Automated in-line preparation and degassing of volatile samples for in-line analysis

Abstract

To provide a method for preventing void formation caused by bubble growth in a sample transfer tube in an analysis system.SOLUTION: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the first valve configured to selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The second valve is fluidly connected with the lateral side of the degassing cell and the bottom of the degassing cell, wherein the second valve is selectably coupled with any one of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] In many experimental environments, it is often necessary to analyze a large number of chemical or biological samples at once. To rationalize such processing, the operation of samples has been mechanized. Such mechanized sampling can be called autosampling and can be performed using an automatic sampling device or autosampler.

Background Art

[0002] Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy is an analytical technique commonly used to measure trace element concentrations and isotope ratios in liquid samples. In ICP spectroscopy, an electromagnetically generated and partially ionized argon plasma is used. The argon plasma reaches a temperature of approximately 7000 K. When a sample is introduced into the plasma, the high temperature causes ionization or emission of the sample atoms. Since each chemical element produces a unique mass or emission spectrum, it becomes possible to determine the elemental composition of the original sample by measuring the mass of the emission or the spectrum of the light.

[0003] A sample introduction system may be used to introduce a liquid sample into an ICP spectrometer (e.g., an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP / ICP-MS), an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES), or other sample detector or analyzer for analysis. For example, a sample introduction system may take aliquots of a liquid sample from a container and then transfer the aliquots to a nebulizer. The nebulizer converts the aliquots into a polydisperse aerosol suitable for ionization in the plasma by the ICP spectrometer. The aerosol is then separated in a spray chamber to remove large aerosol particles. Once the aerosol leaves the spray chamber, it is introduced into the plasma by the plasma torch assembly of the ICP-MS or ICP-AES instrument for analysis. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0004] Detailed explanations will be provided with reference to the attached diagrams.

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a series of diagrams illustrating a process that can cause bubbles to form in the sample transport liquid, and how these bubbles can aggregate to form voids within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a series of diagrams illustrating the processing of the analysis system shown in Figure 7, which can be used in such a way that the processing minimizes bubble formation within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a series of diagrams illustrating the processing of the analysis system shown in Figure 7, which can be used in such a way that the processing minimizes bubble formation within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a series of situational diagrams illustrating the processing of the analysis system shown in Figure 7, which can be used in such a way that the processing minimizes bubble formation within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a series of diagrams illustrating the processing of the analysis system shown in Figure 7, which can be used in such a way that the processing minimizes bubble formation within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a series of situational diagrams illustrating the processing of the analysis system shown in Figure 7, which can be used in such a way that the processing minimizes bubble formation within the tubes associated with the analysis system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] <Overview> In various analytical systems, a transfer solution such as ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) can be used to transport the sample from the loop inlet to the waste loop or nebulizer. In one embodiment, the transfer solution may be 29% NH4OH. The solution may still be under pressure, and if analysis is started immediately without waiting for the sample to depressurize, the plasma may disappear. The NH4OH can be discharged or nebulized depending on the valve position by depressurization.

[0007] The exemplary analytical system 1000 shown in Figures 1 to 6 may help illustrate problems that may arise with the formation of bubbles and / or voids. The analytical system 1000 comprises a loop inlet 1010, a tube 1020 (shown straight for ease of illustration, but may be in the form of a loop of tubes, for example), and a loop outlet 1030. The loop outlet 1030 may be in the form of a nebulizer and / or waste loop, for example. The tube 1020 may be configured to receive a sample transport liquid S2 (e.g., a sample substance transported in a transport liquid such as NH4OH) and to facilitate the transmission of the sample transport liquid S2 through the tube 1020. While waiting for depressurization, many small bubbles 1040 (e.g., with a diameter of less than half the diameter of the tube 1020) may form on the side of the tube 1020 extending between the loop inlet 1010 and the loop outlet 1030 (e.g., in the form of a waste loop and / or nebulizer).

