A system for sample transfer

Abstract

There is provided a system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis, comprising a vial part comprising at least one sample vial for holding a sample and a pressure transfer device. The pressure transfer device comprises a cover member, a transfer tube for extraction of the sample out of the sample vial when the system is in a first configuration, the transfer tube extending through and sealed against the cover member, and a pressurised gas channel for introducing pressurised gas into the sample vial, wherein the pressured gas channel extends through the cover member. The system also comprises a cleaning station for cleaning the transfer tube when the system is in a second configuration, wherein the system is arranged for sealing of the vial part against the cover member in a coupled state. There is also provided a method for pressure transfer of samples, and a sample vial for use in the system.

Description

[0001] A System for Sample Transfer

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for transferring samples. In particular, the samples are being used for processing or analysis using an analytical instrument, such as an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) mass spectrometer (MS) or an ICP optical emission spectrometer (OES).

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an elemental analysis technique used to measure elements in a sample. ICP-MS uses a plasma to convert a sample into ions that are then measured using a mass spectrometer (MS). Similarly, the optical emissions of a sample introduced into a plasma can be analysed using an ICP optical emission spectrometer.

[0006] As the sample is typically liquid, known systems are used for transferring liquid samples to a nebuliser. The sample is then converted into a fine aerosol by the nebuliser. The aerosol can then be analysed by one or more instruments. Controlled and consistent sample introduction is essential for ICP spectral analysis, and therefore systems are required which can precisely deliver samples into a nebuliser.

[0007] One such system for transferring a sample from a sample vial to a nebuliser is a peristaltic pump, which is used to consistently and accurately transfer a sample into a nebuliser. The peristaltic pump uses compression and relaxation to move fluids through a tube without the pump directly contacting the liquid sample, instead only the tube needs to contact the sample. However, it has been realised by the present inventor that the use of a peristaltic pump has disadvantages such as needing regular maintenance and having a long transfer time of the sample to the nebuliser. The peristaltic pump also results in pulses in the sample flow due to the relaxation and compression. Furthermore, the tube material degrades, the elastic properties decay and even small microcracks are formed. The connection between the peristaltic pump tubing and tubing may come apart during use. Additionally, the tubes may be a source of contamination.

[0008] Another system for transferring a sample from a sample vial to a nebuliser uses selfaspiration. Self-aspiration has the advantage that a peristaltic pump is not required, and therefore reduces the maintenance required. Furthermore, less contamination occurs compared to a peristaltic pump as the tubing of a peristaltic pump is not required. However, the use of self-aspiration has disadvantages such as being limited to samples of a certain viscosity, where the viscosity must be the same for the sample and standard, and it is limited to a certain type of nebuliser. Additionally, the length of tube may be limited, and the sample uptake speed is limited.In both the use of a peristaltic pump and self-aspiration, the sample throughput is limited. There are loop injection systems that overcome this partially, but at the cost of a very high consumption of solvents.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis. The system comprises a vial part comprising at least one sample vial for holding a sample. The system also comprises a pressure transfer device. The pressure transfer device comprises a cover member. The pressure transfer device also comprises a transfer tube for extraction of the sample out of the sample vial when the system is in the first configuration. In other words, when the system is in a sample transfer configuration, the system enables the sample to be extracted out of the vial. The transfer tube extends through the cover member, and is sealed against the cover member. The pressure transfer device also comprises a pressurised gas channel for introducing pressurised gas into the sample vial wherein the pressured gas channel extends through the cover member. The system also comprises a cleaning station for cleaning the transfer tube when the system is in a second configuration. In other words, when the system is in a cleaning configuration, the system is configured such that the cleaning station is able to clean the transfer tube. The system is arranged for sealing of the vial part against the cover member in a coupled state.

[0011] The first aspect provides the advantage that the sample can be smoothly transported from the sample vial to outside of the system without contamination. Furthermore, the cleaning station enables the transfer tube to be cleaned without risking contamination of the sample, or the next sample to be analysed by the system. Furthermore, only a small volume of gas is required to transfer the sample from the vial, and additionally the pressure in the system may be increased to a custom pressure to provide the best results. The system therefore provides a way to transport a sample smoothly out of a vial with no pulsations. As will be understood from the disclosure herein, the system has an improved throughput compared to known systems whilst having a less complex instrumentation. Compared to known systems, there is less acid consumption as less acid is needed during cleaning as the systems described herein each use less tubing. Furthermore, due to shorter tubing, less liquid is needed to fill the tubing to push the sample forward, where such liquid may comprise acid. Therefore, the invention provides an environmentally friendly system. Another advantage is that the system provides a reduced contamination due to providing as few components as possible which are in contact with the sample, such as having no seals which are in contact with the sample during use. Furthermore, the system having a cleaning station further decreases risk of contamination as it is possible to clean the transfer tube in between changing sample vials. Other advantages of the embodiments described herein are: reduced memory effects; improved safety as no open vials are necessary; low maintenance compared to known systems as the system does not use tubes which have to be exchanged.Optionally, the vial part is constituted by a sample vial. In other words, the vial part may comprise a sample vial only.

[0012] Optionally, the cover member may comprise a seal arranged to adapt to the size of the sample vial, providing the sealing of the sample vial against the cover member. This has the advantage that the cover member may be used for a number of different sized sample vials.

[0013] Preferably the seal is located outside of the sample vial during the first configuration. In other words, when the sample vial is coupled to the cover member, the seal is located outside of the sample vial. This has the advantage that the risk of contamination is reduced as the sample is not able to contact the seal.

[0014] Optionally, the seal is configured to deform under pressure. Therefore, when a pressure is applied, the seal can provide a tighter seal around a sample vial.

[0015] Optionally, the cover member may be a container, where the combination of the vial part and the cover member completely encloses the sample vial. Alternatively, the cover member may only cover the opening of the vial, such that the vial is not enclosed by the cover member.

[0016] Optionally, the vial part comprises a lid portion, wherein in some embodiments the at least one sample vial may be mounted on the lid portion.

[0017] Optionally the lid portion is arranged to provide the sealing of the sample vial against the cover member. In some examples the lid portion comprises one or more seals which are arranged to seal the lid portion against the cover member. This provides a gas tight seal between the cover member and the vial part. The lid portion may be any suitable size and shape such that the combination of the lid portion and the cover member provides a gas tight enclosure. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the combination of the vial part and / or the cleaning station with the cover member provides a gas tight enclosure.

[0018] Optionally the lid portion comprises a base part and a wall part extending substantially perpendicularly from the base part, the wall part preferably being substantially cylindrical.

[0019] Optionally, a sample vial holder for supporting the sample vial is arranged inside the lid portion. This has the advantage that a vial with a rounded end is able to be held in the system. In some embodiments the holder may be configured to hold a number of different sized vials.

[0020] Optionally, a removable tray is arranged as part of the vial part. This has the advantage that any sample which accidentally leaves the sample vial can be collected, thus reducing contamination.

[0021] Optionally, the pressurised gas has a higher pressure at the start of a sample transfer than at the end of the sample transfer. This has the advantage that the transfer tube may be flushed as soon as quickly as possible.

[0022] Optionally, the pressurised gas is lower during the second configuration than during the first configuration. In other words, the gas pressure may be lower when the system is configured for cleaning than when the system is configured for sample transfer. Pressurised gas may be used during the cleaning process to force some cleaning solution through the sample transfer tube to the nebuliser. Therefore, additional areas may be cleaned in addition to the sample vial during the cleaning process.

[0023] 17335470.SK.GPKOptionally, the system is suitable for sample transfer when in a first configuration, and wherein the system is suitable for cleaning of the transfer tube when in a second configuration.

[0024] Optionally, the cleaning station comprises an inner reservoir for accommodating the transfer tube and an outer reservoir for accommodating the inner reservoir, wherein the inner reservoir comprises a port for receiving a cleaning fluid. This has the advantage that only clean cleaning fluid is present in the inner reservoir, and the contaminated cleaning fluid, i.e. the cleaning fluid which has been used to clean the sample tube enters into the outer reservoir to continue to a waste system. This provides an improved cleaning system.

[0025] Optionally, the pressurised gas channel is arranged to conduct the cleaning liquid into the transfer tube when the system is in the second configuration. This has the advantage that a greater portion of the transfer tube may be cleaned.

[0026] Optionally, the pressure transfer device may be configured to flush the sample transfer tube with gas.

[0027] Optionally, an adjustment tool is arranged for adjusting the height of the transfer tube relative to the cover member. This has the advantage that the system can use different sizes of vials. For example, a vial with a greater length will need a longer transfer tube so that the tube can extend to the bottom of the vial and therefore extract all of the sample. Therefore, the transfer tube may be adjusted such that a longer portion of the transfer tube extends from the cover member. The height of the transfer tube may be changed when a sample vial is replaced with a different sized sample vial. The adjustment tool may be manual, i.e. a user may manually adjust the height of the transfer tube, or the adjustment tool may be automated.

[0028] The system may be in a coupled state when the vial part or cleaning station is coupled to the cover member, and a decoupled state in which the vial part or cleaning station is separated from the cover member.

[0029] Optionally, the system may further comprise a lifting mechanism for moving the vial part and / or cleaning station between the coupled state, in which the vial part and / or cleaning station is coupled to the cover member, and a decoupled state in which the vial part and / or cleaning station is separated from the cover member. Therefore, the system may be moved between a coupled and de-coupled state without a user having to manually couple and decouple the vial part and / or cleaning station. Therefore, this further automates the system.

[0030] Optionally, the system may further comprise an additional mechanism for moving the vial part sideways in relation to the cover member (this may be referred to as a horizontal movement mechanism). The additional mechanism may be automated or manual. The additional mechanism and lifting mechanism may be used in combination such that a vial part is decoupled from the cover member and subsequently moved sideways to enable another vial part and / or cleaning station to be coupled to the cover member. In some embodiments there may be a plurality of lifting mechanisms and / or a plurality of horizontal movement mechanisms such that a replacement vial part or cleaning station may be coupled to the cover member whilst the original vial part is being decoupled and moved away from the cover member.

[0031] 17335470.SK.GPKOptionally the system further comprises a sealing flange which extends from the sample vial, wherein the sealing flange is configured to allow sealing of the sample vial against the cover member in a coupled state.

[0032] According to another aspect there is a sample vial for the use in the system according to any of the embodiments described herein, comprising a vial body and a sealing flange extending from the vial body, wherein the sealing flange is configured to allow sealing of the sample vial against the cover member in a coupled state.

[0033] According to another aspect there is a method for pressure transfer of samples using a system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis, the method comprising the following steps:

[0034] sealing a vial part to a cover member, the vial part comprising at least one sample vial wherein the sample vial is configured to hold the sample;

[0035] inserting a transfer tube of the pressure transfer device into the at least one sample vial; inserting pressurised gas into the vial part to transfer the sample out of the at least one sample vial and out of the pressure transfer device via the transfer tube;

[0036] de-sealing the vial part from the cover member;

[0037] cleaning the transfer tube by sealing a cleaning station of the pressure transfer device against the cover member such that the transfer tube is at least partially enclosed by the cleaning station

[0038] The following numbered clauses describe further illustrative examples only:

[0039] 1. A system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis, comprising:

[0040] a vial part comprising at least one sample vial for holding a sample; and

[0041] a pressure transfer device;

[0042] wherein the pressure transfer device comprises:

[0043] a cover member;

[0044] a transfer tube for extraction of the sample out of the sample vial when the system is in a first configuration, the transfer tube extending through and sealed against the cover member; and

[0045] a pressurised gas channel for introducing pressurised gas into the sample vial, wherein the pressured gas channel extends through the cover member;

[0046] the system further comprising a cleaning station for cleaning the transfer tube when the system is in a second configuration;

[0047] wherein the system is arranged for sealing of the vial part against the cover member in a coupled state in a first configuration and sealing of the cleaning station against the cover member in a coupled state in a second configuration; and

[0048] wherein the cleaning station comprises an inner reservoir for accommodating the transfer tube and an outer reservoir for accommodating the inner reservoir, wherein the inner reservoir comprises a port for receiving a cleaning fluid.

[0049] 17335470.SK.GPK2. The system according to clause 1 , wherein the vial part is constituted by the sample vial.

[0050] 3. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover member comprises a seal arranged to adapt to the size of the sample vial, providing the sealing of the sample vial against the cover member.

[0051] 4. The system according to clause 3, wherein the seal is located outside of the sample vial during the first configuration.

