Reusable Standard Analyte Generator Vial
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for standard preparation in GC-MS and LC-MS systems require frequent recalibration and preparation of volatile standards, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of analytes, especially in high-throughput applications where repeatability and stability are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A standard analyte generator vial is developed by spiking pure standards into a silicone diffusion pump fluid or polyacrylonitrile solution mixed with adsorbent particles, creating a stable and reusable sorbent matrix that allows for consistent analyte loading and extraction, enabling multiple repeatable QC extractions from a single vial.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If volatile standards are prepared in bulk for high-throughput applications, then the frequency of standard preparation is reduced, but analyte loss to the surrounding environment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable micro-vials containing volatile standards that are individually sealed and used for a limited number of extractions (typically 10-50 times). Each vial is designed to be used until depletion rather than maintained indefinitely, eliminating the need for bulk storage of volatile compounds while ensuring consistent analyte availability throughout its service life
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-vials are sealed in an inert or controlled atmosphere environment, preventing analyte loss to the surrounding environment through evaporation or contamination. The sealing mechanism maintains isolation of the volatile standards from external conditions, preserving analyte integrity from preparation through use
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple QC standards are prepared to extend usage duration, then the coverage period is extended, but preparative error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal QC standard platform where a single vial design and preparation methodology can be applied across multiple analytes and applications. The standardized micro-vial format allows the same preparation protocol to generate reliable standards for different compounds, reducing variability introduced by adapting procedures for each individual standard
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as vial volume, headspace volume, analyte concentration, and extraction frequency to extend the usable lifespan of each standard. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves maximum durability (hundreds of extractions) while maintaining consistent analyte delivery, eliminating the need for multiple replacement standards
3Device complexity
If classical standard preparation methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but repeatability and stability deteriorate in high-throughput applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the standard preparation system into modular components: pre-prepared micro-vials, standardized extraction protocols, and automated injection systems. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while ensuring overall system reliability through standardized interfaces and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions during standard preparation by pre-equilibrating the analytes in the micro-vials under controlled conditions before use. This preliminary equilibration ensures that the analyte distribution is stable and predictable at the start of each extraction sequence, improving repeatability across high-throughput applications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a highly reusable and stable standard analyte generator that maintains consistent analyte concentrations over hundreds of extractions, reducing preparative errors and extending the lifespan of calibration standards, while ensuring reproducibility and stability across various storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
spiking pure standards into a silicone diffusion pump fluid or polyacrylonitrile solution which is then mixed with an adsorbent solid particle just as PS-DVB and HLB were chosen in the current invention
Implementation Method 2
The combination of these sorbent phases is shown to present synergistic sorption effects which act to create a portable, highly reusable, automatable, and stable standard analyte generator
Implementation Method 3
The device delivers statistically repeatable amounts of known compounds depending on the initial amount of standard spiked in the sorbent vial and the temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes the process by which a standard mixture of organic compounds are spiked and retained onto a composite sorbent matrix for the controlled generation of a standard in fluid above the spiked matrix either in a gaseous or aqueous phase. The novelty of the aforementioned composite matrix stems from the combination of an immobilizing liquid phase such as silicone oil or a polyacrylonitrile solution, and solid, porous particles such as polystyrene-co-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) or hydrophilic/Lipophilic Balance (HLB) particles to strongly retain the spiked standards. These novel composite mixtures exhibit sorptive capabilities greater than the sum of their individual components. In addition swelling of the particles with the liquid phase facilitates immobilization of the composite sorbent matrix in the vial. With thermodynamic equilibrium strongly favoring the sorbent phase for a wide range of chemical compounds, this invention allows for the reproducible generation of an ultra-low concentration standard analyte mixture in fluid.