Sample Conditioning System Design for Process Analysis

Importance
In order to obtain a reliable, representative and timely process data,
it is imperative to provide a continuous flow of clean and dry sample.
To many, this represents a constant challenge, with sample conditioning
units frequently plug up with solids and others substances. Increasing
Maintenance cost - labour, and replacement parts- and process and
analytical downtime,
Criteria when Sampling
When designing a sample conditioning system, you must follow these six
criteria
!. "ompatibility
a. # compatible $ample will not harm the analyzers and will
produce a reliable analytical result
b. "auses for Incompatibility %oor design and filtration,
partial condensation, failure to control temperature,
pressure&high', or flow, inadequate materials against
corrosion, heat, pressure, etc
(. Timely
a. #lthough an analytical measurement is never instantaneous
&some time delay is inevitable', consider what an acceptable
delay from real process time is.
b. $ome delay are cause by Wrong port location, volume, too
long or stagnant line, high pressure, low flow, dead legs, ,
slow analy)er, etc
c. *emember that the total time delay is the sum of all the
delays
+. *epresentative
a. # sampling conditioning sample must provides sample that is
meaningful for its intended purpose. *epresentative is not
always accurate.
b. %otential causes of lost representation are "omposition
change due to chemical reaction, incomplete sapling at port,
contamination by adsorption or permeation, etc

,. *eliable
a. # rule to remember, -eep it simple, .o I really need it/
b. 0se parts that are easy to repair and maintained
c. 1eep a regular maintenance schedule &filters, valves, pumps,
etc'
2. "ost-3ffective
a. "onsider cost for maintenance, labour, operation, spare
parts, consumables, utilities and downtime operation
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4. $afe
a. #pply all safety procedures, when design a system be careful
not to expose the operator to ha)ardous chemicals or
radiation, or lethal voltage etc
b. Train the operator to handle the equipment.
Basic Sampling Conditioning System
!. %ort &extraction point'
(. Tubing
+. %umps
,. 5ilters
2. 6eating components &6eating lines, heaters, insulation, etc'
4. "ondensing components &cooler, moisture trap, condenser, etc'
Process Port Location
When evaluating a sample port location, consider the fallowing criteria
!. What is to be measured and why/ Is imperative to understand the
process &the closer the better'
(. 7enerally, from the process viewpoint, 0pstream is better
&representative, timely', but from the analy)er viewpoint,
.ownstream is better &"ooler, lower pressure, easier to handle and
cleaner' 81ey word is compromise.
+. 9rientation is also important, place it in a way that gravity will
assist in removing solids or liquid drops.
,. 1eep the no))le short as possible to minimi)e time delay
2. 1eep it simple and accessible for removal and maintenance.

Sample Transport System
*emember these ( basics rules
!. Never sample or transport vapour streams at their dew point
(. Never sample or transport liquid streams at their bubble point
Components
Probes
# probe has three main purposes 7et the fastest response, ta-e a
selective sample, to ta-e a representative sample. "onsider these
criteria.
!. :ocation, # rule of thumb is to have the tip of the probe in
the middle !;+ of the pipe diameter.
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Phase Separation
Phase Preservation
Sample Switching Manifold
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