Sub-slab Soil Gas Sampling Adaptor with Modular Extensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting sub-slab soil gas samples are cumbersome, prone to leaks, and invasive, requiring multiple installations and disconnections, which can lead to contamination and clogging, and are not adaptable to varying slab depths or structures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a machined adaptor body with barbed portions and extensions that allow for air-tight sealing and easy installation/removal, using a single piece material to reduce leaks, and adaptable extensions for varying depths, including filter and sieve extensions to prevent contamination, facilitating sampling at multiple depths without clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional monitor well methods are used for sub-slab sampling, then sampling capability is provided, but the process is cumbersome and requires multiple installations and disconnections
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into separate modular components: a vapor point assembly, a collection system, and a filter assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and configured, reducing the overall installation time and complexity while maintaining sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vapor point is pre-installed through the slab before the collection system is deployed. This preliminary installation eliminates the need for repeated installations and disconnections during sampling operations, as the vapor point remains in place while the collection system is attached and detached as needed.
2Ease of operation
If multiple fittings and connections are used in vapor points, then sampling functionality is achieved, but leaks occur that dilute the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is extracted from the vapor point through a dedicated opening in the slab, eliminating the need for multiple fittings and connections at the vapor point itself. This extraction reduces the number of potential leak points while maintaining full sampling functionality through the separated collection system.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible conduit acts as an intermediary between the vapor point and the collection system, allowing gas transmission without requiring multiple rigid fittings and connections. This intermediary component reduces leak potential while maintaining sampling functionality.
3Reliability
If invasive drilling and cementing methods are used, then air-tight sealing is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a localized opening in the slab rather than extensive drilling and cementing throughout the foundation. This local quality approach achieves sufficient air-tight sealing at the sampling location without the time-consuming invasive procedures required by traditional methods, making the process more convenient for occupants.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed-depth sampling devices are used, then specific depth sampling is possible, but the system cannot adapt to varying slab depths or structures
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system incorporates adjustable and extendable components that allow the sampling depth to be dynamically adjusted according to the specific slab depth and structure at each location. This dynamic adaptability enables precise sampling at varying depths without requiring multiple fixed-depth devices, maintaining both depth precision and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a system for sampling sub-slab soil gas having an adaptor body that includes a first barbed portion, a collar portion, a second barbed portion, an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adaptor body, and a coupling portion. The system further includes one or more extensions such as a fitting extension, a filter extension, a sieve extension and a length extension, each of which are threadably retainable with the coupling portion of the adaptor body.