Laser Induced Spectroscopy System and Process

Abstract

A dedicated linkage assembly for a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (“LIBS”) system is provided. The linkage assembly facilitates attaching the laser housing of the LIBS system to an existing sample supply chamber, such as a volumetric or gravimetric feeder. Generally, the linkage assembly may include a dedicated purge head and an inert gas assembly, which facilitate the attachment of the laser housing and may enhance the functionality of the LIBS system.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 561,638, entitled "LASER-INDUCED SPECTROSCOPY SYSTEM AND PROCESS," filed on September 5, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy ("LIBS") systems. More specifically, the present invention generally relates to a linkage assembly that can be used in a LIBS system.

[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0006] Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy ("LIBS") is a technique that uses pulsed laser energy to ablate a small amount of material. More specifically, the laser is used to ionize the material and form a local plasma, which is a continuum of the light frequencies radiated from the material. These light frequencies are collected and analyzed to determine the chemical composition of the ablated material. With this data, various information specific to the sample material, such as moisture content, ash content, calorific value, and ash melting temperature, can be easily output.

[0007] Despite the use and advancement of LIBS technology, it may be difficult to incorporate a LIBS system into an existing feeding system. Therefore, there is still a need for new and efficient systems and methods to connect a LIBS system to existing systems and structures.

[0008] Summary

[0009] One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a linkage assembly for a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. Generally, the linkage assembly includes a purge head that includes: (a) a base for connecting the purge head to the linkage assembly; (b) a protrusion protruding from the base for at least partially extending into a sample supply chamber, the protrusion including a conical front face and a slot opening positioned between the base and the front face; and (c) a perforation extending through the base and the protrusion, wherein the perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through the sample and contact the sample.

[0010] One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. Generally, a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system includes: (a) a laser housing that includes a laser source and a spectrometer; and (b) a linkage assembly for connecting the laser housing to a sample supply chamber. Additionally, the linkage assembly includes a purge head that includes: (i) a base for connecting the purge head to the linkage assembly; (ii) a protrusion protruding from the base for at least partially extending into the sample supply chamber, the protrusion including a conical front face and a slot opening positioned between the base and the front face; and (iii) a perforation extending through the base and the protrusion, wherein the perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through the sample and contact the sample.

[0011] One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for operating a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. Generally, the method includes: (a) providing a laser housing that includes a laser source and a spectrometer, the spectrometer being connected to a sample supply chamber via a linkage assembly; and (b) contacting the sample with a laser when at least a portion of the sample contacts the conical front face of the purge head. Additionally, the linkage assembly includes a purge head that includes: (i) a base for connecting the purge head to the linkage assembly; (ii) a protrusion protruding from the base for at least partially extending into the sample supply chamber, the protrusion including a conical front face and a slot opening positioned between the base and the front face; and (iii) a perforation extending through the base and the protrusion, wherein the perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through the sample and contact the sample.

[0012] One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a linkage assembly for a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. Generally, the linkage assembly includes an inert gas flange assembly that includes: (a) an inert gas flange that includes an inert gas inlet configured to transfer an inert gas into the inert gas flange; and (b) a removable lens housing that includes a first lens and a second lens. The removable lens housing is at least partially disposed within the inert gas flange and is in fluid communication with the inert gas inlet. Additionally, the first lens includes a hole configured to allow an inert gas flow to flow from the lens housing to the exterior of the linkage assembly.

[0013] One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. Generally, a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system includes: (a) a laser housing that includes a laser source and a spectrometer; and (b) a linkage assembly for connecting the laser housing to a sample supply chamber. Generally, the linkage assembly includes an inert gas flange assembly that includes: (i) an inert gas flange that includes an inert gas inlet configured to transfer an inert gas into the inert gas flange; and (ii) a removable lens housing that includes a first lens and a second lens. The removable lens housing is at least partially disposed within the inert gas flange and is in fluid communication with the inert gas inlet. Additionally, the first lens includes a hole configured to allow an inert gas flow to flow from the lens housing to the sample supply chamber.

