Remote Liquid Sample Transfer With Gap Detection and Priority Queuing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently analyzing large numbers of chemical or biological samples over long distances, particularly in maintaining sample integrity and accuracy during transfer to analysis systems, due to issues like bubbles or gaps in sample transfer lines.
Innovation Solution
A system is developed that includes remote sampling systems and an analysis system connected by a sample transfer line, utilizing detectors and a controller to prioritize and manage sample delivery based on priority values, ensuring continuous liquid segments are detected and transferred accurately to analysis devices, thereby avoiding gaps or voids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If samples are transferred over long distances through a sample transfer line, then remote sampling capability is improved, but sample integrity deteriorates due to bubbles or gaps in the transfer line
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs detectors positioned along the sample transfer line to detect the presence or absence of liquid samples in real-time. This feedback information is transmitted to the controller, which uses it to monitor sample integrity during transfer and trigger appropriate responses such as pausing transfer or alerting operators when gaps or bubbles are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces detectors as intermediary devices between the sample transfer line and the control system. These detectors act as mediators that sense the physical state of the sample (presence/absence of liquid) and convert it into signals that the controller can process, enabling indirect monitoring of sample integrity without direct interference with the sample flow.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are analyzed simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but analysis accuracy deteriorates due to prioritization challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the analysis sequence based on priority values assigned to different samples. Instead of a fixed analysis order, the system continuously evaluates sample priorities and reconfigures the analysis queue accordingly, allowing critical samples to be analyzed sooner while maintaining efficient throughput of multiple samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of sample processing order by assigning and evaluating priority values. This parameter change enables the controller to optimize both productivity and accuracy by ensuring that samples requiring higher precision analysis are processed at appropriate times in the sequence, rather than following a rigid first-come-first-served approach.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of sample transfer is implemented, then sample integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into discrete detector units positioned at specific locations along the sample transfer line. Each detector independently monitors its local segment and reports to the controller, dividing the complex monitoring task into simpler, modular components that can be managed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The detectors are designed to autonomously detect sample presence and generate signals without requiring complex processing or intervention. Each detector serves itself by converting physical sample characteristics into electrical signals that directly indicate sample integrity status, reducing the burden on the control system.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient analysis by maintaining continuous liquid segments in the sample transfer line, reducing errors and maintaining sample integrity during long-distance transfer, thus enhancing the reliability of trace element concentration and isotope ratio determinations.
Implementation Method 1
ICP spectrometry employs electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma which reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000K. When a sample is introduced to the plasma, the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light.
Implementation Method 2
ICP spectrometry employs electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma which reaches a temperature of approximately 7,000K.
Implementation Method 3
When a sample is introduced to the plasma, the high temperature causes sample atoms to become ionized or emit light. Since each chemical element produces a characteristic mass or emission spectrum, measuring the spectra of the emitted mass or light allows the determination of the elemental composition of the original sample.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described to determine a prioritization schedule for samples handled by a system with multiple remote sampling systems. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an analysis system at a first location; one or more remote sampling systems at remote from the first location, the one or more remote sampling systems configured to receive a liquid segment and transfer a liquid sample to the analysis system via a transfer line; and a controller communicatively coupled with the analysis system and the one or more remote sampling systems, the controller configured to assign a priority value to a sample for analysis by the analysis system and to manage a queue of samples received from at the one or more remote sampling systems on the basis of the assigned priority value.