Device for sampling and stripping volatile chemicals within wells

A method of sampling a selected medium containing volatile compounds, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) placing a sampling device into the casing of a well containing said selected medium, said sampling device including:
• i) a housing,
• ii) a sealed chamber within said housing, and
• iii) inlet means communicating with said sealed chamber for allowing said selected medium into said chamber;
• b) providing a seal between said housing and said well casing to prevent volatile compounds from escaping from the well to the atmosphere;
• c) drawing said medium through said inlet means into said sealed chamber;
• d) volatizing and releasing said volatile compounds from said medium while said medium is in said chamber including the step of injecting an inert gas into said sealed chamber;
• and
• e) analyzing said volatile compounds.

A device adapted for sealed placement in the casing of a well for sampling a selected medium containing volatile compounds, said device comprising:

• a) a housing for insertion into said casing;
• b) a sealed chamber within said housing;
• c) inlet means communicating with said chamber for allowing said medium to enter said chamber;
• d) stripping means in said chamber for volatizing and releasing said volatile compounds from said selected medium;
• e) vapor outlet means communicating with said chamber for transporting the volatized compounds to an analysis unit;
• f) a sorptive tube located within said housing;
• and
• g) medium outlet means communicating with said sealed chamber and said sorptive tube for transporting said medium from said chamber to said sorptive tube.