Abstract: A leak monitoring manifold is provided to detect and regulate sample leaks in a pump system. The manifold may include a fluid inflow location and a relief valve including a relief outlet which is in fluid communication with the fluid inflow location. The relief valve may operate to be in either of a first state or a second state. In the first state fluid flow out of the relief outlet is blocked, and in the second state fluid flow is open between the fluid inflow location and the relief outlet. The relief valve may alternate between the first state and the second state when a pressure acting on the relief valve reaches a preconfigured pressure set point.

Abstract: A chamber for pumping relatively small volumes of fluid is provided. The chamber includes a plug moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. When the plug is in the retracted position, the plug may be positioned and located toward a first end of the chamber such that fluid may enter into the chamber through an inlet. Once the fluid is received into the chamber, the plug may be moved toward the extended position. As the plug moves toward the extended position, the plug may be pressed into a variable volume plate. As the plug is pressed into the variable volume plate, the plug may deform and enter into a cavity. When the plug enters the cavity, the plug may push fluid out from the cavity. Thus, a known volume of fluid may exit the chamber when the plug is moved from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: An odorization system is provided that introduces foul-smelling odorant into a natural gas pipeline in order to make gas leaks more easily detectable. The system improves upon prior art odorization systems by using a pumpless mechanism driven by differential pressures. The elimination of pumps from the system reduces the likelihood of system failure and further reduces the likelihood that odorant leaks to atmosphere.

Abstract: A sample pressure reducing system is provided that integrates various pressure applications into a single system that provides the end user with a high-integrity sample without damaging equipment. The system facilitates sampling high-pressure product into a low-pressure container. The system fills and transfers product to reduce pressure automatically and repeatedly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for odorizing natural gas flowing through a distribution pipeline. The system includes a bypass line adjacent to a distribution pipeline, wherein bypass gas flows through the bypass line and an odorant tank connected to the bypass line, and into the distribution pipeline; a high-flow control valve and a low-flow control valve in the bypass line, wherein bypass gas flows through the odorant tank into the distribution pipeline when the high-flow control valve or the low-flow control valve is open; and a programmable logic controller connected to the high-flow and low flow control valve; wherein the programmable logic controller opens the high-flow or low-flow control valve for a predetermined dwell time proportional to an amount of bypass gas needed to odorize gas in the distribution pipeline each time that a preselected quantity of gas flows through the distribution pipeline.

Abstract: An improved liquefied natural gas vaporization system is provided for converting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to vapor so that it can be measured for integrity. The liquefied natural gas vaporization system of the present invention makes use of a sample probe that uses a cryogenic check valve to allow the vaporization process to begin early, and, due to design and incorporation with heated regulation, reduces the need for an accumulator, which is often used in other systems. By eliminating the need for an accumulator, a more real-time and authentic measurement of the LNG sample may be taken. After the probe takes the sample, the sample is sent to a sampling system and subsequently to an analytical measuring system, where the sample is measured.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for odorizing natural gas flowing through a distribution pipeline. The system includes a bypass line adjacent to a distribution pipeline, wherein bypass gas flows through the bypass line and an odorant tank connected to the bypass line, and into the distribution pipeline; a high-flow control valve and a low-flow control valve in the bypass line, wherein bypass gas flows through the odorant tank into the distribution pipeline when the high-flow control valve or the low-flow control valve is open; and a programmable logic controller connected to the high-flow and low flow control valve; wherein the programmable logic controller opens the high-flow or low-flow control valve for a predetermined dwell time proportional to an amount of bypass gas needed to odorize gas in the distribution pipeline each time that a preselected quantity of gas flows through the distribution pipeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for odorizing natural gas flowing through a distribution pipeline. The system includes a bypass line adjacent to a distribution pipeline, wherein bypass gas flows through the bypass line and an odorant tank connected to the bypass line, and into the distribution pipeline; a high-flow control valve and a low-flow control valve in the bypass line, wherein bypass gas flows through the odorant tank into the distribution pipeline when the high-flow control valve or the low-flow control valve is open; and a programmable logic controller connected to the high-flow and low flow control valve; wherein the programmable logic controller opens the high-flow or low-flow control valve for a predetermined dwell time proportional to an amount of bypass gas needed to odorize gas in the distribution pipeline each time that a preselected quantity of gas flows through the distribution pipeline.

Abstract: A gasoline blend spot sampling system and method including an adjustable volume mechanism for retaining an adjustable volume of gasoline for sampling, a coolant system integrated with the adjustable volume mechanism, and a sample collection assembly using a blunt-end tube for use with an open-mouthed bottle. Various three-way valves are actuated to route gasoline through various stages of a sampling process, from a gasoline fast loop to a purge loop to a gasoline capture stage to a sample bottling stage.

Abstract: A volumetric sample adjustment assembly located outside of a process line to facilitate rapid changes in the sample volume without having to remove the sampler from the process line, from process pressure or without having to manually disassemble the collection head assembly, like some prior art devices. The volumetric sample adjustment assembly has a “gross adjustment” assembly to vary the gross sample volume within the predetermined range. This gross adjustment assembly uses a removable pin to vary the sample size. This removable adjustment pin may be removed and replaced in different positions to change the gross volume of the sample on short notice and without having to remove the sampler from the process line, from process pressure or without having to manually disassemble the collection head assembly.

