Patent ID: 8475720

Claim:
A method for sampling a polymerization reactor comprising: providing a sampling device, wherein the sampling device comprises: a sample conduit connected to the polymerization reactor for receiving a sample of polymer particles in a liquid diluent from the polymerization reactor; a sample release valve disposed in the sample conduit; an automatic flushing mechanism in fluid connection with the sample conduit; a flash tank fluidically connected to the sample conduit comprising an inlet connected through a flash line to an outlet of the sample release valve, a first outlet for the removal of polymer particles from the flash tank and a second outlet for the release of gas from the flash tank; a sample receiving chamber having an inlet for receiving the sample of polymer particles and an analyzer; and a sample transfer line extending from the flash tank to the sample receiving chamber and provided with at least one valve with an outlet of the at least one valve connected to the sample receiving chamber; removing a sample from the polymerization reactor; and analyzing the sample from the polymerization reactor.