Calibrated Flow-Path Autodilution for Inline ICP Sample Preparation
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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, which can saturate instrumentation and reduce laboratory throughput.
Innovation Solution
An autodilution system with a filter probe, probe valve, nebulizer valve, and controlled fluid lines allows for inline dilution and direct analysis by capturing a known quantity of sample in a fluid line, using sensors and gas introduction to prevent contamination and ensure precise dilution without manual handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sample preparation and dilution methods are used, then flexibility and control over dilution processes is maintained, but preparation time increases and laboratory throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated sample dilution without manual intervention. The controller automatically controls the probe valve and nebulizer valve to direct sample flow through the dilution line, and the pump system automatically transfers diluted samples to the sample line for analysis, eliminating manual handling and preparation time
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures the dilution process by establishing known internal volumes in fluid lines and pre-positioning valves in specific configurations. The controller accesses sample information beforehand to determine required dilution factors and pre-adjusts valve positions accordingly, enabling rapid automated dilution when samples arrive
2Measurement precision
If highly concentrated samples are introduced directly into ICP spectrometry instrumentation, then analysis speed is maintained, but instrumentation saturation occurs and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs dilution of highly concentrated samples before they enter the instrumentation. The controller determines appropriate dilution factors based on sample information and automatically directs samples through the dilution line with controlled fluid volumes, preparing diluted samples ready for accurate analysis without saturation
Solution Approach 2:
The dilution line acts as an intermediary component between the sample source and the instrumentation. It receives concentrated samples, performs controlled dilution using the pump system and valve configurations, and delivers appropriately diluted samples to the sample line for analysis, protecting the instrumentation from saturation
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual dilution steps are performed, then dilution accuracy can be achieved, but the number of operational steps increases and complexity of the preparation process worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple dilution operations into a single integrated automated process. The probe valve, nebulizer valve, pump system, and controller work together as one unified system that performs dilution in one step rather than requiring multiple separate manual operations, reducing process complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical dilution operations with an automated control system. The controller electronically manages valve positions and pump operations to achieve precise dilution factors, substituting manual skill and complexity with automated programming and electronic control
4Productivity
If automated sample introduction systems are used, then preparation speed is improved, but contamination from particulates in samples may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs filtration of samples before they enter the automated introduction path. The filter probe removes particulates from samples in advance, preventing contamination during subsequent automated handling and analysis, while maintaining the speed benefits of automation
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 reduces preparation time, enhances throughput, and minimizes reagent consumption by enabling rapid, accurate inline dilution and direct analysis of samples, suitable for laboratories processing large volumes of samples.
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
ICP spectrometry employs electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma which reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000K. When a sample is introduced to the plasma, the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light.
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.