Well insert for use with a gas sampling / measuring device

Abstract

A well insert for facilitating gas sampling is disclosed. The well insert comprises a main body configured to receive a gas sampling / measuring device therein. The main body comprises an upper first portion and a lower second portion configured to be disposed in a casing to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the main body and the casing.

Description

306624-405728WELL INSERT FOR USE WITH A GAS SAMPLING / MEASURING DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 63 / 734,392, filed December 16, 2024, the entirety7of which is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD

[0002] Exemplary embodiments are directed to mechanical devices and systems. More particularly, exemplary embodiments are directed to a well insert for use with a device for facilitating analysis of a gas.BACKGROUND

[0003] Soil vapor probes are essential tools in environmental monitoring of the vapor intrusion exposure pathway, offering a reliable means to assess the composition of and concentration of gases within the vadose zone. These probes are typically constructed of commonly available groundwater monitoring casings and screens and use evacuated canisters or passive adsorbent devices for the collection of soil vapor samples. These gases, which can include methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, chlorinated solvents (e.g., tetrachloroethene and tri chloroethene), petroleum products, mercury and radon, often have significant implications for public health, environmental protection, and energy management. The necessity7for such sampling / measuring devices arises from several key reasons, including the need to understand if these vapors may be intruding into inhabited structures, for gas leak (stray gas) detection, health and safety concerns, and the evaluation of geologic and hydrogeologic conditions.

[0004] One primary7reason for using soil vapor probes is to evaluate if contaminated soil or groundwater exists at a site. The presence and concentration of gases in soil vapor can be an indicator of where the source of the gases resides, how the gases may enter an inhabited structure, and can be used to evaluate if contaminated groundwater exists at depth. For instance, a high concentration of tetrachloroethene in soil vapors adjacent to inhabited buildings may signal contamination from a nearby dry-cleaning establishment, brownfield, or industrial site. Similarly, elevated levels of petroleum306624-405728 products in soil vapor may indicate the presence of groundwater contaminated by a leaking underground storage tank, which can affect indoor air quality, as well as pose a safety concern.

[0005] Monitoring the concentration of gases within the vadose zone allows identification of gases associated with natural causes (e.g., radon and hydrogen sulfide), with stray gas from the extraction of coal or natural gas (e.g., methane and benzene), or with the mismanagement of petroleum or chlorinated solvents at industrial sites that could affect public health, water supplies and private wells.

[0006] Gas sampling / measuring within soil vapor probes or beneath building slabs and other hard surfaces is commonly completed using evacuated canisters (active sampling methods), passive adsorbent devices and methods, or a combination of both. Passive and active devices and methods both enable regular and precise measurements of gas concentrations, providing essential data for making informed decisions about the need for interventions to safeguard public health and water quality. Passive sampling / measuring methods typically require a week or more to collect a sample. Active sampling / measuring methods can typically be completed within minutes, or as long as 24 hours. As the demand for redevelopment of underutilized former industrial properties (Brownfields) continues to grow and concerns over vapor intrusion intensify, the role of soil gas sampling / measuring devices will only become more important, offering a critical tool in safeguarding both human and environmental health.

[0007] Accordingly, it may be desirable to produce a well insert for a gas sampling / measuring device that can be installed within a soil vapor probe, enabling both the active and passive collection of soil vapors in a cost effective and easy to use manner.SUMMARY

[0008] In concordance and agreement with the present disclosure, a well insert for a gas sampling / measuring device that is cost effective and easy to use, has been newly designed.

[0009] In one embodiment, an insert, comprises: a main body configured to receive a gas sampling / measuring device therein, wherein the main body is configured to be306624-405728 disposed in a casing to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body.

[0010] In another embodiment, a well insert for facilitating gas analysis, comprises: a main body configured to receive a gas sampling / measuring device therein, wherein the main body comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein one or more of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be disposed in a well casing to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the well casing and the main body.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a system for facilitating gas analysis from a soil vapor probe or water well, comprises: an insert comprising a main body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein one or more of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be removably disposed in a casing to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body; and a gas sampling / measuring device disposed in the insert.

[0012] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body is a tiered main body.

[0013] As aspects of some embodiments, a construction of the main body permits sealing engagement with different sized casings.

[0014] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body includes at least one groove formed therein, the groove configured to receive an associated sealing element therein.

[0015] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body includes an annular flange formed thereon.

[0016] As aspects of some embodiments, the insert further comprises a covering removably disposed on the main body.

[0017] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body includes a stepped bore formed therein.

[0018] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body is produced from at least one plastic material.

