Identification and Quantification of Components in High-Melting-Point Liquids

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for identifying and quantifying chemical components in high melting point liquids. One such method includes: receiving a high melting point liquid from a molten liquid conduit into an atomizer assembly; atomizing at least a portion of the received high melting point liquid using the atomizer assembly; delivering the atomized high melting point liquid from the atomizer to one or more instruments; and chemically analyzing the atomized high melting point liquid using the one or more instruments.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of the filing date of U.S. Application No. 62 / 932,887, filed on November 8, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application generally relates to systems for handling high - melting - point liquids, and more particularly, to systems for identifying and quantifying chemical components in high - melting - point liquids.

[0004] Background

[0005] Corrosion of metal components in molten - salt conduits containing molten - salt streams can be caused by water (H2O), oxygen (O2), and / or other impurities in the molten salt. The corrosion rate depends on the level of impurities in the molten salt. Thus, the development of working nuclear reactors that utilize high - melting - point liquids (such as molten salts) must be supported by the ability to identify and quantify potential corrosive components (such as chemical components) in high - melting - point liquids. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a system for identifying and quantifying components (e.g., chemical components) in a high - melting - point liquid, the system including a molten - liquid conduit, an atomizer assembly, and one or more instruments according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1B is according to an embodiment of Figure 1A the schematic diagram of the system.

[0009] Figure 2 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1B the top - plan view of the atomizer assembly of the system.

[0010] Figure 3 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 the partial cross - sectional front view of the evacuator of the atomizer assembly.

[0011] Figure 4 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2 the partial cross - sectional front view of the atomizer of the atomizer assembly.

[0012] Figure 5 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1B the partial cross - sectional perspective view of the flame atomic absorption spectrometer (“FAAS”) of the system.

[0013] Figure 6is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1B Front cross-sectional view of an inductively coupled plasma (“ICP”) torch of a system of

[0014] Figure 7 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1B Schematic diagram of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (“ICP-MS”) of a system of

[0015] Figure 8 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1B Schematic diagram of an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (“ICP-OES”) of a system of

[0016] Figure 9 is according to another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a system of

[0017] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure

[0018] Figure 11 is according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1A Schematic diagram of a system of

[0019] Figure 12 is according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 11 More detailed schematic diagram of a system of

[0020] Detailed description

[0021] Devices, systems, and methods for elemental analysis of high melting point liquids are described herein. Such high melting point liquids can be or can include molten salts, molten sodium, molten lead, etc. or any combination thereof. Specifically, the present disclosure facilitates the real-time identification and quantification of components in high melting point liquids, which is a key step in achieving regulatory approval for nuclear reactors that utilize high melting point liquids (e.g., molten salts). Corrosion of metal components in contact with the molten salt stream can be caused by water (H2O), oxygen (O2), and / or other impurities in the molten salt. The present invention enables an operator to measure: the components in a high melting point liquid (e.g., molten salt); the concentrations of water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) in the molten salt; and / or the levels of other impurities in the high melting point liquid. Among other things, armed with this information, the operator can determine how certain metals (e.g., alloys) behave when in contact with high melting point liquids (with and without impurities), and prevent or at least reduce corrosion by monitoring and setting alerts for any deviation of the concentration of impurities and / or other components in the high melting point liquid from safe operating levels.

[0022] Figure 1ASchematic diagram of a system 100 for identifying and quantifying components in a high melting point liquid according to one or more embodiments. Referring to Figure 1A , system 100 includes a molten liquid conduit 105, an atomizer assembly 136, and one or more instruments 137. As Figure 1A shown, the molten liquid conduit 105 is configured to contain a high melting point liquid 165 and, in some embodiments, forms part of a molten salt loop associated with a nuclear reactor. The atomizer assembly 136 is configured to receive a volume of the high melting point liquid 165 from the molten liquid conduit 105. The received volume of the high melting point liquid 165 is then aerosolized by the atomizer assembly 136, as will be described in further detail below. One or more instruments 137 are configured to receive the aerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid 165 from the atomizer assembly 136. The one or more instruments 137 may be or may include various analytical instruments that are configured to receive a volume of the aerosolized high melting point liquid 165 from the atomizer assembly 136 and determine the chemical content of the aerosolized high melting point liquid, as will be described in further detail below.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1B , and continuing to refer to Figure 1A , in an embodiment, the atomizer assembly 136 includes a pump 110 (e.g., a reciprocating pump) and an ejector 115. As described above, as Figure 1B shown, the molten liquid conduit 105 is configured to contain a high melting point liquid 165 and, in some embodiments, forms part of a molten salt loop associated with a nuclear reactor. The pump 110 is configured to communicate the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit 105 to the ejector 115. The ejector 115 is configured to receive the high melting point liquid from the pump 110. In some embodiments, the pump 110 is omitted and the ejector 115 is configured to receive the high melting point liquid directly from the molten liquid conduit 105. In other embodiments, the pump 110 may be replaced by a valve (not shown) that can be actuated to control the flow of the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit 105 to the ejector 115. The atomizer assembly 136 further includes a heater 120, such as, for example, a furnace, an oven, etc. or a combination thereof. The ejector 115 is contained within the heater 120. The atomizer assembly 136 further includes a gas source 125. The ejector 115 is further configured to receive a gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source 125. In response to the ejector 115 receiving a volume of the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit 105 and a gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source 125, the ejector 115 is further configured to convey the received volume of the high melting point liquid 165 to the atomizer 130 using positive air pressure.

