Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sample multifunctional preparatory apparatus for ullage, pressurization, instrument injection, and disposal

Abstract

Apparatuses, kits, and methods for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder of liquified petroleum gas may include a housing, a first mounting station, and a second mounting station. The first mounting station may include a first mounting fixture connected to the housing and configured to attach to the sample cylinder, and the second mounting station may include a second mounting fixture connected to the housing and configured to attach to an expansion chamber. A first valve may provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to a waste destination or fluid flow from a source of pressurized gas to the sample cylinder. A second valve may provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber and a third valve may provide fluid flow from the expansion chamber to a waste destination.

Description

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) SAMPLE MULTIFUNCTIONAL PREPARATORY APPARATUS FOR ULLAGE, PRESSURIZATION, INSTRUMENT INJECTION, AND DISPOSALCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 725,212, filed November 26, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to apparatuses, kits, and methods for sample cylinder preparation, pressurization, testing, and sample disposal and, more particularly, to apparatuses and methods for preparation, pressurization, testing, and sample disposal for sample cylinders containing material samples for testing.Background

[0003] During many chemical manufacturing processes, it may be desirable to periodically determine one or more properties of a material associated with the process. For example, it may be desirable to determine one or more properties of a material associated with the process in order to ensure that the process is proceeding as desired. Material samples may be collected in a sample cylinder, which may be designed to safely contain the material sample until it is tested. For example, a sample of the material may be deposited into the sample cylinder, and the sample cylinder may be taken to a laboratory for testing the material sample. A laboratory is often used for testing, since the walls of sample cylinders are typically opaque, and make it difficult to determine the condition and / or contents of the material sample as well as its toxicity. Therefore, when testing the material sample, specialized lab equipment such as ventilation hoods are typically utilized to mitigate safety concerns.

[0004] It may be desirable to be able to determine the condition or contents of a material sample without the need of a specific facility with specialized equipment. In addition, it may be desirable to prepare the material sample prior to testing, such as by providing ullage or headspace in the sample cylinder and / or pressurizing (or expanding) the material sample in the sample cylinder. In some instances, following testing of the material sample, it may be desirable to prepare the sample cylinder for future use, and thus, it may be desirable to remove any remaining portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder, so that the1RADRi26-WO-PCTsample cylinder may be used to collect and contain another material sample without contamination from the material sample that was previously contained in the sample cylinder.

[0005] Accordingly, Applicant has recognized a need for enhancing the handling of a sample cylinder to facilitate testing of a material sample contained in the sample cylinder. The present disclosure may address one or more of the above-referenced considerations, as well as other possible considerations.Summary

[0006] As referenced above, Applicant has recognized that it may be desirable to provide apparatuses and methods for sample cylinder preparation, pressurization, testing, and / or sample disposal. For example, Applicant has recognized that it may be desirable to provide a mobile way to provide ullage or headspace in a sample cylinder, as well as the pressurization of the material sample prior to testing. Providing ullage or headspace in a sample cylinder may remove contaminants from the material sample, and altering the pressure may enhance or facilitate the accuracy of the testing of the material sample. Applicant has also recognized that in some instances, it may be desirable to provide a mobile way of testing the material sample without the need of specialized lab equipment. In addition, Applicant has recognized that following testing of the material sample, it may be desirable to remove any of the material sample remaining in the sample cylinder following testing.

[0007] The present disclosure generally is directed to apparatuses, kits, and methods for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder for mobile testing of a material sample contained in the sample cylinder that may address one or more of the above-mentioned considerations, as well as possibly others. For example, in some embodiments, an apparatus for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder may include a first mounting station to facilitate handling of the sample cylinder, and one or more valves to facilitate the preparing, pressurizing, testing, and removal of a material sample from the sample cylinder. In in some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods may facilitate ullage or headspace generation of a sample cylinder, and / or facilitate pressurization of the material sample within the sample cylinder prior to testing. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods may facilitate the testing of the material sample, as well as the removal of any of the material sample remaining in the sample cylinder following testing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods may facilitate the preparing, pressurizing, testing, and removal of a conventional LPG sample and / or heavy LPG sample2RADRi26-WO-PCTfrom a sample cylinder. For example, the apparatus may include a sight glass for the preparation of conventional LPG, and / or a second mounting station to facilitate the handling of an expansion chamber for use in the preparation of heavy LPG. The sight glass and / or expansion chamber may facilitate ullage or headspace generation in the sample cylinder. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods may facilitate the pressurization of the conventional LPG sample and / or heavy LPG sample prior to testing, as well as the testing of the sample and removal of any material remaining in the sample cylinder following testing.

[0009] In some embodiments, an apparatus for enhancing the handling of a sample cylinder may include a housing, a first mounting station, and one or more valves to facilitate the preparing, pressurizing, testing, and removal of an LPG sample from a sample cylinder. The first mounting station and one or more valves may be attached to the housing. For example, the apparatus may include a first valve configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to a waste destination, thereby to remove at least a portion of conventional LPG from the sample cylinder and provide ullage or headspace. The first valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from a source of pressurized gas to the sample cylinder, thereby to pressurize and / or flush the sample cylinder. The apparatus may further include a second valve configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to an expansion chamber, thereby to remove at least a portion of heavy LPG from the sample cylinder and provide ullage or headspace. The second valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to a third valve, thereby to flush the expansion chamber. Additionally, the second valve may be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to testing equipment, thereby to determine the condition and / or contents of the LPG sample. The tested LPG sample, first valve, and third valve may be in fluid communication with one or more waste destinations, thereby to remove the LPG sample from the sample cylinder without specialized lab equipment.

[0010] In some embodiments, a method for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder may include connecting a sample cylinder containing LPG to a mounting station of an apparatus, thereby to attached the LPG sample cylinder to the apparatus and provide access to the LPG from an upper connector valve and a lower connector valve. The method may further include directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the sample cylinder to a waste destination, thereby to provide ullage or headspace. The method may alternatively or additionally include directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the sample cylinder to an expansion chamber, thereby to provide ullage or headspace. The method may also3RADRi26-WO-PCTinclude directing pressurized gas to flow into the sample cylinder, thereby to pressurize the sample cylinder. The method further may include directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow to testing equipment, and flushing the sample cylinder and / or expansion chamber with the pressurized gas. The method may then include disconnecting the flushed sample cylinder from the first mounting station, thereby to detach the sample cylinder from the apparatus. The sample cylinder may then be reused to collect a new material sample.

[0011] In some embodiments, a kit for enhancing the handling of a sample cylinder may include a portable container for retaining one or more components of the apparatus disclosed herein. The container may include a mounting station, such as, the first mounting station and / or the second mounting station. The container may include a first valve positioned proximate the mounting station, which can be configured to provide fluid flow from a sample cylinder attached to the mounting station to a waste station. The fluid flow provided by the first valve from the sample cylinder to the waste station may be of a first state (i.e., conventional or vaporized LPG) of a material sample contained within the sample cylinder. The first valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from a source of pressurized gas to the attached sample cylinder.

