Portable inspection, collection, and delivery apparatus for fluid-based systems

A fluid-based system comprising:

• a fluid loop including a fluid flowing therethrough;
• and
• an apparatus inserted within the loop and used for analysis of the fluid, comprising:
• a main chamber consisting of an optically transparent high strength material that ensures transmission of infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths and is configured to withstand high pressures;
• first and second fluid tight endcaps attached to first and second ends of the main chamber, wherein the first endcap permits entry of a fluid into the main chamber and the second endcap permits the fluid to exit the main chamber;
• a fixed filter guide rail located inside the main chamber and attached to one of the end caps;
• and
• a filter located inside the main chamber and configured to removably attach to the fixed filter guide rail, wherein the filter is configured to capture residue or contaminants in the fluid,
• wherein the apparatus is attached to tubing of the fluid loop such that the fluid moves in the apparatus from the fluid loop and out of the apparatus and into the fluid loop.

A method of inspecting a fluid in a fluid-based system, the method comprising:

• providing an apparatus comprising:
• a main chamber consisting of an optically transparent high strength material that ensures transmission of infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths and is configured to withstand high pressures;
• first and second fluid tight endcaps attached to first and second ends of the main chamber, wherein the first endcap permits entry of a fluid into the main chamber and the second endcap permits the fluid to exit the main chamber;
• a fixed filter guide rail located inside the main chamber and attached to one of the end caps;
• and
• a filter located inside the main chamber and configured to removably attach to the fixed filter guide rail, wherein the filter is configured to capture residue or contaminants in the fluid,
• wherein the apparatus is attached to tubing of the fluid-based system such that the fluid moves in the apparatus from the fluid-based system and out of the apparatus and into the fluid-based system;
• and
• evaluating the fluid in the apparatus.