Lined sampling vessel including a filter to separate solids from liquids on exit

A filter apparatus for separating solids from liquids in a sample, the filter apparatus comprising:

• a canister comprising an inlet port therein;
• a flexible canister liner for use in lining the canister, the canister liner being substantially chemically impervious to the sample;
• a lid for the canister, the lid comprising an outlet port therein for removing liquids filtered from the sample;
• a lid liner for use in lining the lid, the lid liner being substantially chemically impervious to the sample and comprising an opening therein for passage of liquids filtered from the sample, said lid liner being sealably engaged to both the canister liner and the lid;
• a filter unit located adjacent the lid liner, the filter unit comprising at least one filter element, said lid liner also being sealably engaged to the filter unit;
• a first valve operatively connected to the inlet port;
• and
• a second valve operatively connected to the outlet port.

A method for separating solids from liquids in a sample comprising:

• providing a canister;
• placing a canister liner in the canister;
• placing the sample in the canister liner within the canister;
• providing a lid sealable with the canister, the lid comprising an outlet port therein for passage of liquids;
• providing a lid liner for use in lining the lid, the lid liner comprising an opening therein for passage of liquids;
• providing a filter element located adjacent the lid liner;
• forming a liquid-tight seal between the canister liner and the lid liner;
• forming a liquid-tight seal between the lid and the lid liner;
• and
• causing the liquids in the sample to be forced through the filter element and the outlet port in the lid, with the solids being retained in the canister liner.

A method for separating solids from liquids in a sample comprising:

• providing a canister, the canister comprising an inlet port therein;
• placing a canister liner in the canister;
• placing the sample in the canister liner within the canister;
• providing a lid sealable with the canister, the lid comprising an outlet port therein for passage of liquids;
• providing a lid liner for use in lining the lid, the lid liner comprising an opening therein for passage of liquids;
• providing a filter unit located adjacent the lid liner, the filter unit comprising at least one filter element;
• forming a liquid-tight seal between the canister liner and the lid liner;
• forming a liquid-tight seal between the lid and the lid liner;
• forming a liquid-tight seal between the lid liner and the filter unit;
• and
• creating a pressure differential in the canister such that the liquids are forced through the filter element and the outlet port in the lid, with the solids being retained in the canister liner.