Wet Gas Sampling Probe Using Capillary Action for BLM Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling systems for pressurized process gases with entrained liquids, such as natural gas, lack standards for obtaining representative samples, particularly in BLM-regulated areas with limited electrical power, and fail to comply with revised BLM orders that mandate sampling without liquid rejection.
Innovation Solution
A unique sampling system that uses a linear-slot probe to capture a thin slice of the fluid stream at the center-third area, employing capillary action and passive thermal conductor plates for heating, eliminating the need for electrical power and liquid rejection filters, ensuring that the sample remains associated and is vaporized without disassociation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrically powered heaters and heated regulators are used to prevent liquid condensation and maintain sample temperature, then sample temperature control is improved, but electrical power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the process fluid itself as the heating medium. The pressurized wet gas flowing through the probe and sample line provides thermal energy to prevent condensation and maintain sample temperature, eliminating the need for external electrical heaters. The fluid's own pressure and flow characteristics are leveraged to self-regulate temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical heating systems with a mechanically-driven thermal conduction system. Thermal conduction plates transfer heat from the warmer process fluid to cooler sections of the sample line through direct thermal contact, substituting electrical energy conversion with direct thermal energy transfer via conduction.
2Reliability
If membrane-tipped probes with liquid rejection filters are used to separate entrained liquids, then liquid-free sampling is improved, but compliance with BLM order 5 is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the gaseous phase from the wet gas stream by allowing liquid to drain away through gravity and pressure differential, while the gas phase continues through the probe to the sample line. This selective extraction achieves liquid-free sampling without using membrane filters that would reject the entire sample.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using filters to actively reject liquid from the sample, the system inverts the approach by allowing liquid to naturally separate and drain away, while the gas phase is passively directed to the sampling point. This passive separation method complies with BLM order 5 by not using active liquid rejection mechanisms.
3Temperature
If conventional sampling systems are used that require electrical power for heating and vaporization, then thermal equilibrium is improved, but applicability in limited power areas is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the thermal energy already present in the pressurized process fluid to achieve thermal equilibrium. The warm process gas flowing through the probe heats the sample line and vaporizer components through thermal conduction, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on external electrical power sources for thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized process fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is the sample being analyzed, the heating medium for thermal equilibrium, and the driving force for fluid flow through the system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate electrical power systems and makes the sampler adaptable to remote locations with limited power availability.
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 system provides a compliant, efficient, and effective method for sampling wet gas streams, maintaining sample integrity and compliance with BLM order 5, even in areas with limited power availability, by preventing liquid disassociation and achieving thermal equilibrium without additional electrical load.
Implementation Method 1
employing capillary action and passive thermal conductor plates for heating
Implementation Method 2
passive thermal conductor plates for heating, eliminating the need for electrical power and liquid rejection filters, ensuring that the sample remains associated and is vaporized without disassociation
Implementation Method 3
engage a vaporizer, pressure regulator or other modular conditioning component via thermal conductor plates
Data Source
AI summary
A system for on-stream sampling of pressurized process gas such as natural gas or the like, said system optimized for use with pressurized process gas having liquid entrained therein, or otherwise referenced as “wet”. In the preferred embodiment, a probe and method of sampling is contemplated to provide linear sample of fluids from a predetermined of said fluid stream. Further taught is the method of preventing compositional disassociation of a gas sample having entrained liquid utilizing a probe having a passage formed to facilitate capillary action in fluid(s) passing therethrough. The present system further contemplates a heated pressure regulator or adapter formed to thermally engage a heat trace via conducting plates and heat pipes, in order to dispense with the need for an external power source for heating. Finally, the present system further contemplates a vaporizer system or adapter therefore utilizing heat trace heating via conductor plates in lieu of a conventional internal electric-powered heat source.