Port connection assembly and device

Abstract

The multi-port connection assembly includes a connector body and a fluid isolation adapter. The connector body includes a first fluid passageway extending from the adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid passageway extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first seat portion disposed between the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway, and a second seat portion disposed between the second fluid passageway and an open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid isolation adapter is removably assembled with the adapter port and includes an adapter body defining a first end passageway connecting to the first fluid passageway, a second end passageway connecting to the second fluid passageway, a first seal portion sealing against the first seat portion, and a second seal portion sealing against the second seat portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority and all benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 085,238 (FLUID SAMPLING SYSTEM), filed on September 30, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a port connection assembly. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a port connection assembly for use in a fluid sampling system.

Background Art

[0003] In the operation of many chemical processes and other processes, it is often necessary to periodically sample the fluid flowing within the process at various points. Many process fluids pose significant safety concerns if released or exposed to the atmosphere. Other process fluids are not extremely dangerous or toxic but may be very sensitive to water because they absorb atmospheric moisture, making it impossible to obtain accurate moisture analysis if the sample is exposed to the atmosphere. For many reasons, it can be desirable to obtain various process fluid samples in a way that the sample fluid is not exposed to the atmosphere.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein, a multiport connection assembly includes a connector body and a fluid isolation adapter. The connector body includes a first fluid passage extending from an adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid passage extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first seat portion positioned between the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, and a second seat portion positioned between the second fluid passage and the open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid isolation adapter includes an adapter body that is detachably assembled with the adapter port and defines a first end passage connecting to the first fluid passage, a second end passage connecting to the second fluid passage, a first sealing portion sealing to the first seat portion, and a second sealing portion sealing to the second seat portion.

[0005] According to another exemplary aspect of one or more inventions presented herein, a system for collecting a liquid sample includes a fluid source, a connector body, a fluid separation adapter, and a sample container. The connector body includes a sample fluid passage extending from an adapter port to a sample fluid connector port connected to a fluid source, a second fluid passage extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, a first seat portion positioned between the sample fluid passage and the second fluid passage, and a second seat portion positioned between the second fluid passage and the open end portion of the adapter port. The fluid separation adapter includes an adapter body that is detachably assembled to the adapter port and defines a sample fluid end passage connecting to the sample fluid passage at a first connection of the adapter port, a second end passage connecting to the second fluid passage at a second connection of the adapter port, a first sealing portion that seals against the first seat portion to separate the first connection from the second connection, and a second sealing portion that seals against the second seat portion to seal the second connection to external leakage. A sample tube extending from the distal end of the sample fluid end passage extends into the sample container and supplies the sample fluid from the fluid source to the sample container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sampling device for a sample container according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [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. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of a sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] This is a cross-sectional view of a sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view of another sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [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. [Figure 4D] This is a cross-sectional view of another sampling adapter for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] This is a cross-sectional view of a connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] This is a cross-sectional view of another connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] This is a cross-sectional view of another connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] This is a cross-sectional view of another connector body for a sampling device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] This detailed description is intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the claims in any way. In fact, the claimed invention is broader and less limited than the exemplary embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their entirely ordinary meanings. For example, while the specific embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for collecting liquid samples from a fluid container, the features of this disclosure may be applied additionally or alternatively to other types of fluid systems and connecting devices.

[0008] Various aspects, concepts, and features of the present invention may be described and illustrated herein as being embodied in combination in exemplary embodiments, but these various aspects, concepts, and features may be used individually, in various combinations, and in partial combinations thereof in many alternative embodiments. Unless expressly excluded herein, all such combinations and partial combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, various alternative embodiments relating to various aspects, concepts, and features of the present invention, such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices, and components, as well as alternatives relating to shape, fit, and function, etc., may be described herein, but such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether currently known or to be developed later. Those skilled in the art will readily adopt one or more aspects, concepts, or features of the invention for additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present invention, even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Furthermore, where some features, concepts, or aspects of the present invention are described herein as preferred apparatus or method, such descriptions are not intended to suggest that such features are desired or necessary unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, while illustrative or representative values ​​and ranges may be included to aid in understanding this disclosure, such values ​​and ranges should not be interpreted restrictively and are intended to be critical values ​​or ranges only when explicitly stated as such. Parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” a particular value are intended to include both the specific value and values ​​within 10% of that value, unless otherwise specified. Moreover, while drawings accompanying this disclosure may be to a certain scale, they are not required to be so and should therefore be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings.Furthermore, various embodiments, features, and concepts may be expressly identified herein as inventive or forming part of an invention, but such identification is not intended to be exclusive. Rather, there may be inventive embodiments, concepts, and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a particular invention, and these inventions are instead described in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to including all steps as necessary in all cases, and unless expressly stated otherwise, the order in which the steps are presented is not required or construed as necessary.

