Variable Online Dilution for ICP Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample introduction systems for ICP spectrometry face challenges such as backpressure issues with peristaltic pumps, increased liquid waste, and chemical reactions between sequential samples, leading to noise and unwanted reactions, especially at low concentrations and when switching between solvent systems.
Innovation Solution
A sample introduction system that provides variable online dilution using a sample pump and dilution pumps, allowing for controlled introduction of samples and carriers only when needed, with the ability to adjust dilution ratios and flow rates, and includes features like intermittent sample introduction and pre/post-rinse functions to prevent residual fluid buildup and chemical interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If peristaltic pumps are used for sample introduction, then sample pumping is achieved, but backpressure issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical peristaltic pump system with a syringe pump system that uses controlled mechanical displacement to pump samples and carriers. This substitution eliminates the backpressure issues inherent in peristaltic pumps while maintaining reliable sample introduction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a valve system as an intermediary between the syringe pumps and the nebulizer. This valve system provides backpressure regulation and control, allowing the syringe pumps to operate without direct exposure to backpressure while maintaining precise flow control.
2Productivity
If continuous sample introduction is used, then sample analysis is maintained, but liquid waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sample introduction using controlled valve timing, where samples are introduced only during specific time intervals when the ICP torch is ready for analysis. This periodic action eliminates continuous flow waste while maintaining productivity through precise timing coordination between sample pumping, carrier pumping, and analysis cycles.
3Productivity
If sequential samples are introduced continuously, then analysis throughput is maintained, but chemical reactions between samples occur causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pre-rinse function that performs preliminary cleaning of the fluid path with a rinse solution before introducing the next sample. This preliminary action prevents chemical reactions between sequential samples by eliminating residual fluids, thereby maintaining both high throughput and data quality through systematic contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multi-position valve system as an intermediary that provides physical separation and controlled transition between sequential samples. The valve system ensures complete fluid path clearance and prevents direct interaction between different samples, eliminating cross-contamination and chemical reactions while maintaining analysis throughput.
4Device complexity
If fixed dilution is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different sample concentrations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic dilution control by independently controlling the flow rates of sample and carrier through separate syringe pumps. The dilution ratio can be adjusted in real-time by changing the relative pumping speeds, providing adaptability to different sample concentrations while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture based on standard pump and valve components.
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 achieves higher quality data, particularly at low concentrations, reduces waste, and allows for stable calibrations, enabling precise and reliable dilution and standard additions, even with viscous solutions, while minimizing equipment cleaning and labor.
Implementation Method 1
a sample pump configured to pump a sample in a specified time interval and a first carrier syringe pump configured to pump a volume of a carrier to be combined with the sample in the specified time interval
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
Implementation Method 4
transport the aliquot to a nebulizer that converts the aliquot into a polydisperse aerosol suitable for ionization in plasma
Data Source
AI summary
A sample introduction system providing variable online dilution of a sample is described. In one or more implementations, the sample introduction system includes a sample pump configured to pump a sample in a specified time interval and a first carrier syringe pump configured to pump a volume of a carrier to be combined with the sample in the specified time interval. A control module is configured to receive a specified dilution level for the sample (e.g., input by an operator) and selectively adjust the volume of the carrier pumped by the first carrier syringe pump in the specified time interval to furnish the specified dilution for the sample.