Port connection assembly and device

Abstract

A multi-port connection assembly 100 includes a connector body 110 and a fluid isolation adapter 120. The connector body 110 includes a first fluid passage 111 extending from an adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid passage 113 extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first base portion 114 disposed between the first and second fluid passages, and a second base portion 116 disposed between the second fluid passage and an open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid isolation adapter 120 is detachably assembled with the adapter port and includes an adapter body 125 defining a first end passage 121 connected with the first fluid passage, a second end passage 123 connected with the second fluid passage, a first seal portion 124 sealing the first base portion, and a second seal portion 126 sealing the second base portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and all benefits to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 085,238, entitled “FLUID SAMPLING SYSTEM”, filed September 30, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to port connection components. More specifically, this disclosure relates to port connection components for fluid sampling systems. Background Technology

[0004] In many chemical and other process operations, it is often necessary to periodically sample the fluids flowing at different points in the process. Many process fluids pose serious safety hazards when released or exposed to the atmosphere. Other process fluids, while not extremely dangerous or toxic, may be highly sensitive to absorbing atmospheric moisture, making accurate moisture analysis impossible when samples are exposed to the atmosphere. For a variety of reasons, it may be desirable to obtain samples of various process fluids in a manner that prevents exposure to the atmosphere. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to exemplary aspects of one or more inventions disclosed herein, a multi-port connection assembly includes a connector body and a fluid isolation adapter. The connector body includes a first fluid channel extending from an adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid channel extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first base portion disposed between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, and a second base portion disposed between the second fluid channel and an open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid isolation adapter is detachably assembled with the adapter port and includes an adapter body defining a first end channel connected to the first fluid channel, a second end channel connected to the second fluid channel, a first sealing portion sealing the first base portion, and a second sealing portion sealing the second base portion.

[0006] According to another exemplary aspect of one or more inventions disclosed herein, a system for collecting liquid samples includes a fluid source, a connector body, a fluid isolation adapter, and a sample container. The connector body includes a sample fluid channel extending from an adapter port to a sample fluid connector port connected to the fluid source, a second fluid channel extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first base portion disposed between the sample fluid channel and the second fluid channel, and a second base portion disposed between the second fluid channel and an open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid isolation adapter is detachably assembled with the adapter port and includes an adapter body defining a sample fluid end channel connected to the sample fluid channel at a first connector in the adapter port, a second end channel connected to the second fluid channel at a second connector in the adapter port, a first sealing portion sealing the first base portion to isolate the first connector from the second connector, and a second sealing portion sealing the second base portion to seal the second connector to prevent external leakage. A sample tube extending from a distal end portion of the sample fluid end channel extends into the sample container to supply sample fluid from the fluid source to the sample container. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sampling device for a sample container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a sampling device for a sample container according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4A This is a cross-sectional view of a sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0011] Figure 4B This is a cross-sectional view of another sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4C This is a cross-sectional view of another sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4D This is a cross-sectional view of another sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5A This is a cross-sectional view of the connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view of another connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5C This is a cross-sectional view of another connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure; and

[0017] Figure 5D This is a cross-sectional view of another connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments described herein are merely exemplary implementations and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. In fact, the claimed invention is broader and not limited to the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning. For example, while the specific embodiments described herein relate to apparatus for collecting liquid samples from fluid containers, the features of this disclosure may be additionally or alternatively applied to other types of fluid systems and connection devices.

