Claims:
1. A duct mountable system comprising:
a) gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
2. The system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a first thermally conducting plate, a second thermally conducting plate and a cooling interface.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the gas sampling probe is configured to be mountable on a high temperature duct.
4. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3 wherein the gas sampling probe is configured to be mountable on an external surface of the duct.
5. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4 wherein the duct is an exhaust duct, a ventilation duct, an exhaust stack, an exhaust pipe or a chimney.
6. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 5 wherein the sample transport line has a length of not greater than 1.5 feet.
7. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 6 wherein the sample transport line has a length of 1 foot.
8. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 6 wherein the heat exchanger comprises an inner conduit and an outer conduit, the inner conduit being concentrically disposed within an outer conduit and being sealed, at its proximal end, to the inner surface of the outer conduit and wherein the inner conduit is fastened, at its proximal end, to a sample inlet and the outer conduit is fastened, at its proximal end, to a sample outlet, the outer conduit comprising a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with an inner surface of the cooling interface.
9. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 8 wherein the heat exchanger is fastened, at its distal end, to a J-tube.
10. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 2 to 9 wherein the first thermally conducting plate is in thermal communication with an outer surface of the cooling interface.
11. The system as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the second thermally conducting plate is in thermal communication with a heat sink.
12. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 9 to 11 wherein the heat exchanger is configured to convey a gas sample and the J-tube is configured to hold a condensate
13. The system as claimed in claim 12 wherein the condensate is water
14. The system as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 13 wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a peltier element.
15. A method for conditioning a gas sample, the method comprising the steps of conveying a gas sample through a sample transport line having a length of not greater than 1.5 feet, cooling the gas sample in a heat exchanger in contact with a cooling interface, wherein the cooling results in condensation of water vapour in the gas sample into a condensate, and holding the condensate in a J-tube
, Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a duct mountable system. The invention also relates to a method for conditioning a gas sample.
BACKGROUND
Extraction of a gas sample from an exhaust stack, ventilation duct or a chimney and subsequent analysis of the gas sample for its gaseous constituents is quite well known. There are several practical difficulties associated with such extraction and analysis techniques known in the past. One of the key concerns relating to such conventional techniques is that the analysis device is spatially distant from the exhaust stack/duct requiring usage of a sample transport line between them. While the hot gases from the stack/duct are conveyed through the sample transport line, they cool down resulting in condensation of moisture contained in the sample at the periphery of the transport line. A major disadvantage of such condensation is the dissolution of some of the water-soluble gaseous substances in the sample into the condensate. This results in reduced availability of water soluble gases in the sample during subsequent analysis at the analysis device. Consequently, there is inconsistency in the relative amounts of individual gases analyzed at the device and their actual concentrations in the gaseous mixture of the stack. To avoid condensation of water vapour, the sample transport line is usually kept at a higher temperature by electrically heated heating elements. Such heating consumes power proportional to the length of the sample transport line and is, therefore, not economically desirable. Transporting the gaseous mixture extracted from the stack and analyzing the individual gases with accuracy and precision is, thus a major challenge. In view of the fact that conventionally used systems for sample extraction and analysis are energy intensive due to the requirement of long sample transport line and the heating required therein, there is a longstanding need for a system for determination of individual gases that is less energy intensive as well as more accurate and precise.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
One object of the invention is to provide a duct-mountable system for extraction and conditioning sample from a duct, an exhaust stack, pipe or a chimney.
Another object of the invention is to provide a duct-mountable system wherein the sample transport line has a length of not greater than 1.5 feet.
Another object of the invention to provide a duct-mountable system wherein the heat exchanger is fastened to a J-tube.