[0009] In many sampling applications, liquid samples are drawn from a process pipeline into glass or plastic bottles, a method often referred to as grab sampling. To dispense the sample into the bottle, one or more tubes or needles are inserted through the bottle cap (e.g., through an existing opening or by puncturing the elastomer partition of the cap). A filling tube / needle allows the sample to flow into the bottle, while a venting tube / needle allows gas to escape, as it is replaced by the liquid sample through which the gas initially entered the bottle enters. When these tubes / needles are connected to valves and vent ports, respectively, they provide a safe and controlled means of dispensing the sample into bottles while keeping potentially hazardous process gases away from the operator.

[0010] The tubes / needles of sampling devices are often welded or brazed to the valve / sampling assembly to eliminate the need for elastomer seals and avoid temperature limitations / chemical compatibility issues associated with the use of such seals. If the tube / needle of a welded or brazed sampling assembly is damaged, or if a different port configuration is required, it may be necessary to replace the entire welded / brazed assembly (e.g., the valve and sampling tube / needle).

[0011] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the sampling device may include a connector body and a fluid separation adapter detachably assembled to an adapter port of the connector body, which allows, for example, the replacement of one or more end passage tubes located on the adapter (e.g., due to damage to the tube(s)) without requiring the replacement of the entire sampling device.

[0012] The connector body defines a first fluid passage (e.g., a sample fluid passage) and a second fluid passage (e.g., a vent gas passage), each intersecting the adapter port of the connector body, and the multiport adapter is configured to be installed in the adapter port. The connector body includes a first seat portion positioned between the first and second fluid passages and a second seat portion positioned between the second fluid passage and the open end portion of the adapter port. The multiport adapter is configured to be assembled (e.g., screwed in or clamped into) with the adapter port of the connector body, with a first sealing portion of the multiport adapter sealing against the first seat portion of the connector body, and a second sealing portion of the multiport adapter sealing against the second sealing portion of the connector body.

[0013] Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary sampling device 100, which includes a connector body 110 and a fluid separation or multi-passage adapter 120 assembled with an adapter port 112 of the connector body. The fluid separation adapter 120 has an adapter body 125 that defines a first end passage 121 that connects to a first fluid passage 111 (e.g., a sample fluid passage) of the connector body 110 at a first connection 101, and a second end passage 123 that connects to a second fluid passage 113 (e.g., a vent gas passage) of the connector body at a second connection 103. A first sealing portion 124 of the fluid separation adapter 120 seals against the seat portion 114 of the connector body 110, separating the first connection 101 from the second connection 103. A second sealing portion 126 of the fluid separation adapter 120 seals against the outer portion of the adapter port 112 or the second seat portion 116, sealing the second connection 103 from external leakage.

[0014] The first and second passages of the sampling device can be provided in various configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the first fluid passage 111 extends from the proximal end of the adapter port 112 to the first end connection or connector port 117 of the connector body 110, with an annular seat portion 114 surrounding the first fluid passage, and the distal end portion 111-2 aligned with the central axis X of the connector body. At least the proximal end portion 121-1 of the first end passage 121 of the fluid separation adapter 120 is aligned with the central axis X of the connector body 110 to provide the first connection 101, and the first seal portion 124 surrounds the proximal end portion 121-1 and seals against the seat portion 114, thereby separating the first connection 101. The second fluid passage 113 extends laterally from the adapter port 112 distal to the seat portion 114 to the second end connection or connector port 118 of the connector body 110. At least the proximal end portion 123-1 of the second end passage 123 of the fluid separation adapter 120 extends to the outer radial portion of the adapter body 125 that is in fluid communication with the second fluid passage 113, providing a second connection 103, and the second sealing portion 126 surrounds the fluid separation adapter 120 distal to the proximal end portion 123-1 of the second end passage 123, sealing the second connection 103 against external leakage.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second end passage of the fluid separation adapter can be circumferentially aligned with the second fluid passage of the connector body to provide a second connection. In other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector body 110 and the adapter body 125 together define an annular cavity 105 between the first and second sealing portions 124, 126 of the fluid separation adapter within the adapter port 112, and the annular cavity provides a second connection 103 between the second fluid passage 113 of the connector body and the second end passage 123 of the fluid separation adapter, regardless of the direction of rotation of the fluid separation adapter within the adapter port.

