Patent ID: 6360620
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for the extraction of intact liquid samples by submersion of a compressible hollow flexible body which is fitted in a pressure vessel having a one-way valve in a lower part thereof and which, subsequent to submersion to a sample extraction depth, is acted upon to effect liquid entry through an inlet of said hollow flexible body, comprising the steps of:lowering the vessel with the hollow flexible body to a desired sample extraction depth, the hollow flexible body being fully compressed by means of a pressurized gas inside the pressure vessel and with surrounding liquid passing through and out of an inlet passage of said pressure vessel as it is lowered without admitting said liquid into the inlet of the hollow flexible body during said lowering; changing the pressure in the pressure vessel in such a way that a liquid sample is extracted from the surrounding liquid by the liquid seeping through said one-way valve and into the hollow flexible body; and after completion of sample extraction, hoisting the pressure vessel with said one-way valve blocking contact between the extracted liquid sample and matters outside the vessel to retrieve the sample extracted.