Apparatus and methods of collecting and sampling hydrocarbon fluids

#Field of the Invention

#Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to containers and methods for the collection, transportation and analysis of fluid samples.

#Description of the Related Art

#So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

#FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B are different views of one embodiment of an isolating container assembly.

#FIGS. 2-1 to 2-11 illustrate an exemplary process of isolating a target component from a fluid sample.

#To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

#Embodiments of the present invention provide sample containers and methods for the safe and cost efficient collection and transportation of fluid samples. In certain embodiments described herein, the containers and methods provided herein circumvent current hazardous materials regulations by removing hazardous gases (e.g., H2S) from the fluid sample, thereby allowing the fluid sample to be shipped by traditional means (e.g., post, courier service, or air freight). Thus, embodiments of the containers and methods for the collection and transportation of fluid sample eliminate the need for HAZMAT training for the shipper as well as fees associated with the shipment of hazardous materials.

#FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an isolating container assembly 100 for isolating a target component from a fluid sample. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the features of the isolating container assembly 100 prior to assembly. The isolating container assembly 100 includes a body 110 having a first end 130 and a second end 140. The body 110 defines an isolating chamber 120 for retaining the isolated target component. The fluid sample may contain a desired component such as hydrocarbons and a target component such as sulfur or carbon dioxide. The target component may be a hazardous or non-hazardous material. The fluid sample may enter the sampling chamber 120, and the target component may be removed (e.g., stripped) from the fluid sample as the fluid sample passes through the sampling chamber 120. In one embodiment, the target component may be at least partially converted to a different compound and/or phase containing the target component while within the sampling chamber 120. For example, the target component may enter the sampling chamber 120 as a hazardous material and then converted to a non-hazardous or inert form while within the sampling chamber 120. Exemplary fluid samples include hydrogen sulfide (H2S) containing gases, carbon monoxide (CO) containing gases, carbon dioxide (CO2) containing gases, and hydrocarbon containing gases. Exemplary target components include hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and combinations thereof. In one example, the fluid sample may be a sulfur containing natural gas sample.