[0016] Many different types of sealing devices can be used to separate the first and second fluid passages within the adapter port. In exemplary embodiments, the fluid separation adapter is provided with a conical nose portion that advances axially and seats and engages with a tapered annular seat portion of the connector body to provide a metal-to-metal seal. As an example, the fluid separation adapter may include a conical nose portion geometrically similar to the machined ferrule end of a port connector used with a tube fitting (e.g., a 1 / 4-inch Swagelok port connector), and the connector body may include a tapered annular seat portion geometrically similar to the cam mouth of a ferrule-based tube fitting (e.g., a 1 / 4-inch Swagelok 2 ferrule tube fitting).

[0017] Many different types of mounting devices can be used to secure the fluid separation adapter to the adapter port and to seal the adapter seal portion with the connector body seat portion. In an exemplary embodiment, a threaded nut can be mounted on the fluid separation adapter and assembled with the threaded end of the body connector adapter port to secure the fluid separation adapter to the adapter port (e.g., clamp or grip) and advance the adapter seal portion to seal with the connector body seat portion. As an example, the assembly may include a female threaded fitting nut (e.g., a female threaded fitting nut for a 1 / 2-inch Swagelok 2 ferrule tube fitting) mounted on the fluid separation adapter and screwed onto the male threaded end of the adapter port (e.g., a male threaded connector for a 1 / 2-inch Swagelok 2 ferrule tube fitting).

[0018] Many different types of sealing devices can be used to seal the fluid separation adapter at the outer portion of the adapter port and seal the second fluid passage against external leakage. In exemplary embodiments, one or more ferrules are placed between the outer cylindrical surface of the fluid separation adapter (defining the second sealing portion) and the tapered annular mouth portion of the adapter port to provide a sealing engagement between the adapter port and the outer cylindrical surface. For example, the fluid separation adapter may include a cylindrical surface with a nominal outer diameter of 1 / 2 inch that defines the second sealing portion, and the body connector adapter port may include a tapered annular mouth portion (e.g., a 1 / 2 inch Swagelok 2 ferrule tube fitting) that is geometrically similar to the cam mouth of a ferrule-based tube fitting, and a ferrule (e.g., a 1 / 2 inch Swagelok front and rear ferrule set) is placed between the annular mouth portion and the cylindrical surface. As described above, the female threaded fitting nut, pulled up to the male threaded end of the adapter port, clamps or swathes the ferrule against the cylindrical surface of the fluid separation adapter, providing a seal (e.g., a metal-to-metal seal) between the adapter port and the cylindrical surface, and grips the fluid separation adapter while it is installed inside the adapter port.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an exemplary sampling device 200 that includes a connector body 210 and a fluid separation adapter 220 assembled with an adapter port 212 of the connector body. The fluid separation adapter 220 has an adapter body 225 that defines a first end passage 221 connected to a first fluid passage 211 (e.g., a sample fluid passage) of the connector body 210 at a first connection 201, and a second end passage 223 connected to a second fluid passage 213 (e.g., a vent gas passage) of the connector body at a second connection 203. The adapter port 212 is provided with a male-threaded fitting connector 238, and a female-threaded fitting nut 235 is assembled with the male-threaded fitting connector to fix the fluid separation adapter 220 in a sealed engagement state within the adapter port. A first seal portion or conical nose portion 224 of the adapter body 225 seals against a tapered annular sheet portion 214 of the connector body 210 to separate the first connection 201 from the second connection 203. A ferrule device 230 (e.g., front and rear ferrules 231, 232) is clamped or swaged to grip and seal-engage between a second seal portion or cylindrical outer surface 226 of the adapter body 225 and an outer mouth portion 216 of the adapter port 212 by driving the engagement of the ferrule set 230 with a counterbore portion 236 of the fitting nut when the fitting nut is pulled up on the male-threaded fitting connector 238.