[0019] While various inventive aspects, concepts, and features of the invention may be described and illustrated herein as being embodied in combination in exemplary embodiments, these different aspects, concepts, and features may be used individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations in many alternative embodiments. All such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of the invention unless expressly excluded herein. Furthermore, while various alternative embodiments of various aspects, concepts, and features of the invention—e.g., alternative materials, structures, constructions, methods, circuits, devices, and components; alternatives in form, assembly, and function, etc.—may be described herein, such description is not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments (whether currently known or developed hereafter). Those skilled in the art will readily use one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts, or features in other embodiments and uses within the scope of the invention, even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even if some features, concepts, or aspects of the invention are described herein as preferred apparatus or methods, such description is not intended to imply that such features are necessary or essential unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, exemplary or representative values ​​and ranges may be included to aid in understanding this disclosure; however, such values ​​and ranges should not be interpreted in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values ​​or ranges only where explicitly stated. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, parameters identified as “about” or “approximately” are intended to include both the specified value and values ​​within 10% of the specified value. Additionally, it should be understood that the accompanying drawings may, but are not necessarily, drawn to scale and are therefore to be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions apparent in the drawings. Moreover, while aspects, features, and concepts may be explicitly identified herein as having inventive step or forming part of the invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive but may be present in a particular inventive aspect, concept, or feature that is fully described herein but not explicitly identified or identified as part of a particular invention, which is alternatively set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to including all steps required in all cases, and the order in which steps are presented should not be construed as necessary or essential unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0020] In many sampling applications, liquid samples are removed from process piping into glass or plastic bottles; this practice is often referred to as grab sampling. To dispense the sample into the bottle, one or more tubes or needles are inserted into the bottle's cap portion (e.g., into an existing opening or by piercing a resilient diaphragm in the cap portion)—a filling tube / needle through which the sample flows into the bottle; and a venting tube / needle through which gas initially in the bottle can escape as it is displaced by the incoming liquid sample. These tubes / needles, when connected to valves and vents respectively, provide a safe and controlled method for dispensing samples into bottles and for venting potentially hazardous process gases away from the operator.

[0021] The tube / needle of the sampling device is typically welded or brazed to the valve / sampling assembly to eliminate the need for resilient seals, thereby avoiding temperature limitations / chemical compatibility issues associated with using such seals. When the tube / needle of the welded or brazed sampling assembly is damaged, or when a different port configuration is required, the entire welded / brazed assembly (e.g., valve and sampling tube / needle) may need to be replaced.

[0022] According to an exemplary aspect of this disclosure, a sampling device may include a connector body and a fluid isolation adapter, the fluid isolation adapter being detachably assembled to an adapter port of the connector body, for example to allow replacement of one or more end channel tubes disposed on the adapter (e.g., due to tube damage) without replacing the entire sampling device.

[0023] The connector body defines a first fluid channel (e.g., a sample fluid channel) and a second fluid channel (e.g., an exhaust channel), each channel intersecting an adapter port in the connector body, wherein a multi-port adapter is configured to be mounted in the adapter port. The connector body includes a first base portion disposed between the first and second fluid channels, and a second base portion disposed between the second fluid channel and an open end portion of the adapter port. The multi-port adapter is configured to be assembled with the adapter port of the connector body (e.g., threaded engagement or clamping engagement), wherein a first sealing portion of the multi-port adapter seals the first base portion of the connector body, and a second sealing portion of the multi-port adapter seals the second base portion of the connector body.

[0024] Figure 1An exemplary sampling device 100 is schematically shown, comprising a connector body 110 and a fluid-isolated or multi-channel adapter 120 assembled with an adapter port 112 of the connector body. The fluid-isolated adapter 120 has an adapter body 125 defining a first end channel 121 connected at a first connector 101 to a first fluid channel 111 (e.g., a sample fluid channel) of the connector body 110, and a second end channel 123 connected at a second connector 103 to a second fluid channel 113 (e.g., an exhaust channel) of the connector body. A first sealing portion 124 of the fluid-isolated adapter 120 seals a base portion 114 of the connector body 110 to isolate the first connector 101 from the second connector 103. A second sealing portion 126 of the fluid-isolated adapter 120 seals an external portion of the adapter port 112 or a second base portion 116 to seal the second connector 103 to prevent external leakage.

[0025] The first and second channels of the sampling device can be provided in various configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fluid channel 111 extends from the proximal end of the adapter port 112 to the first end connector or connector port 117 of the connector body 110, wherein the annular base portion 114 surrounds the first fluid channel, and the distal end portion 111-2 is aligned with the central axis X of the connector body. At least the proximal end portion 121-1 of the first end channel 121 of the fluid isolation adapter 120 is aligned with the central axis X of the connector body 110 to provide the first connector 101, and the first sealing portion 124 surrounds the proximal end portion 121-1 to seal the base portion 114, thereby isolating the first connector 101. The second fluid channel 113 extends laterally from the adapter port 112 distal to the base portion 114 to the second end connector or connector port 118 of the connector body 110. At least the proximal end portion 123-1 of the second end channel 123 of the fluid isolation adapter 120 extends to the outer radial portion of the adapter body 125 in fluid communication with the second fluid channel 113 to provide a second connector 103, and a second sealing portion 126 surrounds the fluid isolation adapter 120 distal to the proximal end portion 123-1 of the second end channel 123 to seal the second connector 103 to prevent external leakage.

