Portable spectrometer analyzer and water analysis methods

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising: a housing; a vial receptable provided in the housing and being configured to receive a vial containing a sample fluid; a light source mounted within the housing and positioned to emit light into the vial to contact the sample fluid and produce sample-affected light; a spectrometer sensor mounted within the housing and positioned to receive or capture the sample-affected light and generate sensor data; and a processor mounted within the housing and configured to: receive the sensor data from the spectrometer sensor; perform an evaluation of the sensor data with respect to a predetermined analysis model. Methods of calibrating a portable spectrometric analyzer, of obtaining spectrometric and colorimetric measurements and of manufacturing a portable spectrometer analyzer are also concerned.

Description

PORTABLE SPECTROMETER ANALYZER AND WATER ANALYSIS METHODSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technical field generally relates to spectrometer analyzers, and more particularly to portable spectrometer analyzers and related methods for analyzing liquid samples.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conducting water analysis often includes colorimetric and spectrometric analyses using detailed procedures and chemical reagents to determine the desired information. Most often these analyses are done in a laboratory setting for high accuracy and repeatability. Although it can be desirable to have water analyses done in the laboratory, it is often not convenient and can lead to significant delays between sample taking and obtaining the results. To manage this delay, a field test kit can be used from which the basic colorimetric and spectrometric analyses are performed. These field test kits inevitably need to be small, light and portable so that they can be brought to the sample location where the analysis is done.

[0003] Although convenient, these field test kits have notable weaknesses, such as being less precise, less accurate, and often performed by users with little or no laboratory training. The combination of these inconveniences results in greater variability and uncertainty of the results.

[0004] For a complete water analysis survey there are multiple parameters that are ideally evaluated. Many of these parameters are assessed using colorimetric or spectrometric analyses, such as using spectrometric technologies with industry recognized reagents on water samples. The nature of the spectrometric procedures being done by a user in a field setting can notably increase the variability and uncertainty of the results. The combination of the non-laboratory environment and the subjectivity of the user are notable causes of increased variability in the results.

[0005] There is indeed a need for a technology that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks for field testing of liquid samples, such as water samples.SUMMARY

[0006] Various aspects and example implementations of a portable spectrometer analyzer (PSA) and associated methods are described herein.

[0007] In some implementations, there is provided a portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising: a housing; a vial receptable provided in the housing and being configured to receive a vial containing a sample fluid; a light source mounted within the housing and positioned to emit light into the vial to contact the sample fluid and produce sample- affected light; a spectrometer sensor mounted within the housing and positioned to receive or capture the sample-affected light and generate sensor data; and a processor mounted within the housing and configured to: receive the sensor data from the spectrometer sensor; and perform an evaluation of the sensor data with respect to a predetermined analysis model.

[0008] In some implementations, the light source includes one or more light emitting devices. In some implementations, the one or more light emitting devices are light emitting diodes (LED). In some implementations, the PSA includes a central block receiving the vial receptacle. In some implementations, the central block includes a light source compartment housing the light source, and a hole positioned between the light source compartment and the vial. In some implementations, the light source compartment houses between two to nine light emitting devices. In some implementations, the PSA includes a diffusion glass between the light source and the hole that is configured to focus the light emitted by the light source in the hole. In some implementations, the light source emits light directly towards the spectrometer sensor. In some implementations, the light source emits light at an angle from the spectrometer sensor. In some implementations, the PSA includes an angled light source, wherein the light source emits light directly towards the spectrometer sensor and the angled light source emits light at an angle from the spectrometer sensor. In some implementations, the angle of the light emitted by the angled light source is 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angled light source includes between two to three of the light emitting devices, and the light source includes between eight to nine of the light emitting devices. In some implementations, the light emitted directly towards the spectrometer sensor is used to perform colorimetric analyses and the light emitted at an angle from the spectrometer sensor is used to perform spectrometric analyses. In some implementations, the colorimetric analyses include one or more of: iron,copper, deha, molybdenehr, phosphorushr, silicahr, phosphonate, cl2free, cl2total, bromine, aqvmono, aqvdi, tolyltriazole, and taggedpolymer. Various others are also possible. In some implementations, the spectrometric analyses include one or more of: pyrene-tetra sulfonic acid (PTSA), fluorescein and turbidity. In some implementations, the PSA includes a battery connected to a wireless charger configured to wirelessly charge the portable spectrometer analyzer. In some implementations, the PSA includes a button on the housing configured to activate and deactivate the portable spectrometer analyzer. In some implementations, the PSA includes visual markers for indicating an operational status of the portable spectrometer analyzer. In some implementations, the PSA includes an opening mechanism alternating between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein access to the vial receptacle is prevented in the closed configuration. In some implementations, the vial is made of a material that lets ultraviolet radiation pass through. In some implementations, the vial has a volume of about 10 mL, 20 mL, 30 mL, 40 mL, 50 mL, 60 mL, 70 mL, 80 mL, 90 mL, or 100mL. In some implementations, the processor is in wireless communication with a computerized device having a software application configured to control the portable spectrometer analyzer. In some implementations, the computerized device is a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop or a cellphone.

[0009] In some implementations, there is provided a method for calibrating a portable spectrometer analyzer as defined in any one of the previous claims, comprising: filling a vial with a water sample having a known ppb value, loading the vial onto the portable spectrometer analyzer; and activating a calibration setting with a software application installed on a computerized device.

[0010] In some implementations, the method includes filling the vial with a blank water sample; loading the vial with the blank water sample onto the portable spectrometer analyzer; and activating the calibration setting with the software application installed on the computerized device for the vial comprising the blank water sample.