[0052] 5. The system according to clause 3 or 4, wherein the seal is configured to deform under pressure.

[0053] 6. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cover member is a container, and the combination of the vial part and cover member completely encloses the sample vial.

[0054] 7. The system according to clause 1 , wherein the vial part comprises a lid portion, wherein the at least one sample vial is mounted on the lid portion.

[0055] 8. The system according to clause 7, wherein the lid portion is arranged to provide the sealing of the sample vial against the cover member.

[0056] 9. The system according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the lid portion comprises a base part and a wall part extending substantially perpendicularly from the base part, the wall part preferably being substantially cylindrical.

[0057] 10. The system according to any of clauses 7 to 9, wherein a sample vial holder is arranged inside the lid portion, wherein the sample vial holder is configured to support the sample vial.

[0058] 11 . The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a removable tray is arranged as part of the vial part.

[0059] 12. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressurised gas has a higher pressure at the start of a sample transfer than at the end of the sample transfer.

[0060] 13. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressurised gas channel is also configured to introduce pressurised gas into the cleaning station, and wherein the

[0061] 17335470.SK.GPKpressure of the system is lower during the second configuration than during the first configuration.

[0062] 14. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the system is suitable for sample transfer when in the first configuration, and wherein the system is suitable for cleaning of the transfer tube when in the second configuration.

[0063] 15. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pressurised gas channel is arranged to conduct the cleaning liquid into the transfer tube when the system is in the second configuration.

[0064] 16. The system according to any of the preceding clauses wherein the pressure transfer device is configured to flush the sample transfer tube with gas.

[0065] 17. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein an adjustment tool is arranged for adjusting the height of the transfer tube relative to the cover member.

[0066] 18. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the system is in a coupled state when the vial part or cleaning station is coupled to the cover member, and a decoupled state in which the vial part or cleaning station is separated from the cover member.

[0067] 19. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a lifting mechanism for moving the vial part and / or cleaning station between the coupled state and decoupled state.

[0068] 20. The system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the system further comprises an additional mechanism for moving the vial part sideways in relation to the cover member.

[0069] 21 . The system according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a sealing flange which extends from the sample vial, wherein the sealing flange is configured to allow sealing of the sample vial against the cover member in a coupled state.

[0070] 22. A method for pressure transfer of samples using a system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis according to any of clauses 1 to 21 , the method comprising the following steps:

[0071] sealing the vial part to the cover member, the vial part comprising at least one sample vial wherein the sample vial is configured to hold the sample;

[0072] 17335470.SK.GPKinserting the transfer tube of the pressure transfer device into the at least one sample vial;

[0073] inserting pressurised gas into the vial part to transfer the sample out of the at least one sample vial and out of the pressure transfer device via the transfer tube;

[0074] de-sealing the vial part from the cover member; and

[0075] cleaning the transfer tube by sealing the cleaning station of the pressure transfer device against the cover member such that the transfer tube is at least partially enclosed by the cleaning station.

[0076] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0077] Various aspects of at least one embodiment are discussed below with reference to the accompanying figures, which are not intended to be drawn to scale. The figures are included to provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, but are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labelled in every figure. Each labelled component may not be described in the accompanying description, where it will be understood that the labelled feature is identical to a feature described in another embodiment, where such features have the same numerical label.

[0078] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a system configured for sample transfer according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0079] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a system configured for cleaning according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0080] Figures 3a and 3b is a cross-sectional view of a system configured for sample transfer according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0081] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a system configured for cleaning according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0082] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a sealing arrangement for use in an embodiment of the invention;

[0083] Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and 6e are a cross-sectional view of sealing arrangements for use in an embodiment of the invention;

[0084] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of a cleaning arrangement for use in an embodiment of the invention; and

[0085] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of a cleaning arrangement for use in an embodiment of the invention.

[0086] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transferring a sample according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0087] 17335470.SK.GPKThe invention will now be described in relation to specific embodiments. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting and are for illustrative purposes.

[0088] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0089] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two parts of a system 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 illustrates the system 100 in a first configuration, e.g. in a configuration suitable for sample transfer. Figure 2 illustrates the system 100 in a second configuration, e.g. in a configuration suitable for cleaning.

[0090] As illustrated in figure 1 , the system 100 comprises a pressure transfer device 1 and a vial part 2. In this embodiment, the vial part 2 comprises a sample vial 20. The sample vial is configured to hold a sample 40, where the sample may be liquid. The pressure transfer device 1 comprises a cover member 10, wherein the cover member is configured to be in contact with the vial part 2 (here: sample vial 20), such that the cover member completely covers the opening of the sample vial. In other words, the cover member may have substantially the same or greater diameter than the opening of the sample vial. The cover member 10 of this embodiment comprises a seal 5 which may be fixed to the cover member, where the seal may be an O ring. The O ring seal is located such that when the cover member is in contact with the sample vial, the O ring is located outside the sample vial. The system also comprises one or more sealing flanges 4, wherein the sealing flanges extend from the sample vial to allow sealing of the sample vial to a cover member when the vial part is in a coupled state. The one or more sealing flanges 4 may be in contact with the O ring seal 5 of the cover member to provide a seal, wherein the seal is not permanent. The sample vial 20 may be moved in a direction A to move towards or away from the vial part to couple or decouple the system.

[0091] As illustrated in figure 1 , the cover member 10 also comprises two channels, where each channel passes through the cover member. The first channel 11 A is a channel through which a transfer tube 6 (otherwise referred to as a sample transfer tube) passes, such that the transfer tube passes from one side of the cover member to another. The transfer tube 6 therefore passes from outside the sample vial to inside the sample vial via the cover member 10. Therefore, when the vial part 2 and cover member 10 are in a coupled state, the vial part 2 may be sealed to the cover member 10 and the sample vial can be pressurised. The transfer tube has a length and / or height relative to the cover member and vial such that the transfer tube reaches the end (or near to the end) of the sample vial. The transfer tube may be configured to transfer sample from the sample vial to, for example, a nebuliser. The transfer tube may for example be made from PFA (perfluoroalkoxy alkane) and may only be moveable in a direction into or out of the sample vial when in use, i.e. it may only be moveable in a z direction wherein the length of the vial extends in the z direction.

