MXPA06001275A - Inline proppant sampling - Google Patents

Abstract

Methods for obtaining a representative sample of a stream of solids include positioning a sample collection orifice into the stream of solid particles so that the stream flows through the sample collection orifice. The sample collection orifice is moved out of the stream to capture the representative sample by pushing that portion of the stream of solids flowing through the orifice into the sample collection chamber. Concurrently, a bypass orifice moves into the stream as the sample collection orifice moves out of the stream so that the flow of solid particles is maintained and not interrupted. The solid particles captured within the sample collection orifice are collected and the sample collection orifice is returned into the stream to capture another representative sample. The sampling apparatus includes an extractor having the sample collection and bypass orifices therethrough and an actuator for moving the orifices into and out of the stream.

Description

ONLINE SAMPLING OF CONSOLIDATION MATERIAL Field of the Invention The present invention relates in general to the field of solids handling and more particularly, to methods and apparatus useful for procuring a representative sample of solid particles transported pneumatically. Background of the Invention Oil and natural gas are produced from wells having porous and permeable underground deposits. The reservoir's porosity allows the reservoir to store oil and gas, and the reservoir's permeability allows the oil or gas to move through the reservoir. Sometimes the permeability of the reservoir containing the gas or oil is insufficient for the economic recovery of oil and gas. In other cases, during the operation of the well, the permeability of the formation falls to such an extent that an additional recovery is not economical. In such circumstances, it is common to fracture the reservoir and consolidate the fracture in an open condition by means of a consolidating material or consolidating agent. The fracture is usually accompanied by hydraulic pressure using a gel-type fluid. The pressure increases until fractures are formed Ref.:169972 in the rock of the subsoil. The consolidation materials, which are suspended in this pressurized fluid, are directed to the interior of these fractures or fissures. When the hydraulic pressure is reduced, the consolidation material has the function of preventing the fractures formed from closing again by the "consolidation" of the open fractures. A wide variety of consolidation materials are used, depending on the geological conditions. Typically, consolidation materials are particulate materials, such as sand, glass beads, or ceramic granules, which create a porous structure. Frequently, the consolidation materials are coated with a resin to improve the vital physical characteristics of the consolidation materials. The oil or gas is able to flow through the interstices between the particles to collection regions, from which it is pumped to the surface. Over time, the pressure of the surrounding rock tends to crush the consolidation materials. The fines resulting from this disintegration tend to migrate and plug the interstitial flow passages in the consolidated structure. These migratory fines drastically reduce permeability, reducing the conductivity of oil or gas. Conductivity is a measure of the supply capacity or ease with which oil or gas can flow through the structure of the consolidation material and is important for the productivity of a well. When the conductivity falls below a certain level, the fracturing process is repeated or the well is abandoned. There are many physical characteristics of the consolidation materials that are important. The particle size of the consolidation materials has a significant impact on the permeability, and the resulting capacity for the flow of hydrocarbons through the fracture, of the consolidation package. The resistance to the crushing of the consolidation material is another vital physical characteristic of the consolidation material because the consolidation material is subjected to high levels of pressure when the fracture is opened by consolidation. The first consolidation materials were made of materials such as sand, glass beads, walnut shells, and aluminum granules. However, where the fracture closure pressures exceed a few thousand kilograms per square centimeter (thousands of pounds per square inch) these materials are crushed to obtain a fracture closure. In response, consolidation materials that have high compressive strength have been designed to withstand crushing under the high pressure levels experienced in use. The resistance to the crushing of the consolidation materials is related to the composition and density of the consolidation material. Another important physical feature of the consolidation material is the shape of the individual particle, where the roundness and the high level of sphericity are important characteristics. The importance of the physical characteristics of the consolidation material is well recognized in the industry. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has issued Recommended Practices for the testing of consolidation materials. For example, RP RP-56 API Recommended Practices cover testing procedures for sand used in hydraulic fracturing operations. RP-58 provides a test procedure for sand used in gravel filling operations. RP-60 provides a test procedure for high strength consolidation materials used in hydraulic fracturing operations. These recommended practices include test procedures for the determination of properties that include, among others, particle size, crushing strength and sphericity and roundness. The correct sampling technique for consolidation materials when collecting representative samples for testing is critical. If an inappropriate sampling technique is used, a sample of consolidation material collected for laboratory analysis may not be representative of the entire population of the consolidation material being tested and laboratory results will not provide the true physical characteristics of the material to be tested. consolidation. The API RP-56, RP-58 and RP-60 recommended practices all include instructions for sampling source consolidation materials that includes sampling by sweeping a collection device through the entire source. The supply current when the consolidation materials fall from a conveyor belt to a mixer or to another destination. Taking a static sample from a loaded silo or hopper does not provide a representative sample of the consolidation material. Typically, the consolidation materials are supplied in bulk to the drilling site by trucks or pneumatically discharged from the transport to a storage silo or hopper until it is needed for injection during the fracturing process. When needed, the consolidation materials flow by gravity from the silo to a mixer or mixer to produce the fracture liquid for injection into the reservoir. Unfortunately, representative samples of the consolidating material that are tested are collected using the sweeping collection device just as the consolidation material falls into the mixer in its passage when injected as part of a fracture analysis. At the time laboratory tests are performed on those representative samples of consolidation materials at the drilling site, the consolidation materials have already been injected into the reservoir. While the laboratory results of the sample of the consolidation material caught just before the consolidation material is mixed in the liquid evidence that there was a problem with the consolidation material, it is too late to correct the results by replacing the consolidation material with poor quality with new consolidation material that has the required physical characteristics. What is needed is a method and apparatus for collecting a representative sample of the bulk consolidation material before the consolidation material for injection is needed. It would be beneficial if the representative sample of the consolidation material could be collected while it is supplied from the truck or transport wagon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus useful for obtaining samples of solid particles from a stream of solid particles carried in fluid form. In one embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes the placement of an orifice of Collecting samples in the stream of solid particles in such a way that the stream of solid particles flows through the sample collection hole. The method further includes moving the sample collection port out of the stream of solid particles in such a manner that a sample of solid particles is trapped in the sample collection port. When moving the sample collection hole from the first position to the sample collection chamber, the method further includes moving a bypass orifice in the stream of solid particles as the sample collection orifice moves out of the stream of the solid particles. This step of the method provides that the flow of the fluid transported stream of solid particles continues to flow through the diversion orifice while the sample collection orifice is moved out of the stream and into the collection chamber. By moving the sample collection orifice to the sample collection chamber, the extractor pushes or otherwise moves that portion of the stream of fluid transported solids flowing through the orifice of the stream and into the collection chamber of samples. The method additionally includes the steps of collecting the solid particles in the sample collection orifice and moving the sample collection orifice back to the flow of solid particles. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the method may additionally include moving the sample collection orifice in and out of the stream of solid particles. To facilitate the removal of the solid particles captured in the sample collection orifice, the method may additionally include directing a gas stream to the sample collection orifice to dislodge the captured solid particles from the sample collection port. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the sample collection orifice moves out of the stream of solid particles and into a collection chamber in a period between about 0.1 seconds and about 2 seconds, preferably over a shorter period of time than about 1 second. The present invention can be used to sample a stream of solid particles transported in fluid form but in a particular embodiment, the stream of transported particles in fluid form includes pneumatically transported consolidation materials. However, the present invention is not limited simply to the sampling of solid particles which are consolidation materials.

