Wet gas sample probe, vaporizing regulator, and methods associated therewith

Abstract

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 a linear sample of fluids from a predetermined area 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 unique modular vaporizing pressure regulator formed to electrically engage a tube bundle via a tube bundle boot mounted on the bracket of a modular sample system in order to dispense with the need for conduit normally required for a separate power cord.

Claims

1. A tube bundle interface for a modular conditioning system, comprising: a heated conditioning component affixed to a mounting bracket; a tube bundle boot affixed to said mounting bracket; a tube bundle comprising an sample tube formed to facilitate a flow of conditioned fluid from said modular conditioning system, said sample tube being insulated, said tube bundle further comprising a power cord; wherein said tube bundle boot is formed to receive and engage an end of said tube bundle so as to provide power to a heater for said heated conditioning component, via said power cord.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said heater comprises a heater block associated with said heated conditioning component.

3. The device of claim 2, where said heated conditioning component comprises a vaporizer.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said vaporizer comprises a modular vaporizing pressure regulator, having a first pressure reducing stage.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein said modular vaporizing pressure regulator has a second pressure reducing stage.

6. The device of claim 5 where said modular vaporizing pressure regulator further comprises a radiant heat sink formed to thermally engage said heater block, said radiant heat sink situated in a vaporization chamber, and a heat pipe, said heat pipe formed to transfer heat from said heater block to a component engaging said vaporization chamber.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said modular vaporizing pressure regulator has an inlet, said modular vaporizing pressure regulator further comprising: a plastic tube formed to thermally isolate said inlet; a length of capillary tubing sized for the fluid and flow rate using the Poiseuille Equation, said capillary tubing mounted to transfer fluid from a probe to said inlet, said heater block being formed to conduct heat to said vaporizing chamber; a heat sink formed to provide selective transfer heat within said vaporizer; a internal heat pipe to transfer heat to the outlet pressure drop area of the vaporizer a post-heat internal heat exchanger formed to transfer heat to the outlet of the vaporizer.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said modular vaporizing pressure regulator has a bottom cap having a raised portion forming an engagement surface to receive heat from said heater block, said raised portion corresponding to the size of said heater block and said vaporizer chamber formed so as to maximize heat transfer efficiency.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein said inlet comprises a liquid bypass port.

10. The device of claim 5, wherein said tube bundle further comprises a heat trace having a length thermally engaging said sample tube, said power cord being isolated from said heat trace and said power cord via said insulation.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein said tube bundle has a length, and a cover along said length enveloping said sample tube, said heat trace and said insulation, as well as said power cord.

12. The device of claim 5, wherein said sample tube is configured to facilitate said flow of conditioned fluid from said modular conditioning system to an analyzer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a frontal view of a sample conditioning system comprising modular sampling and/or conditioning components mounted to a substrate bracket, enclosed via a housing/enclosure 10 further showing an end view of the source of gas with entrained liquids, a linear sampling probe of the present invention situated therein, providing a passage to the modular sampling/conditioning components via substrate coupling.

(3) FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1, with housing/enclosure 10 and substrate coupling 5 shown.

(4) FIG. 3 is a partial, close-up view of the probe, housing/enclosure and substrate of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 4 is a side, sectional, cut-away view showing the insertion mechanism supporting the probe tip.

(6) FIG. 5A is an isometric, front view of the probe tip illustrating the linear slot formed along the length of the body, and threaded connection end with outflow passage.

(7) FIG. 5B is a greyscale view of the probe tip of FIG. 5A.

(8) FIG. 6A is a bottom, partially cutaway view of the probe tip.

(9) FIG. 6B is a side, partially cut-away, partially cross sectional, detailed view of the probe tip.

(10) FIG. 6C is a side, partially cut-away, partially cross sectional, detailed view of the threaded end of the probe tip and outflow passage of FIG. 6B.

(11) FIG. 7A illustrates a side, partially cut-away, partially cross-sectional view of the probe with slotted probe tip of the present invention having the capillary line through the length of the probe via probe passage, passing through the probe first end, rack, and the second end to probe tip.

(12) FIG. 7B is a side, partially cut-away, detailed view of the first end of the capillary tube engaging a flow component for flow out of the probe, sealed via o-ring.

(13) FIG. 7C is a side, partially cut-away, detailed view of the second end of the capillary tube engaging a flow component for flow out of the probe, sealed via o-ring.

(14) FIG. 7D is a side, partially cut-away view of the probe of the present invention extending into a pipeline, the probe having the modular conditioning system of the present invention mounted thereto, and illustrating the capillary passage 62 from the probe tip outlet 54 to the vaporizing regulator inlet 7.

(15) FIG. 8A is a first side, perspective view of a tube bundle configuration with cover and insulation as utilized in the tube bundle interface for the present invention.

