This invention discloses a portable sewage sampler designed to retrieve undisturbed faecal sludge (FS) from onsite sewage systems. Further, the present disclosure introduces a portable sewage sampler that is adapted to collect undisturbed FS according to the depth of the sewage system – i.e., the sampler can be extended to a predetermined length corresponding to the depth of the onsite sanitation systems. Moreover, the proposed solution provides a portable sewage sampler that does not require external energy for sample collection and operates based on a capillary method for collecting FS samples. Additionally, this design offers a sampler that is simple in construction, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture. It also enables the accurate determination of FS characteristics across various onsite sanitation systems, thereby supporting improved FS management.
Figures 1 & 2: Details of Sampler designed for sample collection of Faecal Sludge
Conventional methods of collecting faecal sludge (FS) samples from onsite sanitation systems (such as septic tanks and pit latrines) are often invasive, energy-intensive, and result in disturbed samples that do not represent the true characteristics of the sludge layers. There is a critical need for a portable, low-cost, and energy-independent sampler that can collect undisturbed, stratified FS samples accurately for effective analysis and management of onsite sanitation systems.
- Energy-Independent Operation: Works on capillary action, eliminating the need for electrical motors or external power sources
- Stratified Sample Collection: Designed to penetrate through different FS layers (scum, sludge, supernatant) without disturbing them
- Modular and Extendable Design: Tubes can be connected using threaded connectors to match various depths of sanitation systems
- Safe and Hygienic Handling: Includes a sealing cap system and internal string-and-stopper mechanism to minimize contact and ensure containment
- Ease of Use and Maintenance: Simple construction allows for easy assembly, cleaning, and reuse
- Cost-effective Manufacturing: Uses common materials like acrylic
- Accurate Data Collection: Enables precise sampling for FS characterization, supporting data-driven design and management of sanitation systems
The portable sewage sampler consists of one or more elongated cylindrical acrylic tubes, about 1000 mm long with a 40 mm internal diameter, designed to collect undisturbed FS samples from onsite sanitation systems. These tubes can be connected vertically using threaded connectors, about 70 mm long, to adjust the sampler’s length according to the system’s depth. The top end has a first member with an aperture and an external hook to tie a sealing string, while the bottom end has a second member with a sealable aperture secured by a cap. A string runs inside the tube from the top hook to a stopper in the cap, allowing the user to pull the string after sample collection to seal the bottom aperture tightly and prevent contamination. The cap fits securely over the bottom aperture and is made of acrylic for transparency, durability, and ease of cleaning. The sampler operates on capillary action, drawing in FS layers-including scum, sludge, and supernatant-without external power, enabling collection of stratified, undisturbed samples for accurate analysis.
The technology is ready to be deployed in the field.
9
The portable sewage sampler improves sanitation safety by enabling better faecal sludge (FS) management in low-resource settings and supports public health by reducing exposure to pathogens during sampling. It provides municipalities and NGOs with a reliable, energy-independent tool for monitoring onsite sanitation systems and aids in the accurate design of sanitation infrastructure. Additionally, it promotes environmental protection through proper sludge characterization and treatment planning.
- Municipal Sanitation Departments
- NGOs and Development Organizations in WASH
- Portable Sanitation Services and Equipment Providers
- Environmental Engineering and Waste Management
Geography of IP
Type of IP
202121021498
549186