[0024] The atomizer assembly 136 also includes an atomizer 130. The atomizer 130 is contained within the heater 120. The evacuator 115 provides a connection between the molten liquid conduit 105 and the atomizer 130. The atomizer 130 is configured to receive a volume of the high melting point liquid 165 delivered from the evacuator 115. The atomizer assembly 136 also includes a heat exchanger 135. The heat exchanger 135 is contained within the heater 120. The heater 120 is configured to heat the evacuator 115, the atomizer 130, and the heat exchanger 135 to prevent the high melting point liquid from solidifying. As Figure 1B shown, the evacuator 115, the heater 120, the atomizer 130, and the heat exchanger 135 are combined as part of the atomizer assembly 136. The atomizer 130 is also configured to receive a gas (e.g., argon) from a gas source 125 (or another gas source) via the heat exchanger 135. In response to the atomizer 130 receiving a volume of the high melting point liquid 165 from the evacuator 115 and receiving a gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source 125, the atomizer 130 is configured to aerosolize a volume of the high melting point liquid 165. In addition to using positive gas pressure to deliver a volume of the high melting point liquid 165 into the atomizer 130, the evacuator 115 can use reduced or negative air pressure to draw out any remaining portion of the volume of the high melting point liquid 165 from the atomizer 130. In this regard, the atomizer assembly 136 also includes a vacuum source 138 that is configured to apply the reduced or negative air pressure to the evacuator 115. In some embodiments, the vacuum source 138 is the gas source 125, includes the gas source 125, is part of the gas source 125, or is otherwise combined or in communication with the gas source 125. In response to the reduced or negative air pressure applied to the evacuator 115 by the vacuum source 138, the evacuator 115 is also configured to draw out any remaining portion of the volume of the high melting point liquid 165 from the atomizer 130 and return it to the evacuator 115. In those embodiments where the pump 110 is omitted, the vacuum source 138 can be configured to draw a volume of the high melting point liquid 165 from the molten liquid conduit 105 into the evacuator 115.

[0025] Still referring to Figure 1B, in one embodiment, one or more instruments 137 include an interface device 140 and a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (“FAAS”) 145. The interface device 140 extends between the nebulizer 130 and the FAAS 145 and is configured to communicate the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the nebulizer 130 to the FAAS 145. In some embodiments, the interface device 140 includes one or more conduits, such as, for example, a metal tube extending from the nebulizer assembly 136 and a Tygon tube extending from the FAAS 145. The FAAS 145 is configured to identify and quantify one or more elements in the aerosolized high melting point liquid. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more instruments 137 further include an inductively coupled plasma (“ICP”) torch 150. The interface device 140 (or another interface device) extends between the nebulizer assembly 136 and the ICP torch 150 and is configured to communicate the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the nebulizer assembly 136 to the ICP torch 150. The ICP torch 150 is configured to heat the aerosolized high melting point liquid in the plasma such that the ICP torch 150 emits electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, and near infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum) and gaseous atoms / ions. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 1B shown, one or more instruments 137 further include an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (“ICP-MS”) 155. The ICP-MS 155 is configured to receive the gaseous atoms / ions emitted from the plasma generated by the ICP torch 150. In some embodiments, the ICP-MS 155 is the ICP torch 150, includes the ICP torch 150, or is a part of the ICP torch 150. The ICP-MS 155 is also configured to identify and quantify one or more elements in the aerosolized high melting point liquid. Additionally, or alternatively, the instrument 137 may further include an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (“ICP-OES”) 160. The ICP-OES 160 is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plasma generated by the ICP torch 150. In some embodiments, the ICP-OES 160 is the ICP torch 150, includes the ICP torch 150, or is a part of the ICP torch 150. The ICP-OES 160 is also configured to identify and quantify one or more specific elements in the aerosolized high melting point liquid.

[0026] In some embodiments, in addition to, or instead of, interface device 140, FAAS 145, ICP torch 150, ICP-MS 155, and ICP-OES 160, one or more instruments 137 may be or include one or more other components, such as, for example, other analytical instruments, configured to receive a volume of aerosolized high melting point liquid 165 from nebulizer assembly 136 and determine the chemical content of the aerosolized high melting point liquid.

[0027] In operation, molten liquid conduit 105 contains high melting point liquid 165. A volume of high melting point liquid 165 communicates from molten liquid conduit 105 to nebulizer assembly 136, and more specifically to evacuator 115, as indicated by arrows 170a - 170b. In addition to receiving a volume of high melting point liquid 165 from molten liquid conduit 105 (as indicated by arrow 170b), evacuator 115 also receives gas (e.g., argon) from gas source 125, as indicated by arrow 175. In response to evacuator 115 receiving a volume of high melting point liquid 165 from molten liquid conduit 105 and receiving gas (e.g., argon) from gas source 125, evacuator 115 discharges the received volume of high melting point liquid 165 into nebulizer 130, as indicated by arrow 180. Heater 120 heats evacuator 115, nebulizer 130, and heat exchanger 135 to keep the received volume of high melting point liquid 165 from solidifying. Nebulizer 130 also receives gas (e.g., argon) from gas source 125 (or another gas source) via heat exchanger 135, as indicated by arrows 185a - 185b. In response to nebulizer 130 receiving a volume of high melting point liquid 165 from evacuator 115 and receiving gas (e.g., argon) from gas source 125, nebulizer 130 aerosolizes the received volume of high melting point liquid 165 and communicates the aerosolized high melting point liquid to interface device 140, as indicated by arrow 190. Before, during, or after nebulizer 130 aerosolizes the received volume of high melting point liquid 165, vacuum source 138 applies a reduced or negative gas pressure to evacuator 115, as indicated by arrow 195. The reduced or negative gas pressure applied to evacuator 115 draws any non - aerosolized remainder of the high melting point liquid out of nebulizer 130 and back into evacuator 115, as indicated by arrow 200. In some embodiments, drawing the non - aerosolized remainder of the high melting point liquid out of nebulizer 130 and back into evacuator 115 prevents or at least reduces the cooling and / or freezing of the non - aerosolized remainder of the high melting point liquid within nebulizer 130, which would otherwise be difficult to remove.

[0028] Interface device 140 sweeps the atomized high melting point liquid into FAAS 145, as indicated by arrow 205. FAAS 145 identifies and quantifies one or more elements in the atomized high melting point liquid. Additionally, or alternatively, interface device 140 sweeps the atomized high melting point liquid into ICP torch 150 (or another interface device), as indicated by arrow 210. ICP torch 150 heats the atomized high melting point liquid in the plasma. Accordingly, the ICP torch emits electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electronic radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, and near infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum) and gaseous atoms / ions. In some embodiments, as Figure 1B shown, ICP torch 150 forms part of ICP-MS 155; accordingly, the mass spectrometer of ICP-MS 155 receives the gaseous atoms / ions emitted by the plasma generated by ICP torch 150, as indicated by arrow 215, to identify and quantify one or more elements in the atomized high melting point liquid. Specifically, in one or more embodiments, the gaseous atoms / ions entering the mass spectrometer of ICP-MS 155 are bombarded with fast electrons to convert the gaseous atoms / ions into positively charged ions. The positively charged ions then move through the mass spectrometer of ICP-MS 155 and are identified based on their mass-to-charge ratio. However, in other embodiments, the gaseous atoms / ions (which can be positive or negative) are generated in another manner. In some embodiments, as Figure 1B shown, additionally or alternatively, ICP torch 150 forms part of ICP-OES 160; accordingly, the optical emission spectrometer of ICP-OES 160 receives the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plasma generated by ICP torch 150, as indicated by arrow 220, to identify and quantify one or more elements in the atomized high melting point liquid. In other embodiments, ICP torch 150 does not form part of both ICP-MS 155 and ICP-OES 160, but rather ICP torch 150 can form part of only one of ICP-MS 155 and ICP-OES 160, while another ICP torch identical to ICP torch 150 forms part of the other of ICP-MS 155 and ICP-OES 160.

[0029] The operation of system 100 enables an operator to identify and quantify potential corrosive components, such as water (H2O), oxygen (O2), and / or other impurities in the high-melting-point liquid 165. Once these potential corrosive components are identified and quantified, the operator can determine how certain metals (such as alloys) will behave when in contact with the high-melting-point liquid (with and without impurities). Based on this information, the operator can monitor the concentration of such potential corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid 165 and set an alarm for any deviation of the concentration of such potential corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid 165 from a safe operating level. This alarm notifies the operator when steps need to be taken to reduce the concentration of such potential corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid 165. Additionally, based on the monitoring of the concentration of such potential corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid 165 over time, the operator can plan maintenance, repair, remediation, and / or replacement of critical components of the molten liquid conduit 105 (or other components in contact with the high-melting-point liquid 165) before such critical components fail.

[0030] As described above, the molten liquid conduit 105 can be part of a molten salt loop associated with a nuclear reactor, in which case system 100 supports the reliability of the nuclear reactor. For example, system 100 can enable the operator of a nuclear reactor to monitor the fuel concentration (e.g., uranium-235 or other fuel isotopes), which must be maintained at a certain level for the nuclear reactor to operate properly. As another example, system 100 can enable the operator of a nuclear reactor to monitor fission products (e.g., thorium-231). As yet another example, system 100 can enable the operator of a nuclear reactor to monitor medically useful isotopes (e.g., molybdenum-99), which can then be removed. Additionally, although described as including FAAS 145, ICP-MS 155, and ICP-OES 160, additionally or alternatively, system 100 can include other analytical instruments that are configured to receive the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer 130 and determine the chemical contents of the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid.

[0031] Referring to Figure 2 , while continuing to refer to Figure 1B, in an embodiment, the evacuator 115, the atomizer 130, and the heat exchanger 135 are housed within the heater 120 by a support device 216. The support device 216 can be made of carbon steel. In some embodiments, the heater 120 is an Olympic Doll E / Test E Kiln. During operation of the system 100: the molten liquid conduit 225a communicates the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit 105 to the evacuator 115; the gas conduit 225b communicates the gas from the gas source 125 to the evacuator 115; the molten liquid conduit 225c communicates the high melting point liquid from the evacuator 115 to the atomizer 130; the gas conduit 225d communicates the gas from the gas source 125 (or another gas source) to the heat exchanger 135; the gas conduit 225e communicates the gas from the heat exchanger 135 to the atomizer 130; and the aerosol conduit 225f communicates the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer 130 to the interface device 140. Additionally, in those embodiments where the vacuum source 138 is the gas source 125, includes the gas source 125, or is a part of the gas source 125, the fluid conduit 225b also applies a reduced or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source 138 to the evacuator 115.

[0032] Referring Figure 3 , while continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and Figure 2 , in an embodiment, the evacuator 115 includes a fluid container 230 that defines an inner cavity 235. The fluid container 230 includes a central portion 240 and opposing end portions 245a and 245b. In some embodiments, the central portion 240 is a 3.5-inch long, 1.5-inch inner diameter SS316 NPT tube. In some embodiments, each of the opposing end portions 245a and 245b is a high-pressure SS316 pipe cap with a 1.5-inch inner diameter. The evacuator 115 also includes a molten liquid inlet 250 (not visible in Figure 3 ; shown in Figure 2 ). In some embodiments, the molten liquid inlet 250 includes a fitting 255 coupled to the evacuator 115 to communicate with the inner cavity 235 of the fluid container 230. For example, the fitting 255 can be connected to the end portion 245a of the fluid container 230. Alternatively, the evacuator 115 can further include a tube (not shown) connecting the fitting 255 that extends through the end portion 245a of the fluid container 230.

[0033] The evacuator 115 further includes a gas conduit 260. In some embodiments, the gas conduit 260 includes a tube 265 and a fitting 270. The tube 265 defines opposing end portions 275a and 275b and has a length L1. In some embodiments, the tube 265 extends through an end portion 245a of the fluid container 230. For example, the end portion 275a of the tube 265 may extend near the end portion 245a of the fluid container 230. In some embodiments, the tube 265 is a SS316 tube with an outer diameter of 0.25 inches. The fitting 270 is connected to the tube 265 at the end portion 275a. In some embodiments, the fitting 270 is a Yor-Lok 90° elbow fitting for a tube with an outer diameter of 0.25 inches. Alternatively, the tube 265 may be omitted from the evacuator 115, and the fitting 270 may be directly connected to the end portion 245a of the fluid container 230 to communicate with the inner cavity 235 of the fluid container 230.

[0034] The evacuator 115 further includes a molten liquid conduit 280. In some embodiments, the molten liquid conduit 280 includes a tube 285 and a fitting 290. The tube 285 defines opposing end portions 295a and 295b and has a length L2. The tube 285 extends through the end portion 245a of the fluid container 230 and into the inner cavity 235. The length L2 is greater than the length L1. Thus, the end portion 295b of the tube 285 extends closer to the end portion 245b of the fluid container 230 than the end portion 275b of the tube 265 and is farther from the end portion 245a of the fluid container 230 than the end portion 275b of the tube 265. For example, the end portion 295b of the tube 285 may extend inside the inner cavity 235b and near the end portion 245b of the fluid container 230. In contrast, the end portion 295a of the tube 285 extends outside the fluid container 230. In some embodiments, the tube 285 is a SS316 tube with an outer diameter of 0.25 inches. The fitting 290 is connected to the tube 285 at the end portion 295a. In some embodiments, the fitting 290 is a Yor-Lok 90° elbow fitting for a tube with an outer diameter of 0.25 inches.

