System and method for capturing fluid at a valve

Abstract

Systems and methods for isolating a sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analytical system, e.g., sample analysis via ICP-MS, are described. System embodiments can include, but are not limited to, a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir and a second valve configured to allow and block passage of a vacuum source to the first valve; a sensor system configured to detect whether fluid is present at the first valve; and a controller configured to control operation of the second valve to block passage of the vacuum source to the first valve upon detection of fluid at the first valve to isolate the fluid within the sample reservoir.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] Pursuant to 35 USC § 119(e) (35 USC § 119(e)), this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 897,023, filed September 6, 2019, entitled "System and method for trapping fluid at a valve," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 040,768, filed June 18, 2020, entitled "System and method for trapping fluid at a valve." Both U.S. Provisional Applications No. 62 / 897,023 and No. 63 / 040,768 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy is an analytical technique commonly used to determine the concentration and isotopic ratios of trace elements in liquid samples. ICP spectroscopy employs electromagnetically generated, partially ionized argon plasma at temperatures reaching approximately 7,000 K. When a sample is introduced into this plasma, the high temperature causes the sample atoms to ionize or emit light. Since each chemical element produces a characteristic mass or emission spectrum, measuring the emission mass or the spectrum of light allows for the determination of the elemental composition of the original sample.

[0004] Sample introduction systems can be used to introduce liquid samples into an ICP spectrometer (e.g., inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP / ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), etc.) for analysis. For example, a sample introduction system can remove an aliquot of a liquid sample from a container and then deliver the aliquot to a nebulizer, which converts the aliquot into a polydisperse aerosol suitable for ionization in plasma by an ICP spectrometer. The aerosol is then sorted in a spray chamber to remove larger aerosol particles. Once outside the spray chamber, the aerosol is introduced into the plasma for analysis via the plasma torch assembly of the ICP-MS or ICP-AES instrument. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Systems and methods for isolating a sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analytical system, e.g., sample analysis via ICP-MS, are described. System embodiments can include, but are not limited to, a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir and a second valve configured to allow and block passage of a vacuum source to the first valve; a sensor system configured to detect whether fluid is present at the first valve; and a controller configured to control operation of the second valve to block passage of the vacuum source to the first valve upon detection of fluid at the first valve to isolate the fluid within the sample reservoir.

[0006] 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 DRAWINGS

[0007] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic of a system for isolating a sample at a jetting valve prior to analysis according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A is Figure 1 a schematic of a system of

[0010] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a schematic of a system of

[0011] Figure 2C is Figure 2B a schematic of a system of

[0012] Figure 2D is a graphical illustration of a system for isolating a sample at a jetting valve prior to analysis according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3A is a graphical illustration of a system of Figure 1 wherein a rinse fluid is extracted by an autosampler probe during analysis of a previously extracted sample.

[0014] Figure 3B is a schematic of a system of Figure 3A wherein a rinse fluid is held in an autosampler probe.

[0015] Figure 3C is a schematic view of a system of Figure 3B wherein sample fluid is extracted through the autosampler probe, the flush fluid and the sample fluid are directed toward the jet valve.

[0016] Figure 3D is a schematic view of a system of Figure 3A wherein the flush fluid is held in the autosampler probe, the autosampler probe is held above the second flush fluid container.

[0017] Figure 3E is a schematic view of a system of Figure 3A wherein the flush fluid is held in the autosampler probe, the second flush fluid is extracted through the autosampler probe, the flush fluid and the second flush fluid are directed toward the jet valve.

[0018] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a sample probe of an autosampler being introduced to a sample container containing a sample, wherein the sample probe holds a gas within the sample probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Overview

[0020] Sample introduction systems can be used to introduce liquid samples, for example, via an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometer, to an analyzer for analysis. For example, a pump system, a valve system, and an autosampling system can transport a sample from a sample source (e.g., a sample bottle) through one or more valves to an atomizer for subsequent chemical composition analysis by an ICP spectrometer. When multiple samples are processed through such a sample introduction system, the processing capacity of the system can be limited by a number of factors, such as the rate at which samples are transported through the fluid lines of the system, the ability of the system to identify which sample has been introduced into the system by the autosampling system, the ability of the system to track which sample is introduced to the ICP spectrometer, and the like. For example, biological samples can be provided in microtiter plates for analysis, such plates can include hundreds of wells containing samples (e.g., 384-well microtiter plates, and the like). Through the process of processing each of the hundreds of samples, inefficiencies in sample processing or limitations in the processing capacity to analyze such samples become complex, resulting in a large potential time and monetary cost associated with processing the samples.