[0014] One or more embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for operating a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system. Generally, the method includes: (a) providing a laser housing that includes a laser source and a spectrometer, the spectrometer being connected to a sample supply chamber via a linkage assembly; and (b) contacting a sample with a laser inside the sample supply chamber. The linkage assembly includes an inert gas flange assembly that includes: (i) an inert gas flange that includes an inert gas inlet configured to transfer an inert gas into the inert gas flange; and (ii) a removable lens housing that includes a first lens and a second lens. Additionally, the removable lens housing is at least partially disposed within the inert gas flange and is in fluid communication with the inert gas inlet, and the first lens includes a hole configured to allow an inert gas flow to flow from the lens housing to the sample supply chamber. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment is depicted in which a LIBS system is incorporated into a coal feed system;

[0018] Figure 2 Depicted is from Figure 1 an enlarged view of the linkage assembly.

[0019] Figure 3 A front perspective view of a purge head of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted;

[0020] Figure 4 A rear perspective view of a purge head of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted;

[0021] Figure 5 A front view of a purge head of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted;

[0022] Figure 6 Shows a side view of a purge head of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 Shows a bottom plan view of a purge head of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 Shows a front perspective view of an inert gas assembly of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 Shows a front view of an inert gas assembly of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 Shows a side view of an inert gas assembly of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 Shows a side view of an inert gas assembly of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] Figure 12 Shows a side perspective view of an inert gas assembly of a linkage assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The LIBS system allows for real-time analysis of various types of particle-based materials present in existing feed systems. More specifically, the LIBS system can be installed onto a sample supply chamber, such as a sample feeder downpipe, such that the LIBS system can immediately and in real-time analyze a particle-based feed stream as the feed stream is introduced into a device or reactor. However, when integrating the LIBS system into an existing feed system that utilizes a particle-based feed stream, there may be performance and durability issues.

[0031] The linkage assembly of the present invention is capable of addressing many of the previous deficiencies associated with integrating the LIBS system into an existing feed system. More specifically, the linkage assembly of the present invention can be used to facilitate attaching the LIBS system to an existing feed system and enhance the functionality and operation of the LIBS system. As described in more detail below, the linkage assembly of the present invention can utilize a dedicated purge head and / or a dedicated inert gas assembly to provide the desired functionality of the linkage assembly described herein.

[0032] Figure 1 Shows an exemplary LIBS system 10, which includes a linkage assembly 16 that can be used in conjunction with a coal feed system 18. It should be understood that, Figure 1The LIBS system shown in Figure 1 is only one example of a system in which the present invention may be implemented. Thus, the present invention can be used in a variety of other particle-based feed systems where efficient and effective analysis of a particle-based feed stream is required during operation. The exemplary LIBS system 10 shown will now be described in more detail.

[0033] As Figure 1 shown, the main components of the LIBS system 10 include a laser cabinet 12, a linkage assembly 16, a control cabinet 20, and an inert gas source ( Figure 1 not shown). Generally, the laser cabinet 12 may contain a 100 MJ laser, focusing optics, return optics, a spectrometer, and mirrors. The laser cabinet 12 and the linkage assembly 16 can be directly mounted to the sample supply chamber 14, such as Figure 1 the coal feeder downcomer 14 depicted in Figure 1 As Figure 1 shown, the linkage assembly 16 connects the laser cabinet 12 to the sample supply chamber 14. Additionally, as Figure 1 shown, the coal feeder downcomer 14 can flow directly into an existing feed system 18, which can feed a particle-based feed stream, such as coal, into a device or reactor.

[0034] The control cabinet 20 includes hardware for controlling the laser and other components in the laser cabinet 12 and may include, for example, a computer, a pulse delay generator, a laser controller, a cooling system, and a data analysis tool. The control cabinet 20 can be located on the floor and communicate with the laser cabinet 12.