Abstract: In combination, a liquid sample pump and an integral self-cleaning filter element will elongate the maintenance interval for the pump which saves on time and labor costs. The filter element itself is small, economical to make and forms an integral part of the liquid sample pump. A flow passageway continuously directs turbulent liquid to the underside of the filter element to sweep debris from the filter element and return such debris to the pipeline. When it is necessary to service the liquid sample pump, it is quick and easy to remove and replace the filter element, which also saves on time and labor costs. A bleed valve assembly allows air to be bled from the sample pump prior to operation, enhancing seal life. An optional muffler assembly excludes insects from the inside of the sample pump, again elongating maintenance intervals. An optional return valve assembly allows unused sample to be returned to the pipeline, thus benefitting the environment.

Abstract: A gasoline blend spot sampling system and method including an adjustable volume mechanism for retaining an adjustable volume of gasoline for sampling, a coolant system integrated with the adjustable volume mechanism, and a sample collection assembly using a blunt-end tube for use with an open-mouthed bottle. Various three-way valves are actuated to route gasoline through various stages of a sampling process, from a gasoline fast loop to a purge loop to a gasoline capture stage to a sample bottling stage.

Abstract: In combination, a liquid sample pump and an integral self-cleaning filter element will elongate the maintenance interval for the pump which saves on time and labor costs. The filter element itself is small, economical to make and forms an integral part of the liquid sample pump. A flow passageway continuously directs turbulent liquid to the underside of the filter element to sweep debris from the filter element and return such debris to the pipeline. When it is necessary to service the liquid sample pump, it is quick and easy to remove and replace the filter element, which also saves on time and labor costs. A bleed valve assembly allows air to be bled from the sample pump prior to operation, enhancing seal life. An optional muffler assembly excludes insects from the inside of the sample pump, again elongating maintenance intervals. An optional return valve assembly allows unused sample to be returned to the pipeline, thus benefitting the environment.

Abstract: A transportable Sample Apparatus includes a vacuum flask (Dewar flask) and integral sample container. The Sample Apparatus may be used to capture a liquid phase LNG sample at a custody transfer point and to transport the sample to a laboratory for analysis. Vaporization of the liquid phase sample may take place at a variety of different locations. For example, vaporization may begin and/or be completed during transport from the collection point to the laboratory. In another example, vaporization may begin and be completed in the laboratory. In yet another example vaporization may begin during transport and be completed at the laboratory. The gas phase sample is typically analyzed by a gas chromatograph for Btu content, among other things. Prior to capture of the sample, the Sample Apparatus goes through a pre-cool cycle to chill a sample end cap and other components to a temperature compatible with capture of a cryogenic liquid sample which is about ?250° F.

Abstract: A gasoline blend spot sampling system and method including an adjustable volume mechanism for retaining an adjustable volume of gasoline for sampling, a coolant system integrated with the adjustable volume mechanism, and a sample collection assembly using a blunt-end tube for use with an open-mouthed bottle. Various three-way valves are actuated to route gasoline through various stages of a sampling process, from a gasoline fast loop to a purge loop to a gasoline capture stage to a sample bottling stage.

Abstract: An LNG sampling system is provided which includes a sampling probe. The sampling probe includes a backflow prevention check valve positioned within the probe adjacent the inlet end. The probe is inserted into a source of LNG to extract samples of LNG by providing a pressure differential between the probe piping system and the pressure of the LNG within the source. In the event the pressure in the piping system increases above a predetermined amount, the check valve will close preventing backflow of LNG from the sampling system back into the source.

Abstract: A sampling cylinder for LNG (liquefied natural gas) is provided. The sampling cylinder includes a piston cylinder arrangement having opposite end members closing the chamber inside the cylinder. Various porting arrangements are provided for allowing fluid to be fed into a chamber inside the cylinder on opposite sides of a piston. A sample chamber is provided at one end member of the cylinder. The end member containing the sample chamber is also provided with a heat exchanger that may be connected to a source of coolant and preferably the LNG to be sampled to effect cooling of the end member at least partially prior to the sample chamber having a sample of LNG injected thereinto.

Abstract: A liquid separator with at least one flow passageway is used to detect and remove the presence of entrained liquids from natural gas during spot sampling procedures prior to analysis of the sample by a gas chromatograph. In one embodiment, the at least one flow passageway directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon the inside surface of a sight glass and swirl around in a chamber which may cause droplets of liquid to coalesce on the inside of the sight glass and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. The at least one flow passageway is less expensive to fabricate than some prior art flow directing elements.

Abstract: A sight glass with a flow directing assembly is used to detect the presence of entrained liquids in natural gas during spot sampling procedures. The flow directing assembly directs at least a portion of the gas flow to impinge upon a first transparent window and swirl around in a chamber of the sight glass which may cause droplets of liquid to form on the inside of the window and may cause a fog to form inside the chamber, all of which make it easier to see the existence of liquids in the natural gas. At least one embodiment of this sight glass also acts as a fluid separator, collecting the liquids in the chamber which may then be periodically drained.

Abstract: A transportable Sample Apparatus includes a vacuum flask (Dewar flask) and integral sample container. The Sample Apparatus may be used to capture a liquid phase LNG sample at a custody transfer point and to transport the sample to a laboratory for analysis. Vaporization of the liquid phase sample may take place at a variety of different locations. For example, vaporization may begin and/or be completed during transport from the collection point to the laboratory. In another example, vaporization may begin and be completed in the laboratory. In yet another example vaporization may begin during transport and be completed at the laboratory. The gas phase sample is typically analyzed by a gas chromatograph for Btu content, among other things. Prior to capture of the sample, the Sample Apparatus goes through a pre-cool cycle to chill a sample end cap and other components to a temperature compatible with capture of a cryogenic liquid sample which is about ?250° F.