Patent Application
20120109583
The present invention relates generally to sensor systems and networks and, more particularly, to air sampling systems.
The collection of air samples presents many complications. For instance, the distribution of collection points for air samples must often be spatially dense to detect air constituents, especially at trace levels. In addition, multiple collection points must typically be sampled simultaneously and with a high frequency. The detection and measurement of volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) and other air toxics present considerable air sampling challenges due, for example, to their volatility and small concentration in ambient air. Unfortunately, due to factors such as these, the set-up, maintenance, staffing, and logistics costs of air sampling projects often exceed budgeting expectations. As a result, the scope of air sampling projects must often be restricted to meet limited budget requirements. In many cases, air sampling projects have fewer monitoring stations and lower-resolution data than is desired.
Air sampling to assess indoor air quality also presents difficult challenges, particularly when attempting to detect and measure contaminant vapor intrusion. Poor indoor air quality can cause serious health risks and other safety concerns, such as the danger of explosion. Often, the source of indoor air contamination is contaminant vapor intrusion into a building or other structure from proximate soil or ground water contamination. Assessment of contaminant vapor intrusion can be complicated by the complexity of vapor migration affected by factors such as source location, building design, and weather conditions.
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is a significant need for a sampling system that simplifies the collection of densely-distributed, simultaneous, high-frequency samples. It can further be appreciated that there is a significant need for a sampling system that streamlines the deployment, modification and operation of multiple-station sampling networks. It can further be appreciated that there is a significant need for a sampling system that can operate as a stand-alone system, integrate with existing monitoring systems, and be supplemented with complementary sensors and measurement tools. It can further be appreciated that there is a significant need for a sampling system that offers a cost-effective, turn-key program, allowing the ability to cast a wider sampling net and get data more economically. It can further be appreciated that there is a significant need for accurate, reliable and sensitive techniques for monitoring trace levels of VOCs. Embodiments of the present invention can provide these and other advantages, as will be apparent from the flowing detailed description and accompanying figures.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a data acquisition and control system includes a sample manifold for collecting air samples. The manifold may include twenty-eight discrete sorbent tubes. Each sorbent tube may be sealed within the manifold and the manifold may be removed from the system for sorbent tube analysis. A second manifold may be connected to the system for continued air sampling collection. The system may autonomously collect multiple samples at scheduled or triggered events. The system may also communicate with other systems to form a multi-system monitoring network. The system may also interface and operate with a multitude of sensors and monitors of different types.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a data acquisition and control system includes a sample manifold for collecting air samples. The manifold may include twenty-eight discrete sorbent tubes. Each sorbent tube may be sealed within the manifold, and the manifold may be removed from the system for sorbent tube analysis. A second manifold may be connected to the system for continued air sampling collection. The system may autonomously collect multiple samples at scheduled or triggered events. The system may also communicate with other systems to form a multi-system monitoring network. The system may also interface and operate with a multitude of sensors and monitors of different types.
Reference is now made to
The system 100 may also include expandable I/O ports for scalability of analog and digital sensors. The system 100 may also offer a flexible programming language for multiple control applications. In one embodiment, the enclosure 105 includes a key lock (not shown) and is approximately 15.75 inches by 15.75 inches by 8.81 inches. In one embodiment, the power supply 107 may be 120-240 VAC 50-60 Hz and, in another embodiment, it may be 12 VDC. In one embodiment, the system 100 may operate with low power requirements that allow for the system 100 to be, for example, placed in remote locations and powered by solar or a combination of solar and battery power. In one embodiment, the communication module 109 may include a means for a direct connection such as an Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485 or a fiber optic connection. In other embodiments, the communication module 109 may include a RF spread spectrum radio or a cellular transceiver. The system 100 may also interface with meteorological sensors, criteria pollutant monitors, calibration systems, and chemical sensors
Reference is now made to FIG, 2, which shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a sampler assembly 200 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the sampler assembly 200 includes a sample manifold 201 and a cover 202, which has been removed from the sample manifold 201. The sampler assembly 200 can be easily transported to the location of a system 100. The sample manifold 201 can then be inserted in the system 100 to collect data for subsequent analysis. For example, the sample manifold 201 of the sampler assembly 200 may be “hot-swapped” with a sample manifold 106 already in the system 100. For example, the sample manifold 106 may be removed from the system 100, the cover 202 may be removed from sample manifold 201, the sample manifold 201 may be inserted into the system 100, and the cover 202 may be placed onto the sample manifold 106, all without losing significant sampling time. The sample manifold 106 may then be shipped to a laboratory so that its sorbent tubes may be tested. The sample manifold 201 may also include a connector 203 for directly electronically connecting the sample manifold 201 to the data acquisition and control features of system 100. For example, the sample manifold 201 may be used to download data from the system 100 or upload sampling instructions to the system 100. In this embodiment, the sample manifold 201 also includes latches 204 that may connect to clasps 205 on the cover 202.
