System for collecting fluid samples from a remote location

Abstract

A system includes an analysis system located at a first location and one or more remote sampling systems located at a second location remote from the first location. The sampling system can be configured to receive a remote fluid sample. The system also includes a sample transfer line configured to transport gas from the second location to the first location. The sample transfer line is configured to selectively couple with the remote sampling system to supply continuous fluid sample portions to the sample transfer line. The system may also include a sample receiving line located at the first location. The sample receiving line is configured to selectively couple with the sample transfer line and the analysis system to receive continuous fluid sample portions and supply the sample to the analysis device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 201580016642.3, application date February 27, 2015, and invention name “System for collecting fluid samples from a remote location”. Background Art

[0002] Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry is an analytical technique commonly used to determine trace element concentrations and isotope ratios in fluid samples. ICP spectrometry employs an electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma that reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000 K. When a sample is introduced into the plasma, the high temperature causes the sample atoms to become ionized or emit light. Since each chemical element produces a characteristic mass or emission spectrum, measuring the emitted mass or spectrum of light allows the elemental composition of the original sample to be determined.

[0003] The sample introduction system can be used to introduce a fluid sample into an ICP spectrometry instrument (e.g., an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP / ICP-MS), an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES), etc.) for analysis. For example, the sample introduction system can remove an aliquot of the fluid sample from a container and thereafter transport the aliquot to a nebulizer, which converts the aliquot into a polydisperse aerosol suitable for plasma ionization via the ICP spectrometry instrument. The aerosol is then sorted in a spray chamber to remove larger aerosol particles. Once out of the spray chamber, the aerosol is introduced into a plasma via a plasma torch assembly of an ICP-MS or ICP-AES instrument for analysis. Summary of the invention

[0004] A system includes an analysis system located at a first location and one or more remote sampling systems located at a second location away from the first location. The sampling system can be configured to receive and transport a continuous fluid sample segment through a sample transfer line. The system also includes a pressurized gas supply device to transport a sufficient volume of fluid sample for analysis from the second location to the first location. The sample transfer line is configured to couple with the remote sampling system to drive and transport the fluid sample to the first location. The system may also include a sample receiving line located at the first location.

[0005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Any dimensions included in the drawings are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 1 is a partial line diagram illustrating a system configured to analyze samples transported over long distances according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2A is an environmental view illustrating a remote sampling device used in a remote sampling system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2B is an environmental view of a remote sampling device used in a remote sampling system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3A is an environmental view of an analysis device used in an analysis system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3B is an environmental view of an analysis device used in an analysis system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a partial line diagram illustrating an analysis system within a system configured to analyze samples transported over long distances according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is an example of an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure that can be Figure 4 A partial line diagram of the detectors used within the analytical system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Overall reference Figures 1 to 5, describes an exemplary system configured to analyze samples transported over long distances. System 100 includes an analysis system 102 located at a first location. System 100 may also include one or more remote sampling systems 104 located at a second location away from the first location. System 100 may also include one or more remote sampling systems 104 located at a third location, a fourth location, and the like, wherein the third location and / or the fourth location are away from the first location. In some embodiments, system 100 may also include one or more remote sampling systems 104 located at a first location (e.g., adjacent to analysis system 102). For example, sampling system 104 located at a first location may include an automatic sampler coupled to analysis system 102. One or more sampling systems 104 may be operable to receive samples from a first location, a second location, a third location, a fourth location, and the like, and system 100 may be operable to transmit samples to analysis system 102 for analysis.

