An ICPMS automatic sampling device

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated ICPMS sample introduction device, belonging to the field of mass spectrometry technology. It includes an nebulization chamber, a nebulizer, and a peristaltic pump mounted on the main body. The nebulizer is connected to an inlet pipe and a working gas pipe. The nebulizer is mounted on an installation pipe on the nebulization chamber. A drain pipe is installed on the drain port of the nebulization chamber. An auxiliary gas pipe is connected to the sample introduction pipe of the nebulization chamber. An installation hole is provided on the installation pipe, and a cleaner is installed in the installation hole. The cleaner includes an arc-shaped tube and an arc-shaped rod. A negative pressure interface is provided on the arc-shaped tube, and a negative pressure device is connected to the negative pressure interface. This invention addresses the problem that currently, when an ICPMS nebulizer becomes clogged, it is necessary to remove the nebulizer for cleaning or replacement. Due to the extremely small outlet channel of the nebulizer, cleaning is mostly done by soaking in acid or using hair to unclog it, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mass spectrometry technology, specifically relating to an ICPMS automatic sample introduction device. Background Technology

[0002] ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) is an instrument widely used for elemental and isotope analysis. It utilizes high-temperature plasma generated by inductively coupled plasma as the sample introduction system, and performs elemental and isotope analysis on the sample using mass spectrometry. It offers advantages such as high sensitivity, high resolution, and high throughput. ICP-MS can not only analyze and measure the content of trace elements in substances but also provide information on isotope ratios, thus finding wide applications in earth sciences, environmental monitoring, and life sciences. The ICP-MS sample introduction system primarily uses an atomizer to form an aerosol state of the sample, which is then carried into the central region of the plasma torch by a carrier gas (usually argon), where evaporation, decomposition, excitation, and ionization occur. During atomization, the sample is pumped into the atomizer via a peristaltic pump to form an aerosol and enter the atomization chamber. Since the sample often contains salt, the atomizer is prone to clogging during use, requiring the atomizer to be removed for cleaning or replacement. In addition, due to the extremely small outlet channel of the atomizer, there are no suitable cleaning tools, and most cleaning is done by soaking in acid or using hair to unclog it, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on the problems mentioned in the background art above, the present invention provides an ICPMS automatic sample feeding device to solve the problem that when the ICPMS nebulizer is blocked, it is necessary to remove the nebulizer for cleaning or replacement. Due to the extremely small outlet channel of the nebulizer, there are no suitable cleaning tools, and most cleaning is done by soaking in acid or using hair to unclog it, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0005] An automated ICPMS sample introduction device includes an nebulizer chamber, a nebulizer, and a peristaltic pump mounted on a main body. The nebulizer is connected to an inlet pipe and a working gas pipe. The nebulizer is mounted on an installation pipe on the nebulizer chamber. A drain pipe is installed on the drain port of the nebulizer chamber. An auxiliary gas pipe is connected to the inlet pipe of the nebulizer chamber. Both the drain pipe and the inlet pipe are secured within the peristaltic pump. An installation hole is provided on the installation pipe, and a cleaner is installed within the installation hole. The cleaner includes a concentric arc-shaped tube and an arc-shaped rod. A piston is installed at both the end and the middle of the arc-shaped rod. A flexible cleaning wire is installed on the piston of the part. The piston is slidably installed in the arc-shaped tube. A rubber sealing ring is installed in the mounting hole. The arc-shaped tube slides through the rubber sealing ring. A rubber plug is installed at one end of the arc-shaped tube inside the mounting tube. The rubber plug has flared openings and guide holes at both ends. When the flared opening is fitted onto the nozzle of the atomizer, the outlet on the nozzle corresponds to the guide hole. A sealing plug is installed at the end of the arc-shaped tube. An arc-shaped rod passes through the sealing plug. A ventilation groove is opened on the outer wall of the piston. A negative pressure interface is provided on the arc-shaped tube. A negative pressure device is connected to the negative pressure interface.

[0006] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention further improves upon the following:

[0007] Furthermore, the rubber stopper has a constriction cavity at the flared end. When the curved tube is moved to place the rubber stopper at the flared end onto the outlet of the atomizer, the flared end contracts more easily under the action of the constriction cavity, making it easier for the atomizer port to embed the rubber stopper, thus maintaining good sealing and preventing the negative pressure device from effectively sucking up debris that may clog the atomizer when cleaning it.

