Automated system for remote inline concentration and homogenization of ultra-low concentrations in pure chemicals
AssigneeElemental Scientific, Inc.
InventorAustin Schultz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described to concentrate and homogenize a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration and homogenization system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, at least a first valve, at least a first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, a flow meter fluidically coupled with the first column when the first valve is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column, and a homogenization valve including a sample homogenizing loop in which the concentrated sample is homogenized.
Claims21
-18. (canceled)
A method for concentrating and homogenizing a liquid sample for analysis by an analysis system, comprising:
- transferring a liquid sample to a column configured to retain at least one chemical of interest from the liquid sample;
- passing the liquid sample through the column to retain the at least one chemical of interest;
- measuring an amount of the liquid sample passed through the column;
- eluting the at least one chemical of interest from the column to provide an eluted sample;
- directing the eluted sample from the column to a homogenizer fluid line;
- and
- homogenizing the eluted sample in the homogenizer fluid line to provide a homogenized sample prior to transfer of the homogenized sample to an analysis system.
The method of 23, further comprising introducing a second bubble of gas into the fluid line subsequent to eluting the at least one chemical of interest from the column to mark an end of the eluted sample.
A method for concentrating and homogenizing a liquid sample for analysis by an analysis system, comprising:
- transferring a liquid sample to a column configured to retain at least one chemical of interest from the liquid sample;
- passing the liquid sample through the column to retain the at least one chemical of interest;
- measuring an amount of the liquid sample passed through the column via a flow meter in fluid communication with the column;
- eluting the at least one chemical of interest from the column to provide an eluted sample;
- directing the eluted sample from the column to a homogenizer fluid line;
- and
- homogenizing the eluted sample in the homogenizer fluid line by passing the eluted sample through the homogenizer fluid line at least one time in a forward direction and passing the eluted sample through the homogenizer fluid line at least one time in a reverse direction to provide a homogenized sample prior to transfer of the homogenized sample to an analysis system.
The method of 35, further comprising introducing a second bubble of gas into the fluid line subsequent to eluting the at least one chemical of interest from the column to mark an end of the eluted sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.