Patent ID: 12253442

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods.

Disclosed in the present application is a pit assembly and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the pit assembly can comprise a pit housing defining an interior pit cavity. A curb stop assembly and a pressure transducer can be mounted within and protected by the pit housing. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed pit assembly is described in but a few exemplary aspects among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

FIG.1illustrates a first aspect of a fluid testing system100according to the present disclosure. According to example aspects, the fluid testing system100can be configured to test one or more characteristics of fluid from a fluid piping system (not shown). In a first example aspect, the fluid testing system100may be configured to test the quality of the fluid; for example, the fluid testing system100may measure levels of lead, bacteria, nitrates, chlorine, pH levels, or the like. The fluid piping system can be any fluid-carrying system, such as, for example, a potable water system. In other aspects, the fluid piping system can be another type of water supply system, a natural gas system, a sewage system, an irrigation network, or the like. In some aspects, the fluid testing system100can also or alternatively be configured to measure the pressure of the fluid in the fluid piping system. Furthermore, in various aspects, the fluid testing system100may be able to wirelessly relay information related to the fluid pressure, or other measured characteristics, to a third party or an external device (e.g., an operations center, a computer, a phone, etc.), as described in further detail below. In other aspects, the fluid testing system100may be configured to measure other characteristics of the fluid.

According to example aspects, the fluid testing system100can comprise a pit assembly110and a sampling station assembly140. As shown, example aspects of the pit assembly110can comprise a pit housing115. The pit housing115can comprise a pit liner120and a pit lid125. Other aspects of the pit housing115may not comprise the pit lid125and may comprise the pit liner120only. As shown, the pit lid125can be secured to the pit housing115by one or more fasteners130. For example, the fasteners130can be screw and bracket assemblies132or any other suitable fasteners known in the art, including, but not limited to, nut and bolt assemblies, welding, adhesives, and the like. The pit housing115can be configured to house and protect various components therein. For example, the pit housing115can be configured to house and protect a curb stop assembly200(shown inFIG.2) for selectively shutting of fluid flow to the sampling station assembly140. Example aspects of the pit housing115can also be configured to house a pressure transducer290(shown inFIG.2) for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the fluid piping system, as shown and further described below.

The pit liner120and the pit lid125can be formed from a substantially rigid material, such that the components mounted therein can be sufficiently protected. For example, the pit liner120and pit lid125can be formed from a metal material, such as steel. In other aspects, the pit liner120and pit lid125can be formed from any other suitably rigid material material including, but not limited to, plastics and other types of metal, or any suitable combination thereof. In example aspects, the pit liner120and the pit lid125can be formed from the same material, while in other aspects, the pit liner120and the pit lid125can be formed from varying materials. In example aspects, the pit housing115can be installed below-grade (i.e., below ground level180), and the pit lid125can be about flush with the ground level180. Other aspects of the pit assembly110can be installed fully or partially above-grade (i.e., above ground level180).

As shown, according to various example aspects of the fluid testing system100, in the present aspect, the sampling station assembly140can be attached to the pit assembly110at a top end112thereof. In one aspect, the sampling station assembly140can be a Mueller Co. Hydro-Guard® Sampling Station, for example, the Hydro-Guard® Blow-Off Sampling Station. In the present aspect, the sampling station assembly140can be an above-grade station; however, in other aspects, the sampling station assembly140can be a below-grade station. Example aspects of the sampling station assembly140can comprise a sampling station housing145. The sampling station housing145can comprising a sampling station liner150and a sampling station lid155. In various aspects, the sampling station lid155can be hingedly coupled to the sampling station liner150by a lid hinge255(shown inFIG.2), such that the sampling station lid155is pivotable between a closed position, as shown inFIG.1, and an open position, as shown inFIG.2. In other aspects, the sampling station lid155may not be hingedly coupled to the sampling station liner150. According to some example aspects, a pressure monitor170may be coupled with sampling station lid155, as will be described in further detail below. In other aspects, the pressure monitor170may be positioned elsewhere on or within the fluid testing system100, and other aspects may not comprise a pressure monitor170.