[0015] The remote sampling system 104 may be configured to receive a sample 150 and prepare the sample 150 for transmission and / or analysis. In an embodiment, the remote sampling system 104 may be arranged at various distances (e.g., 1 m, 5 m, 50 m, 100 m, 1000 m, etc.) from the analysis system 102. In an embodiment, the remote sampling system 104 may include a remote sampling device 106 and a sample preparation device 108. The sample preparation device 108 may also include a valve 148, such as a flow valve. In an embodiment, the remote sampling device 106 may include a device configured to collect a sample 150 from a sample stream (e.g., a fluid, such as wastewater, flushing water, etc.). The remote sampling device 106 may include components, such as pumps, valves, pipes, sensors, etc. The sample preparation device 108 may include a device configured to prepare a collected sample from the remote sampling device 106 using a diluent 114, an internal standard 116, a carrier 154, etc.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sample 150 may be prepared (e.g., prepared sample 152) for transmission and / or analysis using one or more preparation techniques (including, but not necessarily limited to: dilution, pre-concentration, addition of one or more calibration standards, etc.). For example, a viscous sample 150 may be remotely diluted (e.g., by a sample preparation device 108) prior to being transmitted to the analysis system 102 (e.g., to prevent the sample 150 from separating during transmission). In some embodiments, sample dilution may be dynamically adjusted (e.g., automatically adjusted) to move the sample 150 through the system at a desired rate. For example, when the sample 150 moves through the system 100 too slowly (e.g., as measured by the transmission time from the second location to the first location), the diluent 114 added to a particular sample or a particular type of sample is increased. In another example, one liter (1 L) of seawater may be remotely pre-concentrated prior to transmission to the analysis system 102. In another example, electrostatic concentration is used on material from an air sample to pre-concentrate possible airborne contaminants. In some embodiments, in-line dilution and / or calibration is performed automatically by the system 100. For example, the sample preparation device 108 may add one or more internal standards to a sample delivered to the analysis system 102 to calibrate the analysis system 102 .

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the analysis system 102 may include a sample collector and / or a sample detector 130 configured to collect a sample 150 from a sample delivery line 144, and / or at least one analysis device 112 configured to analyze the sample to determine the concentration of trace elements (e.g., in a fluid sample), isotope ratios, and the like. In addition, the analysis system 102 may include a sampling device 160 configured to collect a sample 150 that is local to the analysis system 102. An example of the analysis device 112 may include an ICP spectrometer. The system 100 and / or the analysis system 102 may be configured to report the analyte concentration at a certain location over time. In some embodiments, the analysis device 112 may be configured to detect one or more trace metals in the sample 150. In other embodiments, the analysis device 112 may be configured for ion chromatography. For example, ions and / or cations may be collected in the sample 150 and transmitted to the chromatographic analysis device 112. In other embodiments, organic molecules, proteins, etc. can be collected in a sample and transmitted to a high resolution time-of-flight (HR-ToF) mass spectrometry device 112 (e.g., using a nebulizer 156). Thus, the system as described herein can be used for a variety of applications, including but not necessarily limited to: pharmaceutical applications (e.g., using a central mass spectrometry device connected to multiple pharmaceutical reactors), waste monitoring of one or more waste streams, etc. For example, a waste stream can be continuously monitored for contaminants and sent to a sink when a contaminant is detected.

[0018] The remote sampling system 104 can be configured to selectively couple with at least one sample transfer line 144 so that the remote sampling system 104 is operable to be in fluid communication with the sample transfer line 144 so as to supply a continuous fluid sample portion 150 to the sample transfer line 144. For example, the remote sampling system 104 can be configured to collect the sample 150 and supply the sample 150 to the sample transfer line 144, for example, using a flow-through valve 148 that couples the remote sampling system 104 to the sample transfer line 144. The supply of the sample 150 to the sample transfer line 144 can be referred to as "pitch". The sample transfer line 144 can be coupled with a gas supply 146 and can be configured to transport gas from the second location (and possibly the third location, the fourth location, etc.) to the first location. In this way, the fluid sample portion supplied by the remote sampling system 104 is collected in the gas stream and transported to the location of the analysis system 102 using gas pressure sample transport.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gas in the sample transfer line 144 may include an inert gas, including but not necessarily limited to: nitrogen, argon, etc. In some embodiments, the sample transfer line 144 may include an unsegmented or minimally segmented pipe having an inner diameter of eight tenths of a millimeter (0.8 mm). However, the inner diameter of eight tenths of a millimeter is provided by way of example only, and the inner diameter is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the sample transfer line 144 may include an inner diameter greater than eight tenths of a millimeter and / or an inner diameter less than eight tenths of a millimeter. In some embodiments, the pressure in the sample transfer line 144 may range from at least about four (4) bars to ten (10) bars. However, this range is provided by way of example only, and the range is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the pressure in the sample transfer line 144 may be greater than ten bars and / or less than four bars. In addition, in some specific embodiments, the pressure in the sample transfer line 144 may be adjusted so that the sample 150 is distributed in a generally upward direction (e.g., vertically).

