In situ sampling and monitoring a fluid

An apparatus for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, the apparatus comprising:

• a first flow section connecting the flow path and a chamber and a second flow path connecting the flow path and the chamber;
• a first valve allowing the fluid to flow through the first flow section and a second valve allowing the fluid to flow through the second flow section such that the fluid can fill the chamber, to circulate through the chamber for a certain time and to be captured in the chamber;
• an access valve for reducing pressure in the chamber to a level suitable for a monitor system and allowing the fluid to flow from the chamber to the monitor system where the fluid is to be analyzed;
• and
• a gas cavity which is provided with a separation membrane separating gas in the gas cavity and fluid being loaded in the gas cavity during circulation of the fluid through the chamber such that the pressure which has been built up in the gas cavity, can be used to force the fluid in the chamber through the monitor system.

A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, where the fluid is to be directed to a chamber, where a first flow section and a second flow section provide connections for fluid flow between the chamber and the flow path, and where a first valve is provided to allow the fluid to flow through the first flow section and a second valve is provided to allow the fluid to flow through the second flow section, the method comprising the following steps:

• a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the fluid flow through the first flow section to the chamber and from the chamber through the second flow section into a continuation of the fluid flow path;
• b) allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time;
• c) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve;
• d) opening a valve such that the chamber communicates with an expansion chamber for reducing the pressure to obtain a pressure in the chamber which is suitable for monitoring the fluid;
• e) opening an access valve and feeding the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system through the access valve wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing data representing characteristics of the fluid;
• and
• f) providing an exit for the fluid analyzed through a further fluid path.

An apparatus for in situ sampling and monitoring a fluid flowing in a flow path, the apparatus comprising:

• a first flow section connecting the flow path and a chamber and a second flow section connecting the flow path and the chamber;
• a first valve allowing the fluid to flow through the first flow section and a second valve allowing the fluid to flow through the second flow section such that the fluid can fill the chamber, to circulate through the chamber for a certain time and to be captured in the chamber;
• an access valve which allows the fluid to flow from the chamber into a monitor system where the fluid is to be analyzed;
• and
• an expansion chamber communicating with the chamber through a valve such that the pressure in the chamber can be reduced to a level suitable for the monitor system.