Retractable probes are permanently installed on a flare system line usually on the top of a horizontal pipe, they are flanged connected, isolated with a DB&B valve, and can be removed for maintenance and inspection during normal operation.
How it Works
Retractable probes protrude through a double block & bleed valve isolation arrangement with a flange to allow for retraction to extract a sample of the flowing gas.
Retractable probes inserted into a process line, such as a flare line, must undergo wake frequency calculations to ensure they will not fail during maximum flaring conditions.
With a flare line, the retractable probe must have a probe diameter further than 25,4mm (1”) and must not protrude into the flare line greater than 25.4mm (1”) to extract the sample to meet the wake frequency calculation acceptable criteria.
Retractable probes can be removed for inspection or maintenance under normal operating conditions.
Advantages
Can be inspected or maintained during normal operations
Limitations
Must be designed to handle the very high velocities in flare pipework
Case study
Retractable probes are installed on multiple systems globally to either take samples for laboratory analysis or analysis by on-line analyser systems.
Taking an effective sample is based on the type of probe to be used in the application required.
