Abstract:
A funnel sample collector is adapted to freestandingly support a sample bottle and allow for it to be filled from a sampler such as a zone or Petro View sampler while preventing spills, drips, and accidents. By moving the funnel sample collector between multiple bottles, they can be filled quickly, reducing time spent collecting the samples. An actuator is positioned to close the bottom of the funnel of the funnel sample collector when a sampler is not being dispensed thereinto. Flanges within the funnel prevent splashing. The funnel sample collector may be disassembled to allow for proper cleaning to prevent cross contamination.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This applications claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/091,275, filed on Dec. 12, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD/FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to sampling of liquids in liquid storage tanks, and specifically to the collection and bottling of liquids taken from a liquid storage tank by a sampling device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0003]    In the business of buying and selling liquids, ensuring the composition and quality of the product stored or transferred is essential. In order to sample the product, a spot or running sample is taken from the liquid in the tank and is taken to a laboratory for testing. In the course of a single transfer, load, discharge, or lightering operation, a large number of samples may be taken. For example, samples may be taken from one or more land tanks or from one or more tanks on a vessel or barge. Samples may be taken from the delivered product, from a base product, or from a blended product before, after, and during intermediate stages of the transfer operation. Furthermore, multiple samples may be taken from a single tank at different depths in the tank to ensure proper product quality. 
         [0004]    Typically, samples are taken either at a particular depth in a tank, a spot sample, or include liquid from a range of depths. As an example, a zone sampler as understood in the art, used to take a spot sample, generally includes a tube having an upper and lower flapper valve. As the zone sampler is lowered into the liquid in the tank by a rope or line, the flapper valves open allowing liquid to flow through the tube. When stopped at the desired depth in a storage tank and as the zone sampler is retrieved, the flapper valves close, retaining liquid from the depth at which the zone sampler was stopped. Once retrieved, the sampler is emptied into a sample bottle which is taken to the lab for testing. However, the process by which the sampler is emptied into the sample bottle may cause liquid to be spilled, and due to the nature of the sampler, may not be convenient to carry out quickly and without creating unnecessary mess. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present disclosure provides for a funnel sample collector for filling a sample bottle from a sampler. The funnel sample collector may include a funnel assembly, the funnel assembly including a funnel and a spout. The funnel sample collector may include a stand, the stand adapted to support the funnel assembly above the sample bottle and position the spout within a neck of the sample bottle. The funnel sample collector may further include an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly may include a valve stem and a valve head. The valve stem may extend through the funnel assembly. The valve head may form a fluid seal against the spout of the funnel assembly when in a closed position. The valve stem may be biased into the closed position by a spring. The valve stem may be adapted to contact and open a lower valve of the sampler and be forced into the opened position by the sampler allowing liquid dispensed from the sampler to flow into the sample bottle. 
         [0006]    The present disclosure also provides for a method. The method may include providing a sample bottle and a funnel sample collector. The funnel sample collector may include a funnel assembly, the funnel assembly including a funnel and a spout. The funnel sample collector may include a stand, the stand adapted to support the funnel assembly above the sample bottle and position the spout within a neck of the sample bottle. The funnel sample collector may further include an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly may include a valve stem and a valve head. The valve stem may extend through the funnel assembly. The valve head may form a fluid seal against the spout of the funnel assembly when in a closed position. The valve stem may be biased into the closed position by a spring. The method may include positioning the funnel sample collector onto the sample bottle. The method may further include sampling a liquid in a storage tank with a sampler having a lower flapper valve; contacting the actuator assembly with the lower flapper valve; opening the lower flapper valve; allowing liquid in the sampler to enter the funnel assembly; and forcing the actuator assembly downward into an open position, allowing the liquid to enter the sample bottle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is emphasized that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion. 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a funnel sample collector consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is an exploded cross section view of a funnel sample collector consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a cross section view of the funnel sample collector of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a top-view of a funnel sample collector consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed. 