[0020] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, instead of the outer cylindrical surface being gripped and sealed by a ferrule device, the fluid separation adapter 220’ includes an adapter body 225’ having a tapered frustoconical-shaped second seal portion 226’ configured to seal directly against the tapered outer mouth portion of the adapter port of the connector body (as shown in FIG. 2), thereby eliminating the need to use a ferrule device. The tapered frustoconical shape of the second seal portion 226’ may be geometrically similar to, for example, the front nose of a 1 / 2 inch swage lock port connector. An exemplary adapter body 225’ includes a shoulder portion 222’ distal to the second seal portion 226’, which is driven by a fitting nut counterbore 236 (see FIG. 2) when the fitting nut 235 is pulled up on the male-threaded fitting connector 238, driving the second seal portion 226’ to seal-engage with the outer mouth portion 216 of the adapter port 212.

[0021] Referring back to FIG. 2, the first fluid passage 211 extends from the proximal end of the adapter port 212 to the first end connection or connector port 217 of the connector body 210, with a tapered annular sheet portion 214 surrounding the first fluid passage, and the distal end portion 211-2 is aligned with the central axis X of the connector body. At least the proximal end portion 221-1 of the first end passage 221 of the fluid separation adapter 220 is aligned with the central axis X of the connector body 210 to provide the first connection 201, and the nose portion 224 surrounds the proximal end portion 221-1 and seals against the tapered sheet portion 214, thereby separating the first connection 201. The second fluid passage 213 extends laterally from the adapter port 212 distal to the tapered sheet portion 214 to the second end connection or connector port 218 of the connector body 210.

[0022] Both the connector body 210 and the adapter body 225 define an annular cavity 205 within the adapter port 212 between the first sealing portion or nose portion 224 and the second sealing portion or cylindrical outer surface 226 of the adapter body 225, and are connected to the second fluid passage 213. At least the proximal end portion 223-1 of the second end passage 223 of the fluid separation adapter 220 extends to the outer radial portion of the adapter body 225, aligned with the annular cavity 205 between the first and second sealing portions 224, 226, providing the second connection 203 regardless of the direction of rotation of the fluid separation adapter within the adapter port.

[0023] The fluid separation adapters described herein may include a variety of different passage configurations, for example, machined fluid passages, machined tube stubs, welded or brazed tubes / needles, and / or machined or welded / brazed end connections, providing end passages extending from the sampling device connection to the connector body and end ports.

[0024] Figure 4A shows an exemplary embodiment of a fluid separation adapter 220a, including an adapter body 225a (similar to the adapter body 225 in Figure 2, and numbered accordingly) that defines a first end passage (e.g., sample passage) 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 passage (e.g., vent passage) 223a having a transversely 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 passage 221a (e.g., welded or brazed) and may include a sharp needle end 241a for, for example, puncturing or otherwise penetrating the partition of a sample bottle (not shown), and an end opening 242a for, for example, supplying a sample fluid to the sample bottle. A second tube (e.g., a vent tube) 250a extends from the adapter body 225a at the distal end portion 223-2a of the second end passage 223a (e.g., welded or brazed) and may include a sharp needle end 251a for, for example, puncturing or otherwise penetrating the partition of a sample bottle (not shown), and an end opening 252a for, for example, receiving gas discharged from the sample bottle.

[0025] Figure 4B shows another exemplary embodiment of a fluid separation adapter 220b, including an adapter body 225b (similar to the adapter body 225 in Figure 2, and numbered accordingly) that defines a first end passage (e.g., sample passage) 221b having a central proximal end portion 221-1b extending axially to a central distal end portion 221-2b, and a second end passage (e.g., vent passage) 223b having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1b connected to a central axially extending distal end portion 223-2b that surrounds and is concentric with the distal end portion 223-1b of the first end passage 221b. To define the distal end portion 221-2b of the first end passage 221b, the proximal end 240-1b of the first tube (e.g., sample tube) 240b extends from the adapter body 225b at the proximal end portion 221-1b of the first end passage 221b (e.g., welded or brazed) and extends through the distal end portion 223-2b of the second end passage 223b. The sample tube 240b may include, for example, a sharp needle end 241b for puncturing or otherwise penetrating a partition of a sample bottle (not shown), and, for example, an end opening 242b for supplying a sample fluid to the sample bottle. A second tube (e.g., a vent tube) 250b extends from the adapter body 225b at the distal end portion 223-2b of the second end passage 223b (e.g., welded or brazed) and can be terminated at an end opening 252b adjacent to the end opening 242b of the sample tube 240b to receive gas discharged from the sample bottle through the annular space between the sample tube 240b and the vent tube 250b. In such a device, the centrally aligned sample tube 240b and vent tube 250b may be less susceptible to damage from accidental or intentional rotation of the fluid separation adapter 220b within the access port.