[0012] The container may also include a second valve positioned proximate the mounting station, which can be configured to provide fluid flow from the attached sample cylinder to a waste destination. The fluid flow provided by the second valve from the sample cylinder to the waste station may be of a second state (i.e., heavy or liquid LPG) of a material sample contained within the sample cylinder. The container may further include an expansion chamber, which can be configured to receive the fluid flow of the second state of the material sample. The second valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to testing equipment. The fluid flow provided by the second valve from the sample cylinder to the testing equipment (and received by the testing equipment) may be a third state (i.e., an LPG pressurized by an inert gas) of a material sample contained within the sample cylinder.

[0013] Still other aspects and advantages of these exemplary embodiments and other embodiments, are discussed in detail herein. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description provide merely illustrative examples of various aspects and embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and embodiments. Accordingly, these and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present disclosure, will become apparent through reference to the following description4RADRi26-WO-PCTand the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and may exist in various combinations and permutations.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description, serve to explain principles of the embodiments discussed herein. No attempt is made to show structural details of this disclosure in more detail than can be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the embodiments discussed herein and the various ways in which they can be practiced. According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings can be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. l is a schematic front perspective view of an example apparatus for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a schematic back perspective view of the example apparatus for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder shown in FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic front perspective view of the example apparatus for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder shown in FIG. 1, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example method for preparing an example apparatus for enhanced handling of a sample cylinder, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example method for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder containing conventional LPG, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example method for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder containing heavy LPG, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0021] The drawings include like numerals to indicate like parts throughout the several views, the following description is provided as an enabling teaching of exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that many changes may be made to the embodiments described. It also will be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the embodiments described can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the embodiments without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the embodiments described are5RADRi26-WO-PCTpossible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the embodiments and not in limitation thereof.

[0022] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. As used herein, the term “plurality” refers to two or more items or components. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” and “involving,” whether in the written description or the claims and the like, are open-ended terms, in particular, to mean “including but not limited to,” unless otherwise stated. Thus, the use of such terms is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. The transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of,” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, with respect to any claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish claim elements. As used herein, the terms “connected” and “attached” refer to two or more items or components physically joined or linked together. Each term can individually be used to indicate a temporary or removeable joining or linkage, a permanent or fixed joining or linkage, a semi-permanent joining or linkage, or alternative joining or linkage types.

[0023] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a front perspective view of an example apparatus 100 for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder 120 containing a material sample, according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the sample cylinder 120 may contain a material sample extracted from a chemical manufacturing process. As noted herein, it may be desirable to periodically determine one or more properties of a material associated with the process in order to ensure that the process is proceeding as desired. Material samples may be collected in the sample cylinder 120, which may be designed to safely contain the material sample until it is tested. For example, a sample of the material may be deposited into the sample cylinder 120, and the material sample may be tested to determine one or more properties of interest. For example, the sample cylinder 120 may contain a sample of liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Although some examples discussed herein may refer to material samples that include LPG, material samples including other materials are contemplated.6RADRi26-WO-PCT

[0024] Applicant has recognized that for the purpose of improving the efficiency of testing a material sample, it may be desirable to mitigate the need for specific facilities during testing, by providing a mobile apparatus 100 for testing proximate the location from which the material sample was collected. Additionally, to increase the accuracy of testing a material sample, it may be desirable to mitigate the presence of contaminates such as water and particulates in the material sample, and inspect the amount of the material sample contained in the sample cylinder 120. For example, contaminants in the sample cylinder may adversely affect the testing results and / or may foul testing instrumentation, and thus, it may be desirable to remove contaminates from the sample cylinder 120 prior to testing. In addition, depending on the form of the material sample (e.g., whether it is in gaseous or liquid form), if the volume of the amount of the material sample is greater than a certain percentage of the volume of the sample cylinder, a potentially hazardous condition may be created. For example, if the sample material is LPG and the temperature of the sample cylinder is increased, the volume of the LPG sample may grow to exceed the capacity of the sample cylinder, which may result in the sample cylinder rupturing.

[0025] Applicant has also recognized that once contaminates have been removed from the sample cylinder and the amount of material sample contained in the sample cylinder is below the maximum desired amount, the sample cylinder may be prepared for transfer of the material sample from the sample cylinder into testing instrumentation. This may include pressurizing the material sample in the sample cylinder to ensure that the material sample is in liquid form for testing by the testing instrumentation. For example, if the material sample includes LPG, this may include pressurizing the LPG in the LPG sample cylinder to ensure that the LPG is in liquid form for testing by the testing instrumentation. In some embodiments, pressurization of the material sample may include pumping inert gas into the sample cylinder at a pressure of, for example, about 400 pounds per square inch or greater. Following use of the sample cylinder for testing, Applicant has recognized that it may be desirable to purge the sample cylinder to remove any portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder to prepare it for use for collection and testing of another material sample. For example, if the material sample includes LPG, it may be desirable to purge any portion of the LPG sample remaining in the sample cylinder following testing. This may include, for example, LPG and other petroleum cuts still present in the sample cylinder following testing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder 120 may include a housing 110, panel, or container. The housing 110 may7RADRi26-WO-PCTinclude, for example, a first wall 112a, a second wall 112b, a third wall 112c, and a fourth wall 112d. The first wall 112a, second wall 112b, third wall 112c, and fourth wall 112d, may each have a length longer than a width. The fist wall 112a, second wall 112b, third wall 112c, and fourth wall 112d may each be fixedly attached to a backing 114. For example, the first wall 112a, second wall 112b, third wall 112c, and fourth wall 112d may each have a first end fixedly attached to the backing 114 and a second opposing end extending outward therefrom. The apparatus 100 may be portable, or able to be easily carried or moved by hand. To facilitate portability, the housing 110 may be formed of lightweight materials, such that the weight of the apparatus 100 is at most 40 lbs., including at most 30 lbs., at most 20 lbs., at most 15 lbs., at most 10 lbs., or less than 10 lbs. The apparatus 100 may additionally be mobile, or able to be readily moved or transported from one location to another. To facilitate mobility, the apparatus 100 may include a handle 116 to allow a user to move the apparatus 100 by hand.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 may include a first mounting station 118. The first mounting station 118 may be configured to receive the sample cylinder 120. The sample cylinder 120 can be sized, for example, to hold 300 cubic centimeters (cc) of a material sample. The first mounting station 118 may include a first mounting fixture 122 connected to the housing 110 and configured to attach the sample cylinder 120 to the apparatus 100. For example, the first mounting fixture 122 may be configured to be attached to the sample cylinder. The first mounting fixture 122 may include one or more of clamps and / or an adjustable bracket. The first mounting station 118 may also be configured to form an upper connector valve 124 and a lower connector valve 126 with the sample cylinder 120, each configured to provide controllable access to the material sample of the sample cylinder 120. The upper connector valve 124 may further be configured to provide the sample cylinder 120 with controllable access to pressurized gas. For example, the sample cylinder 120 may include a 2-way valve connected to female quick connect fittings 124a and 126a, each configured to attach to a male quick connect 124b and 126b, respectively, of the apparatus 100, to form the upper connector valve 124 and the lower connector valve 126. The first mounting station 118 may therefore facilitate controllable access of the material sample from the sample cylinder 120, and controllable access of a pressurized gas to the sample cylinder 120, without needing to disconnect the sample cylinder 120 from the first mounting station 118.

