Fluid Sampling for Contamination Monitoring

Particle contamination in industrial systems

As primary source of component wear, particle contamination often reduces efficiency and leads to system failure. As a component of routine system maintenance, diligent contamination monitoring can help to identify system problems prior to failure.

Direct fluid sampling with the Millipore^® Fluid Sampling Kit

The Millipore^® Fluid Sampling Kit is used for direct fluid sample collection prior to contamination analysis. Compatible with the collection of turbine fuels, water or other liquids, samples are collected from quick-release valves installed in the system line with a portable stainless-steel sampler assembly. After drying and removal from the sampler assembly, the resulting sample can be used in gravimetric or colorimetric analysis.
 

Millipore^® Fluid Sampling Kit Components

The Millipore^® Fluid Sampling Kit contains ten components, in addition to the general operating instructions. The grounding wire and sampling hose can be found inside the kit lid. The other eight kit components are labeled with letters corresponding to the parts listed on the operating instructions.
 

Fluid Contamination Monitors

The two-part field (or contamination) monitors included in this kit hold a 37 mm, 0.8 μm mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane filter and a thick AP30 support pad. Contamination monitors are also available as a matched weight product, containing two 0.8 μm membrane filters matched in weight (±0.1 mg). The top membrane filter collects the sample and the bottom membrane filter is used as the tare weight, eliminating the need for pre-weighing in gravimetric analysis. Additionally, empty monitors are also available for the assembly of contamination monitors with application-specific filters.
 

How to use the Millipore^® Fluid Sampling Kit

1. Install sampling port in system line
   Install the quick-release valve in the system line (using an adjustable wrench, if needed). This valve will not allow liquid to flow from the port until it is engaged with the sampler assembly. Inlet pressure for the sampling port should not exceed 100 psi. To eliminate dust contamination, keep valve plug in place when valve is not in use.
   
   
2. Install monitor in sampler base
   Unscrew the sampler cover from the sampler base and remove both protective plugs from the monitor. Remove the red inlet plug first, and then the blue or yellow outlet plug from the top. Save both plugs for reuse after sample collection. Insert the monitor into the sampler cover with the spoke side down and filter facing up. Assemble the sampler by screwing the sampler base tightly into the sampler cover.
   
   
3. Assemble remote sampler unit
   Connect the bypass hose from the three-way inlet valve to either hole on the side of the sampler base. Screw the fitting on the sampling hose (found in the kit lid) into the remote sampling cap and attach the remote sampling cap to the base of the sampler. Alternatively, an appropriate polyethylene sampling bottle may be screwed into the sampler base, instead of the sampling cap and hose. Next, force the white nylon plug into the remaining hole on the side of the sampler base. The other end of the sampling hose should be placed into a collection container. If needed, an additional grounding wire can be found in the kit lid.
   
   
4. Connect to sampling port and flush sampler inlet
   With the three-way valve in the off position, remove the protective caps from the sampling port and the sampler. To connect the sampler to the sampling port, insert the sampler nipple firmly into quick-release valve by retracting the valve collar, and then releasing the collar when the nipple is sealed. Once the sampler is connected to the sampling port, turn the three-way valve from the off position to the flush position to flush the inlet hose. Allow a sufficient quantity of fluid to flow through the bypass tubing to flush contaminants.
   
   
5. Collect sample
   To take the sample, hold the sampler upright and turn the three-way valve to the test position. Take an appropriate sample for analysis as described in your method. When sampling is complete, turn the three-way valve to the off position before turning off the system pump. Remove the sampler nipple from quick release valve and replace the protective caps on the sampler and sampling port.
   
   
6. Dry monitor for analysis
   Remove the bypass hose from the sampler base and unscrew the sampler base from the sampler cover. Remove the monitor and place it onto the side port of the syringe with the spoke side down. Hold the monitor upright and pump it dry of all fluid. Hold each suction stroke for five seconds. Remove the monitor from the syringe and replace the protective plugs. The monitor is now ready for analysis.

Products for Direct Fluid Sampling

Millipore^® Fluid Sampling Kit

Replacement Kit Components

Disposable Contamination Monitors (Component H)

Membrane Discs for Fluid Contamination Monitors

ASTM^® Color Standards for Colorimetric Analysis