As shown, the sampling station assembly140can be secured to the pit assembly110. For example, the sampling station liner150can be secured to the pit lid125, such that, in the present aspect, the sampling station assembly140can be stacked on the pit assembly110, as shown. Thus, in the present aspect, the sampling station assembly140can be installed substantially above-grade. Other aspects of the sampling station assembly140may be installed fully or partially below-grade. The sampling station assembly140can be secured to the pit assembly110by a fastener, such as, for example, screws, nuts and bolts, adhesives, welding, or any other suitable fastener known in the art. In other aspects, the sampling station assembly140may be connected to the pit assembly110elsewhere on the pit assembly110or may not be connected to the pit assembly110at all.

The sampling station housing145can be configured to house and protect various components therein, as described in further detail below. As such, the sampling station liner150and sampling station lid155can be formed from a substantially rigid material, such that the components mounted therein can be sufficiently protected. For example, the sampling station liner150and sampling station lid155can be formed from a metal material, such as steel. In other aspects, the sampling station liner150and sampling station lid155can be formed from any other suitably rigid material, including, but not limited to, plastics and other types of metal, or any suitable combination thereof. In example aspects, the sampling station liner150and sampling station lid155can be formed from the same material, while in other aspects, the sampling station liner150and the sampling station lid155can be formed from varying materials.

FIG.2illustrates the pit liner120of the pit housing115as translucent for visibility of components mounted within the pit housing115.FIG.2also illustrates the sampling station lid155pivoted to the open position. As shown inFIG.2, example aspects of the pit assembly110can comprise the curb stop assembly200, which can be in fluid communication with the fluid piping system as described in further detail below, and which can allow a user to selectively start and stop the flow of fluid through a curb stop valve205of the curb stop assembly200. The curb stop valve205can be, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, or any other suitable type of valve known in the art. According to example aspects, a portion of the curb stop assembly200can be received within the pit housing115, along with the pressure transducer290, for protection from undesirable external factors, such as dirt and moisture, heavy impacts, tampering, and the like.

As shown, example aspects of the pit liner120can define an inner pit liner surface222and an outer pit liner surface224. The inner pit liner surface222can define an interior pit cavity230within which the curb stop assembly200and pressure transducer290can be mounted. Example aspects of the pit liner120can be formed from substantially rigid material, such as a metal material, such that the components mounted within the pit housing115can be protected, as described above. In example aspects, the pit liner120can comprise a substantially cylindrical pit sidewall235. In other aspects, the pit sidewall235can define any other suitable shape. For example, the pit sidewall235can define a rectangular cross-sectional shape or any other suitable cross-sectional shape. Moreover, the pit sidewall235can define a first pit end236and a second pit end238, each of which can be open and can allow access to the interior pit cavity230.

The pit lid125can be provided for covering or substantially covering the open first pit end236. As described above, the pit lid125can be coupled to the pit sidewall235by the screw and bracket assemblies132or any other suitable fastener130. In some example aspects, the pit lid125can be lockable to prevent accidental or intentional tampering with the components within the interior pit cavity230(e.g., the pressure transducer290and curb stop assembly200); however, in other aspects, the pit lid125may not be lockable. Furthermore, according to example aspects, the pit lid125can define a pit lid opening425(shown inFIG.4) formed therethrough, which can provide access to the interior pit cavity230and which will be described in further detail below. Furthermore, in some aspects, the second pit end238opposite the pit lid125may not be completely open. For example, in some aspects, the pit liner120can comprise a pit end wall (not shown) oriented at the second pit end238. The pit end wall can be semi-permeable, such that liquids can drain out of the pit liner120through the pit end wall, but solids such as dirt cannot enter the interior pit cavity230through the pit end wall. In other aspects, however, the pit end wall may provide a watertight seal with the pit sidewall235, such that fluid cannot enter or exit the interior pit cavity230through the second pit end238.