[0008] Furthermore, a lever is installed on the sealing plug, and a ball is installed on the arc-shaped rod. The lever facilitates pulling the arc-shaped tube, and the ball facilitates pulling the arc-shaped rod, making operation convenient.

[0009] Furthermore, the mounting tube is equipped with a support component, which includes a fixedly connected arc-shaped support block and a strap. The strap is fixed to the mounting tube, and the circle containing the curved surface of the arc-shaped support block is concentric with the circle containing the arc-shaped tube. The sealing plug is in contact with the arc-shaped support block. During the pulling process of the arc-shaped tube, the arc-shaped support block can support and stabilize one end of the arc-shaped tube, preventing stress concentration from causing the arc-shaped tube to break.

[0010] Furthermore, a monitoring tube is provided on the atomization chamber, and a humidity monitor is installed on the monitoring tube, with the monitoring probe of the humidity monitor located inside the monitoring tube. This allows for monitoring of the humidity within the atomization chamber. Because the peristaltic pump provides stable feeding, the atomizer maintains a relatively stable atomization state without clogging. Therefore, changes in humidity within the atomization chamber can be used to determine if the atomizer is clogged, facilitating timely cleaning.

[0011] Furthermore, a mixing assembly is installed on the main body. The mixing assembly includes a base and a placement stage. A bayonet is formed on the base, and a locking block matching the bayonet is provided on the main body. The base is mounted on the locking block. The placement stage is located on the base and has a universal ball bearing installed at its bottom. A spiral spring connects the base and the placement stage. A motor is mounted on the base, and an eccentric component is mounted on the motor's output shaft. The eccentric component is rotatably connected to the placement stage. The motor drives the placement stage to move via the eccentric component. Due to the constraint of the spiral spring, the placement stage cannot rotate but can only sway slightly with the eccentric component, thus allowing the sample container placed on the placement stage to sway and mix the sample.

[0012] Furthermore, a stabilizer is installed on the placement platform. The stabilizer includes a base and two clamps. The base is fixedly connected to the placement platform, and spring clips connect the base to each of the two clamps. Under the action of the spring clips, the clamps can be moved towards the center, thereby stabilizing the sample container on the placement platform and preventing it from tipping over when the placement platform shakes.

[0013] Furthermore, a magnetic sheet is installed on the base, which is then fixed to the placement platform. The stabilizer is easy to install and remove, and can be adjusted as needed.

[0014] Furthermore, the inlet tube is connected to an inlet ball, which includes a sphere and a sleeve. The sphere has an inlet hole near the sleeve, and the inlet tube passes through the sleeve. After the inlet tube is inserted into the sleeve, the height of the inlet tube's port can be limited by the action of the sphere, preventing the inlet tube from touching the bottom when placed into the sample container.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0016] By moving the arc-shaped tube, the rubber plug at one end of the tube can be placed on one end of the atomizer nozzle. Then, by moving the arc-shaped rod, the flexible cleaning wire can be deflected under the action of the guide hole, allowing any wire to be inserted into the atomizer, thereby cleaning the clogged atomizer. At the same time, the suction of the negative pressure device will suck out the cleaned debris, thus completing the cleaning of the clogged atomizer. The cleaning is convenient and the operation is relatively simple. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention can be further illustrated by the non-limiting embodiments given in the accompanying drawings;

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the deployment structure of an ICPMS device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the deployment structure of an ICPMS device in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the atomizing component in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the atomizing component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the atomizing component in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged structural diagram at point A;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the atomizing component during cleaning of the atomizer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged structural diagram at point B;

[0026] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of the structure at point C;

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the atomizing component after the atomizer cleaning is completed in the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A magnified structural diagram at point D;

[0029] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hybrid component in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hybrid component in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet ball in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] The symbols for the main components are explained below:

[0033] Main body 1, nebulizer chamber 20, monitoring tube 201, sample inlet tube 21, drain port 22, drain pipe 221, inlet pipe 23, sphere 231, sleeve 232, water inlet 233, working air pipe 24, auxiliary air pipe 25, installation pipe 26, monitoring probe 27, nebulizer 3, peristaltic pump 4, mixing assembly 5, base 51, bayonet 511, placement platform 52, universal ball bearing 521, stabilizer 53, base 531, spring 532, clamp 533, sample container 54, motor 55, eccentric part 551, spiral spring 56, strap 61, arc-shaped support block 62, rubber sealing ring 63, arc-shaped tube 64, negative pressure interface 641, sealing plug 65, lever 651, arc-shaped rod 66, piston 661, ventilation groove 662, flexible cleaning wire 663, lever ball 67, rubber plug 68. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, an automated ICPMS sample introduction device includes an nebulizer assembly and a peristaltic pump 4 mounted on the main body 1. The nebulizer assembly includes an nebulizer chamber 20 and a nebulizer 3. The nebulizer 3 is connected to an inlet pipe 23 and a working gas pipe 24. The nebulizer 3 is mounted on an installation pipe 26 on the nebulizer chamber 20. A drain pipe 221 is installed on the drain port 22 of the nebulizer chamber 20. An auxiliary gas pipe 25 is connected to the sample inlet pipe 21 of the nebulizer chamber 20. Both the drain pipe 221 and the inlet pipe 23 are secured inside the peristaltic pump 4. When the peristaltic pump 4 is running, it simultaneously squeezes the drain pipe 221 and the inlet pipe 23 to introduce the sample into the nebulizer 3 while simultaneously drawing out the waste liquid in the nebulizer chamber 20. An installation hole is provided on the installation pipe 26, and a cleaner is installed in the installation hole. The cleaner includes a concentric arc-shaped tube 64 and an arc-shaped rod 66. Pistons 661 are installed at both the end and middle of the arc-shaped rod 66. The pistons 661 are slidably installed inside the arc-shaped tube 64. The two pistons 661 stabilize the arc-shaped rod 66 so that it can move along the arc-shaped tube 64, keeping the arc-shaped rod 66 and the arc-shaped tube 64 concentric. A flexible cleaning wire 663 is installed on the piston 661 at the end. In this embodiment, the flexible cleaning wire 663 is made of PE wire, which has good softness and does not damage the atomizer 3, while also maintaining high toughness for better unclogging of the atomizer 3. The number of flexible cleaning wires 663 is 3 to 9, so that the flexible cleaning wires 663 can be smoothly inserted into the atomizer 3, while the other flexible cleaning wires 663 that do not enter will not create much resistance when they bend on their own due to their small number. A rubber sealing ring 63 is installed in the mounting hole. An arc-shaped tube 64 slides through the rubber sealing ring 63. A rubber plug 68 is installed at one end of the arc-shaped tube 64 inside the mounting tube 26. The rubber plug 68 has a flared end 681 and a guide hole 683 at both ends. After one end of the arc-shaped tube 64 overlaps with one end of the atomizer 3, the port of the atomizer 3 can automatically snap into the flared end 681. When the flared end 681 is fitted onto the nozzle of the atomizer 3, the outlet on the nozzle corresponds to the guide hole 683, allowing the flexible cleaning wire 663 to also be inserted into the atomizer 3 along the guide hole 683. A sealing plug 65 is installed at the end of the arc-shaped tube 64, and the arc-shaped rod 66 passes through the sealing plug 65. A ventilation groove 662 is opened on the outer wall of the piston 661. A negative pressure interface 641 is provided on the arc-shaped tube 64, and a negative pressure device is connected to the negative pressure interface 641. The negative pressure device generates negative pressure, which can suck up the debris generated during cleaning through the ventilation groove 662. When cleaning is not required, the end piston 661 can be brought into contact with the guide hole 683 of the rubber plug 68 to seal the arc-shaped tube 64, preventing aerosols in the atomization chamber 20 from entering the arc-shaped tube 64.

[0036] like Figure 9As shown, the rubber stopper 68 has a converging cavity 682 at the flared end 681. When the movable arc tube 64 places the rubber stopper 68 at the flared end 681 onto the outlet of the atomizer 3, the flared end 681 is more easily contracted under the action of the converging cavity 682, making it easier for the atomizer 3 port to be embedded in the rubber stopper 68, thereby maintaining good sealing and preventing the negative pressure device from more effectively sucking up debris that clogs the atomizer 3 when cleaning the atomizer 3.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, a lever 651 is installed on the sealing plug 65, and a lever ball 67 is installed on the arc-shaped rod 66. The lever 651 facilitates the pulling of the arc-shaped tube 64, and the lever ball 67 facilitates the pulling of the arc-shaped rod, making operation convenient.