[0092] The second channel 11 B is a pressurised gas channel, i.e. a channel through which gas can flow from outside of the sample vial to inside of the sample vial (and vice versa). In other words, the second channel 11 B also extends through the cover member. As illustrated in figure 1 , the second channel may extend from a side of the cover member to the underside of the cover member, i.e. to 17335470.SK.GPKthe side of the cover member which is located within the sample vial in use. In other words, the second channel may not be straight and instead may comprise a curve within the cover member. In other embodiments, the channel 11 B may be substantially straight and may extend from the top of the cover member to the underside of the cover member.

[0093] The second or pressurised gas channel 11 B has a first end which is in connection with the interior contents of the sample vial, i.e. the first end is in connection with the gas (such as air) that is within the headspace 41 of the sample vial, and the second end is connected to a pressurised gas supply 9, via a pressure controller 8 and a valve 7. Therefore, the pressure inside the sample vial can be controlled. For example, the pressure may be set to a constant pressure, or may be set to a constant offset, for example 500 mbar, above a nebulizer pressure. In some embodiments the pressure may be set to be higher at the beginning of the sample transfer, such that the transfer tube is flushed as fast as possible. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure may be set to be lower during the cleaning configuration than the sample transfer configuration.

[0094] The system 100 may be in connection with a nebulizer (not shown), where the transfer tube 6 transfers samples from the vial to the nebulizer when a pressured gas is inserted into the sample vial via the pressurised gas channel.

[0095] The remaining parts of system 100 are illustrated in figure 2 to which the reader is now directed. As will be seen, the cover member 10 of figure 2 has the same features as the cover member of figure 1. The difference between the parts of the system illustrated in figures 1 and 2 is that in figure 2 the vial part 2 has been replaced with a cleaning station 3. The features of the cleaning station and its combination with the cover member will now be described with reference to figure 2. As will be appreciated, the system 100 illustrated in figure 2 is in the second configuration, i.e. it is in a cleaning configuration, which is suitable for cleaning the transfer tube. In other words, the second configuration refers to the system when the cleaning station is coupled to the cover member. The first configuration refers to the system when the vial part is coupled to the cover member.

[0096] As illustrated in figure 2, the embodiment of the system 100 in the cleaning configuration comprises the cover member 10, transfer tube 6, O ring seal 5, pressure transfer device 1 , as described in figure 1 , wherein the pressure transfer device has a pressurised gas channel 11 B, pressurised gas supply 9, pressure controller 8 and valve 7 as described in relation to figure 1. System 100 further comprises a cleaning station 3 having an inner reservoir 24 and an outer reservoir 26. The inner reservoir accommodates the transfer tube 6, i.e. when the cleaning station is sealed against the cover member, the transfer tube is fully enclosed. The opening of the transfer tube is located within the inner reservoir. The inner reservoir is, in the embodiment shown, a tube comprising one or more openings. The inner reservoir comprises at least an opening 28 through which the transfer tube 6 enters the inner reservoir 24. In the cleaning configuration pressurised gas may be inserted into the system: from the pressurised gas supply 9 via the pressured gas channel 11 B into the interior of the cover member 10. From there, the pressurised gas may flow into the

[0097] 17335470.SK.GPKouter reservoir 26 if the outer reservoir is provided with at least suitable opening, for example an open end at the side facing away from the lid portion 22.

[0098] In some examples the pressurised gas may be inserted into the outer reservoir 26 such that the system has a different pressure from the pressure inside the vial during the transfer configuration. The pressure of the system may be configured such that the cleaning fluid is forced up the sample tube 6 and towards the nebuliser. It will be appreciated that a higher pressure in the system will result in the cleaning fluid travelling further up the tube towards the nebuliser.

[0099] The outer reservoir 26 accommodates the inner reservoir 24, i.e. the inner reservoir is at least partially enclosed by the outer reservoir. The outer reservoir is coupled to the cover member in use, such that the outer reservoir is sealed against the cover member. Therefore, the transfer tube passes through the cover member, and subsequently into the inner reservoir via the outer reservoir.

[0100] The inner reservoir comprises a port 13 (i.e. an inlet) for receiving a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is received at the inner reservoir from a cleaning reservoir CR, where the cleaning fluid is pumped into the port via a pump 12. In the example illustrated in figure 2, the inner reservoir is only partially enclosed by the outer reservoir such that there is a section of inner reservoir, i.e. a section of the inner reservoir wall, which is not enclosed by the outer reservoir. In this example, where the inner reservoir extends beyond the outer reservoir, the port 13 is located on the section of the inner reservoir wall which is not enclosed by the outer reservoir, such that the outer reservoir does not require a port through which it receives the cleaning fluid (i.e. the outer reservoir does not comprise an inlet). In other examples, the inner reservoir may be completely enclosed by the outer reservoir, and the outer reservoir may also comprise a port such that the cleaning fluid can be received at the inner reservoir via the outer reservoir.

[0101] As illustrated in figure 2, the cleaning fluid may exit the inner reservoir 24 via the opening (open end) 28 through which the transfer tube 6 enters the inner reservoir. This opening is located at the opposite end of the inner reservoir to the port 13 and is, in the embodiment shown, wider than the transfer tube 6. Therefore, the cleaning fluid exits the inner reservoir through said opening when the inner reservoir is overflowing of cleaning fluid, i.e. the inner reservoir has filled with cleaning fluid. As illustrated, the cleaning fluid exits the inner reservoir and enters the outer reservoir. The outer reservoir comprises a port (i.e. an outlet) 29 through which the cleaning fluid may exit the outer reservoir, and thus exit the cleaning station. The outlet is connected to a valve or pump 15 which is connected to a waste 14. Therefore, the cleaning station cleans the transfer tube.

[0102] The system 100 provides a system which results in the transfer tube being cleaned without contaminating a sample, as the sample vial and cleaning station are connected to the cover member at separate times. As described, the sealing components (e.g. the O ring seal and the one or more sealing flanges) are located outside of the cover member, outside of the sample vial, and outside of the cleaning station. Therefore, the risk of contamination is further reduced.

[0103] In some embodiments, the cover member may have a specific shape such that only vials with a specific corresponding upper part are able to fit to the cover member.

[0104] 17335470.SK.GPKFigures 3a and 3b illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. Figures 3a, 3b and 4 illustrate parts of a system 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3a illustrates the system 200 in a first configuration, e.g. in a configuration suitable for sample transfer. Figure 4 illustrates the system 200 in a second configuration, e.g. in a configuration suitable for cleaning. Figure 3b illustrates the system 200 in an intermediate configuration.

