Inline Nanoparticle Standard Mixing for Homogeneous ICP-MS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing nanoparticle samples using ICP mass spectroscopy face challenges in maintaining homogenous nanoparticle standards, as settling and prolonged mixing can lead to concentration differences and damage to nanoparticles, resulting in inaccurate data and increased costs due to manual handling and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that includes an agitator to mix nanoparticle standards and a fluid preparation system with pumps and valves for inline introduction into sample streams, ensuring homogenous distribution and minimizing contact time with potentially damaging chemicals, while also incorporating rinsing and purging processes to maintain fluid line cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual handling and mixing of nanoparticle standards is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but homogeneity is compromised due to settling and concentration differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mixing of nanoparticle standards using an automated agitator before analysis. This ensures homogenous distribution of nanoparticles in the standard solution prior to introduction, preventing settling and concentration differences that would occur with manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated mechanical agitation system. The automated agitator provides consistent, controlled mixing action that maintains nanoparticle suspension homogeneity without the variability and potential contamination associated with manual handling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If prolonged mixing is applied to maintain homogeneity, then nanoparticle distribution improves, but nanoparticle damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs mixing immediately before nanoparticle standard introduction to analysis. This preliminary action ensures homogeneity is achieved at the moment of need, eliminating the requirement for prolonged mixing that would otherwise be necessary to maintain suspension stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system rapidly mixes nanoparticle standards and immediately introduces them to the analysis system. This rushed-through approach minimizes the time nanoparticles spend in suspension, thereby reducing exposure to potentially damaging conditions while still achieving adequate homogeneity.
3Productivity
If automated inline introduction is implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated automated fluid preparation system. The system merges nanoparticle standard mixing, fluid sample preparation, and inline introduction operations into a single coordinated platform, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fluid preparation system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various nanoparticle standards and fluid samples. The system can perform mixing, dilution, and introduction operations for different sample types, increasing productivity across diverse applications without proportionally increasing complexity.
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
This system ensures precise and efficient handling of nanoparticle standards, reducing errors and costs by maintaining homogenous nanoparticle distributions and preventing damage, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of nanoparticle analysis in ICP mass spectroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator configured to mix a nanoparticle standard solution in a container to provide a mixed nanoparticle standard having a substantially homogenous distribution of nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
a fluid preparation system fluidically coupled with the container to receive the mixed nanoparticle standard, the fluid preparation system including a valve system and one or more pumps configured to direct the mixed nanoparticle standard through the valve system and into contact with a fluid sample stream
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated handling and maintaining nanoparticle standard solutions in a substantially homogenous state with controlled introduction to a fluid sample are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an agitator configured to mix a nanoparticle standard solution in a container to provide a mixed nanoparticle standard having a substantially homogenous distribution of nanoparticles; and a fluid preparation system fluidically coupled with the container to receive the mixed nanoparticle standard and direct the mixed nanoparticle standard to a fluid sample stream for inline mixing therewith.