[0028] The sample cylinder 120 may further include an outage tube 124c, which may be configured to extend a length of the sample cylinder. For example, the outage tube 124c8RADRi26-WO-PCTmay extend about 20% the length of the sample cylinder. The apparatus 100 may also include a second mounting station 138. The second mounting station 138 may be configured to receive an expansion chamber 140. The expansion chamber 140 can be sized, for example, to hold about 20% of the volume of the sample cylinder, such as about 60 milliliters (mL) for a 300cc sample cylinder. The second mounting station 118 may include a second mounting fixture 142 connected to the housing and configured to attach the expansion chamber 140 to the apparatus. For example, the second mounting fixture 142 may be configured to be attached to the expansion chamber 140. The second mounting fixture 142 may include one or more of clamps and / or an adjustable bracket.

[0029] The apparatus may include a first valve 128 positioned proximate the first mounting fixture 122. The first valve may be, for example, a 4-way valve, and may be connected to the housing 110. The first valve 128 may be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder 120 to a waste destination, thereby to remove at least a portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder. For example, the first valve 128 may be in fluid communication with the sample cylinder 120 and a conventional material output 130, which may be in fluid communication with a waste destination. The first valve 128 may therefore further be in fluid communication with the waste destination. The waste destination may be separate from the apparatus 100. For example, the waste destination may be one or more receptacle(s) and / or ventilation ductwork.

[0030] For a sample of conventional LPG, or LPG with contaminants in an amount or weight to allow removal of at least a portion of a first (conventional) state of LPG through the upper connector valve 124, the first valve 128 facilitates the preparation of the LPG sample by providing fluid flow from the sample cylinder 120 to the waste destination. The first state of LPG removed through the upper connector valve 124 may be in a liquid phase. As the LPG flows from the upper connector valve 124 to the waste destination, the removed LPG may pass through a sight glass 132 that allows a user to view the state of the LPG. The sight glass 132 may indicate to a user when to stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder 120 to the waste destination. For example, when the sample cylinder has reached about 20% ullage or headspace, the removed LPG passing through the sight glass 132 may change from a liquid phase to a vapor phase. A user who views this phase change may stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder 120 to the waste destination at this indicator.

[0031] The first valve 128 may further be configured to provide fluid flow from a source of pressurized gas to the sample cylinder 120, thereby to pressurize the sample cylinder and / or flush or purge the sample cylinder 120. For example, the first valve 128 may be in9RADRi26-WO-PCTfluid communication with the pressurized gas input 134, which may be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The first valve 128 may therefore be in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas. The source of pressurized gas may be separate from the apparatus 100. For example, the source of pressurized gas may be a tank of pressurized, inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, or krypton.

[0032] The apparatus 100 may include a regulator gauge 150 connected to the housing 110 and configured to attach to the source of pressurized gas. Referring to FIG. 2, the regulator gauge 150 may include a fitting 150a to attach to the source of pressurized gas. The regulator gauge 150 may be fixedly attached to a back side of the backing 114, and viewable on a front side of the packing 114 through a viewing window 152. The regulator gauge 150 may indicate the net pressure difference (pressure differential) between an internal pressure of the sample cylinder 120 and the pressure of the pressurized gas. The regulator gauge 150 may indicate to a user when to stop the flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the sample cylinder 120. For example, when the regulator gauge 150 indicates that the net pressure difference between the internal pressure of the sample cylinder 120 and the pressure of the pressurized gas is constant, or at equilibrium, a user may stop the flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the sample cylinder 120.

[0033] The apparatus 100 may include a second valve 136 positioned proximate the first mounting fixture 122. The second valve may be, for example, a 5-way valve, and may be connected to the housing 110. The second valve 136 may be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber 140, thereby to remove at least a portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder. For a sample of heavy LPG, or LPG with contaminants in an amount or weight such that removal of at least a portion of a second (heavy) state of LPG through the lower connector valve 126, the second valve 136 facilitates the preparation of the LPG sample by providing fluid flow from the sample cylinder 120 to the expansion chamber 140. The second state of LPG removed through the lower connector valve 126 may be a liquid phase. The expansion chamber 140 may include a pressure gauge indicative of fullness. The pressure gauge may indicate to a user when to stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder 120 to the expansion chamber 140. For example, when the pressure of the expansion chamber indicates fullness, a user may stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder 120 to the expansion chamber 140. Additionally or alternatively, the expansion chamber will be full after a certain amount of time has passed since the flowing of LPG from the sample cylinder 120 to the expansion chamber, based10RADRi26-WO-PCTon the degree of openness of the lower connector valve 126 and the second valve 136. For example, when both the lower connector valve 126 and the second valve 136 are fully open, the expansion chamber may be full in 2-8 seconds.

[0034] The second valve 136 may further be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to a third valve 144, thereby to flush the expansion chamber. The third valve 144 may be positioned proximate the second mounting fixture 142. The third valve 144 may be, for example, a 2-way valve, and may be connected to the housing 110. The third valve 144 may be configured to provide fluid flow from the expansion chamber 140 to the waste destination, thereby to remove at least a portion of the second state of LPG from the expansion chamber 140. For example, the third valve 144 may be in fluid communication with the expansion chamber 140 and a heavy material output 146, which may be in fluid communication with a waste destination. The third valve 144 may therefore further be in fluid communication with the waste destination. The waste destination may be separate from the apparatus 100. For example, the waste destination may be one or more receptacle(s) and / or ventilation ductwork.