[0026] In some embodiments, the second end channel of the fluid isolation adapter may be circumferentially aligned with the second fluid channel of the connector body to provide a second connection. In other exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the connector body 110 and the adapter body 125 together define an annular cavity 105 within the adapter port 112 between the first sealing portion 124 and the second sealing portion 126 of the fluid isolation adapter, wherein the annular cavity provides a second connection 103 between the second fluid channel 113 of the connector body and the second end channel 123 of the fluid isolation adapter, regardless of the rotational orientation of the fluid isolation adapter within the adapter port.

[0027] Many different types of sealing devices can be used to isolate the first and second fluid passages within the adapter port. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid isolation adapter is provided with a tapered nose portion that advances axially to engage with a tapered annular base portion of the connector body to provide a metal-to-metal seal. As an example, the fluid isolation adapter may include a tapered nose portion with a geometry similar to the machined ferrule end of a port connector used with a tube fitting (e.g., a 1 / 4” Swagelok port connector), and the connector body may include a tapered annular base portion with a geometry similar to the cam port of a ferrule-based tube fitting (e.g., a 1 / 4” Swagelok double ferrule tube fitting).

[0028] Many different types of attachment devices can be used to secure the fluid isolation adapter in the adapter port, wherein the adapter sealing portion seals against the connector body base portion. In an exemplary embodiment, a nut may be mounted on the fluid isolation adapter and assembled with the threaded end portion of the body connector adapter port to secure (e.g., clamp or hold) the fluid isolation adapter in the adapter port and advance the adapter sealing portion into seal engagement with the connector body base portion. As an example, the component may include an internally threaded connector nut (e.g., an internally threaded connector nut for a 1 / 2” Swagelok double ferrule tube connector), which is mounted on the fluid isolation adapter and screwed onto the externally threaded end of the adapter port (e.g., an externally threaded connector for a 1 / 2” Swagelok double ferrule tube connector).

[0029] Many different types of sealing devices can be used to seal the fluid isolation adapter to the external portion of the adapter port, thereby sealing the second fluid passage to prevent external leakage. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more ferrules are mounted between the outer cylindrical surface of the fluid isolation adapter (defining the second sealing portion) and the tapering annular portion of the adapter port to provide a sealing engagement between the adapter port and the outer cylindrical surface. As an example, the fluid isolation adapter may include a 1 / 2” nominal outer diameter cylindrical surface defining the second sealing portion, and the body connector adapter port may include a tapering annular portion with a geometry similar to the cam port of a ferrule-based fitting (e.g., a 1 / 2” Swagelok double ferrule fitting), wherein ferrules (e.g., a 1 / 2” Swagelok front and rear ferrule set) are disposed between the annular portion and the cylindrical surface. As described above, an internally threaded fitting nut pulled up at the externally threaded end of the adapter port clamps or forks the ferrules onto the cylindrical surface of the fluid isolation adapter to provide a seal (e.g., a metal-to-metal seal) between the adapter port and the cylindrical surface, and to hold the fluid isolation adapter in its installed state within the adapter port.

[0030] Figure 2 An exemplary sampling device 200 is shown, comprising a connector body 210 and a fluid isolation adapter 220 assembled with an adapter port 212 of the connector body. The fluid isolation adapter 220 has an adapter body 225 defining a first end channel 221 connected at a first connector 201 to a first fluid channel 211 (e.g., a sample fluid channel) of the connector body 210, and a second end channel 223 connected at a second connector 203 to a second fluid channel 213 (e.g., an exhaust channel) of the connector body. The adapter port 212 is provided with an externally threaded connector 238, and an internally threaded nut 235 is assembled with the externally threaded connector to secure the fluid isolation adapter 220 in a sealing engagement within the adapter port. A first sealing portion or tapered nose portion 224 of the adapter body 225 seals a tapered annular base portion 214 of the connector body 210 to isolate the first connector 201 from the second connector 203. By pulling up the connector nut 235 on the external thread connector 238, the countersunk portion 236 of the connector nut is driven into engagement with the ferrule assembly 230, and the ferrule assembly 230 (e.g., front ferrule 231 and rear ferrule 232) is clamped or forged into a clamping and sealing engagement between the second sealing portion or cylindrical outer surface 226 of the adapter body 225 and the outer opening portion 216 of the adapter port 212.