[0008] As shown in Figure 1, at the start of depressurization, no bubbles 1040 may be present in tube 1020. As shown in Figure 2, at the start of analysis, the sample S2 may be stable with some bubbles 1040 formed. There are no bubbles 1040 yet that can enter the nebulizer and / or ICPMS, or substantially none. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, it may be expected that the depressurization will end after about 2 minutes, after which the flow of the sample (e.g., 100 μL / min) will begin in tube 1020. As shown in Figure 4, some of the small bubbles 1040 may be pushed together by the flow in the small-diameter tube 1020 to begin forming larger bubbles 1050 (e.g., larger than the small bubbles 1040, and possibly with a diameter of more than half the diameter of tube 1020). As shown in Figures 5 and 6, eventually enough bubbles 1040 and / or bubbles 1050 may be pushed together in the liquid sample S2 to form a void 1060.

[0009] A void 1060 can be defined as a lack of sample liquid within the tube 1020, extending across the entire diameter of the tube 1020. In embodiments, the void 1060 may be in the form of a gas pocket within the tube 1020. The void 1060 can grow as the line is pushed downstream, adding more bubbles 1040, 1050 (particularly shown in Figure 6) and / or other voids 1060 to the void 1060 itself. In some embodiments, there may be about 5-6 large voids 1060 within the loop or flow path section 1020 at any given time. Given these problems, a method is needed to degas the sample at a remote location to prevent bubbles from agglomerating and forming voids within the transport tube.

[0010] <Examples> Referring generally to Figures 7 to 12, an exemplary analytical system 100 is illustrated and described. This exemplary analytical system 100 is configured to suppress the aggregation of bubbles to form voids by degassing the sample at a remote location. As seen in Figure 7, the analytical system 100 generally comprises at least one first valve 102, at least one second valve 104, at least one third valve 106, a vacuum pump 108, a manifold 110, a degassing cell 112, a sample inlet 114, at least one waste outlet 116, a plurality of fluid lines 118, and a central analytical device (not shown) for testing the prepared sample transport fluid. The at least one first valve 102 is, for example, a first multiport valve and may be a V5-P3 valve as in the illustrated embodiment. The at least one second valve 104 is, for example, a second multiport valve and may be a V4-P6 valve as in the illustrated embodiment. At least one third valve 106 is, for example, a third multiport valve and may be a V3-P3 valve as in the illustrated embodiment. The degassing cell 112 is, for example, a pillar tee connector and has two longitudinally spaced fluid connection ports and a transverse fluid connection port as in the illustrated embodiment. At least one waste outlet 116 is, for example, 116A, 116B. The multiple fluid lines 118 are, for example, pipes, tubes, etc., and fluidly connect various elements to one another.

[0011] In this embodiment, the vacuum pump 108 and the first waste outlet 116A are connected using a manifold 110. The vacuum pump 108 may be fluidly coupled to at least one first valve 102 via a first fluid line 118A. The system 100 further comprises a degassing cell 112 (e.g., a 3 / 4-inch pillar T-shape) oriented to define an upper cell extension 112A, a bottom cell extension 112B, and a lateral cell extension 112C (i.e., three connection parts associated with the degassing cell 112). The lateral cell extension 112C may extend from the side of the degassing cell 112 at a position between the upper cell extension 112A and the bottom cell extension 112B. The portion of the analytical system 100 prior to the core analytical instrument (not shown) may be considered a fluid transfer system. In this embodiment, the fluid transfer system may be a remotely operated sample preparation and delivery system.

[0012] At least one first valve 102 may be fluid-coupled to the upper cell extension 112A of the degassing cell 112 via a second fluid line 118B (i.e., an upper fluid connection to the degassing cell 112). At least one first valve 102 may be configured to selectively connect the degassing cell 112 to an exhaust gas flow or a vacuum source. The degassing cell 112 may be selectively coupled separately to at least one second valve 104 by a third fluid line 118C (i.e., a lateral central fluid connection to the degassing cell 112) via a lateral cell extension 112C, and by a fourth fluid line 118D (i.e., a lower fluid connection to the degassing cell 112) via a bottom cell extension 112B. At least one second valve 104 may be fluid-coupled to a sample inlet 114 and at least one third valve 106 (e.g., a rear connection via a fifth fluid line 118E). At least one second valve 104 may be selectively coupled to at least one of the following: a source of sample transport fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver the sample to an analyzer, or a second waste outlet. The second waste outlet 116B may be selectively connected to at least one third valve 106. At least one third valve 106 is used to create a selective fluid connection with at least one second valve 104.

