Wet-tap sensor assembly and related method

A sensor assembly configured to be mounted to an external wall of a container for supporting a sensor to measure a predetermined parameter of a fluid located therein, the sensor assembly comprising:

• a housing configured to be securely positioned relative to the external wall of the container, the housing having a lower portion and an upper portion, and the housing defining a cavity with a first opening at the lower portion and a second opening at the upper portion;
• a sensor cartridge mounted for movement in the cavity, between an inserted position and a retracted position, the cartridge defining an elongated opening with an upper end for receiving the sensor probe and a lower end for exposing a sensing end of a sensor probe when in the inserted position;
• a gasket configured to contact both the lower portion of the sensor cartridge below the lower end of the elongated opening and a surface of the housing defining the cavity when the cartridge is in the retracted position, thereby providing a liquid-proof, pressure-resistant seat between the sensor cartridge and the housing at their respective lower portions;
• a locking mechanism configured to secure the sensor cartridge in the retracted position and having an a locking pin mounted to the housing;
• and
• a cap, having a longitudinal axis, configured to be placed over the upper portion of the sensor cartridge and to engage and disengage the locking mechanism.

A method of operating a sensor assembly comprising:

• inserting a sensor probe having a sensing end into a sensor assemble mounted to an external wall of a container or pipe, the sensor assembly including
• a housing configured to be securely positioned relative to the external wall of the container, the housing having lower portion and an upper portion, and the housing defining a cavity with a first opening at the lower portion and a second opening at the upper portion,
• a sensor cartridge mounted for movement in the cavity, between an inserted position and a retracted position, the cartridge defining an elongated opening with an upper end for receiving the sensor probe and a lower end for exposing a sensing end of a sensor probe when in the inserted position,
• a gasket configured to contact both the lower portion of the sensor cartridge below the lower end of the elongated sensor opening and a surface of the housing defining the cavity when the cartridge is in the retracted position, thereby providing a liquid-proof, pressure-resistant seal between the sensor cartridge and the housing at their respective lower portions, and
• a locking mechanism configured to secure the sensor cartridge in the retracted position;
• unlocking the locking mechanism of the sensor assembly by placing a cap, having a longitudinal axis, over the upper portion of the sensor cartridge, and disengaging the locking mechanism by rotating the cap about its longitudinal axis;
• and
• transferring the sensor cartridge from the retracted position to the inserted position thereby exposing the sensing end beyond the first opening of the housing.