[0035] The second valve 136 may further be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder 120 to testing equipment, thereby to remove at least a portion of a third (pressurized) state of LPG from the sample cylinder 120 and determine the condition and / or contents of the LPG sample. For example, the second valve 136 may be in fluid communication with a pressurized material sample output 154, which may be in fluid communication with testing equipment. The second valve 136 may therefore be in fluid communication with the testing equipment. The testing equipment may also be in fluid communication with a tested LPG input 156, which may be in fluid communication with a waste destination. The testing equipment may therefore be in fluid communication with the waste destination. The second valve 136 may also be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the waste destination, thereby flushing the testing equipment. The testing equipment may be separate from the apparatus 100. For example, the testing equipment may be one or more devices readily known by those skilled in the art for testing material samples such as LPGs, such as gas chromatographic devices, liquid chromatographic devices, corrosion assessment devices, volatility and residue assessment devices, etc. The waste destination may also be separate from the apparatus 100. For example, the waste destination may be one or more receptacle(s) and / or ventilation ductwork.11RADRi26-WO-PCT

[0036] The apparatus 100 may further include a fourth valve 148 positioned proximate the viewing window 152. The fourth valve 148 may be, for example, a 2-way valve, and may be connected to the housing 110. The fourth valve may be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the first valve 128 and / or the second valve 136.

[0037] The apparatus 100 may also include a grounding assembly 158. The grounding assembly 158 may be connected to the housing 110 and configured to electrically ground one or more of a user (person) handling the sample cylinder 120, the first mounting station 118, or the second mounting station 138. For example, the grounding assembly 158 may include an electrically grounded connection bus 160, for example, a copper bus bar electrically grounded to a suitable grounding device. In some embodiments, the grounding assembly 158 may include a clamp 162 configured to be attached to the first mounting station 118 and / or the second mounting station 138. The clamp 162 may be electrically conductive. The grounding assembly 158 further may include a first cable 164 connected to the clamp 162 and the electrically grounded connection bus 160. The first cable 164 may be electrically conductive. The grounding assembly 158 also may include a wearable attachment 166 configured to be attached to the user handling the sample cylinder 120, and the wearable attachment 166 may be electrically conductive. The grounding assembly 158 further may include a second cable 168 connected to the wearable attachment 166 and the electrically grounded connection bus 160, and the second cable 168 may be electrically conductive. In some embodiments, the wearable attachment 166 may include a wrist strap for electrically grounding the user.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the apparatus may also include flexible hoses 172 and piping 174. The piping 174 may be fixedly connected to the housing, while the flexible hoses 172 may be removably attached for ease of attachment to the sample cylinder 120. FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment with the flexible hoses 172 removed. The piping 174 may include check valves 170a, 170b, and / or 170c, configured to limit the fluid flow in the pipe to a single direction. For example, check valve 170a may prevent fluid from flowing from the first valve 128 to the fourth valve 148. Likewise, check valve 170b may prevent fluid from flowing from the second valve 138 to the fourth valve 148. Similarly, check valve 170c may prevent fluid from flowing from the second valve 138 to the lower connector valve 126.

[0039] In some embodiments, one or more components of the apparatus 100 may be configured as a kit for enhancing handling of an LPG sample cylinder. The kit may be “reusable,” which is meant to convey that the kit, in addition to all components included in12RADRi26-WO-PCTthe surgical kit, is intended for use with multiple sample cylinders. Examples of kits of the present disclosure can be configured to be mobile and / or portable, such that those skilled in the art can perform the methods disclosed herein without being bound to a specific location or location type.

[0040] In some embodiments, the kit for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder may include a housing, such as 110, a panel, or a container. The container may include, for example, a first wall, such as 112a, a second wall, such as 112b, a third wall, such as 112c, and a fourth wall, such as 112d. The first wall, second wall, third wall, and fourth wall, may each have a length longer than a width. The fist wall, second wall, third wall, and fourth wall may each be fixedly attached to a backing, such as 114. For example, the first wall, second wall, third wall, and fourth wall may each have a first end fixedly attached to the backing 114 and a second opposing end extending outward therefrom. The kit may be portable, or able to be easily carried or moved by hand. To facilitate portability, the container may be formed of lightweight materials, such that the weight of the kit is at most 40 lbs., including at most 30 lbs., at most 20 lbs., at most 15 lbs., at most 10 lbs., or less than 10 lbs. The kit may additionally be mobile, or able to be readily moved or transported from one location to another. To facilitate mobility, the kit may include a handle, such as 116, to allow a user to move the kit by hand.

[0041] The container may include a first mounting station, such as 118. The first mounting station may be configured to receive a sample cylinder, such as 120. The sample cylinder can be sized, for example, to hold 300 cubic centimeters (cc) of a material sample. The first mounting station may include a first mounting fixture, such as 122, connected to the container and configured to attach the sample cylinder to the container. For example, the first mounting fixture may be configured to be attached to the sample cylinder. The first mounting fixture may include one or more of clamps and / or an adjustable bracket. The first mounting station may also be configured to form an upper connector valve, such as 124, and a lower connector valve, such as 126, with the sample cylinder, each configured to provide controllable access to the material sample of the sample cylinder. The upper connector valve may further be configured to provide the sample cylinder with controllable access to pressurized gas. For example, the sample cylinder may include a 2-way valve connected to female quick connect fittings, such as 124a and 126a, each configured to attach to male quick connect fittings, such as 124b and 126b, respectively, of the container, to form the upper connector valve, such as 124, and the lower connector valve, such as 126. The first mounting station may therefore facilitate controllable access of the material13RADRi26-WO-PCTsample from the sample cylinder, and controllable access of a pressurized gas to the sample cylinder, without needing to disconnect the sample cylinder from the first mounting station.

[0042] The container may also include a second mounting station, such as 138. The second mounting station may be configured to receive an expansion chamber, such as 140. The expansion chamber can be sized, for example, to hold about 20% of the volume of the sample cylinder, such as about 60 milliliters (mL) for a 300cc sample cylinder. The second mounting station may include a second mounting fixture, such as 142, connected to the container and configured to attach the expansion chamber to the container. For example, the second mounting fixture may be configured to be attached to the expansion chamber. The second mounting fixture may include one or more of clamps and / or an adjustable bracket.

[0043] The container may include a first valve, such as 128, positioned proximate the first mounting fixture. The first valve may be, for example, a 4-way valve, and may be connected to the container. The first valve may be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to a waste destination, thereby to remove at least a portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder. For example, the first valve may be in fluid communication with the sample cylinder and a conventional material output, such as 130, which may be in fluid communication with a waste destination. The first valve may therefore further be in fluid communication with the waste destination. The waste destination may be separate from the kit. For example, the waste destination may be one or more receptacle(s) and / or ventilation ductwork.