[0013] In embodiments, each of the at least one first valve 102, at least one second valve 104, and / or at least one third valve 106 may be in the form of a multiport valve, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In embodiments, the at least one first valve 102, at least one second valve 104, and / or at least one third valve 106 used herein may be controlled, for example, pneumatically and / or electrically, and / or in the form of a distribution manifold. Also in embodiments, the at least one first valve 102, at least one second valve 104, and / or at least one third valve 106 may be in the form of a mass flow controller (MFC's). The mass flow controller can electrically selectably control the flow through the mass flow controller. Also in embodiments, the at least one first valve 102, at least one second valve 104, and / or at least one third valve 106 may be in the form of a plurality of valves (e.g., alternatives to the corresponding multiport valve example).

[0014] The operation of the analysis system 100 according to the embodiment of this disclosure is shown in Figures 8 to 12. With respect to Figure 8, the sample flow 120 (e.g., sample substance in a transport liquid (e.g., a transport liquid containing ammonium hydroxide and / or other volatile components)) passes through the degassing cell 112 by being poured into the bottom cell extension 112B. The sample flow 120 (i.e., sample-transport liquid) can reach the bottom cell extension 112B via the sample inlet 114, at least one second valve 104, and a fourth fluid line 118D. Furthermore, with respect to Figure 8, at least one first valve 102 may be configured to selectively direct a flow of nitrogen gas (i.e., N2) or other inert gas, which functions as an exhaust gas, to the upper cell extension 112A via the second fluid line 118B. As a result, a certain amount of N2 or other exhaust gas is forced to the top of the degassing cell 112 under pressure. In the embodiment, the exhaust gas and the pressure provided by the exhaust gas can prevent and / or delay the flow of the sample transport fluid beyond the upper cell extension 112A toward at least one first valve 102.

[0015] In the scenario shown in Figure 8, the vacuum pump 108 is not fluid-connected to the degassing cell 112 (e.g., via at least one first valve 102). The sample flow 120 exiting the degassing cell 112 via the lateral cell extension 112C of the degassing cell 112 may ultimately be directed to the second waste outlet 116B via the second valve 104 and at least one third valve 106. That is, the inflow of fluids (e.g., nitrogen / inert gas and sample flow) through the top and bottom of the degassing cell 112 requires that some or all of such fluids be expelled through the lateral cell extension 112C (i.e., the only available escape / discharge point). In embodiments, the degassing cell 112 may be partially or completely filled with sample transport fluid before the exhaust gas is introduced into the degassing cell 112. In an embodiment, the exhaust gas flow may increase and help push any sample transport fluid at or above the third fluid line 118C out of the degassing cell 112 and ultimately toward the waste outlet 116B associated with at least one third valve 106.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 9, in the second step, the flow connection remains the same except that the sample flow 120 is blocked while the N2 or other exhaust gas flow continues. The continuous flow of nitrogen increases the pressure on the sample remaining in the degassing cell 112. This pressure pushes any sample above the third fluid line 118C out of the degassing cell 112 to waste.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 9, once the excess sample in the degassing cell 112 has been pushed out to waste, then the combined flow shown in FIG. 10 can be activated. In the situation of FIG. 10, the sample flow 120 from the sample inlet 114 remains off, the flow through at least one of the third valves 106 is opened towards an analyzer (not labeled), and no longer flows through the second waste outlet 116B. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the N2 / exhaust gas flow is cut off and the fluid is drawn through the vacuum pump 108 directed towards the first waste outlet 116A, the degassing cell 112 is evacuated via at least one of the first valves 102 and the vacuum pump 108.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows the result of maintaining the flow connection defined in FIG. 10. By the flow mechanism promoted by the vacuum, all the liquid is removed from the fourth fluid line 118D, and ammonia gas (NH3) and / or other gases (e.g., ammonium hydroxide or other volatile components) can be removed from the sample flow 120. During the situation of FIG. 11, the sample flow 120 can be actively bubbled by the vacuum. The degassing cell 112 may feel cold during this step (e.g., as part of the heat exchange associated with the vaporization of ammonia and / or other gases).