[0019] As aspects of some embodiments, the main body comprises a first portion and a second portion.

[0020] As aspects of some embodiments, an outer diameter of the first portion is greater than an outer diameter of the second portion.306624-405728

[0021] As aspects of some embodiments, one or more of the first portion and / or the second portion is configured to be disposed in the casing to form the substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body.

[0022] As aspects of some embodiments, the first portion is configured to be disposed in a first casing having a first inlet and the second portion is configured to be disposed in a second casing having a second inlet, wherein an inner diameter of the first inlet of the first casing is greater than an inner diameter of the second inlet of the second casing.

[0023] As aspects of some embodiments, ajunction of the first portion and the second portion forms a shoulder that performs as a stop to limit an axial movement of the insert during installation into the casing.

[0024] As aspects of some embodiments, the second portion comprises a first segment and a second segment.

[0025] As aspects of some embodiments, one or more of the first segment and / or the second segment is configured to be disposed in the casing to form the substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body.

[0026] As aspects of some embodiments, an outer diameter of the first segment is greater than an outer diameter of the second segment.

[0027] As aspects of some embodiments, the first segment is configured to be disposed in a first casing having a first inlet and the second segment is configured to be disposed in a second casing having a second inlet, wherein an inner diameter of the first inlet of the first casing is greater than an inner diameter of the second inlet of the second casing.

[0028] As aspects of some embodiments, the gas sampling / measuring device sealing engages the main body.

[0029] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary' are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In addition to the features mentioned above, other aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent from the following descriptions of the drawings and306624-405728 exemplary embodiments, wherein like reference numerals across the several views refer to identical or equivalent features, and wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view illustrating a well insert in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view illustrating the well insert of FIG. 1 showing an interior thereof in dashed lines;

[0033] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0034] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 1-3;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 1-4;

[0036] FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary bottom perspective view illustrating a portion of the well insert of FIGS. 1-5:

[0037] FIG. 7 is an elevational view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 1-6 including sealing element in section, wherein both a gas sampling / measuring device disposed therein and an interior of the well insert are shown in dashed lines;

[0038] FIG. 8 is an elevational view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 1-7 including the sealing elements in section, wherein dashed lines show an interior thereof;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-section view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 1-8 taken along a longitudinal axis thereof;

[0040] FIG. 10 is an elevational view illustrating a well insert according to another embodiment of the present disclosure including sealing elements in section, wherein both a gas sampling / measuring device disposed therein and an interior of the well insert is shown by dashed lines;

[0041] FIG. 11 is an elevational view illustrating the well insert of FIG. 10 including sealing elements in section, wherein dashed lines show an interior thereof;

[0042] FIG. 12 is a cross-section view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 10 and 11 taken along a longitudinal axis thereof;

[0043] FIG. 13 is an elevational view illustrating a well insert according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure including sealing elements in section, wherein both a gas sampling / measuring device disposed therein and an interior of the well insert is shown by dashed lines;

[0044] FIG. 14 is an elevational view illustrating the well insert of FIG. 13 including sealing elements in section, wherein dashed lines show an interior thereof; and306624-405728

[0045] FIG. 15 is a cross-section view illustrating the well insert of FIGS. 13 and 14 taken along a longitudinal axis thereof.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more disclosures, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific disclosure claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority7to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments. “A” and "an” as used herein indicate "at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word "substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. "About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by "about” and / or "substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and / or "substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary' methods of measuring or using such parameters.

[0047] All documents, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature cited in this detailed description are incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise expressly indicated. Where any conflict or ambiguity7may exist between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the present detailed description controls.

[0048] Although the open-ended term "comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology7, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the306624-405728 present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

[0049] As referred to herein, all compositional percentages are by weight of the total composition, unless otherwise specified. Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges w thin the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z. it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3- 10, 3-9, and so on.

[0050] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to.” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another306624-405728 element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0051] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0052] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0053] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a well insert 10 according to an embodiment of present disclosure. The well insert 10 shown is configured to be disposed in a casing or pipe of a soil vapor probe or water well and receive a gas sampling / measuring device 500 therein, which is described hereinafter. It is understood, however, that the well insert 10 may be employed in various other applications as desired. The well insert 10 may be produced from any suitable material or combination of materials thereof such as a metal material or a plastic material, for example. In certain embodiments, the well306624-405728 insert 10 may be produced from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material due to ease of manufacture and cost effectiveness.

