Calibrated Autodilution Flow Path for Accurate ICP Sample Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample preparation methods for ICP spectrometry are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in achieving accurate dilution of highly concentrated samples, leading to reduced laboratory throughput and potential instrument damage.
Innovation Solution
An autodilution system with a calibrated flow path between two valves, including a filter probe, probe valve, nebulizer valve, and multiple fluid lines, allows for inline dilution and direct analysis by capturing a known quantity of sample in a fluid line without a holding loop, using sensors and pumps to control dilution factors and prevent sample-carrier fluid contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional sample preparation methods are used for ICP spectrometry, then sample analysis can be performed, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming, reducing laboratory throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sample preparation operations (filtration, dilution, and direct transfer) into a single integrated autodilution system. The filter probe, probe valve, nebulizer valve, and fluid lines work together in one continuous process, eliminating the need for separate preparation steps and significantly reducing preparation time while increasing laboratory throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtration and dilution actions automatically before the sample reaches the nebulizer. The filter probe removes particulates and the calibrated flow path performs dilution in advance, so that when the sample is introduced to the plasma, it is already prepared and ready for analysis, reducing overall processing time
2Reliability
If highly concentrated samples are introduced directly to the plasma, then analysis can be performed, but the instrument may become saturated or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibrated flow path as an intermediary between the sample source and the plasma. This flow path acts as a mediator that automatically performs dilution of concentrated samples before they reach the nebulizer and plasma, protecting the instrument from saturation while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The autodilution system is designed to be self-regulating, using sensors and controllers to automatically adjust the dilution process based on the sample concentration. The system self-adjusts the flow rates and valve positions to achieve the correct dilution factor without external intervention, protecting the instrument while minimizing operational complexity
3Measurement precision
If manual sample preparation is used, then flexibility can be maintained, but reagent consumption increases and precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (pipetting, mixing, transferring) with an automated autodilution system using electronic sensors, controllers, and pneumatic components. This substitution enables precise control of sample and diluent flow rates, ensuring accurate dilution factors while minimizing reagent consumption through exact metering of each component
4Quantity of substance
If a holding loop is used to capture sample, then sample quantity can be controlled, but the system becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the holding loop component from traditional sample introduction systems. Instead of using a holding loop to capture and store a known quantity of sample, the system uses a calibrated flow path with sensors and controllers to directly measure and control the sample quantity passing through the fluid line, simplifying the overall system structure while maintaining precise sample quantity control
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 system enables rapid and accurate sample preparation with reduced reagent consumption, enhancing laboratory throughput and preventing instrument saturation, while maintaining analytical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a filter coupled with each of the probe tube and the probe fluid line, the filter having an array of through-holes to block particulates present in the fluid sample
Implementation Method 2
a pump system configured to transfer fluids through the probe valve, the nebulizer valve, and the plurality of fluid lines
Implementation Method 3
transport the aliquot to a nebulizer that converts the aliquot into a polydisperse aerosol suitable for ionization in plasma
Implementation Method 4
the aerosol is introduced into the plasma by a plasma torch assembly of the ICP-MS or ICP-AES instruments for analysis
Data Source
AI summary
Sample preparation systems and methods for inline autodilution of fluid samples are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a filter probe including a probe tube, a probe fluid line, and a filter having an array of through-holes to block particulates present in a fluid sample to provide a filtered sample; a probe valve; a nebulizer valve; a plurality of fluid lines including (i) a sample line and (ii) a dilution line; a pump system; and a controller configured to access sample information associated with the fluid sample to determine a dilution factor for the fluid sample, the controller configured to change the configuration of the probe valve or the nebulizer valve based on the dilution factor to direct, via action of the pump system, the filtered sample into the dilution line prior to the sample line for fluid samples having a dilution factor greater than one.