Sampling device and sampling method

Abstract

A sampling device (10) comprising: a housing arrangement (12) defining: an inlet (16) for receiving an airstream, and a chamber (20) in fluid communication with the inlet (16); and a sample plate (24) arranged in the housing arrangement (12) between the inlet (16) and the chamber (20), the sample plate (24) comprising at least one hole (26) configured to permit flow of at least a portion of the airstream between the inlet (16) and the chamber (20) through the sample plate (24), wherein the sample plate (24) is configured to capture a sample of particles (52) carried in the aerosols and / or droplets (50) airborne in the airstream. A sampling method comprising: connecting the sampling device (10) to a piped network (48), capturing a sample of particles on the sample plate (24) of the sampling device (10) over a period of time, and removing the sample of particles (52) from the sampling device (10) after the period of time.

Description

[0001] SAMPLING DEVICE AND SAMPLING METHOD

[0002] FIELD

[0003] This relates to a sampling device for capturing a sample of particles carried in aerosols and / or droplets carried in an airstream, including micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi and viruses) and chemicals. In particular, a sampling device for capturing a sample of particles in a sanitary plumbing system (SPS).

[0004] This also relates to a sampling method, in particular a wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) sampling method.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the spread of the SARS- CoV-2 virus, various methods have been employed to improve public health data on the prevalence of the virus in the community. This has included WBE. This sampling beneficially provides population wide data which has been fed into government policy on controlling the spread of the virus.

[0007] Known methods of WBE sampling use analysis of wet raw samples of sewage retrieved from a wastewater treatment facility, and provide data on a large population scale.

[0008] Known ‘near source’ sampling methods for providing localised data on disease prevalence involve either taking wet raw samples from the main sewer adjacent an area of interest, or submerging an absorbent material in wastewater flow in a SPS of a building of interest.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] Aspects of the disclosure relate to a sampling device, sampling systems, and sampling methods.

[0011] In a first aspect there is provided a sampling device comprising: a housing arrangement defining: an inlet for receiving an airstream, and a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet; and a sample plate arranged in the housing arrangement between the inlet and the chamber, the sample plate comprising at least one hole configured to permit flow of at least a portion of the airstream between the inlet and the chamber through the sample plate, wherein the sample plate is configured to capture a sample of particles carried in aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the airstream.

[0012] The device may be used for wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) sampling. In use, the inlet may be in fluid communication with a fluid source. The fluid source may be the fluid within a piped network. The piped network may be a sanitary plumbing system (SPS), e.g. an internal wastewater plumbing system. In use, the device may be connected to the piped network. The connection between the device and the piped network may be a sealed connection. In use, the housing arrangement may be configured and / or operable to define a sealed enclosure. In use, the inlet may receive the airstream from within the SPS. The airstream received by the device may be a portion of an airstream within the SPS. The device may direct at least a portion of the airstream from the inlet along a fluid path to the chamber. The sample plate may be positioned in the fluid path. The sample plate may interrupt the fluid path. In use, at least a portion of the airstream may impinge on the sample plate. Aerosols and / or droplets in the airstream impinging on the sample plate may be captured by the sample plate to capture the sample of particles. The sample plate may direct at least a portion of the airstream from the inlet to the chamber through the at least one hole in the sample plate. The sample of particles captured on the sample plate of the device may include micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi and / or viruses) and chemicals. Many microorganisms and chemicals can become aerosolised under naturally occurring fluid turbulence, for example in a SPS, thus the particles may be carried in aerosols and / or droplets airborne in an airstream The aerosols and / or droplets may be entrained or dissolved in the airstream. Aerosols carrying micro-organisms may be referred to as bioaerosols.

[0013] The device may capture a sample of particles in an airstream received from a fluid source, e.g. inside a SPS, at a location termed ‘very near source’. Therefore, the device offers the possibility of establishing localised disease prevalence in buildings. This provides benefits in environments where it may be difficult to test all individual occupants, for example prisons, nursing homes, airports, railway stations, truck stops, hospitals, schools, halls of residence, etc.

[0014] The device is simple, with regard to both installation and use. The device is passive and requires no power. This provides benefits, for example as compared to known sampling methods that generally require mains or battery powered equipment such as a pump to operate.