The present invention additionally provides a sampling apparatus for obtaining a sample of a stream of solid particles transported in fluid form. In one embodiment of a sampling apparatus, the sampling apparatus includes an extractor having a sample collection orifice and an adjacent bypass hole therethrough such that the movement of the extractor moves the sample collection orifice. a first position to a sample collection chamber and concurrently moving the diversion orifice to the first position. The apparatus may further include an actuator comprising an axis that is attached to the extractor to provide movement of the extractor. In a particular embodiment, the actuator is adapted to move the extractor from the first position to the sample collection chamber in less than one second. The apparatus may additionally include a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller causes the actuator to move the sample collection hole to the sample collection chamber at setpoint intervals. To facilitate removal of the sample from the sample collection orifice, at least a portion of the bottom wall of the sample collection hole is tapered. Optionally, a gas stream can be directed toward the sample collection hole to dislodge captured solid particles from the sample collection port. The gas stream can be directed to the sample collection hole through, for example, a nozzle through the wall of the sample collection chamber. Suitable gases include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and combinations thereof. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the sampling apparatus may additionally include a body comprising an exhaust flange and an intake flange disposed on opposite sides of the extractor and sealing the extractor therebetween. Additionally, the apparatus may include an actuator mounted on a first end of the body, the actuator comprising an axis attached to the extract to provide movement of the extractor. To facilitate the free movement of the extractor and to prevent the connection in the metal-to-metal contact between the extractor, the exhaust flange and the intake flange on its sealing surfaces, preferably at least the sealing surfaces are covered with steel at titanium. Although not limiting the invention, in particular embodiments of the sampling apparatus, the extractor is a plate slidably arranged between the exhaust flange and the intake flange. The extractor may be between about 0.635 and about 7.62 centimeters (0.25 and about 3 inches) thick and in some embodiments, the extractor may be between 2.54 and approximately 5.08 centimeters (1 and approximately 2 inches) thick. The extractor may have an alternative movement to move the sample collection hole from the first position to the sample collection chamber and back to the first position to collect samples of solid particles. The foregoing objects and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals represent similar parts of the invention. invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a schematic figure of a system for collecting a representative sample of a pneumatically transported stream of solid particles having a sampling conduit vented to the filling line of the receiving container. Figure 2 is a schematic figure of a system similar to that shown in Figure 1 but having optional diverters in place of valves. Figure 3 is a schematic figure of a system similar to that shown in Figure 1 but having two sampling conduits. Figure 4 is a schematic figure of a system for collecting a representative sample of a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles having a sample conduit vented to the atmosphere. Figure 5 is an amplified view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention having more than two conduits on one side of the diverter. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention having a pressurized shell. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a diverter similar to that shown in Figure 7 except that it has a flexible conduit inside the pressurized shell. Fig. 9 is a view of separate pieces of an on-line sample collector of solid particles. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the extractor and collection chamber of the on-line sample harvester illustrated in Figure 9. Figure 11 is a schematic figure of a system for collecting a representative sample of a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles using an online sample collector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides methods and devices for capturing a representative sample of a stream of solid particles that are pneumatically transported through a conduit. Capturing a representative sample of the pneumatically conveyed sample can not be obtained simply by opening a sampling valve on the line and filling a sample container with the material flowing out of the sampling valve. A sample obtained in this manner is typically not representative of all the material flowing through the conduit. The present invention provides a solution to the problem of capturing representative samples of carrier solids pneumatically through a conduit. Pneumatic transport as used herein includes transporting solid particles through a conduit with a carrier gas that is typically, but it is not limited to, air. Other gases, for example nitrogen or carbon dioxide, or gas mixtures may also be used as necessary or convenient for a given application. Additionally, while the following discussion is directed to a pneumatically transported stream of consolidation materials that are useful in the oil and gas well industry, the present invention is also useful for capturing a representative sample of other pneumatically transported solid materials including , for example, grains, other agricultural products, plastics in the form of pellets, catalysts and granular chemicals or as pellets. The following discussion of consolidation materials is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to consolidation materials in any way. To capture a representative sample of the stream of pneumatically transported solid particles, it is desirable to establish the flow of the entire stream through a sampling conduit and then to isolate the sampling conduit, thereby capturing the representative sample comprising the captured material. Alternatively, if only capturing a portion of the entire flowing stream will provide a representative sample, only the flow of a portion of the entire stream through the sampling conduit needs to be established. The consolidation materials are typically supplied to a well site by means of a wagon, truck, barge or other supply container and are pneumatically discharged through a filling conduit in a hopper or other recipient vessel for use during the process of fractured. Conventionally, the operator establishes a connection between the discharge conduit of the supply container and the filling conduit of the receiving container to begin the discharge process in the hopper. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for obtaining a representative sample from a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles. The method includes establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit and subsequently isolating the sampling conduit to capture the representative sample comprising the material captured in the sampling conduit. The entrance to the sampling conduit is adapted to be in selective fluid communication with the discharge conduit of the supply container such that the entire flow of the stream of pneumatically transported solid particles that is discharged from the supply container can be directed through of the sampling conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the entrance to the sampling conduit is as close to the entrance of the receiving container as possible so that any damage inflicted on the consolidation material as a result of the flow through the conduit can be found in the representative sample. Optionally, as stated above, if capturing only a portion of the entire flowing stream will provide a representative sample, only the flow of a portion of the entire stream through the sampling conduit needs to be established. After the flow of all the pneumatically transported stream is flowing through the sampling conduit, or only a portion of the stream if this provides a representative sample, the method includes diverting all the current through a second conduit and optionally, substantially simultaneously isolating the sampling conduit of the second conduit both at the inlet and the outlet of the sampling conduit. These steps occur with very little or no interruption to the flow of the pneumatically transported stream as the consolidation material from the supply container continues to be discharged. The second conduit is adapted to be in selective fluid communication with the discharge conduit of the supply container and also with the inlet of the filling conduit of the receiving container such that all the flow of the stream of pneumatically transported solid particles can be discharged in the receiving container while the sampling conduit is isolated. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the method further includes venting an outlet end of the sampling conduit in the filling conduit of the receiving container as part of the step of establishing the stream of solid particles transported pneumatically through the sampling conduit. Since the input of the sampling conduit is in selective fluid communication with the discharge line and the outlet of the sampling conduit is in selective fluid communication with the filling conduit, while the pneumatically transported stream flows through the sampling conduit, the Receiving container is being filled with the consolidation material through the sampling conduit. Then, to effect the isolation stage of the sampling line from the filling line of the receiving vessel, the method additionally includes isolating the input end and optionally, the output end of the sampling line from the filling line of the receiving vessel, effectively trapping a representative sample of the pneumatically transported sample in the sampling conduit. The method further includes emptying the material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit. In some applications, it may be preferred to isolate only the sampling conduit entry from the second conduit, thus leaving the exit of the sampling conduit in open communication with the second conduit. Since the inlet of the sampling conduit is insulated, the material flowing through the second conduit typically does not flow backward through the outlet of the sampling conduit in large enough amounts to contaminate the material captured in the sampling conduit. In those applications where small amounts of material flowing back from the second conductor into the sampling conduit will significantly affect the representative sample, the outlet of the sampling conduit is also isolated from the second conduit. Alternatively, a preferred method includes venting the outlet end of the sampling conduit to the atmosphere. In this embodiment, while the stream of pneumatically transported solid particles is flowing through the sampling conduit, the receiving container is not being filled because the outlet of the sampling nozzle is not vented to the filling line of the receiving container. Optionally, the step of venting the outlet end of the sampling conduit to the atmosphere may include venting through a solids separation device and capturing the solids from the gas stream vented to the atmosphere, wherein the representative sample comprises both the material drained from the sampling duct and the solids captured by the solids separation device. The present invention further provides a system suitable for performing the steps of the method for collecting a representative sample of a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a sampling conduit that is adapted to establish a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through the sampling conduit. Preferably, the sampling conduit comprises a smooth inner surface such that the solids do not adhere to cracks or crevices in the sampling conduit. The sampling conduit should be selected to ensure that erosion of the interior of the conduit does not contaminate the representative sample with eroded material from the interior of the conduit where such contamination may be a problem. The sampling conduit can be a metal tube, or flexible metal hose or it can be plastic, rubber, synthetic rubber or other suitable materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the sampling conduit preferably has the same internal diameter as the filling line of the receiving container to minimize any disruption to the flow of pneumatically transported solids stream and to ensure that the captured material is a representative sample of the material flowing through. of the filling line. A preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention also includes means for diverting the entire stream of pneumatically transported solids through a second conduit., such as the filling line of the receiving container. A further preferred embodiment includes means for isolating the sampling conduit from the second conduit. It is preferred that the means for deflecting the pneumatically conveyed stream be capable of activation substantially simultaneously with the means for isolating the sampling conduit such that the representative sample comprising the material in the sampling conduit can be captured without contamination of the sample conduit. material that may not be representative of the flowing stream. The means for diverting and isolating may also include diverters. To divert the current from the sampling conduit in the second conduit, the sampling conduit entry must be selectively closed and the entrance to the second conduit must be selectively opened in such a manner that the pneumatically transported stream is diverted from the sampling conduit to the second conduit. In one embodiment, the valves can be placed at the entrance of each of the conduits. When the valve at the inlet of the sampling valve closes, the valve at the inlet to the second conduit opens such that the pneumatically transported stream is diverted from the sampling conduit to the second conduit. The valves at the entrance of the sampling conduit and the entrance to the second conduit are preferably ball valves having the same diameter as the second conduit to minimize any disruption to the flow of the pneumatically transported stream. Other valves may be suitable, such as gate valves, slide valves, shut-off valves, butterfly valves and others known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the valves have steel bodies with valve seats and other internal ones that are suitable for the abrasive character of the pneumatically transported solids. The selection of the material of the valves and their components depends on the nature of the pneumatically transported solids and is within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, the two valves at the inlets of the two conduits can be replaced with a three-way valve as those of ordinary skill in the art know. The valve groups can also be replaced with a diverter. A suitable deviator suitable for such a service is described more fully below. The diverter can replace any number of valves either at the inlet or outlet ends of the sampling conduits and the second conduit because a diverter can divert flow between two or more conduits. The valves and / or diverters can be operated manually but in a preferred embodiment, valves and / or diverters are operated with actuators. The actuators may be driven by pneumatic, hydraulic, solenoid, spring, electric or a combination of motors. It is preferred that valves and / or diverters be driven by actuators because it is important that valves and diverters move rapidly to minimize any disruption in the flow of pneumatically conveyed current and to ensure that a representative sample is captured in the sampling conduit . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system additionally includes a controller that instructs the valves and / or deviators to open or close. The controller may be an analog controller or it may be a digital controller as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the controller is a computer, such as a personal or portable computer, which is programmed to change the valves and / or diverters at a specified time, after a specified period of time, by the input of a command or a combination of them. Pressure sensors can be placed at the entrance and / or exit of one or more of the ducts, before and after one or more of the diverters / valves, at one or more locations along each of the conduits, or combinations thereof. One or more of the pressure sensors may be in electrical communication with the controller to monitor and / or record the pressure in the sampling system. The valve or diverter at the inlet of the sampling conduit provides means for isolating the sampling conduit inlet from the second conduit but in a preferred embodiment, the system additionally includes means for venting the outlet of the sampling conduit in the second conduit. In such a mode, a valve or diverter is required at the outlet of the sampling duct such that when the inlet valve or diverter in the sampling duct is moved to the closed position, the valve or diverter at the outlet of the duct Sampling is also moved to close to isolate the output from the sampling conduit of the second conduit. Optionally, the outlet of the sampling conduit can be vented to the atmosphere instead of venting to the second conduit. In a preferred embodiment, the sampling conduit is vented to the atmosphere through a solids separation device to capture the solid particles carried from the outlet of the sampling conduit vented to the atmosphere. The solids separation device can be simple or complicated, depending on the application. For example, the solids separation device may be a bucket, container, pressure vessel, container, cyclone, receptacle, or other device known to those of ordinary skill in the art that are capable of capturing the vented solids. from the exit of the sampling conduit. Preferably, the diameter of the container or other separation device will be large enough to significantly reduce the velocity of the stream of pneumatically transported solid particles in such a manner that the particles are separated from the gas stream leaving the separation device. Optionally, the gas stream can also be directed through a cyclone to recover more vented solids and thus ensure that a representative sample is captured. The present invention additionally provides a diverter that is useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention. The diverter of the present invention is useful for diverting and isolating the flow of pneumatically conveyed fluids from a conduit to a second conduit selected from one or more conduits or from a conduit selected from one or more conduits to a conduit. While the following discussion focuses on the use of the diverter for consolidating materials, the diverter of the present invention is not limited to a stream of pneumatically conveyed consolidation materials but is also useful with other pneumatically conveyed solid particle streams as discussed earlier.

