WO2020132718A1

WO2020132718A1 - Improved sampler system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020132718A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/051436
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Charles Stevens
Original assignee: Thomas Charles Stevens
Priority date: 2018-12-24
Filing date: 2019-12-24
Publication date: 2020-07-02

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved sampler system for sampling water, including, an inlet for bringing in water to be sampled and an outlet for water, with a sampler filter between them including a deep filter layer for capture of fine particles. Through use of the improved sampler system particles, including very small 5 particles are removed from the water for sampling by use of the sampler system. The invention also relates to variants thereon and methods of use.

Description

IMPROVED SAMPLER SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved sampler system, and in particular to an improved sampler system for collecting samples from water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water sampling and testing is an important activity, to study water quality. All kinds of things can get in the water, from the land and rivers. While leaves and rubbish can be clearly seen in flood plumes, the fine particles, plankton, and dissolved chemicals washed into the water are less easy to see. Therefore, it is important to regularly sample the water and look for changes in the sample. Samplers are available, but these known samplers require extensive time of sampling to sample sufficiently to test for the finer particulars, with a very small dimension. Some of these very small particles, and things that may wished to be sampled such as eDNA (which can then be multiplied through PCR or the like) are too small to be detected in existing testing. If the samplers are run for a prolonged period of time some smaller particles may be captured but this is inconvenient.

Very small samples of very small particles have low worth as the analysis of may give results skewed by the small sample. A larger, useful sample of these smaller particles would be very useful.

Some large, complex samplers are known but these unwieldy bits of equipment cannot be used in quick sampling situations such as to test a flood plume or emergency water testing. The inventor has developed a clever way to sample usable amounts of small particles through larger volumes, in a quick and portable device, that is economic and a significant improvement over the prior art.

It would be highly desirable to be able to use a portable sampler that can quickly sample accurately including for very small particles. The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to collecting water samples from the sea, such a flood plume. However, the invention is applicable to numerous applications, for many different sampling activities. It is not intended to limit the invention other as limited by the claims.

For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sampler system that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of use of an improved sampler system that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved sampler system for sampling water, the improved sampler system including:

an inlet for bringing in water to be sampled;

an outlet for water;

a sampler filter between the inlet and outlet, including a deep filter layer for capture of fine particles, wherein particles, including very small particles are removed from the water for sampling by use of the sampler system.

Preferably, the sampler is portable. Preferably, the sampler can be deployed from vehicles. Preferably, the sampler is easy to use. Preferably, the sampler is an economic method to sample fine particles.

Preferably, the sampler includes a deep filter layer that captures desirable sample volumes. Preferably, the deep filter can be opened and the sample removed for capture and analysis. Preferably, more than one depth filter is included. Preferably more than one sampler is included. An isolation valve may be included. One or more valves may be included to control the flow. Preferably, a pump is included to direct the water flow. A flow meter may be included. A strainer may be included.

Accordingly, the invention also includes a method of use. Preferably, the method is as disclosed with respect to one or more of the drawings. Preferably, the method is as set out in Figure 2.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The improved sampler can be manufactured industrially and supplied to the end user, or to wholesalers or retailers for on-sale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a sampler according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram of the prior art centrifugal system; and Figure 3 is a deep filter as for use with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE

Referring to Figure 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where sampler system 1 is illustrated in an exploded diagram for ease of illustration. Sampler system 1 is a portable high volume fine particle collection system that provides a significant improvement over the prior art. As can be seen there are two collection depth filters 10, each containing housing 12, with fittings for quick assembly, 14 and 16 and 18, 20 as can be seen. These are of the usual push fit fittings.

Deep filters 22 and 24 are important to capture the fine particles and each of these are formed of a thread filter and the particles are captured therebetween. Matrix or thread, deep filters are used in other applications such as domestic filters to filter out particles from water to be consumed. But these filters have not been used for sampling, and these filters when used in a portable sampling system provides a vastly improved, rapid sampling, even of fine particles, and in a very quick time. This compares to the expensive, long time period filters used in other applications. Fittings 16 and 20 fit into manifold 26 with fittings 28 and 30 with a push fit with isolation ball valve 32. Supply hose 34 has fittings 36 and 38 which fit to corresponding fittings of manifold 26 and pump 40. Pump 40 has ends 42 and 44, fitting together, and draw hose 46 has fittings 48 and 50 leading to flow meter 52 with fittings 54 and 56. Foot valve 58 has fitting 60 strainer 62 and holes in strainer 64. These components are fitted together and operated to pump and sample collecting the samples in the deep filters.

There follows a description of how to use the system.

Preparing system: This system can be prepared before operation. Preparation includes cleaning or replacing parts of the system, checking power supply or fuel levels to run the pump to process an adequate volume of fluid, and putting the system together.

Preparing filters: The depth filter mediums used collect fine particles while handling relatively high flow rate and large volume of solution. They have a failsafe function being able to collect a large volume of fine particles before blocking up. These filters are modularized to fit into ridged housing that protects and can store the filter and operate under a vacuum or negative drawing pressure. They can be pre treated to ensure they are clean and sterilized so as to not contaminate the sample. This preparation of filters can include; submersion in sterilizing solution or exposure to sterilizing treatment and pre-flushing with clean solution. For many of the applications such as physical and geochemical sampling a simple backwash of the‘new’ untreated filters with the local fluid being sampled is adequate. This entails simple turning the quick release housing unit around to change the direction of flow. Transport to site: Sampling locations can be difficult to get to due to the environment, including terrain and weather. Having a system that is small, lightweight, robust and easy to transport is important. This system can be carried by hand, carried on light vehicle such as a quad bike or motorcycle, carried by a diver or system underwater. It can be operated from a dynamic surface such as a buoy or small vessel and can be delivered to location by air such as helicopter or UAV.

To date, the system is packed in lightweight bins for transport in small vessels, or 4WD, to be easily transported to site and easily put together at site. Setting up system: The set up can take many configurations depending on the application. This includes adapting the number of filter units to be used, the depth to be sampled, and the pump and power systems ability to provide adequate vacuum or lift to get the sampling fluid to the filters.

The system usually requires a strainer to be attached to the inlet to prevent trash, debris or large organisms entering the filter and pump system. The strainer is often attached to a foot valve (directional flow valve) to assist pump operation if it needs to be primed.

A submersible inline flow meter is attached after the foot valve which is then attached to draw hose. However, the flow meter can be located at many points throughout the system. The draw hose can be submerged and then attached to the pump to assist priming.

The pump (such as Honda WX10/15, bilge or electric foot pump) is attached to the draw hose or flow meter. The bilge or foot pump can be submerged. An outlet hose is attached after the pump to direct the filtered fluid. The system is usually started without filters to clean the lines, warm the engine and roughly adjust the flow rate.

The required number of filters (and housings) are attached onto the filter manifold in the backwash position. The manifold is attached to the outlet hose and run to back wash the filters and measuring optimizing the flow rate through each filter before operation.

The isolation valve is shut off on the manifold and the filter housing turned into their operational flow position and the manifold valve if opened. I record the start time, flow volume and flow rate.

The setup of this system can allow the outlet to be discharged down current or away from the inlet.

The set up can be done pre-deployment or at site. The set up may involve backwashing collection devices with local fluid. The set up may include other fixtures to secure the system or ensure safe operation and navigation. These may include rigging systems, anchoring systems, buoyancy systems, lighting marker systems and telemetered location systems.

Operating system: The operation of the system may be conducted during transport, on deployment, or set to start with a time delay, event actuation or by command. The system once started can generally be run with little to no monitoring or adjusting allowing other work or down time to happen.

Knowing how long the system needs to be run to collect enough material can be difficult. A limiting factor will be if particles are actually present. It is helpful to have a clear housing to observer the coloration change on the filter and observe for a reduction of flow on the outlets of the collection filter as it loads.

Shutting down system: The system can be shut down by turning off the pump or closing the isolation vale on the manifold if using more than one filter. The valves on the collection housings are then shut to secure samples. The housing units are decoupled to store for later possessing or opened to process the filters. Removing filter: The housing is opened to retrieve the filter medium. Gloves can be worn when doing this step to prevent contamination. The filter can be stored in a clean container or processed to release the collected material.

Processing or storing filter mediums: Collection filters can be processed at site into prepared containers. This is done by cutting open the filter matrix with a clean non contaminating cutting instrument and placing the material in a container of clean solution or the local solution we have been pumping. The filter can also be stored and labelled for processing back in a clean laboratory. The majority of the particles bound in the filter matrix are released when the filter medium is opened up. The opened filter material can be rinsed several time with clean solution and then removed. The clean concentrated solution is then processed for the relative analysis.

Cleaning system and replacing filter: The system can be easily cleaned at site. Existing instruments that collect similar material: From looking at the instruments used at present that there is an opportunity for this new system. The existing systems have severe shortcomings including being large and cumbersome, difficult to clean or unable to process large volumes of fluid or collect enough sample. Referring to Figure 2 a PRIOR ART Continuous flow centrifuge is illustrated. This is the traditional instrument used to collect large samples of fine particles such as sediment from solution for analysis. The instrument can process a large volume of fluid in continuous flow while separating small particles by means of centrifuge that can be analysed. It passes fluid through several vertically stacked bowls that spin very quickly through which the heavier particles move to the outside of the bowls and are collected. The system requires a pump to transfer the fluid and a motor to turn the bowls. The system spins very quickly and requires a stable surface and large power supply. It is relatively large in size, heavy, expensive, cannot be submerged, and difficult to clean between sampling. The present invention has considerable advantages over the described prior art.

Another prior art system is a Membrane filtration system for fine particles and eDNA: This is the traditional method used to collect samples of fine particles and eDNA for processing and analysis. It can only process a small volume of fluid before the filter fails and clogs up. The system uses a vacuum pressure to reduce possible contamination of the filter. Unfortunately, due to the small volume processed, particles (such as eDNA) at low concentrations are often missed. This is addressed by the portable high volume depth filtration system of the subject invention.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 3, and the subject invention, is further discussed. Materials:

Strainer: Strainers are important for most environments when processing large volume of solution and a series of different strainers will be available for use with the invention. A 2mm pore diameter pre-filter stops large debris such as sugar cane trash, macro algae and organisms such as fish entering the pump and filter system. Materials that do not contaminate sampling such as fly screen, shade cloth and insect netting placed over the system inlet. Stainless steel mesh (like kitchen strainer material) can also be used. Hoses: Hose selection can be generic. In use is grey armoured or reinforced 25mm hosing purchased from an irrigation supply shop.

Does not contaminate the sample (food grade).

Flexible to bending, but ridged under vacuum.

Does not kink easily while being deployed and in operation.

Has large enough diameter not do inhibit high flow rates.

Fits common fittings.

Can be cleaned easily.

Easy to work with. Flow Meter: Flowmeters are important because they tell you the flow rate and the volume that is moving through the system. Knowing the flow rate moving through the system is important as it allows for maximized efficiency of what the filters can handle and indicates to what extent the filters have‘loaded’, or how much material the filter has collected. Knowing the volume the system has processed is important for certain applications where understanding the concentrations of the materials collected is important. There are several flow meters available on the market.

While comparatively expensive to the rest of the system the Kamstrup™ flowlQ™ 2102 is useful to include. This can measures the flow ultrasonically, can handle the flow rate required, lasts 16 years, has a visual display and can be down loaded wirelessly.

Knowing the flow rate and volume may be a distinguishing feature in a patented portable high volume filtration system. Quick release fittings are included so that the flow meter can be easily installed or removed from the system, or relocated to a more convenient location in the system.

Fittings: There are many different fittings used in this system and can be provided from many manufacturers (generic). The ones used are generally manufactured by Philmac™, as they are high quality and easy to acquire. Plastic PVC 25mm (1 inch) fittings are used, as they do not rust or contaminate my system when working in marine or fresh water and are lightweight.

These fittings can come in different sizes and be made of different materials such as plastic, aluminium or stainless steel. They can be barbed (to go straight into the grey hose) or threaded to join other fitting components. Plastic or PVC camlock fittings so everything in the system can be standardized, adjusted to the application and situation, quickly assembled, swapped out or replaced.

Valves: There are two common valves that are important to my system, these are ball valves and a less extent foot/non-return valves. The ball valves are important as they allow control of the flow in the system without adjusting the pump and allow securing of the sample in the housing unit.

Pumps: The pump is an important part of the system in that it collects and moves fluid through the filter system. The specific pump used however is not that important as long as it delivers the volume of flow required.

The position of the pump may be important as some applications that require the pump to be behind the filtration unit to prevent possible contamination from the materials in the pump.

The designs in general use what is called a‘high volume’ pump, as compared to ‘high pressure’. However, the system can use high pressure pumps if a pressure release valve is included in the system. High pressure systems can harm the function of the volume depth filter. High pressure pumps do not provide high flow and may require more power supply than needed.

This novel design importantly can process a relative high volume of fluid in a short amount of time which is important when particles are at low concentration, or a large amount of fine material is required for analysis. Plankton and other particles can be sampled at will through use of the system.

The main pumps used have different capabilities, however all can deliver a high volume of fluid through the filter system and not compromise the filter function. Pumps can generally be thought of as having two functions; one is to draw in fluid and the other is to push a fluid. Most pumps are not very good at drawing fluid, with limited ability to create a vacuum.

The portable fuel operated pumps (e.g. Honda WX 10 and 15 series) is designed as a light weight firefighting or fluid transfer system which can draw water up to 7 meters high against atmospheric pressure and push water greater than 30 meters high. Many different portable fuel powered pumps can be used. The Honda WX series pump is very reliable and robust and if maintained can pump marine water reliably. These pumps need to be primed and a foot valve is recommended. This pump is effective at drawing fluid through the high flow filter system to avoid possible filter contamination.

The electric pumps include: A 12V Bilge Pump: This is a very light weight, submersible, robust and efficient electric pump that can push a high volume of fluid (up to 60L/min) through the filter system. I have run this continuously for more than a month. It is relatively inexpensive and can be cleaned and sterilized easily. This electric impeller pump does not provide a high amount of lifting or vacuum capability, however is excellent for at fluid surface application through a depth filter. Diaphragm Pumps: These pumps have a better ability to draw fluid (1 8m suction lift) and are self-priming. While water resistant they are generally not submersible. They provide higher pressure (45PSI) and tend to have lower flow (8 L/min) through the filter. They are best used when the pump needs to be positioned behind the filter to reduce filter contamination (e.g. eDNA sampling). Submersible pump: These pumps are useful as they are submersible and provide enough pressure to lift fluid greater than 15m against atmospheric pressure. This enables them to be lowered below the filter unit and work area. A suitable application would be when setting up on a bridge to sample a river or above an inaccessible sump or pit. Power supply: A portable, sealed leak proof rechargeable 12V batteries that can be stored in any position. These are size appropriate for the application. For example, an 8kg battery that runs a 12V pump processing 20000L through 1 micron filter over 30 hrs.

Filter housing: Filter housings support the filter and direct the flow of the fluid through the filter medium. Existing housings used include a clear polycarbonate housings which allow the load to be seen on the filter medium.

An important feature for this invention it the rigid housing can maintain a high flow through the filter medium using a vacuum or draw pressure. This may be a novel and important feature for reducing contamination and other applications with a high flow depth filter. High flow enables a large volume to be sampled and hence even very small particles to be sampled in sufficient volumes for useful testing.

The housing can also: Incorporate a valve system that secures and preserves the sample (ball valve or one way valve).

Allow housing to be opened for cleaning and for filter medium units to be swapped.

Incorporate quick release couplings that allow the system to be modularized with other housing units.

Incorporate couplings that allow housing unit to be inverted to facilitate‘backwash’ or pre collection filter purge.

In general filter housings suitable to this present innovation come in 5 and 10 inch filter sizes.

At this stage I am using the l Oinch housings, however the 5 inch would be good.

Filter mediums: Properties of the filter medium may be important for the novelty of this invention. The key goal of the depth filters in this innovation is that material retained is collected for analysis, rather than the fluid that passes through the system.

Key elements of the filter are that it can:

Process a high volume of new fluid in a relative short amount of time. Capture a large amount of fine particles and associated material before saturating.

Is made of clean pure material, or can be easily accounted for and cleaned to prevent contamination of sample.

Has a structured matrix or form that can be modularized into swappable standardized units for easy handling, replacement and sample processing. Can easily release the material collected for processing and analysis.

There is a large range of filter mediums available with different capture sizes and functions. The main types used for this invention are called depth filters. These can handle a large flow rate while collecting a relatively relative large amount of material before clogging up. This is generally opposed to membrane filters which can clog (fail) relatively quickly.

The system uses a 0.5 or 1 micron rated food grade polyethylene string (or wound fabric filter) that have components that do not contaminate the sample.

Manifold (or branch fitting): The poly fittings can be put together to make a manifold that can support several filter units off the one pump. Using several filter units (20L/min) of a manifold allows processing and collection of more fluid and collect more particles from low concentration. The fuel powered volume pumps can deliver more than 10OL/min and run more than 4 filters. The isolation valve to the delivery of the manifold is really important as it enables turning off or control flow to all filters at the same time without disturbing the pump.

Other materials: Not included but worth considering at a later stage is an on/off power switch, telemetry to turn on the system, and a light weight package that can facilitate transporting or allowing a deployable buoy.

The subject invention has been developed with careful research and experimentation to a clever invention, that provides considerable advantages over the prior art.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its various aspects. REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

Claims

THE CLAIMS:

1. An improved sampler system for sampling water, the improved sampler system including:

an inlet for bringing in water to be sampled;

an outlet for water;

2. The improved sampler system of claim 1 , wherein the improved sampler system is portable.

3. The improved sampler system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the improved sampler system can be deployed from vehicles.

4. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the improved sampler system is easy to use.

5. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the improved sampler system is an economic method to sample fine particles.

6. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the improved sampler system includes a deep filter layer that captures desirable sample volumes.

7. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the deep filter can be opened and the sample removed for capture and analysis.

8. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein more than one deep filter is included.

9. The improved sampler system of claim 8, wherein a pair of deep filters are included.

10. The improved sampler system according to any one claims 1 to 9, wherein the deep filter includes wrapped string to form the deep filter for collection of samples.

11. The improved sampler system of claim 10, wherein the wrapped string of 0.5 or 1 micron string.

12. The improved sampler system of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the wrapped string of 0.5 or 1 micron string of rated food grade polyethylene.

13. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein more than one improved sampler system is included.

14. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein an isolation valve is included.

15. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one or more valves are included to control the flow.

16. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a pump is included to direct the water flow.

17. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a flow meter is included.

18. The improved sampler system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein a strainer is included.