[0044] For a sample of conventional LPG, or LPG with contaminants in an amount or weight to allow removal of at least a portion of a first (conventional) state of LPG through the upper connector valve, the first valve facilitates the preparation of the LPG sample by providing fluid flow from the sample cylinder to the waste destination. The first state of LPG removed through the upper connector valve may be in a liquid phase. As the LPG flows from the upper connector valve to the waste destination, the removed LPG may pass through a sight glass, such as 132, that allows a user to view the state of the LPG. The sight glass may indicate to a user when to stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder to the waste destination. For example, when the sample cylinder has reached about 20% ullage or headspace, the removed LPG passing through the sight glass may change from a liquid phase to a vapor phase. A user who views this phase change may stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder to the waste destination at this indicator.14RADRi26-WO-PCT

[0045] The first valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from a source of pressurized gas to the sample cylinder, thereby to pressurize the sample cylinder and / or flush or purge the sample cylinder. For example, the first valve may be in fluid communication with the pressurized gas input, which may be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized gas. The first valve may therefore be in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas. The source of pressurized gas may be separate from the kit. For example, the source of pressurized gas may be a tank of pressurized, inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, or krypton.

[0046] The container may include a regulator gauge, such as 150, connected to the container and configured to attach to the source of pressurized gas. The regulator gauge may include a fitting, such as 150a, to attach to the source of pressurized gas. The regulator gauge may be fixedly attached to a back side of the backing, such as 114, and viewable on a front side of the backing through a viewing window such as 152. The regulator gauge may indicate the net pressure difference (pressure differential) between an internal pressure of the sample cylinder and the pressure of the pressurized gas. The regulator gauge may indicate to a user when to stop the flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the sample cylinder. For example, when the regulator gauge indicates that the net pressure difference between the internal pressure of the sample cylinder and the pressure of the pressurized gas is constant, or at equilibrium, a user may stop the flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the sample cylinder.

[0047] The container may include a second valve, such as 136, positioned proximate the first mounting fixture. The second valve may be, for example, a 5 -way valve, and may be connected to the container. The second valve may be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber, thereby to remove at least a portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder. For a sample of heavy LPG, or LPG with contaminants in an amount or weight such that removal of at least a portion of a second (heavy) state of LPG through the lower connector valve, the second valve facilitates the preparation of the LPG sample by providing fluid flow from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber. The second state of LPG removed through the lower connector valve may be a liquid phase. The expansion chamber may include a pressure gauge indicative of fullness. The pressure gauge may indicate to a user when to stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber. For example, when the pressure of the expansion chamber indicates fullness, a user may stop the flow of LPG from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber. Additionally or alternatively, the expansion chamber15RADRi26-WO-PCTwill be full after a certain amount of time has passed since the flowing of LPG from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber, based on the degree of openness of the lower connector valve and the second valve. For example, when both the lower connector valve and the second valve are fully open, the expansion chamber may be full in 2-8 seconds.

[0048] The second valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to a third valve included within the container, such as 144, thereby to flush the expansion chamber. The third valve may be positioned proximate the second mounting fixture. The third valve may be, for example, a 2-way valve, and may be connected to the container. The third valve may be configured to provide fluid flow from the expansion chamber to the waste destination, thereby to remove at least a portion of the second state of LPG from the expansion chamber. For example, the third valve may be in fluid communication with the expansion chamber and a heavy material output, such as 146, which may be in fluid communication with a waste destination. The third valve may therefore further be in fluid communication with the waste destination. The waste destination may be separate from the kit. For example, the waste destination may be one or more receptacle(s) and / or ventilation ductwork.

[0049] The second valve may further be configured to provide fluid flow from the sample cylinder to testing equipment, thereby to remove at least a portion of a third (pressurized) state of LPG from the sample cylinder and determine the condition and / or contents of the LPG sample. For example, the second valve may be in fluid communication with a pressurized material sample output, such as 154, which may be in fluid communication with testing equipment. The second valve may therefore be in fluid communication with the testing equipment. The testing equipment may also be in fluid communication with a tested LPG input, such as 156, which may be in fluid communication with a waste destination. The testing equipment may therefore be in fluid communication with the waste destination. The second valve may also be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the waste destination, thereby flushing the testing equipment. The testing equipment may be separate from the kit. For example, the testing equipment may be one or more devices readily known by those skilled in the art for testing material samples such as LPGs, such as gas chromatographic devices, liquid chromatographic devices, corrosion assessment devices, volatility and residue assessment devices, etc. The waste destination may also be separate from the kit. For example, the waste destination may be one or more receptacle(s) and / or ventilation ductwork.16RADRi26-WO-PCT

[0050] The container may further include a fourth valve, such as 148, positioned proximate the viewing window. The fourth valve may be, for example, a 2-way valve, and may be connected to the container. The fourth valve may be configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the first valve and / or the second valve.

[0051] The container may also include a grounding assembly, such as 158. The grounding assembly may be connected to the container and configured to electrically ground one or more of a user (person) handling the sample cylinder, the first mounting station, or the second mounting station. For example, the grounding assembly may include an electrically grounded connection bus, such as 160, for example, a copper bus bar electrically grounded to a suitable grounding device. In some embodiments, the grounding assembly may include a clamp, such as 162, configured to be attached to the first mounting station and / or the second mounting station. The clamp may be electrically conductive. The grounding assembly further may include a first cable, such as 164, connected to the clamp and the electrically grounded connection bus. The first cable may be electrically conductive. The grounding assembly also may include a wearable attachment, such as 166, configured to be attached to the user handling the sample cylinder, and the wearable attachment may be electrically conductive. The grounding assembly further may include a second cable, such as 168, connected to the wearable attachment and the electrically grounded connection bus, and the second cable may be electrically conductive. In some embodiments, the wearable attachment may include a wrist strap for electrically grounding the user.

[0052] The container may also include flexible hoses, such as 172, and piping, such as 174. The piping may be fixedly connected to the housing, while the flexible hoses may be removably attached for ease of attachment to the sample cylinder. The piping may include check valves, such as 170a, 170b, and / or 170c, configured to limit the fluid flow in the pipe to a single direction.

[0053] FIGS. 4-6 depict block diagrams of example methods 200, 300, and 400, respectively, for enhanced handling of a sample cylinder, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The example methods 200, 300, and 400 are each illustrated as collections of blocks in a logical flow path, which represent a sequence of operations. The order of operations as described are not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described blocks can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the methods.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example method 200 for preparing an example apparatus or panel for enhanced handling of a sample cylinder containing a material sample,17RADRi26-WO-PCTaccording to embodiments of the disclosure. Blocks 210-226 may be directed to preparing the example apparatus for enhanced handling of the sample cylinder. In some embodiments, the sample cylinder may be an LPG sample cylinder containing an LPG sample. At 210, the example method 200 may include connecting to a grounding assembly as described herein. For example, connecting to a grounding assembly may include attaching a wearable attachment to a user’s body, and attaching a clamp to a mounting station, where the mounting station and an electrically grounded connection bus are attached to the apparatus, and the clamp and wearable attachment are attached to the electrically grounded connection bus by a first cable and a second cable, respectively. At 212, the example method 200 may include checking all valves of the apparatus, as described herein, to confirm all are in a closed position. For example, checking all valves may include checking a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, an upper connector valve, and a lower connector valve, to confirm all are closed. At 214, the example method may further include closing any unclosed valves.