[0015] The device may be configured to capture a sample of particles in an airstream, in particular an airstream received from a within a SPS. Beneficially, the device is clean to use compared to known devices that may rely on the collection and analysis of wet raw samples of sewage, or samples that are wet from being submerged in wastewater flow.

[0016] The device may operate without interrupting airflow of the fluid source within the piped network, e.g. the SPS, being sampled. The device can be operated while the SPS is in normal operational use. The device causes no disruption to, modification of or alteration in the normal operating conditions, e.g. the normal hydraulic and / or pneumatic operating conditions, within the SPS. The device may operate during normal SPS activity while maintaining a hydraulic and pneumatic seal between the SPS and ambient air.

[0017] The housing arrangement may comprise an inlet housing. The inlet housing may define the inlet.

[0018] The inlet may be elongate, e.g. the axial length of the inlet may be larger than the diameter of the inlet. The inlet may be an inlet passage. In use, the inlet may direct the airstream towards the sample plate. The inlet housing may be elongate. The inlet housing may be tubular. The inlet housing may be configured to direct the airstream along the inlet.

[0019] The inlet may be configured for fluid communication with a fluid source within a piped network, e.g. a SPS.

[0020] The inlet may be configured to receive the airstream from a fluid source within a piped network, e.g. a SPS.

[0021] The housing arrangement may comprise a baffle. The baffle may define the chamber.

[0022] The baffle may be configured to circulate the airstream within the device.

[0023] The sample plate may be configured as a baffle. In use, at least a portion of the airstream may impinge on the sample plate. Aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the airstream that impinges the sample plate may be captured by the sample plate, thus the sample of particles carried in the aerosols and / or droplets may be captured by the sample plate. The sample plate may be configured to direct at least a portion of the airstream towards and through the at least one hole in the sample plate.

[0024] The at least one hole of the sample plate may comprise a central hole.

[0025] The sample plate may comprise a plurality of holes. The holes may be different sizes. At least one of the holes may be smaller than an average size of the aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the airflow.

[0026] The plurality of holes may comprise an array of holes. The array of holes may comprise a plurality of rows. The holes in each row may be different sizes, e.g. the holes of a first row may be smaller than the holes of a second row, the roles of a second row may be smaller than the holes of a third row, etc. The differently sized holes may facilitate capture of differently sized aerosols and / or droplets by the sample plate. The array of holes may be a circular array of holes, a square array of holes, a triangular array of holes, or the like.

[0027] The array of holes may be arranged around the central hole. The central hole may be larger than the holes of the array of holes. The central hole may be the largest hole. The holes of the array may be sized depending on their radial position from the centre of the sample plate. The holes of the array having a radial position closer to the centre of the sample plate may be smaller than the holes of the array having a radial position further from the centre of the sample plate.

[0028] The sample plate may comprise or be formed of metal, e.g. stainless steel. The sample plate may comprise a coating (e.g., alternative metal, polymer, agar, etc.). The coating may define or modify the surface properties of the sample plate, e.g. electrical charge. The coating may be selective and / or differential agar. The coating may maintain the viability of or support growth of selective microorganisms.

[0029] The sample of particles captured by the sample plate may be removable from the device e.g. to facilitate analysis of the sample of particles.

[0030] The sample plate may be removeable from the device, e.g. to facilitate removal of the sample of particles from the device. The sample plate may be replaceable, e.g. to replenish the sample plate after a period of time, e.g. a sample period. The same sample plate or another sample plate may be replaced into the device. The sample period may be up to 48 hours, e.g. 1 hour, 24 hours or 48 hours. The sample of particles may accumulate on the plate across the sample period so that the usage of the SPS may be aggregated.

[0031] The housing arrangement may comprise a sample plate holder. The sample plate holder may be configured to receive the sample plate. The sample plate may be removable from the sample plate holder. The sample plate may be returnable to the sample plate holder. The sample plate holder may be configured to hold the sample plate in location between the inlet and the chamber. The sample plate holder may be arranged between the inlet housing and the baffle. The housing arrangement may be configured to form a sealed connection between the sample plate holder and the inlet housing. The housing arrangement may be configured to form a sealed connection between the sample plate holder and the baffle.

