SIMILAR SUBSTANCES”

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and other similar substances.

The need for determining the physical and chemical properties of the hydrocarbon fluids and, generally, for determining the physical and chemical properties of similar substances such as lubricants and other oily substances is known.

In particular, the need for determining the pour point of the hydrocarbon fluids, that is the temperature below which the substance is no more able to pour down, is known. The determination of the pour point takes place by cooling down a sample of substance to be examined with the purpose of searching for the corresponding temperature value at which the substance solidifies and does not pour down anymore.

In particular, for the hydrocarbons, after a preliminary heating, the sample is cooled down with a defined cooling speed and the pouring at intervals of 3°C is controlled.

The temperature is monitored by means of a bulb thermometer immersed just below the surface of the sample under examination.

The lowest temperature at which the motion of the sample surface is observed, before the complete locking, corresponds to the“pour point” value.

There are specific regulations defining the standards to be met during the tests for determining the pour point, for example ASTM D97 regulation and ASTM D5853 regulation.

The above-mentioned tests are performed by means of suitable devices. A first type of known devices provides thermostatic baths in which at least a sample of substance to be examined is to be inserted.

The thermostatic baths are of the type of ethylene glycol or alcohol baths and they are set at temperatures ranging from 27°C to -33°C, in particular values equal to 27°C, 0°C, -18°C, -33°C.

The determination of the pour point can take place both manually and automatically. The manual determination is based upon the observation of the sample by an operator. On the contrary, the automatic determination takes place by means of instruments, for example optical instruments, installed in the device and able to detect the motion of the substance to be examined with the purpose of recognizing when this is no more able to pour down.

This first type of devices has drawbacks.

A first drawback is linked to the fact that high amounts of ethylene glycol or alcohol for the operation of the apparatuses, from a minimum of 5 litres up to 10 litres, are required.

The high amounts of ethylene glycol and alcohol affect the operation costs, by increasing them, and limit the use of such devices.

Another drawback of this first type of devices is that they result to be cumbersome and, then, they cannot be transported from a place to another one.

Consequently, the samples to be analysed have to be moved from the extraction/collection site, to the site in which the device is placed, with the risk that their chemical-physical features can vary.

In fact, it is known that the hydrocarbon fluids are subjected to a so-called“ageing” process due to the moving away of the light fractions, of the oxidation of the hydrocarbon fractions and other phenomena linked to the chemical-physical nature of the sampled substance.

The sample aging involves an alteration in the chemical and physical properties which makes the determination of the pour point less reliable.

A second type of known devices provides a transportable container in which a thermostatic bath with refrigerating fluid, for example ethylene glycol, alcohol, water or other refrigerating fluids, is placed. The cooling system, for this second type of known devices, can be of Peltier type or compressors.

In the thermostatic bath a sample of substance to be examined can be inserted for determining the pour point.

A drawback of this second type of known devices is linked to the fact that they can perform one single test at a time.

For this reason, the above-described second type of devices results to be a little suitable when the sample analyses require a lot of time or when there is the need for analysing several samples at different temperatures.

Moreover, in the sites for collecting the samples the time available for the analyses is limited and this makes the use of such second type of devices unfavourable.

The main task of the present invention is to develop a device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances capable of performing several measurements at the same time.

An object of the present invention is to develop a device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances which could ease the procedures for determining the pour point of a hydrocarbon fluid or similar substance.

Another object of the present invention is to develop a device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances which has to be cheap and easy to be used. An additional object of the present invention is to have a machine which can be transported by plane since its weight is less than 32kg.

The above-illustrated objects are reached by the present plant having the features of claim 1 .

Other features and advantages of the present invention will result better evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances, illustrated by way of example, but not with limitative purposes, in the enclosed figures of drawings wherein:

figure 1 is an axonometric view of the device according to the invention with lid in opening position;

figure 2 is an axonometric view of the device according to the invention with lid in closing position;

figure 3 is an axonometric view of the device according to the invention with containing casing in transparency.

With particular reference to such figures, 1 designates globally a device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances.

The device 1 comprises a containing casing 2 provided with a containment base 3 and with a lid 4 associated to the containment base 3 for closing it.

In particular, the lid 4 can move from an opening position (figure 1 ), wherein the containment base 3 is accessible, and a closing position (figure 2), wherein the lid 4 prevents the access to the containment base 3.

In the present embodiment, the containing casing 2 has a gripping handle 5 and it is shaped like a suitcase, preferably of trolley type, thus equipped with an extractable (retractable) handle on the side opposite to the wheels.

Usefully, the containing casing 2 can include wheels 6 apt to allow the sliding thereof along at least a predefined direction.

Such features allow to transport easily the containing casing 2.

Advantageously, the containing casing 2 comprises a covering structure comprising technopolymer layers.

In this way, the containing casing 2 results to be thermally insulated, apart from guaranteeing a protection of the internal components from hits.

The device 1 comprises thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 inserted in the containing casing 2.

The thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 is described in details hereinafter in the present description.

