US Patent 7721612 Real-time filtration apparatus and associated methods

A fluid testing apparatus and associated method include a testing chamber, a filter storage device and a filter transfer mechanism. The testing chamber has a sample volume, a filtrate collection reservoir, an opening between the sample volume and the filtrate collection reservoir, and at least one port into the sample volume. The filter transfer mechanism positions at least one filter in the opening. The opening is closed and a sample fluid, introduced into the port, at least partially fills the sample volume. The sample volume is pressurized and a filtrate of the sample fluid flows from the sample volume, through the filter into the filtrate collection reservoir. The volume of filtrate passing into the filtrate collection reservoir is measured and the sample fluid from sample volume is discharged. The filtrate is discharged from the filtrate collection reservoir, and the filter transfer mechanism removes the filter.