[0021] Valve injection systems can be used to rapidly move an aliquot of sample from a sample container and load it into a reservoir at a valve. The reservoir can be a section of tubing similar in size or volume to the tubing leading from the sample container to the valve. To speed sample loading, a pump system (e.g., a vacuum pump, a syringe pump, etc.) can rapidly pull sample from the sample container (e.g., via a sample probe within the sample container) into the reservoir. However, this rapid loading of sample raises questions for high throughput analysis of trace samples. For example, the entire sample held in the sample container can be consumed or transferred to the analyzer during the rapid loading of sample from the sample container to the reservoir. If the analysis of the sample is questionable, or if the laboratory otherwise needs to reanalyze the sample to verify the results, the consumption of the sample from the sample container will require a time consuming re-preparation of the sample for the verification analysis. Furthermore, such systems can utilize basic timing considerations to decide when to move the autosampler or draw in the sample, and under such timing considerations, laboratory conditions can negatively impact the sample analysis. For example, if foreign matter (e.g., filter fibers, sediment, debris, etc.) is introduced into the sample, or the foreign matter interacts with the sample probe, or if the system tubing is altered (e.g., the system tubing is bent or kinked), the flow rate of fluid through the system can slow or otherwise change, resulting in a time negatively impacted (e.g., reduced sample draw, inaccurate analysis, etc.).

[0022] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system of high sample handling capacity to isolate a precise amount of sample from a sample container, thereby minimizing sample consumption and allowing sufficient sample to remain in the sample container to allow for reanalysis if needed. For example, the system can include a jet valve in fluid communication with a vacuum source to draw sample into a sample reservoir at the jet valve. The system includes one or more sensors to detect the presence of sample at the valve at which the output of the one or more sensors can be used to control operation of the vacuum source or fluid access of the vacuum source to the jet valve to prevent additional sample from being drawn into the jet valve once sample is detected at the jet valve. In one aspect, the system includes a second valve in fluid communication with the jet valve to control or shut off vacuum applied to the jet valve and to alter sample flow from the sample container to the jet valve. For example, when the one or more sensors detect the presence of sample at the jet valve, the second valve stops flow of sample from the sample container to reserve a volume of sample fluid within the sample container for reanalysis. In one aspect, the system includes a vacuum source that incorporates a valve that closes upon deactivation of the vacuum source when the one or more sensors detect the presence of sample at the jet valve. The use of the one or more sensors thus takes into account actual sampling conditions as opposed to relying solely on estimated timing or standard time protocols. Alternatively or additionally, the output of the one or more sensors can be used to control positioning or orientation of a sample probe used to obtain sample, for example, by raising the sample probe relative to the sample container once sample is detected at the jet valve.

[0023] Exemplary Embodiments

[0024] Referring primarily to Figures 1 to 4 , the system 100 is shown to isolate sample at a valve prior to introduction to an analysis system. The system 100 primarily includes a flow path having a fluid flow controller that facilitates control of vacuum applied to a fluid line in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir, where the controller utilizes sensor output to determine when sample or other fluid is present in the fluid reservoir. Figure 1The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a valve system (valves 102 and 104 are shown), a sample reservoir 106, a sensor system (sensors 108 and 110 are shown), a vacuum source 112, an autosampler 114, and a controller 116. The autosampler 114 introduces samples from a plurality of sample sources 118 through operation of the vacuum source 112 in fluid communication with the autosampler 114 via the valves 102 and 104. For example, the vacuum source 112 can include, but is not limited to, a syringe pump, a peristaltic pump, a piston pump, a vacuum device, or the like to extract fluids through the system 100. The autosampler 114 includes a sample probe 120 to move between individual sample sources of the plurality of sample sources 118 (e.g., according to a preprogrammed sampling protocol) to introduce the plurality of samples to the valve 102 via a transfer line 122. The plurality of sample sources 118 can include, but is not limited to, sample containers having small sample volumes (e.g., less than one milliliter volume capacity), such as microtiter wells (e.g., having a volume of about 150 μΐ,), sample vials, or other containers. The valve 102 directs the sample, a rinse fluid, or other fluid received from the autosampler 114 into the sample reservoir 106 via the transfer line 122.