Example aspects of the sampling station liner150can define an inner station liner surface652(shown inFIG.6) and an outer station liner surface254. The inner station liner surface652can define an interior sampling station cavity660(shown inFIG.6) within which various components can be housed and protected. In the present aspect, the sampling station liner150can comprise a sampling station sidewall265having the shape of a rectangular prism. In other aspects, the sampling station sidewall265can define any other suitable shape, including, but not limited to, cylindrical. The sampling station liner150can further comprise a sampling station door240hingedly coupled to the sampling station sidewall265by a door hinge242. The sampling station door240can be opened to allow access to the interior sampling station cavity660or closed to prohibit access to the interior sampling station cavity660. The sampling station sidewall265can define a first sampling station end266and a second sampling station end268, and the sampling station lid155can be oriented at the first sampling station end266, such that access to the interior sampling station cavity660at the first sampling station end266can be limited or prohibited when the sampling station lid155is closed. A sampling station opening (not shown) can be defined at the second sampling station end268, such that the second sampling station end268is open and allows access to the interior sampling station cavity660. In example aspects, the pit lid opening425can be substantially aligned with the sampling station opening to allow various components of the fluid testing system100to extend between the interior pit cavity230and the interior sampling station cavity660.

According to example aspects, a pit access opening270can be provided through the pit sidewall235as shown. In other aspects, the pit access opening270can be provided through the pit end wall, if present. As shown, an inlet conduit272can extend through the pit access opening270to connect the fluid piping system to the components mounted within the interior pit cavity230. For example, the inlet conduit272can allow the fluid piping system to be in fluid communication with the curb stop assembly200. As shown, the curb stop assembly200can be installed below-grade (i.e., below ground level180) within the pit housing115of the pit assembly110.

Example aspects of the curb stop assembly200can comprise a curb stop valve205, a curb stop guide210, a curb stop sleeve212, and a curb stop rod315(shown inFIG.3). The curb stop valve205can define a valve inlet end206, a valve outlet end208, and a fluid passageway (not shown) therebetween, and the valve inlet end206can be connected to the inlet conduit272. The curb stop guide210can be generally positioned atop the curb stop valve205, relative to the orientation shown, and can guide the curb stop rod315into engagement with the curb stop valve205. In example aspects, the curb stop rod315can engage a valve cap312(shown inFIG.3), which can be housed within the curb stop guide210and which can be movable relative to the curb stop valve205between a closed orientation, wherein the curb stop valve205is closed and fluid is prevented from flowing through the curb stop valve205, and an open orientation, wherein the curb stop valve205is open and fluid is permitted to flow through the curb stop valve205. The curb stop sleeve212can extend generally upward from the curb stop guide210, relative to the orientation shown. The curb stop rod315can be housed within the curb stop sleeve212and can be connected to the valve cap312by a fastener, such as, for example, a clevis fastener, or any other suitable fastener known in the art. The curb stop rod315can be accessed through a sleeve opening414(shown inFIG.4) at an upper section413(shown inFIG.4) of the curb stop sleeve212distal from the curb stop guide210. According to example aspects, the curb stop sleeve212can extend through the pit lid opening425and the sampling station opening, such that the upper section413of the curb stop sleeve212can extend into the interior sampling station cavity660.

According to example aspects, the curb stop assembly200can be operated to open and close the curb stop valve205to selectively allow or prohibit fluid flow therethrough from the valve inlet end206to the valve outlet end208. In one aspect, a user can engage a tool (not shown), such as a key, with the curb stop rod315at a rod key end416(shown inFIG.4) thereof. The key or other tool can be manually rotated to rotate the curb stop rod315within the curb stop sleeve212, which can in turn rotate (or otherwise move) the valve cap312to which the curb stop rod315is connected. The valve cap312can be rotated to the closed orientation to close the curb stop valve205or to the open orientation to open the curb stop valve205, depending upon the direction in which the key is turned.

