Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for gathering liquid samples from a reservoir of liquid using a submersible pump and subsequently retrieving the samples for analysis. The invention is more specifically directed toward the gathering and preparing of water samples for analysis for tritium content, where the samples are collected from underground formations penetrated by a borehole or collected at varying depths in surface canals and the like. The samples are subsequently transferred to the surface of the earth for analysis. The submersible pump is operated by means of a surface valving system and a valving system mounted on the submersible pump. The pump inlet valve is set to open or "crack" at a predetermine pressure, however the pump is not filled until a vacuum is applied to the pump. After filling, the pump is purged thereby transporting the sampled liquid to the surface by applying pressure.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for gathering and preparing liquid samples for analysis for elements or compounds within the liquid samples. Although applicable to a variety of liquids and to a variety of elements or compounds, the preferred embodiment of the invention is directed toward the gathering and pretreating of water samples for tritium analysis. This disclosure is further directed toward apparatus and methods for the gathering or collecting of water samples from underground formations penetrated by a borehole, or collecting water samples at varying depths in surface canals, ponds, and the like. The invention is particularly suited for monitoring water in the vicinity of nuclear manufacturing, fabrication and disposal facilities for tritium contamination of ground waters.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this disclosure are directed to a system for diluting a sample gas. For example, the sample gas may carry excessive water which creates difficulties in analysis. The apparatus includes an inlet line, a control valve which switches through several positions to provide 1, 2 or 3 decades of dilutions and each decade is defined by a flow through a restricted orifice calibrated to a specified flow volume. The sample is diluted with the dilution flow which is furnished through a similar orifice, but that orifice is replicated in a ratio of N:1. The N orifices provide the cumulative dilution flow which is commingle with the sample. Two more decades can be switched to obtain a wide range of dilution.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward the detection fluid infiltration into an underground pipe system, and more particularly is directed toward the qualitative and quantitative detection of liquid leaks into, and out of, underground sewer systems. The invention is particularly suited for detecting the infiltration of ground water into sewer systems such that the leaks can be precisely located as a precursor to time and cost efficient repairs. Fluid properties are measured with a probe at station locations which are preferably manholes. Any leaks in the system are first determined to a geographic location spanning two adjacent manholes. The locations of the leaks are further define to a very high geographic resolution by floating the probe from the upstream manhole toward the downstream manhole while continuously recording fluid property measurements at the surface of the earth. Results are preferably presented in the form of a survey map.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets out a sample collection system which involves a single valve having six ports and two positions. The valve is operated to isolate two ports so that the system process flows into the valve. In the other position of the valve, a sample loop is filled. The sample loop includes a sample storage container. The sample loop connects with the container through quick disconnects and separate isolation valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample from a on stream plant operation is set forth. In a process plant, with a small pressure differential, fluid flow is provided through an inlet line and surplus is returned through an outlet line connected with the process plant. The inlet and outlet lines connect with a six port, position valve which is switched on rotation. There is a filling position for the valve wherein the filling position enables fluid from the process plant to flow through the inlet line and to fill a buffer tank. Sufficient flow is provided to enable purging of the inlet and outlet lines. Separately, there is a purge gas flow provided for a sample receiving container which is initially purged. On operation of the valve, the intermediate container is forced to flow into the sample receiving container through the valve means at the urging of the purge gas. A suitable housing is provided with a blanket of nitrogen for safety, and fugitive emissions to atmosphere are prevented.