[0025] The sample reservoir 106 is sized and dimensioned to hold a precise and known amount of fluid (e.g., having a volume that can be used for analyte concentration determinations) and can include, without limitation, a serpentine configuration of tubing, a coiled tubing configuration, a linear tubing configuration, an irregular tubing configuration, combinations thereof, and the like. In embodiments, the sample reservoir 106 has a volume of less than about one milliliter (1 mL) to facilitate processing of a microvolume sample by the system 100. For example, the sample reservoir 106 can have a volume of 50 pL, 100 pL, 150 pL, 200 pL, 250 pL, 300 pL, 350 pL, 400 pL, 450 pL, 500 pL, 550 pL, 600 pL, 650 pL, 700 pL, 750 pL, 800 pL, 850 pL, 900 pL, 950 pL, or a volume of about 5 pL to 1000 pL. The volume of the sample reservoir 106 can be at least half of the volume of a single sample to be analyzed by the system 100, such that at least two separate volumes of sample can be extracted from a single sample container 118 and transmitted through the system 100 to fill the sample reservoir 106 (e.g., providing sufficient sample for reanalysis, if needed). In embodiments, the sample reservoir 106 includes an inlet 126 and an outlet 128, each coupled to the valve 102 (e.g., via two ports of the valve 102) such that the fluid flow configuration of the valve 102 manages the flow of fluid into and out of the sample reservoir 106. Alternatively or additionally, the valve 102 defines a fluid flow passage (e.g., in a valve stator portion) that forms at least a portion of the sample reservoir 106. The valve 102 is configured to switch between valve orientations to provide fluid communication between the sample reservoir 106 and the valve 104 or between the sample reservoir 106 and the analyzer 130 (e.g., a TCP spectrometer) to allow fluid held in the sample reservoir 106 to be transmitted to the analyzer 130 or its sample preparation system (e.g., via introduction of a carrier fluid through the valve 102 and sample reservoir 106 to push the fluid therefrom, as shown). Figure 1

[0026] ​Controller 116 is operatively coupled to components of system 100 to coordinate the following: extraction of samples, rinsing fluid, or other fluids into sample reservoir 106; stopping the extraction of samples, rinsing fluid, or other fluids from autosampler 114; and introducing fluid held in sample reservoir 106 for injection into the analyzer. For example, controller 116 may control the operation of autosampler 114, valve 102, valve 104, vacuum source 112, and analyzer based on signals received from one or more of sensors 108, 110, and the analyzer. Alternatively or additionally, autosampler 114, valve 102, valve 104, vacuum source 112, and analyzer may include local controllers with functions for coordinating components of system 100.

[0027] refer to Figures 2A to 2C An example sample transfer implementation scheme for system 100 is described. For example... Figure 2A As shown, vacuum source 112 is in fluid communication with probe 120 of autosampler 114 via valves 104 and 102 and sample reservoir 106. Probe 120 is introduced into sample container 118 and vacuum source 112 applies a vacuum to fluid line 124 connected between valves 104 and 102 to extract sample from sample container 118 into transfer line 122. Alternatively, vacuum source 112 may be positioned between sensor 110 and valve 104, wherein valve 104 can control the passage of vacuum source 112 to fluid outlet during operation to provide vacuum to fluid line 124. Sensor 108 is positioned near or around transfer line 122 to detect the presence of fluid within transfer line 122. For example, the leading edge of sample transferred through transfer line 122 is detected by sensor 108 and a sensing signal is generated accordingly. The sensor system may employ one or more optical sensors, pressure sensors, ultrasonic transducers, conductivity sensors, or other sensors, or combinations thereof, to detect the presence of fluid within the transfer line 122, fluid line 124, or other portions of the system 100. In one embodiment, sensor 108 transmits a sensing signal to controller 116 to indicate the presence of a sample within the transfer line 122. (Reference) Figure 2B The sample is further extracted through transfer line 122 and guided to sample storage 106 via valve 102.

