Inline Dilution Valve System for ICP Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample introduction systems for ICP spectrometry face challenges such as the need for frequent tubing changes during successive dilutions, increased liquid waste, and chemical reactions between sequential samples, which complicate calibration and analysis, especially when high dilution factors are required.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometry analysis system with an inline dilution environment using a first and second rotary valve assembly, along with dilution pumps, to determine if a sample needs dilution and route it accordingly, allowing for variable online dilution without refilling the sample loop, thereby mitigating the need for frequent tubing changes and reducing chemical interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If successive dilutions are performed using current sample introduction systems, then dilution capability is achieved, but frequent tubing changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample handling function into separate modules: a sample loop for holding the sample, a dilution module for performing dilutions, and an injection system for introducing samples to the analyzer. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and eliminates the need for tubing changes between dilutions.
Solution Approach 2:
A sample loop acts as an intermediary between the dilution module and the injection system. The sample loop holds the processed sample and allows multiple injections without requiring additional tubing changes, serving as a buffer that decouples the dilution operations from the injection requirements.
2Productivity
If current sample introduction systems are used, then sample analysis is performed, but increased liquid waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation by keeping the sample in the sample loop after processing, allowing multiple repeated injections without requiring additional sample preparation or generating additional waste. The useful action of sample analysis continues without interruption or waste generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample loop serves itself by retaining the processed sample for multiple injections. The system automatically reuses the same sample volume repeatedly without requiring external intervention or generating additional waste, making the sample utilization self-sufficient.
3Productivity
If sequential samples are introduced in current systems, then multiple samples can be analyzed, but chemical reactions between samples occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sample loop and valve system act as intermediaries that completely isolate each sample introduction event. The rotary valve directs different samples to the loop without direct contact between sample streams, and the loop delivers samples to the analyzer without exposure to previous samples, preventing chemical reactions while maintaining multiple sample analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the sample from its original container and holds it in the sample loop, separating it from the dilution and injection processes. This extraction eliminates direct interaction between sequential samples during transfer and introduction, preventing chemical reactions while allowing multiple samples to be analyzed.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual sample preparation is used, then sample processing is performed, but labor-intensive operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sample preparation automatically through the rotary valve and pump system without manual intervention. The valve automatically directs samples and diluents, the pump controls flow rates, and the sample loop holds processed samples ready for injection, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining ease of sample processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated control that monitors and adjusts the sample preparation process. The rotary valve positions, pump flow rates, and injection timing are controlled based on programmed parameters, providing feedback control that eliminates manual labor while ensuring consistent and accurate sample processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, a device includes a spectrometry analysis system that employs example techniques in accordance with the present disclosure includes an inline dilution environment, including a first valve assembly configured to prepare a sample by accepting at least one of the sample, a diluent, a carrier, or an internal standard, where the first valve assembly includes a first sample loop; and a second valve assembly configured to prepare the sample by accepting the sample from the first valve assembly, where the second valve assembly is coupled to the first valve assembly, and where the second valve assembly includes a second sample loop.