[0055] At 216a, the example method 200 may include connecting a conventional material output, as described herein, to a waste destination. For example, the conventional material output may be connected to one or more receptacles configured to receive waste through the conventional material output. At 216b, the example method 200 may additionally or alternatively include connecting a heavy material output, as described herein, to a waste destination. For example, the heavy material output may be connected to one or more receptacles configured to receive waste through the heavy material output.

[0056] At 218, the example method 200 may include connecting a pressurized LPG output to a testing equipment inlet, as described herein. For example, the pressurized LPG output may be connected to one or more testing devices configured to receive pressurized LPG through the pressurized LPG output and determine the condition and / or content of the pressurized LPG. At 220, the example method 200 may include connecting a testing equipment output to a tested LPG input, as described herein. For example, the testing equipment output may be connected to the tested LPG input, and the tested LPG input configured to receive the LPG tested by the testing equipment. At 222, the example method 200 may include connecting the tested LPG input, as described herein, to a waste destination. For example, the tested LPG input may be connected to one or more receptacles configured to receive waste from the testing equipment output.

[0057] At 224, the example method 200 may include connecting a sample cylinder to a mounting station of the apparatus, thereby to attach the sample cylinder to the apparatus18RADRi26-WO-PCTand provide access to the material sample from an upper connection valve and a lower connection valve, and to provide the sample cylinder with access to pressurized gas through the upper connector valve. The connecting at 224 may include connecting the sample cylinder to an upper connection valve and a lower connection valve in proper orientation, as described herein. For example, the upper connection valve may be in fluid communication with an outage tube in the sample cylinder.

[0058] At 226, the example method 200 may include connecting a pressurization gas source to a regulator gauge, as described herein. For example, the regulator gauge may be connected to a back side of a backing of the apparatus, and viewable on a front side of the backing through a viewable window.

[0059] The example method 200 may further include the enhanced handling of the sample cylinder after the apparatus has been prepared. After determining at 228 that the LPG in the LPG sample is conventional, the example method 200 may include at 230a proceeding with example method 300. Alternatively, after determining at 228 that the LPG in the sample cylinder is heavy, the example method 200 may include at 230b proceeding with example method 400. It should be understood that in some instances, those skilled in the art may have determined whether the LPG in the sample cylinder is conventional or heavy earlier on in the method 200. In such embodiments, the user may proceed directly from the connecting at 226 to the proceeding at 230a or 230b depending on the determined type of the LPG.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example method 300 for the enhanced handling of an example apparatus or panel for a first state, or conventional, LPG, according to embodiments of the disclosure. Blocks 310-318 may be directed to preparing the sample cylinder by generating ullage or headspace. At 310, the example method 300 may include adjusting a first valve, such as a 4-way valve, to open a flow path between the upper connection valve and the conventional material output. At 312, the example method 300 may include directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the LPG sample cylinder to the waste destination through the conventional material output. The directing at 312 may include opening the upper connection valve to remove at least a portion of the LPG and direct the flow of the at least a portion of the removed LPG to pass through a sight glass, and from the sight glass to waste through the conventional material output. The removing of the LPG from the sample cylinder may increase an internal pressure of the sample cylinder. The example method 300 may further include determining the ullage of the sample cylinder. For example, the determining may include at 314 monitoring the phase19RADRi26-WO-PCTof the LPG as it passes through the sight glass, at 316 assessing whether the phase of the LPG has changed from a liquid to a vapor, at 318 determining that about 20% ullage has been reached when the phase of the LPG has changed from a liquid to a vapor, and at 320 closing the lower connection valve when 20% ullage has been reached. Alternatively, the method may include determining that between about 10% to about 30% ullage has been reached when the phase of the LPG has changed from a liquid to a vapor, and at 320 closing the lower connection valve when between about 10% to about 30% has been reached. In another alternative, the method may include determining that between about 15% to about 25% ullage has been reached when the phase of the LPG has changed from a liquid to a vapor, and at 320 closing the lower connection valve when between about 15% to about 25% has been reached.

[0061] Still referring to FIG. 5, blocks 322-338 may be directed to pressurizing the sample cylinder. At 320, the example method may include adjusting the first valve to open a flow path between a fourth valve as described herein and the upper connection valve. At 322, the example method may include directing pressurization gas to flow into the sample cylinder. The directing of may include opening the fourth valve to direct the flow of pressurization gas into the LPG sample cylinder through the upper connection valve. The example method 300 may further include equilibrizing the pressure differential between the sample cylinder and the pressurized gas. For example, the equilibrizing may include at 324 the monitoring of the regulator gauge pressure differential, at 326 assessing whether the pressure differential indicates that pressure equilibrium as occurred, and at 328 stopping the flow of the pressurized gas into the sample cylinder when pressurization equilibrium is reached. The stopping of 328 may include closing the fourth valve. At 330, the example method may include closing the upper connection valve, and at 332, the example method may include adjusting the first valve to open the flow path between the fourth valve and the conventional material output, thereby depressurizing the flow path between the fourth valve and the conventional material output. At 334, the example method may include opening the fourth valve to direct the flow of the pressurization gas to from the pressurized gas source to the waste destination, thereby flushing or purging the flow path from the fourth valve through the conventional material output. At 336, the example method may include closing the fourth valve when flushing is complete. At 338, the example method may include adjusting the first valve to a closed position.

