Abstract: An automated sample conditioning system for conditioning and preparing steam and hot water samples at a constant flow rate and velocity continuously monitors and adjusts flow rate in the sample line. Sample flow is metered through a flow rate device such as an orifice plate of known flow characteristics, and a downstream pressure value is provided by either a fixed back pressure regulator/relief valve or by a pipe section of known length and diameter. A pressure transducer continuously monitors pressure in the sample line upstream from the orifice plate. A control analyzer automatically adjusts a motorized pressure reducing device in response to fluctuations in pressure monitored by the pressure transducer in order to maintain constant flow rate and velocity. Monitoring devices and displays acquire, display and control critical pressure, temperature and flow rate parameters throughout the system. Network communications capability for remote, unattended monitoring control and data acquisition is also provided.

Abstract: A variable pressure reducing device for reducing high pressure in steam and hot water samples forces the liquid through an annular passageway between a pair of rods within a complementary pair of tubes. The flow rate through the rod-in-tube device, or the pressure drop across the device, is adjustable by means of a rotatable guide screw for adjusting the position of the rods within the tubes. The rods are tapered to provide a smooth flow of liquid through the device. The seal around the guide screw is self energized by means of a seal jacket between a valve gland and a stem portion of the guide screw constructed so that the biasing force of a spring on the seal jacket is supplemented by pressure from liquid flowing through the device. The guide screw is centered within the valve gland to keep the guide screw properly aligned, particularly when the device is used with a motor for rotating the guide screw to adjust the position of the rods.

Abstract: The pressure reducing element includes an elongated body having an axially-extending, cylindrical bore including three stepped portions of increasing diameter. Pressure is regulated by a stepped cylindrical valve rod having an outer end located exteriorly of the body and a pressure regulating portion normally located inside the bore and including two pressuring regulation sections of increasing diameter. The valve rod is moved axially within the bore to adjust the outlet pressure by rotating a handle on the outer end of a spindle which is connected to the valve rod and threaded into a collar carried by a fixture mounted on the body for relative axial movement. The valve rod is urged toward an adjusted position by a compression spring encircling the exterior of the body with one end restrained against axial movement relative to the body and the other end bearing against a spring retainer carried by the fixture.

Abstract: A device for separating gas from a liquid sample stream including a housing defining a vertical, cylindrical chamber, a tangential fluid inlet for introducing a sample stream into the top portion of the chamber, a tangential outlet through which the liquid portion of the sample flows from the bottom of the chamber, a tubular-like gas separator unit in the top of the chamber, a gas outlet opening to the upper end of the gas separator unit, and a capillary tube connected to the gas outlet. The gas separator unit includes a spirally extending wall spaced radially inwardly from the top of the chamber wall to define an annular passage open to the fluid inlet. The side edges of the spiral wall are arranged to define a vertically extending opening therebetween.

Abstract: A variable pressure reducing device for reducing high pressure in steam and hot water samples forces the liquid through an annular passageway between a pair of rods within a complementary pair of tubes. The flow rate through the rod-in-tube device, or the pressure drop across the device, is adjustable by means of a rotatable guide screw for adjusting the position of the rods within the tubes. The rods are tapered to provide a smooth flow of liquid through the device. The seal around the guide screw is self energized by means of a seal jacket between a valve gland and a stem portion of the guide screw constructed so that the biasing force of a spring on the seal jacket is supplemented by pressure from liquid flowing through the device The guide screw is centered within the valve gland to keep the guide screw properly aligned, particularly when the device is used with a motor for rotating the guide screw to adjust the position of the rods.