Abstract: Apparatus for use in sampling multiphase fluid in a fluid transport pipeline, the apparatus comprising: a process fluid conduit comprising a blind leg connected to an upstream section and a downstream section; and wherein a fluid sampling port is provided in the blind leg.

Abstract: A gas probe for sampling gas molecules from a fluid. A housing includes an orifice and is adapted to be arranged in gas communication with a test gas sensor. The probe includes a stack of layers, whereby gas sample molecules have to pass through all layers of the stack in order reach the sensor. The stack includes at least a first membrane layer, a first spacer layer, a first filter layer and a second spacer layer. The housing includes an inlet for introducing blocking gas molecules into the second spacer layer and an outlet for discharging blocking gas molecules out of the first spacer layer. The gas probe is connectable to a control unit for controlling the blocking gas flow into the second spacer layer.

Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods for collection and identification of particulates in the air. In one embodiment, two different path ways are provided from a single adjustable inlet: one for collection and one for detection. A removable insert positionable within a collection tube enables a user to switch between the collection mode and the detection mode. This embodiment captures both the physical mechanisms of switching the air flow paths as well as sequencing of controls and valves and regulation or changing the air flow rate in the different modes of operation. This and other embodiments are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a representative sample of a natural gas stream, particularly a stream which is at or below its hydrocarbon dew point temperature (H.C.D.P.). The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a sample cylinder having a flexible isolation barrier and integrated valving to provide a controlled ingress of sample gas at nominal pressure differential. The system thereby avoids throttling of the sample gas and the inherent cooling problems associated therewith when the stream is at or below hydrocarbon dew point temperature. The flexible isolation barrier of the present invention is relatively inexpensive and is configured for quick and easy replacement, which may be routinely performed to insure sample integrity. Alternative embodiments of the invention contemplate a spherical sample cylinder configuration with flexible isolation barrier, as well as an improvement for piston-type sample cylinders to provide constant sample pressure.

Abstract: A sample pump system for metering the amount of sample taken from a pressurized fluid process such as a natural gas pipeline or the like, the sample pump system designed for immersion, directly or indirectly, into the pressurized fluid stream so that the sampling is taken at the prevailing pressure and temperature of the fluid stream. A spot sample cylinder device is further provided which employs a method of collection wherein the initial cylinder volume of the collection vessel or sampling cylinder is zero. The spot sample cylinder is inserted into the pressurized gas (or fluid) source, said sample cylinder employing a piston or moveable end configured such that purging of the cylinder sample cavity is not required, since the sample cavity volume is essentially eliminated prior to sampling by the location of the piston within the cavity, the cavity expanding upon sampling via piston movement within the cavity.

Abstract: A method is provided for surveillance and balancing of coal dust supply through channels to coal furnaces. Data is gathered from results of automatic sample collections of coal dust particles conveyed by air current in circular channels from a coal crusher to a coal furnace. Data is processed for generating control parameters for a cross-section area regulating draught control unit in each of the respective channels. Each control parameter is adapted to control a respective draught control unit to change cross-section of the channel in size and direction for reducing differences in coal dust conveyance of channels. A completely or practically constant surveillance and balancing of coal dust supply in two or more channels to a coal furnace can be made automatically, resulting in reduced emission and/or improved fuel economy. A collector and a draught control unit apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A device has at least one sensor for determining one or more constituents of a medium flowing in an installation duct. The device has a housing and a main channel, which is connected to said housing and is closed at an end remote from the housing. The main channel has a first channel and a second channel, which is separated from the first channel by a first separating wall. The main channel also has at least one first opening, which is away from the end and creates a first connection between the first channel and the installation duct, and at least one second opening, which is away from the end and creates a second connection between the second channel and the installation duct, so that the medium flows between the openings, through the channels and past the sensor.

Abstract: A liquid sample collection system includes a container having an interior reservoir for receiving the liquid sample, and a valve assembly that may be coupled to the container to facilitate collecting the liquid sample, the valve assembly includes a valve housing having a funnel-shaped inlet for directing liquid into the container and a valve that automatically closes when the container is full. The valve assembly further includes a separator configured to inhibit particulate material from entering the valve housing inlet.

Abstract: An instrument comprising a housing (30) having a fluid-tight seal and a probe (10), adapted to carry a catalyst or sorbent (37), for monitoring a process fluid stream or the behavior of a catalyst or sorbent placed therein. The use of such an instrument permits investigation of catalyst or sorbent behavior in process fluid streams without the need for process shut down or construction of separate process equipment.

Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining a flowable material comprises a tube having an opening for receiving material and an opening for discharging material. Further, the tube comprises a segment adapted for making measurements. Adjacent the tube section there is a measuring device having a light source on one side for transmitting light into the segment and a light receiver on the opposite side to measure the effect upon the light of a material placed in the segment. At the beam path between the light source and the light receiver, the walls of the tube segment are made of a material being translucent or transparent to the range of light wavelengths to be examined. A recording unit connected to the measuring device records individual measurement values or sets of same on material placed in the tube segment.