Fluid sampler with confirmation feedback

Abstract

A positive pressure displacement fluid sampler, comprising: a sample probe disposed in a sample probe connection; a needle valve in communication with the sample probe; a three-way solenoid valve disposed between the needle valve, a sample collection body and a sample collection tank; an adjustment stem for adjusting the size of the sample to be collected on each draw; and a confirmation switch for sending an electronic or other type signal for confirming that a sample or samples have actually been collected at prescribed times and/or frequencies. The displacement sampler may be spring-loaded and the confirmation switch may comprise a radio transmitter.

Claims

1. A positive pressure displacement fluid sampler, comprising: a sample probe disposed in a sample probe connection; a needle valve in communication with the sample probe; a three-way solenoid valve disposed between the needle valve, a sample collection body and a sample collection tank; an adjustment stem for adjusting the size of the sample to be collected on each draw; and a confirmation switch for sending an electronic or other type signal for confirming that a sample or samples have actually been collected at prescribed times and/or frequencies; wherein the displacement sampler is spring-loaded.

2. A positive pressure displacement fluid sampler, comprising: a sample probe disposed in a sample probe connection; a needle valve in communication with the sample probe; a three-way solenoid valve disposed between the needle valve, a sample collection body and a sample collection tank; an adjustment stem for adjusting the size of the sample to be collected on each draw; and a confirmation switch for sending an electronic or other type signal for confirming that a sample or samples have actually been collected at prescribed times and/or frequencies, wherein the confirmation switch comprises a radio transmitter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a displacement fluid sampler according to the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 2 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a displacement fluid sampler according to the present disclosure; and

(4) FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of a displacement fluid sampler according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(5) In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying examples and figures that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matter. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to, individually and/or collectively, herein by the term disclosure merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept if more than one is in fact disclosed.

(6) The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

(7) A preferred fluid sampler 10 of the present disclosure is a spring loaded positive displacement sampler utilizing a piston/cylinder assembly, preferably within body 22. Fluid sampler 10 of the present disclosure offers several advantages over traditional diaphragm samplers while still offering a low cost solution for sampling. Because it has no diaphragm, fluid sampler 10 eliminates common component failures associated therewith. Fluid sampler 10 comprises a stainless steel body, electric three-way solenoid valve 18, needle valve 16, and inlet probe 12 for drawing sample from pipe or tank 11. Preferably a confirmation switch 26 can be used to send a confirmation signal at the completion of each sample.

(8) Preferred fluid sampler 10 is designed to extract samples from 1-22 cubic centimeters. Adjusting the sample size is preferably accomplished via a threaded adjustment stem 24. Fluid sampler 10 preferably is activated by an external signal. This signal, which energizes solenoid 18, allows samples to enter the sampler body 22 via the inlet probe 12. Once the sampler body 22 is filled and the solenoid valve 18 is de-energized, the sample is discharged into an external sample container via outlet valve 20.

(9) It should be understood that while this disclosure has been described herein in terms of specific, preferred embodiments set forth in detail, such embodiments are presented by way of illustration of the general principles of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. Certain modifications and variations in any given material, process step or chemical formula will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications and variations should be considered within the scope of the claims that follow.