CA2046103C - Sampler safety interlock device - Google Patents
Sampler safety interlock deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA2046103C CA2046103C CA002046103A CA2046103A CA2046103C CA 2046103 C CA2046103 C CA 2046103C CA 002046103 A CA002046103 A CA 002046103A CA 2046103 A CA2046103 A CA 2046103A CA 2046103 C CA2046103 C CA 2046103C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- sampler
- collar
- wrench
- collar element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
- G01N1/20—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials
- G01N1/2035—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials by deviating part of a fluid stream, e.g. by drawing-off or tapping
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
- G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state
- G01N1/20—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials
- G01N1/2035—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials by deviating part of a fluid stream, e.g. by drawing-off or tapping
- G01N2001/205—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state for flowing or falling materials by deviating part of a fluid stream, e.g. by drawing-off or tapping using a valve
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
- G01N35/1095—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices for supplying the samples to flow-through analysers
- G01N35/1097—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices for supplying the samples to flow-through analysers characterised by the valves
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
Abstract
A flow sampler device which can be employed in a catalytic reactor system comprises a sample receiver, and an inlet and outlet valve which are each in fluid communication with the receiver. Each of the valves includes a valve stem which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof so as to actuate the respective valve and has a collar element secured thereto. This collar element has a first end and a second end and comprises a wall means which defines a longitudinal passageway therethrough. The collar element also includes a locking slot which is defined therein and which includes a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion. In a preferred embodiment, the collar element is cylindrical and the locking slot is substantially L-shaped. The collar element effectively prevents a wrench which operates the valve from being removed from the valve stem when the valve is in a open position.
Thus, because only one valve is open at any one time, the reactor is not allowed to vent through the sampling device.
Thus, because only one valve is open at any one time, the reactor is not allowed to vent through the sampling device.
Description
8A~P~ER 8AFETY INTBR~OC~ DBVICE
Background of the Invention The invention relates to a flow sampler device, and in particular, a flow sampler which can be employed in a catalytic reactor system.
A variety of hydrocarbon conversion processes, for example, reforming, hydrocracking, hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurization, and the like, utilize catalysts within a closed reactor vessel system, e.g., a fixed bed reactor vessel operated under super atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures.
In such environments, catalysts are subject to 'poisoning by metallic contaminants, carbonaceous materials, and other components of the feed to the reactor vessel, such as sulfur and nitrogen.
Accumulation of these materials on the catalyst particles r~ cec the catalytic activity and, in severe cases, can cause plugging of the catalyst bed.
Accordingly, the art has sought ways of determining both the level and the nature of catalyst contamination so that the regeneration of the catalyst can be carried out effectively and the timing of ultimate shutdown and replacement of the catalyst can also be forecast.
ln particular, the art has sought means for obtaining catalyst samples in which the reactor itself is maintained on stream. Such sampling means must be effective in obtaining a sample which may be as high as, for example, 1000-F as well as several thousand pounds of pressure. Moreover, the catalyst sample needs to be obtained inexpensively without the risk of fire and/or injury to personnel.
A number of devices for withdrawing samples of catalysts are recognized in the art. One example, as described in U.S. Patent 3,653,265, employs the 20~6~
differential pressure between the reaction vessel and the solid receiver to carry a catalyst sample from a bed of solids in the vessel to a tubular sampler and into the receiver where the sample is purged and cooled. Another example, disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,654,143, employs a suction nozzle to suck catalysts and reaction liquid from the reaction vessel.
U.S. Patent 3,792,612 relates to a catalyst sampler in which a "safety interlock means" prevents both the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the sampler from being open at the same time. In this system, a linkage, or lock bar, connects the inlet and the outlet valve thus causing both valves to turn simultaneously when either of them is turned.
Accordingly, by opening one of the inlet or outlet valves the other is automatically closed.
Despite the ability of such an arrangement to prevent both of the valves from being opened at the same time, such a mech~n;cal interlock arrangement is beset by a variety of problems. For example, it is complicated to operate, it tends to stick, and is prone to wear with use. In addition, it is possible to override the interlock arrangement which clearly defeats its purpose.
The art has also employed a lock and key arrangement in which both the inlet and the outlet valves are secured by a keyed lock for which only one key is available. Accordingly, in order to open a valve, a key must be inserted into the lock. When the valve is opened, the key cannot be removed, insuring that only one valve can be opened at any one time.
