Wet gas sample system
10613004 ยท 2020-04-07
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
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 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 invention teaches a unique and innovative tube bundle with a separate power cord integrated therein to power a heated vaporizer, pressure regulator or other modular conditioning or other electrical component, the tube bundle of the present invention thereby dispensing with the need for a separate power cord, while providing higher capacity than prior art systems.
Claims
1. A fluid sampling system for a wet gas fluid stream, comprising: a sample probe consisting of a capillary flow path; a modular conditioning component formed to receive flow from said sample probe via said capillary flow path, so as to provide a fluid sample; a tube bundle; a separate power cord within said tube bundle, a tube bundle boot mounted to a bracket of a modular sample system, said tube bundle formed to engage said tube bundle boot such that said power cord electrically engages a power cord receiver, so as to provide electricity to said modular conditioning component, so as to facilitate the processing of said fluid sample.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said fluid sample comprises a multi-phase gas.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said tube bundle boot comprises a power cord receiver for receiving and slidingly engaging said power cord so as to receive electricity therefrom.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said sample probe utilizes said capillary flow path to facilitate capillary action in wet gas flowing therethrough, so as to prevent disassociation of said wet gas and provide a composite representative sample of said fluid stream.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said tube bundle boot is formed to transfer power from said tube bundle to said modular conditioning component, heating same, providing a heated component; and wherein said heated component is formed to receive said composite representative sample.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said heated component is formed to vaporize entrained liquids, providing a single-phase sample.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said conditioning component comprises a heated pressure regulator.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said conditioning component comprises a vaporizer.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said sample probe comprises a linear slot.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said sample probe comprises a conduit formed to receive flow from said linear slot.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said linear slot and said conduit are sized to facilitate capillary action in wet gas flowing therethrough, so as to prevent disassociation of said wet gas flowing therethrough.
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:
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DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION
(38) Preferably, the sample conditioning system of the present invention (
(39) Referring to
Linear Sample Probe and Method of Sampling
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(41) Referring to
(42) In the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the slot 108 preferably has a relatively uniform width 107 preferably corresponding to, or less than, that of opening 106, while providing passage about to the longitudinal 105 body 101 at the innermost edge 112 of the slot, about halfway through body 101. The slot as shown runs along longitudinal axis 105, although the length and position of the slot can vary depending upon the application.
(43) As shown, the slot 108 in the exemplary, preferred embodiment of the probe tip of the present invention runs from just below the first 103 end of body 101 to about the second end 103 of body 101, with the inner edge 112 of the slot 108 engaging outflow passage 113 having a small inside diameter 115, as shown, which is formed to engage, as required, (
(44) 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 of the flow as is illustrated in
(45) 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.
(46) As described, the body 101 has first 103 and second 103 ends defining a length 107 therebetween, with a slot 108 defining a narrow opening to a centrally disposed outflow passage 113 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 therein passes into the slot then is urged through the outflow passage to the probe 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.
(47) Continuing with
(48) The probe has formed therethrough along its length a probe passage 8 to provide for the passage of fluid from the probe tip 2 there through. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a capillary tube 116 (in the present embodiment, formed of stainless steel) is provided having a length and first 117 and second ends 117 and is situated through the length of probe passage 8, the second end 117 of capillary tube 116 formed to engage the outflow passage 113 of probe tip 2 at a receiver 120 formed within the threaded area 114 of probe tip 2, the first end 117 of capillary tube 116 sealingly engaging the probe tip's outflow passage 113 via first o-ring 121. The second end 102 of insertion probe P engages the probe tip 2 via o-ring 122 at retainer 119, providing sealed connection.
(49) The capillary tube 116 in the present embodiment passes through the length of probe passage 8, the o-ring 121 at first end 117 of capillary tube engaging a flow component 127 (in this case, a 90 degree angle connector), and is sealed via o-rings and positioned to align with a capillary flow passage for flow to the conditioning components downstream, in the present case, the flow would run from capillary tube to regulator inlet 6, where any entrained liquid in the flow is vaporized by a heated regulator or vaporizer.
(50) The capillary tube 116, like the probe tip 2 has an ID 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.
(51) In the present exemplary embodiment of the invention, the capillary tube 116 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 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.
(52) 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 P (in the preferred embodiment, via capillary tube 116), to regulator inlet 6 (where the sample is conditioned via heated regulator and vaporized).
