1. Smart Sample Systems for At-Line Analyzers
D.E. Podkulski
ExxonMobil Chemical Co
Baytown, Texas
R Puzic
IOL, Products and Chemicals Division
Sarnia
22 Jan 02
IFPAC 2002 San Diego, CA 23 January, 2002

2. Content Status of At-Line systems At-Line sample system requirements
Application of modular sample system
Robotics for At-Line systems
Sample integrity/ Cross
contamination

3. Status of at-line systems
Several applications in large integrated
olefins plants
At-Line system for marine shipments
At-line system for environmental analysis

4. At-Line sample system requirements
Sample integrity
Cross contamination
Degradation
Assurance of flow
Pretreatment
Filtration
Phase separation
Sample Introduction
Pressure
Temperature
Residence time

5. Application of Modular Sample Systems
Reduced sample volume requirements
Minimized cross contamination
Simplified component layout
More effective temperature control
Improved maintenance

6. Application of Modular Sample Systems
Conventional
System

7. Application of Modular Sample Systems

8. Application of Modular Sample Systems

9. Application of Modular Sample Systems

10. Robotics for At-Line Systems
Carousel sampler
Basic sample introduction device
as opposed to bags or sample cylinders
multiple samples at once
Basic Robotics
Single analysis and sample preparation
extract solvent removal prior to analysis
Multiple analyses and preparations
Aromatics product release analyses
Advanced Robotics
Sample collection and analysis?

11. Robotics for At-Line Systems
Sequential sample analysis using carousel

12. Sample Integrity/Cross Contamination
Reduced or zero dead volume fittings
Silcosteel coated components
Modular components
Lower volume system

13. Smart sample system requirements
Detect sample presence
- Flow - meters are still too big
- Pressure - small, smart ones are available
- Level - small, smart ones are available
Detect sample position and sequence
- Move carousel to selected sample
- Fiber optics
- Move sample to transfer position

14. Smart sample system requirements
Sample log in capability
- Sample number, operator ID, sample origin
- Transmit data to lab or control room
Transfer sample to analyzer
- Purge out sampling system with new sample
- Initiate analysis
- Provide sample complete feedback
- Prove no cross-contamination
Flush out sample system
- purge sample system with inert material
- prepare system for next analysis

15. Smart sample system requirements
Generate sample system failure alarm
- Log alarms for system troubleshooting
- notification in case of errors
Sample disposal
-provide safe storage for disposed samples
-provide inventory status

16. Conclusions Increasing demand for modular systems
At-Line systems need small compact sample
handling components
Fully automated smart sample systems
At-line systems create higher complexity
Capability needed to handle diverse samples