[0020] In some examples, sample transmission line 144 can be coupled with remote sampling system 104 and analysis system 102, remote sampling system 104 is in fluid communication with the first liquid pool (or chemical pool), and analysis system 102 is in fluid communication with the second liquid pool (or chemical pool). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, system 100 may include one or more leakage sensors (e.g., installed in a groove) to prevent overflow at the first position and / or one or more remote positions or minimize overflow at the first position and / or one or more remote positions. A pump (e.g., a syringe pump or a vacuum pump) may be used to load a sample into a sampling device. Valve 148 may be used to select sample 150 at remote sampling system 104, and sample 150 may be supplied to sample transmission line 144, and sample transmission line 144 may transmit sample 150 to the analysis system 102 at the first position. Another pump (e.g., a diaphragm pump) may be used to extract drainage on the analysis system 102 and extract sample 150 from sample transmission line 144.

[0021] The system 100 can be implemented as a closed sampling system, wherein the gas and sample in the sample transfer line 144 are not exposed to the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, one or more sample lines in the remote sampling system 104 can be cleaned between sample transfers. In addition, the sample transfer line 144 can be cleaned between samples 150 (e.g., using a cleaning solution).

[0022] The sample delivery line 144 can be configured to selectively couple with the sample receiving line 162 at a first position so that the sample loop 164 is operable to be in fluid communication with the sample delivery line 144 to receive a continuous fluid sample portion. The delivery of the continuous fluid sample portion to the sample loop 164 can be referred to as "catching". The sample loop 164 is also configured to selectively couple with the analysis device 112 so that the sample loop 164 is operable to be in fluid communication with the analysis device 112 to supply the continuous fluid sample portion to the analysis device 112. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the analysis system 102 may include a first detector 126 and a second detector 128, the first detector 126 being configured to determine that the continuous fluid sample portion has entered the sample loop 164, and the second detector 128 being configured to determine that the sample loop 164 contains a sufficient amount of the continuous fluid sample portion for analysis by the analysis system 102. In one example, the sufficient amount of the continuous fluid sample may include enough fluid sample to be sent to the analysis device 112. Another example of a continuous fluid sample of sufficient quantity may include a continuous fluid sample between the first detector 126 and the second detector 128. In an embodiment, the first detector 126 and / or the second detector 128 may include an optical analyzer 132, an optical sensor 134, a conductivity sensor 136, a metal sensor 138, a conductive sensor 140, and / or a pressure sensor 142. It is contemplated that the first detector 126 and / or the second detector 128 may include other sensors. For example, the first detector 126 may include an optical analyzer 132 that detects when the sample 150 enters the sample loop 164, and the second detector 128 may include another optical analyzer 132 that detects when the sample loop 164 is filled. This example may be referred to as "successful collection". It should be noted that the optical analyzer 132 is provided by way of example only, and the optical analyzer 132 is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Other exemplary detectors include, but are not necessarily limited to: optical sensors, conductivity sensors, metal sensors, conductive sensors, pressure sensors, and the like.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of sample collected by the remote sampling system 104 is adjusted to provide a sufficient amount of sample 150 for analysis by the analysis device 112. For example, the ratio of the amount of "sent" sample 150 to the amount of "received" sample 150 is at least approximately one and one quarter (1.25). However, this ratio is provided by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the ratio is greater than one and one quarter, and in other embodiments, the ratio is less than one and one quarter. In one example, two and one-half milliliters (2.5 mL) of sample 150 (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid or nitric acid) is sent, and one milliliter (1 mL) of sample 150 is received. In another example, one and one-half milliliter (1.5 mL) of sample 150 is sent, and one milliliter (1 mL) of sample 150 is received. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of "sent" sample 150 is adjusted to account for the distance between the first location and the second location, the amount of sample transfer line tubing between the first location and the second location, the pressure in the sample transfer line 144, and the like.

