Sampling device for condensable gases

Abstract

An apparatus and method for sampling gases at elevated temperatures which is amenable to analysis in a manufacturing environment is described. In particular the method and apparatus can be used to determine accurate compositions of gas mixtures contained in blisters of elastomeric products. The device comprises a syringe 15,15a and a heated block 12,12a for receiving and holding syringe 15,15a, and for preheating or maintaining the temperature of syringe 15,15a. A thermostat may be associated with heating block 12,12a for controlling its temperature close to the temperature of a product from which a gas sample is taken. In a method of the invention, the syringe 15,15a is preheated to a temperature equal to or greater than the temperature of a sample which is to be obtained, the valve 24 is opened, the needle is used to penetrate a cavity where the sample resides, the valve 24 is closed, and the syringe is placed in heating block 12,12a where the temperature is substantially maintained until the sample gas can be analyzed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.