         [0013]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , funnel sample collector  100  may be used to assist with the transfer of a liquid from a sample collector (not shown) to sample bottle  10 . In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may be adapted to fit over sample bottle  10 . In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may include funnel assembly  101 , stand  121 , and actuator assembly  141 . 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, funnel assembly  101  may include funnel body  103 . Funnel body  103  may be generally tapered from top opening  105  to spout  107 . Funnel body  103  may be tapered in any way in order to, as understood in the art, allow liquid to be poured into the generally large diameter top opening  105  and to be collected and flow through the relatively small diameter spout  107 . In some embodiments, the volume of funnel body  103  may be such that it is capable of holding at least the full volume anticipated to be dispensed from a sampler during normal operation. Although depicted herein as generally circular, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that funnel body  103  may be any shape, including, for example and without limitation, round, ellipsoid, rectangular, or indeed any shape and may be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Additionally, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that spout  107  need not be centrally located, as long as the interior surfaces of funnel body  103  are tapered and angled such that liquid poured thereinto is influenced to flow through spout  107 . 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, top opening  105  of funnel body  103  may be sized to, for example and without limitation, allow funnel assembly  101  to collect liquid which may drip from a sample collector between an access hatch and the location of sample bottle  10 . As an example, if a top hatch to a liquid storage tank is opened, one or more sample bottles  10  may be positioned about the hatch a short distance (to prevent sample bottles  10  from falling into the liquid storage tank) from the hatch ready to collect samples from a sampler deployed through the hatch. When installed on each sample bottle  10 , top opening  105  of funnel assembly  101  may, in some embodiments, be large enough to span the gap between the sample bottle  10  and the hatch, preventing liquid from dripping onto the floor surface between the hatch opening and the bottle. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, spout  107  may be adapted to, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , fit into the neck  12  of sample bottle  10 . In some embodiments, spout  107  may have a diameter less than the diameter of neck  12  to, for example and without limitation, allow air to escape from sample bottle  10  as a liquid is poured into sample bottle  10 . In some embodiments, the length of spout  107  may be selected such that it passes entirely through the relatively narrow neck  12  of sample bottle  10  to, for example and without limitation, allow for efficient liquid flow into sample bottle  10 . 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, funnel assembly  101  may be supported by stand  121 . Stand  121  may include stand body  123 . Stand body  123  may be a generally tubular member adapted to fit around sample bottle  10 . In some embodiments, funnel assembly  101  and stand  121  may be formed as a single unit. In some embodiments, funnel assembly  101  and stand  121  may be formed as separate components. In some embodiments, funnel assembly  101  may couple to stand  121  by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may allow, for example and without limitation, funnel assembly  101  and stand  121  to be moved as a single unit without unintentional separation while in use. Additionally, the locking mechanism may allow the selective decoupling of funnel assembly  101  from stand  121  in order to, for example and without limitation, allow for more thorough cleaning of components of funnel sample collector  100 . The locking mechanism may be any suitable mechanism known in the art suitable for joining the two assemblies, including without limitation, a threaded connection, a twist-lock connection, a bayonet connection, a press-fit, one or more threaded couplers, or tabs and corresponding grooves or slots. For example and without limitation, in embodiments as depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , funnel assembly  101  may include one or more locking tabs  111  adapted to fit into corresponding slots  125  formed in stand body  123 . 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, stand  121  may include handle  127  adapted to allow funnel sample collector  100  to be handled more easily as discussed herein below. In some embodiments, handle  127  may be formed integrally as a part of stand body  123  or may be formed as a separate component. Furthermore, although described as only coupling to stand  121 , one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that handle  127  may be coupled to any component of funnel sample collector  100 , including, without limitation, funnel assembly  101 , stand  121 , or between funnel assembly  101  and stand  121 . 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, stand body  123  may include one or more windows  129 . Windows  129  may be holes formed in stand body  123  to, for example and without limitation, allow air flow between sample bottle  10  and stand  121 , and to allow visual inspection of sample bottle  10  when funnel sample collector  100  is placed thereon. Although depicted as being generally rectangular or oblong, one having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that windows  129  may be formed in any shape, number, arrangement, or configuration without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , stand body  123  may be of a selected diameter and height such that sample bottle  10  having known dimensions fits within the interior of stand body  123 . In some embodiments, the internal diameter may be selected such that funnel sample collector  100  may be placed onto and removed from sample bottle  10  while sample bottle  10  is sitting on a floor surface. In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may be placed onto and removed from sample bottle  10  without additional external support of sample bottle  10 , allowing funnel sample collector  100  to be positioned and repositioned on sample bottle  10  and other sample bottles by one hand. In some embodiments, when placed over sample bottle  10 , stand body  123  may support sample bottle  10 , preventing, for example and without limitation, tipping or other disturbances of sample bottle  10  during a filling operation. In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may be self-supporting on the floor surface, allowing sample bottle  10  to be filled without additional external support of funnel sample collector  100  and sample bottle  10 . 