[0028] refer to Figure 2COnce the sample reservoir 106 is filled, the valve 102 further directs the sample from the sample reservoir 106 into the fluid line 124. The sensor 110 is positioned in proximity to or around the fluid line 124 to detect whether fluid is present within the fluid line 124 as the fluid exits the valve 102. For example, a leading edge of the sample that is output from the valve 102 and transmitted into the fluid line 124 is detected by the sensor 110 and a sensing signal is generated accordingly. In embodiments, the sensor 110 transmits the sensing signal to the controller 116 to indicate the presence of the sample within the fluid line 124. In embodiments, the volume of the fluid line between the autosampler 114 and the sensor 110 is less than half the volume of one of the plurality of sample containers 118 present at the autosampler 114, such that at least two volumes of sample can be extracted from a single sample container and transmitted through the system 100 to fill the sample reservoir 106.

[0029] In embodiments, when the sensor 110 detects the presence of the sample in the fluid line 124, the sensing signal obtained causes the controller 116 or other control device to change the flow path configuration of the valve 104 to control or shut off the vacuum applied by the vacuum source 112. The valve 102 can comprise a rotary valve that can be switched between multiple positions (e.g., under control of the controller 116, a local controller, or a combination thereof). For example, the valve 104 is transitioned from a first flow configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1A and IB) to a second flow configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1C and ID) when the sensor 110 detects the presence of the sample in the fluid line 124. Figure 2A and 2B Figure 2C ​The system 100 controls the amount of fluid removed from the sample container 118 by substantially capturing the fluid at the valve 102 at the same time that the sensor system detects the presence of the fluid. The sensor system takes into account the actual conditions of the system 100 during operation, including the real-time flow conditions of the fluid through the system 100, which can therefore appropriately capture the precise amount of fluid at the valve 102 (e.g., the entire volume of the sample reservoir 106) without relying on an estimated flow rate between the fluid extracted from the sample container or a preset timing operation to switch the flow configuration at the valve 102 to capture the fluid at the sample reservoir 106. For example, if the fluid flow of the system 100 changes relative to the ideal flow conditions, such as if a foreign object (e.g., a filter fiber, sediment, debris, etc.) is introduced into the sample, or if the foreign object interacts with the sample probe, or if the system tubing changes (e.g., the system tubing is bent or kinked), the system 100 adjusts for the decrease in flow rate by triggering the switch of the valve 102 between the flow configurations to capture the fluid within the sample reservoir 106. If only a preset timing operation is used, there is a risk that the decreased flow rate will not provide enough fluid to fill the sample reservoir 106 before the preset timing limit of the sample extraction flows, which can result in reduced sample uptake (e.g., the sample reservoir 106 is underfilled), inaccurate analysis (e.g., based on an unknown volume of sample present in the sample reservoir 106), or other damage to the sample analysis.

[0030] In Figure 2DIn the illustrated embodiment of the system 100, the system 100 controls the application of vacuum to the fluid line 124 through control of the vacuum source 112 by the controller 116. For example, in an aspect, the vacuum source 112 can include a pump (e.g., a piston pump) configured to stop generating vacuum to stop the application of vacuum to the fluid line 124 upon receipt of a control signal from the controller 116 once a sample within the sample reservoir is detected (e.g., via a sensing signal generated from the sensor 110). In an aspect, the vacuum source 112 includes a valve (e.g., the valve 104) as a component of the vacuum source 112, where control of the vacuum source 112 by the controller 116 affects operation of the valve within the vacuum source 112. For example, the valve within the vacuum source 112 can be a check valve, a solenoid valve, a pinch valve, or other valve that is biased to a closed position to prevent the vacuum source 112 from venting to a fluid outlet once flow of fluid through the vacuum source 112 is stopped, once the vacuum source 112 is de-energized, etc. In such a configuration, when the controller 116 allows the vacuum source 112 to operate, the valve allows fluid to flow through the vacuum source 112, and when the controller 116 stops operation of the vacuum source 112 (e.g., once a sample within the sample reservoir 106 is detected), the valve stops fluid flow through the vacuum source 112.