[0031] In another implementation, such as Figure 3As shown, instead of the outer cylindrical surface held and sealed by the ferrule device, the fluid isolation adapter 220' includes an adapter body 225' with a tapered second sealing portion 226', the second sealing portion being configured to directly seal the tapered outer portion of the connector body adapter port (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown), thus eliminating the need for a ferrule device. The tapered shape of the second sealing portion 226' can, for example, be geometrically similar to the front nose of a 1 / 2" Swagelok port connector. An exemplary adapter body 225' includes a shoulder portion 222' distal to the second sealing portion 226', which, when in the external threaded connector 238 (see... Figure 2 When the connector nut 235 is pulled up, the shoulder portion is driven by the countersunk hole 236 of the connector nut to drive the second sealing portion 226' to seal and engage with the outer opening portion 216 of the adapter port 212.

[0032] Return to reference Figure 2 A first fluid channel 211 extends from the proximal end of adapter port 212 to a first end connector or connector port 217 of connector body 210, wherein a tapered annular base portion 214 surrounds the first fluid channel, and a distal end portion 211-2 is aligned with the central axis X of connector body. At least the proximal end portion 221-1 of the first end channel 221 of fluid-isolating adapter 220 is aligned with the central axis X of connector body 210 to provide a first connector 201, and a nose portion 224 surrounds the proximal end portion 221-1 to seal the tapered base portion 214, thereby isolating the first connector 201. A second fluid channel 213 extends laterally from adapter port 212 distal to the tapered base portion 214 to a second end connector or connector port 218 of connector body 210.

[0033] Connector body 210 and adapter body 225 together define an annular cavity 205 within adapter port 212, the annular cavity being between a first sealing portion or nose portion 224 and a second sealing portion or cylindrical outer surface 226 of adapter body 225 and connecting to a second fluid channel 213. At least a proximal end portion 223-1 of the second end channel 223 of fluid-isolating adapter 220 extends to an outer radial portion of adapter body 225, between the first sealing portion 224 and the second sealing portion 226 and aligned with the annular cavity 205 to provide a second connection 203, regardless of the rotational orientation of the fluid-isolating adapter within the adapter port.

[0034] As described herein, fluid isolation adapters may include a variety of different channel configurations, including, for example, machined fluid channels, machined tube ends, welded or brazed tubes / pins, and / or machined or welded / brazed end connections to provide end channels extending from sampling device connections to the connector body and end ports.

[0035] Figure 4A An exemplary embodiment of a fluid isolation adapter 220a is shown, the fluid isolation adapter including an adapter body 225a (similar to...). Figure 2 The adapter body 225 (and correspondingly numbered) defines a first end channel (e.g., a sample channel) 221a having a central proximal end portion 221-1a connected to a radially offset axially extending distal end portion 221-2a; and a second end channel (e.g., an exhaust channel) 223a having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1a connected to a radially offset (i.e., from the central axis X) axially extending distal end portion 223-2a. A first tube (e.g., a sample tube) 240a extends from the adapter body 225 at the distal end portion 221-2a of the first end channel 221a (e.g., welded or brazed to the adapter body) and may include, for example, a sharp needle tip 241a for piercing or otherwise penetrating a diaphragm of a sample vial (not shown), and, for example, an end orifice 242a for supplying sample fluid into the sample vial. The second tube (e.g., an exhaust tube) 250a extends from the adapter body 225a at the distal end portion 223-2a of the second end channel 223a (e.g., welded or brazed to the adapter body), and may include a sharp needle tip 251a for piercing or otherwise penetrating a diaphragm of a sample vial (not shown), and an end orifice 252a for receiving gas discharged from the sample vial.