[0026] Figure 4C shows another exemplary embodiment of a fluid separation adapter 220c, including an adapter body 225c (similar to the adapter body 225 in Figure 2, and numbered accordingly) that defines a first end passage (e.g., sample passage) 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 passages (e.g., vent passages) 223c having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1c connected to an axially offset (i.e., from the central axis X) distal end portion 223-2c. A tube (e.g., sample tube) 240c extends from the adapter body 225c at the distal end portion 221-2c of the first end passage 221c (e.g., welded or brazed to a machined tube stub at the distal end of the body) and may include, for example, an end opening 242c for supplying a sample fluid to a sample bottle. The distal end portion 223-2c of the second end passage 223c extends to the end opening 229c of the adapter body 225c, for example, to receive gas discharged from the sample bottle. In exemplary embodiments, the second connector port or vent port 218 of the connector body 210 can be attached to a vacuum system (not shown) to separate fumes from the process fluid from the assembly worker. Such a device can be fixed to the open end of the sample bottle rather than penetrating the partition wall of the sample bottle (as in embodiments of Figures 3A and 3B). In such an embodiment, the adapter body can define a plurality of vent passages arranged circumferentially around a central sample passage or circumferentially offset from each other.

[0027] Figure 4D shows another exemplary embodiment of a fluid separation adapter 220d, which includes an adapter body 225d (similar to the adapter body 225 in Figure 2, and numbered accordingly) defining a first end passage (e.g., sample passage) 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 passages (e.g., adjustment passages) 223d having a laterally extending proximal end portion 223-1d connected to an axially extending distal end portion 223-2d offset from the first end passage 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 passage 221d (e.g., welded or brazed to a machined tube stub at the distal end of the body) and may include, for example, an end opening 242d for supplying a sample fluid to a sample bottle. A second tube (e.g., a regulating tube) 250d extends from the adapter body 225b (e.g., welded or brazed) and surrounds the first tube 240d and the distal end portion 223-2d of the second end passage 223d and may terminate at a bend or elbow end connector 252d through which the first tube 240d extends (e.g., through the bore of the elbow portion 253d and welded or brazed). Such a device may be used, for example, to flow vapor or other conditioning fluid through an annular section between the first and second tubes 240d, 250d to maintain a desired viscosity of the sample fluid in the sample tube. The end connector 252d may be connected to a fluid line for recirculation or disposal of the conditioning fluid. The sampling device can be used in combination with a sample container with an open end (no aeration required) or with a separate aeration device.

[0028] The connector body described herein may include various port configurations, such as 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, a valve port, and / or a through port) and a second fluid passage extending to a diversion port such as a vent port (e.g., an end connector port and / or a valve port).

[0029] Figure 5A shows an exemplary embodiment of the connector body 210a, which includes a first fluid passage (e.g., a sample fluid passage) 211a extending along the central axis X of the connector body from the adapter port 212a to the first connector port 217a (e.g., the illustrated male threaded connector), and a second fluid passage (e.g., a vent gas or regulating passage) 213a extending laterally from the adapter port 212a to the second connector port 218a (e.g., the illustrated female threaded connector). Similar to the embodiment in Figure 2, the connector body 210a includes a tapered annular seat portion 214a and an outer mouth portion 216a for sealing at the first and second sealing portions of the fluid separation adapter, as described above.

