Patent ID: 8069738

Claim:
A probe ( 1 ) for simultaneously sampling and analyzing fluids, comprising: an elongate main body having a proximal end for attachment to a wall of a duct ( 2 ) containing fluid to be analyzed, and a distal end arranged for positioning in the interior of the duct ( 2 ), the elongate main body forming a cavity ( 7 ) through which fluid to be analyzed can be drawn; an optical source ( 9 ) arranged to direct a beam of light into the cavity ( 7 ); an optical detector ( 13 ) arranged to detect the beam of light after passing through the cavity ( 7 ); a filter ( 3 ); means ( 5 ) for drawing the fluid to be analyzed into the cavity ( 7 ) through the filter ( 3 ); means for generating a reverse flow of fluid through the cavity ( 7 ), for venting the fluid through said filter ( 3 ); and a flow sensor ( 16 ) capable of monitoring a fluid flow rate of the fluid to be analyzed when being drawn into the cavity ( 7 ), to determine successful drawing of the fluid into the cavity ( 7 ).