[0019] Finally, by the steps shown in Figure 12, the degassing cell 112 can be reconnected to the N2 / exhaust gas flow (e.g., via the first valve 102 or at least one second valve 104) and disconnected from the vacuum flow and at least one third valve 106. Furthermore, the flow to the transfer line 122 to the core analyzer (not shown) can be opened at at least one second valve 104. As a result, the pressure from the N2 / exhaust gas flow can push the sample, which does not or substantially retain (at least not sufficiently to create any voids) ammonia / ammonium hydroxide and / or other volatile components, as a sample flow 120 through the fourth fluid line 118D to at least one second valve 104 and the transfer line 122. The portion of the system 100 that can deliver to the transfer line 122 and the core analyzer may be considered a remotely operated flow processing system.

[0020] In some embodiments, when filling the analysis system 100 with a sample, the ammonium hydroxide sample can be adequately degassed for approximately 7 minutes before transferring the sample for analysis. In some embodiments, it is found that, after degassing, it is not necessary to keep the sample still in the loop, in contrast to the case without degassing. For other samples containing other volatile substances, the time required for degassing may vary. Without degassing, it is necessary to keep the sample still in order to maintain the ICPMS plasma at a low temperature. In the use of this system for degassing ammonium hydroxide samples, no visible voids may be observed in the analysis loop after transfer. During degassing, some small NH4OH and / or NH3 bubbles may still form, but they are not visible to the extent that they would affect the test (i.e., all ammonia is substantially removed before analysis, at least to the extent that any remaining ammonia / ammonium hydroxide does not interfere with the test). To this extent, the sample can be considered sufficiently degassed. In some embodiments, an upgrade kit for remote control of transfer, using two valves and a vacuum pump, is within the scope of this system, and all components can be mounted on existing blanks of remotely controlled fluid handling systems.

[0021] In an embodiment, the analysis system 100 (e.g., implemented as an upgrade kit) may be used for a thinner sample or other sample that requires degassing (e.g., not only ammonia-based samples, but also when a potentially volatile (i.e., high vapor pressure) sample transporter is used). In an embodiment, it is understood that the system may be used with any analysis system when degassing of the sample is required to suppress the formation of voids. In an embodiment, as the exhaust gas, instead of nitrogen in the embodiments described herein, a suitable gas (e.g., an inert gas) may be used. In some embodiments, the sample may be heated (e.g., before entering the analysis system 100 and / or in the degassing cell 112) to facilitate degassing. In an embodiment, the sample may be cooled in the central receiving portion, particularly when it is specially heated to facilitate degassing.

[0022] In embodiments, a system controller (not shown) is available to control the operation of the analysis system 100 (e.g., valve operation and / or vacuum operation, and / or inflow of any associated flow). The system controller may have a processor, memory, and a communication interface. In embodiments, the analysis system 100 may include one or more sensors (e.g., flow sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) that can operate with the system controller as needed to achieve the desired function of the system. The processor provides processing functions for at least the controller. The processor may have any number of processors, microcontrollers, circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other processing systems, and in-house or external memory for storing data, executable code, and other information accessed or generated by the controller. The processor may execute one or more software programs implemented on a non-temporary computer-readable medium. The one or more software programs implement the technology described herein. The processor is not limited by the materials forming the processor and the processing mechanisms employed herein. Such processors can be implemented using semiconductors (multiple semiconductors) and / or transistors (for example, using integrated circuit (IC) components).

[0023] Memory may be a tangible computer-readable storage medium and, optionally, an example of other components of System 100 for performing the functions described herein. The tangible computer-readable storage medium provides storage capabilities for storing various data and / or program code related to the operation of the controller, such as software programs and / or code segments, or other data that instructs the processor and, optionally, other components of System 100 for performing the functions described herein. Thus, memory can store data such as programs of instructions for operating System 100 (including its components). Note that while a single memory is described, a wide range of types and combinations of memory (e.g., tangible memory, non-temporary memory) are applicable. Memory may be memory integrated with the processor, memory constituting standalone memory, or a combination of both.

