Ash sampling probe

Claim 1

In a probe for sampling ash contained in an ash bearing gas stream located in a wall confined region, said probe comprising (a) a gas stream withdrawing tube having a first end through which the gas stream bearing ash to be sampled is withdrawn; (b) a port engaging coupling adjustably mounted around the gas stream withdrawing tube whereby the latter may be moved into a wall confined region containing the ash bearing gas stream through a port in said wall, while maintaining a gastight association between said withdrawing tube and the wall confined region; (c) means for applying reduced pressure to a second end of the gas stream withdrawing tube, whereby the ash bearing gas stream is caused to move through said tube, and associated with said means, valving means connecting said means for applying reduced pressure to said second end of said withdrawing tube; the improvement wherein said probe further comprises: (d) attached to said first end of said gas stream withdrawing tube, a porous closed end tube which permits the ash bearing gas stream to pass therethrough and into said withdrawing tube, while retaining on the outer surface thereof, ash contained in said ash bearing gas stream; and (e) associated with the porous closed end tube, a collecting baffle which directs particles of ash contained in the ash bearing gas stream toward the porous closed end tube.