[0035] Conventional LIBS systems including laser configurations and setups are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,771,368 and U.S. Patent No. 8,619,255, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Having real-time knowledge of the chemical composition of a particle-based feed stream, such as coal, can better control the operation of a device or reactor. Figure 1 The LIBS system 10 in allows for analytical measurements of a particle-based feed stream, such as coal, prior to the feed time, which can facilitate the diagnosis and control of coal pile output. More specifically, the LIBS system 10 can allow for the feeding of a particle-based feedstock, such as coal, at a constant energy rate by making real-time measurements and evaluations of its various characteristics before the incoming particulate feedstock is introduced into the actual feeder. For example, the LIBS system 10 can measure its chemical composition, total ash content, and / or ash species concentration before introducing the particulate feedstock into the feed system.

[0037] Figure 1The sample supply chamber 14 therein is depicted as a weight-based downspout; however, it is contemplated that the LIBS system 10 and linkage assembly 16 of the present invention can be used with a variety of sample supply chambers, including, for example, other types of weight-based feeders and / or volume-based feeders, which are adapted to be used with other types of particulate-based samples.

[0038] Figure 2 The linkage assembly 16 for connecting the laser cabinet 12 and the sample supply chamber 14 is depicted in more detail herein. As Figure 2 shown, the linkage assembly 12 can include a purge head 22, an inert gas assembly 24, and a zero-leak valve 26. The zero-leak valve 26 can include any valve known in the art that can prevent fluid flow between the purge head 22 and the inert gas assembly 24. In certain embodiments, the zero-leak valve can include a sliding gate valve.

[0039] The purge head 22 can be used to directly connect the linkage assembly 16 and the laser cabinet 12 to the sample supply chamber 14. As Figure 2 shown, the base of the purge head 22 can be attached to the sample supply chamber 14, while the protrusion of the purge head 22 extends into the sample supply chamber 14 to collect particulate samples therein.

[0040] As Figure 2 shown, the purge head 22 is designed such that at least a portion of the purge head 22 can be placed in the flowing stream of particulate material within the sample supply chamber 14. This configuration allows the particulate sample material to traverse across the face of the purge head 22 and exposes the sample material to the laser from the laser cabinet 12.

[0041] All of the above embodiments, particularly the purge head 22 and the inert gas flange assembly 24, will be described in more detail below. It should be noted that while some of the following features and characteristics of the purge head 22 and the inert gas flange assembly 24 may be listed separately, it is contemplated that each of the following features and / or characteristics of the purge head 22 and the inert gas flange assembly 24 is not mutually exclusive and can be combined and presented in any combination as long as there is no conflict.

[0042] Figures 3 - 7 Various depictions of the purge head 22 are provided. As Figure 3 、 6 and 7 shown, the purge head 22 can include an integral base that includes a mounting base 28, an extension base 30, a first chamfer 32, a second chamfer 34, and a third chamfer 36. The base is designed to support the protrusion 38 of the purge head 22, which extends from the base into the sample supply chamber. As Figure 2 shown, the base can attach the purge head 22 to the linkage assembly and the sample supply chamber via the mounting base 28. The mounting base 28 can include a plurality of attachment holes 40 into which bolts or other connecting devices can be introduced.

[0043] The protrusion 38 of the purge head 22 facilitates the particulate sample material to span across the laser sight at a predetermined distance within the sample supply chamber. Thus, this can create a uniform flow of particulate sample across the laser detection location within the sample supply chamber. Accordingly, the purge head 22 is important as it allows the LIBS system to access the sample material inside the moving sample supply chamber and it provides a consistent position of the sample material within the sample supply chamber relative to the laser focus. In various embodiments, the purge head 22 may include a ratio of the length of the protrusion 38 to the base length (including 28, 30, 32, 34, and 36) of at least 1:1, 1.5:1, 1.8:1, or 2:1 and / or less than 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, or 4:1. It should be noted that all "length" measurements are taken along the longitudinal axis 50 of the purge head 22.

[0044] As Figure 3 , 5 and as shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 38 may include a tapered front face 42. During operation of the LIBS system, this tapered front face 42 of the protrusion 38 may cause the particulate sample material in the sample supply chamber to contact the face material surface of the purge head 22. As Figure 6 shown, the angle (B) of the tapered front face 42 of the purge head 22 relative to the purge head longitudinal axis 50 is at least 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 degrees and / or less than 90, 85, or 80 degrees.