[0054] As depicted, the well insert 10 comprises a main body 12 having a center bore 13 formed therethrough. The main body 12 includes an upper first portion 14 and a lower second portion 16. It is understood that the portions 14, 16 may be integrally formed as a unitary structure or formed as separate and distinct components that are coupled together to produce the main body 12.

[0055] Each of the portions 14, 16 has a generally hollow, cylindrical shape with respective bores 13a, 13b, which together form the center bore 13. As best seen in FIG. 9, the bore 13a of the first portion 14 is a stepped bore having a first region 14a with a first inner diameter and a second region 14b with a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter of the bore 13a formed in the first portion 14 is greater than the second inner diameter of the bore 13a of the first portion 14 as well as greater than an inner diameter of the bore 13b formed in the second portion 16. In certain instances, the second inner diameter of the bore 13a of the first portion 14 is equal to or substantially the same as the inner diameter of the bore 13b of the second portion 16. The inner diameters of both bores 13a, 13b of the portions 14, 16, respectively, are configured to receive the gas sampling / measuring device 500 therein. The inner diameter of the bore 13a is also configured to receive a covering 800 (depicted in FIGS. 7, 10, and 13) to close the center bore 13 and protect the gas sampling / measuring device 500. It should be appreciated that the inner diameters of each of the bores 13a, 13b may be any such size, shape, and configuration to permit the installation of the gas sampling / measuring device 500 and / or the covering 800 therein.

[0056] The first portion 14 of the main body 12 may be configured to remain external to the casing or pipe of the water well to allow for access to the gas sampling / measuring device 500 by a user. An outer surface 20 and an inner surface 22 of the first portion 14 shown is generally smooth. However, it should be appreciated that the outer surface 20 may be provided with one or more surface features to improve a grip of the user during installation and / or removal of the well insert 10 into and from the casing or pipe. The second portion 16 of the main body 12 may be configured to be disposed inside the casing or pipe. In some embodiments, the second portion 16 may sealingly engage the casing or pipe to form a substantially306624-405728 fluid-tight seal therebetween. An outer surface 24 and an inner surface 26 of the second portion 16 shown is generally smooth. In a non-limiting example, the outer surface 24 of the second portion 16 may include one or more grooves 28 for receiving an associated sealing element 29 therein. The sealing element 29 forms a fluid-tight seal between the well insert 10 and the casing or pipe to militate against a leakage of a gas therebetween. More or less grooves 28 and associated sealing elements 29 than shown may be employed. Various other means and methods may be used to provide the sealing engagement between the well inert 10 and the casing or pipe. A junction of the first and second portions 14, 16 forms a shoulder 30. The shoulder 30 performs as a stop to limit an axial movement of the well insert 10 during the installation into the casing or pipe.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the well insert 10, the main body 12 has an overall length of about 5.25 inches comprising a length of the first portion 14 of about 2.25 inches and a length of the second portion 16 of about 3.0 inches. The first portion 14 has an inner diameter of about 1.5 inches and an outer diameter of about 1.75 inches and the second portion 16 has an inner diameter of about 0.65 inches and an outer diameter of about 1.0 inches. A length of the first region 14a of the first bore 13a is about 1.75 inches and a length of the second region 14b of the first bore 13a together a length of the second bore 13b is about 3.5 inches. In the embodiment, the grooves 28 are positioned about 1. 125 inches away from the first portion 14 along the longitudinal axis and about 0.375 inches away from a distal end of the second portion 1 along the longitudinal axis. Each of the grooves 28 may also be spaced apart from an adjacent one of the grooves by about 0.375 inches. A depth of the each of the grooves 28 is about 0.0625 inches. Each of the grooves 28 also has a height of about 0.09375 inches

[0058] It should be understood that the main body 12 may have any size, shape, configuration, and dimensions as necessary7to be received into the casing or pipe as well as receive the gas sampling / measuring device 500 and / or the covering 800 therein. For example, the well insert 10, particularly the main body 12, may be sized, shaped, configured, and dimensioned to be received into and sealingly engage an inner surface of various other casings or pipes such as a casings or pipes with standard and specialized diameters.306624-405728

[0059] FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the well insert 10'. The structure of the well insert 10' is substantially similar or the same as the structure of the well insert 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, and therefore, the common features are designated with the same reference numbers as those in FIGS. 1-9 but include the prime (') symbol. The above description of the w ell insert 10 equally applies to the common features of the well insert 10'.