Example aspects of the fluid testing system100can further comprise a sampling pipe280connected to the curb stop valve205at the valve outlet end208, opposite the inlet conduit272, as shown. In the present aspect, the sampling pipe280can generally define an L-shape, having a substantially horizontal pipe segment282extending from the valve outlet end208and a substantially vertical pipe segment284extending generally upward from the horizontal pipe segment282. The horizontal and vertical pipe segments282,284can be linked together by a bend pipe fitting286. According to example aspects, fluid from the fluid piping system can pass through the curb stop valve205when the valve205is open and can travel up the sampling pipe280, relative to the orientation shown. An upper section484(shown inFIG.4) of the vertical pipe segment284of the sampling pipe280can extend into the interior sampling station cavity660, and fluid samples can be collected from the sampling pipe280within the sampling station assembly140, as will be described in further detail below.

In some aspects of the sampling station assembly140, the sampling station lid155can define a sampling station lid hole256therethrough and the pressure monitor170can be coupled thereto. In the present aspect, the pressure monitor170can define a lower portion276configured to be received through the sampling station lid hole256and to extend into the interior sampling station cavity660and an upper portion278positioned outside of the interior sampling station cavity660. In other aspects, the upper portion278of the pressure monitor170can be positioned inside the interior sampling station cavity660. The upper portion278of the pressure monitor170can comprise an antenna (not shown) housed within that can be configured to send signals to a third party or device (e.g., an external operations center of a utility company) related to the measured pressure of the fluid in the fluid piping system. In some aspects, the sampling station housing145can be formed from a ferrous material, such as, for example and without limitation, stainless steel. The upper portion278of the pressure monitor170comprising the antenna can be oriented outside of the sampling station housing145such that the ferrous material will not interfere with signals sent by the antenna. In other aspects, the sampling station housing145can be formed from non-ferrous materials, or a combination of ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Furthermore, other aspects of the fluid testing system100may not comprise the pressure monitor170.

FIG.3illustrates a detail view of the inlet conduit272, pressure transducer290, and the curb stop valve205. According to example aspects, the pressure transducer290can be positioned on the inlet conduit272between the fluid piping system and the curb stop valve205, as shown. In other aspects, the pressure transducer290can be positioned elsewhere within the fluid testing system100. In some aspects, a bulkhead fitting (not shown) can be installed on the inlet conduit272and the pressure transducer290can be connected to the bulkhead fitting. The pressure transducer290can be any suitable type of pressure transducer290, such as a strain gauge pressure transducer or any other pressure transducer known in the art. According to example aspects, the pressure transducer290can be configured to measure the pressure of the fluid in the inlet conduit272from the fluid piping system. In some aspects, fluid from the fluid piping system can be received in the inlet conduit272even when the curb stop valve205is closed, and as such, the pressure transducer290can be configured to measure the pressure of the fluid when the curb stop valve205is both opened and closed. Some aspect of the pressure transducer290can further be configured to generate an electrical signal representative of the measured pressure. The pressure transducer290can be communicatively coupled to the pressure monitor170, such that the electrical signal can be relayed to the pressure monitor170(shown inFIG.1). For example, the pressure transducer290can be communicatively coupled to the pressure monitor170by a wire, and the data can be transmitted from the pressure transducer290to the pressure monitor170through the wire. In other aspects, the pressure transducer290can be wirelessly coupled to the pressure monitor170for the transmission of data (e.g., via Bluetooth®.) As described above, the antenna of the pressure monitor170can then send signals to a third party related to the pressure data. For example, the fluid testing system100may send alerts to a third party when notable spikes or drops in pressure are detected. According to example aspects, the pressure transducer290can be within the pit housing115for protection from undesirable external factors, such as dirt, moisture, heavy impacts, tampering, and the like.

