Systems and methods for preparing samples for chemical analysis using a cooled digestion zone

A system for preparing samples for chemical analysis, the system comprising:

• (a) a sample container including an elongate tubular body extending from an open end to a closed end, a crucible portion proximal to the closed end for holding a sample to be analyzed, and an expansion portion proximal to the open end;
• (b) a container receptacle for receiving the sample container, the container receptacle comprising a heating compartment, and a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment, the heating compartment being shaped to receive the crucible portion of the sample container, and the cooling compartment being shaped to receive the expansion portion of the sample container;
• (c) at least one heater for directly heating the sample within the crucible portion of the sample container while the sample container is received within the container receptacle;
• (d) a first cooler for cooling the expansion portion of the sample container while the expansion portion is received within the cooling compartment;
• and
• (e) a second cooler for providing cooling air to the crucible portion of the sample container to cool the crucible portion contemporaneously with the direct heating of the sample while the crucible portion is received within the heating compartment without reducing the direct heating applied to the sample by the at least one heater.

A method for preparing samples for chemical analysis, the method comprising:

• (a) placing a sample within a sample container containing an acid into a container receptacle, the container receptacle comprising a heating compartment and a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment, the sample container having a crucible portion for receiving the sample and an expansion portion, the heating compartment being shaped to receive the crucible portion of the sample container, and the cooling compartment being shaped to receive the expansion portion of the sample container;
• (b) directly heating the sample with a heater within the crucible portion of the sample container, while the sample container is received within the container receptacle;
• (c) cooling, with a first cooler, the expansion portion of the sample container contemporaneously with the heating of the sample, while the expansion portion is received within the cooling compartment;
• and
• (d) providing cooling air, with a second cooler, to the crucible portion of the sample container to cool the crucible portion contemporaneously with the direct heating of the sample, while the crucible portion is received within the heating compartment, without reducing the direct heating applied to the sample by the heater.