[0011] In some implementations, there is a method for obtaining portable spectrometric measurements, comprising: collecting a water sample in a vial; loading the vial onto the portable spectrometer analyzer as defined in any one of the previous claims, activating the spectrometric analysis for the desired measurements with an applicationinstalled on a computerized device; obtaining the spectrometric measurements on the application.

[0012] In some implementations, there is provided a method for obtaining portable colorimetric measurements, comprising: collecting a water sample in a vial; loading the vial onto the portable spectrometer analyzer as defined in any one of the previous claims, activating the colorimetric analysis for the desired measurements with an application installed on a computerized device; obtaining the colorimetric measurements on the application.

[0013] In some implementations, there is provided a method of manufacturing a portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising assembling the components as recited in any one of the previous paragraphs and / or herein.

[0014] In some implementations, there is provided a portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising: a housing; a vial receptable provided in the housing and being configured to receive a vial containing a sample fluid; first and second light sources mounted within the housing and positioned to emit light into the vial to contact the sample fluid and produce first and second sample-affected light respectively; a spectrometer sensor mounted within the housing and configured to capture the first and second sample-affected light for use to perform colorimetric analyses and spectrometric analyses respectively; and a processor mounted within the housing and configured to receive the sensor data from the spectrometer sensor and analyze the same.

[0015] In some implementations, the first light source is configured to emit light directly towards the spectrometer sensor to produce the first sample-affected light for use to perform colorimetric analyses. In some implementations, the second light source is configured to emit light at an angle towards the spectrometer sensor to produce the second sample-affected light for use to perform spectrometric analyses.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an example PSA in the opened configuration.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of an example PSA in the closed configuration.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the example PSA of Fig. 1.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the example PSA of Fig. 1 , with the sample vial out of the PSA.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a detailed view of the vial receptacle of the example PSA of Fig. 4.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a front perspective view of internal components of an example PSA.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of internal components of an example PSA.

[0023] Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of internal components of an example PSA.

[0024] Fig. 9 is a rear elevation view of internal components of an example PSA.

[0025] Fig. 10 is a rear perspective view of the internal components of the example PSA of Fig. 6.

[0026] Fig. 11 is a series of views illustrating method steps for calibrating an example PSA.

[0027] Fig. 12 is another series of views illustrating method steps for calibrating an example PSA.

[0028] Fig. 13 is an example block diagram of method steps for calibrating an example PSA using a computerized device.

[0029] Fig. 14 is an example block diagram of method steps for performing a spectrometric analysis with an example PSA using a computerized device.

[0030] Fig. 15 is an example block diagram of method steps for performing a colorimetric analysis with an example PSA using a computerized device.

[0031] Fig. 16 is showing a chart representing lights emitted by an example PSA and possible example functions.

[0032] Fig. 17 is an example flexible PCB configuration in an example PSA.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The present description relates to portable spectrometer analyzers (PSAs) and methods for analyzing samples, such as water samples, containing analytes. In some implementations, the PSA is a portable, optical and light emitting diodes (LED) sourced device that can provide reliable and accurate colorimetric, turbidimetric, and fluorometric measurements. The portable spectrometer analyzer can provide the ability of performing optical and LED based water analysis in a simplified manner and requiring little training or experience. The PSA is designed for fast, high precision and reliable measurements, and can be configured to be resistant to water and reagents used in the test procedures. The PSA can include various features and structural elements that enhance portable spectrometer analyses for samples, as will be described in further detail below.

[0034] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, an example of the portable spectrometer analyzer 10 is shown. The PSA 10 includes a housing 12 configured to hold a sample vial 14. The housing 12 can be generally box-shaped with four side walls 16, a top wall 18, and a bottom wall 20. The housing 12 can include a vial receptacle 22 in its top wall 18 that receives the sample vial 14. The housing 12 can also include an opening mechanism 24 allowing the PSA 10 to alternate between an opened configuration and a closed configuration. In the examples shown, the opening mechanism 24 comprises a panel 24 pivotable at the top wall 18 of the housing 12. The PSA 10 is shown in the opened configuration in Fig. 1 , where the panel 24 is pivoted upwardly, and is shown in the closed configuration in Fig. 2, wherein the panel 24 is pivoted downwardly. When the PSA 10 is in the closed configuration, the opening mechanism 24 can hermetically seal access to the vial receptacle 22 and / or completely enclose the vial mounted within the receptacle.

[0035] The top wall 18 can include sections of its surface area that are lower in height than other sections of the same. In the example shown, a section 26 of the top wall 18 that includes the vial receptacle 22 has a height that is lower than a height of the rest of the sections 28 of the top wall 18. This characteristic can be desired to facilitate the pivotable panel 24 to cover the sample vial 14 when the PSA 10 is in the closed configuration even if a portion of the sample vial 14 extends over the vial receptacle 22. Understandably, the sample vial 14 can extend over the vial receptacle 22 to allow access or visibility of the same by a user when installed in the vial receptacle 22. It is also noted that the housing can have a generally cubic shape with curved corners, which can have an aesthetic appearance and can also aid with storage and transport of PSAs and other devices to and from remote analysis sites.

[0036] Referring specifically to Figs. 2 and 3, the PSA 10 can include a button 30 provided on the top wall 18 of the housing 12. The button 30 can be configured to activate and / or deactivate the PSA 10. In other implementations, the button 30 can be provided on other exterior surfaces of the housing 12. The button 30 can be analog or it can be digital, e.g., it can be a touch screen with a pressure sensor or a pressure sensor located underneath the screen. In other implementations, there can be more than one button 30 and the shape and size of the one or more buttons 30 can vary from the shown example. It is also noted that activators other than a button could be used to turn the PSA on and off.