[0024] Some examples of memory may include removable and non-removable memory elements such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., SD (secure digital) memory cards, mini-SD memory cards, and / or microSD memory cards), magnetic memory, optical memory, Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and removable (e.g., server and / or cloud) memory. In practice, memory may also include removable integrated circuit card (ICC) memory, such as memory provided by SIM (subscriber identity module) cards, USIM (universal subscriber identity module) cards, and UICC (universal integrated circuit card).

[0025] The communication interface may be operationally configured to communicate with components of system 100. For example, the communication interface may be configured to send data to a storage device by system 100, and to retrieve data from the storage device in system 100. The communication interface may also be communication-coupled with a processor to facilitate data transfer between the components of system 100 and the processor. Although the communication interface is described as a component of the controller, it should be noted that one or more components of the communication interface may be implemented as external components communication-coupled to system 100 or components of system 100 via wired and / or wireless connections. Furthermore, system 100 or components of system 100 may include and / or be connected to one or more input / output (I / O) devices (e.g., via the communication interface), such as a display, mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, keyboard, and microphone (e.g., a microphone for voice commands).

[0026] The communication interface and / or processor may be configured to communicate with various different networks. These various different networks include wide-area cellular telephone networks such as cellular networks, 3G cellular networks, 4G cellular networks, 5G cellular networks, or GSM (global system for mobile communications) networks; wireless computer communication networks such as WiFi networks (e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs) operated by the IEEE 802.11 network standard); ad-hoc radio networks; the Internet; wide area networks (WANs); local area networks (LANs); personal area networks (PANs) (e.g., wireless personal area networks (WPANs) operated by the IEEE 802.15 network standard); public telephone networks; extranets; intranets; and others. However, this enumeration is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Furthermore, the communication interface may be configured to communicate with a single network or multiple networks across different access points. In specific embodiments, the communication interface may transmit information from the controller to external devices (e.g., mobile phones, computers connected to WiFi networks, cloud storage, etc.). In other specific embodiments, the communication interface can receive information from external devices (e.g., mobile phones, computers connected to a WiFi network, cloud storage, etc.).

[0027] The subject matter is described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions. However, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the aforementioned specific features or actions. Rather, the aforementioned specific features and actions are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementation of the claims.

Claims

1. A degassing cell oriented to define an upper cell extension, a bottom cell extension, and a lateral cell extension, A valve system is fluid-connected to the upper cell extension, the bottom cell extension, and the lateral cell extension, respectively. Equipped with, The lateral cell extension extends from the side surface of the degassing cell at a position between the upper cell extension and the bottom cell extension, The valve system is configured such that the upper cell extension can be selectively connected to an exhaust gas supply source or a vacuum source. The valve system is configured such that each of the bottom cell extension and the lateral cell extension can be selectively connected to at least one of the following: a source for sample transport liquid, a transfer line configured to deliver the sample to an analyzer, and a waste outlet. Fluid transfer system.

2. The valve system is configured to connect the bottom cell extension to the source of the sample transport liquid and to supply the sample transport liquid to the degassing cell via the bottom cell extension. The valve system is configured to connect the upper cell extension to the exhaust gas supply source and supply the exhaust gas to the upper cell extension when the sample transport liquid is introduced into the degassing cell. The fluid transfer system according to claim 1.

3. The valve system is configured to connect the lateral cell extension to the waste outlet and to receive the sample transport liquid from the lateral cell extension and direct it toward the waste outlet. The sample transport liquid is pushed out from the lateral cell extension by the flow of the exhaust gas to the upper cell extension. The fluid transfer system according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a fluid line for fluid connection between the lateral cell extension and the valve system, The valve system is configured to block the flow path connecting the lateral cell extension and the waste outlet when the water level of the sample transport liquid in the degassing cell falls below the connection point of the fluid line to the degassing cell, thereby stopping the flow of the sample transport liquid to the waste outlet. The fluid transfer system according to claim 3.