(16) FIG. 8B is an end view of the tube bundle configuration with cover and insulation of FIG. 8A.

(17) FIG. 8C is a second side, perspective view of the tube bundle configuration with cover of 8A.

(18) FIG. 9 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 8A illustrating a length of tube bundle showing a terminated end and components including sample tube and power cord.

(19) FIG. 10 is a side view further illustrating the insertion of the first end of tube bundle into tube bundle boot of the modular sample system, along with various modular sampling conditioner components including pressure gauge 57, relief valve 56, and temperature gauge 58.

(20) FIG. 11 is a side view of the modular sample system illustrating the first end of the tube bundle fully inserted and swaged in the tube bundle boot, with the power cord engaging the power cord receiver, and outlet tubing engaging the outlet tubing connection.

(21) FIG. 12 is a side view of the second embodiment of the modular vaporizing regulator of the present invention.

(22) FIG. 13 is a section view of the invention of FIG. 12, further showing an internal view of the construction of the second embodiment of the present invention.

(23) FIG. 14 is a partial, close-up view of FIG. 13, illustrating the thermal isolation barrier of the present invention, to prevent partial fractionization of the liquid sample.

(24) FIG. 15 is a color section view of the applicant assignee's prior art GENIE brand Heated Regulator (GHR) with pre and post heat exchange.

(25) FIG. 16 is a black and white section view of the applicant assignee's prior art GENIE brand Heated Regulator (GHR) mounted to a heater block, the combination providing pre and post heat exchange.

(26) FIG. 17 is a section view of the prior art GENIE brand Heated Regulator (GHR) with the heater block and bracket removed.

(27) FIG. 18 is a section view of the GHR upper, with the GHR bottom section of FIG. 17 removed, and replaced with the modular vaporizer bottom (lower) of the present invention.

(28) FIG. 19 is a section view of FIG. 18 with the modular vaporizer chamber of the present invention added.

(29) FIG. 20 is a section view of FIG. 19 with the modular vaporizer bottom cap added to the present invention.

(30) FIG. 21 is the section view of the invention of FIG. 13, without annotations.

(31) FIG. 22 is a frontal view of the first embodiment of the present invention.

(32) FIG. 23 is a section view of FIG. 22, further showing an internal view of the construction of the first embodiment of the present invention.

(33) FIG. 23A is an isometric, partial, cut-away view of the invention of FIG. 23, illustrating in detail opposing extensions 44, 44 forming radiant heat sink 44 which is formed to conduct heat from bottom cap 38 to provide radiant heat 60, 60 from extensions 44, 44, respectively, forming a heated area H therebetween to heat capillary tube 45 situated therein.

(34) FIG. 23B is a side, partial, cut-away view of the invention of FIG. 23A, illustrating the migration of heat generated by heat block 37, the heat conducted 59 via raised center area 38 to vaporizer bottom cap 38, which heats vaporization chamber, and heat pipe 46 providing moveable heat transfer 61 from bottom cap 38, through vaporization chamber, to vaporizer bottom 42.

(35) FIG. 24A is a front view of the first embodiment of the present invention in a modular sample system enclosure with one enclosure half removed.

(36) FIG. 24B is a side view of the invention of FIG. 24A.

(37) FIG. 25 is the applicant assignee's prior art vaporizer (GENIE brand Vaporizer).

(38) FIG. 26 is a color section view of the applicant assignee's prior art GENIE brand JTR multi-stage Heated Regulator, described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,479, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

(39) FIG. 27A is a front view of the adaptation of the GENIE brand JTR to a modular vaporizing regulator of the present invention.

(40) FIG. 27B is a side view of the invention of FIG. 27A.

(41) FIG. 28A is a section view of the invention of FIG. 27A.

(42) FIG. 28B is a section view of the invention of FIG. 27B.

DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

(43) Referring to FIGS. 1-24B, the linear sample probe extracts a representative sample from the pipeline and transports that sample to the unique and innovative modular vaporizing regulator system of the present invention. The output of the modular vaporizing regulator yields a single phase gas only sample that leaves the modular sample conditioning system, where it is transported via a heated tube bundle to an analyzer for analysis.

Linear Sample Probe and Method of Sampling

(44) Preferably, the preferred embodiment of the modular sample conditioning system of the present invention is mounted at the source of the sample, in this case a pipeline having pressurized process gas with entrained liquids.

(45) FIGS. 1-4 show the pressurized source of gas (a/k/a process source) with entrained liquids 2 with insertion probe 1 having mounted thereto a linear, slotted sampling probe tip 3 positioned in the fluid stream so that the collection slot 19 of probe tip 3 faces the fluid flow, the probe tip 3 being positionable within the pipe in the center-third area to sample the center-third 12 as required (such as in certain BLM locations) to collect from the medial area of the flow stream, although the probe length and associated collection area can be modified as required. A probe isolation valve 4 is provided to selectively open and close the flow to the modular sample conditioning system 10, as required.