[0037] Referring now to Fig. 4, the sample vial 14 is configured to house sample fluid, such as sample water, to be analyzed with the PSA 10. The sample vial 14 can have an exterior shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the vial receptacle 22. In the example shown, the sample vial 14 is a substantially tubular container 32 having a tubular cap 34. In some implementations, the sample vial 14 can be a 10 mL, 20 mL, 30 mL, 40 mL, 50 mL, 60 mL, 70 mL, 80 mL, 90 mL, or 100mL vial. In other implementations, the sample vial 14 can be configured to house between 1 mL and 200 mL of sample liquid. The sample vial 14 can be made of a material that does not absorb ultraviolet radiation. The sample vial 14 can be made of glassware or plasticware, for example.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 5, the vial receptacle 22 can include an opening in the top wall 18 of the housing 12 with an inner cavity 36 configured to receive the sample vial 14. The inner cavity 36 can be defined by one or more inner walls 38 and a bottom inner wall 40. To stabilize the sample vial 14 when inserted in the inner cavity 36 and to help facilitate the insertion of different possible dimensions of vials, due for example to tolerancing, the vial receptacle can include tabs 42 protruding from the inner walls 38 towards the inside of the inner cavity 36. The vial receptacle 22 can also include height differences in the surface area of the bottom inner wall 40. It will be appreciated that the tabs 42, the height differences in the bottom inner wall 40, or a combination thereof, can be provide to allow leaks or unwanted particles to flow or fall in-between the sample vial 14 and the inner walls 38 and / or the bottom inner wall 40 without preventing proper reception of the sample vial 14 in the vial receptacle 22. The tabs 42, the height differences in the bottom inner wall 40, or a combination thereof, can further be configured to prevent air from being trapped in-between the sample vial 14 and the inner walls 38 and / or the bottom inner wall 40 that could also reduce proper reception of the sample vial 14 in the vial receptacle 22. Thetabs 42, the height differences in the bottom inner wall 40, or a combination thereof, can therefore prevent or alleviate liquids and unwanted particles entering the vial receptacle 22 and the trapping of air from affecting the analysis to be performed. The housing 12 can also include tabs 44 descending from the top wall 18 next to the inner walls 38 of the inner cavity 36. The tabs 44 can help align the vial receptacle 22 with the housing 12, can help align the sample vial 14 during insertion in the vial receptacle 22, and can secure the positioning of the vial receptacle 22 with regard to the housing 12.

[0039] Referring now to Fig. 6, an internal view of part of the PSA 10, in which some of the internal components are visible, is shown. The PSA 10 can include a central block 46 to which a plurality of other internal components of the PSA 10 are secured. The central block 46 can include a receptacle cavity 48 configured to receive the vial receptacle 22. For this reason, the receptacle cavity 48 can have interior surfaces that are shaped and dimensioned substantially similarly to the exterior of the vial receptacle 22. The vial receptacle 22 can have a cup shape with an upper lip 50 which can sit about the upper perimeter of the receptacle cavity 48. The vial receptacle 22 can be secured to the central block 46 via threads on the exterior surfaces of the vial receptacle 22 that lock with threads on the interior surfaces of the receptacle cavity 48. In another implementation, the vial receptacle 22 can include a locking mechanism 52 on the upper lip 50 that can interact with a corresponding locking mechanism on the central block 46 or on the housing 12 of the PSA 10.

[0040] In order to perform colorimetric and spectrometric analyses, the PSA 10 includes one or more sources of light that emits light through the sample vial 14 present in the vial receptacle 22, and that is subsequently captured by one or more light sensors located outside of the sample vial 14. As such, the PSA 10 can include one or more light sources and one or more light sensors.

[0041] Referring now to Figs. 6 to 8, the central block 46 can include one or more light sources compartments disposed on one or more sides of the central block 46. In the example shown in Fig. 7, a compartment 54 is provided on one side of the central block 46, for example on the front side. Another compartment 56 is also provided on each lateral side of the central block 46, as shown in Fig. 8. Referring to Fig. 9, the central block 46 can include one or more sensor compartments disposed on one or more sides of the central block 46. In the example shown, a compartment 60 is provided on one side of thecentral block 46, such as the rear side for example. Referring now to Figs. 6 to 9, the compartments 54, 56, 60 can define substantially rectangular cavities in the central block 46. Understandably, the compartments 54, 56, 60 can have any other shapes known in the art. A hole 58 is included in the central block 46, between each of the compartments 54, 56, 60 and the vial receptacle 22. The vial receptacle 22 can also include holes aligned with the holes 58 of the central block 46 to allow the travel of light to or from the sample vial 14. In other implementations, the vial receptacle 22 can be made of a material allowing the passage of ultraviolet wavelengths.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 6 to 8, the light sources compartments 54, 56 are configured to house light emitting devices 62, or light sources. The light emitting devices 62 can be light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Within the light sources compartments 54, 56, the LEDs 62 can be positioned such that the light they emit is substantially directed toward the hole 58 adjacent the corresponding light source compartment 54, 56. In some implementations, there can be from two to three LEDs 62 within a compartment 54, 56. In other implementations, there can be from eight to nine LEDs 62 within a compartment 54, 56. Within the light source compartments 54, 56, between the LEDs 62 and the hole 58, diffusion glass 64 can be provided. The diffusion glass 64 can be configured to focus substantially all of the light emitted from the LEDs 62 towards the hole 58. It can be appreciated that by condensing each of the wavelengths emitted by the different LEDs 62 towards a single light beam that passes through the hole 58, a single sensor can be positioned on the opposite end of the light beam, on the other side of the sample vial 14, to measure the properties of the different wavelengths emitted by the different LEDs 62.

[0043] Referring to Fig. 9, the sensor compartment 60 can be configured to house a sensing device 66, which can be a spectrometer sensor that is part of a spectrometer 68. The spectrometer sensor 66 is configured to measure the light that passes through the sample vial 14, and more specifically the different wavelengths emitted by the light sources 62. In an implementation, the spectrometer 68 can measure wavelengths that range from about 300 nm to about 890 nm.

