Subsurface Environment Sampler

Abstract

A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.

Claims

1. A Subsurface Environment Sampler comprising: a first housing including an actuator with a source connected to an end of the first housing to trigger the actuator; a second housing mated with the first housing with a removable cap placed on the end of the second housing; at least a collection chamber placed in the second housing; at least two slots formed in the second housing surrounding an entire outer perimeter of the second housing exposing the chamber to the environment; the actuator capable of closing the Sampler by exerting force on the chamber, thereby creating a seal between the chamber and the second housing to maintain in-situ condition at depths greater than 250 feet.

2. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 1, with the chamber further comprising a third housing, and a screened microbial collection module placed in the third housing with caps formed on each end of the third housing.

3. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 2, with each of the caps of the chamber including compressible material to seal the chamber.

4. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 3, with each of the caps of the chamber including ports for removable fittings.

5. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 1, wherein the source is a cable connected to a control box.

6. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 3, wherein the screen is removable.

7. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 1, wherein the second housing includes at least two chambers.

8. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 4, further including removable fittings allowing for connection of various apparatus, probes, test and data collection.

9. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 3, further including data lines through a source connected for data transmission in real time without removing the Sampler from its sampling location.

10. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 4, wherein the Sampler is used to test gas, microbials and water.

11. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 1, wherein the actuator opens and closes the chamber.

12. A Subsurface Environment Sampler of claim 1, wherein the second housing further comprises at least two multiple sampling chambers which can be opened at the same or differing times with a signal from the surface.

13. A method of testing a subsurface environment by following steps in the order presented: (a) selecting a sampler having a first housing including: at least one actuator with a source connected to an end of the first housing to trigger the actuator, a second housing mated with the first housing with a removable cap placed on the end of the second housing, at least one chamber with ports for fittings placed in the second housing, at least two slots formed in the second housing surrounding an entire outer perimeter of the second housing exposing the chamber to the environment; (b) closing the Sampler and lowering the sampler to a specific depth; (c) opening the sampler at the specified depth to an environment; (d) closing Sampler after a capture a fluid or gas; (e) retrieving Sampler from the depth while maintaining in-situ conditions.

13. (canceled)

14. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 13; wherein the chamber includes a removable screen.

15. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 12; further including lowering the Sampler; wherein losing the Sampler maintains an air tight seal at depths greater than 250 feet, and at least performing steps (C)-(d) on two different occasions prior the retrieving step.

16. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 13, further including between the steps of (d) and (e) collecting data with probes included with the Sampler.

17. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 13 further including after step (e) placing collection module in thermal sleeve.

18. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 13, further comprising a step of using at least two Multiple sampling chambers which are controlled to be opened at the same and at different times.

19. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 13, further comprising after step (e) detaching the second housing and sealed chamber from the first housing and replacing with another chamber and housing.

20. A method of testing a subsurface environment of claim 13, further comprising removing cap from the second housing, tilting the sampler, inserting a tool into the fitting to extract gas.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The subject matter and its advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description and claims particularly when considered in light of the accompanying drawings:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of a sampler assembled for collecting and evaluating subsurface environment for microbial, water and gas samples.

[0024] FIG. 2 depict a schematics diagram of actuator in closed position with piston retracted.

[0025] FIG. 3 depict a schematics diagram of actuator in open position with piston extended.

[0026] FIG. 4 is are exploded view of collection chamber including a housing and a screened microbial collection module.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a Sampler of the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of a sampler suitable for inoculating, incubating and evaluating various materials in dry or fluid environments at shallow or deep depths. An actuator 101 is placed within a first housing 102 including metal and connected to a collection chamber 103 through a connector 104 such as male-female connectors, clamps, screws and the like. A second housing 105 including metal formed around the collection chamber is mated with the first housing. A source 106 connected to actuator activates a piston 109 and pushes the chamber past slots 107 sealing the chamber within the second housing with a sealing material, such as compressible caps or rings 108. The metal being able to withstand pressure of at least 25 Torr to 5000 psi and at least temperatures 15 degrees Fahrenheit to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred embodiment shows an exploded view of the Sampler 1 preferably made from 316 stainless steel with piston 209 retracted with a connector 204 connected to a chamber 203 lined with slots 207 in the second housing.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the preferred embodiment shows an exploded view of the Sampler 1 with piston 309 extended with chamber 303 offset with slots in the second housing.

[0031] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of a collection chamber 2, the collection chamber 403 includes a third housing 400 with end caps 411 having a sealing material 408 and ports 412 contained therein. A microbial collection 416 module includes end caps 418 and a removable screen 417 within placed in the third housing so that it can be replaced with various mesh sized to match the specific media being used. Likewise an optional filter may be added within the third housing to control microbe entry by size.

[0032] While, the invention has been described and shown in terms of what are considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention covers various modifications and similar arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.