[0105] In the first configuration, the system 200 comprises a vial part 2, which comprises a sample vial 20. The sample vial is configured to contain a sample, which may be a liquid. The sample vial may be mounted onto a lid portion 30, where the lid portion may have a substantially flat surface onto which the sample vial is mounted. The lid portion may comprise a base part having the substantially flat surface onto which the sample vial is mounted. The lid portion may also comprise a wall part which extends substantially perpendicular to the base part. The wall part may be substantially cylindrical. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of wall parts such that the lid portion has a rectangular prism shape.

[0106] The sample vial may be mounted on the lid portion by a holder 19. The holder may be any holder suitable for releasably securing a sample vial to the lid portion. For example, the holder may have a curved surface configured to hold the curved end of a sample vial, and may have a substantially flat surface for attaching to a surface of the lid portion. As described, in this system, the vial part comprises a sample vial 20, lid portion 30, holder 19 and seals 51 for sealing against cover member 10.

[0107] The system 200 of Figs. 3a & 3b may also comprise a pressure transfer device 1 which may have some of the features of the pressure transfer device of system 100 of Figs. 1 & 2. The system 200 comprises a cover member 10. The system also comprises a transfer tube 6, pressurised gas channel 11 B, pressurised gas supply 9, a pressure controller 8 and a valve 7 where each of these features is the same as described in relation to system 100. As described with reference to the system 100 of Figs. 1 & 2, the transfer tube 6 passes from outside of the sample vial to inside the sample vial via the first channel 11 A in the cover member 10. The transfer tube 6 may be in connection with a nebuliser, wherein pressurised gas is used to transfer a sample from the sample vial to the nebuliser via the transfer tube. The pressurised gas is introduced into sample vial using the pressurised gas channel.

[0108] As illustrated in figure 3a and 3b, the cover member 10 of system 200 is a container, i.e. the cover member at least partially encloses the sample vial 20. The container may have five walls forming a rectangular prism which has a size such that the sample vial can fit inside the container. Alternatively, the container may be substantially cylindrical such that it has a base portion and a wall portion extending substantially perpendicular to the base portion. The container may be of any suitable shape. For any shape of container, the container has an open side, through which the sample vial can be inserted. The open side has a size such that the lid portion 30 combines with the container to form a sealed enclosure. The lid portion may be sealed to the container by one or more seals 51 attached to the lid portion 30. The one or more seals 51 may be configured such that the lid portion is automatically sealed to the container when the system is in a coupled state and the 17335470.SK.GPKpressure inside the container is higher than outside of the container. As the sample vial is mounted onto the lid portion, the sample vial is sealed into the enclosure by the placement of the lid portion onto the container. The system is configured such that the enclosure formed by the combination of the lid portion is gas tight. As described herein, gas is introduced into the container via the pressured gas channel 11 B. Therefore, when the lid portion is sealed to the container 10, pressured gas can be introduced into the container to increase the pressure in the enclosure and therefore the sample vial. The pressure inside the sample vial can be controlled. For example, the pressure may be set to a constant pressure, or may be set to a constant offset, for example 500 mbar, above a nebulizer pressure.

[0109] It will be appreciated that although the lid portion is illustrated as being located on the opposite side of the cover member (i.e. container) to the transfer tube and the opening of the pressurised gas channel, the lid portion may be located on the side of the cover member. In such an embodiment, the vial holder may instead be fixed to the cover member such that the vial is supported in a similar way to embodiments illustrated in figure 3a. The sample vial may be inserted into the cover member separately to the lid portion being sealed to the container.

[0110] The system 200 may have an adjustment mechanism for altering the height of the transfer tube as described in relation to system 100. However, the bottom of the sample vial will always be the same distance from the cover member in use, regardless of the size of the vial, and therefore an adjustment mechanism is not necessary in system 200. It will be appreciated that as in this embodiment the opening of the sample vial is not sealed against the cover portion, i.e. the sample vial is not gas tight, the system 200 is suitable for use with any size or shape of vial.

[0111] Advantageously, no sealing is required to be in contact with the sample vial.

[0112] As illustrated in figure 3b, system 200 may comprise a lifting mechanism which is configured to move the vial part 2 and / or cleaning station 3 (described with reference to figure 4) towards and away from the cover member, i.e. to move the system between a coupled state and a decoupled state. As illustrated in figure 3b, the lifting mechanism moves the vial part and / or cleaning station in the direction illustrated by arrow B. The lifting mechanism may be any suitable lifting mechanism and could, for example, be part of an autosampler. As described in relation to figure 3a, the vial part 2 may comprise all or some of the following features: a vial 20, a lid portion 30, one or more seals 51 and a holder 19, and therefore these features may all be moved towards and away from the cover member by the lifting mechanism, as illustrated in figure 3b. It will be appreciated that in any of the embodiments described herein, when the system is either in a cleaning configuration or a sample transfer configuration, the system can be moved from a coupled state to a decoupled state manually, i.e. not using the lifting mechanism.

[0113] Furthermore, although not illustrated, the system 200 may further comprise an additional mechanism configured to move the vial part sideways in relation to the cover member. The combination of the lifting mechanism and additional mechanism allows a sample vial to be exchanged.

[0114] 17335470.SK.GPKThe system 200 may further comprise a removable tray 21 which may be positioned directly underneath the vial part to catch any liquid falling from the vial part. In other words, the removable tray may be a drip tray.

[0115] Figure 4 illustrates a second part of system 200, which is similar to the parts illustrated in figure 2. The second part of system 200 comprises a cleaning station 3. Figure 4 therefore shows the system 200 in a cleaning configuration. This second part has a cover member 10 which is the same as the cover member described in figure 3a. The second part may also have a lid portion 22 which may be separate to the cleaning station, or may be part of the cleaning station. The lid portion 22 may have the same features as described in the lid portion 30 described in figure 3a. The lid portion comprises one or more seals 51 which are configured to create a seal between the cover member and the lid portion. As described in relation to figure 2, the cleaning station 3 has an inner reservoir 24, and an outer reservoir 26. The inner reservoir accommodates the transfer tube 6, i.e. when the cleaning station is sealed against the cover member, the transfer tube is fully enclosed. The opening of the transfer tube 6 is located within the inner reservoir. The inner reservoir comprises an opening 28 at a first end through which the transfer tube enters into the inner reservoir.