[0035] During operation of the system 100, the high melting point liquid 296 is communicated from the molten liquid conduit 105 to the evacuator 115 via the molten liquid conduit 225a (as Figure 2 shown). Then, the gas 298 (e.g., argon) is passed through the gas conduit 225b (as Figure 2 shown) and the gas conduit 260 (as Figure 3as shown) is connected from the gas source 125 to the evacuator 115 to apply a positive gas pressure to the surface 299 of the high melting point liquid 296. The end portion 295b of the tube 285 of the molten liquid conduit 280 extends below the surface 299 of the high melting point liquid 296. Thus, in response to the positive gas pressure applied to the surface 299 of the high melting point liquid 296, the high melting point liquid 296 is connected from the evacuator 115 to the atomizer 130 via the molten liquid conduit 280 (as Figure 3 shown) and the molten liquid conduit 225c (as Figure 2 shown). Then, the gas 298 in the evacuator 115 is connected to the vacuum source 138 via the gas conduit 260 (as Figure 3 shown) and the gas conduit 225b (as Figure 2 shown) to apply a reduced or negative gas pressure to the surface 299 of the high melting point liquid 296. In response to the reduced or negative gas pressure applied to the surface 299 of the high melting point liquid 296, any high melting point liquid 296 remaining in the atomizer is drawn back into the evacuator 115 via the molten liquid conduit 225c (as Figure 2 shown) and the molten liquid conduit 280 (as Figure 3 shown). In some embodiments, drawing the high melting point liquid 296 from the atomizer 130 back into the evacuator 115 prevents or at least reduces the cooling and / or solidification of the high melting point liquid 296 within the atomizer 130, which would otherwise be difficult to remove from the atomizer 130.

[0036] Referring to Figure 4 , and continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and Figure 2 , in one embodiment, the atomizer 130 includes a fluid container 300 that defines an inner cavity 305. The fluid container 300 includes a can 310 and a lid 315. The can 310 defines opposite end portions 320a and 320b. The can 310 is open at the end portion 320a and closed at the end portion 320b. The lid 315 is connected to the can 310 at the end portion 320a. For example, the lid 315 may be threadedly connected to the can 310. In some embodiments, the atomizer 130 is a three-jet MRE type Collison atomizer from CH Technologies with an 8-ounce SS316 can. The atomizer 130 also includes a molten liquid conduit 325. In some embodiments, the molten liquid conduit 325 includes a fitting 330 coupled to the atomizer 130 to communicate with the inner cavity 305 of the fluid container 300. For example, the fitting 330 may be connected to the lid 315 of the atomizer 130. Alternatively, the atomizer 130 may also include a tube 326, and the fitting 330 is connected to the tube 326, and the tube 326 extends through the lid 315 of the atomizer 130.

[0037] The atomizer 130 further includes a gas conduit 335. In some embodiments, the gas conduit 335 includes a tube 340 and a fitting 345. The tube 340 defines opposite end portions 350a and 350b and has an outer diameter D1. The tube 340 extends through the cap 315 and into the interior cavity 305 of the fluid container 300. For example, the end portion 350b of the tube 340 may extend into the interior cavity 305 of the fluid container 300 and extend near the end portion 340b of the canister 310. In contrast, the end portion 350a of the tube 340 extends outside the fluid container 300. The fitting 345 is connected to the tube 340 at the end portion 350a. The atomizer 130 further includes an ejector 355. The ejector 355 is connected to the tube 340 at the end portion 350b. The ejector 355 has an outer diameter D2. The outer diameter D2 is greater than the outer diameter D1. The ejector 355 includes spray holes 360 distributed (e.g., uniformly) therearound.

[0038] The atomizer 130 further includes an aerosol outlet 365. In some embodiments, the aerosol outlet 365 includes a curved tube 370 coupled to the atomizer 130 to communicate with the interior cavity 305 of the fluid container 300. For example, the curved tube 370 of the aerosol outlet 365 may be connected to the cap 315 of the atomizer 130. The aerosol outlet 365 is configured to sweep away the aerosolized high melting point liquid. Compared with the tube 340 of the gas conduit 335, the curved tube 370 of the aerosol outlet 365 defines an enlarged flow channel. The enlarged flow channel of the aerosol outlet 365 is configured to accommodate the increased volume of the high melting point liquid after the high melting point liquid is aerosolized.

[0039] During operation of the system 100, the high melting point liquid 296 is communicated from the evacuator 115 to the atomizer 130 via the molten liquid conduit 225c (as Figure 2 shown) and the molten liquid conduit 325 (as Figure 4 shown). In some embodiments, the distal end 372 of the tube 326 of the molten liquid conduit 325 extends below the surface 374 of the high melting point liquid 296 near the end portion 320b of the canister 310. Then, a gas 375 (e.g., argon) is communicated from the gas source 125 to the atomizer 130 via the gas conduits 225d and 225e (as Figure 2 shown) and the gas conduit 335 (as Figure 4 shown) to aerosolize the high melting point liquid 296 into an aerosolized high melting point liquid 380. In some embodiments, the spray holes 360 of the tube 340 of the gas conduit 335 extend above the surface 374 of the high melting point liquid 296. Then, via the aerosol outlet 365 (as Figure 4 shown) and the aerosol conduit 225f (as Figure 2As shown, the aerosolized high melting point liquid 380 is connected to the interface device 140. In some embodiments, the aerosolized high melting point liquid 380 that exits the atomizer 130 via the aerosol outlet 365 includes droplets having a diameter of 20 μm - 30 μm. Finally, any high melting point liquid 296 remaining in the atomizer 130 is drawn back into the evacuator 115 via the molten liquid conduit 325 (as Figure 4 shown) and the molten liquid conduit 225c (as Figure 2 shown).