[0032] The sample plate holder may comprise a frame. The frame may be positioned or positionable between the inlet housing and the baffle. The frame may be configured to hold the sample plate in location between the inlet and the chamber, while permitting fluid flow between the inlet and the chamber through the at least one hole of the sample plate.

[0033] The frame may hold the edge of the sample plate. The frame may be conformal to the edge of the sample plate. The frame may define an aperture. When the sample plate is held in the frame, the sample plate may substantially extend across the aperture. When the sample plate is held in the frame, the at least one hole of the sample plate may be positioned in and / or aligned with the aperture of the frame.

[0034] The frame may be removable, e.g. at least partially removable, from the device to facilitate removal of the sample plate from the device.

[0035] The frame may be returnable to the device, to facilitate replenishing of the sample plate in the device.

[0036] The frame may comprise a handle. The handle may facilitate removal and return of the frame out of and into the device.

[0037] The sample plate may be removable from the frame. The sample plate may be replaceable in the frame, to replenish the sample plate.

[0038] The sample plate holder may comprise a sample plate holder housing. The sample plate holder housing may define a chamber. The sample plate holder chamber may be between the inlet and the device chamber.

[0039] The sample plate holder housing may be configured to receive the frame therein. The internal shape of the sample plate holder housing may be generally conformal to the external shape of the frame. The frame may be positioned or positionable in the sample plate holder chamber. The frame may be removable, e.g. at least partially removable, from the sample plate holder housing to facilitate removal of the sample plate from the device. The frame may be returnable to the sample plate holder housing, to facilitate replenishing of the sample plate. The sample plate holder housing may have an opening configured for the frame to pass through. The frame may be slideable relative to the sample plate holder housing, e.g. through the opening.

[0040] The sample plate holder may comprise a seal. The seal may form a fluid tight seal, e.g. an airtight seal and a liquid tight seal, between the frame and the sample plate holder housing, e.g. the opening of the sample plate holder housing. The seal may be mounted on the frame or on the sample plate holder housing. Sampling operations may be conducted during normal SPS activity while maintaining a hydraulic and pneumatic seal between SPS contents and ambient air.

[0041] The sample plate holder chamber may be in fluid communication with the inlet. The sample plate holder housing may be connected to the inlet housing. The connection between the sample plate holder housing and the inlet housing may be a sealed connection. The sample plate holder housing may be attached to or integral with the inlet housing.

[0042] The sample plate holder chamber may be in fluid communication with the device chamber. The sample plate holder housing may be connected to the baffle. The connection between the sample plate holder housing and the baffle may be a sealed connection. The sample plate holder housing may be attached to or integral with the baffle.

[0043] The device may further comprise or be attached to a connector. The connector may be configured for connecting the device to a piped network, e.g. a SPS. In use, the connector may provide fluid communication between a fluid source within the piped network and the inlet of the device. The connector may be configured for connecting the housing arrangement of the device to the piped network. In particular, the connector may be configured for connecting the inlet housing to the piped network. The connector may provide a sealed connection between the piped network and the housing arrangement, e.g. the inlet housing. Sampling operations may be conducted during normal SPS activity while maintaining a hydraulic and pneumatic seal between SPS contents and ambient air.

[0044] The connector may take the form of a T-joint.

[0045] The connector may comprise a sleeve. The sleeve may be configured to fit in or on a pipe section of a piped network. The connector may comprise a seal between the sleeve and the pipe section.

[0046] The connector may comprise a pipe section. The pipe section may be connected to the sleeve. The pipe section may extend from the sleeve. The pipe section may be generally perpendicular to the sleeve.

[0047] The connector may be connected to the inlet housing. The connection between the connector and the inlet housing may be a sealed connection. In particular, the pipe section of the connector may be connected to the inlet housing. The connector may be attached to or integral with the inlet housing.

[0048] The device may further comprise an absorbent body. The absorbent body may be located within the housing arrangement. The absorbent body may be positioned between the fluid source and the sample plate. The absorbent body may be located in the inlet. The absorbent body may provide an additional sampling mechanism that can be used independently or in conjunction with the sample plate. The absorbent body may be configured to capture particles, e.g. by absorption of the aerosols and / or droplets airborne in at least a portion of the airstream.

[0049] The sampling device may be a water and / or air based epidemiology sampling device.

[0050] The sampling device may be for use in a SPS.