[0045] In addition, as Figures 3 - 5 and as shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 38 may include a shaped opening 44 present on the front face of the purge head 22. As Figure 4 and 7 shown, the shaped opening 44 may longitudinally extend from the tapered front face 42 of the purge head 22 into the slot opening 46 and the laser bore 48. The shaped opening 44 on the tapered front face 42 may serve as the primary contact area for the laser to contact the particulate sample material when the particulate sample material contacts the tapered front face 42 of the purge head 22. The defined shape of the shaped opening 44 may be specific to prevent the particulate sample material from getting stuck and accumulating within the purge head 22. As Figure 5 shown, the diameter of the shaped opening expands from the position extending downward from the longitudinal axis 50 of the purge head 22 to the opening at the bottom surface of the tapered front face 42. In various embodiments, the shaped opening 44 may include a U-shaped or V-shaped opening. As Figure 5 shown, in one or more embodiments, the shaped opening may include an angle (A) of at least 5, 10, 15, or 20 degrees and / or less than 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 35, 30, or 25 degrees.

[0046] Due to their unique shape, the conical front 42 and the shaped opening 44 can achieve the desired effect of setting the sample particulate material in the same position relative to the laser focusing optics. In addition, the conical front 42 and the shaped opening 44 can also facilitate self-cleaning of the laser target area in the sample supply chamber because the shape of these components can help prevent sample material from accumulating at the laser target area.

[0047] As Figure 4 , 6 and as shown in 7, the protrusion 38 can include a slot opening 46 on the bottom side of the protrusion 38. During laser emission and sample material ablation, the sample may undergo a slight explosion, and small pieces of the sample material may pop into the body of the purge head 22. However, due to the action of gravity, this exploded material may be allowed to escape from the purge head 22 through the slot opening 46 in the bottom of the purge head 22. Without the slot opening 46, the exploded sample material would clump inside the purge head 22 and eventually block the laser beam path. Generally, the total volume of the slot opening 46 can be greater than the total volume of the shaped opening 44. In various embodiments, the purge head 22 includes a ratio of the overall length of the purge head to the length of the slot opening of at least 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, or 3:1 and / or less than 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, or 4:1.

[0048] In addition, as Figure 7 shown, the purge head 22 can include a perforation 48 that extends through the base of the purge head 22 and the protrusion 38. The perforation 48 can be configured to allow the laser to pass through the purge head 22 and contact the sample in the sample supply chamber. In various embodiments, as Figure 7 shown, the shaped opening 44 has a maximum width at the bottom of the shaped opening 44. In such an embodiment, the maximum width of the shaped opening 44 can be greater than the average width of the perforation 48. In one or more embodiments, the purge head 22 can include a ratio of the average width of the perforation 48 to the maximum width of the shaped opening 44 of at least 1.5:1, 2:1, 2.5:1, or 3:1 and / or less than 10:1, 9:1, 8:1, 7:1, 6:1, 5:1, or 4:1. In one or more embodiments, the protrusion 38 constitutes at least 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65% of the overall length of the purge head 22.

[0049] Generally, the purge head can be designed and manufactured from various metal alloys, preferably stainless steel. In addition, in various embodiments, the purge head 22 can be coated with a spray-on durability coating to help improve the durability of the purge head 22. Exemplary durability coatings can include ceramic-based coatings.

[0050] Turning now to the inert gas assembly 24, various views of the inert gas assembly 24 are as Figures 8 - 12 shown. As Figures 8 - 12 shown, the inert gas assembly 24 can include an inert gas flange 54 and a removable lens housing 56 placed within a bore of the inert gas flange 54. Additionally, the inert gas flange 54 can include a plurality of connection holes 58 to facilitate the introduction of bolts such that the inert gas assembly 24 can be attached to the purge head 22 and the zero leak valve 26. Further, the inert gas flange 54 can also include additional connection holes 60 to facilitate the introduction of bolts such that the inert gas assembly 24 can be attached to the laser cabinet 12.

[0051] As Figures 10 - 12 shown, the inert gas flange 54 can include an inert gas inlet 66 that is configured to transfer and introduce inert gas into the inert gas flange 54 and the lens housing 56. The inert gas inlet 66 can be in the form of a pipe fitting, a drilled hole, or a conduit configured to transfer inert gas from an inert gas source. In certain embodiments, the inert gas can include argon.