(46) Referring to FIGS. 1-7C, formed through the outer wall 18 of the body 15 of the linear sampling probe tip 3 is an elongated, continuous or uninterrupted slot or opening 19 having a length aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the body 15, the slot or opening 19 having a relatively narrow width 19, and ends 17, 17 penetrating the outer wall or surface of the body, the slot forming first and second side walls within the body forming an outer edge 20 and an inner edge 20 corresponding to its depth and providing a passage to the outflow passage 21 having a small inside diameter.

(47) In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the slot 19 preferably has a relatively uniform width preferably corresponding to, or less than, that of opening, while providing passage about to the longitudinal body at the inner edge 20 of the slot, shown about halfway through body. The slot as shown is aligned with and runs along longitudinal axis, although the length and position of the slot can vary depending upon the application.

(48) As shown, the slot 19 in the exemplary, preferred embodiment of the probe tip of the present invention runs from just below the first 17 end of body 15 to about the second end 17 of body 15, with the inner edge 20 of the slot 19 engaging outflow passage 21 having a small inside diameter, as shown, which is formed to engage, as required, insertion probe 1 to provide a channel of flow of fluid therefrom, the outflow passage 21 in the present embodiment preferably having an inner diameter preferably equal to or less than the width of slot.

(49) The present system is formed to collect via the slot in the slotted probe tip a linear sample spanning a pre-determined area for sampling of the pipe, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the center-third area 12 of the flow as is illustrated in FIG. 3, or (in other versions) alternatively other zones or even the full span of the pipe from side-wall to side-wall, providing a representative sample of the fluid stream wherein a fluid sample of the fluid stream is collected along a line spanning the inner diameter of said pipe, even where there is present entrained liquid particles and even flowing liquid droplets/streams along the lower and/or upper surfaces of the pipe. While the present figures illustrate the position of the probe tip as vertical, this is not intended to be limiting, as the probe can be oriented at any angle relative the pipe, as long as the probe interface (insertion point) allows it.

(50) The slot and outflow passage are preferably relatively narrow (less than 1/32 depending on the volume of fluid being sample, the speed, viscosity, and other factors) to remove a very thin slice of the total breadth of the fluid stream, so as to provide an accurate composite of the total fluid flow using principals similar to the integral principle as used in calculus.

(51) As described, the body 15 has first 17 and second 17 ends defining a length therebetween, the slot 19 defining a narrow opening to a centrally disposed outflow passage 21 of preferably equal or less diameter than the slot width, thus providing the integral slice (in the present example, less than 1/32 wide slot from the outer surface of the probe) to intersect the small ID outflow passage (less than 1/32), so that process fluid having sample gas containing entrained liquid 2 (FIG. 1) passes into the slot 19, passing therethrough to outflow passage 21 to the probe 1, at an equal or higher velocity than the fluid stream, so as to preserve the composition of the fluid stream and prevent disassociation of same.

(52) The threaded end 22 of slotted probe tip 3 threadingly engages the second end of probe 1. Probe 1 has a passage 11 formed therethrough along its length, the probe 1 having an outer diameter 13 formed to allow its length to pass through probe isolation valve 4 (while in an open position) for selective insertion of the probe tip through isolation valve 4, and into the fluid stream.

(53) The probe has formed therethrough along its length probe passage 11 to provide for the passage of fluid from the probe tip 3 there through. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a capillary tube 24 (in the present embodiment, formed of stainless steel) is provided having a length and first 25 and second ends 25 and is situated through the length of probe passage 11, the second end 25 of capillary tube 24 formed to engage the outflow passage 21 of probe tip 3 at a receiver 26 (having ID 21) formed within the threaded end 22 of probe tip 3, the first end 25 of capillary tube 24 sealingly engaging the probe tip's outflow passage 21 via o-ring 117.

(54) The second end 16 of insertion probe 1 engages the probe tip 3 via o-ring providing a sealed connection.

(55) The capillary tube 24 in the present embodiment passes through the length of probe passage 11, the o-ring at first end 25 of capillary tube engaging a flow component 27 (in this case, a 90-degree angle connector), and is sealed via O-ring 117 and positioned to align with a capillary flow passage 119 for flow to the conditioning components downstream, in the present case, the flow would run from capillary tube to regulator inlet (7FIG. 23), where any entrained liquid in the flow is vaporized by a heated regulator or vaporizer.

(56) The capillary tube 24, like the probe tip 3 has an ID 23 formed to facilitate capillary tube capillary flow properties in the fluid flowing therethrough, which, in the present case, for wet gas (natural gas having entrained liquid) has been found to exist in a passage having an inner diameter of less than 1/32, although this figure could vary depending upon the surface tension of the liquids and other factors, further, the geometry of the capillary tube passage facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough at least at the velocity of the fluid stream from which the sample is taken, or at a higher velocity thereto.

