MXPA06005269A - Pressurizedgas sampling container - Google Patents

Abstract

A gas sampling container capable of obtaining, isolating and transporting samples of gas or other fluid under pressure form. The container further exhibits a plurality of simple, reliable, inexpensive, self sealing, valves which allow the introduction, flow through and exit of the gas sample. The container is suitable for taking discrete or serial samples from a gas or fluid flow source and is especially suited for use in automated sampling apparatus. These containers are acceptable for shipment of compressed flammable gases under the regulatory structures of many countries.

Description

PRESSURIZED CONTAINER OF GAS SAMPLING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The pressurized gas sampling vessel refers to the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples that may be required in various scientific, environmental and resource contexts. As an example, in the exploration, drilling, recovery and storage of oil and natural gas, periodic sampling of recovered gases and fluids is required for subsequent analysis. In the petroleum industry, "mud" is a colloquial term for a thick chemical composition that is pumped into the drill bits as they penetrate the substrate. This "mud" is returned to the surface and contains gases that are released from the rock as the auger penetrates. Significant data are acquired from the analysis of these gases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION International Publication Number OOl / 79805 Al discloses a non-pressurized sampling container in conjunction with a sampling apparatus. This system and the non-pressurized sampling vessel is widely used in the gas sampling industry specifically, in the mud gas sampling sector. The Patent of the States Ref .: 172731 United No. 5,116,330 to Spencer provided a sample extraction system with a sampling container and valves. Such a sampling system requires the interruption of the flow of the fluid as the sampling vessels are exchanged. In addition, the extraction of the sample from the sampling container was achieved by "draining" the container, a technique that relies on gravity and is suitable for fluids in a liquid rather than a gaseous state. Although less common today, the gas sampling industry uses sampling bags that have the obvious problems of fragility, occupancy of a significant volume when shipped, and the inability to contain gas or fluid under any significant pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This pressurized tube facilitates the recovery and transportation of gas samples. This pressurized sampling container, made of aluminum will be usable at pressures up to 1860 kPa (270 pounds) per square inch, however, other materials such as steel or plastic, other polymers, carbon fiber and other metals may allow higher pressures . There are several advantages in using pressurized gas sampling vessels. High pressure containers are very expensive and with valves and end caps, can exceed $ 200 per unit. The present invention will be reduced to approximately $ 25 per unit. More fundamentally, there are currently no low pressure sample vessels readily available on the market, with the advantage of flow through gas collection. These types of containers are difficult to purge, and in this way the samples collected in them are generally contaminated with any materials that were previously in the container. In addition, when compressing the gas, the amount of the sample that can be collected is several times larger than with the non-compressed gas sampling vessels or tubes. For example, at 1.05 kg / cm2 (150 psi), the number of samples actually 11 times as much as an uncompressed sample in the same size container. This larger sample size allows additional analyzes that could not be performed on non-compressed gas sampling vessels or tubes to be carried out. It is anticipated that this container will meet or exceed the requirements of the United States Department of Transportation for the shipment of compressed gases. Specifically, this is acceptable for the shipment of flammable gases compressed under the UN2037 classification of the United States Department of Transportation (United States Department of Transportation), RECEPTACLES, SMALL, THAT CONTAIN GASES. It is also anticipated that the container will meet or exceed similar standards in other countries. The use of low-pressure sampling vessels will also simplify shipping. With the containers or tubes of sampling of gas not compressed, currently used, depending on the size, a maximum of 8 per box could be embarked in an aircraft for passengers, according to the regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Up to 40 per box could be shipped on cargo aircraft only. This is a significant disadvantage because many aircraft in the world do not have air cargo service only. Because the projects for which the containers or gas sampling tubes are used, involve the collection of as many as 200 to 300 samples, the shipment in small groups is very inefficient and expensive. This has resulted in some samples being sent by ship with delivery times of several months. For non-compressed gases, shipping quantities are given as volumes (1 liter for passenger airplanes, 5 liters for airplanes only for cargo). For compressed gases, the limitations in the amount are by net weight. The invention is suitable for the transportation of many types of gases, however, consider, for example, the use of the container to ship samples of natural gas. Natural gas is mainly methane and generally lighter than air. In this way, the quantity that can be shipped in an outer container, even in a passenger plane, is so large that it does not present practical limitations. 25, 50 or even 100 of the compressed gas containers per box will comply with the regulations. The ability to ship pressurized samples will also simplify the collection of samples. Frequently the lines or devices from which gases must be collected are pressurized. One example is the collection of mud gases from drilling operations of oil and gas wells. In some cases, the sample must be extracted from a line that is pressurized from 1.76 to 3.51 kg / cm2 (25 or 30 psi). With non-compressed gas sampling vessels or tubes, it was necessary to reduce the pressure in the vessel to atmospheric pressure before they could be shipped. This was a complicating factor and resulted in some samples actually being shipped improperly. The invention has valves on both ends that can be opened and closed independently, and which allow the container to be purged simply by flowing the sample gas therethrough. As long as the amount of sample gas available is not limiting, the container does not have to be evacuated before use. The valves are simple, reliable, self-sealing and inexpensive, and the invention is easily adaptable for use with automated sample collection and analysis systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling container. Figure 2 is a plan view of the closed end of the container. Figure 3 is a plan view of the lid. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the valve and cap, in place within the open end of the sampling container. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve body. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger valve.

