Heated instrument regulator tip

摘要

A heated instrument regulator tip is shown for use in retrieving samples from the interior of a natural gas or similar pipeline. A well is disposed within the tip and adapted to receive an electrical heater. The heater supplements thermal fins on the tip to transfer thermal energy to the gas sample inside the tip. The thermal energy counteracts the Joule-Thompson cooling of the gas due to the rapid pressure drop, thus preventing freeze up or condensation within the regulator tip.