Automated Sample Digestion System for ICP-MS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample introduction systems for Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometry lack efficient automation for sampling and digestion, which hampers the accurate analysis of trace elements and isotope ratios in liquid samples, particularly in the semiconductor industry.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatic sampling and digestion that includes a digestion vessel with temperature control, reagent addition, and deionized water introduction, coupled with a connector valve to join multiple sample introduction systems, facilitating the preparation of samples for analysis by ICP-MS through controlled temperature processes and volume management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sample preparation is used for ICP spectrometry, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity and analysis efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the sample preparation system automatically performs digestion, filtration, and transfer operations without manual intervention. The controller coordinates multiple components (heating block, pumps, valves) to execute the complete sample preparation workflow autonomously, resolving the contradiction by providing both high productivity through automation and operational flexibility through programmable control sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The sample preparation system is divided into functional modules: digestion module with heating block, filtration module with pump and filter, and transfer module with valves and tubing. Each module operates semi-independently under centralized control, allowing the system to achieve high automation while maintaining the flexibility to adjust individual module parameters for different sample types and analysis requirements
2Productivity
If multiple sample introduction systems operate independently, then system simplicity is maintained, but sample throughput and analysis capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample introduction systems are merged into a single integrated sample preparation platform that shares common components including the heating block, pump system, filtration assembly, and control unit. This consolidation increases sample throughput by enabling parallel or sequential processing of multiple samples while managing system complexity through shared infrastructure and unified control software
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides multi-functionality by accommodating different sample types (liquids, suspensions), various digestion protocols, and multiple destination instruments (ICP-MS, ICP-OES). The universal design allows a single system to replace multiple specialized systems, increasing throughput while the modular architecture manages complexity through standardized interfaces and programmable control sequences
3Loss of time
If rapid digestion is performed to improve productivity, then sample preparation time is reduced, but digestion completeness and analysis accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes digestion by dynamically adjusting parameters including heating temperature, acid addition rate, and agitation speed based on sample type and desired digestion completeness. The controller monitors digestion progress and modifies parameters in real-time to achieve complete digestion in reduced time, resolving the contradiction between speed and completeness through adaptive parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors digestion conditions (temperature, pressure, volume) and adjusts operational parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures digestion completeness is maintained even during rapid processing, allowing reduced digestion time without compromising reliability through real-time parameter adjustment based on actual digestion progress
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
This solution enables efficient and automated sample preparation, ensuring accurate elemental composition analysis by effectively dissolving metals and compounds, improving the analysis process for trace elements and isotope ratios in liquid samples.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally-controlled block surrounding the digestion vessel and configured to control the temperature of the digestion vessel, wherein the thermally-controlled block increases the temperature of the digestion vessel to a first set temperature before digestion
Implementation Method 2
wherein the thermally-controlled block decreases the temperature of the digestion vessel to a second set temperature after digestion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatic sampling, digestion, and joining a plurality of sample introduction systems of a sample for subsequent analysis by ICP-MS are described. A system embodiment may include: a digestion vessel configured to receive a sample from a pressurized sample source; a shutoff valve configured to control a flow of the sample to the digestion vessel; a first syringe pump configured to introduce a reagent to the sample in the digestion vessel; a thermally-controlled block surrounding the digestion vessel and configured to control the temperature of the digestion vessel, wherein the thermally-controlled block increases the temperature of the digestion vessel to a first set temperature before digestion and wherein the thermally-controlled block decreases the temperature of the digestion vessel to a second set temperature after digestion; a level sensor configured to measure a level of the sample within the digestion vessel; a second syringe pump configured to introduce deionized water to the digestion vessel after digestion, based at least in part on the level measured by the level sensor; and a connector valve configured to receive digested sample from the digestion vessel and transfer the digested sample to an analysis system.