Solid sorbent air sampler

Claim 1

A self contained portable fluid sampler comprising: a. a sample assembly formed of a fluid inlet means; a plurality of sample tubes containing volatile trapping means; a supporting framework for mounting the sample tubes, the sample tubes being mounted longitudinally about the periphery of the framework, a first end of the framework being open providing access to the interior of the framework, a second end of the framework having the fluid inlet means and a multiport valve mounted therein; the multiport valve having an inlet port, a plurality of pairs of sample ports, an outlet port, and a valve member for selectively directing flow from the inlet port to one of a selected pair of sample ports and from the other of the selected pair of sample ports to the outlet port; fluid means connecting the fluid inlet to the inlet port of the multiport valve; and fluid means connecting the sample ports of the multiport valve to one of the sample tubes; the sample port from the inlet side of the multiport valve being connected to the sample tube at the second end of the framework whereby the transit from the inlet of the system to the sample tube is relatively short, the flow path for the sample being formed of non-reactive metallic material whereby contamination is eliminated; and b. a detachable flow assembly for moving fluid through the sample assembly insertable through the first end of the framework for location interiorly of the periphery containing said sample tubes, said flow assembly including a pump; means for energizing said pump, and coupling means for connecting and disconnecting the pump of the flow assembly to the outlet of the multiport valve, whereby the flow assembly can be disconnected from the sample assembly and withdrawn from the fluid sampler and the sample assembly used in reverse flow relation for analysis of volatiles trapped in said sample tubes.