[0031] In embodiments, the controller 116 or other control device controls operation of the autosampler 114 to remove the probe 120 from the sample container 118 upon detection of a sample or other fluid by the sensor system at the valve 102, in addition to or instead of controlling operation of the vacuum source 112 or controlling fluid coupling between the vacuum source 112 and the probe 120. For example, when the probe 120 is removed from the sample container 118, the system 100 prevents additional sample from being introduced to the valve 102, even if vacuum is still applied to the transfer line 124 (e.g., if a time lag occurs between the vacuum being interrupted and the vacuum applied to the transfer line 124 being insufficient). If vacuum is still applied to the transfer line 124 while the probe 120 is removed from the sample container 118, ambient gas is instead introduced to the transfer line 124. In embodiments, the valve 104 is omitted from the system 100 when the probe 120 is retracted or otherwise removed from the sample container 118 based on detection of fluid at the valve 102 by the sensor system.

[0032] As described herein, precise control of the vacuum source 112, the probe 120, and combinations thereof can reduce the amount of fluid extracted from the sample container 118 in order to fill the sample reservoir 106, which can preserve the sample in the sample container 118 after the fluid is removed from the sample container 118 for subsequent reanalysis. For small volume sample containers 118 or small amounts of fluid present in the sample container 118, if too much fluid is removed to ensure a filled sample reservoir 106, for example if a large amount of fluid flows through the sensor 110 prior to the switching of the valve 102 (as can be the case with a pre-timed configuration), the sample outside of the sample reservoir 106 is wasted and cannot be used for reanalysis in the event that the analysis of the sample is questionable or in the event that the laboratory otherwise desires to reanalyze the sample to verify the results.

[0033] In comparison to conventional sampling procedures, the system 100 can trap flush fluid at the valve 102 to facilitate a rapid cleaning protocol between samples and reduce the amount of flush fluid required. For example, referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3E one or more flush fluids can be transported through the system 100 during a cleaning protocol of the system 100. Figure 3A The operation of the system 100 to introduce flush fluid from the flush container 300 into the probe 120 through the autosampler 114 (e.g., in fluid communication with the vacuum source 112) is shown. The introduction of flush fluid into the probe 120 can occur during the analysis of a previous sample extracted by the probe 120. The system 100 then blocks the vacuum applied to the transfer line 122 (e.g., by switching the valve 104 to a block configuration) to trap the flush fluid within the probe 120. In embodiments, the sensor 108 detects the presence of flush fluid in the transfer line 122 and triggers the valve 104 to the block configuration. The autosampler 114 then withdraws the probe 120 from the flush container 300, thereby holding the flush fluid within the probe 120. In embodiments, the autosampler 114 moves the probe 120 to a position above the next sample to be analyzed within the plurality of sample containers 118 (e.g., as shown in Figure 3B By prepositioning the probe 120 containing flush fluid above the next sample to be analyzed, the system 100 saves the transfer time required to flush and move the probe 120 after the analysis of the previous sample, thereby allowing the immediate extraction of the next sample into the system 100 after analysis, while simultaneously cleaning the transfer line 122, the sample reservoir 106, etc. The system 100 can then withdraw the next sample to be analyzed and transfer the sample to the sample reservoir 106 described herein. The flush fluid trapped in the probe 120 will precede the sample in the transfer line 122, flushing the transfer line 122 and other portions of the system 100 prior to the passage of the sample (e.g., as shown in Figure 3C(As shown). In an implementation, additional flushing fluid can be extracted into the system before extracting the next sample for analysis, for example for sample procedures requiring multiple flushing fluids (e.g., a first flushing fluid for removing biological components, followed by a second flushing fluid for removing metallic components, a first base pH flushing fluid, followed by a second acidic pH flushing fluid, a first acidic pH flushing fluid, followed by a second water flushing fluid, etc.). For example, Figure 3D A probe 120 is shown positioned above another flushing container 300A containing a second flushing fluid, wherein the probe 120 contains flushing fluid extracted from the flushing container 300 and trapped within the probe 120 (e.g., as shown in reference 120). Figure 3A and Figure 3B The introduction of a first flushing fluid into probe 120 can occur during the analysis of a previous sample extracted by probe 120, captured by sample reservoir 106, and transferred to the analysis system in fluid communication with valve 102. The autosampler 114 moves probe 120 above or at flushing container 300A such that when the analysis of the previous sample is complete, system 100 can then (e.g., by changing valve 104 to a first flow configuration to allow vacuum extraction) introduce a second flushing fluid into probe 120. Figure 3E (As shown) The second flushing fluid is removed from the flushing container 300A. By pre-positioning the probe 120 containing the flushing fluid above the flushing container 300A to be analyzed, the system 100 saves the transfer time required for transfer between the two flushing containers after the analysis of the previous sample, thereby allowing both flushing fluids to be extracted into the system 100 immediately after analysis, thus providing a higher throughput for sample analysis.

