Dynamically engineered sampling kits for liquid samples

Abstract

A fluid sampling kit includes a sampling container with a hollow interior, an inlet valve on the sampling container responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container and a handle assembly coupled to the sampling container. The handle assembly includes an elongated tubular support defining a functional end and an operator end. A rod member extends within the tubular member and translates longitudinally in a first direction to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve and translates longitudinally in a second direction to thereby release the button. An actuator is supported at the operator end of the tubular support. The actuator is operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to tools and methods for collecting and analyzing a fluid sample, and more particularly to sampling kits for collecting liquid specimens from confined spaces such as those located at surface level well sites.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Wellbores may be drilled to recover natural deposits of oil and gas, as well as other desirable materials that are trapped in subterranean geological formations. The wellbore may be drilled and operated from a terrestrial or offshore well site that includes the equipment and facilities for drilling, production or other wellbore operations. Liquid samples may be collected from confined spaces at the well site for various purposes. For example, liquids accumulating in a well cellar dug out from beneath a Christmas tree may be collected and tested to ensure operator safety. Well cellars are lower in elevation than the surrounding ground level, and thus, dangerous heavier-than-air gasses such as H2S may accumulate in these locations. Other confined locations such as a mud pit tank or a separation tank may be sampled to detect operational conditions and / or to assess the quality or hydrocarbons or other resources recovered through the wellbore.

[0003] Many confined spaces at a well site have low oxygen levels and are difficult and dangerous for operators to enter. Thus, conventional liquid sampling tools may have limitations when used to collect liquid samples from these confined spaces. Tools and methods for liquid sample collection that do not subject an operator to hazardous conditions would be useful.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

[0005] According to an embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, a fluid sampling kit includes a sampling container defining a hollow interior therein and an inlet valve supported on the sampling container. The inlet valve includes a button thereon responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container. The button is further responsive to being released to seal the fluid flow path. The fluid sampling kit further includes a handle assembly coupled to the sampling container. The handle includes an elongated tubular support, a rod member extending within the tubular member, and an actuator. The tubular support includes a functional end extending from the sampling container and an operator end opposite the functional end. The rod member is longitudinally translatable in a first direction to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve and longitudinally translatable in a second direction to thereby release the button. The actuator is supported at the operator end of the tubular support and is operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

[0006] According to another embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, a method for collecting a fluid sample includes (a) coupling a handle assembly to a sampling container such that an elongated tubular support of the handle assembly extends from the sampling container and an operator end of the tubular support is remote from the sampling container, (b) inserting the sampling container into a confined space while grasping the operator end of the tubular support remotely from the sampling container, (c) manipulating an actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support to translate a rod member within the tubular support in a first direction toward an inlet vale on the sampling container, (d) engaging and depressing a button on the inlet valve with the rod member to thereby establish a fluid flow path into an interior of the sampling container through the inlet valve, and (e) flowing the fluid sample through the fluid flow path into the interior of the sampling container.

[0007] According to still another embodiment consistent with the present disclosure, a fluid sampling kit includes a sampling container defining a hollow interior therein. An inlet valve is supported on the sampling container. The inlet valve includes a button thereon responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container. A protective cage is supported around the sampling container and a handle assembly is coupled to the protective cage. The handle assembly includes an elongated tubular support defining a functional end adjacent the sampling container and an operator end opposite the functional end. The handle assembly also includes a rod member extending within the tubular member, the rod member longitudinally translatable within the tubular support to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve. The handle assembly further includes an actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support, the actuator operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