[0116] The outer reservoir accommodates the inner reservoir, i.e. the inner reservoir is at least partially enclosed by the outer reservoir. The outer reservoir and inner reservoir are mounted on the lid portion, wherein an enclosure is formed when the lid portion is coupled to the cover member. The transfer tube passes through the cover member, and subsequently into the inner reservoir via the outer reservoir when the lid portion is coupled to the cover member in a cleaning configuration.

[0117] The inner reservoir comprises a port 13 (i.e. an inlet) for receiving a cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is received at the inner reservoir from a cleaning reservoir CR, where the cleaning fluid is pumped into the port via a pump 12. In the example illustrated in figure 4, the inner reservoir is only partially enclosed by the outer reservoir such that there is a section of inner reservoir, i.e. a section of the inner reservoir wall, which is not enclosed by the outer reservoir. In this example the port 13 is located on the section of the inner reservoir wall which is not enclosed by the outer reservoir, such that the outer reservoir does not require a port through which it receives the cleaning fluid (i.e. the outer reservoir does not comprise an inlet). In other examples, the inner reservoir may be completely enclosed by the outer reservoir, and the outer reservoir may also comprise a port such that the cleaning fluid can be received at the inner reservoir via the outer reservoir.

[0118] As illustrated in figure 4, the cleaning fluid may exit the inner reservoir via the opening (open end) 28 through which the transfer tube 6 enters the inner reservoir 24. This opening 28 is located at the opposite end of the inner reservoir to the port 13. Therefore, the cleaning fluid exits the inner reservoir through said opening when the inner reservoir is overflowing of cleaning fluid, i.e. the inner reservoir has filled with cleaning fluid. As illustrated, the cleaning fluid exits the inner reservoir 24 and enters the outer reservoir 26. The outer reservoir comprises a port (i.e. an outlet) 29 which passes through the lid portion 22, and through which the cleaning fluid may exit the outer reservoir, and thus exit the cleaning station 3. The outlet is connected to a valve or pump 15 which is

[0119] 17335470.SK.GPKconnected to a waste 14. Therefore, the cleaning station cleans the transfer tube. As described herein, the pressure transfer device 1 may be used to adapt the pressure inside the cleaning station 3, such that the cleaning fluid is forced into the transfer tube 6 to improve the cleaning.

[0120] As described herein, the lid portion of the system may be located on any side of the cover member, such that in some embodiments the lid portion is not located on the surface opposite to the surface through which the sample transfer tube passes. Figure 7 illustrates part of an embodiment in which the cover member (10 in Fig. 1 ) comprises a separation part 25 which is shown to be substantially horizontal in this embodiment. The separation part 25 may be connected or configured to be in contact with a lid portion 27. In this embodiment the lid portion 27, i.e. the portion of the system which seals against the cover member to provide an air-tight enclosure, may be located on a side face of the cover member relative to the transfer tube. In other words, the side of the cover member through which the transfer tube passes is not facing the lid portion 27. In other words, the lid portion may be referred to as a door, wherein the door is used to open the cover member such that a vial may be inserted into or removed from the cover member. The lid portion 27 may hinge from the cover member. The horizontal part 25 of the cover member may separate the sample vial 20 from the cleaning station, wherein the cleaning station is located below the sample vial.

[0121] Therefore, the lid can also be to the side of the vial. It will be appreciated that figure 7 is an illustration of one possible arrangement, and in other embodiments different sides of the cover member may be configured to accommodate a door or lid, wherein the door or lid seals against the cover member.

[0122] The horizontal separation part 25 may be configured to seal the sample vial in a compartment which is different to the compartment in which the cleaning station is located. For example, the cover member may be configured to fit both the sample vial and cleaning station inside the cover member. When the system is in a first configuration, i.e. when a sample is being transferred, the sample vial is located on one side of the horizontal part such that the sample transfer tube may be located within the sample vial. In the first configuration the cleaning station may be separated from the sample vial by a horizontal part, where the sample vial is supported by the horizontal part. When the system is in a cleaning configuration, the sample vial may be removed from the cover member, and the cleaning station replaces the sample vial, such that the transfer tube may be located within the cleaning station. The horizontal part may be connected to the lid portion (i.e. the door), such that the two horizontal part seals the compartments of the cover member when the door is closed.

[0123] In another embodiment, the system 200 may alternatively or additionally comprise a horizontal sliding mechanism which is configured to slide cleaning stations and / or sample vials into or out of the cover member. This embodiment is illustrated in figure 8, where the same reference numerals have been used as described in other embodiments herein. It will be appreciated that the features may be the same as those described in relation to other embodiments. Alternatively, or additionally to the lid portion being decoupled from the cover member to remove and replace a sample vial and / or cleaning station, the cover member may have a door on its side which is able to 17335470.SK.GPKallow a sample vial and / or cleaning station to the moved horizontally. In other words, in some embodiments the system may have a door which replaces the lid portion described herein, or in some embodiments, the cover member may comprise a door in addition to the system comprising a lid portion. The door may be located on a side of the cover member which is different to the side through which the transfer tube passes. In the embodiment in which the cover member is a container, the cover member may comprise sliding doors, such that after a sample has been transferred, the sample vial may be moved sideways out of the cover member, and the cleaning station may be moved sideways into the cover member. In other words, the sample vial may be replaced with a cleaning station. In this embodiment the transfer tube may be adjustable such that the length of transfer tube located within the cover member can be reduced, such that the transfer tube does not obstruct the sideways movement of the cleaning station and / or sample vial.

[0124] As illustrated in figure 8, the vial part 2 may be moved sideways as a whole, i.e. the sample vial 20 may be moved in combination with the lid portion 30, holders 19 and seals 51 , and can be replaced with the cleaning station 3 wherein the cleaning station comprises an inner reservoir 24, outer reservoir 26, seals 51 , lid portion 22, inlet pump 12, inlet 13, outlet pump 15, waste 14, and outlet 29 (as described in relation to figure 4). However, it will be appreciated that the sample vial may be moved sideways on its own, without the movement of the lid portion.