[0060] As illustrated, the well insert 10' includes a first portion 14' and a second portion 116. Unlike the well insert 10, the second portion 116 of the main body 12' of the well insert 10' is tiered having a first segment 118 and a second segment 120. The second portion 116 has a generally hollow, cylindrical shape with a bore 113, which together with the bore 13a' form the center bore 13'. The first segment 118 is adjacent the first portion 14' and has a diameter less than the diameter of the first portion 14' but greater than a diameter of the second segment 118. Both the first and second segments 118, 120 of the second portion 116 of the main body 12 may be configured to be disposed inside the casing or pipe. In some embodiments, each of the first segment 118 and the second segment 120 of the second portion 1 16 may independently, sealingly engage an inner surface of the casing or pipe to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetw een for compatibility with different sized casings or pipes. An outer surface 124 and an inner surface 126 of the second portion 116 shown is generally smooth. Each of the first and second segments 118, 120 may include one or more grooves 128 for receiving an associated sealing element 29' therein. As described hereinabove, the sealing element 29' forms a fluid-tight seal between the well insert 10' and the casing or pipe to militate against a leakage of a gas therebetw een. More or less grooves 128 and associated sealing elements 29' than shown may be employed. A junction of the first and second segments 118, 120 forms a shoulder 130. The shoulder 130 performs as a stop to limit an axial movement of the well insert 10' during the installation into the casing or pipe having a diameter less than the diameter of the casing or pipe that receives the first segment 118 of the well insert 10'.

[0061] Among other benefits, the tiered second portion 116 permits the well insert 10' to be compatible with multiple casings or pipes having various diameter sizes. In a non-limiting example, the first segment 118 is sized, shaped, configured, and dimensioned to be received into about a 1.360-inch diameter casing or pipe and the second segment 120 is sized, shaped, configured, and dimensioned to be received into306624-405728 about a 1.0-inch diameter casing or pipe. Accordingly, the tiered second portion 116 of the main body 12' improves a versatility of the well insert 10'.

[0062] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another alternative embodiment of the well insert 10". The structure of the well insert 10" is substantially similar or the same as the structure of the well insert 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9, and therefore, the common features are designated with the same reference numbers as those in FIGS. 1-9 but include the prime (") symbol. The above description of the well insert 10 equally applies to the common features of the well insert 10".

[0063] As illustrated, the well insert 10" includes a first portion 14" and a second portion 16". Unlike the well insert 10, the first portion 14" includes an annular flange 215 extending radially outwardly therefrom. The flange 215 is sized, shaped, configured, and dimensioned to limit an axial movement of the well insert 10" during the installation into the casing or pipe and may also provide a seating surface for the covering 800. Additionally, the first portion 14" has a diameter greater than a diameter of the second portion 16". Both the first and second portions 14", 16" of the main body 12 may be configured to be disposed inside the casing or pipe. In some embodiments, each of the first portion 14" and the second portion 16" may independently, sealingly engage an inner surface the casing or pipe to form a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween for compatibility with different sized casings or pipes. Each of the first and second portions 14". 16" may include one or more grooves 28" for receiving an associated sealing element 29" therein. As described hereinabove, the sealing element 29" forms a fluid-tight seal betw een the well insert 10" and the casing or pipe to militate against a leakage of a gas therebetween. More or less grooves 28" and associated sealing elements 29" than shown may be employed.

[0064] Among other benefits, the tiered main body 12" permits the well insert 10' to be compatible with multiple casings or pipes having various diameter sizes. In a nonlimiting example, the first portion 14" is sized, shaped, configured, and dimensioned to be received into about a 1.970-inch diameter casing or pipe and the second portion 1 " is sized, shaped, configured, and dimensioned to be received into about a 1.56- inch diameter casing or pipe. Accordingly, the tiered main body 12" improves a versatility of the well insert 10".306624-405728

[0065] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 13, each of the well inserts 10, 10', 10" may be configured to receive the gas sampling / measuring device 500 and / or the covering 800 therein. Exemplary gas sampling / measuring devices 500 and coverings 800 are as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,726,011; 10,921,222; 10,012,571; 9,291,531, and 8,220,347, incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. It is understood that various other types of gas sampling / measuring devices and / or coverings may be used with the well inserts 10, 10’, 10" if desired.