In a preferred embodiment of the diverter, a flexible inlet conduit is adapted to be connected to a conduit in fluid communication with a discharge conduit of the consolidation material supply vessel. A second end of the flexible inlet conduit is connected to a driven slider having a single opening and is adapted to slide to a position aligning the single opening with a selected outlet duct for pneumatically transported solids to flow therethrough. The slider blocks the other outlet ducts in such a way that the flow of the solids stream can not flow through other outlet ducts. The slide can be operated manually but in a preferred embodiment, the slide is operated with an actuator. The drive on the actuator can be hydraulic, pneumatic, electric motor, solenoid, spring or combinations thereof or other driving force devices known to those of ordinary skill in the art. An adjustable stop can be included to stop the slide in a certain position in such a way that the single opening in the slide is aligned with a selected outlet passage. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable stop is a calibrated stop extending beyond the threading through the diverter body to stop the sliding movement at predetermined positions. In some embodiments, an adjustable stop may be necessary for both sides of the derailleur such that the slide may be stopped by one of the adjustable stops as the slide moves in a first direction and by a second adjustable stop when the slide moves in a second address. Alternatively, the actuator can be calibrated to move the slider to a predetermined position to align the single opening in the slider with selected outlet ducts as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. To divert the flow of the first selected outlet duct to a second selected exit duct, the slide is positioned to align the single opening of the slide with the entrance of the second selected exit duct, thus blocking the entrance to the first selected duct as well as any other conduit not selected. In this form, the flow of the pneumatically conveyed consolidation material stream is diverted from an outlet conduit to another outlet conduit while at the same time blocking the flow of consolidation material towards the first selected outlet conduit.

