Syringe-Based Sample Handling for XRF Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray analysis systems face challenges in accurately measuring non-homogeneous samples, particularly in petroleum refining, due to issues like sample settling and pressure differentials, which affect the consistency of analyte concentration in the sample cell, leading to inconsistent measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A sample handling apparatus that includes a removable syringe for flowing samples through a sample cell insert, ensuring consistent analyte concentration by normalizing non-homogeneities during analysis, compatible with both off-line and on-line x-ray fluorescence systems, including monochromatic wavelength dispersive XRF analyzers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a non-homogeneous sample is placed in a sample cell for XRF analysis, then the sample can be analyzed, but sample settling occurs causing inconsistent analyte concentration in the focal area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic sample delivery system where a syringe continuously moves sample through the focal area at a controlled flow rate. This dynamic approach prevents sample settling by maintaining constant motion, ensuring that the analyte concentration at the focal area remains representative of the bulk sample throughout the measurement period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a syringe as an intermediary device between the sample source and the sample cell. The syringe acts as a mediator that delivers sample through a flow cell at a controlled rate, normalizing non-homogeneities by ensuring consistent flow conditions and representative sampling from the bulk material.
2Measurement precision
If off-line bench-top XRF analysis is used, then measurement precision can be achieved, but manual sample placement is required and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated sample handling system where the syringe is driven by a motor to automatically deliver sample through the focal area. The system performs sample introduction, flow control, and measurement without manual intervention, enabling unattended operation and significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous sample flow through the focal area during the measurement process. The motor-driven syringe maintains constant sample delivery, eliminating interruptions and enabling uninterrupted analysis. This continuous operation allows multiple samples to be analyzed sequentially without manual repositioning, enhancing productivity.
3Productivity
If on-line XRF analysis with automated sample handling is implemented, then productivity is improved, but pressure differentials and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sample handling system into distinct functional modules: a motor-driven syringe for sample introduction, a flow cell for sample delivery, and an XRF analyzer for measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance, reducing operational complexity despite the automated functionality.
4Quantity of substance
If high viscosity petroleum-based samples are analyzed, then important contaminants can be detected, but sample flow consistency and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the flow rate parameter of the syringe to optimize sample delivery for high viscosity petroleum-based samples. By controlling the flow rate, the system ensures consistent sample presentation to the focal area, maintaining measurement precision while enabling detection of contaminants in challenging high viscosity matrices.
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
The apparatus provides representative analyte measurement results for overall sample concentration, improving measurement precision and consistency, especially for high viscosity and non-homogeneous petroleum-based samples, by ensuring uniform sample flow through the focal area during analysis.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is an analytical technique by which a substance is exposed to a beam of x-rays to determine, for example, the presence of certain components. In XRF, at least some of the elemental constituents of the substance exposed to x-rays can absorb x-ray photons and produce characteristic secondary fluorescence.
Implementation Method 2
A sample handling apparatus that includes a removable syringe for flowing samples through a sample cell insert, ensuring consistent analyte concentration by normalizing non-homogeneities during analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample handling apparatus/technique/method are provided for a material analyzer, including: a sample cell insert for carrying sample to and from a sample focal area of the analyzer; a removable sample carrying device for providing sample to the cell insert; and an actuator to flow sample from the carrying device to the sample cell insert. The removable sample carrying device may be a syringe, and the actuator pushes a plunger of the syringe to expel the sample to the sample cell insert. The sample cell insert may be mounted onto a sample cell, the sample cell being insertable into the analyzer for sample analysis. The sample handling apparatus may be used in combination with an optic-enabled x-ray analyzer, the x-ray analyzer including an x-ray engine with an x-ray excitation path and an x-ray detection path, wherein the x-ray excitation and/or the x-ray detection path define the sample focal area.