be shut down for maintenance, restrict geometric flexibility, and necessitate close spacing between the vaporizer and analyzer to prevent thermal issues, leading to inflexible system design and maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum jacketed probe adapter that allows for flexible connection between the sample probe and vaporizer, using a flange member, hollow vacuum tubing, and double block-and-bleed valves to maintain thermal isolation and enable remote placement of the vaporizer up to ten meters from the probe, allowing for retrofitting without disrupting LNG transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the vaporizer is placed close to the probe to minimize thermal effects, then thermal isolation is improved, but geometric design flexibility and equipment placement freedom deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional segments: the probe assembly remains at the pipeline takeoff point while the vaporizer is placed remotely. The sample line connecting these segments is vacuum-jacketed to maintain thermal isolation, allowing each component to be optimally positioned independently rather than constrained to a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
A vacuum-jacketed sample line acts as an intermediary between the probe and remote vaporizer. This intermediary maintains thermal isolation over extended distances, enabling the vaporizer to be placed far from the probe while still preventing thermal effects on the cryogenic sample during transit.
2Reliability
If the probe is deadheaded into the pipeline with direct welding, then connection reliability is improved, but maintenance complexity and pipeline shutdown requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is segmented into a removable module that can be detached from the pipeline without affecting the main line. This modular design maintains reliable sampling connections while enabling independent maintenance of the probe and vaporizer components without requiring pipeline shutdown or purging.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system transitions from a fixed welded configuration to a dynamic, removable connection. The probe assembly can be easily detached and reattached, providing operational flexibility for maintenance while maintaining reliable sampling connections during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sample line is extended to allow remote vaporizer placement, then geometric flexibility is improved, but thermal isolation effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A vacuum-jacketed sample line serves as a thermal intermediary, extending the thermal barrier over long distances. The vacuum jacketing maintains effective thermal isolation throughout the extended sample line, preventing heat transfer to the cryogenic sample even when the vaporizer is placed up to ten meters from the probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum jacketing acts as a flexible thermal barrier that can be extended over long distances. This thin-walled vacuum insulation structure maintains thermal isolation effectiveness while accommodating extended sample line lengths and remote vaporizer placement.
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
Enables flexible design and maintenance of LNG sample take-off equipment by maintaining cryogenic sample temperatures and preventing pre-vaporization, while allowing for remote placement of the vaporizer, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a first length of hollow vacuum tubing with a first end and a second end, having a cross-sectional dimension corresponding to that of the flange member to be hermetically sealable thereto at said first end
Implementation Method 2
The limitation on the length between the take off and analyzer is attributed to the effort to minimize adverse thermal effects, e.g., dew point dropout, fractionation, or the like during transit of the extracted fluid to the associated sample conditioning vaporizer
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum jacketed gas line adaptor with a flange cover for an existing pipeline sample take-off probe encasing a sample line and hermetically sealed to a vacuum valve housing having an sealable access port and containing a vented bleed valve and a block valve, fluidly connected to the sample line and a length of vacuum jacketed tubing sealing connected to the valve housing and in vacuum communication therewith, where the vacuum jacketed tubing surrounds the sample line to provide thermal isolation from the ambient for the sample line to a sample vaporizer.