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, the shape of stand body  123  may be selected such that spout  107  of funnel assembly  101  is aligned with the mouth of sample bottle  10  as funnel sample collector  100  is placed thereon, allowing spout  107  to enter neck  12  of sample bottle  10  as previously discussed. In some embodiments, the height of stand body  123  may be selected such that when funnel sample collector  100  is placed onto sample bottle  10  with both sample bottle  10  and stand  121  in contact with the floor surface, spout  107  enters a specified amount into sample bottle  10 . One having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that although described as in contact with a floor surface, sample bottle  10  may be placed on any suitable horizontal surface, and stand  121  may be in contact with any suitable horizontal surface including, for example and without limitation, a horizontal surface of sample bottle  10 . 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, funnel assembly  101  may be used with multiple configurations of stand  121 , wherein each configuration of stand  121  is configured to be utilized with a specific shape of sample bottle  10 . In some such embodiments, funnel assembly  101  may be decoupled from a first stand configured to be used with a first sample bottle configuration and may be coupled to a second stand configured to be used with a second sample bottle configuration. Such an embodiment may allow, for example and without limitation, a single funnel assembly  101  to be used with multiple sample bottle configurations having, for example and without limitation, different geometries, capacities, or specific filling requirements (such as requirements for the positioning of spout  107 ). 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may further include one or more flanges  113 . Flanges  113  may be generally flat bodies positioned inside funnel body  103 . In some embodiments, support flanges  113  may be configured to, for example and without limitation, slow or dissipate lateral momentum of liquids being poured into funnel body  103  and thus prevent or reduce splashing. In some embodiments, flanges  113  may be formed integrally with funnel body  103 . In some embodiments, flanges  113  may be formed as a separate part from funnel body  103 . In some embodiments, flanges  113  may be joined at their center to, for example, add structural rigidity to flanges  113 . In some embodiments, flanges  113  may include upward extension  115  corresponding with a location generally within funnel body  103 . In some embodiments, upward extension  115  may be configured to contact and open a lower valve of a sampler as previously discussed, allowing the contents of the sampler to be released into funnel sample collector  100 , and thus enter into sample bottle  10 . In some embodiments, flanges  113  may be positioned to support actuator assembly  141  as discussed herein below. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments of the present disclosure, funnel sample collector  100  may further include actuator assembly  141 . Actuator assembly  141  may act as a valve in order to, in some embodiments, prevent liquid flow from funnel sample collector  100  when in a closed position. In some embodiments, for example and without limitation, actuator assembly  141  may take the form of a poppet or mushroom valve as understood in the art. As depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , actuator assembly  141  may, in some embodiments, include valve stem  143  having valve head  145  at its lower end. Valve stem  143  may extend generally vertically through funnel sample collector  100  such that the upper end of valve stem  143  is positioned within funnel body  103  and valve head  145  is positioned at spout  107 . In some embodiments, valve stem  143  may be biased by spring  147  into a “closed” position. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, valve head  145 , as understood in the art, may include a tapered upper surface and spout  107  may include valve seat  109 , having a correspondingly tapered lower surface configured to form a liquid seal with valve head  145  when actuator assembly  141  is in the closed position. As understood in the art, one or more of valve head  145  and valve seat  109  may include one or more seals adapted to, for example and without limitation, improve the fluid seal therebetween. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, actuator assembly  141  may be supported by flanges  113  as previously discussed within funnel assembly  101 . In some embodiments, flanges  113  may form a generally cylindrical bore through which valve stem  143  of actuator assembly  141  may pass. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the upper end of valve stem  143  may be positioned at a location generally within funnel body  103 . In some embodiments, the upper end of valve stem  143  may be configured to contact and open a lower valve of a sampler as previously discussed, allowing the contents of the sampler to be released into funnel sample collector  100 , and thus enter into sample bottle  10 . As the upper end of valve stem  143  contacts the lower valve of the sampler, the reaction force from the lower valve on valve stem  143  may cause valve stem  143  to move downward, moving actuator assembly  141  into the open position. The corresponding motion may cause valve head  145  to disengage from valve seat  109 , allowing liquid flow from funnel assembly  101  through spout  107  and into sample bottle  10 . When the sampler is removed from valve stem  143 , spring  147  may bias actuator assembly  141  into the closed position, preventing any liquid within funnel assembly  101  from flowing dripping through spout  107 . Liquid may thus be prevented from, for example and without limitation, dripping when funnel sample collector is moved from one sample bottle  10  to another. Additionally, if a sampler is discharged into funnel sample collector  100  when it is positioned atop a full or nearly full sample bottle  10 , liquid flow may be arrested by disengaging the sampler from actuator assembly  141  until funnel sample collector  100  is positioned atop an empty sample bottle  10 . 