US 8,800,394 B2 · Transportable liquid phase LNG sample apparatus and method

Abstract

A transportable Sample Apparatus includes a vacuum flask (Dewar flask) and integral sample container. The Sample Apparatus may be used to capture a liquid phase LNG sample at a custody transfer point and to transport the sample to a laboratory for analysis. Vaporization of the liquid phase sample may take place at a variety of different locations. For example, vaporization may begin and/or be completed during transport from the collection point to the laboratory. In another example, vaporization may begin and be completed in the laboratory. In yet another example vaporization may begin during transport and be completed at the laboratory. The gas phase sample is typically analyzed by a gas chromatograph for Btu content, among other things. Prior to capture of the sample, the Sample Apparatus goes through a pre-cool cycle to chill a sample end cap and other components to a temperature compatible with capture of a cryogenic liquid sample which is about −250° F.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A sample apparatus for capture of a liquid phase sample of liquefied natural gas (LNG) comprising:

a LNG sample container having;
a hollow cylinder captured between and sealed against a sample end cap and a pre-charge end cap;
a piston positioned in and sealed against the hollow cylinder, the piston selectively movable toward and away from the sample end cap and pre-charge end cap;
the sample end cap defining a sample inlet port, portions of a sample collection chamber and a sample outlet port, the sample inlet port, the sample collection chamber and the sample outlet port all being in fluid communication with one another;
a vacuum flask having;
an outer shell, connected to the sample end cap;
an inner cryogenic vessel having a base;
a vacuum chamber formed between the outer shell and the inner cryogenic vessel to insulate the inner cryogenic vessel;
a fill port passing through the outer shell and in fluid communication with the inner cryogenic vessel, a vent port from the inner cryogenic vessel passing through the outer shell and a vacuum port in the outer shell in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber;
and
means for transferring heat from the sample end cap to the inner cryogenic vessel.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Transportable liquid phase LNG sample apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Transportable liquid phase LNG sample apparatus and method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10