Vapour Pressure Measurement Using Laser Displacement Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring hydrocarbon vapour pressure in chemical plants and refineries lack precision and are not suitable for online measurements in potentially explosive environments, leading to delays and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus using a sealed chamber with a moveable element and a displacement sensor, such as a laser displacement sensor, to accurately control and measure the expansion of the chamber, combined with a motor and controller for automatic operation, and an explosion-proof housing for safety, allowing for precise and safe online vapour pressure measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stepper motor is used to control the piston movement, then fine control of motion is achieved, but measurement precision is insufficient due to lack of accurate motion determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of piston motionVSAvoidaccuracy of vapour pressure measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A displacement sensor is introduced to provide feedback on the actual position of the piston. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine the precise volume of the chamber at any given time, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining the ease of operation provided by the stepper motor control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces reliance on mechanical control accuracy alone with an optical measurement system (displacement sensor). This substitution allows for precise determination of piston position and chamber volume without being limited by the mechanical step resolution of the stepper motor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If online measurements are implemented in refineries, then productivity is improved through real-time data, but safety is compromised due to potentially explosive atmospheres

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of vapour pressure data acquisitionVSAvoidsafety in explosive environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate zones: an explosive zone (refinery) where the sample is taken, and a safe zone (laboratory or protected enclosure) where the measurement apparatus operates. The sample is transferred through sealed connections, allowing real-time measurement capability while isolating the sensitive measurement equipment from the hazardous environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If manual sample analysis is performed in laboratories, then measurement reliability is maintained, but time loss occurs due to sampling and transport delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of vapour pressure measurementVSAvoiddelay in obtaining measurement data

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by taking the sample directly from the process line and immediately introducing it into the measurement chamber through automated sampling mechanisms. This eliminates the time-consuming manual sampling, transport, and preparation steps while maintaining the controlled measurement environment that ensures accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is designed to be self-sufficient with automated sample introduction, chamber pressurization, and data collection capabilities. Once the sample is introduced, the system autonomously performs the vapour pressure measurement without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides improved accuracy and reliability in vapour pressure measurements, enabling frequent online monitoring without manual intervention and ensuring safe operation in hazardous environments, thus enhancing process control and reducing maintenance downtime.

Implementation Method 1

the apparatus comprises a displacement sensor configured to measure a displacement of the movable element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDisplacement sensing: Displacement

Implementation Method 2

a displacement sensor, such as a laser displacement sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS10928261B2System and method for analysing vapour pressure

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 ICON SCI LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring the vapour pressure of a liquid hydrocarbon sample is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sealed chamber (25) for receiving the sample. The chamber (25) is at least partially defined by a moveable element (26) such that moving the moveable element (26) alters the volume of the chamber (25). The apparatus comprises a displacement sensor (29) configured to measure a displacement of the movable element (26).