[0044] An advantage of having light emitting compartments 54, 56 positioned at different angles with regard to the sensor compartment 60 is that different types of measurements, usable in different types of analyses, can be performed by the spectrometer 68. For example, the wavelengths that are emitted from the light emittingcompartment 54 facing the spectrometer sensor 66 can be used to perform intensity analyses requiring light absorption characteristics, such as colorimetry tests. In some implementations, the light emitting compartment 54 facing the spectrometer sensor 66 can emit light at about 180 degrees from the spectrometer sensor 66. In another example, the wavelengths that are emitted from the light emitting compartments 56 on the sides of the central block 46 can be used to perform spectrometric analyses. In some implementations, the light emitting compartments 56 on the sides of the central block 46 can emit light at about 90 degrees from the spectrometer sensor 66.

[0045] Below is a list of example LEDs 62 that can be included in the PSA 10.• LED 1 : UV (365NM) @90° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 50mA• LED 2: BLUE (470NM) @90° from spectrometer, intensity range : 0mA to 50mA• LED 3: UV (410NM) @90° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 4: IR (860NM) @90° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 5: WHITE (4000k) @90° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 6: WHITE (4000k) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 7: UV (400NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 8: BLUE (430NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 9: GREEN (525NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 10: GREEN (570NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 11 : ORANGE (605NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 12: RED (640NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA• LED 13: IR (860NM) @180° from spectrometer, intensity range: 0mA to 20mA

[0046] Referring now to Fig. 10, the spectrometer 68 can include a printed circuit board (PCB) 70. The spectrometer PCB 70 can be configured to receive power and provide it to the spectrometer sensor 66 as well as control the functioning of the same. The spectrometer PCB 70 can also be configured to receive the data collected by the spectrometer sensor 66 and perform spectrometric analyses. The spectrometer 68 can be in wired or wireless communication with a PSA’s PCB 72. The spectrometer PCB 70 can communicate with the PSA’s PCB 72 through a universal asynchronous receive / transmitter (UART) protocol. The spectrometer 68 can also be powered by the PSA’s PCB 72. The PSA’s PCB 72 includes a processor that can be configured to provide power, control and / or communicate with each of the electrical components of the PSA 10.The PSA’s PCB 72 can also include wireless communication capabilities to communicate with devices external to the PSA 10. For example, the PSA’s PCB 72 can include Bluetooth®, WiFi®, NFC®, and other wireless communication protocols. The PSA 10 can be in communication with a computerized device, such as a cellphone, a tablet, a server, a desktop computer or a laptop. The computerized device can have an application installed therein which can receive and send information to the PSA 10. For example, the application can be used to control the PSA 10, to receive data collected by the PSA 10 and to receive analyses performed by the PSA 10.

[0047] The PSA 10 can further include a battery 74 that is configured to be charged wirelessly through electromagnetic induction. The battery 74 can therefore be connected to a wireless charger, such as a Qi® charger, that is positioned next to one of the four side walls 16, the top wall 18, or the bottom wall 20 of the housing 12 to be close enough to the exterior of the PSA 10 for charging to be performed. As an example, the battery 74 can be charged by positioning the PSA 10 over an inductance coil. It can be appreciated that the PSA 10 can therefore be connectorless, i.e., no connectors or plugs extend from the PSA 10.

[0048] Referring now to Figs. 6 and 10, the button 30 is connected to a button PCB 76 which is in turn connected to the PSA’s PCB 72. Adjacent to the button 30, and connected to the button PCB 76, can be visual markers 78. The visual markers 78 are configured to visually present information with regard to the status of operation of the PSA 10. For example, the visual markers 78 can be LEDs emitting predetermined colours that each indicates a status of operation of the PSA 10. More precisely, the LEDs 78 could emit red light when an analysis is performed with a vial sample 14 inserted in the PSA 10 and could emit green light when no analysis is performed and the opening mechanism 24 can safely be opened. In other implementations, the visual markers 78 can be digital screen showing text or images thereof. The PSA 10 can also include noise emitting devices, such as electroacoustic transducers, or speakers, to emit an audio signal when a given status of the operation of the PSA 10 is achieved.

[0049] Referring now to Figs. 11 to 13, an example method of calibrating the PSA 10 is provided. As described above, the PSA 10 can perform spectrometric analyses and colorimetric analyses. Generally, the colorimetric analyses are performed by capturing the wavelengths emitted by the light emitting devices 62 facing the spectrometer sensor 66. Generally, the spectrometric analyses are performed by capturing the wavelengthsemitted by the light emitting devices 62 at an angle from the spectrometer sensor 66, for example at 90 degrees. Because the angle at which the light emitting devices 62 emit the wavelengths with regard to the spectrometer sensor 66 may vary in time, due to various reasons such as impacts on the PSA 10 or loosening of the installation of the internal components of the PSA 10, periodic calibrations of the PSA 10 can be desired. The PSA 10 can be calibrated for the spectrometric analyses. The example method of calibrating the PSA 10 can include the following steps:• Power up the PSA 10, a blue light will appear on the visual marker 78. Open an application on a computerized device, such as a cellphone.• In the application, go to a « settings » page, then a « Devices » and if the PSA 10 is powered on, it can be found in « Available devices » based on its serial number. Select « connect » and the device will appear in «Connected devices » with the icon showing which equipment is connected and its corresponding serial number. The visual marker 78 will be green indicating it has been properly connected with the computerized device.• In the application, press on « PSA », then « Calibrate device » and choose « PTSA » then press « Done ». A message « Insert the 100 ppb PTSA vial » will appear in the application.• Prepare two sample vials 14 of 20 ml: 100 ppb PTSA and DI- 0 ppb of PTSA, then wipe the exterior of the sample vials 14.• Open the lid of the PSA 10, then place the 100 ppb PTSA sample vial 14 of 20 ml in the vial receptacle 22, close the lid 24 of the PSA 10, then press « Next » in the application, the indicator light 78 will change to ring green. A message « Insert the 0 ppb PTSA vial » will appear in the application.• Place the DI- 0 ppb of PTSA sample vial 14 of 20 ml in the vial receptacle 22, close the device lid 24 of the PSA 10, then press « Next » in the application. The indicator light 78 will continue in-ring green, press « Done » in the application. Calibration is finished.