(57) In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the capillary tube 24 comprises Dursan OD stainless steel tubing, which is situated inside the probe passage (and rack), and the present tubing having a 0.030 or less ID 23 to prevent sample disassociation via capillary action (and maintaining or providing enhanced fluid velocity), the optimal diameter of which can vary significantly depending upon the operational criteria and wet gas composition.

(58) In the system of the present invention, it is imperative that no disassociation takes place in the sample fluid flow, from the moment the sampling occurs at the slotted probe tip, through the length of probe 1 (in the preferred embodiment, via capillary tube 24), to regulator inlet 7 (where the sample is conditioned via heated regulator and vaporized).

(59) In the alternative to a capillary tube 24, the inner diameter (ID) of probe passage 11 itself could have an ID 116 formed to maintain or increase flow velocity from the probe tip along its length, and accordingly have an ID equal to or less than the width of the opening forming the slot 19 in the slotted probe tip 3 or ID of the outflow passage 23 (i.e., less than 1/32), the geometry formed to provide capillary action in the wet gas flowing therethrough to prevent disassociation thereof.

(60) Continuing with FIGS. 6A-6B, the slotted probe tip 3 of the present invention can include on the back side opposite slot opening 19 threaded apertures 28 formed to threadingly receive screws or other fasteners to facilitate the attachment of a cylindrical solids filter screen (for example, 4040 mesh, 0.010 wire), to envelope the outer diameter (OD) 13 of the probe tip and prevent solids from entering the opening to slot 19, but large enough for the velocity of the sample to keep fluids from accumulating. A bottom screen disc D may also be provided at the second end 17 of slotted probe tip 3 held in place with a spiral retaining ring D.

(61) The system of the present invention ensures that the representative sample taken either in spot, batch or continuous fashion is not allowed to disassociate by providing the very small internal cavity forming the outflow passage, to maintain or enhance the fluid flow velocity through the system. The pipeline area is very large compared to the probe's very small interior and because of this vast difference, fluid in the outflow passage from the slotted probe tip to the probe will always be flowing at a higher velocity than the pipeline fluid.

(62) The high gas velocity (higher than the source velocity of the pipeline) of the very small internal cavity/fluid outflow passage is formed to sweep all of the liquid particles at the same velocity as the gas particles being transported from the source to the probe. Therefore, it would remain associated with the gas from which it condensed, as verified from Applicant's own empirical testing. High velocity gas in the small internal diameter bore forming outflow passage engaging the relatively narrow slot of the probe will prevent any significant layer of liquid from accumulating on the surfaces. Even if an ultra-thin layer were to coat the probe's interior, the total area is anticipated to be small so that the impact would be expected to be negligible.

(63) Continuing with FIGS. 1-7C, 10, and 24A-B, as shown, the slotted probe tip 3 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is engaged to the capillary tube 24 (when utilized) then the end of an insertion probe 1, which then is lowered or inserted (e.g., via the rack in the preferred embodiment) into a pipeline, as may be required for certain BLM locations, the probe tip 3 positioned in the medial or center-third area 12 of the pipe with the opening forming the entrance of the slot 19 facing the flow stream 2. While the present illustration shows the sampling position of the probe such that the probe tip 3 is in the center-third area 12 for BLM compliance, it is noted that the probe tip can be positioned elsewhere as required.

(64) A portion of the fluid stream comprising a linear slice of the fluid flow in the positioned portion of the pipe then passes into the opening, into and through the slot, then through the pressure of the flow stream is urged through the outflow passage, capillary tube with capillary flow on to the modular conditioning components for heating and/or collection, online analysis, monitoring, or other usage. As earlier indicated outflow passage in the preferred embodiment as well as downstream the probe tip to the conditioning components preferably has an inner diameter commensurate with the width of the slot formed in the body forming the slotted probe tip, resulting lesser area than the slot, so as to facilitate at least equal but more likely greater fluid velocity flow through said outflow passage, to keep the fluid from slowing and possibly disassociating.

(65) Along with the higher velocity sweeping the wet gas sample so that it does not disassociate, conventional science recognizes that, as the inside diameter or cross-sectional area of a slot or passage decreases, a static liquid having sufficient surface tension will interact with the walls of sufficiently small slot or passage to trigger static capillary functionality, a phenomenon known to occur when the static liquids adhesion to the walls is stronger than the cohesive forces between the liquid's molecules. Such a phenomenon, in combination with the higher velocity sweep, is believed to be an inherently motivating feature in the present invention when wet natural gas passes through the slot or wall when the clearance is at most (depending on various factor) equal or preferably generally less than 1/32, although the exact threshold where static capillary function can and will occur in this dynamic sweeping combination can vary depending on the composition of the wet gas, as well as other factors.

