Detachable Sorbent Probe Sampling for Automated High-Capacity Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling methods, particularly Solid Phase MicroExtraction (SPME), are limited by low capacity and require manual handling due to the necessity of complex sealing arrangements, which restricts automation and increases the risk of contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus with a detachable sample probe and vessel configuration, allowing independent manipulation by an actuator, such as a robotic arm, and a sample probe adaptor that enables simultaneous connection and disconnection of probes and vessels, facilitating automated and efficient sampling without the need for robust sealing mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If SPME uses a thin fibre coated with sorptive material to fit within a needle, then the device can be easily automated and manipulated, but the total volume of recovered compounds is limited to approximately 0.5 mL
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system is divided into separate components: a thin sampling needle for automation and a separate reservoir for sample accumulation. The needle contains a sorptive coating for sampling while the detached vessel stores the accumulated sample, allowing the sampling function to remain automated while the storage capacity is significantly increased.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachable coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the sampling needle and the sample vessel. This intermediary allows the needle to remain thin and automatable while connecting to a larger vessel for sample storage, bridging the gap between automation requirements and sample capacity needs.
2Quantity of substance
If metal probes with sleeves of PDMS material are used for high capacity sampling, then the sampling capacity is increased, but the probe dimensions present significant problems in penetration and resealing of vessel seals
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling system separates the sampling function (thin needle with sorptive coating) from the storage function (separate vessel). This segmentation allows the sampling component to remain simple and easy to seal while the storage component provides high capacity, avoiding the need for complex sealing arrangements around large-diameter probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample accumulation function is extracted from the probe itself and placed in a separate detachable vessel. This extraction allows the probe to remain thin and simple for automated manipulation while the separate vessel provides the high sampling capacity, eliminating the need for complex sealing of large probes.
3Quantity of substance
If manual handling methods are used for high capacity sampling, then the sampling capacity is increased, but the process is slow and laborious and risks contamination of the atmosphere, sample and adjacent samples
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service sampling where the robotic manipulator independently performs sample collection, vessel attachment, and sample transfer operations. The detachable coupling mechanism allows the system to service multiple samples sequentially without manual intervention, maintaining high capacity while increasing speed and reducing contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling process is made continuous through automated manipulator operations. The detachable vessel design allows for seamless transfer between sampling and analysis stages without breaking the automated sequence, maintaining high productivity while preserving sample integrity and preventing contamination throughout the continuous process.
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
Enables multiple simultaneous samples, reduces operation time, and minimizes contamination risks by allowing flexible automation and efficient handling of high-capacity sampling without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the probe section including a sorbent material arranged to acquire analytes from the sample vessel
Implementation Method 2
PDMS extraction is based on adsorption, an equilibrium technique based on the partitioning of analytes between the silicone and the aqueous phases
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A sampling apparatus for sorptive sampling comprises a sample vessel, a sorbent sample probe and an actuator such as a robotic arm (6). The sample vessel (2) is arranged for containing a liquid to be sampled. The sample probe (10) has a probe section including a sorbent material configured to be inserted into the sample vessel. The probe section includes a sorbent material arranged to acquire analytes from the sample vessel. The actuator is configured to connect to and manipulate both the sample vessel and the sample probe independently. The sample probe (10) is detachably connectable to the actuator such that the actuator is able to connect to and detach from the sample probe in use to selectively interchange the sample probe connected to the actuator with a further sample probe.