[0062] Again referring to FIG. 5, blocks 340-360 may be directed to dispensing and analyzing LPG from the sample cylinder. At 340, the example method may include20RADRi26-WO-PCTdirecting at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the sample cylinder to testing equipment. The directing of 340 may include adjusting a second valve to open a flow path between the lower connection valve and a pressurized LPG output as described herein. At 342, the directing of 334 may further include removing at least a portion of the LPG from the sample cylinder through the lower connection valve. The removing of 342 may include opening the lower connection valve to direct the flow of pressurized LPG from the sample cylinder to the testing equipment. At 344, the example method may include closing the lower connection valve when the testing equipment has received a sufficient sample of pressurized LPG to begin testing, and at 346, the example method may include testing the sample of pressurized LPG with the testing equipment. At 348, the example method may include adjusting the first valve to open the flow path between the fourth valve and the upper connection valve, and at 350, the example method may include adjusting the second valve to open the flow path between the lower connection valve and the pressurized LPG output when the testing is complete. At 352, the example method may include opening the upper connection valve and the lower connection valve, and at 354, the example method may include opening the fourth valve to direct the flow of pressurization gas from the pressurized gas source to the waste destination, thereby flushing the sample cylinder, the testing equipment, and the flow path from the pressurized gas inlet to the waste destination. At 356, the example method may include closing the fourth valve, and at 358, the example method may include closing the upper connection valve and the lower connection valve once flushing is complete. At 360, the example method may include adjusting the first and second valves to a closed position. The sample cylinder may then be disconnected from the first mounting station, thereby to detach the sample cylinder from the apparatus.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example method 400 for the enhanced handling of an example apparatus or panel for a second state, or heavy, LPG, according to embodiments of the disclosure. Blocks 410-420 may be directed to preparing the sample cylinder by generating ullage or headspace. At 410, the example method 400 may include adjusting the second valve to open a flow path between the lower connection valve and a third valve as described herein. At 412, the example method 400 may include directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the sample cylinder to the expansion chamber. The directing of 412 may include opening the lower connection valve to direct the flow of heavy LPG to the expansion chamber, thereby to remove at least a portion of the LPG from the sample cylinder through the lower connection valve and pass the at least a portion of the removed LPG from the lower connection valve to the expansion chamber. The directing21RADRi26-WO-PCTof 412 may increase an internal pressure of the sample cylinder. The example method 400 may further include determining the ullage of the sample cylinder. For example, the determining may include at 414 monitoring the amount of LPG removed from the sample cylinder, at 416 assessing whether the expansion chamber is full, and at 418 determining that about 20% ullage has been reached when the expansion chamber is full. In alternative embodiments, the method may provide determining between 10% to 30% ullage has been reached when the expansion chamber is full. Alternatively, the method may provide determining between 15% to 25% ullage has been reached when the expansion chamber is full.

[0064] At 420, the method 400 may include closing the lower connection valve once the expansion chamber is full, as described herein. The method 400 may further include flushing the expansion chamber with a pressurized gas. For example, the flushing may include at 422 adjusting the second valve to open a flow path between the fourth valve and the third valve, and at 424 opening the third valve. At 426, the flushing may also include opening the fourth valve to direct the flow of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the waste destination, thereby flushing the expansion chamber and the flow path from the pressurized gas inlet to the waste destination. At 428, the method 400 may include closing the fourth valve after flushing is complete. At 430, the method 400 may include adjusting the second valve to a closed position.

[0065] Referring still to FIG. 6, blocks 432-444 may be directed to pressurizing the sample cylinder. At 432, the example method 400 may include adjusting the first valve to open a flow path between the fourth valve and the upper connection valve. At 434, the example method 400 may further include opening the upper connection valve, and at 436, opening the fourth valved to direct the flow of pressurization gas from the pressurized gas source to the sample cylinder. The directing of 436 may include passing the pressurized gas into the LPG sample cylinder through the upper connector valve from the source of pressurized gas. At 438, the example method 400 may further include monitoring the regulator gauge for pressurization equilibrium between the internal pressure of the sample cylinder and the pressurized gas as described herein. Once determining at 440 pressurization equilibrium has been reached, the example method 400 may include at 442 closing the fourth valve to stop the flow of the pressurized gas into the sample cylinder. At 444, the example method may include closing the upper connection valve when pressurization equilibrium is reached.22RADRi26-WO-PCT

[0066] Referring again to FIG. 6, blocks 446-452 may be directed to determining the conditions and / or contents of the LPG in the sample cylinder. The determining may include dispensing and analyzing LPG from the sample cylinder. For example, the example method 400 may include directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the sample cylinder to testing equipment. The directing may include at 446 adjusting the second valve to open a flow path between the lower connection valve and a pressurized LPG output as described herein, thereby removing at least a portion of the LPG from the sample cylinder through the lower connection valve to the testing equipment. At 448, the removing of 446 may include opening the lower connection valve to direct the flow of pressurized LPG to the testing equipment. At 450, the example method 400 may include closing the lower connection valve when the testing equipment has received a sufficient sample of pressurized LPG to begin testing, and at 452, the example method may include testing the sample of pressurized LPG with the testing equipment, as disclosed herein. At 456, the example method 400 may include adjusting the second valve to open a flow path between the fourth valve and the pressurized LPG output once testing is complete. At 458, the example method 400 may include opening the upper connection valve and the lower connection valve. At 460, the example method may include opening the fourth valve to direct the flow of pressurization gas from the pressurized gas source to the waste destination, thereby flushing the sample cylinder, the testing equipment, and the flow path from the pressurized gas inlet to the waste destination. At 462, the example method 400 may include closing the fourth valve, and at 464, the example method 400 may include closing the upper connection valve and the lower connection valve once flushing is complete. At 466, the example method may include adjusting the first and second valves to a closed position. The sample cylinder may then be disconnected from the first mounting station, thereby to detach the sample cylinder from the apparatus.

[0067] Having now described some illustrative embodiments of the disclosure, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is merely illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are within the scope of one of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the disclosure. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the parameters and configurations described herein are exemplary and that actual23RADRi26-WO-PCTparameters and / or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the systems, methods, and / or aspects or techniques of the disclosure are used. Those skilled in the art should also recognize or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure. It is, therefore, to be understood that the embodiments described herein are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of any appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

[0068] Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc., above and to the above-described embodiments, which shall be considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.Accordingly, various features and characteristics as discussed herein may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions further may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.24RADR126-WO-PCT

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for enhancing handling of a liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) sample cylinder, the apparatus comprising: a housing; a first mounting station configured to receive an LPG sample cylinder containing LPG, the first mounting station comprising a first mounting fixture connected to the housing and configured to attach the LPG sample cylinder to the apparatus; a second mounting station comprising a second mounting fixture connected to the housing and configured to attach an expansion chamber to the apparatus; a first valve positioned proximate the first mounting fixture and configured to provide fluid flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to a waste destination, and from a source of pressurized gas to the attached LPG sample cylinder, thereby to remove at least a portion of the LPG from the LPG sample cylinder, to pressurize the LPG sample cylinder, or to flush the LPG sample cylinder; a second valve positioned proximate the first mounting fixture and configured to provide fluid flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to the attached expansion chamber, thereby to remove at least a portion of the LPG from the LPG sample cylinder; and a third valve positioned proximate the second mounting fixture and configured to provide fluid flow from the attached expansion chamber to the waste destination, thereby to remove at least a portion of the LPG from the expansion chamber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fourth valve configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the first valve or the second valve.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second valve is further configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the third valve, thereby to flush the attached expansion chamber.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a regulator gauge connected to the housing and configured to be attached to the source of pressurized gas.25RADRi26-WO-PCT5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve are connected to the housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second valve is further configured to provide fluid flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to testing equipment, thereby to remove at least a portion of the LPG from the LPG sample cylinder.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the testing equipment is in fluid communication with the waste destination.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second valve is further configured to provide fluid flow from the source of pressurized gas to the waste destination, thereby to flush the testing equipment.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first valve is in fluid communication with at least one of the attached LPG sample cylinder and the waste destination.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the third valve is in fluid communication with at least one of the attached expansion chamber and the waste destination.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the waste destination comprises at least one of a receptacle and ventilation ductwork.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a grounding assembly connected to the housing and configured to electrically ground one or more of a person handling the LPG sample cylinder, the first mounting station, or the second mounting station.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the grounding assembly comprises one or more of:(a) an electrically grounded connection bus;(b) a clamp configured to be attached to one or more of the first mounting station or the second mounting station, the clamp being electrically conductive;26RADRi26-WO-PCT(c) a first cable connected to the clamp and the electrically grounded connection bus, the first cable being electrically conductive;(d) a wearable attachment configured to be attached to the person handling the LPG sample cylinder, the wearable attachment being electrically conductive; or(e) a second cable connected to the wearable attachment and the electrically grounded connection bus, the second cable being electrically conductive.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle to allow a user to move the apparatus by hand.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus weighs 40 lbs. or less.