(66) In the probe of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slot as well as its flow passages therefrom are formed to have a very small internal cavity so as to facilitate capillary action which has been found to makes the slip ratio of the fluid composition flowing therethrough very nominal, essentially unity, so that, at the appropriate velocity the effect is to sweep all of the entrained liquid particles at the same velocity as the gas, so as to prevent disassociation of same.

(67) While the velocity of fluid flow through the slot and probe passage is preferably higher than that of the fluid stream in the pipeline, and without reduction in velocity as it flows through the system to the conditioning component (such as the vaporizer as will be discussed herein), it is noted that with any larger inside diameter or clearance, (for example, larger than 1/32 inch, as with prior art probes with inside diameters of inch or such), the two phases might disassociate even with the higher velocity flow. It is therefore important that the velocity and diameter size be balanced to exploit the capillary effect and prevent disassociation of the wet gas composition.

(68) A wet gas composition can vary significantly depending upon its source, typically comprising a multicomponent hydrocarbon stream and realistically may comprise at least six different components in two phases. Also, the fluid may contain undesirable injected components such as glycols and scavengers. However, it is believed that a combination of phase diagram data and empirical testing can provide a guide to determine an optimal slot and flow passage geometry for a particular application. Accordingly, the applicant is unaware of any direct calculations for this combination effect of passage size and velocity, but in-house testing suggests the slot and internal passageway will be less than 1/32 in diameter, the optimal size depending on the wet gas composition and environmental criteria.

(69) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sample, once taken, is then directed to a modular vaporizing regulator to vaporize any liquids, providing a single-phase sample, then to a process analyzer, monitor, sample container, or other end use.

(70) Considering the above and foregoing, a method of sampling a wet gas from a fluid stream

(71) the present invention could therefore comprise the steps of, for example:

(72) a. providing a probe having a probe passage formed along its length having an inner diameter having a geometry to facilitate capillary action in wet gas flowing therethrough, at a higher velocity than said fluid stream;

(73) b. allowing wet gas to flow from said fluid stream into and through said probe so as to provide capillary action at the higher velocity;

(74) c. allowing said capillary action to prevent disassociation of said composition of said wet gas as it flows through said probe passage.

(75) Still further, the method of sampling a wet gas comprising gas with entrained liquid in a fluid stream having a flow velocity could comprise, for example, the steps of:

(76) a) providing a probe tip 3 engaging a probe 1, said probe tip comprising an elongated slot situated substantially along its length;

(77) b) laterally positioning said probe tip in the fluid stream so that said slot faces the stream;

(78) c) utilizing said slot to receive a linear sample of flow of said stream into said body, providing received flow;

(79) d) flowing said received flow through a passage sized to have capillary flow properties to prevent disassociation; and vaporizing said received flow to provide a representative sample.

(80) Still another method of the present invention can be summarized as follows:

(81) i. analyzing the wet gas to provide compositional analysisanalysis can be accomplished via, for example, an analyzer A, which might comprise, for example, a gas chromatograph of mass spectrometer, or other analyzer known and utilized in the industry;

(82) ii. utilizing said compositional analysis to determine, for example via the Poiseuille Equation as discussed supra, the dimensions required in a passage to facilitate capillary action in the flow of said wet gas therethrough, providing a capillary passage geometry, which in the case of a radial passage might comprise an internal diameter, for example.

(83) iii. providing in a probe and passage connected to said probe having said capillary passage geometry;

(84) iv. inserting I said probe into said fluid stream;

(85) v. allowing wet gas to flow 2 from said fluid stream into and through said probe passage and

(86) outflow passage to a conditioning component such as, for example, a vaporizing regulator as discussed herein;

(87) vi. utilizing the flow of said wet gas through said capillary passage geometry to facilitate capillary action in said wet gas flowing therethrough;

(88) vii. utilizing said capillary action to prevent disassociation of said composition of said wet gas as it flows therethrough.

(89) As discussed, optimally said probe passage has an outflow passage engaging said elongated slot, which outflow passage is sized in relation to said slot so as to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough at least at the flow velocity of fluid flowing through said slot;

(90) As discussed, to be compliant with present BLM regulations at FMPs, preferably the probe tip 3) would be situated in the center third (medial area) of the flow.

(91) While less than 1/32 is indicated as an example of the diameter for capillary flow in the present wet gas application, it is reiterated that the optimal specific geometry can vary depending on a number of criteria. A combination of phase diagram data and empirical testing could be used as a guide to determine the optimum capillary diameter/geometry for the particular wet gas composition, taking further into account the particular pipeline/flow property, application, environmental, and other factors.

