Auto-sampling System for Inline Acid Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of concentrated sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid for trace elemental analysis is error-prone and time-consuming, especially in strict manufacturing processes like semiconductor fabrication, due to the viscous and corrosive nature of these acids, which inhibits accurate determination of trace elements and reduces analytical throughput.
Innovation Solution
An auto-sampling system with syringe and valve configurations allows for automatic, inline preparation and matrix matching of concentrated sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, using independent syringe pumps and valve systems to dynamically introduce carrier, diluent, and eluent flows, enabling precise fluid management and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual handling of concentrated sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid is used for trace elemental analysis, then flexibility and simplicity of operation are maintained, but accuracy and throughput are reduced due to error-prone manual operations and time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample preparation process into distinct automated modules: a first syringe for carrier solution, a second syringe for buffer, a third syringe for eluent, and multiple selection valves (e.g., 10-position valves) that segment and control fluid pathways. This segmentation enables precise, error-free automated handling of concentrated acids while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components including selection valves that act as mediators between syringes and the analysis instrument, and inline mixing chambers that mediate the combination of concentrated acids with carrier solutions. These intermediaries enable automated, precise control of acid handling without direct manual intervention.
2Productivity
If manual preparation of concentrated acids is performed, then device complexity is minimized, but time consumption increases and analytical throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control through programmable selection valves and syringe pumps that can be reconfigured for different analysis modes. The valves dynamically switch between multiple fluid pathways, and the syringe pumps dynamically adjust flow rates, enabling high-throughput automated operation while managing complex fluid management requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning concentrated acids in sealed containers and pre-configuring the automated fluid management system with multiple syringes and valves. This preliminary setup enables rapid, high-throughput analysis without time-consuming manual preparation during the actual analytical process.
3Measurement precision
If automated syringe and valve systems are used for inline preparation of concentrated acids, then measurement precision and throughput are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The selection valves serve multiple functions: they direct carrier solution from the first syringe, buffer from the second syringe, eluent from the third syringe, and can route samples to waste or to the analysis instrument. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing device complexity while maintaining precision through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple syringes and valves into an integrated automated fluid management system. The carrier solution syringe, buffer syringe, eluent syringe, and selection valves are combined and controlled by a single automated sequence, achieving precise trace elemental analysis through coordinated operation of multiple components.
4Reliability
If manual handling of viscous and corrosive concentrated acids is performed, then ease of operation is maintained with simple equipment, but reliability and accuracy of trace element determination deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs self-service by automatically drawing concentrated acids from sealed containers, mixing them with carrier solutions through programmable valve sequences, and delivering prepared samples to the analysis instrument without human intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable, repeatable operations while maintaining ease of use through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of concentrated acids with an automated electromechanical system consisting of motor-driven syringe pumps and electronically controlled selection valves. This substitution eliminates human error in handling viscous and corrosive acids, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity through programmable automation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline preparation of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated phosphoric acid for analytic analyses. In implementations, the auto-sampling system includes independent syringe pumps connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce carrier, diluent, buffer, and eluent flows according to one or more modes of operation.