However, such an arrangement involves the use of keys which are easily and (and often) lost, as well as locks which, particularly in this environment, become clogged - - 3 - ~ 3 C~
with, e.g., dirt and thus rendered unusable.
Accordingly, the need still exists for a flow sampler which can overcome those problems associated with prior art devices.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow sampler device which can effectively overcome those problems described above.
In particular, the flow sampler according to the present invention comprises a sample receiver, an inlet valve and an outlet valve which are each in fluid communication with the sample receiver and which each include a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitll~;n~l axis thereof so as to actuate the respective valve. In addition, a collar element is secured to the valve stem.
This collar element has a first end and a second end and comprises a wall means which defines a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end. Furthermore, the wall means has a locking slot which is defined therein and which includes a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion. In one preferred embodiment, the collar element is cylindrical while the locking slot is substantially L-shaped.
Other aspects of this invention are as follows:
A flow sampler comprising;
a sample receiver;
an inlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof to actuate the inlet valve;
i~ ~ 4 ~
- 3a -an outlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitll~in~l axis thereof to actuate the outlet valve; and two collar elements, each element having a 'first end and a second end which is secured to one of the valve stems, each collar element comprising a wall means defining a longit~l~in~l passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means also having a locking slot defined therein, said locking slot including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion.
A collar element for use with a valve stem having a first end and a second end and comprising a wall means defining a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means having a locking slot defined therein, said locking slot including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second locking portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and means for securing the collar element to a valve stem, whereby a wrench which has been inserted through the first portion of the slot can rotate the valve stem and further wherein the wrench so employed cannot be removed from the slot after the respective valve has ~een opened without closing the respective valve.
~ , .. ...
- 3b - ~ Q 4 ~
- Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings In order to facilitate an understanding of this invention, reference will now be made to the appended drawings related to certain aspects of the present invention, the drawings are exemplary only, and should f~ ~
not be construed as limiting the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates the flow sampler arrangement according to the present invention.
Figure 2 and 3 illustrate two embodiments of the collar element employed in the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an adapter which can be employed in connection with a Rockwell ball valve.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate, in plan, an inlet or outlet valve employed in the present invention being actuated by a wrench;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the valve in use in an open position; and Figure 8 is a side view of the valve and associated wrench shown in Figure 7.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention relates to a flow sampler which can be employed, for example, to remove catalysts from a reaction vessel.
With reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, a catalytic vessel 1 is in communication with a sample receiver 2 by way of an inlet valve 3. An outlet valve 4 is connected to the opposite end of the sample receiver 2.
The sample receiver of the present invention include those, e.g., stainless steel storage vessels which are recognized in the art and thus need not be described in detail here.
Moreover, the valves which can be employed in the present invention include any of those valves which operate by way of a valve stem and which can be fully opened or closed by rotation of less than 360~, e.g., a 90~ rotation thereof.
In one preferred environment involving the withdrawal of catalyst from a closed reactor vessel, plug valves such as those plug valves manufactured by Serck Audco and Rockwell are preferably employed.
A collar element is attached to each of the valve stem in order to prevent a wrench which operates the valve from being removed from the valve stem when the valve is in an open position.
This collar element comprises a wall means having a longitudinal passageway defined therethrough from a first end to a second end and further has a locking slot defined therein.
This locking slot has a shape which allows the wrench to engage the valve stem and, thus open the valve but which also prevents the wrench from being removed without closing the valve. Preferably, the lock slot comprises a first portion which extends from the first end of the collar and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion.
In a preferred embodiment, the collar element is cylindrical with the locking slot being substantially "L-shaped". Specific examples of these preferred collar elements are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 where the collar of Figure 2 is preferably employed with plug valves such as those produced by Serck Audco while that of Figure 3 is preferably employed with Rockwell Plug valves.
The collar element can be attached to the valve stem by any means recognized in the art, for example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 by a plurality of set screws. In addition, when employed with certain valves, e.g., a Rockwell plug valve, an adaptor element such as that illustrated in Figure 4 can be employed in order to connect the collar element with the valve stem.
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the operation of the valve.
The wrench 8 is introduced into a first portion 20 of the locking slot of the collar to engage the valve stem 21. The wrench 8 is turned to open the valve and it moves into the second portion 22 of the slot in the collar and can no longer be removed from the valve stem (Figures 6 to 8).
