Segmented online sampling apparatus and method of use
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Publication Number
US-8549934-B2
Publication Date
2013-10-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A segmented sampling apparatus is designed to extract a sample from a source and deliver the sample to a collector for storage or analysis. The sample is extracted from the source at a sample withdrawal or extraction rate but is delivered to the collector at a faster rate. Air is injected into or drawn into the apparatus which allows for an expedited sample delivery rate.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a segmented online sampling apparatus that withdraws a sample from a source at a sample withdrawal flow rate and delivers the sample to a sample collector/analyzer system at a sample delivery flow rate that is faster than the sample withdrawal flow rate. The apparatus includes a sample withdrawal system and a sample delivery system that move the sample through a sampling line while enabling delivery at an expedited rate to the collector/analyzer.
The sampling apparatus introduces air during sample withdrawal by drawing filtered air and introducing the air at a downstream end of the sample via an air intake port. The sample and air are delivered together to a sample collector system, where the delivered sample is received for collection and mixing with diluent and/or cleaning solutions.
The apparatus is organized into sample withdrawal, sample delivery, and sample collector systems and includes multiple valves, pump(s), reservoirs, and an air trap. The description covers pre-sample waste purge, sample withdrawal with air introduction, delivery via a manifold to the collector, and post-sample cleaning/sterilization with cleansing/sterilization fluid circulation.
Claims Coverage
The partial claims set includes two independent claims. Across these independent claims, the main inventive features include faster sample delivery relative to withdrawal, downstream air introduction at the sample intake portion, and pump operation at different speeds to control withdrawal versus expedited delivery.
Faster delivery flow relative to withdrawal flow
A sampling system with a sample withdrawal system that withdraws a sample from a source at a sample withdrawal flow rate and a sample delivery system that delivers the sample to a sample collector system at a sample delivery flow rate faster than the sample withdrawal flow rate.
Downstream air introduction via an air intake port
The sample withdrawal system includes a sample intake port through which the sample is drawn from the source and an air intake port through which air is drawn, wherein the air intake port introduces air at a downstream end of the sample, and wherein the sample and air are delivered to the sample collector system.
Pump operated at first speed for withdrawal and second speed for expedited delivery
The sample delivery system includes a pump that operates at a first speed to draw the sample from the source at the sample withdrawal flow rate, and that operates at a second speed to expedite delivery of the sample to the sample collector system at the sample delivery flow rate faster than the sample withdrawal flow rate.
Single pump drawing sample and air with expedited delivery
A sampling system with a sample delivery system having a single pump operative to draw the sample and air from the sample withdrawal system and deliver the sample and air from the sample withdrawal system to the sample collector system at a sample delivery flow rate faster than the sample withdrawal flow rate.
Both independent claims center on withdrawing a sample at a first, lower flow rate while simultaneously drawing air introduced at a downstream end of the sample, and delivering the combined sample and air to a collector at a second, faster delivery flow rate.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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