Sampling single phase from multiphase fluid

A sampler for extracting sample volumes of substantially single-phase fluid or gas from a fluid-flow system containing multi-phase fluids, said sampler including;

• a collection recess adapted to separate substantially single-phase fluid from said multi-phase fluid;
• an extraction outlet in said collection recess;
• at least one fluid sensor system capable of sensing the presence and/or state of said single-phase fluid or gas in the collection recess;
• and
• a fluid controller capable of controlling fluid or gas flow from the collection recess via said extraction outlet;
• characterised in that said fluid sensor system includes
• at least two distinct sensors respectively capable of utilising distinct properties of the fluid or gas to determine the presence and/or state of the sample volume present in the collection recess.

A testing method to aid in the detection of mastitis, said method characterised by:

• sensing the presence of single-phase fluid in the collection recess at a predetermined height;
• activating said pump for a predetermined period to extract a defined or minimum volume of single-phase fluid sample via the fluid extraction outlet;
• transporting the fluid sample to the mixing chamber in said sample processor;
• mixing a reagent with the fluid sample to form a gel;
• obtaining an indication of somatic cell numbers by measuring the time the gel needs to drain through a defined exit hole;
• and
• determining if the drain time exceed a predetermined threshold value or range of values.

A method of sensing single-phase fluid, froth, or gas medium in a collection recess of a sampler, said method including:

• sensing said medium in the collection recess with said at least two sensors using said distinct properties of the fluid or gas;
• outputting the signals detected by said two or more sensors to the fluid controller;
• and
• comparing the detected signals with data records relating to single phase fluids, froth and/or gas to determine the medium present in the collection recess.

A method of sensing single-phase fluid, froth, or gas medium in a collection recess of a sampler, said method including:

• emitting light from the transmission sensor emitter into the collection recess and detecting with the transmission sensor detector the light transmitted through the collection recess;
• emitting light from the total internal reflection sensor emitter and detecting with the total internal reflection sensor detector the light totally internally reflected from the wall of the collection recess;
• outputting the signals detected by the transmission and total internal reflection sensor detector(s) to the fluid controller;
• and
• comparing the detected signals with data records relating to single phase fluids, froth and/or gas to determine the medium present in the collection recess.