The material of construction for the collar element is dependent upon the particular environment in which it is employed. For example, in the catalyst system of the preferred embodiment, the collar element can be made of stainless steel.
In operation, the catalyst sample may be obtained as follows. ~uring normal reactor operation, both the '5, J
Background of the Invention The invention relates to a flow sampler device, and in particular, a flow sampler which can be employed in a catalytic reactor system.
A variety of hydrocarbon conversion processes, for example, reforming, hydrocracking, hydrogenation, hydrodesulfurization, and the like, utilize catalysts within a closed reactor vessel system, e.g., a fixed bed reactor vessel operated under super atmospheric pressure and elevated temperatures.
In such environments, catalysts are subject to 'poisoning by metallic contaminants, carbonaceous materials, and other components of the feed to the reactor vessel, such as sulfur and nitrogen.
Accumulation of these materials on the catalyst particles r~ cec the catalytic activity and, in severe cases, can cause plugging of the catalyst bed.
Accordingly, the art has sought ways of determining both the level and the nature of catalyst contamination so that the regeneration of the catalyst can be carried out effectively and the timing of ultimate shutdown and replacement of the catalyst can also be forecast.
ln particular, the art has sought means for obtaining catalyst samples in which the reactor itself is maintained on stream. Such sampling means must be effective in obtaining a sample which may be as high as, for example, 1000-F as well as several thousand pounds of pressure. Moreover, the catalyst sample needs to be obtained inexpensively without the risk of fire and/or injury to personnel.
A number of devices for withdrawing samples of catalysts are recognized in the art. One example, as described in U.S. Patent 3,653,265, employs the 20~6~
differential pressure between the reaction vessel and the solid receiver to carry a catalyst sample from a bed of solids in the vessel to a tubular sampler and into the receiver where the sample is purged and cooled. Another example, disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,654,143, employs a suction nozzle to suck catalysts and reaction liquid from the reaction vessel.
U.S. Patent 3,792,612 relates to a catalyst sampler in which a "safety interlock means" prevents both the inlet valve and the outlet valve of the sampler from being open at the same time. In this system, a linkage, or lock bar, connects the inlet and the outlet valve thus causing both valves to turn simultaneously when either of them is turned.
Accordingly, by opening one of the inlet or outlet valves the other is automatically closed.
Despite the ability of such an arrangement to prevent both of the valves from being opened at the same time, such a mech~n;cal interlock arrangement is beset by a variety of problems. For example, it is complicated to operate, it tends to stick, and is prone to wear with use. In addition, it is possible to override the interlock arrangement which clearly defeats its purpose.
The art has also employed a lock and key arrangement in which both the inlet and the outlet valves are secured by a keyed lock for which only one key is available. Accordingly, in order to open a valve, a key must be inserted into the lock. When the valve is opened, the key cannot be removed, insuring that only one valve can be opened at any one time.
However, such an arrangement involves the use of keys which are easily and (and often) lost, as well as locks which, particularly in this environment, become clogged - - 3 - ~ 3 C~
with, e.g., dirt and thus rendered unusable.
Accordingly, the need still exists for a flow sampler which can overcome those problems associated with prior art devices.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow sampler device which can effectively overcome those problems described above.
In particular, the flow sampler according to the present invention comprises a sample receiver, an inlet valve and an outlet valve which are each in fluid communication with the sample receiver and which each include a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitll~;n~l axis thereof so as to actuate the respective valve. In addition, a collar element is secured to the valve stem.
This collar element has a first end and a second end and comprises a wall means which defines a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end. Furthermore, the wall means has a locking slot which is defined therein and which includes a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion. In one preferred embodiment, the collar element is cylindrical while the locking slot is substantially L-shaped.
Other aspects of this invention are as follows:
A flow sampler comprising;
a sample receiver;
an inlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof to actuate the inlet valve;
i~ ~ 4 ~
- 3a -an outlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitll~in~l axis thereof to actuate the outlet valve; and two collar elements, each element having a 'first end and a second end which is secured to one of the valve stems, each collar element comprising a wall means defining a longit~l~in~l passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means also having a locking slot defined therein, said locking slot including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion.
A collar element for use with a valve stem having a first end and a second end and comprising a wall means defining a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means having a locking slot defined therein, said locking slot including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second locking portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and means for securing the collar element to a valve stem, whereby a wrench which has been inserted through the first portion of the slot can rotate the valve stem and further wherein the wrench so employed cannot be removed from the slot after the respective valve has ~een opened without closing the respective valve.