[0050] It is also noted that multiple point calibrations can be performed and based on tests have shown to offer greater accuracy and span of operation. The multiple point calibration can be based on the above calibration process generally.

[0051] Understandably, parameters such as the sample vial 14 sizes, names of options in the application, and colours emitted by the visual markers 78 can be modified in methods of other implementations. The process can be repeated for « Fluorescein » and « Turbidity », the same manner as above described, after selecting option in « Calibration device ». In some implementations, the frequency of calibration can be performed each week, each month, or as required.

[0052] Referring now to Fig. 14, an example method of performing a spectrometric test is also provided. The example method of performing the spectrometric test can include the following steps:• Power up the PSA 10, a blue light will appear on the visual marker 78. Open an application on a computerized device, such as a cellphone.• In the application, go to a « settings » page, then a « Devices » and if the PSA 10 is powered on, it can be found in « Available devices » based on its serial number. Select « connect » and the device will appear in «Connected devices » with the icon showing which equipment is connected and its corresponding serial number. The visual marker 78 will be green indicating it has been properly connected with the computerized device.• In the application, select the desired connected device and press «Default analysis® to select the procedure to be used as default in « Measures » of work orders. o Or, in the top right corner of the application, click on three lines and choose « Analysis ». o Or go back to the first page of the application and choose « Analysis », then in this page could choose which test to run (classified as device analyses “key-value pairs”; Analysis# in production “Analysis types”; Device; MXC Key):PTSA (pyrene-tetra sulfonic acid): 'ptsa'; 21 ; PSA; ptsa FLUORESCEIN: 'fluorescein'; 22; PSA; fluorescein TURBIDITY: 'turbidity'; 322; PSA; turbidity• Pour 20 ml of solution into the sample vial 14, then wipe the exterior of the sample vial 14.• Open the lid 24 of the PSA 10, then place the sample vial 14 of 20 ml in the vial receptacle 22. Close the lid 24 of the PSA 10, then press on « PTSA » in the application, the indicator light 78 will change to ring green then after some second fix green.• The tested value will appear in windows of the application; the unit is in « ppb ».• When closing the application, the indicator light 78 will change to blue indicating the communication with the PSA 10 is severed.

[0053] The same method can be followed for « Fluorescein » and « Turbidity » tests. The units for Fluorescein can be in « ppb », and for Turbidity can be in « NTU ».

[0054] Referring now to Fig. 15, a method of performing a colorimetric test is also provided. The method of performing the colorimetric test can include the following steps:• Power up the PSA 10, a blue light will appear on the visual marker 78. Open an application on a computerized device, such as a cellphone.• In the application, go to a « settings » page, then a « Devices » and if the PSA 10 is powered on, it can be found in « Available devices » based on its serial number. Select « connect » and the device will appear in «Connected devices » with the icon showing which equipment is connected and its corresponding serial number. The visual marker 78 will be green indicating it has been properly connected with the computerized device.• In the application, click on the device that is connected and choose « Default analysis » to select the desired analysis to perform. To change the analysis type, at the top right corner of the application, click the icon (3-lines) and select « Analysis » or go back to first page of the application and choose « Analysis ».From this page, the available analysis types can be selected (classified as device analyses “key-value pairs”; Analysis# in production “Analysis types”; Device; MXC Key): o IRON: 'iron', 51 PSA iron o COPPER: 'copper', 55 PSA copper o DEHA: 'deha', 127 PSA deha o MOLYBDENEHR: 'molybdenehr', 25 PSA molybdenehr o PHOSPHORUSHR: 'phosphorushr',43 PSA phosphorushr o SILICAHR: 'silicahr', 27 PSA silicahr o PHOSPHONATE: 'phosphonate', 42 PSA phosphonate o CL2FREE: 'cl2free', 15 PSA cl2free o CL2TOTAL: 'cl2total', 17 PSA cl2total o BROMINE: 'bromine' 18 PSA bromine o AQVMONO: 'aqvmono', 419 PSA aqvmono o AQVDI: 'aqvdi', 420 PSA aqvdi o TOLYLTRIAZOLE: 'tolyltriazole', 73 PSA tolyltriazole o TAGGEDPOLYMER: 'taggedpolymer' 417 PSA taggedpolymer• It is noted that additional analyses can be performed as well. A non-exhaustive list is provided below: o Azole o Chlorine, Free o Chlorine, Total o Copper o DEHA o Fluorescein o Polymere Fluorescent o Iron o Nitrite o PTSA o Silica o Aluminum o Ammonia o Ammonia, Free o Molybdenum o Molybdate o Nitrateo Orthophosphate o Phosphonate o Sulfate o Total Suspended Solids o Tannin Lignin o Turbidity o Zinc, Filtered o Zinc, Total o Bromine, Free o Bromine, Total o Color, Apparent o Color, True o Monochloramine o Chlorine Dioxide• Based on the selected procedure pour 20 ml of solution in the sample vial 14, then wipe the exterior of the sample vial 14. If needed, prepare 20 ml of blank and add proper regents.• Open the lid 30 of the PSA 10, then place the sample vial 14 of 20 ml of blank in the vial receptacle 22. Close the lid 30 of the PSA 10, then press on « Chlorine Free », for example, in the application. The first step is blank reading and the message is « Put the blank solution inside the PSA then press the read button ». Press on « Read Blank », the indicator light 78 will change to ring green then after some second to fix green.• The next step is the sample reading and the message is « Replace the blank solution with the sample solution», then press the « read button ». Add the reagent to the sample vial 14 of 20 ml of sample and mix, then wipe the exterior of the sample vial 14.• Open the lid 30 of the PSA 10, then place the sample vial 14 of 20 ml of sample in the vial receptacle 22. Close the lid 30 of the PSA 10, then press on « Read », if procedure needed the reaction time the red bar will appear to count the time, if not the indicator light 78 will change to ring green then after some second to fix green.If using another clock or timer or performing several samples in parallel, press on « Skip timer », the indicator light 78 will change to ring green then after some second to fix green.The tested value will appear; the unit is in « ppm ».• Using the « Read again » option for repeating the reading, or change the next sample to read.• Press « Done » in the application; the value will appear in windows of the application.