The diverter includes a connecting plate to connect to each of the outlet conduits. The slide slides along a sealing material on the inner surface of the joining plate. In a preferred embodiment, the sealant material is DELRIN, a registered maca from E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company, but other sealant materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used. In one embodiment, a shell containing the slider and the junction plate can be pressurized with air, or other suitable gas, to pressurize more than the line pressure of the pneumatically conveyed stream such that any leakage between the slider and the Seal material results in gas flowing inside the conduit instead of the solid particles inside the shell. Alternatively, the shell may be opened to the atmosphere or there may be no shell in such a manner that any leakage of solids falls to the ground for later recovery. The pressure within the shell can be maintained manually or controlled. The pressure can be controlled by using an independent pressure regulator connected to the gas source to regulate the pressure inside the shell or by means of the controller using a pressure controller to send a control signal to a control valve or solenoid valve connected to the gas source.

Preferably, the inlet and outlet ducts are of the same diameter as the inlet and outlet ducts of the system to which they are connected. The slide is preferably made of a material that is not eroded by the pneumatically transported solids. In a preferred embodiment, the slide is made of stainless steel. The conduits can be made from the same materials as described above. Those parts of the diverter that are not exposed to the flow of flowing solids can be made of aluminum or other materials that those of ordinary skill in the art find suitable. It should be noted that the above discussion was directed to the use of the diverter to divert a single inlet duct into a selected inlet duct which is selected from one or more outflow ducts. The diverter can also be used in such a way that each of the outlet ducts as discussed above are inlet ducts and the single inlet duct as discussed above is a single outlet duct. In this form, the diverter can be used to deflect a selected inlet duct that is selected from one or more inlet ducts in a single outlet duct by simply joining the diverter side with multiple connections to a multiple inlet duct selection and the side of the diverter with a simple connection to an outlet duct. Other embodiments of the present invention do not include multiple conduits but instead include methods, apparatuses and systems that have an in-line sample taken to sample solid particles from a stream of solid particles transported in fluid form. A method for on-line sampling of a stream of solid particles transported in fluid form includes placing a sample collection orifice in the stream of solid particles in such a way that the stream of solid particles flows through the collection orifice samples The sample collection orifice can be moved in or out of the stream of solid particles through movements selected from, but not limited to, sliding movement, pivoting movement, rotational movement or a combination thereof. Since the entire stream of solid particles flows through the sample collection orifice, the solid particles flowing through the sample collection port are representative of the entire stream. Therefore, the method continues with the step of quickly moving the sample collection hole out of the stream of solid particles and collecting the sample of solid particles that are pushed or pulled out of the stream through the sample collection orifice and captured there. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the sample collection orifice containing captured particles is moved to a sample collection chamber where the captured particles are collected. The collected particles make up the sample the solid particles transported in fluid form. After the particles are pushed or pulled from the stream flowing through the sample collection orifice, the captured solid particles fall from the sample collection hole and are collected in the sample collection chamber. Optionally, at least a portion of the bottom of the wall of the sample collection hole can be tapered to minimize the flat surface on which the solid particles can settle. Minimizing the flat surface in the bottom portion of the sample collection hole facilitates the removal of solids from the sample collection hole. Another option to facilitate the removal of solids from the sample collection orifice includes directing a gas stream to the sample collection orifice to dislodge any solid particles that do not freely fall from the sample collection orifice. The gas stream can be any suitable gas including, but not limited to, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or combinations thereof. The flow of the gas stream can remain constant or can be opened or closed with the inlet and outlet of the sample collection hole within the sample collection chamber. The gas stream can be opened or closed using, for example, an automatically operated valve, such as a solenoid valve or a manually operated valve. In order to maintain the flow of the flow of solid particles transported in fluid form while moving the sample collection hole within the sample collection chamber, a bypass orifice moves concurrently into the flow of solid particles as it moves outwardly. sample collection hole. In this form, there is little or no interruption in the flow of the stream of transported particles in fluid form while the sample collection orifice is removed from the stream because the flow is maintained through the diverting orifice. The deflection orifice is preferably adjacent to the sample collection hole such that it moves concurrently within the stream of solid particles that flow as the sample collection orifice moves outwardly. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a slide comprises the diverting orifice and the sample collection orifice being adjacent to each other. The slide is moved by an actuator using pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, other motor forces known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In particular embodiments, the slide is slidably moved by the actuator to alternate the sample collection hole between being in the stream of solid particles transported in fluid form and in the sample collection chamber. It is preferred that the actuator moves rapidly from the stream to the sample collection chamber to capture a sample as close to the representative as possible. Preferably, but without limiting the invention, the actuator moves the slide at a speed that moves the sampling collection orifice out of the stream of solid particles and into the sample collection chamber in a period of between about 0.1 seconds and about 2 seconds and more preferably, in less than about 1 second. The extractor is disposed within a body comprising an exhaust flange and an intake flange arranged on opposite sides of the extractor and sealing the extractor between the flanges. In particular embodiments of the present invention, the extractor slides between and in metal-to-metal contact with these flanges. The flanges are bolted together, preferably with safety washers arranged between the nuts on the bolts and the flanges. In addition, in order to prevent the metal-to-metal seal from adhering with particles trapped between the flanges and the extractor, in particular embodiments of the sealing surfaces are coated with tungsten carbide. Tungsten carbide is applied to the sealing surfaces using the same torch metallization technique known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the coating is ground and coated to a finish of 2-4 RMS (Medium Relative Surface). Preferably, the extractor and the flanges are made of alloy steel 4140 although other suitable materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used. Figure 1 is a schematic figure of a system for collecting a representative sample of a pneumatically transported stream of solid particles having a sampling conduit vented to the filling line of the receiving container. A pneumatic truck 11 loaded with consolidating material is discharged through a discharge hose 13 using air 12 to pneumatically transport the consolidation material to a storage hopper 22. The discharge hose 13 is connected to the input of the sampling device 20 useful for collecting a sample representative of the flow of Pneumatically transported consolidation material. The output of the sampling device 20 is connected to the inlet of the filling line 21 of the storage hopper 22. The sampling device 20 is connected with flanges 23 to the discharge hose 13 and the filling line 21. Alternatively, bolted connections, quick connector connections or other connections known to those of ordinary skill in the art can be used. The sampling device 20 includes the sampling conduit 18 having an inlet valve 16 and an outlet valve 17 which are closed by the actuators 15 when the sampling conduit 18 is insulated from the sampling bypass line 19. The device Sampling additionally includes an inlet valve 14 in the sample bypass line 19 useful for changing the pneumatically conveyed consolidation materials from the sampling conduit 18 to the sampling bypass line 19 and returning again. After the sampling device is in place, the flow of the consolidation material starts, air 12 is circulated through the system to the hopper and then the material flow of consolidation starts from the pneumatic truck 11. With the isolating valves of the sampling conduit 16, 17 in an open position and the bypass valve 14 in a closed position, the consolidation material is pneumatically conveyed to the storage hopper 22. To capture a representative sample, the controller 26 sends a signal to the actuators 15 in the isolating valves 16, 17 to close and also sends a signal to the bypass valve 14 to open. The material captured in the insulated sampling conduit 18 is the representative sample and the consolidation material continues uninterruptedly through the bypass line 19 to the storage hopper 22. To collect the representative sample, the low-25 valve in the Sample conduit 18 can be opened and drained into a container of captured material, such as a bucket or other suitable container (not shown) as the representative sample. Alternatively, the sampling conduit 18 can be disconnected from the quick connect couplings 24 and emptied to recover the sample - representative of the isolated sampling conduit 18. As another alternative, a quick connector (not shown) can be included at the low point of the sampling conduit 18 which, when not coupled, allows a representative sample of the portions to be drained. unattached from the sampling conduit 18. Preferably, the bypass conduit 19 and the sampling conduit 18 are joined together in a sweep configuration and not a configuration having right angles. Alternatively, clogged tees can be used to make 90 ° turns in the pipe configuration as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some applications, pipe components of 90 ° bends may be acceptable. The sweep configuration provides less interruption to the flow of the pneumatically transported stream and minimizes the likelihood of plugging the conduits. Optionally, pressure sensors 27 or pressure indicators may be installed at the inlet and outlet of both the bypass conduit 19 and the sampling conduit 18. Additionally, signals from one or more of the sensors 27 may be transmitted to the controller 26 to monitor and alerting deviations in pressure as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The controller 26 can also monitor time periods and divert the flow between the conduits 18, 19 after setting a period of time. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a system similar to that shown in Figure 1 but with optional diverters instead of valves. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valves 14, 16 at the inlet of the sampling conduit 18 and the inlet of the bypass conduit shown in Figure 1 can be replaced with an isolation diverter. Similarly, the outlet valve 17 shown in Figure 1 can be replaced with an isolation diverter 29. The isolation diverter 28 can be positioned with an actuator 15, with the position of the diverter 28 controlled by the controller 26. The consolidation materials enter to the diverter 28 and exit either to the sampling conduit 18 or to the bypass conduit 19 depending on the position of the diverter 28. The consolidating material flows either from the bypass conduit 19 or from the. Sampling conduit 18 enters the outlet isolation diverter 29 and leaves the diverter 29 towards the filling line 21 of the storage hopper 22. The controller can also control the position of the exit isolation diverter 29 by sending a signal to the actuator 15 at the diverter 29. When the consolidation material flows through the sampling conduit 18, the inlet isolation diverter 28 is positioned to block the flow to the bypass conduit 19 and to allow flow through the sampling conduit 18. The outlet isolation diverter 29 is positioned to allow the flow of the sampling conduit 18 and block the flow of the bypass conduit 19. When a sample is desired, the positions of the diverters 28, 29 are reversed to isolate the conduit sampling 18 and allowing the stream of pneumatically transported consolidation materials to flow through the bypass conduit 19 and through the fill line 21 to the storage hopper 22. It should be noted that either or both diverters can be replaced with valves as shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a system similar to that shown in Figure 1 but with two ducts Of sampling. In this embodiment of the present invention, two representative samples can be captured in the two sampling conduits 18. After the flow is established in the first sampling conduit 18, the first sampling conduit can be isolated using the inlet diverter 32. to divert the flow of the first sampling conduit 18 to the bypass conduit 19. Essentially simultaneously, the outlet diverter 31 is placed by the actuator 15 to divert the flow from the outlet of the first sampling conduit to the outlet of the bypass conduit 19. It should be noted that the exit diverter 31 is optional for those applications that are not sensitive to small amounts of contamination of the representative sample by material flowing from the outlets of the conduits 18, 19 having an established flow at the outlets of the conduits 18, 19 that do not have an established flow. When a second representative sample is desired, the diverter valves 32, 31 are placed by the actuators 15 to establish a flow through the second sampling conduit 18. It should be noted that when a diverter is used, the sampling conduits are preferably placed such that deviators 31, 32 do not need to be opened towards a sampling conduit 18 that has already been used to capture a representative sample to avoid contamination of the representative sample previously captured. It should be noted that in some applications, the three lines shown in Figure 3 may be sample conduits 18. In such embodiment of the present invention, three separate representative samples may be captured, one in each of the three sample conduits 18 upon reaching the discharge of the pneumatic truck 11 through each of the three sample conduits 18, selectively changing- through each of the three sample conduits 18 when the pneumatic truck 11 is discharged. In this mode, a deflection conduit 19. Figure 4 is a schematic figure of a system for collecting a representative sample of a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles having a sampling conduit vented to the atmosphere. In this embodiment of the present invention, the sampling conduit 18 is vented to the atmosphere through a container 39. Upon entering the consolidation materials pneumatically conveyed to the container 39, the velocity of the stream decreases due to the larger diameter of the container 39 In some applications, the solid particles are completely separated from the carrier gas, the gas leaves the container 39 from the outlet nozzle 41 and the representative sample is collected from the collection valve 38 at the bottom of the container 39. In other applications of In the present invention, a cyclone 37 may be preferred to further separate the fine solid particles from the carrier gas leaving the vessel 37. The carrier gas with some fines enters the cyclone through the cyclone 44 inlet, the carrier gas leaves the nozzle of outlet of the container 41 and the recovered fines descend down the down tube 42 for recovery as part of the sample representative A drip valve 36 opens by having a sufficient pressure head in the drop tube 42 to prevent the carrier gas from deviating from the inlet of the cyclone 44. The representative sample can then be drained from the drain valve 38 located in the bottom of the container 39. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, the isolating valves 14, 16 at the inlet of the sample conduit 18 and the inlet of the sample conduit 19 can be replaced with a diverter 32 as discussed above and shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is an amplified view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention. The preferred deviators of the present invention described herein are not intended to limit the choice of deviators or valves that may be used in embodiments of the sampling system of the present invention. The diverter 50 of the present invention can be used to deflect and isolate the flow of a carrier fluid pneumatically from one conduit to another selected from one or. more conduits. It can also be used to divert and isolate the flow of pneumatically conveyed fluid from a selected conduit from one or more conduits to another single conduit. In the following description, diverter 50 is described by diverting a pneumatically conveyed stream from a conduit to one selected from more than one outlet conduit but it should be noted that the diverter can be used inversely with equal effectiveness. The diverter 50 includes a connection 51 which is adapted to be connected in fluid communication with a discharge conduit of a supply container. The connection 51 can be a flanged, quick connector, or screwed connection or other type of connection known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet connection is preferably attached to a flexible conduit 52, such as, for example, a metal hose. The flexible conduit 52 can be attached to the sliding nozzle 56 using a hose clamp 57 or by other means such as, for example, a bolted connection, quick connector, flange or other means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The derailleur 50 further includes a slide 58 with a single opening 71 which is slidably positioned between the intake flange 53 and the exhaust flange 60. A sealing material 59 is placed between the slide 58 and the exhaust flange 60 for providing a seal between the slider 58 and the inlets of the outlet ducts 64, 65. The exhaust flange 60 includes outlet nozzles 61, 62 which are coupled to the outlet ducts 64, 65 with clamps 63 or by other means such as as, for example, a bolted connection, a quick connector, a flange or other means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The outlet conduits 64, 65 further include connections 51 for coupling to the system conduit, such as the filling line of the storage hopper (not shown). An upper cover may be included to protect personnel from the sliding action of the slide 58. The slide 58 may be operated manually or may be attached to an actuator (not shown) by means of the actuator arm 55 to position the slide 58 to deflect a current of solid particles pneumatically conveyed to a selected outlet duct 64, 65. Preferably, the actuator is fixed to locate the slider 58 at the predetermined locations of the inlets to the outlet ducts 61, 62. Figure 6 is an amplified view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention with more than two conduits on one side of the diverter. In this embodiment of diverter-50, an additional outlet conduit 67 is included to demonstrate that multiple conduits can be included on one side of the diverter. It should further be noted that the multiple conduits 64, 65, 66 at one end of the diverter can be either inlet conduits that divert the flow to a single outlet conduit 52 or a single inlet conduit 52 that diverts the flow to one of several outlet ducts 64, 65, 66. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention having a pressurized shell without a flexible duct connected to the slider. In one embodiment of a diverter 70 having a pressurized shell 72, an inlet nozzle 71 is welded to the shell 72 and is adapted to connect to the pipe system in fluid communication with the pneumatic truck 11 shown in Figure 2. It is provided a quick connector connection 51 for connecting to the discharge system pipeline but other types of suitable connections can be used as discussed above. The casing 72 is suitable to be pressurized at a pressure at least as high as the pressure of the pneumatically transported solid particle stream and is therefore preferably of a welded or cast construction. Carbon steel is a preferred material although other suitable materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art are useful. The casing 62 is typically connected to the exhaust flange 60, either by welding or preferably, the shell can be bolted to the exhaust flange with a simple packing material (not shown) between them. Preferably, the upper part of the casing 74 is removable to provide access for the diverter 70 to the interior and may be flanged or bolted (not shown) to the casing 72. To avoid stagnant areas in the casing 72, air purges 73 are provided for blowing solid materials from the areas where the solid particles could settle and stagnate thereby preventing the operation of the slide 58. The arm of the actuator 55 extends through the shell 72 through a stuffing box 81 or other suitable sealing means . Actuator arm 55 is attached to an actuator (not shown) to move the slide to the preferred positions. Alternatively, the slide 58 can slide itself through a stuffing box mounted on each side of the diverter 70 such that the solid material can not block the operation of the slide accumulating in the area between the slide and the internal side wall of the slide. the wrapped. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a diverter useful for implementing the method and system of the present invention with a pressurized shell with a flexible conduit connected to the slider. This embodiment of the present invention provides a diverter 80 having a pressurized shell 72 similar to that shown in Figure 7, except that a flexible conduit 52 is attached to an internal nozzle 82 and the sliding nozzle 56. With the shell 72 pressurized to a pressure greater than the pressure in the inlet nozzle 71, any leakage around the slider 58 could be pressurized gas from the shell 72 within the conduits 64, 65 instead of solid particles of the pneumatically transported stream to the shell 72 or the atmosphere. The air purges 73 can be connected to a pressure regulator to control the pressure inside the casing or the air purges 73 can be adjusted manually. Fig. 9 is a view of separate pieces of an on-line sample collector of solid particles. The sample collector 100 includes a body comprising an inlet flange 105 and an exhaust flange 106 which are disposed on opposite sides of the extractor 112, which is a plate for sealing the extractor 112 therebetween. The body additionally includes an upper seal flange 107 and a lower seal flange 108 which join the inlet and outlet flanges 105, 106 and seal the extractor 112 therebetween. An inlet nozzle 103 and an outlet nozzle 104 are mounted or otherwise connected to the inlet and outlet flanges 105, 106 respectively. Preferably, all sealing surfaces contact metal to metal with the sliding surfaces of the extractor. 112 are coated with tungsten carbide and ground and coated to a finish of 2-4 RMS. The nozzles 103, 104 are useful for attaching the sample collector 100 in-line to a system having a conduit for fluidly transporting solid particles. The input and output flanges 105, 106 are preferably bolted together with threaded bolts 131, eight in the upper part and eight in the bottom in the exemplary embodiment. The bolts 131 are inserted through the flanges 105, 106 and threaded into the opposite flange 105, 106 in an alternating arrangement. The bolts are tightened to approximately 1,154 centimeters-kilogram (2 inch-pounds) of load per fastener to allow the safety washers 132 to provide some spring action. Alternatively, springs could be used to replace the safety washers 132.