[0052] Due to Figures 8 - 12 the configuration depicted in, the resulting inert gas assembly 24 can form a hermetic assembly that forces an inert gas such as argon through the perforations of the zero leak valve 26 and the purge head 22 and into the sample supply chamber 14. The inert gas can provide a number of benefits to the linkage assembly 16 and the LIBS system 10. For example, the inert gas assembly 24 can provide the following benefits: (i) the inert gas can act as a fire suppressant within the LIBS system 10; (ii) due to the hermetic configuration of the inert gas assembly 24, the flow of inert gas within the linkage assembly 16 can help prevent dust and other contaminants from entering the laser cabinet and damaging the laser optics; and (iii) the inert gas can be used as a signal enhancer for laser data collection.

[0053] Typically, in various embodiments, the zero leak valve 26 is closed while the inert gas is being pumped into the inert gas flange 54 and the lens housing 56. After the inert gas flange 54 and the lens housing 56 have been filled with inert gas, the zero leak valve 26 can then be opened to allow the inert gas to flow into the purge head 22 and the sample supply chamber 14.

[0054] As Figure 10 and 11As shown, the lens housing 56 can include a solid lens 62 and a separate lens 64, and the separate lens includes a hole 68. In some embodiments, the hole 68 can be positioned at the center of the lens 64. The hole 68 can have a diameter of at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 mm and / or less than 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, or 6 mm. Generally, the hole 68 needs to be large enough to facilitate the transfer of inert gas, but small enough to reduce the introduction of particulate samples into the lens housing 56.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, in various embodiments, the lens 64 having the hole 68 can include at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 additional holes 68 around the central hole 68 in addition to the central hole 68. In such embodiments, these additional holes can have a smaller diameter than the central hole 68, and thus can help reduce the backflow of inert gas into the lens housing 56. In other words, these additional holes (not shown) can be used to enhance the thrust vector characteristics of the inert gas assembly 24.

[0056] Generally, the lens 64 having the hole 68 is the lens facing the purge head 22 and the sample supply chamber 14, while the solid lens 62 will face the laser cabinet 12.

[0057] In various embodiments, the solid lens 62 does not contain any holes and is a solid lens capable of preventing any fluid flow or solids from leaving the lens housing 56. Thus, this can prevent the laser housing 12 from being introduced and contaminated by any particulate samples or other contaminants that may inadvertently be introduced into the linkage assembly 16.

[0058] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the lenses 62 and 64 can have a circular shape. Additionally, the lenses 62 and 64 can be made of any transparent material capable of effectively transmitting laser light. In some embodiments, the lenses 62 and 64 can be made of glass, polycarbonate, or polyolefin.

[0059] As Figures 10 - 12 shown, the lens housing 56 can be held in place by one or more O-rings 70. Thus, due to the use of these O-rings, the lens housing 56 can be easily removed from the inert gas flange 54. As Figure 8 and 9 shown, the O-rings can protrude from the lens housing 56. The double O-ring arrangement 70 allows the delivery of inert gas through the inert gas inlet 66 to the center of the lens housing 56.

[0060] Typically, the inert gas flange 56 can be designed and manufactured from a variety of metal alloys, preferably stainless steel. Additionally, in various embodiments, the inert gas flange 56 can be coated with a spray-on durability coating to help improve the durability of the purge head 22. Exemplary durability coatings can include ceramic-based coatings.

[0061] A method of using the LIBS system 10 will now be described in more detail below. During operation of the LIBS system 10, a particulate sample to be tested, such as coal, can be introduced into the sample supply chamber 14 and will subsequently contact the conical face 42 of the purge head 22. Subsequently, the particulate sample can be laser ablated when it contacts the conical face 42 of the purge head 22. Once the sample material is ablated, the resulting plasma plume will emit light. This light can be captured by a spectrometer located in the laser cabinet 12. The captured LIBS spectral data can then be sent from the spectrometer to a computer for further analysis. Based on this analysis, the feed rate of the feed system 18 can be adjusted accordingly based on the characteristics and properties of the particulate sample being tested.