(53) In the alternative to a capillary tube 116, the inner diameter (ID) of probe passage 8 itself could have an ID 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 108 in the slotted probe tip 2 or ID of the outflow passage 113 (i.e., less than 1/32), the geometry formed to provide capillary action in the wet gas flowing therethrough to prevent disassociation thereof.
(54) Continuing with
(55) 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.
(56) 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 that the impact would be expected to be negligible.
(57) Continuing with the figures, as shown, the slotted probe tip 2 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is engaged to the capillary tube (when utilized) then the end of an insertion probe P then is lowered or inserted (e.g., via the rack in the preferred embodiment) into a pipeline positioned in the medial or center-third area 21 of the pipe with the opening 106 forming the entrance of the slot 108 facing the flow stream. While the present illustration shows the sampling position of the probe such that the probe tip 2 is in the center-third area 21 for BLM compliance, it is noted that the probe tip can be positioned elsewhere as required.
(58) 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.
(59) 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.
(60) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sample, once taken, is then directed to a heated conditioning component(s) to vaporize any liquids, providing a single-phase sample, then to a process analyzer, monitor, sample container, or other end use.
(61) Considering the above and foregoing, a method of sampling a wet gas from a fluid stream the present invention could therefore comprise the steps of, for example: 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; 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; c. allowing said capillary action to prevent disassociation of said composition of said wet gas as it flows through said probe passage.
(62) Still further, the method of sampling a wet gas comprising gas with entrained liquid in a fluid stream of the present invention could comprise, for example, comprising the steps of:
(63) a) providing a probe tip 2 engaging probe P, said probe tip comprising an elongated slot situated along its length;
(64) b) laterally positioning said probe tip in the fluid stream so that said slot faces the stream;
(65) c) utilizing said slot to receive a linear sample of flow of said stream into said body, providing received flow;
(66) 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.
(67) As discussed, to be compliant with present BLM regulations at FMPs, preferably the probe tip 2 would be situated in the center third (medial area) of the flow.
(68) 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.
Heat Trace Interface for Modular Conditioning Components
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Heat Trace Interface for Heated Regulator
(70) The first embodiment of the tube bundle interface is configured to power to a heated regulator, such as applicant's Genie Heated Regulator (GHR) with pre-regulation heat exchange, and post regulator heat exchange, first commercialized in 2004, a design that requires electrical power, as shown in
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(74) In the present invention, a separate, non-heated power cord 136 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 131.
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(77) The sample tube 134 in tube bundle 131 is formed to pass from the second end 137 of tube bundle boot 137 and engage in sealed fashion and connect to outlet tubing connection 139 (referencing
(78) Continuing with
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(80) Power cord 136 is installed thru power cord receiver 138 and is connected to the wires of the electrically heated modular component 142 inside the conduit of power cord receiver 138.
(81) The tube bundle sample tube 134 is connected to the outlet tubing connection 141.
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(83) The components in the present invention as shown are not intended to be limiting, as other components may be utilized in the present system with similar results. 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, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto) just before the analyzer in a non-heated zone.
ELEMENTS OF THE INVENTION
(84) P insertion probe 1 gas with entrained liquids 2 slotted probe tip 3 probe isolation valve 4 substrate coupling 5 modular sample conditioning system 6 regulator inlet 9 regulator 14 heat trace 15 bracketmodular sample conditioning system 16 enclosure 17 regulator base 20 probe passage 21 medial area of pipe/stream 22 regulator threaded fasteners 24 OD of probe 25, length, rack 32, outer surface, OD 33 heater cartridge housing 34 Inner diameter of heater cartridge 101 body 102, insertion probe first, second ends 103, first, second ends of body 101 104 outer wall 105 longitudinal axis 106 opening 107, length, width 108 slot 109 O-Ring saddle (probe tip) 110 opening 106 ends 111, first, second side walls 112, outer, inner edges 113 outflow passage 114 threaded end of probe 115 ID outflow passage 116 capillary tube 117, first, second ends 119 O-Ring retainer 120 receiver 121, O-Ring, 122 Probe lower end O-ring seal 127 flow component 128 back side of probe opposite slot opening 129,, threaded apertures 130 solids filter screen 131,, tube bundle, ends 132 tube bundle cover 133 tube bundle insulation 134 OD stainless steel sample tube 135, heat trace with end termination, heat trace 136 power cord included in tube bundle but separate from heat trace 137,, tube bundle boot, first, second ends 138 power cord receiver 139 outlet tubing connection 140 power cord connected to receiver 141 outlet tubing connected to tube bundle 142 electrically heated modular component 143 tube bundle length 144 inserted
(85) 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.