[0024] The system 100 including some or all of its components can be operated under computer control. For example, the processor 120 can be included in or in the system 100 to control the components and functions in the system described herein using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuits), manual processing, or a combination thereof. The terms "controller", "function", "service", and "logic" as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of software, firmware, or hardware that controls the system. In the case of software implementation, when executed on a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or multiple CPUs), a module, function, or logic represents the program code that performs a specified task. The program code can be stored in one or more computer-readable storage devices (e.g., internal memory and / or one or more tangible media), etc. The structure, function, method, and technology described herein can be implemented on multiple commercial computing platforms with multiple processors.

[0025] For example, one or more components in the system (e.g., the analysis system 102, the remote sampling system 104, the valve 148, the pump, and / or the detector 130) can be coupled to the controller for controlling the collection, transfer, and / or analysis of the sample 150. For example, the controller 118 can be configured to direct the sample 150 from the sample loop 164 to the analysis system 102 when the first detector 126 and the second detector 128 indicate a successful "collection" (e.g., when both sensors detect fluid), and to switch the valve 148 that couples the sample loop 164 to the analysis system 102. In addition, the controller 118 can implement functionality to determine an "unsuccessful collection" (e.g., when the sample loop 164 is not filled with enough sample 150 for the analysis system 102 to perform a complete analysis). In some embodiments, an "unsuccessful collection" is determined, for example, based on a change in the signal strength of a signal received from a sensor (e.g., the first detector 126 or the second detector 128). In other embodiments, an “unsuccessful reception” is determined when the first detector 126 has indicated a sample 150 in the sample reception line 162 and a predetermined amount of time has passed wherein the second detector 128 has not indicated a sample 150 in the sample reception line 162 .

[0026] In some embodiments, the controller 118 is communicatively coupled to the indicator at a remote location (e.g., a second location) and provides an indication (e.g., an alarm) at the second location when insufficient sample 150 is received at the first location. The indication can be used to (e.g., automatically) initiate additional sample collection and delivery. In some embodiments, the indicator provides an alarm to the operator (e.g., via one or more indicator lights). In addition, the indication can be timed and / or initiated based on one or more predetermined conditions (e.g., only when multiple samples have been missed). In some embodiments, the indicator can also be activated based on conditions measured at the remote sampling point. For example, the detector 130 at the second location can be used to determine when the sample 150 is provided to the remote sampling system 104, and the indicator can be activated when the sample 150 is not collected.

[0027] In some embodiments, the controller 118 may be operable to provide different timing for the collection of samples from different remote locations, and / or for different types of samples 150. For example, the controller 118 may be alerted when the remote sampling system 104 is ready to transfer the sample 150 to the sample transfer line 144, and may begin transferring the sample 150 into the sample transfer line 144. The controller 118 may also be communicatively coupled with one or more remote sampling systems 102 to receive (and possibly store / record) information associated with the sample 150, and / or control the order in which the samples 150 are transferred within the system 100. For example, the controller 118 may remotely queue multiple samples 150 and coordinate their transfer through one or more of the sample transfer lines 144. In this way, the transfer of samples 150 may be coordinated along multiple simultaneous flow paths (e.g., through multiple sample transfer lines 144), and one or more samples 150 may be in transfer while one or more additional samples 150 are being acquired.

