Programmable solid phase extraction and elution device

A programmable system for removing and concentrating solutes from dilute solutions thereof and then recovering said concentrated solute for further use, said system comprising:

• a plurality of fluid solution receptacles containing diverse solutions;
• means for sequentially metering and transferring predetermined sample solution amounts from one or more of said fluid solution receptacles to one or more of a plurality of cartridge receiver tubes in the sequence selected, each of said cartridge receiver tubes containing an amount of a solid phase sorbent, said cartridge receiver tubes and sorbent being adapted to cause the removal of at least one solute from said sample solution amount placed in said cartridge receiver tubes and retain said solute so that a concentrated solution of said solute may be eluted and removed therefrom;
• and
• programmable control means adapted to individually select one or more of said solution receptacles so that predetermined sample solution amounts of the fluid contained in one or more of said solution receptacles may be sequentially removed therefrom to individually selected ones of said cartridge receiver tubes, to meter and cause the transfer of said sample solution amounts from said individually selected ones of said solution receptacles to said individually selected ones of said cartridge receiver tubes, and to control the operation of said sequential metering and transfer of solutions by causing the creation of individual fluid flow paths adapted to permit said predetermined sample solution amounts to be delivered from each of said selected fluid solution receptacles in accordance with said predetermined sequence to said one or more of said selected cartridge receiver tubes.