SMALL VOLUME LIQUID SAMPLER

A device for sampling an initial volume of a liquid flow is disclosed which comprises an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and valve casing. The valve casing has a passageway formed therethrough. A sample outlet extends through the valve casing and into the passageway. A valve structure is arranged for axial movement in the valve casing. A gate of the valve structure obstructs the passageway and prevents an initial volume of the liquid flow from being transferred to the outlet conduit when the valve structure is moved to a sampling position. A stem of the valve structure obstructs the sample outlet without obstructing the passageway when the valve structure is moved to a diverting position. At least one elongated groove is formed in a surface of the gate and extends into the stem such that the initial volume is directed through the sample outlet and towards a receptacle when the valve structure is moved to the sampling position. A lifting member moves the valve structure from the sampling position to the diverting position.