Systems and methods for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid

US9285354B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as Represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency · US

Inventors

• Michael CARPENTER · Idaho Falls, US
• Lyle Gene Roybal · Idaho Falls, US
• Alan Lindquist · Cincinnati, US
• Vincente Gallardo · Cincinnati, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 10, 2012
• Grant date: Mar 15, 2016
• Expiry date: May 3, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2015/0046
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and device for the detection of low-level harmful substances in a large volume of fluid comprising using a concentrator system to produce a retentate and analyzing the retentate for the presence of at least one harmful substance. The concentrator system performs a method comprising pumping at least 10 liters of fluid from a sample source through a filter. While pumping, the concentrator system diverts retentate from the filter into a container. The concentrator system also recirculates at least part of the retentate in the container again through the filter. The concentrator system controls the speed of the pump with a control system thereby maintaining a fluid pressure less than 25 psi during the pumping of the fluid; monitors the quantity of retentate within the container with a control system, and maintains a reduced volume level of retentate and a target volume of retentate.