As mentioned above, the sample manifold 201 of the sampler assembly 200 may be “hot-swapped” with a sample manifold 106 already in the system 100. This functionality can provide numerous benefits. For example, hot-swapping one manifold maintains the integrity of both the manifold that has been removed and the replacement manifold which, when the manifold is sealed in a tamper-proof configuration at the laboratory, ensures the integrity of the sample. This can be valuable, for example, when providing sample data in connection with litigation or other legal proceedings. In certain embodiments, the manifold has no discrete pneumatic or electronic connections, thereby simplifying the process by which the operator swaps manifolds.
As can be seen from the foregoing description and the detail that follows, the apparatus of the present invention includes numerous features that either alone or in combination with other aspects of the present invention were not previously known in the art. For example, the device can be configured with two independent flow paths with controls and pumps that allow collection of traditional or distributed volume duplicates. The independent flow paths can sample at the same flow rate or at different flow rates. In one embodiment, including the embodiment shown in
In practice, it may be desirable to seal the manifold at the factory to preserve the integrity of the data being collected. A tamper proof seal may also be utilized to provide verification that the manifold has not been manipulated. The manifold can be configured in such a manner that it is interchangeable with other samplers, triggers and the like. As previously described, the device can also be configured to operate on AC power, battery power, solar power or other available power sources known in the art.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
The system may also assess contaminant vapor intrusion in a building or other structure. Since both seasonal and diurnal variability can affect measurement programs in such environments, the system 100 provides the flexibility required to address both temporal and spatial incongruities inherent in monitoring this phenomenon. For example, the system 100 allows for a frequent sampling interval rather than a single snapshot assessment method, which typically is not a reliable source predictor in contaminant vapor intrusion assessments.
Reference is now made to
The system 100, by coupling air sampling with meteorological data collection, may also provide monitoring for chemical leak or emission source attribution. For example, the system may record chemical concentration data, wind speed, and wind direction at a relatively high temporal sampling resolution (such as at a one hour interval) and calculate the apparent source location and emission rate of multiple chemical species.
The system 100 is also well suited to support initiatives such as the EPA's 2009 study of outdoor air quality at schools in urban areas. For example, the system may eliminate sampling errors and lost data, while increasing the number of samples collected over a monitoring given period. In one embodiment, the system 100 may also meet EPA Method TO-17.
While the present system and method has been disclosed according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other embodiments have also been enabled. Even though the foregoing discussion has focused on particular embodiments, it is understood that other configurations are contemplated. In particular, even though the expressions “in one embodiment” or “in another embodiment” are used herein, these phrases are meant to generally reference embodiment possibilities and are not intended to limit the invention to those particular embodiment configurations. These terms may reference the same or different embodiments, and unless indicated otherwise, are combinable into aggregate embodiments. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
When a single embodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one embodiment may be used in place of a single embodiment. Similarly, where more than one embodiment is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single embodiment may be substituted for that one device.
In light of the wide variety of possible methods and systems for environmental sampling, the detailed embodiments are intended to be illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, what is claimed as the invention includes all such modifications as may come within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto.
None of the descriptions in this specification should be read as implying that any particular element, step or function is an essential element which must be included in the claim scope. The scope of the patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims and their equivalents. Unless explicitly recited, other aspects of the present invention as described in this specification do not limit the scope of the claims.
This non-provisional application claims priority based upon prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/330,712 filed May 3, 2010 in the name of Brian J. Schimmoller, entitled “Logistically Enabled Sampling System,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. A Request for Correction of Inventorship was submitted after the initial filing of the provisional application to request that Matthew F. Bartlett is added as the first named inventor.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61330712 | May 2010 | US |