[0040] In some embodiments, the atomizer 130 can be omitted and replaced with another atomizer in which the pump 110 generates the pressure required to force the high melting point liquid 296 through the nozzle to produce the aerosolized high melting point liquid. In other embodiments, the atomizer 130 can be omitted and replaced with yet another atomizer that utilizes a different atomization process, such as, for example, pneumatic atomization, ultrasonic atomization, etc. or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the evacuator 115 can be omitted from the atomizer assembly 136.

[0041] Referring to Figure 5 and continuing to refer to Figure 1B , in one embodiment, the FAAS 145 includes a body 385 and a burner head 390. The body 385 defines a spray chamber 395, and a deflector 400 extends in the spray chamber 395. The deflector 400 is held within the spray chamber 395 via a deflector retaining screw 405. The body 385 includes an aerosol port 410, a fuel port 415, and one or more oxidizer ports 420a and / or 420b. During operation of the system 100, the aerosolized high melting point liquid 380 is passed via the interface device 140 (as Figure 1BAs shown, the aerosol port 410 communicates from the nebulizer 130 to the spray chamber 395. In addition, fuel (e.g., acetylene) and one or more oxidizers (e.g., compressed air) communicate via the fuel port 415 and one or more oxidizer ports 420a and / or 420b to the spray chamber 395 of the body 385. The atomized high melting point liquid 380 is mixed with the fuel and one or more oxidizers and flows via the deflector 400 to the burner head 390. Then, the burner head 390 ignites the mixture and the flame is evaluated to identify and / or quantify one or more elements in the atomized high melting point liquid 380. For example, the presence of sodium in the atomized high melting point liquid 380 is indicated by strong yellow-orange light emitted from the flame at a wavelength of 589 nanometers. As another example, the absorbance of nickel and magnesium in the atomized high melting point liquid 380 can be measured by the FAAS 145, i.e., the FAAS 145 independently verifies the presence of nickel and magnesium in the atomized high melting point liquid 380. Based on this information, a calibration curve and detection limit for magnesium in the high melting point liquid 296 can be established using nickel as an internal standard. The FAAS 145 can also detect other metals in the atomized high melting point liquid 380 in the parts per million range.

[0042] Referring to Figure 6 , while continuing to refer to Figure 1B , in an embodiment, the ICP torch 150 includes a capillary 425, an inner tube 430 extending around the capillary 425, an outer tube 435 extending around the inner tube 430, and a load coil 440 that circumscribes the distal end 445 of the outer tube 435. The capillary 425 includes an aerosol port 450. The inner tube 430 includes an auxiliary port 455. The outer tube 435 includes a coolant port 460. During operation of the system 100, the atomized high melting point liquid 380 communicates from the nebulizer 130 to the capillary 425 via the interface device 140 as Figure 1B shown and the aerosol port 450. Additionally, auxiliary gas (e.g., argon) is communicated via the auxiliary port 455 to the inner tube 430 that surrounds the capillary 425. The auxiliary gas becomes a plasma 470 near the distal end 465 of the capillary 425. Coolant (e.g., argon) is communicated via the coolant port 460 to the outer tube 435 that surrounds the inner tube 430. The atomized high melting point liquid 380 enters the plasma 470 at the distal end 465 of the capillary 425 and is heated by the plasma 470, causing the ICP torch 150 to emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation in the visible, ultraviolet, and near infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum) and gaseous atoms / ions. The load coil 440 forms a strong magnetic field within the ICP torch 150 to control the plasma 470. In the case where the ICP torch 150 is operably coupled to the nebulizer 130, the ICP torch can be used for additional analytical techniques, as shown in FIG. 1, Figure 7 and Figure 8as shown

[0043] Referring to Figure 7 and while continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and Figure 6 , ICP-MS 155 is configured to receive gaseous atoms / ions emitted from plasma 470 generated by ICP torch 150. In some embodiments, ICP-MS 155 is the ICP torch 150, includes the ICP torch 150, or is part of the ICP torch 150. In some embodiments, ICP-MS 155 is an Agilent 7500 ICP-MS. ICP-MS 155 includes a sampling cone 475, a separator 480, lenses 485, and a quadrupole (“Q”) mass spectrometer 490. During operation of system 100, the gaseous atoms / ions emitted from plasma 470 pass through sampling cone 475, separator 480, and lenses 485. Lenses 485 focus the gaseous atoms / ions emitted from plasma 470 into Q mass spectrometer 490, which identifies and / or quantifies one or more elements in aerosolized high melting point liquid 380. ICP-MS 155 also includes a rotary pump 495 and turbopumps 500a and 500b, which are operable to maintain an appropriate vacuum during operation of system 100.

[0044] Referring to Figure 8 and while continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and Figure 6 , in one embodiment, ICP-OES 160 is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted from plasma flame 470 generated by ICP torch 150. In some embodiments, ICP-OES 160 is the ICP torch 150, includes the ICP torch 150, or is part of the ICP torch 150. In some embodiments, ICP-OES 160 is an Echelle monochromator. ICP-OES 160 includes a housing 505, a diffraction grating 510, a prism 515, and a charge coupled device (“CCD”) detector 520. Housing 505 defines an entrance window 525. During operation of system 100, the electromagnetic radiation emitted from plasma flame 470 passes through entrance window 525 in housing 505, is reflected by diffraction grating 510, and passes through prism 515. Prism 515 projects the electromagnetic radiation emitted from plasma 470 onto CCD detector 520, which identifies and / or quantifies one or more elements in aerosolized high melting point liquid 380.

[0045] Referring to Figure 9 and while continuing to refer to Figure 1A, in an embodiment, the atomizer assembly 136 is omitted from the system 100 and replaced by the atomizer assembly 136'. The atomizer assembly 136' includes a number of features / components that are substantially the same as the corresponding features / components of the atomizer assembly 136, and these substantially the same features / components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The atomizer assembly 136' includes a evacuator 115', which is configured to receive a volume of the high melting point liquid 165 from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit 105. The evacuator 115’ is similar to the evacuator 115 described above, except that the evacuator 115’ defines an internal volume of a specific size to only accommodate a volume of the high melting point liquid to be aerosolized that is desired to be delivered to the atomizer 130. Thus, the internal volume of the evacuator 115' can be referred to as a metering chamber.

