Dilution into Transfer Line Between Valves for Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly viscous samples, such as concentrated sulfuric acid, pose challenges in handling and transportation within ICP spectrometry systems due to flow restrictions and risk of contamination during pressure-driven processes or manual dilution, especially in systems with small internal diameters and high purity requirements.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that includes a sampler assembly and a pump to load and dilute the viscous sample with a diluent in a sample transfer line, allowing for controlled and direct sampling and dilution, with a valve positioned close to the sample source and a power line extending to a second location to facilitate sample transport over longer distances without local power, using a nebulizer and cyclonic spray chamber for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pressure-driven processes are used to transport viscous samples through small internal diameter tubing, then transport speed is improved, but sample contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a diluent as an intermediary substance that mixes with the viscous sample in the transfer line. This diluent reduces the sample's viscosity and enables transport through the tubing without requiring high pressure, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining transport speed. The diluent acts as a mediator between the viscous sample and the transport system.
2Ease of operation
If manual dilution is performed to handle viscous samples, then sample flowability is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic dilution within the transfer line itself, eliminating the need for manual dilution operations. The pump automatically introduces the diluent at the appropriate location, and the mixing occurs in-line. This self-service approach removes the human element from the dilution process, thereby eliminating contamination risk while improving sample flowability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sample transport distance is increased to separate power sources, then system flexibility is improved, but transport reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the diluent into the transfer line before the viscous sample reaches the longer transport section. This preliminary dilution action reduces the sample's viscosity in advance, enabling reliable transport over extended distances. By preparing the sample beforehand with the diluent, the system maintains transport reliability even when the power source is relocated to increase flexibility.
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 efficient and contamination-free handling and analysis of highly viscous samples by ensuring reliable transport and dilution of samples over longer distances within ICP spectrometry systems, maintaining sample purity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a pump coupled with the valve for injecting the diluent into the sample transfer line along with the viscous sample to dilute the viscous sample and transport the diluted sample to a second location remote from the first location via the sample transfer line
Implementation Method 2
When a sample is introduced to the plasma, the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light
Implementation Method 3
ICP spectrometry employs electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma which reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000K
Implementation Method 4
a sample introduction system may withdraw an aliquot of a liquid sample from a container and thereafter transport the aliquot to a nebulizer that converts the aliquot into a polydisperse aerosol suitable for ionization in plasma
Implementation Method 5
The aerosol is then sorted in a spray chamber to remove the larger aerosol particles
Data Source
AI summary
A system can include a sampler assembly configured to collect a viscous sample at a first location. In implementations, the viscous sample includes concentrated sulfuric acid (e.g., greater than about 75% H2SO4). The system can also include a valve coupled with the sampler assembly for receiving the viscous sample. The valve is configured to couple with a source of a diluent and a sample transfer line. The system further includes a pump coupled with the valve for injecting the diluent into the sample transfer line along with the viscous sample to dilute the viscous sample and transport the diluted sample to a second location remote from the first location via the sample transfer line. In implementations, the sample transfer line is at least approximately two meters in length.