~ , .. ...
- 3b - ~ Q 4 ~
- Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings In order to facilitate an understanding of this invention, reference will now be made to the appended drawings related to certain aspects of the present invention, the drawings are exemplary only, and should f~ ~
not be construed as limiting the invention.
Figure 1 illustrates the flow sampler arrangement according to the present invention.
Figure 2 and 3 illustrate two embodiments of the collar element employed in the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an adapter which can be employed in connection with a Rockwell ball valve.
Figures 5 and 6 illustrate, in plan, an inlet or outlet valve employed in the present invention being actuated by a wrench;
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the valve in use in an open position; and Figure 8 is a side view of the valve and associated wrench shown in Figure 7.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The present invention relates to a flow sampler which can be employed, for example, to remove catalysts from a reaction vessel.
With reference to the preferred embodiment illustrated by Figure 1, a catalytic vessel 1 is in communication with a sample receiver 2 by way of an inlet valve 3. An outlet valve 4 is connected to the opposite end of the sample receiver 2.
The sample receiver of the present invention include those, e.g., stainless steel storage vessels which are recognized in the art and thus need not be described in detail here.
Moreover, the valves which can be employed in the present invention include any of those valves which operate by way of a valve stem and which can be fully opened or closed by rotation of less than 360~, e.g., a 90~ rotation thereof.
In one preferred environment involving the withdrawal of catalyst from a closed reactor vessel, plug valves such as those plug valves manufactured by Serck Audco and Rockwell are preferably employed.
A collar element is attached to each of the valve stem in order to prevent a wrench which operates the valve from being removed from the valve stem when the valve is in an open position.
This collar element comprises a wall means having a longitudinal passageway defined therethrough from a first end to a second end and further has a locking slot defined therein.
This locking slot has a shape which allows the wrench to engage the valve stem and, thus open the valve but which also prevents the wrench from being removed without closing the valve. Preferably, the lock slot comprises a first portion which extends from the first end of the collar and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion.
In a preferred embodiment, the collar element is cylindrical with the locking slot being substantially "L-shaped". Specific examples of these preferred collar elements are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 where the collar of Figure 2 is preferably employed with plug valves such as those produced by Serck Audco while that of Figure 3 is preferably employed with Rockwell Plug valves.
The collar element can be attached to the valve stem by any means recognized in the art, for example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 by a plurality of set screws. In addition, when employed with certain valves, e.g., a Rockwell plug valve, an adaptor element such as that illustrated in Figure 4 can be employed in order to connect the collar element with the valve stem.
Figures 5 to 8 illustrate the operation of the valve.
The wrench 8 is introduced into a first portion 20 of the locking slot of the collar to engage the valve stem 21. The wrench 8 is turned to open the valve and it moves into the second portion 22 of the slot in the collar and can no longer be removed from the valve stem (Figures 6 to 8).
The material of construction for the collar element is dependent upon the particular environment in which it is employed. For example, in the catalyst system of the preferred embodiment, the collar element can be made of stainless steel.
In operation, the catalyst sample may be obtained as follows. ~uring normal reactor operation, both the '5, J
2~4~
_ 6 inlet and the outlet valve remain closed. When a sample is desired, a valve in line 5 is opened to pressurize the sample receiver 2 to a pressure at least as high as the pressure in the reactor 1, and s preferably about 25 to 50 pounds above the reactor outlet pressure at 7. After sampler receiver 2 is pressurized, the valve in line 5 is closed, and inlet valve 3 is then opened by wrench 8.
When the valve is to be opened, the wrench is slid into the first portion of the locking slot to engage the valve stem. When the wrench is turned to open the valve, it moves into the second portion of the slot in the collar and can no longer be removed from the valve stem.
On opening the inlet valve 3, catalyst material together with reactants enter sample receiver 2. The initial pressure in sampler 2 is preferably at least the size of reactor outlet pressure, or higher to prevent catalysts from being prematurely drawn into the sampler.
The inlet valve 3 is then closed and catalyst sample is allowed to cool. A valve in line 6 is then opened to depressurize sample receiver 2 and remove reactants therefrom. The valve in line 6 is then closed and outlet valve 4 is opened by use of wrench 8.
Because only one valve can be opened at any one time, the reactor is never allowed to vent through the sampling device.
