Atmospheric sampling apparatus with flexible line and probe

Abstract

Arrangements for withdrawing carefully controlled samples from an active flue gas source are disclosed. A testing assembly is provided for connection to downstream processing equipment to obtain a sample from a gas stream. Included is a probe, a flexible sample line and a coupler joining the probe and the flexible sample line. At least one externally controlled or self-regulating heating cable is put in heating communication with the flexible line. A receptacle engaging the coupler is also provided for positioning the probe with respect to the flue gas source.

1 . A testing assembly for connection to downstream processing equipment to obtain a sample from a gas stream, comprising:
 a probe having a first end with a gas inlet and a second end;   a flexible sample line;   a coupler joining the second end of the probe and the flexible sample line;   the flexible sample line including at least one gas channel comprising a flexible gas line coupled to the probe to transmit a sample from the probe inlet to the downstream processing equipment;   at least one heating cable in heating communication with the flexible line;   the flexible sample line further including an outer sheath surrounding the flexible gas line and the heating cable; and   a thermal insulator disposed within the outer sheath and surrounding the flexible line and the heating cable.   
   
   
       2 . The testing assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a first thermocouple in heat sensing communication with the probe and having output conductors carried by the flexible sample line. 
   
   
       3 . The testing assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a second thermocouple in heat sensing communication with the gas line and having output conductors carried by the flexible sample line. 
   
   
       4 . The testing assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a third thermocouple in heat sensing communication with the flexible sample line and having output conductors carried by the flexible sample line. 
   
   
       5 . The testing assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the coupler has a position indexing surface located at a preselected distance from the gas inlet. 
   
   
       6 . The testing assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the coupler has an annular groove defining said indexing surface. 
   
   
       7 . The testing assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the probe has a plurality of gas inlets and the flexible sample line has a plurality of gas channels coupled to the probe to transmit samples from the probe inlets to the downstream processing equipment. 
   
   
       8 . The testing assembly according to  claim 7  wherein gas channels are spaced apart, one from the other. 
   
   
       9 . A flexible interconnect for connecting a probe having a first end with a gas inlet and a second end, to downstream processing equipment to obtain a sample from a gas stream, comprising:
 a coupler for joining to the second end of the probe;   at least one gas channel comprising a flexible gas line having an inlet end for coupling to the probe, to transmit a sample to downstream processing equipment;   at least one heating cable in heating communication with the flexible line;   an outer sheath surrounding the flexible gas line and the heating cable; and   a thermal insulator disposed within the outer sheath and surrounding the flexible gas line and the heating cable.   
   
   
       10 . The flexible interconnect of  claim 9  further comprising an output conductor for a first thermocouple in heat sensing communication with the probe, carried by the flexible interconnect. 
   
   
       11 . The flexible interconnect according to  claim 9  further comprising a second thermocouple in heat sensing communication with the flexible line and having output conductors carried by the flexible interconnect. 
   
   
       12 . The flexible interconnect according to  claim 9  further comprising a third thermocouple in heat sensing communication with the gas line and having output conductors carried by the flexible interconnect. 
   
   
       13 . The flexible interconnect according to  claim 9  wherein the coupler has a position indexing surface located at a preselected distance from the gas inlet. 
   
   
       14 . The flexible interconnect according to  claim 9  wherein the coupler has an annular groove defining the indexing surface. 
   
   
       15 . The flexible interconnect according to  claim 9  wherein at least one heating cable is wrapped about the gas line 
   
   
       16 . The flexible interconnect according to  claim 9  wherein the gas line has a rigid self supporting construction under vacuum, whereby the sample may be transported along the flexible interconnect without requiring external support for the gas line to resist collapse when carrying a vacuum signal.