Patent ID: 8357234
Filing Date: 2013-01-22
Classification: C10G

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for rapid fractionation of hydrocarbon phases in a sample fluid stream comprising: a valve and conduit assembly for directing the fluid stream through a first sorbent chamber including a first sorbent, the first sorbent chamber connected in fluid communication with the valve and conduit assembly, the first sorbent selected and configured for removing a first classification of hydrocarbons from the fluid; an intelligence system including a controller, the controller for monitoring the temperature of the first sorbent chamber and the valve and conduit assembly, and maintaining the temperature of the first sorbent chamber within a user-selectable first temperature range so that substantially all of the hydrocarbons in the form of the first classification of hydrocarbons are removed by the first sorbent and substantially all of the hydrocarbons that are not in the form of the first classification of hydrocarbons pass through the first sorbent, wherein the valve and conduit assembly is further configured for directing the fluid stream such that the fluid stream bypasses the first sorbent chamber; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a detector connected in fluid communication with the valve and conduit assembly, wherein the detector receives fluid that has not passed through the first sorbent chamber if the valve and conduit assembly is in a first configuration, and wherein the detector receives fluid that has passed through the first sorbent chamber if the valve and conduit assembly is in a second configuration, and wherein the detector is operable to produce an output signal corresponding to the hydrocarbon concentration of the fluid stream as it passes through the detector.