Method and Device for Subsea Sampling

Abstract

A sampling device is for subsea fluids. The sampling device comprises: a sample container including a first chamber and a second chamber, the first and second chambers being isolated by a movable separating body, a first pressure sensing device for sensing the pressure in the first chamber of the container, and a second pressure sensing device for sensing the pressure in the second chamber of the container. The sampling device further comprises a pressure compensating device, the pressure compensating device being adapted to compensate for pressure changes in the first chamber of the container by regulating the pressure in the second chamber of the container and thereby moving the separating body. A method is for subsea fluid sampling using a sampling device.

1 . A sampling device for subsea fluids, the sampling device comprising:
 a sample container including a first chamber and a second chamber, the first and second chambers being isolated by a movable separating body;   a first pressure sensing device for sensing the pressure in the first chamber of the sample container;   a second pressure sensing device for sensing the pressure in the second chamber of the sample container; and   a pressure compensating device, the pressure compensating device being adapted to compensate for pressure changes in the first chamber of the sample container by regulating the pressure in the second chamber of the container and thereby moving the separating body.   
     
     
         2 . The sampling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure compensating device comprises an accumulator. 
     
     
         3 . The sampling device according to  claim 2 , wherein the accumulator is a compressed inert gas accumulator. 
     
     
         4 . The sampling device according to  claim 2 , wherein the accumulator regulates the separating body in the sample container via an actuator cylinder. 
     
     
         5 . The sampling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure compensating device comprises a pump. 
     
     
         6 . The sampling device according to  claim 1 , wherein the pressure compensating device comprises a linear actuator. 
     
     
         7 . A method for subsea sampling of fluids by sampling device comprising:
 a sample container including a first chamber and a second chamber, the first and second chambers being isolated by a movable separating body;   a first pressure sensing device for sensing the pressure in the first chamber of the sample container;   a second pressure sensing device for sensing the pressure in the second chamber of the sample container; and   a pressure compensating device, the pressure compensating device being adapted to compensate for pressure changes in the first chamber of the sample container by regulating the pressure in the second chamber of the container and thereby moving the separating body;   the method comprising:   collecting a fluid sample in the first chamber of the sample container in a subsea environment;   moving the sample container from the subsea environment and to an offshore or on-shore locations; and   using a pressure compensating device to compensate for pressure changes in the first chamber of the sample container by regulating the pressure in the second chamber of the sample container and thereby moving the movable separating body.