[0036] Figure 4B Another exemplary embodiment of the fluid isolation adapter 220b is shown, the fluid isolation adapter including an adapter body 225b (similar to...) Figure 2The adapter body 225 (and correspondingly numbered) defines a first end channel (e.g., a sample channel) 221b having a central proximal end portion 221-1b extending axially to a central distal end portion 221-2b; and a second end channel (e.g., an exhaust channel) 223b having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1b connected to and concentrically surrounding the distal end portion 223-1b of the first end channel 221b. To define the distal end portion 221-2b of the first end channel 221b, a proximal end portion 240-1b of a first tube (e.g., a sample tube) 240b extends from the adapter body 225b at the proximal end portion 221-1b of the first end channel 221b (e.g., welded or brazed to the adapter body) and extends through the distal end portion 223-2b of the second end channel 223b. The sample tube 240b may include, for example, a sharp needle tip 241b for piercing or otherwise penetrating a diaphragm of a sample vial (not shown), and an end orifice 242b for, for example, supplying sample fluid into the sample vial. A second tube (e.g., an exhaust tube) 250b extends from the adapter body 225b at the distal end portion 223-2b of the second end channel 223b (e.g., welded or brazed to the adapter body), and may terminate at an end orifice 252b proximal to the end orifice 242b of the sample tube 240b, for example, to receive gas discharged from the sample vial through the annular space between the sample tube 240b and the exhaust tube 250b. In such a device, the centrally aligned sample tube 240b and exhaust tube 250b are less susceptible to damage from unintentional or intentional rotation of the fluid isolation adapter 220b within the inlet port.

[0037] Figure 4C Another exemplary embodiment of the fluid isolation adapter 220c is shown, which includes an adapter body 225c (similar to...) Figure 2The adapter body 225 (and correspondingly numbered) defines a first end channel (e.g., a sample channel) 221c having a central proximal end portion 221-1c extending axially to a central distal end portion 221-2c; and one or more second end channels (e.g., exhaust channels) 223c having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1c connected to the radially offset (i.e., from the central axis X) axially extending distal end portion 223-2c. A tube (e.g., a sample tube) 240c extends from the adapter body 225c at the distal end portion 221-2c of the first end channel 221c (e.g., a machined tube end welded or brazed to the distal end of the body) and may include, for example, an end orifice 242c for supplying sample fluid into a sample vial. The distal end portion 223-2c of the second end channel 223c extends to an end orifice 229c on the adapter body 225c for, for example, receiving gas discharged from the sample vial. In one exemplary embodiment, the second connector port or vent port 218 of the connector body 210 can be attached to a vacuum system (not shown) to allow fumes from the process fluid to be drawn away from the assembly operator. This device can be fixed to the open end of the sample vial rather than penetrating the sample vial diaphragm (e.g., Figure 3 A and Figure 3 (Implementation of B). In one such implementation, the adapter body may define a plurality of exhaust channels arranged circumferentially around a central sample channel or offset circumferentially from each other.

[0038] Figure 4D Another exemplary embodiment of the fluid isolation adapter 220d is shown, the fluid isolation adapter including an adapter body 225d (similar to...) Figure 2The adapter body 225 (and correspondingly numbered) defines a first end channel (e.g., a sample channel) 221d having a central proximal end portion 221-1d extending axially to a central distal end portion 221-2d; and one or more second end channels (e.g., adjustment channels) 223d having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1d connected to the axially extending distal end portion 223-2d, the one or more second end channels being offset from the first end channel 221d. A first tube (e.g., a sample tube) 240d extends from the adapter body 225d at the distal end portion 221-2d of the first end channel 221d (e.g., a machined tube tip welded or brazed to the distal end of the body) and may include, for example, an end orifice 242d for supplying sample fluid into a sample vial. A second tube (e.g., a regulating tube) 250d extends from the adapter body 225b (e.g., welded or brazed to the adapter body) around the distal end portion 223-2d of the first tube 240d and the second end channel 223d, and may terminate at a bent or elbow-shaped end connector 252d through which the first tube 240d extends (and is welded or brazed to a hole in the elbow portion 253d). This arrangement can be used to allow steam or other regulating fluids to flow through the annular space between the first tube 240d and the second tube 250d, for example, to maintain a desired viscosity of the sample fluid within the sample tube. The end connector 252d can be connected to a fluid line for the recirculation or disposal of the regulating fluid. The sampling device can be used with an open-end sample container (which does not require venting) or in conjunction with a separate venting device.

[0039] As described herein, the connector body may include various port configurations, including, for example, valve ports, through ports, and end connector ports. In some embodiments, the connector body includes a first fluid passage extending to a sample fluid receiving port (e.g., an end connector port, valve port, and / or through port) and a second fluid passage extending to a shunt port (e.g., an end connector port and / or valve port), such as an exhaust port.