16. A method for enhanced handling of an LPG sample cylinder, the method comprising: attaching an LPG sample cylinder containing LPG to a mounting station of an apparatus, thereby to provide access to the LPG from an upper connector valve and a lower connector valve, and to provide the LPG sample cylinder with access to pressurized gas through the upper connector valve; directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to a waste destination; determining the ullage of the attached LPG sample cylinder; directing the pressurized gas to flow into the attached LPG sample cylinder when the ullage of the attached LPG sample cylinder reaches between about 10% and about 30%; directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to testing equipment; flushing the attached LPG sample cylinder with the pressurized gas; and disconnecting the attached LPG sample cylinder from the mounting station, thereby to detach the LPG sample cylinder from the apparatus.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein directing the at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to the waste destination comprises: removing the at least a portion of the LPG from the attached LPG sample cylinder through the upper connector valve, passing the at least a portion of the removed LPG through a sight glass, and27RADRi26-WO-PCTpassing the at least a portion of the removed LPG from the sight glass to the waste destination.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising ceasing the flow of the LPG from the attached LPG sample cylinder to the waste destination when the sight glass indicates that the at least a portion of the removed LPG has undergone a phase change from a liquid to a vapor.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising determining a condition or contents of the LPG with the testing equipment.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein determining the condition or contents of the LPG with the testing equipment comprises passing the LPG through a gas chromatographic device, a liquid chromatographic device, a corrosion assessment device, or a volatility and residue assessment device.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein directing the at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to the waste destination decreases an internal pressure of the attached LPG sample cylinder.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein directing the pressurized gas to flow into the attached LPG sample cylinder comprises: passing the pressurized gas into the attached LPG sample cylinder through the upper connector valve from a source of pressurized gas, monitoring a regulator gauge attached to the apparatus, the regulator gauge configured to indicate a net pressure difference between the internal pressure of the attached LPG sample cylinder and a pressure of the pressurized gas, ceasing the flow of the pressurized gas into the attached LPG sample cylinder when the regulator gauge indicates that the internal pressure of the attached LPG sample cylinder and the pressure of the pressurized gas are at equilibrium.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein directing the at least a portion of the LPG to flow to testing equipment comprises:28RADRi26-WO-PCTremoving at least a portion of the LPG from the attached LPG sample cylinder through the lower connector valve, and flowing the at least a portion of the removed LPG to the testing equipment.

24. A method for enhanced handling of an LPG sample cylinder, the method comprising: attaching an LPG sample cylinder containing LPG to a mounting station of an apparatus, thereby to provide access to the LPG from an upper connector valve and a lower connector valve, and to provide the LPG sample cylinder with access to pressurized gas through the upper connector valve; directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to an expansion chamber; determining the ullage of the LPG sample cylinder; flushing the expansion chamber with the pressurized gas when the ullage of the sample cylinder reaches between about 10% and about 30%; directing the pressurized gas to flow into the attached LPG sample cylinder; directing at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to testing equipment; flushing the attached LPG sample cylinder with the pressurized gas; and disconnecting the attached LPG sample cylinder from the mounting station, thereby to detach the LPG sample cylinder from the apparatus.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein directing the at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to the expansion chamber comprises: removing at least a portion of the LPG from the attached LPG sample cylinder through the lower connector valve, and passing the at least a portion of the removed LPG from the lower connector valve to the expansion chamber.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein directing the at least a portion of the LPG to flow from the attached LPG sample cylinder to the expansion chamber decreases an internal pressure of the attached LPG sample cylinder.29RADRi26-WO-PCT27. The method of claim 26, wherein directing the pressurized gas to flow into the attached LPG sample cylinder comprises: passing the pressurized gas into the attached LPG sample cylinder through the upper connector valve from a source of pressurized gas, monitoring a regulator gauge connected to the apparatus, the regulator gauge configured to indicate a net pressure difference between the internal pressure of the attached LPG sample cylinder and a pressure of the pressurized gas, ceasing the flow of the pressurized gas into the attached LPG sample cylinder when the regulator gauge indicates that the internal pressure of the attached LPG sample cylinder and the pressure of the pressurized gas are at equilibrium.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein directing the at least a portion of the LPG to flow to testing equipment comprises: removing the at least a portion of the LPG from the attached LPG sample cylinder after the internal pressure of the LPG sample cylinder is at equilibrium with the pressure of the pressurized gas, and flowing the at least a portion of the removed LPG to the testing equipment.

29. The method of claim 24, further comprising determining a condition or contents of the LPG with the testing equipment.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein determining the condition or contents of the LPG with the testing equipment comprises passing the LPG through a gas chromatographic device, a liquid chromatographic device, a corrosion assessment device, or a volatility and residue assessment device.

31. A kit for enhanced handling of a LPG sample cylinder, the kit comprising: a container; a mounting station included in the container, the mounting station configured to attach to an LPG sample cylinder; a first valve included in the container and positioned proximate the mounting station, the first valve configured to provide fluid flow both from an LPG sample cylinder attached to the mounting station to a waste destination, and from a source of pressurized gas to the LPG sample cylinder attached to the mounting station; and30RADRi26-WO-PCTa second valve included in the container and positioned proximate the mounting station, the second valve configured to provide fluid flow from an LPG sample cylinder attached to the mounting station to each of a waste destination and testing equipment.

32. The kit of claim 31, wherein the container is portable.

33. The kit of claim 31, further comprising a regulator gauge included in the container, the regulator gauge configured to be attached to the source of pressurized gas.

34. The kit of claim 31, further comprising an expansion chamber included in the container, the expansion chamber configured to receive the fluid flow of the LPG.

35. The kit of claim 31, wherein the testing equipment is configured to receive the fluid flow of the LPG.

36. The kit of claim 31, further comprising a handle to allow a user to move the kit by hand.

37. The kit of claim 36, wherein the kit weighs 40 lbs. or less.31RADRi26-WO-PCT

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