5. Further comprising a fluid line for fluid connection between the lateral cell extension and the valve system, The valve system is configured to connect the upper cell extension to a vacuum source when the water level of the sample transport liquid in the degassing cell is below the connection point of the fluid line to the degassing cell. The vacuum source is configured to degas the sample transport liquid. The fluid transfer system according to claim 1.

6. The fluid transfer system according to claim 5, wherein the vacuum source is fluidly connected to the second waste outlet.

7. The valve system is During the degassing of the sample transport liquid, the upper cell extension is connected to the exhaust gas supply source. At this stage, the bottom cell extension is connected to the transfer line and configured to direct the degassed sample transport liquid towards the transfer line. The fluid transfer system according to claim 5.

8. The fluid transfer system according to claim 7, wherein the flow of the exhaust gas is capable of pushing the degassed sample transport liquid out of the bottom cell extension toward the transfer line.

9. The exhaust gas supply source is a nitrogen gas supply source, The nitrogen gas functions as the exhaust gas. The fluid transfer system according to claim 1.

10. A fluid transfer method, This includes providing a fluid transfer system equipped with a degassing cell and a valve system, The degassing cell is oriented to define an upper cell extension, a bottom cell extension, and a lateral cell extension. The lateral cell extension extends from the side surface of the degassing cell at a position between the upper cell extension and the bottom cell extension, The valve system is The upper cell extension, the bottom cell extension, and the lateral cell extension are each fluid-connected, The upper cell extension is configured to be selectively connected to an exhaust gas supply source or a vacuum source. Each of the bottom cell extension and the lateral cell extension is configured to be selectively connected to at least one of the following: a source for sample transport liquid, a transfer line configured to deliver the sample to an analyzer, and a waste outlet. The aforementioned fluid transfer method is In the valve system, the bottom cell extension is connected to the source of the sample transport liquid, and the sample transport liquid is supplied to the degassing cell via the bottom cell extension. At the start of introducing the sample transport liquid into the degassing cell, the valve system connects the upper cell extension to the exhaust gas supply source and supplies the exhaust gas to the degassing cell via the upper cell extension. Includes, The flow of the exhaust gas prevents the sample transport liquid from passing through the upper cell extension and escaping. Fluid transfer method.

11. The fluid transfer system further comprises a fluid line that fluidly connects the lateral cell extension and the valve system, The sample transport liquid is supplied until the water level of the sample transport liquid in the degassing cell rises above the connection point of the fluid line to the degassing cell. The flow of the sample transport liquid stops when the water level rises above the connection point. The valve system connects the fluid line to the waste outlet when the water level is above the connection position. The exhaust gas flow pushes the sample transport liquid, which is above the connection point, toward the waste outlet into the fluid line. The fluid transfer method according to claim 10.

12. The fluid transfer method according to claim 11, further comprising stopping the flow of the sample transport liquid to the waste outlet when the water level of the sample transport liquid falls below the connection position.

13. The valve system further comprises connecting the upper cell extension to the vacuum source instead of the exhaust gas supply source to generate a vacuum pressure in the degassing cell, The vacuum pressure promotes the degassing of the sample transport liquid. The fluid transfer method according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned sample transport liquid contains ammonium hydroxide, When the aforementioned vacuum pressure is applied, a gas containing at least one of ammonium hydroxide and ammonia is degassed from the sample transport liquid. The fluid transfer method according to claim 13.

15. After degassing the sample transport liquid, In the valve system, the upper cell extension is reconnected to the exhaust gas supply source, and the exhaust gas is resupplied to the deaeration cell via the valve system. In the valve system, the bottom cell extension is connected to the transfer line, and the exhaust gas is directed towards the transfer line. This also includes, The fluid transfer method according to claim 13.

16. The fluid transfer method according to claim 15, wherein the flow of the exhaust gas is capable of pushing the degassed sample transport liquid out of the bottom cell extension toward the transfer line.

17. The exhaust gas supply source is a nitrogen gas supply source, The nitrogen gas functions as the exhaust gas. The fluid transfer method according to claim 10.

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