Sample Supply Device for Vaporizing Microsamples in CNS Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CNS isotope analysis systems cannot simultaneously or sequentially analyze very small samples for carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a feed device and treatment devices with oxidation and reduction regions, allowing for the separation of volatile components of very small samples into partial gases using chemical reactions, followed by analysis in a mass spectrometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional CNS isotope analysis systems are used, then analysis of standard sample sizes is possible, but analysis of very small samples (microsamples) for simultaneous or sequential CNS measurement is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The sample treatment is divided into separate sequential steps: first oxidation in a first treatment device, then reduction in a second treatment device, and finally oxidation again in a third treatment device. This segmentation allows very small samples to be processed through multiple chemical transformations without loss, enabling simultaneous or sequential CNS measurement of microsamples that would be insufficient for conventional single-step analysis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sample undergoes preliminary oxidation in the first treatment device before being transferred to the second treatment device for reduction. This preliminary chemical preparation ensures that even trace amounts of sample components are converted to suitable forms for subsequent analysis, enabling the system to handle microsamples effectively while maintaining the capability for simultaneous or sequential measurement of multiple elements
2Quantity of substance
If multiple treatment steps are added to enable very small sample analysis, then sample size capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each treatment device is designed to perform multiple functions: the first treatment device performs initial oxidation and can also serve as a vaporization chamber; the second treatment device performs reduction and prepares samples for both C and N analysis; the third treatment device performs final oxidation for S analysis. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle very small samples across multiple element analyses without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving minimum detectable sample amount
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the sample introduction and vaporization function with the first oxidation step in a single device. Additionally, the reduction region is integrated between the oxidation regions within the treatment train, allowing sequential chemical transformations to occur in a compact configuration. This merging reduces the overall number of separate components needed, managing device complexity while enabling analysis of very small samples
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 elemental analysis of very small samples by ensuring complete separation and analysis of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur components, even in the range of micrograms, with high precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The feed device is configured to guide a sample introduced by means of the feed device via the inlet opening along a longitudinal axis through a heating region, so that the sample is at least partially vaporized upon falling through the feed device before exiting through the outlet opening
Implementation Method 2
which is designed to oxidize the at least partially evaporated sample for the first time in a first oxidation region
Implementation Method 3
to reduce it for the first time in a reduction region
Implementation Method 4
to oxidize it a second time in a second oxidation region
Implementation Method 5
A second treatment device is connected to the first treatment device and is configured to reduce the sample at least partially evaporated in the first treatment device a second time
Implementation Method 6
a sample is treated for separation in a gas chromatograph and the thus at least partially evaporated sample is separated in the gas chromatograph into at least two partial gases
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for treating samples, in particular very small samples, for a quantitative elementary analysis with respect to carbon, nitrogen and/or sulfur, to a supply device for providing samples, to a use of such a supply device and to a system and a method for quantitative elementary analysis. In a first treatment device, a sample fed to the first treatment device via an opening can be at least partially evaporated. The treatment device is designed to oxidize for the first time the at least partially evaporated sample in a first oxidation region, to reduce it for the first time in a reduction region and to oxidize it for the second time in a second oxidation region, the reduction region being arranged between the first and second oxidation regions. A second treatment device is connected to the first treatment device and is designed to reduce the sample, which has been at least partially evaporated in the first treatment device, for the second time.