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the upper end of valve stem  143  may include a retention feature. The retention feature may be configured to, for example and without limitation, retain spring  147  between the retention feature and a portion of funnel assembly  101 , such as flanges  113 . In some embodiments, the retention feature may be formed as a permanent part of valve stem  143 . In some such embodiments, the retention feature may, for example and without limitation, be a permanently attached bar, flange, rivet, or deformation of valve stem  143 . In some embodiments, the retention feature may be selectively removable from valve stem  143 . In such an embodiment, the retention feature may be a nut, cotter pin, clip, bolt, or any other device suitable for coupling to valve stem  143  capable of capturing spring  147 . One having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure will understand that additional components, including washers, may be included between spring  147  and other components. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, as depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the retention feature may be retention nut  149  adapted to be threaded onto threads  151  formed on the upper end of valve stem  143 . By tightening or loosening retention nut  149 , the tension of spring  147  may be increased or decreased. By varying the tension of spring  147 , the required opening force on valve stem  143  to open actuator assembly  141  may be varied. In some embodiments, the opening force may be varied with respect to properties of the liquid to be dispensed through funnel sample collector  100 . As an example, a liquid having a high specific gravity or very low viscosity may require a higher spring tension to prevent the liquid from escaping between valve head  145  and valve seat  109 . Alternatively, for a liquid of nominal density and viscosity, a lower spring tension may be desirable to, for example and without limitation, allow for simpler actuation of actuator assembly  141 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments in which the retention feature is removable, actuator assembly  141  may be entirely removed from funnel sample collector  100 . In some such embodiments, flanges  113  may remain in place, allowing upper extension  115  to contact and open the lower valve of a sample collector. In some embodiments, actuator assembly  141  may be removed by removing, for example, retention nut  149 , allowing valve shaft  143  to slide downward and be removed from funnel assembly  101 . By removing actuator assembly  141 , for example and without limitation, the available bore area of spout  107  may be increased, and liquid may thus flow more freely therethrough. As an example, this increase in bore area may be desirable when a highly viscous or sticky liquid is poured through funnel sample collector  100 . As the liquid is highly viscous, the decrease in wetted surface area and increase in cross-sectional flow area may allow for faster liquid transfer through funnel sample collector  100  into sample bottle  10 . Additionally, being able to remove actuator assembly  141  may, for example, allow for simpler cleaning of funnel sample collector  100  after use. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments in which flanges  113  are formed as a separate component from funnel body  103 , by removing actuator assembly  141 , flanges  113  may be removed from funnel assembly  101 . In some such embodiments, flanges  113  may be removable to allow, as an example and without limitation, for easier cleaning of funnel assembly  101  and flanges  113  or for the use of funnel sample collector  100  to fill sample bottles  10  directly. In some embodiments, flanges  113  and actuator assembly  141  may be positionable within different funnel assemblies  101 , adapted to be held in place by actuator assembly  141 . In some such embodiments, funnel assembly  101  may be an otherwise unmodified funnel into which flanges  113  are adapted to fit and having spout  107  against which valve head  145  is adapted to seal. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may further include a nozzle extension. The nozzle extension may be adapted to couple to nozzle  107  and extend the opening of nozzle  107  to a lower point within sample bottle  10 . In some such embodiments, the nozzle extension may be adapted to prevent vapors from the liquid dispensed into sample bottle  10  from being forced out of sample bottle  10  as it is filled. In some embodiments, the nozzle extension may be removable from nozzle  107 . In some embodiments, actuator assembly  141  may extend to the bottom of the nozzle extension. 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, funnel sample collector  100  may further include a cap. The cap may be positioned to provide a general fluid seal between the sampler and funnel sample collector  100 . In some embodiments, the cap may be formed from a pliable material and include one or more baffles adapted to contact the sampler. 
         [0034]    As understood in the art, components of funnel sample collector  100  may be formed from any material capable of being utilized with anticipated liquids. For example and without limitation, components of funnel sample collector  100  may be formed from one or more of stainless steel, propylene plastic, any non-degradable plastic, brass, or mild steel. 
         [0035]    The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that a person of ordinary skill in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Such features may be replaced by any one of numerous equivalent alternatives, only some of which are disclosed herein. One of ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. One of ordinary skill in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.