BEST MODALITY FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a cross section of a container (15) having a closed end (10), which is pierced by the circular opening (8) of the container. In Figure 2 there is an elevation view of the closed end (10), which also shows the opening 8. Returning again to Figure 1, it is observed that the walls (16) of the container extend towards the open end (19) of the container. The open end (19) of the container shows a rolled flange (18) formed by the wall (16) of the container that is formed in the direction toward the longitudinal middle line of the container, and then outward to a degree such that the wall (16) of the container touches itself at the point (17), thereby forming the rolled flange (18). The lid (20) is shown in figures 1, 3 and 5. The lid (20) is cup-shaped and of such a diameter that the sides (23) of the lid communicate with the rolled flanges (18), which still allows the background (22) of the lid slides inside the container (15), allowing the partially rolled flange (26) to also communicate with the rolled flange (18). The partially wound flange (26) is formed in such a way as to allow the internal curved surface (27) to communicate with the external curved surface (28) of the rolled flange (18). The seal (25) is annular in shape and rests on the internal curved surface (27). When the lid (20) is completely inserted into the container (15), the partially rolled tab (26) communicates with the seal (25) which, in turn, communicates with the relief flange (18) forming a Hermetic seal to the air or to the gas. When the partially rolled tab (26) is then further rolled or crimped, the end (29A) of the flange is pressed under the rolled flange (18) at the point (30). This tightly compresses the seal (25), allowing the container (15) to be so hermetically sealed to allow the container (15) to contain compressed gases or liquids. The container (15) will be composed of aluminum, steel or another substance of resistance suitable for gases and compressed liquids. The circular lid opening (24) is substantially the same diameter as the circular opening (8) of the container. The first valve (2) is inserted through the circular opening (8) of the container, such that the first end (4) of the valve is outside the container (15), and the second end (6) of the valve is internal. The flange (14) of the valve causes the second end (6) of the valve to be retained with the container (15), and also allows compression of the seal (12) between the flange (14) of the valve and the end (10) of the container. The second valve (2A) is substantially similar to Figure 5, as is the first valve (2), and it can be seen that the valve (2A) shows external threads, specifically first external thread (40) and second external thread ( 41). Returning to Figure 1, it is observed that the first valve (2) will accept the washer (3) on the first end (4) of the valve, and will also accept the nut (5) internally threaded, such that when the nut (5) ) internally threaded is screwed on the first external thread (40) of the valve (2), it tightens and compresses the seal (12) between the flange (14) of the valve and the end (10) of the container, allowing a enough seal to retain compressed gases. The second valve (2) is inserted through the opening (24) of the lid with the first end (4A) of the valve, outside the container (15), and the second end (6A) of the valve within the container (15), when the lid (20) is inserted into the container (15) and resting on the rolled flange (28) Figure 4 illustrates the lid (20) inserted through the open end (19) of the container, with the second valve (2A) in suitable position through the circular opening (24) of the lid. Figure 4 also illustrates an alternative crimping method, wherein a portion of the wall (23) of the lid is expanded within the rim (29), such that the rim (29) applies pressure under the rolled rim (18). This, in turn, causes the partially rolled flange 26 to settle on the upper surface of the rolled flange (18), causing the seal (25) is compressed, thus sealing the container. Both illustrated curling methods can be used independently or together. Returning now to Figure 5, the first valve (2) is illustrated. This is composed of a transverse base (78) and the annular section (79). The annular section (79), which is coupled to the transverse base (78), shows the external thread (40) and the second external thread (41). The central hole (110) extends through the transverse base (78) and the annular section (79). The first end (4) of the valve shows the external threads (41) and the internal threads (42) within the central hole (110). The central hole (110) shows a conical narrowing, the seat section (82) of the central orifice valve. It is here that a plunger-activated valve (85) is seated. The second valve (2A) is configured substantially similar to that of the first valve (2). Returning now to Figure 6, the valve (85) activated by plunger is shown. The piston-activated valve 85 is composed of a valve body 86 having a central cavity 90. The end 91 of the body of the first valve of the plunger, externally threaded, has a central hole 92 and a plurality of openings 93 that communicate with each other. with the central cavity 90. The end 94 of the body of the second piston valve also shows a corresponding central hole 95, with an annular space also communicating with the central cavity 90. The exterior of the valve body 86 shows a segment 105 of valve body, of conical piston. A packing 114 of the piston valve body is seated around the body segment 105 of the conical piston valve, and corresponds substantially to the shape of the seat section 82 of the central orifice valve, shown in Figure 5. Within the area of the central cavity 90, there are the valve holder 96 of the first plunger having a central hole 97 and a plurality of openings 98. The rod holder of the first plunger fixed to the internal walls of the central cavity 90. A rod holder 99 of the second piston also has a central hole 100 and a plurality of openings 101. The rod holder 99 of the second piston is also fixed to the internal walls of the central cavity 90. In this way, the central holes of the end 94 of the valve body of the second piston, the rod holder 99 of the second piston, the rod holder 96 of the first piston and the end 91 of the valve body of the first piston One, they all correspond so that piston 87 can be placed through all. The plunger 87 has a first plunger end 103 positioned outside the central cavity 90, and above the valve body 86. A second plunger end 104 is also positioned outside the central cavity 90 and below the valve body 86. The plunger 87 also shows a spring stop 115 fixed to the plunger 87 between the rod holder 96 of the first plunger and the rod holder 99 of the second plunger, but at a point on the plunger 87 where the spring stop 115 communicates with the plunger 87. the inner surface of the rod support 96 of the first plunger, when it is in a resting position. The rest position is maintained by the spring 89 placed on the rod of the plunger, which communicates with the spring stop 115, and the rod holder 99 of the second plunger. Fixed to the end 94 of the second plunger in a manner such as to prevent leakage around the plunger 87 is the plunger packing 88. The piston packing 88 seals the central hole 95 and the annular space 102 of the end 94 of the valve body of the second piston, when held against the end 94 of the valve body of the second piston, by the pressure exerted by the spring 89 on the spring stop 115. Returning now to Figure 5, it can be seen that when the end 94 of the valve body of the second plunger, of the piston-activated valve 85 is inserted into the end 80 of the first annular section of the first end cap valve body 77 , the end 91 of the valve body of the first piston, externally threaded, can be placed inside the internal threads of the first end 80 of annular section. The arrangement of the valve 85 activated by the plunger is such that a depth for pressing the packing 114 of the piston valve body, firmly against the seat section 82 of the central orifice valve, creates a seal. When the first valve 2 and the second valve 2A are inserted into their respective openings, the cap sealed inside the sample container, and the plunger activated valves are mounted within the valve bodies, the sample container then gains the ability to seal inside it a gas sample. Piston-activated valves, when they are fluidly connected to an apparatus capable of depressing the plunger valves, still maintaining a seal, such as that observed in International Publication Number O01 / 79805 Al, which is a means of injection and extraction, will give as a result the injection, extraction or flow through a sample of pressurized gas.

POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This pressurized gas sampling vessel finds application in the oil and gas industry, and in any industry or application where continuous discrete sampling of gases or fluids is required, in which a pressurized sample is desired. that it needs to be economically and efficiently transported to a place where the sample is removed for testing. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best known method for carrying out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (18)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A container for gas or fluid, characterized in that it comprises: a first end, a second end, a plurality of valves fluidly connected to the container, whereby a gas or fluid can enter, flow through and exit the container.

2. The gas or fluid container according to claim 1, characterized in that it is constructed of metal, aluminum, steel, plastic, polymer or carbon fiber, capable of containing fluid or gas under pressure.

The container according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises: a first valve fluidly connected to the first end of the container, a second valve fluidly connected to the second end of the container, whereby a gas or fluid can enter through the container. the first valve, flow through the container, and exit through the second valve.

The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the first valve and the second valve are self-sealing, whereby the gas or fluid can be retained inside the container under pressure.

The container according to claim 4, characterized in that the first valve and the second valve are activated by pistons.

The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end is a closed end, and the second end is an open end.

The container according to claim 5, characterized in that the closed end is pierced by a circular opening.

The container according to claim 7, characterized in that the first valve is placed inside the circular opening.

9. The container according to claim 8, characterized in that the open end shows a curled rim.

10. The container according to claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises a lid, the lid is placed through the open end.

11. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that the lid shows a partially curled flange, whereby, when the lid is placed through the open end, the partially curled flange communicates with the crimped rim, forming a seal.

The container according to claim 11, characterized in that the curled flange is formed around and under the crimped rim, whereby the lid is retained on the crimped rim.

13. The container according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a seal, the seal is placed between the partially curled flange and the crimped rim, whereby a fluid tight seal is created.

The container according to claim 12, characterized in that the lid further comprises a lid opening.

15. The container according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises a second valve placed through the opening of the lid.

16. The container according to claim 14, characterized in that the lid shows cover walls extending inside the open end and below the curled rim.

17. The container according to claim 15, characterized in that the lid wall further comprises an expanded flange, whereby the expanded flange provides pressure on the crimped flange, wherein the curled flange is compressed between the crimped flange and the expanded flange .

18. The container according to claim 15, characterized in that it further comprises means for extracting or injecting fluid, wherein the first valve and the second valve can be fluidly connected to the fluid extraction or injection device.