Additionally, the sample collector 100 includes an actuator 102 mounted at one end of the body to move the extractor 112 such that the sample collection orifice 114 (see FIG. 10) is moved from an alignment position with the nozzles. inlet and outlet 103, 104 to the sample collection chamber 101. The drive in the actuator 102 can be hydraulic, pneumatic, an electric motor, a solenoid, a spring or combinations thereof or other driving force known to those with normal experience in the technique. In a particular embodiment, a suitable actuator can be obtained from W. Granger, Inc. Of Illinois, article number Granger 6JH44. This actuator is operated pneumatically, with a stroke length of 15.24 centimeters (6 inches) and an internal diameter of 7.62 centimeters (3 inches). As indicated above, the extractor 112 includes both the sample collection hole 114 (see Figure 10) and the diverting orifice 116. By moving the actuator 102 the extractor 112 in the direction of the sample collection chamber 101 , the diverting orifice 110 is moved to align with the inlet and outlet nozzles 103, 104 in such a manner that a flow of solid particles transported in fluid form can be maintained thr the sampling device. The solid particles that are captured in the sample collection hole 114 are dislodged from the sample collection hole 114 within the sample collection chamber 101 and are removed thr the sample outlet 108. The thickness of the extractor 112 establishes the maximum amount of solid particles that can be collected by moving the sample collection hole 114 within the sample collection chamber 101. The greater the thickness of the extractor 112, the greater the amount of sample that can be captured as the sample collection orifice volume 114 with greater thickness. Without limiting the invention, the thickness of the extractor 112 may be between about 0.635 and about 7.62 centimeters (0.25 and about 3 inches) thick, preferably between about 2.54 and about . 08 centimeters (1 and approximately 2 inches) thick.