As shown, the curb stop guide210is illustrated as transparent for visibility of the components therein. As described above, the curb stop guide210can guide the curb stop rod315into engagement with the valve cap312. According to example aspects, a drain310can be provided on a bottom side306of the curb stop valve205, as shown. The drain310can be in fluid communication with the fluid passageway of the curb stop valve205. Example aspects of the drain310can allow excess fluid received within the sampling pipe280and curb stop valve205to drain out of the fluid testing system100at the second pit end238of the pit assembly110. Draining the excess fluid out of the fluid testing system100can aid in preventing damage to the curb stop assembly200and/or sampling pipe280that can be caused by the excess fluid freezing within these components during low temperatures. The excess fluid can be drained out through the drain310after fluid samples are taken through the sampling pipe280or after the fluid piping system is flushed, the processes for which is described in further detail below.

In some aspects, the fluid testing system100can comprise a pair of retaining nuts320configured to aid in securing the inlet conduit272to the pit sidewall235(shown inFIG.2) at the pit access opening270(shown inFIG.2). As shown, the inlet conduit272can define a threaded portion372which can be configured to threadably engage a corresponding threaded opening (not shown) formed in each of the retaining nuts320. In example aspects, a first one of the retaining nuts320can be configured to abut the inner pit liner surface222(shown inFIG.2) of the pit liner120(shown inFIG.2) and a second one of the retaining nuts320can be configured to abut the outer pit liner surface224(shown inFIG.2) of the pit liner120. The retaining nuts320can be sufficiently tightened against the inner and outer pit liner surfaces222,224to secure the inlet conduit272in position relative to the pit liner120.

FIG.4is a top perspective view of the pit assembly110, illustrating the pit lid125of the pit housing115. As shown, the pit lid125can define the pit lid opening425formed therethrough, which can allow access to the interior pit cavity230. In the present aspect, the upper section413of the curb stop sleeve212and an upper section484of vertical pipe segment284of the sampling pipe280can extend through the pit lid opening425and into the interior sampling station cavity660(shown inFIG.6) of the sampling station assembly140(shown inFIG.1). In various aspects, one or more retaining bracket450can be provided for retaining the vertical pipe segment284of the sampling pipe280and the curb stop sleeve212in position in an upright orientation. For example, the vertical pipe segment284can pass through a pipe retaining hole460formed in the retaining bracket450, and the curb stop sleeve212can pass through a sleeve retaining hole455formed in the retaining bracket450, as shown. The retaining bracket(s)450can be positioned within the interior sampling station cavity660when the sampling station assembly140is mounting to the pit assembly110. Other aspects can comprise more retaining brackets450, and still other aspects may not comprise retaining brackets450. Furthermore, in some aspects, the retaining bracket(s)450can be positioned alternatively or additionally within the interior pit cavity230.

In the presentFIG.4, the curb stop rod315can be seen housed within the curb stop sleeve212. As shown, the curb stop sleeve212can define the sleeve opening414through which the curb stop rod315can be accessed. The curb stop rod315can define the rod key end416positioned proximate the sleeve opening414. In example aspects, as described above, a user can manually engage the rod key end416of the curb stop rod315with a tool, such as a key, to actuate the curb stop rod315. For example, the key may be used to rotate the curb stop rod315. Rotating the curb stop rod315can rotate the valve cap312to selectively open or close the curb stop valve205. When the curb stop valve205is opened, fluid can flow through the curb stop valve205from the fluid piping system to the sampling pipe280. Samples of the fluid can be taken from the sampling pipe280or the fluid can be flushed through a blow-off assembly590(shown inFIG.5), as described in further detail below.

FIG.5illustrates the sampling station assembly140with the sampling station liner150(shown inFIG.1) removed for visibility of the components received/mounted within the interior sampling station cavity660(shown inFIG.6). As illustrated, the upper portion278of the pressure monitor170can extend above the sampling station lid155, relative to the orientation shown, such that it is positioned outside of the interior sampling station cavity660, while the lower portion276of the pressure monitor170can extend through the sampling station lid155and into the interior sampling station cavity660. As shown, another retaining bracket450can be positioned proximate to the sleeve opening414of the curb stop sleeve212and can aid in further retaining the curb stop sleeve212and the vertical pipe segment284of the sampling pipe280in the upright orientation.