Tube Bundle and Boot

(92) FIGS. 8A-9 shows the power conductor or cord 34 of the present invention integrated into the tube bundle 29. Companies such as Thermon Manufacturing Company, www.thermon.com, offer custom tubing bundle options for their products, which might include non-heated auxiliary conductors within tube bundle, as denoted in their Application Flyer PAF0027-0714 (form PAF0027-0714).

(93) Said figures further show the tube bundle 29 protected along its length via cover 30, and having insulation 31 therethrough to isolate the components as desired. Situated along the length of the tube bundle is sample tube 32 for conveying sample fluid from the modular sample conditioning system, the sample tube in the present preferred embodiment comprising a OD Stainless Steel tube that is heated by an adjacent heat trace 33 along the length of the tube bundle 29, the heat trace 33 terminating at the end of tube bundle.

(94) In the present invention, a separate, non-heated power cord 34 of adequate gauge to convey the total required power to the unique sample conditioning system or other apparatus (for the length required) is provided in the tube bundle 29.

(95) The length of tube bundle 29 can vary depending on the power source location and the sample system location. FIG. 14 is a grayscale drawing of FIG. 12. Rather than using power from the heat trace which normally would provide inadequate power for vaporizers or the like, the present invention provides the separate power conductor or cord 34 in the tube bundle for utilization as the power source. The power cord 34 may bring 110V AC or 24V DC to the modular sample system (and power heater block 37) utilizing the tube bundle, and again, its gauge may vary depending on its length and power requirements of the system.

(96) FIGS. 10-11 illustrates a tube bundle boot 35 mounted M to the bracket 9 of a modular sample system 6, the tube bundle boot 35 formed to receive the tube bundle 29. In addition, the tube bundle boot 35 is formed to allow power cord 34 to pass therethrough to engage a power cord receiver or the like in the modular sample system 6.

(97) The sample tube 32 in tube bundle 29 is formed to extend therefrom and pass through tube bundle boot 35 so as to engage in sealed fashion and connect to, for example, a connection in the modular sample system.

Modular Vaporizing Regulator

(98) In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the FIGS. 7A-7C, 10-11, 22-24, and 27-28, a modular vaporizing regulator 8 is mounted in the modular sample conditioning system 6 and receives a representative sample from the linear sample probe via slotted probe tip 3 or the like.

(99) The modular vaporizing regulator of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 23) comprises the GENIE brand Heated Regulator (GHR) component or top 40 (also referred to as the upper regulator module), with the GHR bottom section of FIG. 17 removed and replaced with a new and unique modular vaporizer bottom 42 (also referred to as a vaporizer/regulator interface module), the regulator top 40 and bottom 42 forming the regulator component, which in turn is stacked upon and mounted to the new modular vaporizer chamber 39 (also referred to as a vaporizer module), mounted to a bottom cap 38, as further described herein.

(100) FIG. 20 is a section view of FIG. 19 with the modular vaporizer bottom cap added to the present invention. The linear sample probe has an outlet passage with a small inside diameter. Small diameter capillary tubing 24 connects the outlet of the linear probe to the inlet 7 of the modular vaporizing regulator.

(101) Continuing with FIGS. 23, 23A-B, the novel and unique modular vaporizing regulator utilizes three types of heat: conduction heat from a heater block 37, radiant heat from a heat sink 44, and moveable heat transfer from a heat pipe. Radiant heat sink 44 has emanating therefrom parallel opposing extensions 44, 44 forming radiant heat sink 44, said heat sink 44 formed to conduct heat from bottom cap 38 to provide radiant heat 60, 60 from extensions 44, 44, respectively, forming a heat zone H. The modular vaporizing regulator thermally engages a heater block 37 via mounting bracket 37 configured so that conduction heat passes from the heater block 37 to the modular vaporizer bottom cap 38. The vaporizer bottom cap 38, forming the base of the vaporizer section, has a raised portion 38 formed and oriented to fully engage/contact heater block and or bracket 37 (formed of heat conducting material) for maximum heat transfer, preferably in the center area of the bottom cap 38. Preferably, the raised portion 38 of bottom cap 38 has dimensions which generally correspond to inner diameter 39 of the modular vaporizer chamber 39 as well as the width 37 of the heater block 37.

(102) Heat generated by heater block 37 is thereby transferred through bottom cap 38 to the modular vaporizing chamber 39. Inside vaporizing chamber 39 is a radiant heat sink 44 mounted to the modular vaporizing regulator bottom cap 38. Heat generated by heat block 37 is transferred via conduction through raised center area 38 to vaporizer bottom cap 38, which heats radiant heat sink 44 and vaporization chamber.

(103) A heat pipe 46 thermally engages the modular vaporizing regulator bottom cap 38, the length of said heat pipe 46 passing thru vaporizing chamber 39, transferring heat to the modular vaporizing regulator bottom (42 in FIG. 23 or 48 in FIG. 28B) to provide heat so as to counteract any Joule-Thomson cooling effect which might occur due to pressure decline, the regulator bottom forming the outlet pressure drop area of the vaporizer. Heat pipe 46 thereby provides moveable heat transfer 61 from bottom cap 38, through vaporization chamber, to vaporizer bottom 42.