[0008] Any combinations of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein can be used in a further embodiment, consistent with the disclosure. These and other aspects and features can be appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments presented herein in accordance with the disclosure and the accompanying drawings and claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a liquid sampling kit including a sampling container having a remotely operable inlet valve in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid sampling kit of FIG. 1 illustrating an operational configuration in which liquid samples may be safely collected by an operator.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the sampling container of FIG. 1 illustrating a gas valve on a lower surface thereof in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views of alternate embodiments of an inlet valve for use in the inlet sampling kit of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a sampling container illustrating a volumetric scale thereon in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure for collecting liquid samples with a liquid sampling kit in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying Figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure generally relate to collecting fluid samples from dangerous and / or confined spaces at a well site or other locations. A sampling kit in accordance with the present disclosure includes a hollow sampling container with a clip-on inlet valve that opens when pressed to allow fluids to enter the sampling container, and seals the container when released. An elongated handle assembly coupled to the sampling container allows an operator to actuate the clip-on inlet valve from a safe distance. The elongated handle assembly includes a tubular support with a rod member extending therethrough. The rod member may be selectively translated within the tubular support by manipulating an actuator at an operator end of the tubular support. The translation of the rod member presses the inlet valve to remotely permit fluids to enter the container. The sampling container may include a gas pressure gage to provide an indication of a gas pressure within the sampling container and one or more gas valves to permit extraction of unwanted gasses from the sample container. The sampling container may also include a volumetric scale thereon to allow a visual assessment of an amount liquid collected within the sampling container. An optional protective cage may be provided to prevent damage to the sampling container during sampling operations and sample transport.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a partially exploded perspective view of a liquid sampling kit 100 including a sampling container 102 having a remotely operable inlet valve 104 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The sampling container 102 includes a hollow cylindrical body 106 and a removable lid 108. The cylindrical body 106 may be constructed if stainless steel or hard polyethylene to contain liquid with dissolved gasses and / or bacteria. Although a hollow cylindrical body 106 is illustrated in FIG. 1, other hollow shapes may be provided without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The cylindrical body 106 and the lid 108 may include complimentary threads 110 thereon, and an oaring 112 or other sealing member supported on the cylindrical body 106 may form a gas-tight seal between the cylindrical body 106 and the lid 108 when the threads 110 are engaged. The inlet valve 104 may snap into an aperture 114 defined on the lid 108 to define a gas-tight seal around the aperture 114. When the lid 108 is threaded into the cylindrical body 106 and the inlet valve 104 is received in the aperture 114, an interior 116 of the cylindrical body 106 may be sealed to receive a fluid sample FS (FIGS. 4A and 4B) therein. In some embodiments, the interior 116 may have a volume of about 250 ml or 500 ml, for example. The interior 116 may be larger or smaller in other embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As described in greater detail below, the inlet valve 104 may be remotely operable by an operator to permit a fluid sample FS to flow from an exterior of the sampling container 102 into the interior 116, and then to seal the fluid sample FS therein for storage and transport to an analysis facility. In some embodiments, the lid 108 and / or the inlet valve 104 may contain one or more paper filters 408 (FIG. 4A) to prevent sand or other contaminants from entering the interior 116.

[0018] In some embodiments, the lid 108 may support a gas gage 118 and a gas valve 120 thereon in fluid communication with the interior 116 of the cylindrical body 106. The gas gage 118 may be operable to detect a gas pressure within the interior 116 with the fluid sample FS therein. The gas pressure may change if gasses dissolved in the fluid sample FS are degassed from a liquid component of the fluid sample FS and / or if the gasses leak from the sampling container 102. The gas valve 120 may be coupled to a gas line to permit an operator to extract the gasses from the sampling container 102 and / or to purge or vacuum the interior 116. In some embodiments, the gas gage 118 and gas valve 120 may be installed on the lid 108 subsequent to collecting a fluid sample FS in order to maintain conditions within the sampling container 102 that are satisfactory for the analysis of the fluid sample FS.

