# US 10,871,424 B2 · Apparatus, systems and methods for sampling fluids > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,871,424 B2 - Document ID: US10871424B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/093,020 - Filed: 2017-04-13 - Published: 2019-05-30 - Granted: 2020-12-22 - Earliest claimed: 2016-04-13 - Assignees: Enpro Subsea Limited - Applicants: Enpro Subsea Limited - Inventors: Ian Donald; John Reid - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10871424B2 ## CPC - G01N 1/2035: {by deviating part of a fluid stream, e.g. by drawing-off or tapping} - F16L 55/26: Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means - F16L 2101/30: Inspecting, measuring or testing - G01N 2001/205: {using a valve} - G01N 2001/2064: {using a by-pass loop} - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) - F16L: PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL ## Abstract The invention provides a sampling apparatus for sampling fluid from a pipeline system during a pigging operation and a method of use. The sampling apparatus comprises an inlet configured to be coupled to the pipeline system, for receiving a fluid carried by a pigging operation from the pipeline system, and an outlet for discharging fluid from the sampling apparatus. A flow control valve is disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A first flow line is in communication with a sampling circuit and is disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve. A second flow line is in communication with a sampling circuit, and is disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve. The flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and drive a fluid passing through the sampling apparatus into the sampling circuit. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A sampling apparatus for sampling fluid from a pipeline system during a pigging operation, the pigging operation being dewatering the sampling apparatus comprising: an inlet configured to be coupled to the pipeline system, for receiving a fluid carried by a pigging operation from the pipeline system; an outlet for discharging fluid from the sampling apparatus; a flow control valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet; a first flow line in communication with a sampling circuit, the first flow line disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve; a second flow line in communication with the sampling circuit, the second flow line disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve; wherein the flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and thereby drive a fluid passing through the sampling apparatus into the sampling circuit. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow control valve is operable to drive a portion of a fluid passing through the apparatus to the sampling circuit during the pigging operation. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow control valve is operable to be adjusted in dependence on at least one flow parameter to sample fluid over at least a majority of the pigging operation. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow control valve is operable to be adjusted in dependence on at least one flow parameter to sample fluid over the entirety of the pigging operation. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow control valve is a first flow control valve, and the sampling apparatus further comprises a second flow control valve. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The sampling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second flow control valve is disposed in an inlet flow line to the sampling circuit. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The sampling apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second flow control valve is disposed in an outlet flow line from the sampling circuit. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a swabbing chemical. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The sampling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid comprises monoethylene glycol (MEG). ### Claim 10 A method of sampling fluid from a pipeline system during a pigging operation, the method comprising: providing a sampling apparatus comprising: an inlet configured to be coupled to the pipeline system and an outlet for discharging fluid from the sampling apparatus; a flow control valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet; and a sampling circuit; driving a pipeline pig through the pipeline system to carry a fluid through the pipeline system and into the sampling apparatus; and partially closing the flow control valve to create a pressure differential to thereby drive the fluid passing through the sampling apparatus into the sampling circuit. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises collecting fluid in one or sampling bottles or vessels. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises sampling fluid over at least a majority of the pigging operation. ### Claim 13 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises sampling fluid over the entirety of the pigging operation. ### Claim 14 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises partially closing the flow control valve to create a pressure differential sufficient to create a turbulent and/or mixed flow of fluid in the sampling circuit. ### Claim 15 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, wherein the flow control valve is a first flow control valve, and the sampling apparatus further comprises a second flow control valve. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein the method comprises regulating the flow of fluid into or through the sampling circuit using the second flow control valve. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The method according to claim 15, wherein the sampling apparatus comprises a further flow control valve and wherein the method comprises partially closing the second flow valve and the further flow control valve to regulate a turbulent and/or mixed flow of fluid back to the required flow rate for sampling of the fluid. ### Claim 18 A subsea system comprising: a pipeline system; a pig receiver fluidly connected to the pipeline system, and a sampling apparatus for sampling fluid from a pipeline system during a pigging operation, the sampling apparatus comprising: an inlet configured to be coupled to the pipeline system, for receiving a fluid carried by a pigging operation from the pipeline system; an outlet for discharging fluid from the sampling apparatus; a flow control valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet; a first flow line in communication with a sampling circuit, the first flow line disposed between the inlet and the flow control valve; a second flow line in communication with a sampling circuit, the second flow line disposed between the outlet and the flow control valve; wherein the flow control valve is operable to be partially closed to create a pressure differential between the first and second flow lines, and thereby drive a fluid passing through the sampling apparatus into the sampling circuit. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The system according to claim 18, wherein the system comprises a pig launcher.