[0034] System 100 can also help prevent pre-sampling of the fluid when the probe 120 is introduced into a fluid container (e.g., sample container 118, rinsing container 300 or 300A, etc.). For example, reference Figure 4probe 120 is shown being introduced to the sample container 118. Prior to introducing the probe 120 to the sample container 118, the system 100 extracts gas (e.g., ambient air) into the probe 120, for example, by action of the vacuum source 112, and then traps the gas within the probe 120, for example, by the blocking action of the vacuum, as described herein. The automated sampler 114 can then introduce the probe 120 to the sample container 118. The gas within the probe 120 prevents the next sample from being extracted into the transfer line 122 until the vacuum source 112 is in fluid communication with the probe 120 (e.g., by transitioning the valve 104 to the first flow configuration). This pre-sampling precaution can be used, for example, in the absence of a flushing procedure between consecutive samples. Once the sample is extracted into the system 100, the probe 120 can be removed from the sample container 118 to extract and trap air in the probe 120. The automated sampler 114 can then move to the next sample to be analyzed during analysis of the previous sample and introduce the probe 120 into the next sample container 118. The system 100 is then ready to sample the next sample immediately after analysis of the previous sample, thereby avoiding the need to transport the probe 120 to the next sample location while preventing waste of the liquid within the sample container 118.

[0035] In embodiments, the system 100 maintains power on the vacuum source 112 to maintain the pumping speed of the vacuum source at the speed used to remove samples from the sample container 118, even when the valve 104 is in the closed position (e.g., thereby preventing fluid from entering or exiting the vacuum source 112). When the probe 120 is positioned at the next sample or otherwise in a ready state to remove a sample or other fluid, the valve 104 is transitioned to the open position to immediately allow the vacuum source 112 to apply a vacuum to the fluid line 124 to move fluid through the valve 102.

[0036] In embodiments, the system 100 can reduce the time taken to process a sample in an example sample method by an average of about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds compared to a conventional sample processing procedure. For a laboratory facility processing hundreds of samples, the system 100 can increase processing capacity by several hours in a given day.

[0037] The system 100 can automatically manage the introduction of samples from the plurality of sample sources 118 to the sample reservoir 106 and subsequently to the analyzer through operation of the controller 116, which can be part of a computing device having a processor and memory. The processor provides processing functionality to the computing device and can include any number of processors, microcontrollers, controllers 116, or other processing systems, and resident or external memory for storing data and other information accessed or generated by the computing device. The processor can execute one or more software programs that implement the techniques described herein. The processor is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing structures employed therein, and can be implemented via one or more semiconductors and / or transistors (e.g., electronic integrated circuits (ICs)), among others.

