Autosampler Missed Sample Detection via Marker Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
In ICP spectrometry, missed samples can lead to misreported concentration data due to empty or underfilled sample holding loops, as the detector may detect gas or gas bubbles instead of liquid, causing errors in analytical measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system with a valve incorporating sensors to detect fluids and a carrier fluid with a marker component is used to indirectly detect missed samples, where the marker component is a rare earth element present at higher or lower concentrations than in the sample, allowing the system to differentiate between sample and carrier fluid presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sample is missed during autosampling, then the detector may detect gas or gas bubbles instead of liquid, but this leads to misreported concentration data and analytical measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
A marker component is introduced as an intermediary substance mixed with the carrier fluid. This marker serves as a detectable signal that indirectly indicates whether a sample was successfully loaded. The marker component allows the system to detect the presence or absence of sample without directly monitoring the sample itself, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable measurements and detecting missed samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by detecting the marker component in the fluid introduced to the detector and using this information to determine whether a sample was missed. The detection results are fed back to the control system, which can then take corrective actions such as repeating the analysis or alerting the operator, thereby preventing misreported data and maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If sensors are incorporated into the valve to detect fluids, then missed samples can be detected, but this increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor integration into the valve with a chemical/biological detection approach. Instead of using mechanical sensors to detect sample presence, the system uses a marker component that can be detected by the existing ICP-MS detector through its mass spectrometry capabilities. This substitution reduces device complexity by leveraging the detector's inherent analytical capabilities rather than adding separate mechanical detection systems.
3Reliability
If a marker component is added to the carrier fluid, then missed samples can be indirectly detected, but this increases the quantity of substances handled
Solution Approach 1:
The marker component is introduced at a localized level within the carrier fluid rather than requiring large quantities of additional substances. The marker serves as a trace indicator that provides critical detection information without significantly increasing the overall quantity of material handled. This localized addition maintains the carrier fluid's primary function while enabling reliable missed sample detection.
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 effectively identifies missed samples by detecting the marker component, preventing misreporting of concentration data and ensuring accurate analytical measurements by distinguishing between sample and carrier fluid presence.
Implementation Method 1
ICP spectrometry employs electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma which reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000K
Implementation Method 2
the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light
Implementation Method 3
When a sample is introduced to the plasma, the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light. Since each chemical element produces a characteristic mass or emission spectrum, measuring the spectra of the emitted mass or light allows the determination of the elemental composition of the original sample.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for indirect detection of a missed sample from an autosampler. A method embodiment includes, but is not limited to, drawing a fluid through operation of an autosampler; directing the fluid via a fluid line to a valve of a fluid handling system, the valve including or being adjacent to a sensor to detect a presence or absence of liquid sample; directing the fluid from the valve into a holding line coupled to the valve; determining whether a threshold amount of liquid sample is present in the fluid in the holding line; and when it is determined that liquid sample is present in the fluid in the holding line in an amount less than the threshold amount, transferring a carrier fluid having a marker component to an analytic detector, the marker component present in the carrier fluid in an amount indicative of a missed sample.