Moreover, the device 1 comprises a working unit 7 in which samples containing hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances to be analysed can be inserted.

The working unit 7 is housed in the containment base 3 and it is associated to the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 to induce a variation in temperature of the samples. According to the invention, the working unit 7 comprises a plurality of thermostatic baths 8 each one having at least a housing seat 9 for one of the above-mentioned samples.

Still according to the invention, the thermostatic baths 8 are associated with the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 independently from one another to induce different temperature variations on each one of the samples housed in the thermostatic baths 8. In this way, it is possible to perform analyses on different samples by bringing them to different temperatures, independently from one another.

Then, the advantage of being able to perform several tests at the same time is obtained, so as to shorten, for example, the periods of time required to determine the pour point of the examined hydrocarbon fluid.

In the present description the determination of the pour point of hydrocarbon fluids is mainly referred to, but the same considerations can relate to the determination of other properties of hydrocarbon fluids, for example the cloud point or other properties variable when the substance temperature varies.

In the illustrated embodiment, the working unit 7 comprises three thermostatic baths 8 independent from one another and made of aluminium.

Different embodiments are not excluded wherein, for example, the working unit 7 is made of another light material having high thermal conductivity, such as a copper. Embodiments are not excluded too, wherein the working unit 7 comprises a number of thermostatic baths 8 different from three, for example two or four.

Usefully, the working unit 7 can comprise detection seats 10 in which detection elements, for example probes, thermometers or other similar devices, useful to detect the temperature of the same and thermostatic baths, can be inserted.

Advantageously, the thermostatic baths 8 comprise a plurality of housing seats 9 in which a respective plurality of samples to be subjected to the same temperature variation can be housed.

In particular, the thermostatic baths 8 illustrated in the figures comprise, each one, four housing seats 9.

In this way, it is possible housing four different samples in one same thermostatic bath 8 in order to subject them to the same temperature variation. Preferably, the shape and the sizes of the housing seats 9 comply with what provided by ASTM D97 and ASTM D5853 technical regulations, so as to guarantee the same cooling kinetics of the sample under examination. In this way a total exactness of the results obtained with the invention and with the International reference regulations is guaranteed.

Advantageously, the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 comprises a plurality of Peltier elements 1 1 each one associated to a respective thermostatic bath 8 for its cooling/heating (for sake of simplicity Peltier elements placed in contact with the bottom of the thermal bath were illustrated).

In particular, the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 provides a Peltier element 1 1 placed in contact with each thermostatic bath 8 to guarantee a uniform temperature in the same thermostatic bath.

In the present embodiment, the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 can include three Peltier elements 1 1 placed in contact with the respective thermostatic baths 8.

The Peltier elements 1 1 which can be found in the figures are placed in contact with the bottom of the thermal baths 8, but solutions are not excluded, in which the Peltier elements 1 1 are placed in contact with the side walls, or are placed in another point of the thermostatic bath 8.

Alternative solutions are not excluded, for example in which the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 comprises several Peltier elements 1 1 associated with each thermostatic bath 8.

Advantageously, the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 comprises cooling means, for sake of simplicity not illustrated in the figures, associated with the Peltier elements 1 1 and wherein a cooling fluid, for example glycol, or alcohol, or water, or a mixture thereof, apt to remove heat from the same Peltier elements, is operative.

By applying a current to the Peltier elements 1 1 , they absorb/release heat from/to the thermostatic bath 8 and release/absorb heat to/from the heat exchange cooling means on liquids such as glycol, alcohol, water or a mixture thereof.

The Peltier elements allow to implement a compact and light thermal exchange system, by allowing the device 1 to fall within a weight less than 32 kg, suitable for the air transport.

Moreover, the use of the Peltier elements reduces the need for maintenance and the weakness of the device 1 , and it improves the resistance and reliability thereof.

For these reasons, the use of the Peltier elements 1 1 is more advantageous, for example, than the use of a gas refrigerated machine, or another known cooling system. Usefully, the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 comprises a plurality of electronic supports 12 housed in the lid 4 and operatively connected with respective Peltier elements 1 1 for the management and control of temperature variations to be induced in the thermostatic baths 8.

The function of the electronic supports 12 is that of managing the operation of the Peltier elements 1 1 with the purpose of adjusting its thermal power, keeping in temperature, variation in temperature, switching on and switching off.

Since they are housed in the lid 4, the electronic supports 12 are safeguarded against possible accidental errors of the operator, for example accidental pouring of chemical products on the supports themselves, and they are sheltered from the portions working in temperature, by preventing the contact thereof.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises condensate collection means, for sake of simplicity not illustrated in the figures, located in the containment base 3. In this way the device 1 can work under extreme environmental conditions, for example desert heat or high humidity.

In these cases, in fact, the operation of refrigerating systems involves a high risk of accumulating condensate.

The condensate collection means placed in the containment base 3 allows to adjust the outflow thereof, by preventing possible malfunctions linked to the contact between the condensate water and the Peltier elements 1 1 or other portions of the device 1 .