Figure 11 is a schematic figure of a system for collecting a representative sample of a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles using an in-line sample collector. A pneumatic truck 11 loaded with consolidation material is discharged thr the discharge hose 13 using air 12 to pneumatically transport the consolidation material to a storage hopper 22. The discharge hose 13 is connected to the inlet of the intake. online sample 100 and the outlet of the in-line sample outlet 100 is connected to the inlet of the filling line 21 with the storage hopper 22. The in-line sample outlet 100 is connected with flanges 23 to the discharge hose 13 and the filling line 21. Alternatively, quick connector connections or other connections known to those of ordinary skill in the art may be used. The online sample 100 includes the extractor 112 with a sample collection hole 114 and a bypass hole 116 (see Figure 10) and an actuator 102 attached to the extractor 112. After the sample taken in line 100 it is in place, the flow of consolidation material starts by initiating the circulation of air 12 thr the system to the hopper 22 and then the flow of consolidation material from the pneumatic truck 11 is initiated thr the collection orifice. Samples 114 and the storage hopper 22. To capture a representative sample, the controller 26 sends a signal to the actuator 102 to move the extractor 112 and thereby move the sample collection hole 114 within the sample collection chamber 101 (FIG. see figure 10). By moving the extractor 112 the sample collection hole within the collection chamber 101, the divert hole 116 moves to. flow of consolidation materials to maintain flow to the hopper 22. The material captured in the sample collection orifice 114 is a representative sample of the stream of consolidating material flowing. The material is dislodged from the sample collection orifice and flows through a collection conduit 121 into a sample recovery container 120, such as a bucket. The actuator 102 returns the sample collection hole 114 to the flowing stream to capture additional samples. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" used in the present claims and specification shall be considered as an indication of an open group which may include other unspecified elements. The term "consists essentially of", used in the claims and the present specification, shall be deemed to indicate a partially open group which may include other unspecified elements, as long as those other elements do not materially alter the basic and novel features of the invention. claimed. The terms "a", "an", and the singular forms of words shall be considered to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. For example, the phrase "a solution comprising a phosphorus-containing compound" should be read describing a solution having one or more phosphorus-containing compounds. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" are used interchangeably. The term "one" or "simple" will be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as "two", are used when a specific number of things are intended. The terms "preferably", "preferred", "prefer", "optionally", "may", and similar terms are used to indicate that an article, condition or stage to which it refers is an optional feature (not required) of the invention. It should be understood from the foregoing description that various modifications and changes in the preferred modalities of the present invention can be made without departing from its true spirit. The above description is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered in a limiting sense. Only the language of the following claims should limit the scope of the invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (39)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property.