[0062] Definitions

[0063] It should be understood that the following is not intended to list the defined terms exclusively. Other definitions may be provided in the foregoing description, for example, when a defined term is used in context.

[0064] As used herein, the terms "a", "an", and "the" mean one or more.

[0065] As used herein, when the term "and / or" is used in a list of two or more items, it means that any one of the listed items can be used alone or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as comprising components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "comprising", "comprises", and "comprise" are open transitional terms used to transition from the subject matter recited before the term to one or more elements recited after the term, where the one or more elements listed after the transitional term are not necessarily the only elements that make up the subject matter.

[0067] As used herein, the terms "having", "has", and "have" have the same open-ended meaning as "comprising", "comprises", and "comprise" provided above.

[0068] As used herein, the terms "including", "include", and "included" have the same open-ended meaning as "comprising", "comprises", and "comprise" provided above.

[0069] Numerical ranges

[0070] This specification uses numerical ranges to quantify certain parameters related to the present invention. It should be understood that when numerical ranges are provided, these ranges are to be interpreted as providing literal support only for claims that recite only the lower limit of the range and for claims that recite only the upper limit of the range. For example, the disclosed numerical range of 10 to 100 provides literal support for claims that recite "greater than 10" (with no upper limit) and for claims that recite "less than 100" (with no lower limit).

[0071] The claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments

[0072] The preferred forms of the present invention described above are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in a limiting sense to interpret the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can readily modify the above exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0073] The inventors hereby state that they intend to determine and evaluate the reasonable and fair scope of the present invention in accordance with the "equivalent principle" as it relates to any device that does not materially deviate but is outside the literal scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A connecting rod assembly for a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system, the connecting rod assembly including a purge head, wherein the purge head includes: (a) A base for connecting the purge head to the connecting rod assembly; (b) A protrusion protruding from the base, the protrusion for at least partially extending into a sample supply chamber, the protrusion including a conical front face and a slot opening positioned between the base and the conical front face; And (c) A perforation extending through the base and the protrusion, wherein the perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through the sample and contact the sample.

2. The connecting rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The conical front face includes a shaped opening extending from the conical front face to the slot opening.

3. The connecting rod assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shaped opening includes an angle of at least 5 degrees and less than 80 degrees.

4. The connecting rod assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The conical front face has an angle of at least 25 degrees and less than 85 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the purge head.

5. The connecting rod assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The length of the protrusion constitutes at least 25% of the overall length of the purge head.

6. The connecting rod assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The shaped opening includes a maximum width, wherein the maximum width of the shaped opening is greater than the average width of the perforation.

7. The connecting rod assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting rod assembly further includes a leak-proof valve and an inert gas assembly, the inert gas assembly including an inert gas flange and a lens housing.

8. A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system, the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system including: (a) A laser housing including a laser source and a spectrometer; And (b) A connecting rod assembly for connecting the laser housing to a sample supply chamber, wherein the connecting rod assembly includes a purge head, the purge head including: (i) A base for connecting the purge head to the connecting rod assembly; (ii) A protrusion protruding from the base, the protrusion for at least partially extending into the sample supply chamber, the protrusion including a conical front face and a slot opening positioned between the base and the front face; and (iii) A perforation extending through the base and the protrusion, wherein the perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through the sample and contact the sample.

9. A method for operating a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy system, the method including: (a) Providing a laser housing including a laser source and a spectrometer, the spectrometer being connected to a sample supply chamber via a connecting rod assembly, wherein the connecting rod assembly includes a purge head, the purge head including: (i) A base for connecting the purge head to the connecting rod assembly; (ii) A protrusion protruding from the base, the protrusion for at least partially extending into the sample supply chamber, the protrusion including a conical front face and a slot opening positioned between the base and the front face; and (iii) A perforation extending through the base and the protrusion, wherein the perforation is configured to allow a laser to pass through the sample and contact the sample; (b) When at least a portion of the sample contacts the conical front face of the purge head, causing the laser to contact the sample.

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