The device 1 comprises electronic management and control means inserted into the lid 4.

Usefully, the electronic management and control means is operatively connected with the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 and with the working unit 7.

In particular, the electronic management and control means comprises a data processing unit, for sake of simplicity not illustrated in the figures, operatively connected with the thermoregulating means 1 1 , 12 and with the working unit 7 so as to receive and process data, thereamong data relating to the operation temperatures. Usefully, the data processing unit can be operatively connected with the electronic supports 12 so as to receive data on the operation of the Peltier elements 1 1 , for example temperature values, thermal power, information about the switching-on or switching-off status of the Peltier element, etc.

Analogously, the data processing unit can be operatively connected with the electronic supports 12 so as to send to the same electronic supports 12 data for controlling the operation of the Peltier elements 1 1 , for example temperature values to be obtained, thermal power, switching-on and switching-off input.

Usefully, the electronic management and control means comprises at least a user interface unit 13.

The user interface unit 13 is operatively associated to the data processing unit.

In this way, an operator, by interacting with the user interface unit 13, can enter information and data useful to the management and to the control of the electronic supports 12 and, then, of the operation of the Peltier elements 1 1 , by setting the several parameters for performing the tests to be carried out on the samples.

Usefully, the user interface unit 13 can include an analogue keyboard 14 and a reading screen 15, but different configurations are not excluded, for example touchscreen screens or other integrated solutions.

Advantageously, the electronic management and control means can include at least an output unit which can be operatively connected with one or more external peripherals, for example pc, tablet, smartphone or other electronic devices.

The output unit is operatively connected with the data processing unit.

The device 1 , then, can be managed via software by connecting the output unit with any compatible peripheral unit.

The output unit can be of the type of a USB port, or of an electromagnetic-wave transmitting-receiving element, such as a wi-fi antenna or a Bluetooth, or infrared antenna.

The electronic management and control means comprises a protection unit adapted to deactivate the device upon the occurrence of malfunction conditions.

In the present description, under the term“malfunction conditions” all conditions are meant which could generate malfunctions in the device, for example voltage overloads, overheating, lack of coolant, etc.

Usefully, the device 1 can comprise sensors able to detect the amount of coolant and thermal probes.

Both sensors and probes can be associated with the data processing unit, the latter being able to determine the occurrence or not of the malfunction conditions through a processing of the data coming from the sensors and probes.

The operation of the present invention is as follows.

An operator opens the lid 4 by making the working unit 7 placed in the containment base 3 accessible.

The samples to be analysed are inserted in the housing seats 9 and they are subjected to gradually decreasing temperatures until the temperature value corresponding to the pour point is determined.

The thermostatic baths 8 can be brought to predefined temperatures, independently from one another, by means of the respective Peltier elements 1 1.

Each Peltier element 1 1 absorbs heat from the thermostatic bath 8, by causing a progressive decrease in temperature of the thermostatic bath 8 and, then, of the sample to be analysed.

The Peltier elements 1 1 , in turn, release heat to the coolant circulating in the cooling means associated thereto.

The operator can set the temperature values to be obtained through the user interface 13 or through software from external peripheral unit connected to the output unit.

In each case, by setting the temperature data it is possible to manage and control the temperature variations by means of the data processing unit operatively connected with the electronic supports 12.

The thermostatic baths 8 can be brought to different temperatures from one another, so as to perform different tests at the same time. Wholly analogous considerations can be made for determining chemical-physical parameters depending from the temperature of the analysed sample.

Practically it has been noted that the described invention meets the proposed objects and in particular it is underlined that the device for determining properties of hydrocarbon fluids and similar substances is able to perform several analyses at the same time.

The working unit having a plurality of thermostatic baths, each one thereof able to be heated/cooled independently from one another, allows to perform several analyses at the same time on several samples.

In this way it is possible to decrease the time required for determining properties of the examined substance, for example of the pour point.

The developed device, moreover, eases the procedures for determining the pour point or other properties of a substance, the transportability and the use at extreme environmental conditions being eased.

The developed device results to be cheap and easy to be used.

The Peltier elements, in fact, can be easily found on the market and, with respect to known cooling systems, require less maintenance and lower volumes of coolants.

Other advantages obtained by the developed device are the following:

having available compact and transportable instruments, with weight less than the maximum allowed for a hold baggage (32kg);

external casing resistant to hits and watertight for protecting the electronic components;

use flexibility, the instruments being able to be used wherever there is a socket, thus even when the monitoring of ongoing chemical treatments is required; possibility of performing analyses on several samples at the same time and parallelly, with time and cost saving;

independent thermostatic baths, with temperature programmable in the range from +50°C to - 33°C and possibility of performing analyses according to ASTM D97 and ASTM D5853 regulations;

possibility of using tailored management software for controlling the temperatures of the single thermostatic baths, for checking and managing the power of the cooling/heating systems and for the delayed switching-on and switching-off programming.

maximum insulation of instruments, in this way one limits the waste of energy which is then used to the maximum for cooling/heating the samples, apart from guaranteeing high operational safety for the user.