[0019] An elongated handle assembly 122 is provided to allow an operator to remotely actuate the inlet valve 104. The handle assembly 122 defines an operator end 124 and a functional end 126 opposite the operator end 124. An actuator 128 is disposed at the operator end 124, a coupling cap 130 is disposed at the functional end 126 and an elongated tubular support 132 extending therebetween. The actuator 128 may include a button that may readily be depressed by an operator grasping a hand grip 134 secured to the elongated tubular support 132. In some embodiments, the hand grip 134 may be constructed of plastic materials, and may be covered with rubber for the comfort of an operator. The hand grip 134 may be fixedly coupled to an exterior of the tubular support 132 by adhesives, threaded fasteners, ultrasonic welding or other mechanisms recognized in the art.

[0020] The coupling cap 130 may include threads, clamps or other connectors (not shown) for securing the handle assembly 122 to the sampling container 102. In some embodiments, the coupling cap 130 may be secured directly to the lid 108 of the sampling container 102, but in other embodiments, the coupling cap 130 may be secured to the cylindrical body 106, a protective cage 136 (described in greater detail below) that receives the cylindrical body 106 or any another component of the sampling container 102 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The elongated tubular support 132 may be constructed of a metallic material such as steel or aluminum to support the weight of sampling container 102 when the operator grasps the hand grip 134. The elongated tubular support 132 may exhibit any length appropriate for providing a safe distance between an operator and the sample container 102 when the sample container 102 is inserted into a confined space from which a fluid sample FS is to be collected. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tubular support 132 exhibits a fixed length, but in other embodiments, the tubular support 132 may be constructed of a telescoping set of tubes that may be selectively extended without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] When the handle assembly 122 is coupled to the sample container 102, the actuator 128 may be operably coupled to the inlet valve 104 by a rod member 138 protruding from the coupling cap 130. The rod member 138 may extend through the tubular support 132, and may be biased by a spring (not shown) in the direction of the operator end 124. Thus, the rod member 138 may maintain contact with the actuator 128, and when the actuator 128 is depressed or otherwise manipulated by an operator, the rod member 138 may be translated in a direction of the functional end 126. The translation of the rod member 138 toward the inlet valve 104 opens the inlet valve 104, and thereby allows a fluid sample FS to enter the interior 116 of the cylindrical body 106. When the fluid sample FS has been collected, the operator may release the actuator 128, and the spring may return the rod member 138 in the direction of the operator end 124, thereby closing the inlet valve 104 and resealing the sampling container 102. Although the actuator 128 has been described as a spring-loaded button above, in other embodiments, other actuators are contemplated for translating the rod member 138 and thereby opening and closing the inlet valve 104.

[0022] In some embodiments, the sampling kit 100 optionally includes the protective cage 136 positioned around at least a portion the sampling container 102. The protective cage 136 includes one or more ring members 140A, 140B, 140C (generally or collectively ring members 140). The ring members 140 are sized to closely receive the cylindrical body 106 therein and are coupled to one another with a plurality of longitudinal bars 142. A lower ring member 140A may be wider or thicker than the other ring members 140B, 140C, and may thus provide a base for supporting the sampling container 102 upright on a flat surface. The protective cage 136 may protect the sampling container 102 while a fluid sample FS is being collected and / or while the sampling container 102 is transported to an analysis facility. The increased thickness of the lower ring member 104A additionally protects the sampling container 102 as the sampling container 102 is guided into the sampling environment. Since the lower ring member 104A may define a leading edge of the sampling kit 100 as an operator grasps the hand grip to guide the sampling container into the sampling environment.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the liquid sampling kit of FIG. 1 illustrating an operational configuration in which liquid samples may be safely collected by an operator. The sampling container 102 is illustrated in a closed configuration wherein the lid 108 is threaded into the cylindrical body 106 and the inlet valve 104 is installed on the lid 108. Thus, the sampling container 102 is sealed and may receive a fluid sample FS therein. The sampling container 102 is received within the protective cage 136 and the protective cage 136 is secured to the coupling cap 130 of the handle assembly 122. In other embodiments, the coupling cap 130 may be secured directly to the lid 108 of the sampling container 102. The gas gage 118 and the gas valve 120 (FIG. 1) may be removed from the lid 108 to facilitate attaching the coupling cap 130 to the protective cage 136. Sealed ports 202 may be provided on the lid 108 for receiving the gas gage 118 and the gas valve 120 once the fluid sample FS is collected.

