Edmonton Valve Has the Answers to These Sample System FAQ’s This September 2015

Dr. Stephen Jacobs, who is leading the two-day Sample System course in both Edmonton and Fort McMurray, Alberta this September 2015, lends his expertise to this FAQ article on sample systems. 

When it comes to your Sample Systems questions Dr. Stephen Jacobs has you covered! If you are looking for the answers to any of the below FAQ's or to your own sample system issues, make sure to be at our Fall course this September. Get the SSM brochure for more information.

There are thousands of poorly designed sampling systems in the field, and new ones are being installed every day.  This situation cries out for real change.  Engineers and technicians need to be trained in sampling theory, good sample system design and installation practices.  The Sample System Problem Solving and Maintenance class is designed to help correct this situation.

Below are several questions that are frequently raised by technicians and engineers alike about on-line analyzer sample systems.  These as well as many others are addressed in this intensive course.  The Sample System Problem Solving and Maintenance course takes a very practical approach while introducing the critical elements that make sample systems work. 

Gaining a deeper knowledge

Each concept is introduced in three stages, with each successive stage becoming more detailed.  The aim is to have each student, through lecture, discussions, hands-on exercises, and team projects obtain a deeper knowledge as to what it takes to ensure a reliable, fit-for-use system and know what to do when a system doesn’t work.  The culmination of this two-day course centers around a team project that challenges the students to apply their accumulated knowledge from the class to solve real life problems by redesigning flawed sample systems that have been found in production areas.

Frequently asked sample system questions:

1. Which approach is better for process control, calibration or benchmarking, and why?
2. What are the three key criteria to assure an effective sample conditioning system?
3. What effect does time delay have on process control?  Where are the time traps?  How do I calculate time delay?
4. What is supply pressure effect and why does it affect your GC results?
5. Why do I get condensation in a gas sample and how can I prevent it?
6. When condensation occurs in a gas sample, what is the best strategy for dealing with it?  …remove the liquid?  …revaporize the condensate?
7. How do I choose the type of filter element or coalesce for your process?  How does this affect the installation?  …other effects to consider?
8. Does sample velocity have an effect on the sample system integrity or analytical results?
9. What variables must be controlled to successfully vaporize a sample without spoiling the sample or taking too long?
10. What is the difference between a pressure reducing regulator and a back pressure regulator?  What are the installation details required to assure a successful installation?
11. How do I successfully eliminate bubbles in a liquid sample?
12. What effects do pressure and temperature have on the analyzer system?
13. What are the three basic approaches to maintenance, when is each applicable and what are the consequences to your analyzer system reliability?
14. What are the elements of a successful troubleshooting strategy?
15. Why can’t I heat or cool a flowing liquid sample?
16. How do dead legs and mixing volumes affect delay time?
17. Which types of pumps should I use and what is the best way to install?
18. Why does a set pressure vary and how can I minimize the effect?
19. What are the potential pitfalls encountered in sample switching?
20. How does a vaporizer work?
21. Where the pressure drops in my sample system, and why is it important?
22. How do adsorption and permeation affect the analysis?
23. Will a high gas pressure assure that my sample can never be contaminated?
24. What are the two primary types of sample transport lines and when are they used?
25. Why does my pressure reducer ice up?  Does this have an effect on my sample?

To get the answers to these questions, plus to ask your own, sign up for the Sample System Maintenance course and download the training information. We are hosting in two locations, Edmonton (September 14 and 15) and Fort McMurray (September 16 and 17) – hurry before space fills up!

Additional resources

• Watch for These Sampling System Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Operations
• PrESS Sample Probe Modules Work Right Out of the Box
• James Dickie Takes Swagelok Services to the Next Level

In a hurry or have a question? Please click here to get in touch - we respond fast! Or call 780.437.0640