Automated Valve System for Ultra-Low Concentration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analytical devices, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometers, lack the accuracy to measure ultra-low concentrations of impurities in chemical samples, which are crucial for strict purity requirements in industries like semiconductor fabrication, as they cannot detect levels below parts per quadrillion.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that includes valve assemblies and exchange columns to concentrate chemical elements, allowing for high analyte retention and rapid elution, enabling the detection of trace elemental concentrations through inductively coupled plasma analytical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct analysis of ultra-low concentration samples is performed using current analytical devices, then analysis time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates because devices cannot detect levels below parts per quadrillion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary concentration of trace elements from large volumes of liquid samples (e.g., 1-10 liters) into small volumes (e.g., 1-10 mL) using automated valve assemblies and exchange columns before analysis. This preliminary action enables the ICP-MS device to detect ultra-low concentrations that would otherwise be below its detection limit, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary concentration system consisting of valve assemblies and exchange columns between the sample source and the ICP-MS analyzer. This intermediary device performs automated solid-phase extraction to concentrate trace elements, enabling the analytical device to achieve both high measurement precision for ultra-low concentrations and maintained productivity through automated processing.
2Measurement precision
If manual sample concentration procedures are used, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automated valve assemblies that self-regulate sample flow and exchange columns that automatically perform solid-phase extraction without manual intervention. The controller automatically sequences the concentration process, eliminating the need for complex manual operations while achieving trace element detection capability, thus improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly and exchange column system serves multiple functions: it concentrates trace elements, filters samples, and prepares samples for analysis all in one automated unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex devices, achieving trace element detection capability while limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If automated valve assemblies and exchange columns are added to concentrate samples, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve assembly, exchange columns, and controller into an integrated automated concentration system that interfaces with the existing ICP-MS device. By merging these components into a coordinated system rather than separate additions, the design achieves concentration detection accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity through unified control and compact integration.
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 enables the accurate detection of ultra-low concentrations of impurities, ensuring the purity of chemicals used in manufacturing processes by concentrating elements before analysis, thus preventing contamination in semiconductor wafers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of columns including at least a first column and a second column, the first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, the second column fluidically coupled to the second valve
Implementation Method 2
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 3
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectrometry is an analysis technique commonly used for the determination of trace element concentrations and isotope ratios in liquid samples. ICP spectrometry employs electromagnetically generated partially ionized argon plasma
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described to concentrate a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of valves including at least a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve; a plurality of columns including at least a first column and a second column, the first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, the second column fluidically coupled to the second valve; and a flow meter coupled with the third valve, the flow meter fluidically coupled with each of the first column and the second column when the plurality of valves is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column and the second column, wherein the plurality of valves includes a second flow path configuration and a third flow path configuration.