[0038] Conclusion

[0039] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or process operations, it is to 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 example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A method for capturing a fluid within a fluid reservoir, comprising: introducing a sample probe into a sample container containing a fluid sample; fluidly coupling a vacuum source to the sample probe to extract the fluid sample from the sample container into the sample probe and introduce the fluid sample into a fluid transfer line coupled to the sample probe; directing the fluid sample from the fluid transfer line to a sample reservoir fluidly coupled with a valve, the sample reservoir sized and dimensioned to hold a precise and known amount of fluid sample; detecting, via a sensor, a presence of the fluid sample after the fluid sample exits the sample reservoir via the valve; generating, via the sensor, one or more sensing signals in response to detecting the presence of the fluid sample; transmitting, to a controller, the one or more sensing signals in response to detecting the presence of the fluid sample via the sensor; decoupling, via control by the controller, fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe to capture the precise and known amount of fluid sample within the sample reservoir in response to detecting the presence of the fluid sample via the sensor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, detecting, via a sensor, a presence of the fluid sample comprises: detecting, via the sensor, a leading edge of the fluid sample.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, decoupling, via control by the controller, fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe comprises: transmitting one or more control signals from the controller to a second valve in fluid communication with the vacuum source to change a configuration of the second valve from a first fluid flow configuration to a second fluid flow configuration, the first fluid flow configuration permitting fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe, the second fluid flow configuration blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, decoupling, via control by the controller, fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe comprises: transmitting one or more control signals from the controller to a power source of the vacuum source to stop operation of the vacuum source.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, the vacuum source comprises a valve that is biased to a closed position to prevent the vacuum source from venting to a fluid outlet upon the vacuum source being de-energized.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, the method further comprises: transmitting one or more control signals from the controller to an autosampler that manipulates the sample probe in response to detecting the presence of the fluid sample via the sensor; removing, via the autosampler, the sample probe from the sample container in response to receiving the one or more control signals by the autosampler.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, the sensor comprises at least one of an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic transducer, or a conductivity sensor.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, the method further comprises: transmitting the fluid sample from the sample reservoir to an analyzer.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, the method further comprises: removing the sample probe from the sample container prior to decoupling fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the method further comprises: extracting a gas into the sample probe via action of the vacuum source prior to decoupling fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe, wherein decoupling fluid communication between the vacuum source and the sample probe traps the gas within the sample probe.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises: transferring the fluid sample from the sample reservoir to an analyzer for analysis.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further comprises: positioning the sample probe having the gas trapped therein within a second sample container containing a second fluid sample during analysis of the fluid sample by the analyzer.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein, directing the fluid sample from the fluid transfer line to a sample reservoir fluidly coupled with a valve includes: directing no more than one milliliter of the fluid sample from the fluid transfer line to the sample reservoir fluidly coupled with the valve.

14. A system for trapping a fluid at a valve, comprising: a valve system including a first valve in fluid communication with a sample reservoir sized and dimensioned to hold a precise and known amount of fluid; a sensor system configured to detect whether a fluid is present that is being transferred out of the first valve; a controller configured to block fluid access to a vacuum applied to the first valve by a vacuum source upon detection of the fluid being transferred out of the first valve via the sensor system to isolate the precise and known amount of fluid within the sample reservoir.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein, The system further includes a second valve configured to allow and block fluid access of the vacuum source to the first valve.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein, The controller is configured to control power to the vacuum source and the controller is configured to stop operation of the vacuum source upon detection of the fluid being transferred out of the first valve.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein, The vacuum source includes a second valve configured to block fluid access of the vacuum source to the first valve in response to the controller stopping operation of the vacuum source upon detection of the fluid being transferred out of the first valve.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein, The sample reservoir includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and each of the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are coupled with the first valve.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein, The system further includes a fluid line coupled between the first valve and the vacuum source, the sensor system includes a sensor to detect whether the fluid is present in the fluid line coupled between the first valve and the vacuum source. The system further includes a fluid line coupled between the first valve and the vacuum source, the sensor system includes a sensor to detect whether the fluid is present in the fluid line coupled between the first valve and the vacuum source.

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