1. A method for obtaining a representative sample of solid particles from a stream of solid particles transported pneumatically, characterized in that it comprises: establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit; divert current through a second conduit; isolating an input from the sampling conduit of the second conduit substantially simultaneously with the step of diverting the current through the second conduit; and emptying material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of establishing the flow through the sampling conduit further comprises: venting an outlet end of the sampling conduit in the second conduit.

The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the step of isolating the sampling conduit of the second sampling conduit further comprises: isolating the exit end of the sampling conduit from the second conduit.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the step of establishing the flow through the sampling conduit further comprises: venting an outlet of the sampling conduit to the atmosphere through a solids separation device.

The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the step of venting the outlet of the sampling conduit to the atmosphere additionally comprises: capturing solids from a gas stream vented from the solids separation device, wherein the representative sample comprises the solids captured by the solids separation device.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the solid particles are a consolidation material 7.

A system for obtaining a sample representative of a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles, characterized in that it comprises: a sampling conduit adapted for establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit, means for diverting the current through a second conduit, means for isolating an entry of the sampling conduit of the second conduit substantially simultaneously with the activation of means for diverting the current through the second conduit, and means for emptying material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit 8.

The system according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises: means for venting ear one outlet end of the sampling conduit in the second conduit.

The system according to claim 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises: means for isolating the exit end of the sampling conduit from the second conduit.

The system according to claim 7, wherein an outlet of the sampling conduit is vented to the atmosphere, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a solids separation device for capturing the solid particles carried from the outlet of the vented sampling conduit to the atmosphere.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that the solids separation device is selected from a bucket, a container, a container, a cyclone, a receptacle or a combination thereof, wherein the receptacle is open to the atmosphere .

The system according to claim 10, characterized in that it additionally comprises: means for capturing solids from a gas stream vented from the solids separation device, wherein the representative sample comprises the solids captured by the solids separation device and the solids captured by the solids capture means of the vented gas stream of the solids separation device.

The system according to claim 12, characterized in that the means for capturing solids from a gas stream is a cyclone.

The system according to claim 7, characterized in that the solid particles are consolidation material.

The system according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a controller for controlling a position of the means for diverting the current through a second conduit, the means for isolating an input sampling conduit, or a combination of the same.

16. A deviator for deflecting a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles, characterized in that it comprises: a slide comprising an opening therethrough and a sliding nozzle mounted circumferentially around the opening on a first side of the slide, the slidably sliding between a first flange and a second flange to provide selective fluid communication through the opening between a first flexible conduit at a first end of the diverter and two or more nozzles at a second end of the diverter.

17. The diverter according to claim 17, characterized in that it additionally comprises: an actuator coupled to the slide to position the slide.

18. The diverter according to claim 17, further comprising: a sealing plate disposed between the slider and the second flange to provide a fluid seal between the opening through the slider and the sealing plate.

19. A deviator for deflecting a stream of pneumatically transported solid particles, characterized in that it comprises: a slide comprising an opening therethrough, the slide being slidably disposed between a first flange and a second flange to provide fluid communication selective through the opening between the first flexible conduit in a first end of the diverter and two or more nozzles in a second end of the diverter; and a casing having the first flange mounted on a first end of the casing and the second flange mounted on a second end of the casing, wherein the casing is adapted to be pressurized to a pressure greater than a current pressure of the cassette flow. solid particles transported pneumatically.

20. A method for obtaining a sample of solid particles from a stream of solid particles transported in fluid form, characterized in that it comprises: placing a sample collection orifice within the stream of solid particles in such a way that the stream of solid particles flows through the sample collection hole; move the sample collection hole out of the stream of solid particles; and collect the sample of solid particles captured in the sample collection hole.

The method according to claim 20, characterized in that it additionally comprises: moving a diversion orifice within the stream of solid particles as the sample collection hole moves outward in such a manner that the flow of the stream of solid particles transported in fluid form is maintained by flowing through the diverting orifice; and return the sample collection hole within the flow of solid particles.

The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the step of collecting solid particles additionally comprises: directing a gas stream towards the sample collection orifice to dislodge captured solid particles from the sample collection orifice.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that it additionally comprises: moving the sample collection orifice and the diversion orifice in and out of the stream of solid particles alternately.

The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the sample collection orifice moves out of the stream of solid particles and into a sample collection chamber in a period of between about 0.1 seconds and about 2 seconds.

25. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the sample collection orifice moves out of the stream of solid particles and into the sample collection chamber in a period of less than about 1 second.

26. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the solid particles are a consolidation material.

27. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the stream of solid particles transported in fluid form is transported pneumatically.

28. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that the sample of solid particles is a representative sample of the stream of solid particles transported in fluid form.

29. A sampling apparatus for obtaining a sample of a stream of solid particles transported in fluid form, characterized in that it comprises: an extractor having a sample collection orifice and an adjacent bypass hole therethrough, wherein the movement of the extractor moves the sample collection hole from a first position to a sample collection chamber and moves the diversion orifice concurrently to the first position.

30. The sampling apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that it additionally comprises: an actuator comprising an axis that is attached to the extractor to provide movement of the extractor.

31. The sampling apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that the actuator is adapted to move the extractor from the first position to the sample collection chamber in less than two seconds.

32. The sampling apparatus according to claim 30, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a controller for controlling the actuator, wherein the controller causes the actuator to move the sample collection hole within the sample collection chamber at intervals of set points.

The sampling apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that at least a portion of a lower wall of the sample collection hole is tapered to facilitate removal of the sample from the sample collection hole.

34. The sampling apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that it additionally comprises: a body comprising an exhaust flange and an intake flange arranged on opposite sides of the extractor and sealing the extractor between them; an actuator mounted on a first end of the body, the actuator comprises an axis attached to the extractor to provide movement of the extractor.

35. The sampling apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the extractor is a plate slidably arranged between the exhaust flange and the intake flange.

36. The sampling apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the sealing surfaces of the intake flange, the exhaust flange and the extractor are coated with tungsten carbide.

37. The sampling apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the extractor is between about 0.635 and about 7.62 centimeters (0.25 and about 3 inches) thick.

38. The sampling apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the extractor is between about 2.54 and about 5.08 centimeters (1 and about 2 inches) thick.

39. The sampling apparatus according to claim 29, characterized in that the extractor is moved alternately to move the sampling collection hole from the first position to the sample collection chamber and back to the first position.