According to example aspects, a sampling assembly505can be oriented on the upper section484of the vertical pipe segment284, as shown. The sampling assembly505can be configured to dispense samples of fluid from the sampling pipe280for testing the quality of the fluid. For example, as described above, the fluid can be tested for levels of lead, bacteria, nitrates, chlorine, pH levels, or the like. A sampling valve510can be connected to the sampling pipe280for transmitting fluid from the sampling pipe280to a sampling dispenser515through which the fluid can be dispensed. The fluid can be dispensed into a collection container and can be tested on site or taken to a testing facility. Example aspects of the sampling assembly505can further comprise a sampling actuator520configured to open and close the sampling valve510to selectively allow or prevent fluid flow through the sampling dispenser515, respectively. In the current aspect, the sampling actuator520is a handle on the sampling valve. As such, to obtain a fluid sample of the fluid in the fluid piping system, the valve cap312can be moved to the open orientation to open the curb stop valve205and allow fluid to flow from the fluid piping system into the inlet conduit272and through the open curb stop valve205. The fluid can flow from the valve inlet end206to the valve outlet end208of the curb stop valve205and into the sampling pipe280. The sampling actuator520can be actuated to open the sampling valve510, to allow fluid to flow from the sampling pipe280through the sampling valve510and into the sampling dispenser515. The sampling dispenser515can then dispense the fluid into a collection container for testing.

According to example aspects, the sampling pipe280can further comprise the blow-off assembly590configured to flush out contaminated fluid from the fluid piping system. As shown, the blow-off assembly590can be oriented at an upper pipe end586of the vertical pipe segment284of the sampling pipe280. The blow-off assembly590can define a curved section594formed in the vertical pipe segment284and a blow-off opening592through which fluid can be expelled. The fluid piping system can be flushed to expel fluid tainted with undesirable contaminants, like bacteria, or having undesirable levels of various substances, including, but not limited to lead, nitrates, chlorine, etc. The fluid can be can be flushed for any other suitable purpose, as well. In various aspects, the sampling station door240of the sample station liner150can be pivoted open about its corresponding door hinge242so that the fluid can be expelled out of the sampling station assembly140and into the external surroundings. According to example aspects, a blow-off valve595can be provided within the vertical pipe segment284which can be selectively opened and closed to allow and prevent, respectively, fluid flow out of the blow-off opening592. As shown, the blow-off valve595can comprise a blow-off actuator596, which can be operated to open and close the blow-off valve595. In various aspects, sampling valve510and the blow-off valve595can each be, for example, a ball valve, a butterfly valve, or any other suitable type of valve known in the art.

FIG.6illustrates the fluid testing system100with the pit housing115and the sampling station housing145illustrated as transparent for full visibility of the interior components. The curb stop sleeve212is also illustrated as transparent for visibility of the curb stop rod315housed therein. As shown, the pit assembly110can be installed substantially below-grade (i.e., below ground level180), and the pit lid125can be about flush with ground level180. The pressure transducer290and the curb stop valve205can be mounted within the interior pit cavity230of the pit housing115for protection from undesirable external factors, including, but not limited to, dirt, moisture, impacts, tampering, and the like. Furthermore, the sampling station assembly140can be installed substantially above-grade (i.e., above ground level180). The blow-off assembly590, sampling assembly505, and the lower portion276of the pressure monitor170can be mounted within the interior sampling station cavity660of the sampling station assembly140for protection from undesirable external factors, including, but not limited to, dirt, moisture, impacts, tampering, and the like. According to example aspects, the curb stop sleeve212and the curb stop rod315housing therein can extend between the interior pit cavity230and the interior sampling station cavity660, and the vertical pipe segment284of the sampling pipe280can extend between the interior pit cavity230and the interior sampling station cavity660.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.