US 10,119,890 B2 · Wind direction-based air sampling

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for air sampling and emissions monitoring based on wind direction, including determining concentrations of air toxics, are contemplated. Some embodiments comprise detecting wind flowing in a first direction and a second direction, exposing a sample collection device to air in response to detecting the first direction and preventing exposure of the sample collection device to air in response to the second direction. Some apparatuses comprise a direction detector, an enclosure, and a sample preventer. Some embodiments comprise a purger configured to purge the sample collection device when preventing exposure of the sample collection device to air. In some embodiments, the sample collection device comprises a diffusive sorbent tube. In some embodiments, the diffusive sorbent tube is configured to collect samples of benzene. Some embodiments comprise a wind vane and sensor configured to provide indication of wind direction. Some embodiments comprise a data collector.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method, comprising:

detecting wind flowing in a first direction;
exposing a sample collection device to air, wherein the exposing is in response to the detecting wind flowing in the first direction, wherein the exposing the sample collection device comprises exposing a sample collection device comprising a sorbent;
detecting the wind flowing in a second direction;
and
preventing exposure of the sample collection device to air in response to the detecting the wind flowing in the second direction, wherein the preventing exposure of the sample collection device comprises at least one of
closing a sample isolating cup over an open end of an enclosure,
wherein the enclosure retains the sample collection device;
and
purging the sample collection device with a purge gas.

6 more elements

A system, comprising:

a wind indicator, wherein the wind indicator is configured to sense a first direction and a second direction of wind;
a direction detector, wherein the direction detector is configured to receive indication of the first direction and the second direction of wind from the wind indicator;
and
a plurality of sampling stations, wherein at least one sampling station of the plurality comprises an enclosure, wherein the enclosure is configured to retain a sample collection device, wherein the at least one sampling station comprises a sample preventer, wherein the sample preventer is configured to prevent exposure of the sample collection device to air via a sample isolating cup in response to the direction detector receiving indication of the first direction of wind, wherein the sample preventer is configured to prevent exposure of the sample collection device to air by coupling the sample isolating cup to the enclosure, wherein the sample preventer is configured to expose the sample collection device to air in response to the direction detector receiving indication of the second direction of wind.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Wind direction-based air sampling

Life of this patent

Wind direction-based air sampling

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20