[0024] In the configuration of FIG. 2, the rod member 138 is arranged adjacent the inlet valve 104 such that longitudinal motion of the rod member 138 in the direction of arrow A1 depresses opens the inlet valve 104, and longitudinal motion of the rod member 138 in the direction of arrow A2 releases and closes the inlet valve 104. The longitudinal motion of the rod member 138 may be imparted by an operator my manipulating the actuator 128 as described above. The actuator 128 is sufficiently spaced from the inlet 104 that an operator may manipulate the actuator 128 from a safe distance from potentially harmful fluids being sampled.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the sampling container 102 of FIG. 1 illustrating a gas valve 120 on a lower surface 302 of the cylindrical body 106. The gas valve 120 may be permanently embedded within the lower surface 302, or in other embodiments, the gas valve 120 may be removably attached to the lower surface 302 at a sealed port 202 (FIG. 2). The gas valve 120 may be fluidly coupled to the interior 116 (FIG. 1) of the cylindrical body 106, and may be used to extract gas or other unwanted fluids from the cylindrical body 106. For example, water or heavy liquids such as light hydrocarbons may be drained through the gas valve 120 in the lower surface 302. Removing unwanted fluids from the cylindrical body 106 may prepare the fluid sample FS for analysis and / or may allow for a greater capacity of the intended fluid sample FS to be collected within the cylindrical body 102.

[0026] FIG. 4A is a schematic view of the inlet valve 104 for use in the inlet sampling kit 100. The inlet valve 104 includes a first plate 402 and a second plate 404 spaced from the first plate 402. The first plate 402 may be sized to snap into the aperture 114 (FIG. 1) to seemingly couple the inlet valve 104 to the lid 108 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, an O-rings or similar sealing member (not shown) may be provided to form a seal between the inlet valve 104 and the lid 108. The second plate 404 may be coupled to the first plate 402 at corners of the plates such that lateral openings are defined between the corners. The second plate 404 includes a button 406 that may be depressed to establish a lateral flow path between the first and second plates 402, 404 through which a liquid fluid sample FS may laterally enter the inlet valve 104 and the sampling container 102 (FIG. 1). A paper filter 408 or other filter media may be provided between the first and second plates 402, 404 to prevent contaminants from entering the inlet valve 104. In operation, the button 406 may be engaged by the rod member 138 (FIG. 2) and pressed in the direction of arrow A3 to open the inlet valve 104. When the button 406 is engaged by the rod member 138, the first and second plates 402, 404 may move relative to one another and / or the button 406 may move relative to the plates 402, 404 to permit the fluid sample FS to pass laterally between the plates 402, 404. The fluid sample FS may pass through the paper filter 408 between the plates 402, 404 to prevent unwanted contaminants, such as dust and organic matter, from entering the sampling container 102. Once the fluid sample FS has been collected, the rod member 138 may disengage the button 406 to close the inlet valve 104. Once the fluid sample FS has been collected and analyzed, the inlet valve 104 may be removed from the sampling container 102 and replaced with a new inlet valve 104 to prepare the sampling container 102 for subsequent fluid sampling operations.