[0055] The method can be repeated for each of desired procedures for the desired analysis types.

[0056] Methods for preparing sample vials 14 and testing the samples with the PSA 10 with a plurality of reagents are also provided.

[0057] Iron (Iron, Total) (0.02 - 3.0 ppm):List of reagents:• Reagent: Iron Reagent Powder Pillow for FerroVer(R1057)Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of Iron Reagent Powder Pillow for FerroVer to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 3 min• Colour is changed to Orange

[0058] Phosphorus low range (Phosphate-LR) 0.02 - 2.50 mg / l (ppm) PO43-:List of reagents:• Reagent: PhosVer3 phosphate reagent(R 1060)Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of PhosVer3 phosphate reagent to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 2 min• Colour is changed to Blue

[0059] Phosphorus high range (Phosphate) 0.3 - 45 mg / l (ppm) PO43-:List of reagents:• Reagent: Molybdovanadate reagent solution-100 ml(LAB099) Procedure:• Fill one Vial with 20 ml of sample and the other with 20 ml of Demineralized Water as Blank.• Add 0.5 ml of Molybdovanadate reagent solution to each Vial, and swirl it to mix.• Start timer for 7 min, when the timer expires,• Put the vial of Blank in PSA and read then put the vial of Sample and read• Delay time: 0 min• Colour is changed to Yellow

[0060] Molybdenum low range (Molybdate -LR) (0.02 - 3.00 mg / l (ppm) Mo:List of reagents:• Reagent: Molybdenum 1 reagent(R524)• Reagent: Molybdenum 2 reagent(R526)Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial, then add content of Molybdenum 1 reagent to the vial, and swirl it to mix, use it as Blank.• Add 0.5 ml of Molybdenum 2 reagent to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 2 min• Colour is changed from Orange to Olive-Green

[0061] Molybdenum high range (Molybdate) (0.20 - 40.0 mg / l (ppm)Mo:List of reagents:• Reagent: MolyVerl Reagent Powder Pillow(R6041)• Reagent: MolyVer2 Reagent Powder Pillow(R6041)• Reagent: MolyVer3 Reagent Powder Pillow(R6041)Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank• Safety caution is required for using carcinogenic reagents• Add one content of MolyVerl Reagent Powder Pillow to the vial, and swirl it to mix.Add one content of MolyVer2 Reagent Powder Pillow to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Add one content of MolyVer3 Reagent Powder Pillow to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 5 min• Colour is changed to Yellow

[0062] Chlorine, Free (Chlorine Free) 0.02 - 2.00 mg / l (ppm) CI2:List of reagents:• Reagent: DPD Free Halogen free chlorine powder pillow(R1055) Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of reagent: DPD free chlorine powder pillow to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Reaction time: Immediately with in 60 sec• Colour is changed to Pink

[0063] Chlorine, Total (Chlorine Total) 0.02 - 2.00 mg / l (ppm) CI2:List of reagents:• Reagent: DPD Total Halogen, DPD Total Chlorine Reagent Powder Pillows(R1056)Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of DPD Total Chlorine Reagent Powder Pillows to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 3 min• Colour is changed to Pink

[0064] Bromine (Bromine) 0.05 - 4.50 mg / l (ppm) Br2:List of reagents:• Reagent: DPD Total Halogen, Total Chlorine Reagent Powder Pillows(R1056) Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of DPD Total Chlorine Reagent Powder Pillows to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 3 min• Colour is changed to Pink

[0065] Copper (Copper, Soluble) 0.04 - 5.00 mg / l (ppm):List of reagents:• Reagent: CuVer® 1 Copper Reagent powder pillow(R1882) Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of CuVer® 1 Copper Reagent powder pillow to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Delay time: 2 min• Colour is changed to Purple

[0066] Silica low range (Silica-LR) 0.01 - 1.6 mg / l (ppm) SiO2:List of reagents: Pack of three(R4593)• Reagent: Molybdate 3 Reagent solution for 10 ml(R1995)• Reagent: Citric acid powder pillow for 10 ml(R1062)• Reagent: Amino Acid F Reagent powder pillow for 10 ml(R2540) Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial.• Add 14 drops of Molybdate 3 Reagent solution to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Start timer for 4 min when finished• Next, add one content of Citric acid powder pillows to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Start timer for 1 min, when finished• Put vial in PSA as Blank.• Add one content of Amino Acid F Reagent powder pillows to the vial, and swirl it to mix.Delay time: 2 minColour is changed to Blue

[0067] Silica high range (Silica) 1 - 75 mg / l (ppm) SiO2:List of reagents:• Reagent: Molybdate Reagent powder pillow for High Range Silica-for 10 ml(R1041)• Reagent: Citric acid powder pillow-for 10 ml(R1062)• Reagent: Acid Reagent powder pillow for High Range Silica-for 10 ml(R1042) Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add one content of Molybdate Reagent Powder Pillow for High Range Silica to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Add one content of Acid Reagent Powder Pillow for High Range Silica to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Start timer for 10 min, when the timer expires.• Add one content of Citric acid powder pillow to the vial, and swirl it to mix.• Start timer for 2 min, when the timer expires, put the vial in PSA and when reaction time is finished it will read the sample.• Delay time: 13 min.• Colour is changed to Yellow.