Abstract: Improvements are set forth in the present disclosure for the sample taking system. It normally uses a valve which can be switched between two operative positions one delivering a sample. The valve lock mechanism is incorporated. Additional safety is provided by means of a blocking valve added to the circuit. These control the delivery of sample through a twin needle system which is inserted through the septum of a sample receiving container. That container is formed of a non-round shape supported in a mounting fixture which assures that it does not rotate to thereby avoid tearing the septum with the needles. In addition, a purge gas flow route is defined through the system and is discharged to atmosphere. This discharge is through a cartridge filter having duplicate ends. The ends are closed by membranes to permit inert gas to flow there through. The bottom membrane is pervious while the top membrane is impervious, but it is punctured by a needle to introduce the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a sample from a on stream plant operation is set forth. In a process plant, with a small pressure differential, fluid flow is provided through an inlet line and surplus is returned through an outlet line connected with the process plant. The inlet and outlet lines connect with a six port, position valve which is switched on rotation. There is a filling position for the valve wherein the filling position enables fluid from the process plant to flow through the inlet line and to fill a buffer tank. Sufficient flow is provided to enable purging of the inlet and outlet lines. Separately, there is a purge gas flow provided for a sample receiving container which is initially purged. On operation of the valve, the intermediate container is forced to flow into the sample receiving container through the valve at the urging the purge gas. A suitable housing is provided with a blanket of nitrogen for safety, and fugitive emissions to atmosphere are prevented.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a sample collecting and storing apparatus. A metal cabinet encloses a hand operated, chain driven pump connected serially with inlet and outlet lines providing a closed loop flow with a large tank to be sampled. The pump connects serially with a three port, two position valve mechanism defining a bypass. Another port of the valve serially connects with an industry standard fitting which in turn connects with the head of a syringe positioning a needle tip in alignment with the valve. A suitable mounting bracket supports the valve and associated syringe in conjunction with a second syringe preferably bent in a 90.degree. angle and having fittings for the syringe. This defines a second syringe tip so that two syringe needles insert through a septum into a sample receiving container. A method of operation is also set forth.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to co-acting male and female fishing line connectors. The female member is an elongate body having an internal cavity. It is sized and shaped to receive internally a sphere. The sphere permits quick insertion or removal. The sphere is affixed to an elongate link which is apply clamped and positioned at an axial passage through the body, and further includes a second sphere on the link, the two spheres serving as clamps to hold and position the connective link at a desired location on the female member. The male member thus comprises the two spheres and connective link. Quick connection and disconnection is achieved, and axial pulling is handled readily by the equipment with rotation.

Abstract: An industrial liquid circulating and cooling machine for hydraulic fluids, lubricants, cutting oil, chemicals and the like has a chassis, an electro-mechanical refrigeration system with a compressor and condenser and evaporator, a I/O communication bulkhead for liquid and electrical flow, a single air filter, removable side panels held on by novel structure and locked by manual latches, a cover panel hinged and locked to the side panel by manual latches, and a heat exchanger having a novel non-pressurized liquid tank with a baffled tube and fin evaporator immersed in the liquid in the tank.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for cooling enclosures, typically electronic enclosures, has a box with a heat pipe type exchange element and upper and lower fan units. A novel element holder and box structure and arrangement of components provides for safety, NEMA-12 sealing, easy access and cleaning without tools, and enables the exchanger to be inverted end-for-end and mounted either on the inside or outside of the exchanger while providing a cover that easily comes off for service. The exchanger has an ambient fan and motor and a heat load fan and motor normally inside the box, and both fan and motors and the exchanger are movable to alternative positions for service. A method of servicing a heat exchanger is provided wherein two fans and motors, and a heat exchanger sequentially are unlocked and moved to alternative service positions.

Abstract: A solar heating system for space air heating of a building has a solar energy collector in air flow communication with underground heat storage structure. The collector has an elongated frame defining a plurality of air passages. A plurality of solar energy absorption panels are arranged in ascending space elevations in each air passage so that the air flowing through the passage transpires from the front to the rear of the panels over the length of the passage. Transparent sheet members, as glass, are mounted on the frame to cover the air passages. The heat storage structure has a plurality of concrete blocks having aligned air passages. The concrete blocks are covered with coarse rock. A pebble rock bed covers the coarse rock so that the entire heat storage structure has a large heat storing capacity. Heat insulated side walls surround the heat storage structure.