[0027] FIG. 4B is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of an inlet valve 410 for use in the inlet sampling kit 100. The inlet valve 410 includes a base 412 that may be sized to snap into the aperture 114 (FIG. 1) to sealingly couple the inlet valve 410 to the lid 108 (FIG. 1). The base 412 supports a button 414 thereon that may be depressed to establish a flow path into the inlet valve 412. When engaged by the rod member 138, the button 414 may move relative to the base 412 to disengage an o-ring 416 or another sealing member to permit fluid flow around the button. The inlet valve 410 may thus permit entry of the fluid sample FS around the button 414 to permit the fluid sample FS to flow directly into the interior 116 of the sampling container 102. In some embodiments, the inlet valve 410 may be devoid of any filtering materials and may therefore permit the fluid sample FS to enter the sampling container 102 at a greater rate than the inlet valve 104 (FIG. 4A). In other embodiments, a paper filter 408 (FIG. 4A) or another filter media may be contained within or beneath the base 412 such that unwanted contaminants, such as dust and organic matter, are prevented from entering the sampling container 102. When the button 414 is released, the button 414 may reengage the o-ring 416 or another sealing member to close the inlet valve 410.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a sampling container 500 including a volumetric scale 502 on a cylindrical body 504 thereof in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The cylindrical body 504 may be constructed of stainless steel or hard polyethylene plastic, for example, with a window 506 constructed of transparent or translucent ceramics or plastics. The window 506 may be marked with graduation marks 508 indicating a volume of a liquid fluid sample FS (FIGS. 4A and 4B) contained within the cylindrical body 504. In some embodiments, the cylindrical body 504 may have a capacity of about 250 ml or about 500 ml.

[0029] The sampling container 500 includes the lid 108 having an inlet valve 104, gas gage 118 and gas valve 120 installed thereon as described above. The gas valve 120 may permit an operator to monitor gas leaks from the sampling container 500 and the gas valve 120 may be connected to a gas line for purging and vacuuming the sampling container 500. The lid 108 may be removed from the cylindrical body 504 once the fluid sample FS has been analyzed to clean the cylindrical body and prepare the sampling container for another sampling operation.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example procedure 600 for collecting liquid fluid samples FS with a sampling kit 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Initially at step 602, the sampling kit 100 may be assembled in an operational collection configuration (see FIG. 2). The sampling container 102 may be fully sealed, and then the cage 136 and the handle assembly 122 may be secured to the sampling container 102. At step 604, an operator may insert the sampling container 102 into a confined space from which a fluid sample FS is to be collected. The operator may grasp the hand grip 134 at a safe distance from the confined space to maneuver the sampling container 102 into place.

[0031] At step 606, the operator may manipulate the actuator 128 at the operator end 124 of the tubular support 132 to open then inlet valve 104. The actuator 128 may translate the rod member 138 within the tubular support 132 to engage and depress the button 406 on the inlet valve 104. With the button 406 depressed, a fluid sample FS may be permitted to flow into the sample container 102 through the inlet valve 104. At step 608, the actuator 128 may be released to close the inlet valve 104 and reseal the sampling container 102.

[0032] Next, at step 610, the sampling container 102 may be withdrawn from the confined space. The operator may then remove the cage 136 and the handle assembly 122 and install the gas gage 118 and the gas valve 120 on the lid 108 of the sampling container 102. The sampling container 102 may then BE transported to an appropriate analysis facility (step 612) while monitoring the fluid sample FS with the gas gage 118, for example. At the analysis facility, a gas line may be coupled to gas valve 120 for draining unwanted fluids and preparing the fluid sample FS for analysis. An appropriate analysis may then per performed on the fluid sample FS. Once the analysis is complete, the lid may be removed from the cylindrical body 106 to clean and prepare the sampling container for subsequent sampling operations. In some embodiments, the used inlet valve 104 may be removed from the lid 108, and a new inlet valve 104 may be installed.