[0040] Figure 5A An exemplary embodiment of connector body 210a is shown, the connector body including a first fluid passage (e.g., a sample fluid passage) 211a extending along the central axis X of the connector body from adapter port 212a to a first connector port 217a (e.g., an external thread connector, as shown), and a second fluid passage (e.g., a venting or regulating passage) 213a extending laterally from adapter port 212a to a second connector port 218a (e.g., an internal thread connector, as shown). Similar to Figure 2In one embodiment, the connector body 210a includes a tapered annular base portion 214a and an outer opening portion 216a for sealing with the first and second sealing portions of the fluid isolation adapter, as described above.

[0041] Figure 5B Another exemplary embodiment of connector body 210b is shown, the connector body including a first fluid passage (e.g., sample fluid passage) 211b extending along the central axis X of the connector body from adapter port 212b to valve chamber or valve port 219b and from said valve port to a first connector port 217b (e.g., an internally threaded connector, as shown), and a second fluid passage (e.g., venting or regulating passage) 213b extending laterally from adapter port 212b to a second connector port 218b (e.g., an internally threaded connector, as shown). Valve port 219b is configured to mount a rotary actuated valve device (e.g., a ball or plug shut-off valve), for example to selectively block the flow of sample fluid until ready to collect a sample. Similar to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the connector body 210b includes a tapered annular base portion 214b and an outer opening portion 216a for sealing with the first and second sealing portions of the fluid isolation adapter, as described above.

[0042] Figure 5C Another exemplary embodiment of connector body 210c is shown, comprising a first fluid passage (e.g., sample fluid passage) 211c extending along the central axis X of the connector body from adapter port 212c to a valve chamber or valve port 219c and from said valve port to a first connector port 217c (e.g., an internally threaded connector, as shown), and a second fluid passage (e.g., venting or regulating passage) 213c extending laterally from adapter port 212c to a second connector port 218c (e.g., an internally threaded connector, as shown). Valve port 219c is configured to mount an axially actuated valve device (e.g., a diaphragm, needle, or bellows-type shut-off valve), for example, to block the flow of sample fluid until ready to collect a sample. Similar to... Figure 2 In one embodiment, the connector body 210c includes a tapered annular base portion 214c and an outer opening portion 216c for sealing with the first and second sealing portions of the fluid isolation adapter, as described above.

[0043] Figure 5DAnother exemplary embodiment of connector body 210d is shown, the connector body including a first fluid passage (e.g., a sample fluid passage) 211d extending along the central axis X of the connector body from adapter port 212d to a valve chamber or valve port 219d and from the valve port to a through port 217d, and a second fluid passage (e.g., a venting or regulating passage) 213d extending laterally from adapter port 212d to a second connector port 218d (e.g., an internally threaded connector, as shown). Valve port 219d is configured to mount a diaphragm, needle, or bellows-type shut-off valve, for example, to block the flow of sample fluid until ready for sample collection. Through port 217d may include an end connector (not shown) for mounting the connector body in a fluid line to allow sampling of the fluid as it flows through the fluid line. Similar to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the connector body 210d includes a tapered annular base portion 214d and an outer opening portion 216d for sealing with the first and second sealing portions of the fluid isolation adapter, as described above.

[0044] The inventive aspects have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Modifications and alterations will arise in the minds of others upon reading and understanding this specification. The intent is to include all such modifications and alterations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-port connection component, comprising: The connector body includes a first fluid channel extending from an adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid channel extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first base portion disposed between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, and a second base portion disposed between the second fluid channel and an open end portion of the adapter port; as well as A fluid isolation adapter detachably assembled with the adapter port, the fluid isolation adapter including an adapter body defining a first end channel connected to a first fluid channel at a first connector in the adapter port, a second end channel connected to a second fluid channel at a second connector in the adapter port, a first sealing portion sealing the first base portion to isolate the first connector from the second connector, and a second sealing portion sealing the second base portion to seal the second connector to prevent external leakage; The first fluid channel includes a distal end portion aligned with the central axis of the connector body; and The proximal end portion of the first end channel of the fluid isolation adapter is aligned with the central axis of the connector body to provide the first connector together with the distal end portion of the first fluid channel.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the first fluid channel extends from the proximal end of the adapter port to the first connector port.

3. The component of claim 1, wherein the first sealing portion surrounds the proximal end portion of the first end channel to seal the first base portion.

4. The component of claim 1, wherein the second fluid channel extends laterally from the adapter port to the second connector port.

5. The component of claim 1, wherein the proximal end portion of the second end channel extends into the outer radial portion of the adapter body.