[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, the mounting tube 26 is provided with a support component, which includes a fixedly connected arc-shaped support block 62 and a strap 61. The strap 61 is fixed to the mounting tube 26. The circle containing the curved surface of the arc-shaped support block 62 is concentric with the circle containing the arc-shaped tube 64. The sealing plug 65 is in contact with the arc-shaped support block 62. During the process of pulling the arc-shaped tube 64, the arc-shaped support block 62 can support and stabilize one end of the arc-shaped tube 64, which can prevent stress concentration from causing the arc-shaped tube 64 to break.

[0039] like Figures 3-5 As shown, a monitoring tube 201 is provided on the atomization chamber 20, and a humidity monitor is installed on the monitoring tube 201. The monitoring probe 27 of the humidity monitor is located inside the monitoring tube 201, which can monitor the humidity in the atomization chamber. Since the peristaltic pump feed is stable, the atomizer 3 can maintain a relatively stable atomization state without clogging. Therefore, the clogging of the atomizer 3 can be judged by the change of humidity in the atomization chamber, so as to clean it in time.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, a mixing component 5 is installed on the main body 1. The mixing component 5 includes a base 51 and a placement stage 52. The base 51 has a bayonet 511. The main body 1 has a locking block that matches the bayonet 511. The base 51 is mounted on the locking block. The placement stage 52 is located on the base 51 and has a universal ball bearing 521 installed at its bottom. A spiral spring 56 connects the base 51 and the placement stage 52. A motor 55 is installed on the base 51. An eccentric component 551 is installed on the output shaft of the motor 55. The eccentric component 551 is rotatably connected to the placement stage 52. The motor 55 drives the placement stage 52 to move through the eccentric component 551. Under the restriction of the spiral spring 56, the placement stage 52 cannot rotate but can only shake slightly with the eccentric component 551, so that the sample container 54 placed on the placement stage 52 can shake and mix the sample.

[0041] like Figure 12 , Figure 13As shown, a stabilizer 53 is installed on the placement platform 52. The stabilizer 53 includes a base 531 and two clamps 533. The base 531 is fixedly connected to the placement platform 52. A spring piece 532 is connected between the base 531 and the two clamps 533. Under the action of the spring piece 532, the clamps 533 can move closer to the center. Thus, the clamps 533 of the stabilizer 53 can stabilize the sample container 54 on the placement platform 52 and prevent the sample container 54 from tipping over when it shakes with the placement platform 52.

[0042] Specifically, a magnetic sheet is installed on the base 531, and the base 531 is fixed to the placement platform 52 by the magnetic sheet. The stabilizer 53 is easy to disassemble and install, and can be adjusted at any time according to the usage requirements.

[0043] like Figure 14 As shown, the inlet tube 23 is connected to an inlet ball, which includes a ball 231 and a sleeve 232. An inlet hole 233 is provided on the ball 231 near the sleeve 232. The inlet tube 23 passes through the sleeve 232. After the inlet tube 23 is inserted into the sleeve 232, the height of the inlet tube 23 is limited by the ball 231, preventing the inlet tube 23 from touching the bottom when placed into the sample container 54.

[0044] When cleaning the nebulizer 3, the inlet pipe 23 can be removed from the peristaltic pump 4, and the inlet port can be placed into a sample container containing pure water or dilute nitric acid solution. The negative pressure device can be turned on, and the arc-shaped tube 64 can be moved so that the rubber stopper 68 is fitted onto the nozzle at one end of the nebulizer 3. Then, the arc-shaped rod 66 can be moved so that any part of the flexible cleaning wire 663 at one end can smoothly pass through the guide hole 683 into the nozzle of the nebulizer 3 for unblocking. Simultaneously, under the action of negative pressure, the debris generated during cleaning can be sucked out, and the liquid in the sample container can be sucked up for cleaning. The unblocking effect is improved by the flexible cleaning wire 663. After unblocking, the flow rate of the nebulizer 3 increases. The rate at which the liquid in the sample container decreases can be used to determine if unblocking has been achieved. After cleaning, the arc-shaped tube 64 can be pulled away from the nebulizer 3, and simultaneously, the piston 661 at one end of the arc-shaped rod 66 can press against the rubber stopper 68 (e.g., ...). Figure 10 , Figure 11 shown).

