Seal for a joint or juncture – Process of static sealing
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-22
2002-10-01
Knight, Anthony (Department: 3676)
Seal for a joint or juncture
Process of static sealing
C277S316000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06457717
ABSTRACT:
TECNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the analysis of fluids in a fluid process stream, such as implemented by petrochemical plants, refineries, gas separation plants, etc., and in particular to an in-stream sample collection and conditioning system which is easier to implement and maintain, more cost effective, and more reliable than existing systems.
The preferred embodiment of the present system contemplates a modular system adaptable to a variety of diverse configurations and criteria, the system having incorporated therein a base piece formed of interconnecting modular base members, the base piece having fluid passageways formed therein to provide fluid flow between the adjacent base member(s).
Situated adjacent to each of the modular base members forming the base piece are modular conditioning components, each selected from a field of diverse conditioning types and configurations, and adapted for the contemplated use, the system dispensing with the necessity of tubes, pipes, and traditional fittings. The present system as a whole provides a wholly new and unprecedented system for custom building fluid stream sampling and conditioning systems with heretofore unavailable “off-the-shelf” components.
The present invention further contemplates a unique and useful system for joining the various modular components forming the present system, in a manner which provides redundant leak resistance, flexibility in providing various conditioning configurations, and adaptability to diverse existing sampling stream interfaces.
Lastly, the preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a highly precise, low tolerance juxtaposition of the various components forming the present system, utilizing an extremely thin sheet formed membrane/gasket member, implemented in such a manner as to provide high thermocycling characteristics as well as high pressure tolerance, coupled with a low failure/leakage rate.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION
While the prior art has contemplated various and diverse systems for sampling and/or conditioning fluids in a process stream, said prior art systems tended to require a “custom” configuration for each site, entailing an expensive and time-consuming design, fabrication, and installation.
BACKGROUND
Overview of Sample Conditioning Systems
Processes as implemented in, for example, petrochemical plants, refineries, gas separation plants, etc. frequently require “on stream” analysis of process fluids, which are performed by analyzers located near the fluid sample source. Sample fluids flow directly from the source to the analyzer through an arrangement of piping and specialty components. This arrangement, referred to as a “sample conditioning system”, is configured to extract fluid sample from the source; transport it to the analyzer; and, in the process, condition the fluid so that it is compatible with the analyzer.
Conditioning of the sample fluid by the sample conditioning system may consist of, for example:
(1) filtration to remove unwanted solids or liquids
(2) coalescing to remove aerosol droplets of liquids
(3) heating to prevent condensation of vapor
(4) flow and pressure control and measurement
(5) cooling to lower the sample dew point or remove unwanted liquid vapor.
The sample conditioning system may perform additional functions such as selection of one of several fluid streams for analysis by a single analyzer. This is called “stream selection” or stream multiplexing.
All of the components utilized for extracting, transporting, and conditioning the sample, as described previously, are part of the sample conditioning system. Some sample conditioning systems have components distributed along the entire distance between the source and the analyzer. Typically the largest concentration of these sample conditioning system components are located close together.
Reference to sample conditioning systems in the present invention are designed primarily for utilization in conjunction with closely grouped component arrangements, although the present system does include innovative features which could be useful for more spaced component arrangements. The components as implemented in the sample conditioning system, which are utilized for conditioning sample fluids, will hereinafter be referred to as conditioning components.
Current Construction of Sample Conditioning System
Current construction methods for Sample Conditioning System vary little from their first appearance several decades ago. Conditioning components are typically mounted on a vertical panel or shallow enclosure and are interconnected by tubing, piping, and fittings. Heavier conditioning components are mounted to the plate or enclosure with brackets while lighter conditioning components are supported by interconnecting fittings, piping, tubing, etc. Some Sample Conditioning System are further protected by “analyzer houses” or shelters which are usually large enough for maintenance technicians to work in and may also house process analyzers. Common to all of the above configurations is the fact that most Sample Conditioning Systems include a uniquely designed and implemented conduit system for conveying the fluid from the sample stream, and through the components, sometimes resulting in a maze of conduits, thereby resulting in high cost, maintenance, and the propensity for leakage from the system.
Problems Associated With Current Construction Methods
Several problems arise from the use of current construction methods. Some of the major problems are as follows:
(1) Excessive size—Sample Conditioning System produced by current construction methods require much space—a commodity which is very valuable in process areas. In general, lowering the size of analyzer houses or Sample Conditioning System enclosures results in significant cost reduction due to the high cost for space in process areas.
(2) Labor intensive—Configuring, mounting and interconnecting of conditioning components during the construction of a Sample Conditioning System is very labor intensive and therefore costly.
(3) Excessive Sample Conditioning System Internal Fluid Volume and Static Fluid Pocket Volume—It is well known in the industry that large internal volumes and static fluid pocket volume have a negative influence on the performance of Sample Conditioning System. The larger the internal volume and/or static fluid pocket volume in a Sample Conditioning System and the longer it takes to sweep it our after a sample fluid composition change occurs. Therefore Sample Conditioning System with large internal and/static fluid pocket volume require larger amounts of fluid to sweep, resulting in significant inefficiency.
In most cases it is desirable for fluid sample composition arriving at an analyzer to track closely the composition of the sample fluid at its source. In many instances the sample fluid utilized for sweeping cannot be returned to the source and therefore must be wasted. Therefore reducing the internal and static fluid cost related to loss of sample fluid and its environmentally safe disposition. Tube and pipe interconnections between conditioning components contribute the bulk of a Sample Conditioning Systems internal volume. Fittings, especially pipe fittings, introduce static fluid pocket volume to the Sample Conditioning System.
(4) Safety and environmental concerns—It is common for sample fluid leaks to occur in conditioning component tubing and pipe interconnections and as a result of conditioning component failures. Examples of common conditioning component failures are: pressure regulator diaphragm ruptures and valve stem packing shrinkage due to wear or temperature changes. When fluid leaks occur, maintenance technicians can be exposed to toxic materials and fire or explosion hazard. Fluid used for continuously sweeping a Sample Conditioning System presents disposal problems and increases operational expenses.
PRIOR ART
While the prior art may have contemplated in some degree the utilization of block components having fluid passageways therethrough for fluid conditioning and/
Beres John L.
Joseph T Regard Ltd
Knight Anthony
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