[0125] As illustrated in figure 5, the system of any of the embodiments described herein may comprise a sealing mechanism 23 to seal the transfer tube against the cover member (the sealing mechanism 23 may alternatively be referred to as a sealing shaft). The sealing mechanism 23 may be located within or adjacent to the channel 11 A through which the transfer tube passes. The transfer tube 6 passes through the cover member as described herein, therefore it is beneficial to provide a seal between the cover member and the transfer tube. The sealing mechanism 23 is preferably made from a material which does not release particles. For example, the sealing shaft may be made from Teflon PFA in order to ensure that no particles are rubbed from the seal.

[0126] Additionally, as described herein in relation to an embodiment in which the opening of the sample vial is sealed against the cover member, the system may comprise an O ring 5 and one or more sealing flanges 4. The size of the O ring may be altered to accommodate different sized sample vials.

[0127] Figures 6a to 6e illustrate seals which can be combined with the embodiment in which the opening of the sample vial 20 is sealed against the cover member (e.g. the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 2). The seals illustrated in figures 6a to 6e enable vials of different sizes to be sealed against the cover member. As described herein, one or more seal is located on the outside of the vial such that the sample does not contact the seal. The seals described in figures 6a to 6e provide sealing between a cover member and sample vial, according to embodiments described herein. Therefore, any of the seals described in figures 6a to 6e may replace the O ring seal described in relation to other embodiments without requiring any additional changes to the embodiments described.

[0128] 17335470.SK.GPKA seal 5 is illustrated in figures 6a to 6c, where each of these figures illustrates the same seal in use with different sized vials 20. As illustrated in figures 6a to 6c, the seal comprises portions 5a and 5b which are each substantially triangular in cross section. In other words, the seal comprises an angled surface which contacts the vial in use, such that the distance between the opposing sealing portions 5a and 5b increases along the length of the sealing portions. The seal may comprise one or more rounded sections which protrude from the angled surface, i.e. the surface which is in contact with the vial may have one or more protrusions. The protrusions ensure that the contact area of the elastomer to the vial surface is small, which ensures sufficient deformation of the seal and therefore a smooth and gas tight contact between the seal and vial. As illustrated in figures 6a to 6c, a vial with a smaller diameter may be in contact with a portion of the seal at which the sealing portions are closest in distance, whereas a vial with a larger diameter may be in contact with a portion of the seal where the two sealing portions are further apart. It will be appreciated that although the sealing portions are shown as separate portions, they may be connected. For example, the seal may be circular, where the two sealing portions 5a and 5b are different ends of the same seal.

[0129] As illustrated in figure 6d, the vial may comprise one or more flanges 4 which contact, i.e. form a seal with, the seal 5. As described herein, the flanges may further improve the sealing between the cover member and the vial.

[0130] A different seal is illustrated in figure 6e, where of the sealing portions 5a and 5b may comprise a gap, wherein this gap may fill with pressurised air to result in an expansion of the gap. The sealing portions may therefore be flexible such that they may bend under sufficient pressure. Therefore, the seal between the cover member and vial 20 may strengthen as pressurised gas fills the gap within the sealing portions. The sealing portions may be triangular in shape as described in relation to figures 6a to 6d, where the gap is triangular. Each sealing portion of the seal comprises two arms which meet at one point and meet at the other end. The ends of the arms are separated by a distance d at one end, where the distance d increases with an increase in gas pressure to increase the pressure against a vial. Therefore, one of the arms extends at an angle from the other arm. The arm which is configured to be in contact with a vial is angled relative to the vial such that the seal accommodates different sized vials, as described in relation to figures 6a to 6. All or any embodiments of the seal 5 may be made of natural or synthetic rubber, or any suitable deformable plastic.

[0131] Furthermore, the system of any of the embodiments described herein comprises a lifting mechanism which is configured to move the vial part and / or cleaning station towards and away from the cover member, i.e. from a coupled state to a decoupled state. The lifting mechanism may be any suitable lifting mechanism.

[0132] Furthermore, any of the embodiments described herein may further comprise an adjustment mechanism (not illustrated in the figures) which is configured to adjust the height of the transfer tube relative to the cover member. In other words, the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the length of transfer tube which is located within the sample vial.

[0133] 17335470.SK.GPKIn any of the embodiments described herein, the pressure inside the enclosure (e.g. within the sample vial when coupled to a cover member, or within the enclosure formed by the combination of lid portion and cover member), may be used to flush the transfer tube when the transfer tube is removed from the sample and / or after cleaning. As described herein, the removal of the transfer tube from the sample may either be due to the transfer tube being adjusted using the adjustment tool, or due to the lifting mechanism de-coupling the cover member from the vial part.

[0134] There is provided a method 300, illustrated by the flowchart in figure 9, for transferring a sample, wherein the method comprises using any of the systems described herein. Step 310 comprises sealing a vial part to a cover member wherein the sample vial is configured to hold the sample.

[0135] At step 320 the method comprises inserting a transfer tube of the pressure transfer device into the at least one sample vial. In other words, the transfer tube is inserted into a sample. The steps 310 and 320 may be carried out substantially simultaneously. Alternatively, or additionally, the order of steps 310 and 320 may be reversed. That is, the step of inserting a transfer tube into the at least one sample vial may precede the step of sealing a vial part to a cover member.

[0136] At step 330 the method comprises removing a sample from a sample vial using pressurised gas. To achieve this, the method comprises inserting pressurised gas into the vial part to transfer the sample out of the at least one sample vial and out of the pressure transfer device via the transfer tube. Step 330 may further comprise detecting and / or measuring properties of the sample, for example by using a mass spectrometer or an optical emission spectrometer.

[0137] At step 340 the method comprises de-sealing the vial part from the cover member. As described herein, the vial part may be de-sealed from the cover member when the pressure is reduced with the cover member. It will be appreciated that the step of de-sealing may be separate to the step of de-coupling described herein. As described, de-coupling is the movement of the vial part and / or cleaning station relative to the cover member so that the cover member and vial part or cleaning station are no longer coupled (i.e. not in contact). Whereas the step of de-sealing results in the combination of the vial part or cleaning station no longer being sealed to the cover member, although the parts may still be in contact.

[0138] At step 350, the method comprises cleaning the transfer tube by sealing a cleaning station of the pressure transfer device against the cover member, such that the transfer tube is at least partially enclosed by the cleaning station. In other words, an opening of the transfer tube is enclosed by the cleaning station. Step 350 may further comprise rinsing the transfer tube with a cleaning liquid, and separating the cleaning station and the transfer tube.