[0030] Figure 5B shows another exemplary embodiment of the connector body 210b, which includes a first fluid passage (e.g., sample fluid passage) 211b extending along the central axis X of the connector body from the adapter port 212b to the valve cavity or valve port 219b and from the valve port to the first connector port 217b (e.g., the illustrated female threaded connector), and a second fluid passage (e.g., vent gas or regulating passage) 213b extending laterally from the adapter port 212b to the second connector port 218b (e.g., the illustrated female threaded connector). The valve port 219b is configured to accommodate a rotary-actuated valve device (e.g., a ball or plug-type shut-off valve) to selectively block the flow of sample fluid, for example, until ready to take a sample. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 2, the connector body 210b includes a tapered annular seat portion 214b and an outer mouth portion 216a for sealing at the first and second sealing portions of the fluid separation adapter, as described above.

[0031] Figure 5C shows another exemplary embodiment of the connector body 210c, which includes a first fluid passage (e.g., sample fluid passage) 211c extending along the central axis X of the connector body from the adapter port 212c to the valve cavity or valve port 219c, and from the valve port to the first connector port 217c (e.g., the illustrated female threaded connector), and a second fluid passage (e.g., vent gas or regulating passage) 213c extending laterally from the adapter port 212c to the second connector port 218c (e.g., the illustrated female threaded connector). The valve port 219c is configured to accommodate an axially actuated valve device (e.g., a diaphragm, needle, or bellows-type shutoff valve) to block the flow of sample fluid, for example, until ready to take a sample. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 2, the connector body 210c includes a tapered annular seat portion 214c and an outer mouth portion 216c for sealing at the first and second sealing portions of the fluid separation adapter, as described above.

[0032] Figure 5D shows another exemplary embodiment of the connector body 210d, which includes a first fluid passage (e.g., a sample fluid passage) 211d extending along the central axis X of the connector body from the adapter port 212d to the valve cavity or valve port 219d, and from the valve port to the through port 217d, and a second fluid passage (e.g., a vent gas or regulating passage) 213d extending laterally from the adapter port 212d to the second connector port 218d (e.g., the illustrated female threaded connector). The valve port 219d is configured to accommodate, for example, a diaphragm, needle, or bellows-type shut-off valve to block the flow of sample fluid until ready to take a sample. The through port 217d includes an end connection (not shown) for installing the connector body in a fluid line, which may allow fluid sampling as the fluid passes through the fluid line. Similar to the embodiment in Figure 2, the connector body 210d includes, as described above, a tapered annular sheet portion 214d and an outer mouth portion 216d for sealing at the first and second sealing portions of the fluid separation adapter.

[0033] Aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments. Modifications and changes can be made by reading and understanding this specification. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included, insofar as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multiport connection assembly, A connector body including a first fluid passage extending from an adapter port to a first connector port, a second fluid passage extending from the adapter port to a second connector port, and a sheet portion disposed between the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage, A fluid separation adapter detachably assembled with the adapter port, comprising an adapter body defining a first end passage connecting to the first fluid passage at a first connection of the adapter port, a second end passage connecting to the second fluid passage at a second connection of the adapter port, a first sealing portion sealing the seat portion between the first and second connections to separate the first connection from the second connection, and a second sealing portion sealing the tapered outer mouth portion of the adapter port between the second connection and the open end of the adapter port to seal against external leakage, Equipped with, The multi-port connection assembly wherein the first sealing portion comprises a conical nose portion of the adapter body, and the sheet portion comprises a tapered annular sheet portion that provides a metal-to-metal seal with respect to the conical nose portion.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein both the connector body and the adapter body define an annular cavity between the first and second sealing portions within the adapter port, and the annular cavity provides the second connection between the second fluid passage and the second end passage.

3. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a threaded fitting nut assembled with a threaded fitting connector on the connector body for securing the fluid separation adapter in a sealed engaged state within the adapter port.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing portion comprises the cylindrical outer surface of the adapter body, and the assembly further comprises a ferrule device clamped to grip and seal between the cylindrical outer surface and the tapered outer mouth portion.

5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing portion has a tapered frustoconical outer surface that seals against the tapered outer mouse portion.

6. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a first tube extending from the distal end of the first end passage and a second tube extending from the distal end of the second end passage.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second tube is radially offset from the first tube.

8. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second tube terminates at an end opening adjacent to the end opening of the first tube.

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first fluid passage extends from the adapter port to the valve port and from the valve port to the first connector port.

10. The assembly according to claim 9, further comprising a shut-off valve installed in the valve port and operable to selectively block the flow of fluid between the first connector port and the adapter port.

11. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second sealing portion seals the tapered outer mouth portion by a metal-to-metal seal.

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