As noted, the catalyst drawn into sampler receiver 2 should be allowed to cool before op~ning outlet valve 4. The cooling of the catalyst sample can be ~Ype~;ted by, for example, alternatively pressurizing the sampler receiver 2 by sequentially (1) opening the valve in line 5 with all the other valves in the closed 2~610~
position, (2) closing the valve in line 5 and (3) op~ning the vent relief valve in line 6.
In the present invention, a single wrench is employed so that when it is "locked" onto one of the valves, the other valve cannot be opened. Moreover, because a single wrench operates both valves, it can be attached to the system in such a way so as to prevent it from becoming easily lost. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, it can be connected to a support bracket attached to the sampler 2. The wrench~c that can be employed in opening and closing the valves in the present invention are any of those known in the art and are chosen ~epen~ing on the particular valve.
Although this sampler is preferably employed in, e.g., a reforming reactor environment, it can be employed in any sampling operation involved in collecting solids, liquids, or gases from processing equipment where exposure to the process media to the atmosphere would be detrimental, including high temperature processes, high pressure procesces, with proce~es involving materials which are air or water sensitive.
Moreover, various modifications or changes in arrangements shown in the preferred embodiment can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, the sampler can be employed without pressurizing and vent lines, particularly when low pressures are utilized within the reactor.
While the invention is described in terms of various preferred embodiments, the artisan will appreciate the various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended 2 ~
_ 8 that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of the following claims including equivalents thereof.
_ 6 inlet and the outlet valve remain closed. When a sample is desired, a valve in line 5 is opened to pressurize the sample receiver 2 to a pressure at least as high as the pressure in the reactor 1, and s preferably about 25 to 50 pounds above the reactor outlet pressure at 7. After sampler receiver 2 is pressurized, the valve in line 5 is closed, and inlet valve 3 is then opened by wrench 8.
When the valve is to be opened, the wrench is slid into the first portion of the locking slot to engage the valve stem. When the wrench is turned to open the valve, it moves into the second portion of the slot in the collar and can no longer be removed from the valve stem.
On opening the inlet valve 3, catalyst material together with reactants enter sample receiver 2. The initial pressure in sampler 2 is preferably at least the size of reactor outlet pressure, or higher to prevent catalysts from being prematurely drawn into the sampler.
The inlet valve 3 is then closed and catalyst sample is allowed to cool. A valve in line 6 is then opened to depressurize sample receiver 2 and remove reactants therefrom. The valve in line 6 is then closed and outlet valve 4 is opened by use of wrench 8.
Because only one valve can be opened at any one time, the reactor is never allowed to vent through the sampling device.
As noted, the catalyst drawn into sampler receiver 2 should be allowed to cool before op~ning outlet valve 4. The cooling of the catalyst sample can be ~Ype~;ted by, for example, alternatively pressurizing the sampler receiver 2 by sequentially (1) opening the valve in line 5 with all the other valves in the closed 2~610~
position, (2) closing the valve in line 5 and (3) op~ning the vent relief valve in line 6.
In the present invention, a single wrench is employed so that when it is "locked" onto one of the valves, the other valve cannot be opened. Moreover, because a single wrench operates both valves, it can be attached to the system in such a way so as to prevent it from becoming easily lost. For example, as illustrated in Figure 1, it can be connected to a support bracket attached to the sampler 2. The wrench~c that can be employed in opening and closing the valves in the present invention are any of those known in the art and are chosen ~epen~ing on the particular valve.
Although this sampler is preferably employed in, e.g., a reforming reactor environment, it can be employed in any sampling operation involved in collecting solids, liquids, or gases from processing equipment where exposure to the process media to the atmosphere would be detrimental, including high temperature processes, high pressure procesces, with proce~es involving materials which are air or water sensitive.
Moreover, various modifications or changes in arrangements shown in the preferred embodiment can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
For example, the sampler can be employed without pressurizing and vent lines, particularly when low pressures are utilized within the reactor.
While the invention is described in terms of various preferred embodiments, the artisan will appreciate the various modifications, substitutions, omissions, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. Accordingly, it is intended 2 ~
_ 8 that the scope of the present invention be limited solely by the scope of the following claims including equivalents thereof.