[0046] A valve 530a is operably coupled between the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit 105 and the evacuator 115’, and the valve 530a can be actuated between an open position and a closed position to allow or prevent the high melting point liquid 165 from flowing from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit 105 into the evacuator 115'. The valve 530a is a two-way valve. Similarly, a valve 530b is operably coupled between the evacuator 115' and the atomizer 130, and the valve 530b can be actuated between an open position and a closed position to allow or prevent the high melting point liquid 165 from flowing from the evacuator 115' to the atomizer 130, and vice versa. The valve 530b is a two-way valve.

[0047] The atomizer assembly 136’ further includes a gas source 125’, which is similar to the gas source 125, except that, different from Figure 1B delivering the gas directly to the evacuator 115 as shown, the gas source 125’ is configured to deliver the gas to the evacuator 115' via a heat exchanger 135 and a valve 530c (the valve 530c is operably coupled between the heat exchanger 135 and the evacuator 115’), as Figure 9 shown. The atomizer assembly 136' further includes a vacuum source 138', which is similar to the vacuum source 138, except that, different from Figure 1B applying a reduced or negative gas pressure directly to the evacuator 115 as shown in, the vacuum source 138' is configured to apply a reduced or negative gas pressure to the evacuator 115' via a valve 530c operably coupled between the vacuum source 138' and the evacuator 115', as Figure 9 shown.

[0048] The valve 530c is a three-way valve that can be actuated between a first open position, a second open position, and a closed position. In the first open position, the valve 530c allows fluid communication between the gas source 125’ (via the heat exchanger 135) and the evacuator 115’, while blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source 138’ and the evacuator 115’; in the second open position, the valve 530c allows fluid communication between the vacuum source 138’ and the evacuator 115’, while blocking fluid communication between the gas source 125’ and the evacuator 115’; in the closed position, the valve 530c blocks fluid communication between the gas source 125' and the evacuator 115', and also blocks fluid communication between the vacuum source 138' and the evacuator 115'. Alternatively, the valve 530c can be omitted and replaced by a pair of two-way valves (not shown), one of which can be actuated between an open position and a closed position to allow or block fluid communication between the gas source 125’ and the evacuator 115’, and the other of which can be actuated between an open position and a closed position to allow or block fluid communication between the vacuum source 138' and the evacuator 115'.

[0049] The valve 530d is operably coupled between the evacuator 115' and the inlet 528b of the molten liquid conduit 105. The valve 530d can be actuated between an open position and a closed position to allow or block the high-melting-point liquid 165 to flow back from the evacuator 115' to the molten liquid conduit 105 via the inlet 528b. The valve 530d is a two-way valve. Alternatively, the valves 530a and 530d can be omitted and replaced by a three-way valve having a structure and operation similar to that of the valve 530c.

[0050] In some embodiments, as Figure 9 shown, the inlet 528b of the molten liquid conduit 105 is located downstream of the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit 105. However, in other embodiments, the inlet 528 of the molten liquid conduit 105 can be upstream of the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit 105. The flow control device 531 can be between the outlet 528a and the inlet 528b, positioned within the molten liquid conduit 105, operably coupled to the molten liquid conduit 105, and / or otherwise incorporated into the molten liquid conduit 105. The flow control device 531 can be actuated to partially (i.e., via throttling) and / or completely block the flow of the high-melting-point liquid within the molten liquid conduit 105. In some embodiments, the flow control device 531 is omitted.

[0051] Table 1 shows the various operating configurations of the valves 530a - 530d, which will be described in further detail below.

[0052]

[0053]

[0054] Table 1

[0055] Reference Figure 10 and continue to refer to Figure 9 In an embodiment, the method is generally represented by reference numeral 532. Method 532 includes, at step 533a, allowing a volume of a high melting point liquid 165 to flow from the molten liquid conduit 105 into the nebulizer assembly 136', specifically into the evacuator 115'. Step 533a can be performed by actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration A, in which valves 530a and 530d are open and valves 530b and 530c are closed, as shown in Table 1 above. Actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration A allows the high melting point liquid 635 to flow from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit 105 through valve 530a into the evacuator 115' and fill the evacuator 115', and back to the molten liquid conduit 105 via valve 530d. Additionally, to facilitate this flow of the high melting point liquid 635 to fill the evacuator 115', the performance of step 533a can further include actuating the flow control device 531 to partially (i.e., via throttling) and / or completely block the flow of the high melting point liquid within the molten liquid conduit 105.

[0056] At step 533b, a volume of the high melting point liquid that fills the evacuator 115' is allowed to flow from the evacuator 115' to the nebulizer 130. Step 533b can be performed by actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration B, in which valves 530a and 530d are closed and valves 530b and 530c are open, as shown in Table 1 above. More specifically, in configuration B, the three - way valve 530c is actuated to the first open position described above, in which valve 530c allows fluid communication between the gas source 125' (via the heat exchanger 135) and the evacuator 115', while blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source 138' and the evacuator 115'. Actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration B allows pressurized gas from the gas source 125' to transfer a volume of the high melting point liquid from the evacuator 115' to the nebulizer 130.

[0057] At step 533c, at least a portion of a volume of the high melting point liquid within the nebulizer 130 is aerosolized using the nebulizer 130. The structure and operation of the nebulizer 130 are described in detail above. Next, at step 533d, the aerosolized high melting point liquid is allowed to flow to one or more instruments 137 for chemical analysis. The structure and operation of one or more instruments 137 are described in detail above according to one or more embodiments.

[0058] In step 533e, an evacuator 115' is used to extract any remaining non-aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer 130. Step 533e can be performed by actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration C, in which valves 530a and 530d are closed and valves 530b and 530c are open, as shown in Table 1 above. More specifically, in configuration C, the three-way valve 530c is actuated to the second open position described above, in which valve 530c allows fluid communication between the vacuum source 138' and the evacuator 115', while preventing fluid communication between the gas source 125' and the evacuator 115'. Actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration C allows the reduced or negative air pressure from the vacuum source 138’ to draw any remaining volume of high melting point liquid in the atomizer 130 back into the evacuator 115'.