[0033] Embodiments disclosed herein include:

[0034] A. A fluid sampling kit can include a sampling container defining a hollow interior therein. An inlet valve is supported on the sampling container. The inlet valve can include a button thereon responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container. The button is further responsive to being released to seal the fluid flow path. A handle assembly is coupled to the sampling container. The handle assembly includes an elongated tubular support defining a functional end extending from the sampling container and an operator end opposite the functional end, a rod member extending within the tubular member, the rod member longitudinally translatable in a first direction to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve and longitudinally translatable in a second direction to thereby release the button, and an actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support, the actuator operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

[0035] B. A method can include coupling a handle assembly to a sampling container such that an elongated tubular support of the handle assembly extends from the sampling container and an operator end of the tubular support is remote from the sampling container, inserting the sampling container into a confined space while grasping the operator end of the tubular support remotely from the sampling container, manipulating an actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support to translate a rod member within the tubular support in a first direction toward an inlet vale on the sampling container, engaging and depressing a button on the inlet valve with the rod member to thereby establish a fluid flow path into an interior of the sampling container through the inlet valve, and flowing the fluid sample through the fluid flow path into the interior of the sampling container.

[0036] C. A fluid sampling kit can include a sampling container defining a hollow interior therein and an inlet valve supported on the sampling container. The inlet valve includes a button thereon responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container. The fluid sampling kit can further include a protective cage supported around the sampling container and a handle assembly coupled to the protective cage. The handle assembly can include an elongated tubular support defining a functional end adjacent the sampling container and an operator end opposite the functional end, a rod member extending within the tubular member, the rod member longitudinally translatable within the tubular support to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve, and an actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support, the actuator operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

[0037] Each of embodiments A, B, and C may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element 1: wherein the sampling container includes a hollow body and a removable lid selectively sealed with the hollow body. Element 2: wherein the lid defines an aperture therein and wherein the inlet valve is sealingly received within the aperture. Element 3: wherein the inlet valve includes a first plate and a second plate spaced from the first plate, the first plate being disposed within the aperture and the second plate supporting the button thereon, and wherein the fluid flow path through the inlet valve is defined between the first and second plates. Element 4: wherein the inlet valve includes a filter media disposed within the fluid flow path defined between the first and second plates. Element 5: further comprising a protective cage supported around at least a portion of the sampling container. Element 6: further comprising one or more hand grips coupled to the elongated tubular support adjacent the at the operator end of the elongated tubular support. Element 7: wherein the sampling container includes a window formed of a transparent or translucent material through which a volume of a liquid sample may be observed by an operator. Element 8: wherein the sampling container includes at least one sealed port fluidly coupled to the interior, the at least one sealed port operable to receive a gas gage or a gas valve therein. Element 9: wherein the at least one sealed port includes at least one sealed port on a hollow body of the sampling container and at least one sealed port on a removable lid coupled to the hollow body.

[0038] Element 10: wherein flowing the fluid sample through the fluid flow path includes flowing the fluid sample between first and second spaced plates of the inlet valve. Element 11: further comprising flowing the fluid sample through a filter media disposed between the first and second plates. Element 12: further comprising releasing the actuator to thereby translate the rod member in a second direction away from the inlet valve such that the rod member disengages the button and the inlet valve closes. Element 13: further comprising withdrawing the sampling container from the confined space and thereafter removing the handle assembly from the sampling container. Element 14: further comprising installing a gas valve on the sampling container to monitor a gas pressure within the interior with the fluid sample therein. Element 15: further comprising installing a protective cage around the sampling container prior to inserting the sampling container into the confined space.

[0039] Element 16: further comprising a hand grip adjacent to the actuator on the operator end of the tubular support. Element 17: wherein the inlet valve includes first and second plates spaced from one another and wherein a filter media is disposed between the first and second plates.

[0040] By way of non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to A, B, and C include: Element 1 with Element 2; Element 2 with Element 3; Element 3 with Element 4; Element 8 with Element 9; Element 10 with Element 11; Element 12 with Element 13; and Element 13 with Element 14.

[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,”“comprises”, and / or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0042] Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there must be a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, if used herein, the terms “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

[0043] While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

Claims

1. A fluid sampling kit, comprising:a sampling container defining a hollow interior therein;an inlet valve supported on the sampling container, the inlet valve including a button thereon responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container, the button further being responsive to being released to seal the fluid flow path; anda handle assembly coupled to the sampling container, the handle assembly comprising:an elongated tubular support defining a functional end extending from the sampling container and an operator end opposite the functional end;a rod member extending within the tubular member, the rod member longitudinally translatable in a first direction to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve and longitudinally translatable in a second direction to thereby release the button; andan actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support, the actuator operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

2. The fluid sampling kit of claim 1, wherein the sampling container includes a hollow body and a removable lid selectively sealed with the hollow body.