Another object of the invention is to provide a duct-mountable system wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a peltier element.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method for conditioning a gas sample comprising condensation of water vapour in the gas sample into a condensate, and holding the condensate in a J-tube
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention provides a system for extraction and conditioning of the sample gas mixture from a duct, an exhaust stack, pipe or a chimney.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a first thermally conducting plate, a second thermally conducting plate and a cooling interface.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the gas sampling probe is configured to be mountable on a high temperature duct.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the gas sampling probe is configured to be mountable on an external surface of the duct.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the duct is an exhaust duct, a ventilation duct, an exhaust stack, an exhaust pipe or a chimney.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the sample transport line has a length of not greater than 1.5 feet.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the sample transport line preferably has a length of 1 foot.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a first thermally conducting plate, a second thermally conducting plate and a cooling interface and wherein the heat exchanger comprises an inner conduit and an outer conduit, the inner conduit being concentrically disposed within the outer conduit and being sealed, at its proximal end, to the inner surface of the outer conduit and wherein the inner conduit is fastened, at its proximal end, to a sample inlet and the outer conduit is fastened, at its proximal end, to a sample outlet, the outer conduit comprising a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with an inner surface of the cooling interface.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the heat exchanger comprises an inner conduit, an outer conduit and a cooling interface, the inner conduit being concentrically disposed within an outer conduit and being sealed, at its proximal end, to the inner surface of the outer conduit and wherein the inner conduit is fastened, at its proximal end, to a sample inlet and the outer conduit is fastened, at its proximal end, to a sample outlet, the outer conduit comprising a thermally conductive material in thermal communication with an inner surface of the cooling interface and wherein the heat exchanger is fastened, at its distal end, to a J-tube.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a first thermally conducting plate and a second thermally conducting plate.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a first thermally conducting plate and a second thermally conducting plate and wherein the first thermally conducting plate is in thermal communication with an outer surface of the cooling interface.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a first thermally conducting plate and a second thermally conducting plate and wherein the second thermally conducting plate is in thermal communication with a heat sink.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the heat exchanger is configured to convey a gas sample and the J-tube is configured to hold a condensate and wherein the condensate is water
In one embodiment, the invention provides a duct mountable system comprising:
a) A gas sampling probe
b) a sample transport line
c) a heat exchanger and
d) a thermoelectric cooling unit
wherein the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a peltier element.
In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method for conditioning a gas sample, the method comprising the steps of conveying a gas sample through a sample transport line having a length of not greater than 1.5 feet, cooling the gas sample in a heat exchanger in contact with a cooling interface, wherein the cooling results in condensation of water vapour in the gas sample into a condensate, and holding the condensate in a J-tube
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which
Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the duct-mountable system
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the thermoelectric cooling unit and the heat exchanger
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the heat exchanger
Figure 4 provides a front sectional view of the heat exchanger fastened to a J-tube and to a sample transport line

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified
Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise.
The term ‘duct’ as used herein would mean to include exhaust duct, ventilation duct, exhaust stack, exhaust pipe or a chimney, more particularly in relation to industries.
The term ‘J-tube’ would mean to include a conduit, tube or a pipe having the shape of the English alphabet ‘J’ in any of the views.
Turning now to Figure 1, the duct mountable system of the present invention comprise a gas sampling probe (B) for extraction of sample from the duct. The gas sampling probe comprise a dust filter (A). The dust filter (A) eliminates dust particles contained in the sample from the duct. The gas sampling probe (B) assists in extraction of the sample and is mountable on the duct, preferably at the outer periphery. Typically, the gas sampling probe is configured to be mountable on a high temperature duct. Preferably, the probe is configured to be mountable on an external surface of the duct. Some examples of the ducts are an exhaust duct, a ventilation duct, an exhaust stack, an exhaust pipe or a chimney. Sample extracted from the duct is conveyed through the sample transport line (C). Typically, the sample transport line has a length of not greater than 1.5 feet. Advantageously, the sample transport line has a length of 1 foot. The probe as well as the transport line are heated to eliminate the possibility of condensation of water vapor thus preventing loss of water soluble gases in the gas sample into the condensate. The gas sample extracted from the duct and conveyed through the sample transport line is then conditioned in the conditioning unit (D). The conditioning unit comprise a heat exchanger, a thermoelectric cooling unit and a J-tube. After conditioning in the conditioning unit (D) the gas sample exits the duct mountable system. The gas sample that exits the duct mountable system is analyzed in a gas analysis device. The condensate obtained upon conditioning of the gas sample in the conditioning unit (D) is collected in a catch pot (E) and drained out.