[0139] There may be provided a sample vial for use with any of the embodiments described herein. The sample vial may comprise a vial body and a sealing flange extending from the vial body, wherein the sealing flange is configured to allow sealing of the sample against the cover member in a coupled state. The sample vial may comprise an opening which is shaped such that it corresponds to the shape of a cover member described herein. In other words, the sample vial may be specifically designed to fit to the cover member.

[0140] 17335470.SK.GPKAll of the aspects and / or features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the disclosure are applicable to all aspects and embodiments of the disclosure and may be used in any combination. Likewise, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

[0141] It will be appreciated that there is an implied “about” prior to temperatures, concentrations, times, pressures, flow rates, cross-sectional areas, voltages, currents, etc. discussed in the present teachings, such that slight and insubstantial deviations are within the scope of the present teachings. Furthermore, values referred to as being “equal” may in fact differ by less than a threshold amount. The threshold amount may be 5%, for example. The threshold may also be greater than 5% (for example, 10%, 20% or 50%) or less than 5% (for example, 2% or 1 %).

[0142] As used herein, including in the claims, unless the context indicates otherwise, singular forms of the terms herein are to be construed as including the plural form and vice versa. For instance, unless the context indicates otherwise, a singular reference herein including in the claims, such as "a" or "an" means "one or more".

[0143] Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprise", "including", "having" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises" or similar, mean "including but not limited to", and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components. Also, the use of “or” is inclusive, such that the phrase “A or B” is true when “A” is true, “B is true”, or both “A” and “B” are true.

[0144] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language ("for instance", "such as", "for example" and like language) provided herein, is intended merely to better illustrate the disclosure and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

[0145] The terms “first” and “second” may be reversed without changing the scope of the invention. That is, an element termed a “first” element may instead be termed a “second” element) and an element termed a “second” element may instead be considered a “first” element.

[0146] Any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously unless stated or the context requires otherwise. Moreover, where a step is described as being performed after a step, this does not preclude intervening steps being performed.

[0147] It is also to be understood that, for any given component or embodiment described herein, any of the possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise. It will be understood that any list of such candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative, not limiting, unless implicitly or explicitly understood or stated otherwise.

[0148] In this detailed description of the various embodiments, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that these various embodiments may be 17335470.SK.GPKpracticed with or without these specific details. Furthermore, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the specific sequences in which methods are presented and performed are illustrative and it is contemplated that the sequences can be varied and still remain within the scope of the various embodiments disclosed herein.

[0149] Unless otherwise described, all technical and scientific terms used herein have a meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the various embodiments described herein belongs.

[0150] 17335470.SK.GPK

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis, comprising:a vial part comprising at least one sample vial for holding a sample; anda pressure transfer device;wherein the pressure transfer device comprises:a cover member;a transfer tube for extraction of the sample out of the sample vial when the system is in a first configuration, the transfer tube extending through and sealed against the cover member; anda pressurised gas channel for introducing pressurised gas into the sample vial, wherein the pressured gas channel extends through the cover member;the system further comprising a cleaning station for cleaning the transfer tube when the system is in a second configuration;wherein the system is arranged for sealing of the vial part against the cover member in a coupled state.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the vial part is constituted by the sample vial.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member comprises a seal arranged to adapt to the size of the sample vial, providing the sealing of the sample vial against the cover member.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the seal is located outside of the sample vial during the first configuration.

5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the seal is configured to deform under pressure.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover member is a container, and the combination of the vial part and cover member completely encloses the sample vial.

7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the vial part comprises a lid portion, wherein the at least one sample vial is mounted on the lid portion.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the lid portion is arranged to provide the sealing of the sample vial against the cover member.17335470.SK.GPK9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the lid portion comprises a base part and a wall part extending substantially perpendicularly from the base part, the wall part preferably being substantially cylindrical.

10. The system according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein a sample vial holder is arranged inside the lid portion, wherein the sample vial holder is configured to support the sample vial.

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a removable tray is arranged as part of the vial part.

12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurised gas has a higher pressure at the start of a sample transfer than at the end of the sample transfer.

13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurised gas channel is also configured to introduce pressurised gas into the cleaning station, and wherein the pressure of the system is lower during the second configuration than during the first configuration.

14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system is suitable for sample transfer when in a first configuration, and wherein the system is suitable for cleaning of the transfer tube when in a second configuration.

15. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning station comprises an inner reservoir for accommodating the transfer tube and an outer reservoir for accommodating the inner reservoir, wherein the inner reservoir comprises a port for receiving a cleaning fluid.

16. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pressurised gas channel is arranged to conduct the cleaning liquid into the transfer tube when the system is in the second configuration.

17. The system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the pressure transfer device is configured to flush the sample transfer tube with gas.

18. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an adjustment tool is arranged for adjusting the height of the transfer tube relative to the cover member.

19. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system is in a coupled state when the vial part or cleaning station is coupled to the cover member, and a decoupled state in which the vial part or cleaning station is separated from the cover member.17335470.SK.GPK20. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a lifting mechanism for moving the vial part and / or cleaning station between the coupled state and decoupled state.

21. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises an additional mechanism for moving the vial part sideways in relation to the cover member.

22. The system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing flange which extends from the sample vial, wherein the sealing flange is configured to allow sealing of the sample vial against the cover member in a coupled state.

23. Sample vial for the use in the system according to any of claims 1 to 22, comprising a vial body and a sealing flange extending from the vial body, wherein the sealing flange is configured to allow sealing of the sample vial against the cover member in a coupled state.

24. A method for pressure transfer of samples using a system for pressure transfer of samples for processing or analysis, the method comprising the following steps:sealing a vial part to a cover member, the vial part comprising at least one sample vial wherein the sample vial is configured to hold the sample;inserting a transfer tube of the pressure transfer device into the at least one sample vial;inserting pressurised gas into the vial part to transfer the sample out of the at least one sample vial and out of the pressure transfer device via the transfer tube;de-sealing the vial part from the cover member; andcleaning the transfer tube by sealing a cleaning station of the pressure transfer device against the cover member such that the transfer tube is at least partially enclosed by the cleaning station.17335470.SK.GPK

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