Abstract: Process inserts, assemblies, and related methods for use in monitoring high velocity fluids or supporting instruments that monitor and manage high velocity fluids are disclosed. Exemplary inserts include a head having a cavity for receiving an instrument, a shank, and a hub. The shank includes an elongated body having a first end disposed proximate to the head, a free end opposite the first end, and a threaded portion spaced apart from the first and free ends. The hub can form a lapped joint. Exemplary process insert assemblies include a process insert having a shank and a threaded support disposed around the shank. Methods of making and using process inserts are also disclosed. For example, a method of installing a process insert on a container includes inserting the free end of the process insert in the interior volume of a container containing a high velocity fluid.

Abstract: A servo-electric actuated sampler can draw samples of fuel liquid from an operating main line. The sampler can run in a fast-loop process whereby liquid is drawn into the sampling system and past an actuated sampler and then out of the system back into main. The system main run a short loop whereby the main fast-flow is restricted, and the actuator and sampler are isolated from the main line flow. When isolated, the sampler discharges liquid into sampling cans. The servo-electric actuator requires a monitored amount of power to draw and discharge fluids. Monitoring of the power requirements of the servo-electric sampler can reveal the status and reliability of the system.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus and method is provided. In one embodiment, an insertion apparatus is disclosed having an insertion guide including an insertion guide housing having a guide passage, a guide seal packing disposed in the insertion guide, a guide flange extending outwardly from the insertion guide housing to form a guide seal surface; and a coupling nut. The coupling nut is disposed on the insertion guide housing and has a coupling nut passage. The insertion guide housing extends through the coupling nut passage. The coupling nut is configured to provide an insertion apparatus union joint where the guide seal surface is used in forming the insertion apparatus union joint.

Abstract: A subsea pipeline (10) is provided with a valve (11) which can be operated between a closed position and an open position to establish access from the pipeline exterior to the pipeline interior. The valve (11) is provided with a connector (13) adapted to connect to a sampling tool (16) comprising one or more fluid sampling probes (21). During operation, the fluid sampling tool (16) is transported from a surface location by an ROV down to the subsea pipeline (10) and connected to the valve. Then, the ROV opens the valve (11), moves a sampling probe (21) from the fluid sampling tool (16), through the valve (11) and into contact with the fluid within the subsea pipeline (10) to take fluid samples from the same. When the sampling procedure is completed, the probe is returned back to the sampling tool, and the valve is closed. The ROV disconnects the sampling tool and returns the sampling tool (16) to the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a specimen on a slide, the system having an immersion chamber, a stage, a transducer, and a pump. The immersion chamber is configured to hold a liquid and includes at least one wall, a closed bottom, and an open top. The stage is configured to support the slide, and the stage is arranged within the immersion chamber such that the specimen may be supported substantially above the stage by the liquid. The transducer is configured to induce a wave in the liquid in the immersion chamber such that the wave alters the motion of the specimen. The pump is configured to draw the liquid from the immersion chamber such that the level of liquid in the immersion chamber decreases and the specimen is dispensed onto the slide.

Abstract: A sampling method, fluid collection system, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The sampling device includes a support frame and a motorized actuator, with a piston, attached to an end of the support frame. A sample arm has an upper end disposed at an end of the support frame opposite the motorized actuator and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A cable and pulley mechanism links the sample arm to the piston. A fluid conduit within the sample arm has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to an autosampler. The cable and pulley mechanism pivots the sample arm when the motorized actuator pushes or retracts the piston to position the inlet at desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for collecting samples from a powder stream guided in a powder line (3). The device comprises a housing (1) that is disposed on the powder line (3), a slide (5) which comprises a sample well (13) disposed upwardly relative to the powder stream, and a pushing device. There is a sample container (18) provided that matches the sample well (13). An associated withdrawal device (19) comprising withdrawal tongs (20) can be inserted into the housing (1) in such a way that the withdrawal tongs (20) are located axially above the sample well (13) in the inoperative position of the slide (5) and can be fitted on the sample container (18) and connected to the same.

Abstract: A system for retrieving a fluid sample from a fluid source. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system for insertion of a probe into a pressurized fluid stream by means of male threads which are threadly engaged in a female threaded housing. An elastomeric seal is employed to form a fluid barrier around a segment of the probe's outer surface.