[0051] In a second aspect there is provided a sampling system comprising the device of the first aspect.

[0052] In a third aspect there is provided a sampling method comprising: connecting the sampling device of the first aspect to a piped network, capturing a sample of particles on the sample plate of the sampling device over a period of time, and removing the sample of particles from the sampling device after the period of time.

[0053] The period of time may be -up to 48 hours, e.g. 1 hour, 24 hours or 48 hours.

[0054] Removing the sample of particles from the device may comprise removing the sample plate from the device.

[0055] Connecting the sampling device to a piped network may comprise connecting the sampling device to a SPS.

[0056] The method may further comprise removing the sample of particles from the sample plate. Removing the sample of particles from the sample plate may comprise washing the sample plate. The sample plate may be washed with distilled water, or other liquids (e.g. saline, buffer-saline, virus transport medium, etc.) that may enhance the survival of particular organisms or minimise degradation of RNA / DNA in the case of viruses.

[0057] The method may further comprise testing the sample of particles collected on the sample plate for at least one of organisms, pathogens, bacteria, fungi, viruses, chemicals or the like.

[0058] The method may be a wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) sampling method.

[0059] In a fourth aspect there is provided an airborne aerosol and / or droplet sampling system for a sanitary plumbing system (SPS).

[0060] The sampling system may allow for in-situ, ‘very near source’ sampling of a SPS.

[0061] The sampling system may be an in-situ airborne aerosol and / or droplet sampling system. In a fifth aspect there is provided a wastewater based epidemiology (WBE) sampling method comprising connecting an airborne aerosol and / or droplet sampling system to a sanitary plumbing system (SPS). It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present disclosure or below relating to any specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a sampling device for capturing a sample of particles;

[0064] Figure 2 shows a sampling device for capturing a sample of particles, attached to a connector for connecting the device to a fluid source within a piped network;

[0065] Figure 3 shows a sampling device connected to a SPS via a connector;

[0066] Figure 4 shows a sample plate;

[0067] Figure 5 shows a microscopic view of a particle on the sample plate;

[0068] Figure 6 shows a graph with data on the detection of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) for different sampling mediums.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] A sampling device 10 for capturing a sample of particles carried in aerosols and / or droplets airborne in an airstream is shown in Figure 1.

[0071] The device 10 comprises a housing arrangement 12. The housing arrangement 12 comprises an inlet housing 14 defining an inlet 16. The inlet housing 14 is tubular. The inlet 16 is elongate. The inlet 16 is configured to receive the airstream. The inlet 16 is configured for fluid communication with a fluid source.

[0072] The housing arrangement 12 comprises a baffle 18 defining a chamber 20. The chamber 20 is in fluid communication with the inlet 16. The chamber 20 is configured to circulate at least a portion of the airstream through the device 10. The device 10 directs the airstream from the inlet 16 along a fluid path P to the chamber 20.

[0073] The device comprises a sample plate 24 arranged between the inlet 16 and the chamber 20. In use, the inlet 16 directs at least a portion of the airstream towards the sample plate 24. The sample plate 24 is configured to capture the sample of particles carried in the aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the airstream. The sample plate 24 is positioned in the fluid path P. The sample plate 24 interrupts the fluid path P. At least a portion of the airstream impinges on the sample plate 24. Some of the aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the portion of the airstream that impinges the sample plate 24 are captured by the sample plate 24. Thus, the device 10 can capture the sample of particles, including micro-organisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi and viruses) and chemicals. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the sample plate 24 comprises a plurality of holes 26. The holes 26 are configured to permit flow of at least a portion of the airstream between the inlet 16 and the chamber 20 through the sample plate 24. The sample plate 24 directs at least a portion of the airstream from the inlet 16 to the chamber 20 through the holes 26 in the sample plate 24. The sample plate 24 is formed of stainless steel. The sample plate 24 comprises a coating of selective agar.