3. The fluid sampling kit of claim 2, wherein the lid defines an aperture therein and wherein the inlet valve is sealingly received within the aperture.

4. The fluid sampling kit of claim 3, wherein the inlet valve includes a first plate and a second plate spaced from the first plate, the first plate being disposed within the aperture and the second plate supporting the button thereon, and wherein the fluid flow path through the inlet valve is defined between the first and second plates.

5. The fluid sampling kit of claim 4, wherein the inlet valve includes a filter media disposed within the fluid flow path defined between the first and second plates.

6. The fluid sampling kit of claim 1, further comprising a protective cage supported around at least a portion of the sampling container.

7. The fluid sampling kit of claim 1, further comprising one or more hand grips coupled to the elongated tubular support adjacent the at the operator end of the elongated tubular support.

8. The fluid sampling kit of claim 1, wherein the sampling container includes a window formed of a transparent or translucent material through which a volume of a liquid sample may be observed by an operator.

9. The fluid sampling kit of claim 1, wherein the sampling container includes at least one sealed port fluidly coupled to the interior, the at least one sealed port operable to receive a gas gage or a gas valve therein.

10. The fluid sampling kit of claim 9, wherein the at least one sealed port includes at least one sealed port on a hollow body of the sampling container and at least one sealed port on a removable lid coupled to the hollow body.

11. A method for collecting a fluid sample, the method comprising:coupling a handle assembly to a sampling container such that an elongated tubular support of the handle assembly extends from the sampling container and an operator end of the tubular support is remote from the sampling container;inserting the sampling container into a confined space while grasping the operator end of the tubular support remotely from the sampling container;manipulating an actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support to translate a rod member within the tubular support in a first direction toward an inlet vale on the sampling container;engaging and depressing a button on the inlet valve with the rod member to thereby establish a fluid flow path into an interior of the sampling container through the inlet valve; andflowing the fluid sample through the fluid flow path into the interior of the sampling container.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein flowing the fluid sample through the fluid flow path includes flowing the fluid sample between first and second spaced plates of the inlet valve.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising flowing the fluid sample through a filter media disposed between the first and second plates.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising releasing the actuator to thereby translate the rod member in a second direction away from the inlet valve such that the rod member disengages the button and the inlet valve closes.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising withdrawing the sampling container from the confined space and thereafter removing the handle assembly from the sampling container.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising installing a gas valve on the sampling container to monitor a gas pressure within the interior with the fluid sample therein.

17. The method of claim 11, further comprising installing a protective cage around the sampling container prior to inserting the sampling container into the confined space.

18. A fluid sampling kit, comprising:a sampling container defining a hollow interior therein;an inlet valve supported on the sampling container, the inlet valve including a button thereon responsive to being depressed to establish a fluid flow path through the inlet valve and into the interior of the sampling container;a protective cage supported around the sampling container; anda handle assembly coupled to the protective cage, the handle assembly comprising:an elongated tubular support defining a functional end adjacent the sampling container and an operator end opposite the functional end;a rod member extending within the tubular member, the rod member longitudinally translatable within the tubular support to thereby engage and depress the button on the inlet valve; andan actuator supported at the operator end of the tubular support, the actuator operably coupled to the rod member to selectively translate the rod member in the first and second directions.

19. The fluid sampling kit of claim 18, further comprising a hand grip adjacent the actuator on the operator end of the tubular support.

20. The fluid sampling kit of claim 18, wherein the inlet valve includes first and second plates spaced from one another and wherein a filter media is disposed between the first and second plates.

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