Systems and methods for automation of low-flow groundwater sampling
AssigneeIn-Situ, Inc.
InventorsMatthew Trumbo, Benjamin Kimbell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Provided are low flow groundwater fluid sampling systems and related methods of collecting fluid samples, including a low flow pump, flow cell, waste container and a communication device in communication with those components. In this manner, the low flow pump may be controlled to ensure a desired constant flow-rate is achieved, and a remote operator may monitor the status of fluid being pumped to the flow cell with the communication device, such as with a portable electronic device, including a smart phone. The system may alert the operator that fluid is ready to be collected for sampling, including at an off-site laboratory. Particularly useful applications are for monitoring groundwater quality and contamination.
Claims21
A low flow groundwater fluid sampling system comprising:
- a low flow pump having a pump power;
- a flow cell in fluid communication with said low flow pump, wherein said flow cell comprises one or more fluid quality sensors;
- a flow sensor to control said pump power so as to maintain a desired flow-rate through the flow cell;
- a communication device in wireless communication with each of said low flow pump, flow cell and flow sensor, wherein:
- said low flow pump has an adjustable pump power to provide a desired constant flow-rate to said flow cell from an electronic communication between said low flow pump and said flow sensor, and said at least one fluid quality sensor measures one or more fluid parameters over a time course to assess a fluid stabilization status;
- upon fluid stabilization said communication device indicates an affirmative fluid stabilization condition and that a fluid sample may be collected.
A method for collecting low flow fluid samples from groundwater, the method comprising the steps of:
- continuously pumping a flow of groundwater fluid to a flow cell at a substantially constant flow-rate;
- measuring a flow-rate through the flow cell and controlling a pump power based on the measured flow-rate so as to maintain the substantially constant flow-rate through the flow cell;
- measuring a fluid quality parameter time course with a fluid sensor in said flow cell;
- identifying a positive fluid quality stabilization status for said measured fluid quality parameter that reaches a steady-state value;
- and
- wirelessly transmitting a signal to a communication device indicating a fluid sample is ready to be collected from said flow of groundwater fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.