Abstract: A transport device includes a first segment fixedly coupled to a wall. The transport device also includes at least one second segment coupled to the first segment. The at least one second segment includes at least one of a fluid-driven device, a rack and pinion drive device, and a carriage. The transport device further includes an automated position control system. The control system includes at least one axial positioning device coupled to the at least one second segment. The control system also includes at least one axial position feedback device coupled to at least one of the first segment and the at least one second segment.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for removing samples or introducing fluids from/into system(s) having flexible walls. A sampler/fluid dispenser (3) is fixed on the outside with a connecting area (4) of its base (5) on a sample removal region/fluid dispensing region (6) of the flexible wall (2) and, in its interior, has a severing element (8). At least the severing element (8) can be pushed forward in the direction of the sample removal region/fluid dispensing region (6) in order to remove the samples and in order to introduce fluids, in such a way that the wall (2) can be perforated within the sample removal region/fluid dispensing region (6). The system (1) comprises containers, bags or tubes for filling, mixing, transporting, storage of media, such as biological liquids, sera, buffers, ultra-pure water and can be used as biological reactors or cell culture vessels in the pharmaceutical and biotechnical industry.

Abstract: A sampling method, fluid collection assembly, and auxiliary sampling device to assist an autosampler in collecting samples from a fluid source. The auxiliary sampling device includes a support frame with a pivot member. A linear actuator having a piston is attached to the support frame. A rotatable sample arm assembly has an upper end attached to the piston and to the pivot member of the support frame, and a lower end with an inlet to receive a fluid sample. A fluid conduit within the sample arm assembly has a fluid intake end connected to the inlet and a fluid discharge end connected to the autosampler. The linear actuator pushes or retracts the piston to vertically pivot the sample arm assembly until the inlet reaches desired positions within the fluid source so that the autosampler collects multiple samples at various depths.

Abstract: A subsea pipeline (10) is provided with a valve (11) which can be operated between a closed position and an open position to establish access from the pipeline exterior to the pipeline interior. The valve (11) is provided with a connector (13) adapted to connect to a sampling tool (16) comprising one or more fluid sampling probes (21). During operation, the fluid sampling tool (16) is transported from a surface location by an ROV down to the subsea pipeline (10) and connected to the valve. Then, the ROV opens the valve (11), moves a sampling probe (21) from the fluid sampling tool (16), through the valve (11) and into contact with the fluid within the subsea pipeline (10) to take fluid samples from the same. When the sampling procedure is completed, the probe is returned back to the sampling tool, and the valve is closed. The ROV disconnects the sampling tool and returns the sampling tool (16) to the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rotating test port assembly for measuring air flow and particulate matter in conduits. The test port assembly includes a first end section, a second end section, and a rotating section adapted for rotation between the first and second end sections. The assembly further includes a test port positioned on the rotating section for allowing a test probe to be inserted into a stream flowing in a conduit.

Abstract: A quick-change probe, cartridge and method of their use are provided for obtaining a sample from a gas stream. A cartridge containing a sample insert is removably inserted within a hollow channel of an outer housing. The sample insert, removably received within the cartridge, has a first end with a gas inlet and a second end for connection to downstream processing equipment. A externally controlled or self-regulating heating cable, thermal sensor and a thermal insulator are disposed within the probe. The sample insert may be withdrawn from the cartridge, or the cartridge with the sample insert included, may be withdrawn from the probe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system and method for detecting controlled substances, including without limitation, explosives, chemical agents, drugs, narcotics, and their precursors or byproducts before such substances are used on the general population. Specifically, the present invention is a system and method of analyzing municipal solid waste, or refuse, for the presence of controlled substances.

Abstract: A method of using an aseptic sampling arrangement. The sampling arrangement includes a septum cartridge and a securing element for use with a fluid enclosure. A locking arrangement is provided to allow selective access to the septum cartridge and the securing element. The sampling arrangement further includes a needle, a tube, and a collection bag. The sampling arrangement can be used to monitor the quality of a fluid product. The method of monitoring includes obtaining a fluid product sample from the fluid enclosure within the collection bag. The collection bag is then incubated for a period of time during which oxygen permeates the bag to simulate post-pasteurizing conditions and/or pre-pasteurizing conditions of the fluid product. The method further includes monitoring the level of contamination detected within the fluid product sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automated method for carrying out reactions with high spatial resolution on libraries of different materials and for analysis of the products obtained using a simple robot system and an analyzer, for example a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A cannula for use in transferring small volumes of fluid materials, such as in a parallel reaction process. The cannula comprises a long thin needle having various end (port) configurations, and an adapter for connecting the needle to a fluid line. The adapter may include the combination of a reservoir and transition, or simply a transition.