[0028] The controller 118 may include a processor 120, a memory 122, and a communication interface 124. The processor 120 provides processing functionality for the controller 118 and may include any number of processors, microcontrollers, or other processing systems, as well as resident or external memory for storing data or other information accessed or generated by the controller 118. The processor 120 may execute one or more software programs that implement the techniques described herein. The processor 120 is not limited by the materials of construction or the processing mechanisms employed therein, and thus may be implemented via one or more semiconductors and / or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), etc.

[0029] The memory 122 is a tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data associated with the operation of the controller 118 (e.g., software programs and / or code segments), or other data to direct the processor 120, and possibly other components of the controller 118, to perform the functions described herein. Thus, the memory 122 may store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the system 100 (including its components), etc. It should be noted that although a single memory is described, a variety of types of memories (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memories) and combinations of memories may be employed. The memory 122 may be integrated with the processor 120, may include a stand-alone memory, or may be a combination of both.

[0030] The memory 122 may include, but is not necessarily limited to, removable and non-removable storage components, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., secure digital (SD) memory card, mini SD memory card, and / or micro-SD memory card), magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) storage device, hard disk storage, external memory, etc. In an embodiment, the system 100 and / or the memory 122 may include a removable integrated circuit card (ICC) memory, such as the memory 122 provided by a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), etc.

[0031] The communication interface 124 is operably configured to communicate with components of the system. For example, the communication interface 124 can be configured to transmit data for storage in the system 100, retrieve data from storage in the system 100, and the like. The communication interface 124 is also communicatively coupled to the processor 120 to facilitate the transfer of data between components of the system 100 and the processor 120 (e.g., for transmitting input received from a device communicatively coupled to the controller 118 to the processor 120). It should be noted that although the communication interface 124 is described as a component of the controller 118, one or more components of the communication interface 124 can be implemented as external components of the system 100 that are communicatively coupled via wired and / or wireless connections. The system 100 can also include and / or be connected to one or more input / output (I / O) devices (e.g., via the communication interface 124), including but not necessarily limited to: a display, a mouse, a touchpad, a keyboard, and the like.

[0032] The communication interface 124 and / or the processor 120 may be configured to communicate with a plurality of different networks, including, but not necessarily limited to: a wide area cellular telephone network (e.g., a 3G cellular network, a 4G cellular network, or a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network); a wireless computer communication network, such as a Wi-Fi network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating using the IEEE 802.11 network standard); the Internet; the Internet; a wide area network (WAN); a local area network (LAN); a personal area network (PAN) (e.g., a wireless personal area network (WPAN) operating using the IEEE 802.15 network standard); a public telephone network; an extranet; an intranet; etc. However, this list is provided by way of example only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, the communication interface 124 may be configured to communicate with a single network or multiple networks across different access points.

[0033] In embodiments, various analytical devices may use the structures, techniques, methods, etc. described herein. Thus, although a system is described herein, various analytical instruments may use the described techniques, methods, structures, etc. These devices may be configured with limited functionality (e.g., thin devices) or with robust functionality (e.g., thick devices). Thus, the functionality of a device may be related to the software or hardware resources of the device, such as processing power, memory (e.g., data storage capacity), analytical capabilities, etc.

[0034] Generally, any of the functions described herein can be implemented using hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuits, such as integrated circuits), software, firmware, manual processing, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the blocks discussed in the above disclosure generally represent hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuits, such as integrated circuits), software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In an example of a hardware configuration, each block discussed in the above disclosure can be implemented as an integrated circuit and other functions. These integrated circuits can include all functions in the functions of a given block, system, or circuit, or a portion of the functions of a block, system, or circuit. In addition, the elements of a block, system, or circuit can be implemented across multiple integrated circuits. These integrated circuits can include various integrated circuits, including but not necessarily limited to: monolithic integrated circuits, flip chip integrated circuits, multi-chip module integrated circuits, and / or mixed signal integrated circuits. In an example of a software implementation, each block discussed in the above disclosure represents an executable instruction (e.g., program code) that performs a specific function when executed on a processor. These executable instructions can be stored in one or more tangible computer-readable media. In some such examples, the entire system, block, or circuit can be implemented using its software or firmware equivalents. In other examples, portions of a given system, block, or circuit may be implemented in software or firmware, while other portions are implemented in hardware.

