Process plant sample collection method
US5473950A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/205
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample from a on stream plant operation is set forth. In a process plant, with a small pressure differential, fluid flow is provided through an inlet line and surplus is returned through an outlet line connected with the process plant. The inlet and outlet lines connect with a six port, position valve which is switched on rotation. There is a filling position for the valve wherein the filling position enables fluid from the process plant to flow through the inlet line and to fill a buffer tank. Sufficient flow is provided to enable purging of the inlet and outlet lines. Separately, there is a purge gas flow provided for a sample receiving container which is initially purged. On operation of the valve, the intermediate container is forced to flow into the sample receiving container through the valve means at the urging of the purge gas. A suitable housing is provided with a blanket of nitrogen for safety, and fugitive emissions to atmosphere are prevented. Any discharge from the equipment is through an appropriate filter to prevent atmospheric discharge.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.