Fluid Sampling Interface
For Vehicles
(JHU/APL Ref 1818)
Industry Challenge
It is unsafe and often impossible for humans to directly assess potentially hazardous
environments. Today, unmanned vehicles and robots are often used to perform
activities that are difficult, dangerous, or impossible for humans. Unmanned vehicles are
very successful obtaining materials that need to be chemically analyzed. For example, it
is desirable to obtain chemical analysis of water samples at different locations and
different depths. However, if there are high radiation or toxin levels, the water may be
hazardous for humans to obtain the samples directly. Similarly, it may be impossible for
humans to descend below certain water depths, while different machines and vehicles
can easily exceed human limits.
As collection devices become more proficient, there has been a push to integrate
instantaneous sample preparation. Instead of first collecting, then transporting volumes
of material to a separate location where they are prepared and analyzed, a better system
would perform the necessary preparation immediately, stabilize the sample, and discard
the extra, possibly hazardous matter. This remote sampling capability would eliminate
other variables often introduced by the conventional methods, which often do not detect
the true chemical nature of the area being studied.
Conventional methods require the collection be transported to a separate location where
they can be properly sampled, prepared and analyzed. During transport the materials can
undergo changes. In addition, once the collections are brought to the testing facility,
somewhat elaborate procedures are needed to perform the chemical analysis. Not only
is this process time consuming, there is also a greater opportunity for samples to be
contaminated – leading to inaccurate results.
JHU/APL Solution
Scientists at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, in conjunction
with their support of Navy operations, have devised an efficient way to quickly and
accurately perform remote sampling and analysis. In addition, the invention can be used
in any environment where matter can be pumped into the sampling interface, including
gas, liquid, and particle environments.
A pumping system has been designed to precisely direct any material that can flow to
and from different reservoirs under the direction of remote or pre-programmed signals.
After remote processing of the sample, the unit is transported to a safe location where
chemical analyses can be performed immediately. Because of the immediate interaction
of the collection material with the sampler or analyzer unit, the sampler can better absorb
chemicals from the sample while it is still fresh and in its naturally occurring state. This
increases the likelihood that highly volatile chemicals or chemicals that may easily
combine with the bulk material (the water) will be detected to give a more accurate
assessment of the area.
Chemical Sampler
Assembly (32)
Chemical Sampler
1.0” dia., 1.5” ht.
Sample Inlet Area
16
Chemical
Sampler
Assembly
17
31
1
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
9
Rotary
Valve
10
7
11
12
13
14
6
5
4
3
15
8
9
10
Rotary
Valve
11
32
12
13
14
15
16
2
1
16
Gauge 2
Particle
Sampler
Assembly
Plumbing
Schematic
M
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
9
Rotary
Valve
10
11
12
13
14
Pumps
M
15
16
Gauge 1
Particle Sampler
2.6” dia., 1.9” ht.
Strainer
Gauge 3
Particle Sampler
Assembly (14)
Particl
Chemi
Plumbi
Chemi
Particl
calcal
e
ng
e
Sampl
Schem
Sampl
eratic
er
1.0”
2.6”
Assem
dia.,
bly
1.5”
1.9”
(14)ht.
(32)
Goal: JHU/APL is currently seeking an exclusive licensee to further develop and
commercialize this prototype.
Patent: Issued # 6,837,121 Date 1/4/05
Inventors: Allmon, Carlson, Dence, Goemmer, Reach, Schein, Sternberger
Keywords: remote sampling and analysis, sampling interface, instantaneous sample
preparation, fluid sampling interface
Contact Information:
Randall Slagle
Technology Transfer Manager
Office of Technology Transfer
www.jhuapl.edu/ott
Office: 443-778-8680
Fax: 443-778-5882
E-mail: Randall.Slagle@jhuapl.edu