US 11,231,343 B1 · Storage tank sampling systems

Abstract

A sampling device includes a pig-retaining pipe, a plurality of pipes extensions, a plurality of pipe couplings, a winch and support jig, a sample spout, a bottom cap, a pig, and a cable. A storage tank holds product-fuel, water, sludge, and a hard volume. The sampling device is used to collect and sample contents of the storage tank. The sampling device is assembled with the pig attached to a bottom cap coupled to the pig-retaining pipe. The sampling device is inserted into the storage tank to the desired depth. Contents of the storage tank enter into the sampling device through openings in the pig-retaining pipe. The winch is used to pull the cable upwards and draw the pig up through the sampling device. As the pig is pulled upwards, contents exit through the sample spout. The contents are stored in a container that is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

(a) placing a sampling device into a tank such that an amount of water and sediment mixture contained within the tank is drawn through an opening disposed along a lower end of the sampling device, wherein the sampling device comprises a plug and a cable, wherein the cable is attached to an upper surface of the plug, wherein the plug is below the opening of the sampling device, and wherein after the placing of (a), an upper end of the sampling device is disposed above a deck of the tank such that the cable extends from the lower end of the sampling device to the upper end of the sampling device;
and
(b) drawing the plug out of the sampling device by pulling the cable out of the upper end of the sampling device.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Storage tank sampling systems

Life of this patent

Storage tank sampling systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims6