Sampling device and method of use thereof

摘要

An sampling device for capturing a material sample and a method of using said device to process said material sample in situ within the device. Embodiments of the invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof for capturing and trapping a sample of material. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.

主权项

1. A method of capturing a sample of a material of interest, said method comprising:
providing a sampling device, said sampling device including a reciprocative sample capture element located within an outer tube and adapted for extension and retraction with respect thereto; and a sample capture pocket located in said sample capture element, said sample capture pocket adapted to capture a volume of a material of interest via reciprocation of said sample capture element; positioning a sampling end of said sampling device in or near a sample of said material of interest; causing said sample capture element of said sampling device to extend from said outer tube into said material of interest, thereby filling said sample capture pocket in said sample capture element with an amount of said material of interest; and causing said sample capture element of said sampling device to retract into said outer tube, thereby trapping a sample of said material of interest in said sample capture pocket wherein said sample capture pocket in said sample capture element includes a processing material receiving port and a material expulsion port therein; said ports are in communication with corresponding channels in said sample capture element when said sample capture element is in a retracted position; and sampling lines are associated with said channels in said sample capture element.