Apparatus and process for collection of gas and vapor samples
View Patent ↗A gas sampling apparatus and process is provided in which a standard crimping tool is modified by an attached collar. The collar permits operation of the crimping tool while also facilitating the introduction of a supply of gas to be introduced into a storage vial. The introduced gas supply is used to purge ambient air from a collection chamber and an interior of the sample vial. Upon completion of the purging operation, the vial is sealed using the crimping tool.
1. An apparatus for introducing a gas sample into a container comprising:
a crimping tool comprising a handle, a plurality of jaw members, and an actuator mechanism;
a collar operatively engaging said crimping tool so as to enclose said plurality of jaw members when said actuator mechanism of said handle is engaged;
a chamber defined by an interior of said collar, said chamber having an opening at one end and opposite said crimping tool;
an inlet having a first end and a second end, said inlet defined within a sidewall of said collar and being in communication at said first end with said chamber and said second end providing communication with an exterior of said collar;
wherein a sample of a gas is introduced through said inlet into an interior of said chamber, said chamber further adapted for placement of a vial within said chamber for receiving a portion of said gas within said vial.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said inlet is positioned at about a 45 degree angle relative to a horizontal reference plane defined by an upper edge of said vial.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a plurality of spring biased tension pins are in communication with said chamber.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an interior wall of said chamber defines a groove therein, said groove adapted for receiving an “O ” ring.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said chamber defines a circumferential ledge extending along an inner wall of said chamber.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a lower portion of said chamber is adapted for receiving a cylindrical vial therein.
7. A process for collecting a gas sample within a vial comprising:
providing a crimping tool comprising, a plurality of jaw members, and an actuator mechanism, said crimping tool further comprising a collar operatively engaging said crimping tool so as to close said plurality of jaw members when said actuator mechanism is engaged;
positioning a collection vial within a chamber defined by an interior of said collar;
introducing a sample gas supply to said chamber, said sample gas supply purging both said chamber and an interior of said sample vial of ambient air; and,
sealing said sample vial using said crimping tool once a representative gas sample has been established in an interior of said vial.
8. The process according to claim 7 wherein said step of positioning a collection vial within a chamber is a manual step.
9. The process according to claim 7 wherein said step of positioning a collection vial within a chamber is an automated step.
10. The process according to claim 7 wherein following said purging step, said vial is then placed in a different location within the chamber prior to the sealing step.
11. An apparatus for introducing a gas sample into a container comprising:
a crimping tool comprising a plurality of jaw members, said jaw members closing in response to an actuator mechanism;
a collar operatively engaging said crimping tool, said collar defining a bore extending therethrough, said bore having a first opening adapted for receiving a portion of said crimping tool within a first end of said collar, said bore having a second opening in communication with an exterior of said collar;
an inlet having a first end and a second end, said inlet defined within a sidewall of said collar and being in communication at said first end with said bore and said second end providing communication with an exterior of said collar;
wherein a sample of gas is introduced through said inlet into said bore, said second bore opening further adapted for placement of a vial within said chamber for receiving a portion of said gas within said vial.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 wherein when said vial and a cap are placed within said jaw members, said crimping tool engages said cap and applies said cap to said vial.