(104) Capillary tubing 45 (tubing sized internally to facilitate capillary action in the fluid flowing therethrough) is provided in the modular vaporizing chamber 39. The capillary tubing 45 (formed of stainless steel in the exemplary embodiment) connects the sample inlet (regulator inlet 7) with thermal isolation barrier 43 (as utilized in applicant assignee's prior art GENIE brand vaporizer FIG. 25) to the modular vaporizing regulator bottom (42 or 48). For example, a plastic tubing insert could be used as a thermal isolation barrier to resist heat from the vaporization chamber and thereby maintain a cold zone at the inlet so as to facilitate flash vaporization once the fluid flows into the capillary tubing in the vaporization chamber, as further described herein.

(105) Capillary tube 45 runs through vaporization chamber in the heat zone H between radiant heat sink extensions 44, 44, shown longitudinally aligned with same, the capillary tube preferably formed of metal or other heat conductive material, and preferably coiled in the area of heat zone Z to maximize heat transfer to the fluid flowing therethrough, so as to vaporize same.

(106) Any entrained liquid flowing through capillary tubing 45 is flash vaporized without fractionation due to the thermal isolation barrier 43 (which might comprise, for example, a plastic PTFE tube encircling said capillary tube) to prevent heat from reaching the liquid until it is inside the vaporization chamber 39 via capillary action tube 45. The capillary tube ID is sufficiently small to prevent sample disassociation as it is vaporized within the heated zone of the modular vaporizing chamber 39. The optimal length and inside diameter of the capillary action tube 11 can be determined and adjusted according to the Poiseuille Equation as applied in fluid dynamics, which reads:
Volumetric Flow of Liquid=(delta Ptubing inside radius to the 4th)/(8/piviscositylength) Where: delta P is the pressure difference between the ends of the tube

(107) An exemplary application of the Poiseuille Equation in the present case might entail, for example: Liquid Propane example: Liquid propane viscosity=0.11 cP=0.0011 P For tubing with an inside radius of 0.015 inches and a delta P of 10 psi that is 3 inches long, the volumetric flow rate would be approximately 2.4 cc/min of liquid propane. Propane has a liquid to gas expansion ratio of 270:1. Therefore, one could expect approximately 640 cc/min of propane vapor. In the present example, the vaporizer could have a 3-inch-long coil of 1/16 inch outside diameter stainless steel tubing with an inside diameter of 1/32 inch and have an output of 640 cc/min of propane vapor.

(108) The tube may consist of lengths of different inside diameter tubing pieces connected together, although preferably the ID of the passage should preferably remain consistent at the connections.

(109) Any liquid in the fluid stream in the capillary action tube 45 passing through heated modular vaporization chamber 39 during operation is vaporized due to the combined heat action of the heated radiant heat sink 44 as well as the heated regulator valve stem and seat, which are heated by heat pipe 46. The heated vapor then makes its way through the capillary action tube 45 to the outlet passing the post regulator heat exchanger 47, which is formed to transfer heat to the vaporizer outlet 49.

(110) The exemplary capillary tube, being formed of stainless, a natural thermal conductor, transfers the heat from the vapor chamber to the fluid passing therethrough, vaporizing any entrained liquid(s) therein. The capillary tube is shown in the vaporization chamber in its preferable coiled configuration, which enhances performance by heating a longer section of the tubing within the vaporization chamber. The heated vapor then passes from through vaporizer outlet 45, through regulator 40 then makes its way out of the modular sample conditioning system via regulator outlet port 49 (FIG. 23) then through heated tube bundle to an analyzer A (FIG. 10) for analysis such as via gas chromatography, spectroscopy, or analyzer/analysis as used in the industry.

(111) The modular vaporizing regulator of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 23, 23A-23B) is unique in that there is provided a stackable vaporization regulator comprising three component sections which may change in size or operational criteria depending on the circumstances of use, the system providing the regulator top 40 and bottom 42 forming the regulator section, or the first component which is stacked upon the modular vaporization chamber 39. with regulator bottom 42 as shown enclosing one side of the chamber 39, and bottom cap 38 enclosing the other side of chamber 39, the enclosed vaporization chamber forming the second component. The bottom cap further is formed and oriented relative to the heater block and/or bracket so that raised area 38 fully receives heat via block heater 37 to transfer same, the heater component comprising the third component in the system.

(112) In a second embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 12-14 and 19-21), the inlet of the modular vaporizer chamber 39 is shown receiving fluid via a liquid bypass port 36. The bypass feature operates in similar fashion to that utilized in applicant assignee's prior art GENIE brand Vaporizer (FIG. 25), its contents incorporated herein by reference thereto.