[0059] Finally, in step 533f, the extracted non-aerosolized high melting point liquid is allowed to flow back from the evacuator 115' into the molten liquid conduit 105. Step 533f can be performed by actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration D, in which valves 530a and 530b are closed and valves 530c and 530d are open, as shown in Table 1 above. More specifically, in configuration D, the three-way valve 530c is actuated to the first open position described above, in which valve 530c allows fluid communication between the gas source 125' (via the heat exchanger 135) and the evacuator 115', while preventing fluid communication between the vacuum source 138' and the evacuator 115'. Actuating valves 530a - 530d to configuration D allows pressurized gas from the gas source 125’ to transfer a volume of high melting point liquid from the evacuator 115’ back into the molten liquid conduit 105 via valve 530d.

[0060] Referring to Figure 11 , while continuing to refer to Figure 1A, in an embodiment, the nebulizer assembly 136 is omitted from the system 100 and replaced by the nebulizer assembly 136". The nebulizer assembly 136" includes a nebulizer 130' that includes a vibrating mesh 540 operably coupled to a vibration source 545 (e.g., mounted on the vibration source 545). A power source 535 supplies power to the vibration source 545, enabling the vibration source 545 to impart vibrations to the vibrating mesh 540. In one or more embodiments, the power source 535 is operably coupled to the vibration source 545 via an electrode (not shown) that, when energized, causes a rapid deformation of the vibration source 545, thereby causing the vibration source 545 to vibrate. When vibrations are imparted from the vibration source 545, the vibrating mesh 540 aerosolizes the high-melting-point liquid 165 received from the molten liquid conduit 105. The nebulizer assembly 136" also includes a gas source 125". The gas source 125" is adapted to deliver gas downstream of the vibrating mesh 540 to sweep the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid into one or more instruments 137. The structure and operation of one or more instruments 137 have been described in detail above according to one or more embodiments. Although not shown in Figure 11 , in some embodiments, the gas source 125" delivers gas through a heat exchanger that is substantially the same as the heat exchanger 135 described herein, and the heat exchanger is contained in a heater that is substantially similar to the heater 120 described herein.

[0061] Referring to Figure 12 , the illustration continues to refer to Figure 11, in an embodiment, the vibrating mesh 540 is a disk-shaped mesh sieve, and the vibration source 545 is an annular piezoelectric material. In one or more such embodiments, the nebulizer 130' may be mounted in a tube 550 (e.g., on a tee), and the high melting point liquid 165 is communicated from the molten liquid conduit 105 to the tube 550. In some embodiments, the vibrating mesh is or includes a flat metal sheet having holes formed therethrough, and the holes are conical or curved such that each hole has a larger diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side. In one or more embodiments, the vibrating mesh 540 is a disk-shaped mesh sieve having a diameter equal to or less than half an inch. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, the vibration source 545 is an annular piezoelectric material having a diameter equal to or less than half an inch. The annular vibration source 545 engages the disk-shaped vibrating mesh 540 to impart vibrations to the disk-shaped vibrating mesh 540. As the vibrating mesh 540 vibrates, the high melting point liquid 165 communicated with the vibrating mesh 540 passes through the center of the annular vibration source 545 and the disk-shaped vibrating mesh 540, which converts the high melting point liquid into small droplets, thereby forming an aerosol. The aerosol is carried to one or more instruments 137 by an inert gas delivered from a gas source 125 downstream of the vibrating mesh 540 into the conduit. In some embodiments, the size and / or shape of the holes in the vibrating mesh 540 are designed such that when the vibration source 545 does not impart vibrations to the vibrating mesh 540, the vibrating mesh 540 does not allow the high melting point liquid to pass through the vibrating mesh 540, i.e., the vibrating mesh 540 only allows the high melting point liquid to pass through the vibrating mesh 540 when the vibration source 545 imparts vibrations to the vibrating mesh 540. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly 136” including the nebulizer 130' facilitates aerosolization of the high melting point liquid 165 closer to the source, thereby requiring a smaller volume of the high melting point liquid to be drawn from the molten liquid conduit 105.

[0062] This document describes a system. The system generally includes: a molten liquid conduit; an atomizer assembly operatively coupled to the molten liquid conduit and adapted to receive a high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit, wherein the atomizer assembly is further adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high melting point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit; one or more instruments operatively coupled to the atomizer assembly and adapted to receive the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer, wherein the one or more instruments are further adapted to perform chemical analysis on the aerosolized high melting point liquid. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly includes: an atomizer that includes a first fluid container in which the atomizer is adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high melting point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a evacuator that includes a second fluid container adapted to receive the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit, and the second fluid container is operatively coupled to the first fluid container of the atomizer. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source adapted to communicate gas into the evacuator to transport the received high melting point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a vacuum source adapted to apply a reduced or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source to the evacuator to draw out the unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and return it to the second fluid container of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the gas source is further adapted to communicate gas into the evacuator to transport the drawn out unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit and in fluid communication with the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly includes: an atomizer adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the received high melting point liquid, the atomizer including a vibrating mesh mounted to a vibration source; a power source operatively coupled to the vibration source and adapted to energize the vibration source to cause the vibration source to vibrate.In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source adapted to communicate gas to the atomized high melting point liquid to convey the atomized high melting point liquid from the atomizer to one or more instruments.

[0063] The present disclosure also describes a method. The method generally includes: receiving a high melting point liquid from a molten liquid conduit into an atomizer assembly; atomizing at least a portion of the received high melting point liquid using the atomizer assembly; delivering the atomized high melting point liquid from the atomizer to one or more instruments; and chemically analyzing the atomized high melting point liquid using the one or more instruments. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly includes an atomizer adapted to atomize at least a portion of the received high melting point liquid, the atomizer including a first fluid container. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a evacuator adapted to receive the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit, the evacuator including a second fluid container operatively coupled to the first fluid container of the atomizer. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator; and wherein receiving the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit into the evacuator includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: delivering the received high melting point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source; and wherein delivering the received high melting point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer includes communicating gas from the gas source to the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator; and wherein delivering the received high melting point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer further includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: withdrawing an unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and returning it to the second fluid container of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a vacuum source; and wherein withdrawing an unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and returning it to the second fluid container of the evacuator includes applying a reduced or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source to the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator; and wherein withdrawing an unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and returning it to the second fluid container of the evacuator further includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: delivering and returning the withdrawn unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the evacuator to the molten liquid conduit.In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source; and wherein conveying the non-aerosolized portion of the drawn high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit includes conveying gas from the gas source into the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operatively coupled between and in fluid communication with the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit; and wherein conveying the non-aerosolized portion of the drawn high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit further includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly includes an atomizer and a power source, the atomizer being adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the received high-melting-point liquid, the atomizer including a vibrating mesh mounted to a vibration source, the power source being operatively coupled to the vibration source and adapted to energize the vibration source; wherein aerosolizing at least a portion of the received high-melting-point liquid includes using the power source to energize the vibration source, thereby causing the vibration source to vibrate. In one or more embodiments, the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source; and wherein conveying the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the atomizer to one or more instruments includes communicating gas from the gas source to the atomizer.

