Sampling system NeSSI

NeSSI s driver is to simplify and standardize sample system design. There is also a huge opportunity to adapt the emerging class of lab-on-a-chip sensors to a miniature/modular smart manifold which could fundamentally change the way in which industry does process analysis. 

Fig. 9.2.7 NeSSI sampling system designed to reduce optical sampling variables for performing on-line Raman analysis. The arrow indicates the position of the Raman ballprobe.

The development of NeSSI is very much a collaborative result of end-users, manufacturers, researchers, and many others working together to modularize and miniaturize process analyzer sample systems. The technical and standardization concepts of NeSSI have been well documented through numerous presentations and workshops throughout the last four years, including yearly updates at ISA, PITTCON and FACSS conferences and updates at the biannual CPAC meetings. 

Easy integration of sample systems with multiple physical/chemical sensors utilizing modem multi-drop commimication networks. An important aspect of the communication network (NeSSI -bus) is plug-n-play (i.e., self-identification/self-configuration of sensors and actuators) interchangeability. Increased use of small, smart, integrated sampling, sensor, and analyzer transmitters to provide more information about the sample and the process. Validation of representative sample and analysis. 

Since NeSSI was primarily conceived as a replacement for traditional sampling systems employed for at-line analyzers, the remaining discussion will... 

The value of standardization of the components of sampling systems is being shown with the success of the NeSSI platforms. As the cost related to design, installation, and maintenance of individual one-of-a-kind sampling systems increases, it made sense to consider the use of a standard platform that could be flexible in mounting components unique to the needs to the process stream. It... 

The solution to the sampling problems was a simple NeSSI sampling system purchased from Parker-Hannifin and shown in Figure 5.6. The Raman ballprobe is the second component from the left with the fiber-optic cable attached at the top. 

The American CPAC initiative NeSSI [23] developed a micro reactor sampling and calibration system intended for analytical applications in the oil industry. Industrial partners such as Swagelok and Parker/Hannifin developed the system originally designed for the gas supply in clean room facilities. This approach is well advanced with respect to valves, gauges, analytical sensors and pipe fittings. 

Fig. 10.1 Schematic representation of a complete NeSSI system, illustrating the main components and the standard interfaces outlined in the NeSSI specification document. Also shown are the relationship between the NeSSI system and the sample and data process connections.

With these capabilities, the NeSSI system will provide a common physical connection to the sample (the SP76 mechanical rail) and a common electrical and communication connection to the user (the NeSSI-bus electrical rail). Between these two rails reside the transducers that interact with the sample and return either data or status information. While not as far in their development or widespread adoption by industry, these standardization efforts to provide automation and communication are an important aspect in the eventual utility of NeSSI . As the automation and communication aspects of NeSSI increases, it will be possible to not only analyze a sample stream and provide an in situ measurement of a validation standard, but each analysis will also have associated sensor readings to... 

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