Turning now to Figure 2, the duct mountable system of the present invention comprise a heat exchanger (2) as well as a thermoelectric cooling unit (16). The heat exchanger (2) comprise an inner conduit (12), an outer conduit (13), a sample inlet (7) and a sample outlet (8). The heat exchanger (2) is in thermal communication with a thermoelectric cooling unit (16). The thermoelectric cooling unit comprises two thermally conducting plates-a first thermally conducting plate (3), a second thermally conducting plate(4), and a cooling interface (1). The heat exchanger (2) is capable of being removably engaged into a receiving aperture of the cooling interface (1). The first thermally conducting plate (3) is in thermal communication with an outer surface of the cooling interface (1), while the second thermally conducting plate (4) is in thermal communication with the heat sink (5). The heat sink is typically cooled by way of a cooling device (6), preferably a fan. The cooling interface (1) is typically a cooling block, preferably of cubic/cuboid geometry. The heat exchanger (2) is fastened, preferably by way of the outer conduit, to a J-tube (9). The heat exchanger (2) is configured to convey a gas sample while the J-tube (9) is configured to hold a condensate. Typically, the condensate is water. Preferably, the thermoelectric cooling unit comprises a peltier element.
Turning now to Figure 3, the sample inlet (7), sample outlet (8) and the J-tube (9) are displayed together in a perspective view.
Figure 4 displays a sectional view of the heat exchanger (2), the J-tube (9), the gas sampling probe (14) and the sample transport line (15). During operation of the heat exchanger (2), the sample gas enter the heat exchanger (2) through the sample inlet (7) and is conveyed into the inner conduit (12) of the heat exchanger. From the inner conduit (12), the sample gas is conveyed out of the heat exchanger through the outlet (8) on the outer conduit (13). Since the outer conduit (13) is in thermal communication with an inner surface of the cooling interface (1) and that outer surface of the cooling interface (1) is in thermal communication with the first thermally conducting plate (cold plate) (3) of the peltier element, the sample gas in the heat exchanger (2) is subject to cooling. This results in condensation of water vapour, in the sample gas, and the condensate so formed is collected in the J-tube (9). The configuration of the J-tube enables minimal contact of the sample gas with the condensate, ensuring that there is minimal dissolution and removal of water-soluble gaseous components in the sample gas. The overflows from the J tube are collected in a catch pot (10) that is occasionally drained off at the drainage port (11). The drainage port is usually a drainage valve.
The invention also provides a method for conditioning a gas sample. The method of the present invention comprise the steps of conveying the gas sample through a sample transport line (15) having a length of not greater than 1.5 feet and cooling the gas sample in a heat exchanger (2) in contact with a cooling interface (1). The cooling results in condensation of water vapour in the gas sample into a condensate. The condensate is held in the J-tube (9) and later collected in a catch pot (10) that is occasionally drained off at the drainage port (11)
The duct mountable system of the present invention enables extraction and analysis of gas samples from a duct. The system of the present invention comprise a heat exchanger and a thermoelectric cooling unit that ensures that the water vapour contained in the sample gas is condensed to form a condensate that is collected in a J-tube. This obviates the need of using a longer sample transport line and te consequent need of heating such sample transport line through its entire length. Further, by conditioning the sample gas by removing the water vapour contained in the sample, the accuracy of analysis of the gas sample is ensured. In the system of the present invention, a J-tube is fastened to the heat exchanger, thereby ensuring minimal contact of the sample gas with the condensate so that solubilisation of water-soluble gaseous components in the condensate is minimized. Therefore, the system of the present invention enables determination of gaseous components in an exhaust with accuracy, precision and minimal utilization of energy.
The above description is illustrative only and is not limiting. The present invention is defined by the claims that follow and their full range of equivalents.