Claims (15)
1. A flow sampler comprising;
a sample receiver;
an inlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof to actuate the inlet valve;
an outlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof to actuate the outlet valve; and two collar elements, each element having a first end and a second end , the second ends being secured respectively to the valve body of the inlet and outlet valves, each collar element comprising a wall means defining a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means also having a locking slot defined therein, said locking including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion, said perpendicular portion being structured to engage and prevent removal of the valve actuating means to ensure sequential valve operation.
a sample receiver;
an inlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof to actuate the inlet valve;
an outlet valve in fluid communication with the receiver, said valve including a valve stem which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof to actuate the outlet valve; and two collar elements, each element having a first end and a second end , the second ends being secured respectively to the valve body of the inlet and outlet valves, each collar element comprising a wall means defining a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means also having a locking slot defined therein, said locking including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion, said perpendicular portion being structured to engage and prevent removal of the valve actuating means to ensure sequential valve operation.
2. The sampler of claim 1 wherein the locking slot in each collar element is located relative to the end of the valve stem to which it is secured such that a wrench which has been inserted through the first portion of the slot can rotate the valve stem and further wherein the wrench so employed cannot be removed from the slot after the respective valve has been opened without closing the respective valve.
3. The sampler of claim 1 wherein the locking slot of the collar is substantially L-shaped.
4. The sampler of claim 1 wherein the wall means defines a substantially cylindrical passageway.
5. The sampler of claim 1 wherein the element is secured to the valve stem by way of at least one hole defined in the wall means near the second end of the element.
6. The sampler of claim 1 wherein the sample receiver is a particulate solids storage vessel, the inlet valve is a particulate solids inlet valve, the outlet valve is a particulate solids outlet valve.
7. The sampler of claim 6 further comprising means to pressurize and depressurize the solids storage vessel.
8. The sampler of claim 6 wherein each of the valves is a plug valve.
9. The sampler of claim 1 wherein both the inlet valve and the outlet valve is secured to the receiver.
10. The sampler of claim 1 further comprising an adaptor which is connected between the valve stem and the collar element.
11. The sample of claim 1 further comprising means for attaching a wrench to the receiver which wrench is capable of actuating each of the valves.
12. A collar element for use with a first valve body, said collar element having a first end and a second end and comprising a wall means defining a longitudinal passageway through the element from the first end to the second end, said wall means having a locking slot defined therein to ensure a sequential valve actuation of said first valve and a second valve;
said locking slot including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second locking portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and means for securing the collar element to a valve stem, whereby a wrench which has been inserted through the first portion of the slot can rotate the valve stem and further wherein the wrench so employed cannot be removed from the slot after the respective valve has been opened without closing the respective valve prior to actuation of the second valve.
said locking slot including a first portion extending from the first end of the element and a second locking portion which is substantially perpendicular to the first portion, and means for securing the collar element to a valve stem, whereby a wrench which has been inserted through the first portion of the slot can rotate the valve stem and further wherein the wrench so employed cannot be removed from the slot after the respective valve has been opened without closing the respective valve prior to actuation of the second valve.
13. The collar element of claim 12 wherein the locking slot is substantially L-shaped.
14. The collar element of claim 12 wherein the wall means defines a substantially cylindrical passageway.
15. The collar element of claim 12 wherein the wall means further has at least one hole defined therein near the second end of the element.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US70836591A | 1991-05-31 | 1991-05-31 | |
| US708,365 | 1991-05-31 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2046103A1 CA2046103A1 (en) | 1992-12-01 |
| CA2046103C true CA2046103C (en) | 1998-12-29 |
Family
ID=24845513
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002046103A Expired - Fee Related CA2046103C (en) | 1991-05-31 | 1991-07-03 | Sampler safety interlock device |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH05264419A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR920021980A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1701392A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2046103C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2256261B (en) |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB745756A (en) * | 1953-08-11 | 1956-02-29 | Eric Crisp Lewis | Key operated rotary valve |
-
1991
- 1991-07-03 CA CA002046103A patent/CA2046103C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-05-19 AU AU17013/92A patent/AU1701392A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1992-05-29 KR KR1019920009297A patent/KR920021980A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1992-06-01 GB GB9211517A patent/GB2256261B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-06-01 JP JP4140474A patent/JPH05264419A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2256261A (en) | 1992-12-02 |
| GB9211517D0 (en) | 1992-07-15 |
| GB2256261B (en) | 1995-04-05 |
| CA2046103A1 (en) | 1992-12-01 |
| AU1701392A (en) | 1992-12-03 |
| JPH05264419A (en) | 1993-10-12 |
| KR920021980A (en) | 1992-12-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |