GB2253573A

GB2253573A - Producing debris samples from liquids

Info

Publication number: GB2253573A
Application number: GB9105268A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis Amerena Parker; Richard Vincent Parker
Original assignee: SAPPHIRE RESEARCH AND ELECTRON
Current assignee: SAPPHIRE RESEARCH AND ELECTRON
Priority date: 1991-03-13
Filing date: 1991-03-13
Publication date: 1992-09-16
Also published as: GB9105268D0

Abstract

A liquid sample 10 with entrained metal debris particles is placed in a container 1 fitted with a filter membrane 3, bridging a central aperture 2 in its base, which is aligned with an array of grooves and outlet ports 5 in a support body 4 connected to a suction pump by which the liquid will be withdrawn. The debris is thereby collected in a circular pattern on the membrane for presentation to a magnotometer sensing head for quantitative measurement. Container 1 is lifted from the support body and filled with a lid bearing a label. Apparatus for preparing samples may comprise two suction stations as shown and an array of recesses for prepared and unprepared containers 1 in a common base. <IMAGE>

Description

"Improvements relating to production of Debris Samples from Liquids" The object of this invention is to provide means for presenting 'dry' debris samples from liquids containing entrained metallic or other particles, which is relatively inexpensive to operate and in which samples may be readily produced and stored.

According to the present invention, from one aspect there is provided apparatus for producing debris samples from a liquid in which they are entrained, and comprising a container for the liquid provided, in the base, with a central aperture over which is positioned a filter membrane, the aperture in the container being aligned with an outlet port in a support body through which the liquid will be withdrawn.

By using this apparatus sample metallic debris particles (for example) previously entrained within a liquid can be presented entrapped uniformly in a consistent pattern on a 'dry' plane membrane situated in a protective flat based container. The method has the advantage that the debris is deposited in a consistent plane and a geometric pattern, preferably circular, which can be made to coincide with a magnetometer sensing head.

The invention also extends to a method of producing debris samples from a liquid in which they are entrained using apparatus as hereinbefore defined wherein a liquid sample is placed in the container and the liquid is drawn through the filter membrane into the outlet port to create a relatively dry debris deposit on the filter membrane.

It is preferred that the apparatus should be constructed so that the outlet port is defined by a generally regular array of outlet flow holes, possibly interlinked by surface grooves. This helps to create an even distribution of the debris sample into the filter membrane.

Advantageously, the support body and container are mounted in a suction sleeve member in a sealed manner.

It is preferred that the container should be removable from the rest of the apparatus so that the debris sample could then be carried within the container to another unit which will carry out measurement of the sample quantity.

Ideally a closure lid will be provided for the container.

The invention also provides a sampling device incorporating one or more apparatus units of this invention as hereinbefore defined, and defining pockets for receipt of a number of sample containers.

The invention may be performed in various ways and preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a sectional view through apparatus of this invention for creating a debris sample; Figure 2 is a section through a sample container of the apparatus of Figure 1 after a deposit has been created; Figure 3 is a plan view of a sampling device incorporating features of the apparatus of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 3.

The apparatus shown in Figure 1 comprises a walled container 1 with a flat base having a central and preferably circular aperture 2 above which is retained a flat, disc shaped, porous filter membrane 3. The container and filter are used in conjunction with a liquid suction interface unit 4. The container 1 fits into this unit with the suction interface being supportive of the filter membrane over the central aperture area 2. The actual suction interface is formed with grooves and outlet flow link holes 5 in a regular circular array and has a suction outlet port 6 which is linked to a suitable suction pump. The container is positioned and sealed by location within a suction sleeve 7 having a sealing ring 8. The whole assembly is mounted on a supporting platform 9.

To operate, the container 1 is positioned on the liquid suction interface 4 to form a receptacle which is then filled with a predetermined volume 10 of sample liquid with debris particles entrained. One method of presenting the sample liquid to the receptacle is with a calibrated syringe. A suction pump is switched on to draw the liquid through the filter membrane 3, depositing the debris particles uniformly over the part of the membrane that coincides with the central aperture area 2.

When the sample in the container 1 is dry, (which in practice may only be a matter of seconds), the container (with membrane 3 and a particle deposit 11) is removed and provided with a labelled, clip-on cover 12 (Figure 2) which not only protects the sample but allows it to be handled and stored readily for further reference when necessary. The sample can then be used to provide accurate and consistent results on a measuring device, such as an A.C. magnetometer.

The method may be enhanced further by using a sampling device as shown in Figures 3 and 4 which consists of one or more suction pumps 13 with associated suction interface stations 14 mounted on a platform 15 which is also formed with a convenient number of pockets 16 to take prepared and unprepared sample containers 1. This sampling device could incorporate a peristaltic pump, a sump for holding disposable liquids, and also means for mounting liquid dispensing syringes. The whole unit could be mounted in a suitable, portable cabinet and the unit could be provided with programmed control means for determining the operational steps.

Claims

1. Apparatus for producing debris samples from a liquid in which they are entrained, and comprising a container for the liquid provided, in the base, with a central aperture over which is positioned a filter membrane, the aperture in the container being aligned with an outlet port in a support body through which the liquid will be withdrawn.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the outlet port is defined by a generally regular array of outlet flow holes.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the outlet flow holes are interlinked by surface grooves.

4. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the support body and container are mounted in a suction sleeve member in a sealed manner.

5. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the container is removable from the rest of the apparatus.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein a closure lid is provided for the container.

7. Apparatus for producing debris samples from a liquid in which they are entrained and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8. A sampling device incorporating one or more apparatus units as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 7, and defining pockets for receipt of a number of sample containers.

9. A method of producing debris samples from a liquid in which they are entrained using apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein a liquid sample is placed in the container and the liquid is drawn through the filter membrane into the outlet port to create a relatively dry debris deposit on the filter membrane.

10. A method of producing debris samples from a liquid in which they are entrained substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.