Pipe Pressure Sampler
The pressure samplers are designed to fit onto pipes with diameters ranging from 100mm (4”) to 600mm (24”). The pressure sampler is used for pipelines that are under pressure and are installed in-line, in vertical up flow lines, commonly after the discharge of pumps.
The unit consists of a “Y” pipe section and the samples are taken from the one branch of the “Y” using a simple probe. The sample from the probe can be controlled using a valve provided, but units are generally custom designed. The continuous sample is then fed from the probe to a container or secondary sampler via a flexible hose. The dilated housing is designed to generate turbulence within the pipe and ensures that the sample taken is representative of the material flowing within the pipe as a result of the velocity drop created across the sampler inlet.
Turbulence bars can be introduced at the inlet to further enhance mixing as is an optional extra should clients prefer.
Pressure Pipe sampler assembly
The pressure sampler can be broken up into three basic components parts- the Y-shaped body, the sample probe assembly and the discharge flange.
The body
The body is of 300WA mild steel construction with 6-9mm thick vulcanised rubberlining to ensure a long life from the unit. A wear resistant ceramic lining is optional and at additional cost.
The sampler probe
The sample probe is of 316 stainless steel schedule 160 manufacture and is slid through the flange. It can be extracted even if the unit is on line via a quick-release coupling and isolation valve. The internal diameter is 12,5mm. The probe sub assembly has two valves, namely an isolation valve (when doing probe inspections on-line) and a shut off valve (when a continuous primary sample is not required).
The flange
The flange is of mild steel construction and is removable for ease of inspection and maintenance. This is specially reinforced for high pressure applications (e.g. plant residue lines) in excess of 7 bar line pressure.
Note: It is important that the secondary vezin sampler is positioned in close proximity (1-2 metres) of the primary pressure pipe sampler, either just below or adjacent to it. Under no circumstances must it be installed above the primary unit or at distances greater than 2-3 metres.
Operation Of The Unit
The operation of the unit is very simple. Once installed, the sample is taken continuously and controlled using the valve at the back of the unit. If no sample is required then the isolation valve can be closed. The unit is designed to suit the client’s requirements and the amount of sample should not generally be controlled by using the isolation (i.e. excessive wear) valve but rather by controlling the frequency of cuts on the secondary sampler. A quick release coupling exists should the sample probe become choked which allows removal of the probe whilst the unit is still on line! Some etched V-shaped rings (3 off) allows one to gauge when rod is fully removed from sampler housing (but still supported in probe sleeve) and coupling can be closed. This eliminates the spillage whilst checking the sampling probe for wear / blockages once withdrawn totally.
Maintenance
The only parts which will require periodic maintenance are the sample probe itself. This should be inspected regularly for wear and if it becomes excessively worn, it should be replaced. This will vary between mineral industries, slurry densities and between various process applications. The rubber-lining on the housing needs to be intact, or else wear of mild steel will be very rapid. The stainless steel probe will require less frequent replacement, depending on the corrosive nature of the solution or slurry. It has a wall thickness of 11mm and is quite durable. In addition, a tungsten carbide or chromite layer is applied to reduce wear.
Note: In extreme cases, alternative probes of PU and ceramic material is provided to ensure long life.