[0074] Referring to Figure 4, the plurality of holes 26 comprises a central hole 26a. The central hole 26a is positioned generally in the centre of the sample plate 24. The plurality of holes 26 further comprises a circular array of holes 26b, 26c, 26d arranged around the central hole 26a. The central hole 26a is the largest hole. The circular array of holes 26b, 26c, 26d comprises three circumferential rows of holes 26b, 26c, 26d. In other embodiments the circular array of holes may comprise less or more than three rows of holes. All of the holes in a row 26b, 26c, 26d are the same size. The holes of each row 26b, 26c, 26d are differently sized. The size of holes in a row 26b, 26c, 26d depends on the radial position of the row 26b, 26c, 26d. The size of the holes increases with increasing radial distance from the centre of the sample plate 24. The first row 26b is radially closest to the centre of the sample plate 24 and has the smallest holes. The third row 26d is radially furthest from the centre of the sample plate and has the largest holes of the circular array. The second row 26c is between the first row 26b and the third row 26d, and has holes larger than those of the first row 26b and smaller than those of the third row 26d.

[0075] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the sample plate 24 is removeable from the device 10, e.g. to facilitate analysis of captured particles on the sample plate 24. The sample plate 24 is replaceable, e.g. to replenish the sample plate after a sampling period of time such as 24 hours. The housing arrangement 12 further comprises a sample plate holder 28. The sample plate holder 28 is configured to receive the sample plate 24. The sample plate holder 28 is configured to hold the sample plate 24 in location between the inlet 16 and the chamber 20.

[0076] The sample plate holder 28 comprises a sample plate holder housing 30. The sample plate holder housing 30 is located between the inlet housing 14 and the baffle 18. The sample plate holder housing 30 is connected to the inlet housing 14 and the baffle 18. The sample plate holder housing 30 forms sealed connections with the inlet housing 14 and the baffle 18. The sample plate holder housing 30 defines a chamber 32. The sample plate holder chamber 32 is between the inlet 16 and the device chamber 20. The sample plate holder chamber 32 is in fluid communication with the inlet 16 and the device chamber 20.

[0077] The sample plate holder 28 comprises a frame 34. The sample plate holder housing 30 is configured to receive the frame 34 therein. The internal shape of the sample plate holder housing 30 is generally conformal to the external shape of the frame 34. The frame 34 is positionable in the sample plate holder chamber 32.

[0078] The frame 34 is configured to hold the sample plate 24 in location between the inlet 16 and the chamber 20, while permitting fluid flow between the inlet 16 and the chamber 20 through the holes 26 of the sample plate 24. The frame 34 holds the edges of the sample plate 24. The frame 34 defines an aperture 35. The holes 26 of the sample plate 24 are positioned within the aperture 35 of the frame 34. The sample plate 24 is removable from the frame. The sample plate 24 is replaceable in the frame 34, to replenish the sample plate 24.

[0079] The sample plate holder housing 30 has an opening 36 configured for the frame 34 to pass through. The frame 34 is slideable relative to the sample plate holder housing 30, e.g. through the opening 36. The frame 34 is removable from the sample plate holder housing 30 to facilitate removal of the sample plate 24 from the device 10 (see Figure 3). The frame 34 is returnable to the sample plate holder housing 30, to facilitate replenishing of the sample plate 24 in the device 10. The frame 34 comprises a handle 37. The handle 37 facilitates removal and return of the frame 34 out of and into the device 10. The sample plate holder 28 further comprises a seal 38. The seal 38 is mounted on the frame 34. In other embodiments the seal may be mounted on the sample plate holder housing, e.g. around the opening. The seal 38 is configured to form a fluid tight seal, e.g. an airtight seal and liquid tight seal, between the frame 34 and the sample plate holder housing 30, to seal the sample plate holder chamber 32 when the frame 34 is positioned in the sample plate holder housing 30.

[0080] Figure 2 shows the sampling device 10 for capturing a sample of particles, attached to a connector 40 for connecting the device 10 to a piped network. The connector 40 is configured to provide a sealed connection between the device 10 and the piped network. The connector 40 is configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid source within the piped network and the inlet of the device 10. In particular, the connector 40 is configured to provide a sealed connection between the piped network and the inlet housing 14 of the device 10. The connector 40 takes the form of a T-joint. The connector 40 comprises a sleeve 42 and a pipe section 44. The pipe section 44 is connected to the sleeve 42. The pipe section 44 extends perpendicularly to the sleeve. The pipe section 44 of the connector 40 is connected to the inlet housing 14. The pipe section 44 of the connector 40 around a portion of the inlet housing 14 and forms an interference fit therewith. In other embodiments the pipe section of the connector may fit within a portion of the inlet housing to form an interference fit. The pipe section 44 of the connector 40 and the inlet housing 14 are generally co-axial.