[0068] Aquafilm Diamine (diam-af) 0.4 - 5.00 mg / l (ppm)Diamine:List of reagents: same as MonoamineProcedure: same as Monoamine

[0069] Aquafilm Diamine low range (AquafilmV 672X) 0.08 - 0.42 mg / l (ppm)Diamine:List of reagents: same as MonoamineProcedure: same as Monoamine

[0070] Aquafilm Monoamine (AquafilmV 670X) 0.08 - 5.00 mg / l (ppm)Monoamine:List of reagents:Reagent: Reagent 1 (coloured solution- 60ml(R9001)Reagent: Reagent 2(pH regulator)- 60ml(R9002)Reagent: FA cleaning solution 60 ml(R1900)Procedure:• Add 20 ml of sample to the vial and test it as Blank.• Add 0.8 ml of R9001-Reagent 1 (coloured solution to the vial, and then add 0.8 ml of R9002-Reagent 2(pH regulator) to the vial close the cap and mix its content by inverting it 4 times. Do not shake.• Start timer for 10 min, when the timer expires, put the vial in PSA to read• Delay time: 10 min• Colour is changed to Pink• Note:• To minimize surface absorption, do not use additional equipment (glassware, pipettes, pipette tips, etc.) to transfer the sample from the container to the vial. If additional equipment is used, it must be rinsed at least 3 times with the water sample before transferring to the vial.• Rinse the vial 3 times with 20 ml of the water sample to be analyzed, then fill it with 20 ml of water (sample cuvette).• Vial Cleaning Procedure:• • Rinse the vial once with demineralized or deionized water DI.• • Fill ! of the vial with the cleaning solution (R1900), close the cap and shake.• • Keeping the cleaning solution in the vial, add DI to 3 / 4 of the vial, close and shake.• • Empty the vial and rinse 3 times with DI water.• • Rinse the vial cap with DI water.• • The vial can be stored with DI water residue inside.

[0071] Oxygen Scavengers DEHA (DEHA) 0.003 - 0.45 mg / l (ppm) DEHA:List of reagents:• Reagent: DEHA Reagent 1 Powder Pillows(R679)• Reagent: DEHA Reagent 2 Solution(R680)Procedure:• Fill one vial with 25 ml of sample and other with 25 ml of Demineralized Water as Blank.• Add one content of Reactive: DEHA reagent powder 1 to each vial, and swirl them to mix.• Add 0.5 ml of DEHA reagent solution 2 to each vial, and swirl them to mix.• Start timer for 10 min Keep the mixing bottles in the dark during the reaction period.• Immediately transfer the blank and prepared samples to the sample cells and read• Delay time: 0 min• Colour is changed to Purple

[0072] Phosphonate low range (Phosphonate) 0.02 - 2.5 mg / l (ppm) PO43-:List of reagents:• Reagent: PhosVer® 3 Phosphate Reagent Powder Pillow, 10-mL(R1060)• Reagent: Potassium Persulfate Powder Pillow for Phosphonate(R4769) Procedure:• Safety caution required for using ultraviolet lamp• Prepare the digested sample: add content of Potassium Persulfate Powder Pillow to the 25ml sample vial, and swirl it to mix. then put ultraviolet lamp on it for 10 min then let it to cold for 20 min, then transfer 20 ml of sample to a vial.• Fill 20 ml of sample (before digestion) to another vial as Blank.• Add one content of Reactive: PhosVer® 3 Phosphate Reagent Powder Pillow to each vial, and swirl them to mix.• Start timer for 2 min when the timer expires., complete the rest of the steps in this procedure within 3 minutes.• Delay time: 0 min• Colour is changed to Blue

[0073] Tolyltriazole (Azole) 1 - 20 mg / l (ppm) Tolyltriazole:List of reagents:• Reagent: Triazole Reagent Powder Pillow(R1412) Procedure:• Safety caution required for using ultraviolet lamp• Prepare the digested sample: add content of one Triazole Reagent Powder Pillow to the 25ml sample vial, and swirl it to mix. then put ultraviolet lamp on it for 5 min then let it to cold for 10 min, then transfer 20 ml of sample to a vial.Fill 20 ml of sample (before digestion) to another vial as Blank.Delay time: 0 minColour is changed to Yellow

[0074] Referring now to Fig. 16, a chart which represent colours that can be emitted by the LEDs 78 on the housing 12 of the PSA 12 and the meaning that the colours can have is provided. It can be appreciated that in some examples, although a single colour is displayed by a plurality of the LEDs 78, the number of LEDs 78 displaying the said colour can signify different functions of the PSA 10. For example, out of three LEDs in total, three LEDs 78 emitting the colour green can signify that the PSA 10 is activated, whereas only two of the LEDs 78 emitting the colour green can signify another function, such as an analysis being performed by the PSA 10. Furthermore, the LEDs 78 can emit colours at predetermined intervals or with different intensities depending on different functions.

[0075] Referring now to Fig. 17, an illustration of an example LEDs 62 placement over a flexible PCB 80 that is connected to the PSA’s PCB 72 is shown. A heatsink can help dissipate heat generated by the LEDs 62. For example, an aluminum base can act as the heatsink on the flexible PCB 80.