[0064] It should be understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0065] In several embodiments, the elements and teachings of each embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, in some or all of the embodiments. Additionally, one or more elements and teachings of each embodiment may be at least partially omitted, and / or may be at least partially combined with one or more other elements and teachings of the various embodiments.

[0066] Any spatial references, such as, for example, "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "between", "bottom", "vertical", "horizontal", "angled", "upward", "downward", "side-to-side", "left-to-right", "right-to-left", "top-to-bottom", "bottom-to-top", "top", "bottom", "from bottom upward", "from top downward", etc., are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the specific orientation or position of the above-described structures.

[0067] In several embodiments, although different steps, processes, and procedures are described as presenting different actions, one or more steps, one or more processes, and / or one or more procedures may also be performed in a different order, simultaneously, and / or sequentially. In several embodiments, steps, processes, and / or procedures may be combined into one or more steps, processes, and / or procedures.

[0068] In several embodiments, one or more of the operating steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Additionally, in some cases, some features of the present disclosure may be used without correspondingly using other features. Further, one or more of the above-described embodiments and / or variations may be combined, in whole or in part, with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and / or variations.

[0069] Although several embodiments have been described in detail above, the described embodiments are illustrative only and not restrictive, and many other modifications, changes, and / or substitutions will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes, and / or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein that perform the recited function, and not only cover structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Additionally, the applicant expressly disclaims any reliance on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) as applicable to any limitation of any claim in the claims herein, except for those claims that expressly use the associated function with the term "means".

Claims

1. A system for chemical analysis of high melting point liquids, comprising: A molten liquid conduit; An atomizer assembly operatively coupled to the molten liquid conduit and adapted to receive the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit; Wherein the atomizer assembly is further adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high melting point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit; and wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises: A heater, An atomizer housed within the heater and including a first fluid container, the atomizer being adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high melting point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit within the first fluid container, and A evacuator housed within the heater and including a second fluid container, the second fluid container being adapted to receive the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit, the second fluid container being operatively coupled to the first fluid container of the atomizer; One or more instruments operatively coupled to the atomizer assembly and adapted to receive aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer, Wherein the one or more instruments are further adapted to perform chemical analysis on the aerosolized high melting point liquid.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The atomizer assembly further comprises: A valve operatively coupled between the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a gas source adapted to communicate gas into the evacuator so as to transport the received high melting point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a valve operatively coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a vacuum source adapted to apply a reduced or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source to the evacuator so as to draw out the unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and return it to the second fluid container of the evacuator.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a valve operatively coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein the gas source is further adapted to communicate gas into the evacuator so as to transport the drawn out unaerosolized portion of the high melting point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a valve operably coupled between the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit and in fluid communication with the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer comprises a vibrating mesh mounted to a vibration source; and wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a power source operably coupled to the vibration source and adapted to energize the vibration source to cause the vibration source to vibrate.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a gas source adapted to communicate gas into the aerosolized high melting point liquid to transport the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer to the one or more instruments.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a heat exchanger included in the heater and configured to provide a heated gas stream to the atomizer within the heater.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the heater heats the evacuator, the atomizer, and the heat exchanger to keep the received high melting point liquid from solidifying.

13. A method for chemical analysis of a high melting point liquid, comprising: receiving the high melting point liquid from a molten liquid conduit into an atomizer assembly; the atomizer assembly comprising: a heater, an atomizer received within the heater and comprising a first fluid container, the atomizer adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high melting point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit within the first fluid container, and an evacuator received within the heater and comprising a second fluid container adapted to receive the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit, the second fluid container operably coupled to the first fluid container of the atomizer; using the atomizer assembly to aerosolize at least a portion of the received high melting point liquid; transporting the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer to one or more instruments; and using the one or more instruments to perform chemical analysis on the aerosolized high melting point liquid.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a valve operably coupled between the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid container of the evacuator; and wherein receiving the high melting point liquid from the molten liquid conduit into the evacuator comprises opening the valve.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: transporting the received high melting point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the atomizer assembly further comprises a gas source; and Conveying the received high-melting-point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer includes communicating gas from the gas source to the evacuator.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator; and conveying the received high-melting-point liquid from the second fluid container of the evacuator to the first fluid container of the atomizer further includes opening the valve.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: Withdrawing the non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and returning it to the second fluid container of the evacuator.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a vacuum source; and withdrawing the non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and returning it to the second fluid container of the evacuator includes applying a reduced or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source to the evacuator.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator and in fluid communication with the first fluid container of the atomizer and the second fluid container of the evacuator; and withdrawing the non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid container of the atomizer and returning it to the second fluid container of the evacuator further includes opening the valve.

21. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Conveying the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source; and conveying the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit includes communicating gas from the gas source to the evacuator.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit and in fluid communication with the second fluid container of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit; and Among them, conveying the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator back to the molten liquid conduit further includes opening the valve.

24. The method according to claim 13, wherein the atomizer includes a vibrating mesh mounted to a vibration source; wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a power source operably coupled to the vibration source and adapted to energize the vibration source; and Aerosolizing at least a portion of the received high melting point liquid includes energizing the vibration source using the power source, thereby causing the vibration source to vibrate.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a gas source; and Among them, Delivering the aerosolized high melting point liquid from the atomizer to the one or more instruments includes communicating gas from the gas source to the atomizer.

26. The method according to claim 13, wherein the atomizer assembly further includes a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being contained within the heater and configured to provide a heated gas stream to the atomizer within the heater.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising heating the evacuator, the atomizer, and the heat exchanger using the heater and maintaining the received high melting point liquid from solidifying.

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