6. The component of claim 1, wherein the connector body and the adapter body together define an annular cavity within the adapter port between the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion, wherein the annular cavity provides the second connection between the second fluid passage and the second end passage.

7. The component of claim 1 further includes a threaded connector nut, which is assembled with a threaded connector on the connector body to secure the fluid isolation adapter to a sealed engagement within the adapter port.

8. The component of claim 1, wherein the second base portion includes the tapered outer portion of the adapter port.

9. The component of claim 8, wherein the second sealing portion includes the cylindrical outer surface of the adapter body, and the component further includes a collar device for clamping and sealing between the cylindrical outer surface and the tapered outer opening portion.

10. The component of claim 8, wherein the second sealing portion includes a tapered truncated cone outer surface that seals the tapered outer opening portion.

11. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first end channel includes a central proximal end portion connected to a radially offset axially extended distal end portion, and the second end channel includes a laterally extended proximal end portion connected to the axially extended distal end portion.

12. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a first tube extending from the distal end of the first end channel.

13. The component of claim 12, wherein the first tube is welded or brazed to the adapter body.

14. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second tube extending from the distal end of the second end channel.

15. The component of claim 14, wherein the second tube is welded or brazed to the adapter body.

16. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a first tube extending from the distal end of the first end channel and a second tube extending from the distal end of the second end channel.

17. The component of claim 16, wherein the second tube is radially offset from the first tube.

18. The component of claim 16, wherein the second tube surrounds the first tube and is concentric with the first tube.

19. The component of claim 18, further comprising a bent end connector secured to the second tube, wherein the first tube extends through a bent portion of the bent end connector and seals the bent portion.

20. The component of claim 16, wherein at least one of the first tube and the second tube is welded or brazed to the adapter body.

21. The component of claim 16, wherein the second tube terminates at an end orifice near the end orifice of the first tube.

22. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid isolation adapter includes a third end channel connected to the second fluid channel at the second connector in the adapter port.

23. The component of claim 22, wherein the third end channel is circumferentially offset from the second end channel.

24. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first fluid channel extends from the adapter port to the first connector port along the central axis of the connector body.

25. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first fluid passage extends from the adapter port to the valve port and from the valve port to the first connector port.

26. The component of claim 25, further comprising a shut-off valve mounted in the valve port and operable to selectively block fluid flow between the first connector port and the adapter port.

27. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first connector port includes a through port.

28. The component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first sealing portion includes a tapered nose portion of the adapter body, and the first base portion includes a tapered annular surface of the connector body to provide a metal-to-metal seal with the tapered nose portion.

29. A system for collecting liquid samples, the system comprising: Fluid source; The connector body includes a first fluid channel extending from an adapter port to a first connector port connected to the fluid source, a second fluid channel extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first base portion disposed between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, and a second base portion disposed between the second fluid channel and an open end portion of the adapter port; A fluid isolation adapter detachably assembled with the adapter port, the fluid isolation adapter including an adapter body defining a first end channel connected to a first fluid channel at a first connector in the adapter port, a second end channel connected to a second fluid channel at a second connector in the adapter port, a first sealing portion sealing the first base portion to isolate the first connector from the second connector, and a second sealing portion sealing the second base portion to seal the second connector to prevent external leakage; as well as A sample container, wherein a sample tube extending from the distal end portion of the first end channel extends into the sample container to supply sample fluid from the fluid source to the sample container; The first fluid channel includes a distal end portion aligned with the central axis of the connector body; and The proximal end portion of the first end channel of the fluid isolation adapter is aligned with the central axis of the connector body to provide the first connector together with the distal end portion of the first fluid channel.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the connector body comprises the connector body of any one of claims 1 to 10.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein the fluid isolation adapter comprises the fluid isolation adapter of any one of claims 1 to 10.

32. The system of claim 29, wherein the second connector port includes an exhaust port, the second fluid passage includes a discharge fluid passage, and the second end passage includes a discharge fluid end passage in fluid communication with the sample container to discharge gas from the sample container to the exhaust port.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein the fluid isolation adapter includes an exhaust pipe extending from the distal end portion of the discharge fluid channel and into the sample container.

34. The system of claim 29, wherein the second connector port includes a regulating fluid port connected to a regulating fluid source, the second fluid channel includes a regulating fluid channel, and the second end channel includes a regulating fluid end channel configured to supply regulating fluid along the first end channel.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the regulating fluid source comprises a steam source.

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