[0066] FIGS. 7, 10, and 13 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a known adaptor body 500. In this embodiment, the adaptor body 500 has a first barbed end and second barbed end. The adaptor body 500 also has a male threaded collar separating the first barbed portion and the second barbed portion. A raised end is provided at the distal end of the second barbed portion. As discussed herein, the first barbed portion is sized and adapted to facilitate a connection between the adaptor body 500 and a gas measuring device (not shown). The second barbed portion is sized and adapted for insertion into a tube 80. The adaptor body 500 may have a unitary design or it may be constructed of modular sections. A modular construction would allow the first and second barbed portions and the threaded collar to be changed to accommodate different sized components, thereby giving the adaptor body 500 greater flexibility . The adaptor body 500 may be made of brass or other material sufficiently strong to withstand the installation and extraction process. To allow gas samples to be taken, the adaptor body 500 has an internal passageway through which the gas may travel.

[0067] After the adaptor body 500 is installed, the covering 800 may be used to cover the hole created and to protect the adaptor body 500. As illustrated, the covering 800 includes a threaded portion, a cavity, a flange, and slotted portion. As shown, the covering 800 is lowered onto the adaptor body 500 so that the first barbed portion is recessed within the cavity7. To secure the covering 800, the threaded portion of the covering is threaded over the threaded portion of the adaptor body 500. The proper covering 800 fit results in the flange of the covering 800 resting atop and being drawn to the surface of the material in which the adaptor body 500 rests. To fully tighten down the covering 800, a screwdriver or other similar device may be used in the slotted portion.306624-405728

[0068] To stand up to wear and tear, the covering 800 may be constructed from metal or other materials that are strong enough to protect the adaptor body 500. Before the covering 800 is applied to the adaptor body 500. a cap 600 may be placed over the first barbed portion to prevent debris from entering the adaptor body 500.

[0069] These and other configurations of the exemplary system components will be evident to those skilled in the art after reading the disclosure provided herein. The invented system may thus be used to sample gas from soil vapor probes and water wells with increased efficiency, flexibility (either active or passive) and extensibility, and further reduces the intrusion of such sampling activities into the day-to-day operations being conducted in any given sampling site.

[0070] The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain some of the principles of the present invention so that others skilled in the art may practice the invention. While certain embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above, the scope of the invention is not to be considered limited by such disclosure, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

306624-405728CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An insert, comprising: a main body configured to receive a gas sampling / measuring device therein, wherein the main body is configured to be disposed in a casing to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body.

2. The insert of claim 1, wherein the main body is a tiered main body.

3. The insert of claim 1. wherein a construction of the main body permits sealing engagement with different sized casings.

4. The insert of claim 1. wherein the main body includes at least one groove formed therein, the groove configured to receive an associated sealing element therein.

5. The insert of claim 1, wherein the main body includes an annular flange formed thereon.

6. The insert of claim 1 , further comprising a covering removably disposed on the main body.

7. The insert of claim 1. wherein the main body includes a stepped bore formed therein.

8. The insert of claim 1. wherein the main body is produced from at least one plastic material.

9. The insert of claim 1, wherein the main body comprises a first portion and a second portion.306624-40572810. The insert of claim 9. wherein an outer diameter of the first portion is greater than an outer diameter of the second portion.

11. The insert of claim 9, wherein one or more of the first portion and / or the second portion is configured to be disposed in the casing to form the substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body.

12. The insert of claim 9, wherein the first portion is configured to be disposed in a first casing having a first inlet and the second portion is configured to be disposed in a second casing having a second inlet, wherein an inner diameter of the first inlet of the first casing is greater than an inner diameter of the second inlet of the second casing.

13. The insert of claim 9. wherein ajunction of the first portion and the second portion forms a shoulder that performs as a stop to limit an axial movement of the insert during installation into the casing.

14. The insert of claim 9, wherein the second portion comprises a first segment and a second segment.

15. The insert of claim 14, wherein one or more of the first segment and / or the second segment is configured to be disposed in the casing to form the substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body.

16. The insert of claim 14, wherein an outer diameter of the first segment is greater than an outer diameter of the second segment.

17. The insert of claim 14, wherein the first segment is configured to be disposed in a first casing having a first inlet and the second segment is configured to be disposed in a second casing having a second inlet, wherein an inner diameter of the first inlet of the first casing is greater than an inner diameter of the second inlet of the second casing.306624-40572818. A well insert for facilitating gas analysis, comprising: a main body configured to receive a gas sampling / measuring device therein, wherein the main body comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein one or more of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be disposed in a well casing to form a substantially fluid- tight seal between the well casing and the main body.

19. A system for facilitating gas analysis from a soil vapor probe or water well, comprising: an insert comprising a main body having a first portion and a second portion, wherein one or more of the first portion and the second portion is configured to be removably disposed in a casing to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the casing and the main body; and a gas sampling / measuring device disposed in the insert.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the gas sampling / measuring device sealing engages the main body.

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