Fluid sampling device

Abstract

A fluid sampling device for use in obtaining a precise volume of fluid to be sampled from a sealed vessel equipped with a hydraulic fitting to which the fluid sampling device is connectable. The device has a fluid sampling float chamber with an internally sealable top opening which opens into a bottom end of an air channel and a bottom opening which opens into a top end of a fluid channel. A floating ball is located in said fluid sampling float chamber and is sized to be sealingly sealable at the top opening. A vacuum generating means relying on air flow through a venturi to draw air out of the fluid sampling chamber through the air channel is located above the top opening of the float chamber. An air valve is located downstream of the venturi for controlling the direction of air flow though the venturi. A hydraulic coupler is located at a bottom end of the fluid channel which when connected to the hydraulic fitting on the sealed vessel opens, but when disconnected from the fitting closes. A drain line opens into the fluid channel above the hydraulic coupler, and is connected to a pressure relief valve.