Liquid carry over from the pipeline into the sample conditioning system should be prevented when sampling natural gas as it can directly impact the accuracy of the compositional analysis and also damage the analyzer. Genie Probes™ provide a means to insert Genie Membrane Technology™ directly into a pipeline for the purpose of separating unwanted liquid and particulate from the gas sample at flowing temperature and pressure conditions, in compliance with industry standards.

The two-piece GPR™ consists of a housing containing a foot valve on its lower end, and a membrane tip probe regulator. The probe housing is installed in a depressurized pipeline through a vertically mounted thread-o-let or flange. Once the probe is inserted into the housing, the foot valve opens to allow pipeline gas to flow freely through the membrane. Sample pressure is then reduced immediately downstream of the membrane, inside of the pipeline. The heat then transfers from the pipeline to the regulator to prevent excessive Joule-Thomson cooling during pressure regulation. Retracting the probe from the housing closes the foot valve, making it possible to perform probe maintenance without depressurizing the pipeline. This insertion/retraction method is less expensive and complex than pneumatic or hydraulic methods.