[0076] It will be noted that the drawings, and the shown sizes and distances and relative dimensions, can be interpreted such that the components are “to scale” for disclosure purposes in the present document. For example, the width or height of the unit can be between 5 and 100 cm, preferably about 8 to 12 cm and still preferably about 10 cm. However, it should be understood that modifications could be made to the dimensions and sizes illustrated herein for different embodiments of the PSA and related methods. It is further noted the PSA unit can have a weight between 300 and 600 grams or between 330 and 400 grams, for example, for facilitating portability of one or a kit that includes various water test units including one or more PSA units and / or one or more additional test units for titration and other test.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising: a housing; a vial receptable provided in the housing and being configured to receive a vial containing a sample fluid; a light source mounted within the housing and positioned to emit light into the vial to contact the sample fluid and produce sample-affected light; a spectrometer sensor mounted within the housing and positioned to receive or capture the sample-affected light and generate sensor data; and a processor mounted within the housing and configured to: receive the sensor data from the spectrometer sensor; perform an evaluation of the sensor data with respect to a predetermined analysis model.

2. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 1 , wherein the light source includes one or more light emitting devices.

3. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 2, wherein the one or more light emitting devices are light emitting diodes (LED).

4. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 2 or 3, further comprising a central block receiving the vial receptacle.

5. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 4, wherein the central block includes a light source compartment housing the light source, and a hole positioned between the light source compartment and the vial.

6. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 5, wherein the light source compartment houses between two to nine light emitting devices.

7. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 5 or 6, further comprising a diffusion glass between the light source and the hole that is configured to focus the light emitted by the light source in the hole.

8. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light source emits light directly towards the spectrometer sensor.

9. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light source emits light at an angle from the spectrometer sensor.

10. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising an angled light source, wherein the light source emits light directly towards the spectrometer sensor and the angled light source emits light at an angle from the spectrometer sensor.

11. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 10, wherein the angle of the light emitted by the angled light source is 90 degrees.

12. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the angled light source includes between two to three of the light emitting devices, and the light source includes between eight to nine of the light emitting devices.

13. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the light emitted directly towards the spectrometer sensor is used to perform colorimetric analyses and the light emitted at an angle from the spectrometer sensor is used to perform spectrometric analyses.

14. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 13, wherein the colorimetric analyses include one or more of: iron, copper, deha, molybdenehr, phosphorushr, silicahr, phosphonate, cl2free, cl2total, bromine, aqvmono, aqvdi, tolyltriazole, and taggedpolymer.

15. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 13 or 14, wherein the spectrometric analyses include one or more of: pyrene-tetra sulfonic acid (PTSA), fluorescein and turbidity.

16. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a battery connected to a wireless charger configured to wirelessly charge the portable spectrometer analyzer.

17. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a button on the housing configured to activate and deactivate the portable spectrometer analyzer.

18. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising visual markers for indicating an operational status of the portable spectrometer analyzer.

19. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising an opening mechanism alternating between an opened configuration and a closed configuration, wherein access to the vial receptacle is prevented in the closed configuration.

20. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the vial is made of a material that lets ultraviolet radiation pass through.

21. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the vial has a volume of about 10 mL, 20 mL, 30 mL, 40 mL, 50 mL, 60 mL, 70 mL, 80 mL, 90 mL, or 100mL.

22. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein the processor is in wireless communication with a computerized device having a software application configured to control the portable spectrometer analyzer.

23. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 22, wherein the computerized device is a tablet, a desktop computer, a laptop or a cellphone.

24. A method for calibrating a portable spectrometer analyzer as defined in any one of the previous claims, comprising: filling a vial with a water sample having a known ppb value, loading the vial onto the portable spectrometer analyzer; and activating a calibration setting with a software application installed on a computerized device.

25. The method for calibrating a portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 24, further comprising: filling the vial with a blank water sample; loading the vial with the blank water sample onto the portable spectrometer analyzer; and activating the calibration setting with the software application installed on the computerized device for the vial comprising the blank water sample.

26. A method for obtaining portable spectrometric measurements, comprising: collecting a water sample in a vial; loading the vial onto the portable spectrometer analyzer as defined in any one of the previous claims, activating the spectrometric analysis for the desired measurements with an application installed on a computerized device; obtaining the spectrometric measurements on the application.

27. A method for obtaining portable colorimetric measurements, comprising: collecting a water sample in a vial; loading the vial onto the portable spectrometer analyzer as defined in any one of the previous claims, activating the colorimetric analysis for the desired measurements with an application installed on a computerized device; obtaining the colorimetric measurements on the application.

28. A method of manufacturing a portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising assembling the components as recited in any one of the previous claims.

29. A portable spectrometer analyzer, comprising: a housing; a vial receptable provided in the housing and being configured to receive a vial containing a sample fluid; first and second light sources mounted within the housing and positioned to emit light into the vial to contact the sample fluid and produce first and second sample-affected light respectively; a spectrometer sensor mounted within the housing and configured to capture the first and second sample-affected light for use to perform colorimetric analyses and spectrometric analyses respectively; anda processor mounted within the housing and configured to receive the sensor data from the spectrometer sensor and analyze the same.

30. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 29, further comprising one or more features of any one of the preceding claims or as described or illustrated herein.

31. The portable spectrometer analyzer of claim 29 or 30, wherein the first light source is configured to emit light directly towards the spectrometer sensor to produce the first sample-affected light for use to perform colorimetric analyses.

32. The portable spectrometer analyzer of any one of claims 29 to 31 , wherein the second light source is configured to emit light at an angle towards the spectrometer sensor to produce the second sample-affected light for use to perform spectrometric analyses.

33. The portable spectrometer analyzer or method of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the analyzer has a total weight between 330 and 400 grams, and the housing defines an outer enclosure having a height, a depth and a width each between 8 and 12 cm.

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