Apparatus and method for effecting penetration and mass transfer at a

Abstract

An apparatus for effecting penetration and mass transfer at a penetrable situs, comprising: (a) a penetration member constructed and arranged for movement between (i) a first position disengaged from the penetrable situs, and (ii) a second position engaged with the penetrable situs to form a penetration opening in the penetrable situs communicating with an interior region thereof; (b) a motive driver for selectively moving the penetration member between the first position and second position; and (c) a mass transfer assembly (i) selectively engageable with the penetration opening in the penetrable situs, after formation thereof by the penetration member in the second position and subsequent movement of the penetration member by the motive driver to the first position, and (ii) constructed and arranged to effect mass transfer through the penetration opening between the interior region of the penetrable situs and a locus exterior to the penetrable situs, when the mass transfer assembly is engaged with the penetration opening. Also disclosed is an appertaining method of effecting penetration and mass transfer at a penetrable situs. The invention may be usefully employed for inerting of 'dud' ordnance, for sampling of contained materials of unknown identity and origin having potentially hazardous character, and for other applications involving mass transfer between an interior region of a penetrable situs and a mass transfer locus exterior thereto.