Device for taking samples from a tank

Abstract

A device for taking samples from a tank, characterized in that it comprises a conduit (1) having two ends, the outer end (2), located outside the tank (12), and the inner end (3), located inside the tank (12) and submerged in the fluid to be sampled. At the top of the conduit (1), it comprises a bend (4) housing pumping means (5) that pump the fluid. The inner end (3), in its final section, comprises at least one modular suction module (8) that connects to other suction modules (8) in series distributed along the inner end (3), and each suction module (8) comprises a float valve (9).

Description

Device for taking samples from a tank OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention, as its title indicates, relates to a device for taking samples from a tank. It is an innovation that, within current techniques, offers advantages previously unknown. The present invention is characterized by the special functional and constructive characteristics of the elements that form part of the device, so that they all contribute to achieving a device for taking samples from a tank, a tool designed to extract and analyze liquid contents from a tank with precision and efficiency. TECHNICAL SECTOR Therefore, the present invention falls within the scope of sampling devices for industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food and fuel, where it is essential to guarantee the quality and composition of the stored materials. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although various designs of devices for taking samples in tanks are known, the existence of any other that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those presented by the invention claimed herein is unknown. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION Sampling liquids from tanks is a fundamental task in various industries, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and fuel. The invention relates to a device for taking samples from a tank, specifically designed to facilitate the accurate and safe extraction of samples from different levels within the tank. Specifically, the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, a device for taking samples from a tank comprising an inverted "U"-shaped conduit, which serves as the primary means for transferring the fluid from the tank to the collection point. This conduit is divided into two clearly differentiated ends: the outer end, located outside the tank, facilitates sample collection and channeling into a storage container; and the inner end, located inside the tank, remains submerged in the fluid to be sampled and is designed to adapt to different liquid levels. The conduit structure is complemented by an upper curve, which plays a key role in housing the pumping equipment necessary for fluid transfer. At the top of the conduit, the pumping mechanism is configured to facilitate fluid extraction from the inner to the outer end. This mechanism may include a diaphragm pump, although other types of mechanical pumps that do not require electrical power are also compatible. This ensures that the sampling device is fully functional even in environments where electrical power is unavailable, such as areas with high flammability due to the nature of the fluids, such as fuels, chemicals, or volatile substances. Its structure has been specifically designed to operate safely and efficiently under these critical conditions, minimizing the risks associated with potential explosions or fires. The inner end adjusts to different fluid levels within the tank. To achieve this, the inner end includes at least one suction module in its end section. These modules are designed to ensure accurate and representative extraction, even when fluid levels fluctuate. In tanks where the maximum fluid level is considerably high, the device may incorporate multiple suction modules distributed along the inner end. A plurality of suction modules connected in series in a modular fashion allows for the collection of fluid samples from different levels within the tank, which is essential for analyzing variations in fluid composition. The ability to access multiple layers ensures a precise and detailed evaluation, especially in cases where fluid properties may differ significantly between levels. Furthermore, this approach allows for improved quality control and monitoring processes in various industrial applications, ensuring reliable and representative results for the total tank contents. Each suction module includes a float valve, a key component that optimizes operation. This valve closes automatically when the fluid level falls below the corresponding module. This prevents air from entering the system and ensures that samples are collected only at levels where the inner end is submerged, preserving sample quality and representativeness. Additionally, at the end of the conduit is a valve that allows the user to control the flow of fluid to the test tube where the sample will be stored. This design ensures precise and efficient handling during collection. The test tube is located at the end of the outer section and serves as a container for collecting the extracted samples. Users can then take the necessary samples. Depending on the tank design, the outer section can extend beyond the tank via a conduit extension. This allows the system's endpoint to be located in a more suitable or accessible area for safe sample control and handling. Its ability to adjust to different fluid levels within the tank makes it versatile and applicable to a wide range of situations. The suction modules with float valves ensure that the samples are representative and free from contamination. This innovative device has applications in various industries where accurate and representative sampling of fluids stored in tanks is required. It is used for sampling liquid chemicals stored in large tanks or reservoirs, for sampling liquids such as oils, juices, or dairy products, for collecting water samples from tanks used in industrial or agricultural processes, and for extracting representative samples of liquid hydrocarbons stored in tanks. Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. Similar or equivalent procedures and materials to those described herein may be used in the practice of this invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complete the description being made and in order to aid in a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device for taking samples from a tank, with the tank (12) full. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a device for taking samples from a tank, with the tank (12) in the middle. Figure 3 is a perspective representation of a suction module (8) with the float valve (9) open (submerged in liquid). Figure 4 is a perspective representation of a suction module (8) with the float valve (9) closed (out of the liquid). PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In view of the figures, a preferred, though not limiting, embodiment of the proposed invention is described below, which consists of a device for taking samples from a tank. As shown in the figures, the device for taking samples from a tank comprises a conduit (1) with the shape of an inverted "U". This conduit (1) is composed of two distinct ends: the outer end (2), which is located outside the tank (12), and the inner end (3), located inside the tank (12) and submerged in the fluid to be sampled. At the top of the conduit (1), there is a bend (4) that houses pumping means (5). These means can be configured as a diaphragm pump, although other types of mechanical pumps that do not require electrical drive can also be used. The main function of these pumping means (5) is to move the fluid from the inner end (3) to the outer end (2). The pumping means (5) can be operated by a lever (6) connected to a handle (7), such as a chain or cable. A key feature of the inner end (3) is its ability to adapt to different fluid levels within the reservoir (12). At its end section, this end comprises at least one suction module (8), designed to ensure accurate sample extraction. Depending on the maximum height the fluid can reach within the reservoir (12), the device may comprise multiple suction modules (8) distributed along the inner end (3). Each suction module (8) comprises a float valve (9). This float valve (9) is capable of closing automatically when the fluid level falls below the corresponding suction module (8). In this way, the device allows sampling only at levels where the inner end (3) is submerged, optimizing the quality and representativeness of the samples obtained. The outer end (2) of the device comprises a vent valve (10) that regulates the pressure within the conduit during the sampling operation. Additionally, the outer end of the conduit (2) comprises a flow control valve (11), the function of which is to control the flow to the sampling tube. The test tube, located at the end of the outer end (2), is the container where the extracted sample is stored. This design ensures that the samples are collected without contamination and in the precise quantity required for subsequent analysis. Additionally, depending on the design of the tank (12), the outer end (2) may not be adjacent to the tank (12) and the conduit (1) may be extended beyond the tank (12) to a more suitable or control area. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A device for taking samples from a tank, characterized in that it comprises a conduit (1) having two ends: the outer end (2), located outside the tank (12), and the inner end (3), located inside the tank (12) and submerged in the fluid to be sampled. At the top of the conduit (1), a bend (4) houses pumping means (5) that pump the fluid. The inner end (3), in its final section, comprises at least one modular suction module (8) that connects to other suction modules (8) in series distributed along the inner end (3), and each suction module (8) comprises a float valve (9).

2. A device for taking samples from a tank, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pumping means (5) are actuated by a lever (6) connected to a handle (7). 3.A device for taking samples from a tank, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the float valve (9) is configured to close when the fluid level is below the corresponding suction module (8).

4. A device for taking samples from a tank, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer end (2) of the device comprises a vent valve (10).

5. A device for taking samples from a tank, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer end (2) comprises a shut-off valve (11).

6. A device for taking samples from a tank, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pumping means (5) is a diaphragm pump. 7.Device for taking samples from a tank, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit (1) is extended beyond the tank (12).