Calibrated Flow Paths Between Valves for Inline Autodilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample preparation methods for ICP spectrometry are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly in achieving accurate dilution for highly concentrated samples, leading to reduced laboratory throughput and potential instrument damage.
Innovation Solution
An autodilution system with calibrated flow paths between valves, including a sample line and a dilution line, controlled by a pump system and controller, allows for inline dilution and direct analysis, reducing preparation time and reagent consumption.
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 the sample transport line with the dilution line into a single integrated fluid pathway. The sample line serves dual purposes: transporting the sample and simultaneously serving as the dilution vessel. This eliminates the need for separate holding loops and multiple transfer steps, directly reducing preparation time and increasing laboratory throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs dilution of the sample before it reaches the analysis instrument. By pre-diluting highly concentrated samples in the calibrated flow path between the first and second valves, the system prepares the sample in advance for optimal analysis conditions, reducing the time required during actual instrument operation.
2Measurement precision
If manual dilution methods are used, then dilution can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sample's own flow and the calibrated volume of the sample line to perform automatic dilution. The known internal volume of the sample line serves as a precise dilution vessel, eliminating the need for external volumetric glassware or complex dosing mechanisms. This self-service approach ensures consistent, reproducible dilution accuracy without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the concentration parameter of the sample by controlling the flow rates and volumes in the calibrated sample line. By precisely controlling the dilution factor through the known geometry and volume of the sample line, the system achieves accurate dilution results that are reproducible across multiple analyses.
3Reliability
If highly concentrated samples are introduced directly to the instrument, then analysis speed is maintained, but the instrument may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary dilution of highly concentrated samples before they enter the analysis instrument. The calibrated flow path between the valves provides a controlled environment where the sample is diluted to safe concentrations, protecting the instrument from damage while maintaining efficient analysis throughput.
4Loss of substance
If traditional sample handling with holding loops is used, then sample storage is possible, but reagent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the holding loop component from the traditional sample handling system. By using the calibrated sample line flow path for both transport and dilution functions, the system removes the need for separate sample storage vessels, thereby reducing reagent consumption and simplifying the overall system operation.
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 probe valve fluidically coupled with a sample probe to receive a fluid sample; a nebulizer valve; a plurality of fluid lines fluidically coupling the probe valve with the nebulizer valve and including (i) a sample line and (ii) a dilution line into which a sample to be diluted is directed; 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 assigned to the fluid sample to direct the fluid sample into the dilution line prior to the sample line for fluid samples having a dilution factor greater than one.