Auto-sampling System with Inline Matrix Matching for ICP Spectrometry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High total dissolved solids (TDS) in samples cause matrix effects that hinder accurate determination of elements in inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry, requiring high dilution which is undesirable for achieving excellent detection limits, and manual matrix matching of calibration standards is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An auto-sampling system with three independent syringes and a valve system that allows for automatic inline matrix matching of calibration standards to samples, dynamically introducing carrier, diluent, and ultrapure stock matrix flows to achieve precise matrix matching, enabling accurate analysis with lower or no dilution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high dilution is applied to reduce matrix effects from high TDS, then measurement accuracy is improved, but detection limits deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddetection limits

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the matrix composition parameters of calibration standards to match the sample matrix by automatically adding matrix components, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and detection limits without requiring high dilution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual matrix matching of calibration standards is performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic matrix matching without manual intervention by using automated syringes and valves to dynamically adjust calibration standard compositions, thereby improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of matrix matching with an automated fluid handling system controlled by a computing device, eliminating manual labor while preserving measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If automatic matrix matching with multiple syringes and valves is implemented, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated fluid handling system with multiple syringes and valves serves multiple functions including automatic sampling, matrix matching, and calibration, thereby justifying the increased device complexity through enhanced measurement accuracy and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11402306B1Auto-sampling system with automatic matrix matching capability

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 ELEMENTAL SCI

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to an auto-sampling system with syringe, valve configurations, and control logic that allow automatic, inline matrix matching of calibration standards to samples. In implementations, this can be accomplished with three independent syringes connected to a valve system to dynamically introduce a carrier, diluent, and ultrapure stock matrix flows for each blank, standard, or sample.