[0081] The sample device 10 can further comprise an absorbent body 46, as shown in Figure 2. The absorbent body 46 is located in the inlet 16. The absorbent body extends through the inlet housing 14. The absorbent body 46 is positioned generally perpendicular to the flow path. The absorbent body 46 provides an additional sampling mechanism. The absorbent body 46 is configured to capture particles by absorption of the aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the airstream.

[0082] Figure 3 shows the sampling device 10 connected to a SPS 48 via the connector 40, so that the device can be used for WBE sampling. The sleeve 42 of the connector 40 is fitted between sections of pipe of the SPS. The inlet 16 is in fluid communication with the SPS via the connector 40. The device 10 receives, at the inlet 16, at least a portion of the airstream within the SPS. Micro-organisms and chemicals become aerosolised under naturally occurring fluid turbulence in the SPS. These aerosols are then carried in the airstream, and captured by the sample plate 24 as the airstream flows along the flow path.

[0083] Figure 4 shows an example of a sample plate 24 on which aerosols and droplets 50 have been captured. Figure 5 shows a microscopic view of the sample plate 24 of Figure 4. A particle 52 within an aerosol 50 has been captured on the sample plate 24. The particle 52 has a diameter of 1 micron. Figure 6 shows a graph with data on the detection of viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) for different sampling mediums, including the sample plate 24 and the absorbent body 46. In particular, the graph shows the detected quantity (gene copies (gc) / Litre) against concentration of mixture flushed into system.

[0084] It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect or specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A sampling device comprising: a housing arrangement defining: an inlet for receiving an airstream, and a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet; and a sample plate arranged in the housing arrangement between the inlet and the chamber, the sample plate comprising at least one hole configured to permit flow of at least a portion of the airstream between the inlet and the chamber through the sample plate, wherein the sample plate is configured to capture a sample of particles carried in aerosols and / or droplets airborne in the airstream.

2. The sampling device of claim 1 , wherein the sampling device defines a flow path between the inlet and the chamber, and wherein the sample plate interrupts the flow path such that at least a portion of the airstream impinges the sample plate.

3. The sampling device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sample plate comprises a plurality of holes, wherein the plurality of holes comprises holes of different sizes.

4. The sampling device of any preceding claim, where the housing arrangement comprises a sample plate holder configured to hold the sample plate between the inlet and the chamber, wherein the sample plate is removeable from the sample plate holder.

5. The sampling device of claim 4, wherein the sample plate holder comprises a sample plate holder housing and a frame removabley positionable within the sample plate holder housing, wherein the frame is configured to hold the sample plate while permitting flow of the at least a portion of the airstream between the inlet and the chamber through the at least one hole of the sample plate.

6. The sampling device of claim 5, wherein the frame comprises an aperture, wherein the frame is configured to hold the edges of the sample plate, and wherein the at least one hole of the sample plate is removabley positionable in the aperture of the frame.

7. The sampling device of claim 5 or 6, wherein the frame comprises a handle.

8. The sampling device of any preceding claim, wherein the housing arrangement comprises a baffle which defines the chamber.

9. The sampling device of any preceding claim, wherein the housing arrangement comprises an inlet housing which defines the inlet, wherein the inlet housing is elongate.

10. The sampling device of any preceding claim, further comprising a connector, wherein the connector is configured to connect the device to a piped network to provide fluid communication between a fluid source within the piped network and the inlet of the device.

11. The sampling device of claim 10, when dependent on claim 9, wherein the connector comprises a pipe section connected to the inlet housing.

12. The sampling device of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the connector comprises a sleeve configured to connect to a piped network.

13. The sampling device of claim 12, when dependent on claim 11 , wherein the pipe section extends generally perpendicularly from the sleeve.

14. The sampling device of any preceding claim, further comprising an absorbent body located in the inlet, wherein the absorbent body is configured to capture a sample of particles by absorbing aerosols and / or droplets entrained in at least a portion of the airstream,.

15. A sampling method comprising: connecting the sampling device of any preceding claim to a piped network, capturing a sample of particles on the sample plate of the sampling device over a period of time, and removing the sample of particles from the sampling device after the period of time.

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