Fluid sampling system

A sampling device for a pressurized fluid pumping system, said device comprising;

• a sample jet adapted for connection to, and in fluid communication with said system;
• said sample jet having an inlet, an outlet, a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, a constricted middle portion of said lumen and a port extending into said lumen adjacent said constricted middle portion, whereby fluid may be sampled from said port without being dispersed out of said port into the atmosphere;
• a piercable septum sealing said port, a sealed sample bottle, and a hollow needle having a first end portion in fluid communication with said sample bottle;
• and
• said septum being constrained and arranged for piercing by a second end portion of said hollow needle so as to allow said fluid to flow into said sample bottle.

A substantially sealed system for sampling a fluid comprising:

• a feed tank for the storage of said fluid to be sampled;
• a pumping chamber in fluid communication with and located at least partially lower than said feed tank;
• said pumping chamber being connected to and in fluid communication with said system for pumping said fluid through said system;
• a venturi nozzle located below said feed tank and in fluid communication for selectively allowing the flow of said fluid through said system, said venturi nozzle having an inlet, an outlet, a lumen extending therethrough, a port in fluid communication with said feed tank, and a constricted middle portion within said lumen and connected to said port, said inlet being in fluid communication with said pumping chamber so that fluid pumped from said pumping chamber flows through said lumen thereby creating a vacuum in said port, said vacuum being effective to draw said fluid from said feed tank whereby fluid may be pumped through said system free of air;
• means for pressurizing said system;
• a fluidic sampler jet having an inlet, an outlet, a port having selectable sealing means, said fluidic sampler being in fluid communication with said pumping chamber and located substantially above said feed tank;
• means for piercing said sealing means of said fluidic sampler jet and withdrawing a portion of said fluid as a sample;
• and
• means connected to the outlet of said fluidic sampler for returning the remainder of said fluid to said feed tank.