(113) As discussed above, applicant assignee's prior art GENIE brand Heated Regulator (FIG. 15) can be used as a component for building the present invention modular vaporizing regulator. Similarly, other components, such as the GENIE brand JTR (FIG. 26), can be mounted to the modular vaporizer modules (the vaporizer bottom 28, chamber 39, etc as disclosed herein to provide vaporizer functionality.

(114) For example, in the case of the Genie brand Heated Regulator, for an existing installation conversion, remove any pre-existing conduction heater block 50 and bracket 51 (FIG. 16). Next, continuing with FIG. 17, remove the heated regulator bottom 41 from the GENIE brand Heated Regulator and replace it with the modular vaporizer bottom 42 as seen in FIG. 18. Next, add the modular vaporizer chamber 39 as seen in FIG. 19. The next step is to add the modular vaporizer bottom cap 38 as seen in FIG. 20. Then, re-attach the conduction heater block 37 and bracket as seen in FIG. 21 and FIG. 28.

(115) The modular vaporizer system described above is not intended to be limited to application with the above GHR regulator. For Example, A+ Manufacturing LLC Genie Brand JTR modular component (FIG. 26) or another modular regulator can be similarly converted to include vaporizer function. For example, in the case of the Genie Brand JTR remove any pre-existing conduction block heater and mounting bracket (See FIG. 26). Next, continuing with FIGS. 28A-28B, mount M the JTR modular component 52 to JTR modular vaporizer bottom 48 as seen in FIG. 28A-28B. Next, add the modular vaporizer chamber 39. The next step is to add the modular vaporizer bottom cap 38. Then, attach the conduction heater block 37 and bracket as seen in FIG. 28A-B, which can be powered by power cord 34.

(116) The components in the present invention as shown are not intended to be limiting, as other components may be utilized in the present system. For example, another embodiment of the present invention could utilize the A+ GENIE brand Membrane Separator with Liquid Block (as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,555,964, a CIP of 7097693 (listing the present Inventor St. Amant as second named Inventor), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto) just before the analyzer in a non-heated zone as a means of protection for use in case of power failure of the heater block resulting in liquids not being vaporized in the modular sample conditioning system.

ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(117) AAnalyzer HHeated area, radiant heat sink LLongitudinal Axis of Probe tip 3 DScreen Disc DSpring Retainer M,Mounted IInsert PPower Cord Receiver FFlow 1Insertion Probe 2Gas with entrained liquids 2Fluid flow 3Slotted probe tip 4Probe isolation valve 5Substrate coupling 6Modular sample conditioning system 7Regulator inlet 8Regulator 9Bracketmodular sample conditioning system 10Enclosure 11Probe passage 12Medial area of pipe/stream 13OD of probe 14Rack length 15Body 16, 16Insertion probe first, second ends 17, 17Body 15 first, second ends 18Outer wall 19,slot, width 20, 20Outer, inner edges 21, 21Outflow passage 22Threaded end 23ID of Capillary Tube 24Capillary Tube 25, 25First, second ends 26Receiver 27Flow component 28Threaded aperture 28Screen 29Tube bundle 30Tube bundle cover 31Tube bundle insulation 32 OD stainless steel sample tube 33Heat trace with end termination 34Power cord included in tube bundle but separate from heat trace 35Tube bundle boot 36Liquid Bypass 37Conduction Heater Block, 37 Bracket, 37 Width 38Modular Vaporizer Bottom Cap, 38 Raised center area 39Modular Vaporizer Chamber, 39 ID 40GENIE brand Heated Regulator Top 41GENIE brand Heated Regulator Bottom 42Modular Vaporizer Bottom 43Thermal Isolation Barrier 44Radiant Heat Sink 44, 44Radiant Heat Sink Extensions 45Capillary Action Tube, 45 vaporizer outlet 46Heat Pipe 47Post Regulation Heat Exchanger 48JTR Modular Vaporizer Bottom 49Regulator Outlet Port 50Regulator Heater Block 51Bracket 52JTR Modular Component configured for pressure regulation 53, 53 stacked regulator stages which can be used to provide incremental pressure reduction 54 probe outlet 55 regulator outlet 56 relief valve as modular sample conditioning component (MSC) 57 pressure gauge as MSC 58 temperature gauge as MSC 59 conduction heat heater block 37 60 radiant heat via heat sink extensions 44, 44 61 moveable heat via heat pipe 46 62 capillary line from probe tip 54 to vaporizing regulator inlet 7 116 Probe passage ID 117,O-Ring 119 Capillary flow passage from probe

(118) The invention embodiments herein described are done so in detail for exemplary purposes only, and may be subject to many different variations in design, structure, application and operation methodology. Thus, the detailed disclosures therein should be interpreted in an illustrative, exemplary manner, and not in a limited sense.