[0035] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A system for collecting a fluid sample, comprising: a sample receiving circuit configured to be located at a first position; a remote sampling system configured to be located at a second location remote from the first location, the remote sampling system configured to receive the fluid sample at the second location in preparation for transfer to the first location; a sample transfer circuit configured to be fluidically coupled between the first location and the second location, the sample transfer circuit configured to be coupled to a gas supply, the gas supply configured to provide a gas flow to transport the fluid sample within the sample transfer circuit from the second location and thereby drive it to the first location; a detector configured to monitor the sample receiving circuit to detect the presence or absence of the fluid sample in the sample receiving circuit; as well as a valve configured to, in response to detecting the presence of a fluid sample portion of the fluid sample in the sample receiving circuit, fluidly couple the sample receiving circuit with an analysis system to supply at least a portion of the prepared fluid sample to the analysis system, The detector includes a first detector and a second detector, wherein the first detector is configured to detect that the fluid sample portion has entered the sample receiving line, and the second detector is configured to determine that the sample receiving line contains a sufficient amount of continuous fluid sample portion for analysis by the analysis system.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The valve is configured to fluidly couple the sample receiving line with the analysis system to supply the fluid sample portion to the analysis system, wherein the fluid sample portion includes a portion of the fluid sample.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The remote sampling system includes a sample preparation device configured to at least one of: dilute the fluid sample; add an internal standard to the fluid sample; or pre-concentrate the fluid sample prior to delivery through the sample delivery line.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The detector includes one or more of: an optical analyzer, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor, a metal sensor, a conductive sensor, or a pressure sensor.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The remote sampling system includes a pump configured to load the fluid sample into the remote sampling system.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The remote sampling system is arranged to be 1 m, 5 m, 50 m, 100 m or 1000 m away from the analysis system.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The analysis system includes an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: A volume ratio of the fluid sample to the fluid sample portion is at least 1.

25.

9. A system for collecting a fluid sample, comprising: a sample receiving circuit configured to be located at a first position; A remote sampling system configured to be located at a second location remote from the first location, the remote sampling system comprising a remote sampling device and a sample preparation device, the remote sampling system configured to receive the fluid sample and prepare the fluid sample for analysis, the sample preparation device configured to produce the prepared fluid sample by at least one of the following: diluting the fluid sample; adding an internal standard to the fluid sample; or pre-concentrating the fluid sample; a sample transfer circuit configured to be fluidly coupled between the first location and the second location, the sample transfer circuit configured to be coupled to a gas supply, the gas supply configured to provide a gas flow to transport the prepared fluid sample within the sample transfer circuit from the second location and thereby drive it to the first location; a valve configured to selectively couple the sample receiving line with the sample transfer line so that the sample receiving line is in fluid communication with the sample transfer line to receive the prepared fluid sample and in fluid communication with an analysis system to supply at least a portion of the prepared fluid sample to the analysis system; as well as a detector configured to monitor the sample receiving line to detect the presence or absence of a fluid sample portion in the sample receiving line, The detector includes a first detector and a second detector, wherein the first detector is configured to detect that the fluid sample portion has entered the sample receiving line, and the second detector is configured to determine that the sample receiving line contains a sufficient amount of continuous fluid sample portion for analysis by the analysis system.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The volume ratio of the prepared fluid sample to the fluid sample portion is at least 1.

25.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The detector includes one or more of: an optical analyzer, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor, a metal sensor, a conductive sensor, or a pressure sensor.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The remote sampling device includes a pump configured to load the fluid sample into the remote sampling system.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The remote sampling system is arranged to be 1 m, 5 m, 50 m, 100 m or 1000 m away from the analysis system.

14. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The analysis system includes an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer.

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