Abstract: A powder sampling method and apparatus is provided for sampling powder from a mixer or a drum. An undisturbed column of powder is extracted from a vessel. The column of powder may then be sectioned into subunits, using a discharge device, providing up to dozens of samples per insertion. Larger number of representative samples of controlled size from a powder bed can be acquired.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is characterized by a sampler operable to obtain samples of liquid product from a body of product in a vessel. The sampler includes a plunger having a sample receiving recess and a connecting device couples the sampler to the vessel at an aperture to the vessel. The sampler is attached to the connecting device and the connecting device is moveable between a first position placing the sampler into, and a second position taking the sampler out of, communication with the aperture. With the connecting device in the first position, the plunger is reciprocated to extend the plunger and its recess through the connecting device and vessel aperture into product in the vessel to receive a product sample in the recess. The plunger is then retracted from the vessel and through the connecting device to deliver the product sample to a collection point.

Abstract: A sample processing device [700] comprises an elongated body [101] with a septum seal [109] on one end and a drip tube [731] on the second end. A small-diameter through-chamber [103] in the body provides a receiving and alignment chamber for a hypodermic needle [109] inserted into the septum. A sample processing chamber [709] provides a location for processing elements such as filters and adsorption or absorption frits [135,137]. Sample fluid injected into, or withdrawn from, the device by the hypodermic needle communicates with a bottom opening [701] of the drip tube via a drip tube nozzle [705], the sample processing chamber and the small-diameter chamber. The device is particularly useful in automated testing where the device is moved to various processing locations by the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtering device for preventing passing and blocking of unwanted particles in a suspension, which filtering device comprises an inlet and an outlet and a defined space between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the device comprises a filter means arranged in the outlet, that the filter means is arranged with openings, that the size of the openings permit particles of a size smaller than the openings to pass through, and at least one nozzle connected to a pressurised liquid source, capable of delivering a liquid jet, and arranged adjacent said outlet, wherein the said at least one nozzle is arranged such and directed such that particles that engage said filter means are removed therefrom by the liquid jet.

Abstract: A probe to monitor airborne emissions contains all sensors and sampling tubes in one sleeve mounted at one location at the interior of a smokestack. Sensors include an airflow monitor and a temperature monitor. A separate blower tube us used to blow dirt off the sensors at the tip of the probe. Information received from the sensors and gas samples taken from within the smokestack are sent to a remote location for analysis. The probe is mounted on a bracket having three axes of rotation, thereby allowing the sensors and sampling tube to be located within the airstream at any desired position and orientation.

Abstract: A system is provided for improved flow measurement in a multiphase fluid stream in an oilfield environment. A sampling probe is provided which draws fluid samples at different radial locations across a diameter or a chord of a cross sectional plane of a multiphase fluid flow line. Properties of these samples are measured by a multiphase flow metering system separately, and are then used to determine in a more accurate manner the fluid flow characteristics radially across the multiphase fluid flow line.

Abstract: A sample tube of a sampling valve is moved up and down by a cylinder. When the sample tube is moved downward, a sample inlet opposes a stored sample, and the sample can be extracted. When the sample tube is moved upward, the sample inlet opposes a cleaning liquid path. Thus, cleaning liquid is fed into the cleaning liquid path from a cleaning liquid supply port of a cleaning pipe. The cleaning liquid flows within the sample tube from the sample inlet, and flows out from a sample discharge port. Thus, an entire interior of the sample tube can be cleaned. In a sample extracting device using the sampling valve, a state in which no air or impurities are mixed in the sample can always be maintained, such that stable extraction can be carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring stack gas emissions wherein a probe including temperature and pressure indicating transducers is sequentially located at predetermined positions within a smokestack and the output of such transducers is fed into an electronic data logger for retention therein. The data logger includes a light hand held module having a liquid crystal display and start/reverse/advance pushbutton switches whereby the data logger can be remotely controlled. The invention eliminates the necessity of using two operators to record the desired information and significantly reduces the cost of producing accurate evaluation of stack gas emissions.