[0045] The above provides a detailed description of an automated ICPMS sample introduction device provided by the present invention. The specific embodiments described are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ICPMS automatic sample introduction device, comprising an nebulization chamber (20), an nebulizer (3), and a peristaltic pump (4) disposed on a main body (1), wherein the nebulizer (3) is connected to an inlet pipe (23) and a working gas pipe (24), the nebulizer (3) is mounted on an installation pipe (26) on the nebulization chamber (20), a drain pipe (221) is installed on the drain port (22) of the nebulization chamber (20), an auxiliary gas pipe (25) is connected to the sample inlet pipe (21) of the nebulization chamber (20), and both the drain pipe (221) and the inlet pipe (23) are secured inside the peristaltic pump (4), characterized in that: The mounting tube (26) has a mounting hole, and a cleaner is installed in the mounting hole. The cleaner includes a concentric arc-shaped tube (64) and an arc-shaped rod (66). A piston (661) is installed at both the end and the middle of the arc-shaped rod (66). A flexible cleaning wire (663) is installed on the piston (661) at the end. The piston (661) is slidably installed in the arc-shaped tube (64). A rubber sealing ring (63) is installed in the mounting hole. The arc-shaped tube (64) is slidably inserted in the rubber sealing ring (63). A rubber plug (68) is installed at one end of the arc-shaped tube (64) inside the mounting tube (26). The rubber plug (68) has flared ends (681) at both ends. When the guide hole (683) and the flared opening (681) are fitted onto the nozzle of the atomizer (3), the outlet on the nozzle corresponds to the guide hole (683). A sealing plug (65) is installed at the end of the arc-shaped tube (64), and the arc-shaped rod (66) passes through the sealing plug (65). A ventilation groove (662) is opened on the outer wall of the piston (661). A negative pressure interface (641) is provided on the arc-shaped tube (64), and a negative pressure device is connected to the negative pressure interface (641). A gathering cavity (682) is opened at the flared opening (681) of the rubber plug (68). A lever (651) is installed on the sealing plug (65), and a lever ball (67) is installed on the arc-shaped rod (66).

2. The ICPMS automated sample introduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting tube (26) is provided with a support member, which includes a fixedly connected arc-shaped support block (62) and a strap (61). The strap (61) is fixed on the mounting tube (26). The circle of the curved surface of the arc-shaped support block (62) is concentric with the circle of the arc-shaped tube (64). The sealing plug (65) is in contact with the arc-shaped support block (62).

3. The ICPMS automated sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The atomization chamber (20) is equipped with a monitoring tube (201), and a humidity monitor is installed on the monitoring tube (201). The monitoring probe (27) of the humidity monitor is located inside the monitoring tube (201).

4. The ICPMS automated sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body (1) is equipped with a mixing component (5), which includes a base (51) and a placement platform (52). The base (51) has a slot (511), and the main body (1) has a locking block that matches the slot (511). The base (51) is mounted on the locking block. The placement platform (52) is located on the base (51) and has a universal ball bearing (521) mounted at its bottom. A spiral spring (56) connects the base (51) and the placement platform (52). A motor (55) is mounted on the base (51), and an eccentric component (551) is mounted on the output shaft of the motor (55). The eccentric component (551) is rotatably connected to the placement platform (52).

5. An ICPMS automated sampler according to claim 4, characterized in that: A stabilizer (53) is installed on the placement platform (52). The stabilizer (53) includes a base (531) and two clamps (533). The base (531) is fixedly connected to the placement platform (52). A spring piece (532) is connected between the base (531) and the two clamps (533).

6. An ICPMS automated sampler according to claim 5, characterized in that: A magnetic sheet is installed on the base (531), and the base (531) is fixed on the placement platform (52) by the magnetic sheet.

7. An automated ICPMS sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid inlet pipe (23) is connected to a water inlet ball, which includes a ball (231) and a sleeve (232). The ball (231) has a water inlet hole (233) near the sleeve (232), and the liquid inlet pipe (23) passes through the sleeve (232).

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