A multi-depth sensorised micro sampling system

A robust, reliable, small, light and low consumption water collecting device, or Sampling System (SS), is a fundamental part of any physical chain and any functional process aiming at automatically monitor or measure chemical or biological water parameters in-situ. Autonomous aquatic vehicles (ASV and AUV), drifters and buoys need a SS to perform their missions. After the SS, the water sample can be supplied directly, or after mixing with proper substances, to any on board sensor device (e.g., electro-chemical, electro-optical, biosensor) in order to be analyzed. Finally, the measured data can be immediately transmitted wireless to a control station to be reviewed by an expert person both for monitoring or evaluation purposes. The presented SS is a very compact device, able to suck the water sample up to 15 m depth and at 20 psig pressure maximum (−10/+40 °C temperature range). The SS weights totally 5Kg and the 220×220×200 (L×W×H) mm case can be made waterproof. 1