CN114184450A - Accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with improved sample tray - Google Patents
Accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with improved sample tray Download PDFInfo
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
- G01N1/34—Purifying; Cleaning
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D11/00—Solvent extraction
- B01D11/02—Solvent extraction of solids
- B01D11/0207—Control systems
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D11/00—Solvent extraction
- B01D11/02—Solvent extraction of solids
- B01D11/0288—Applications, solvents
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/00584—Control arrangements for automatic analysers
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
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Abstract
An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising one or more improved sample trays. The apparatus generally comprises: a sample tray configured to receive and support a sample cell well and having: (i) an open loading position that allows a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray and (ii) a closed run position; a heating furnace assembly for heating the sample cell wells to facilitate extraction; an enclosure housing; a cell holder configured to transfer the sample cell between the heating furnace assembly and the sample tray; a tray lock that selectively: (i) locking the sample tray in the closed run position and (ii) releasing the sample tray, allowing it to move to the open load position; and a microprocessor controlling the tray lock, the cell holder and the heating furnace assembly. A method of using the accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with the improved sample tray is also disclosed.
Description
Technical Field
The present application relates generally to an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with an improved sample tray configuration.
Background
Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) is a method for extracting various analytes from solid or semi-solid samples that utilizes elevated temperature and pressure to accelerate extraction and requires less solvent. ASE devices typically require a user to fill a sample container with a sample, place the sample container into the device, run an extraction operation, and finally remove the depleted sample container from the device. To facilitate extraction of analytes from a sample, ASE devices typically include a heating oven to heat the sample container to a temperature above 100 ℃ within the sample container.
Thus, the user may: (i) exposed to high temperature surfaces adjacent the furnace while manipulating the sample container; and (ii) exposure to the elevated temperature of the sample container itself after extraction. To avoid injury to the user while handling the hot sample container, the user must use protective equipment, such as insulating gloves or other mechanical handling devices, to avoid physical contact with the hot sample container and/or other components at elevated temperatures. However, handling of sample containers with such protective equipment is often not a convenient solution for users.
ASE devices may utilize cooling fans to reduce the internal temperature and ambient air to cool the sample containers within the device. However, this approach may require a significant amount of time to sufficiently cool the sample container and adjacent surfaces to a safe handling temperature. Also, this approach becomes more challenging if the device employs parallel mode extraction, where multiple sample containers will be at various stages of elevated temperature during the parallel process — the user may have to wait for all sample containers to cool to a temperature acceptable under safety considerations before accessing the device. Such latency can significantly slow down user workflow.
In addition, ASE devices and other sample manipulation devices of the sample preparation instrument take up valuable laboratory space. Compact layout and efficient motion control design of such devices may be important in order to optimize valuable laboratory space and maximize instrument throughput, especially for automated sample manipulation devices that perform multi-channel processing. Furthermore, compatibility with samples of various sizes may further optimize laboratory space by increasing the flexibility of such devices to accommodate the needs of the user without slowing down the workflow.
It would therefore be useful to provide an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with an improved sample tray configuration that overcomes the above-mentioned and other drawbacks of known apparatuses.
Disclosure of Invention
One aspect of the present invention relates to an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising: a sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells and having: (i) an open loading position that allows a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray and (ii) a closed run position; a plurality of heater assemblies, each heater assembly adapted to receive and heat an individual sample cell well to facilitate extraction of an analyte from a sample; a housing enclosing the sample tray and the heat furnace assembly, wherein in the open loading position the sample tray extends from the housing; a cell holder supported within the housing, wherein the cell holder is configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and the sample tray when in the closed run position; a tray lock that selectively: (i) locking the sample tray in the closed run position and (ii) releasing the sample tray, allowing it to move to the open load position; and/or a microprocessor controlling the tray lock, the cell holder and the furnace assembly, whereby the microprocessor performs a sequential operation in which, in the closed operating position, each individual sample cell supported on the sample tray: (i) moved by the cell holder to a respective heater assembly, (ii) heated by the respective heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analyte from the sample within each individual sample cell, and (iii) returned to the sample tray at an elevated temperature; wherein the tray lock releases the sample tray only when the cell holder does not move and each individual sample cell has cooled from the elevated temperature to a temperature less than or equal to a predetermined value.
Embodiments of the above invention may include one or more of the following features.
The gripper is movable relative to the housing along X, Y and the Z axis.
The tray lock may comprise an electromechanical lock.
The electromechanical lock may comprise a latch mounted on the housing and a retainer mounted on the sample tray, wherein the latch and the retainer are configured to lock the sample tray in the closed run position unless the microprocessor signals the electromechanical lock to release the sample tray.
The electromechanical lock may be a single acting device that biases the latch towards the keeper.
The apparatus may further comprise an ejection device that automatically ejects the sample tray toward the open loading position when the sample tray is released.
The ejection device may comprise a compression spring which biases the sample tray towards the open loading position.
The housing may include: (i) a front wall and (ii) an opening in the front wall through which the sample tray extends when the sample tray is in the open loading position, and the sample tray may include a closure on a front end thereof that closes the opening in the front wall when the sample tray is in the closed run position.
The housing may include: (i) a rear wall and (ii) a guide pin extending from the rear wall towards the sample tray, and the sample tray may comprise a guide aperture on a rear end thereof, wherein the guide aperture receives the guide pin when the sample tray is in the closed run position to scale the position of the sample tray relative to the housing and the cell holder.
The apparatus may further include a proximity sensor that senses when the sample tray is in the closed run position, wherein the microprocessor operates the cell holder and the furnace assembly only when the sample tray is in the closed run position.
The apparatus may further comprise a temperature sensor within the housing, wherein the microprocessor locks the sample tray in the closed run position until the temperature of all of the sample cell wells supported on the sample tray is less than or equal to a predetermined value.
The device may further comprise a hydrocarbon sensor within the housing, wherein the microprocessor locks the sample tray in the closed run position when the concentration of solvent vapor within the housing is above a predetermined concentration.
The housing may include a cooling fan for cooling the sample tray and any sample cell wells supported thereon when the sample tray is in the closed run position.
The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of sample trays, each sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells, and each sample tray having: (i) allowing a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray in corresponding open loading positions and (ii) in corresponding closed run positions; wherein, when in its closed position, the cell holder is configured to transfer the sample cell between the furnace assembly and a respective sample tray; wherein the microprocessor is configured to perform the sequential operation in which each individual sample cell well supported on one of the sample trays in its closed operating position: (i) is moved to a respective heater assembly, (ii) is heated by the respective heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analytes from samples within the individual sample cell wells, and (iii) is returned to the one sample tray at an elevated temperature; wherein during said sequential run the other sample tray is moved to its open loading position which allows a user to load a plurality of sample unit cells onto the other sample tray whilst preventing contact with individual sample unit cells on the preceding one sample tray which are at said elevated temperature.
The apparatus may further comprise a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, and a switching valve, wherein the microprocessor controls the solvent pump and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
Another aspect of the invention relates to an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising: a plurality of sample trays, each sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells, and each sample tray having: (i) an open loading position to allow a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray and (ii) a closed run position; a plurality of heater assemblies, each heater assembly adapted to receive and heat an individual sample cell well to facilitate extraction of an analyte from a sample; a housing enclosing the sample trays and the furnace assembly, wherein in the open loading position, each of the sample trays protrudes from the housing; a cell holder within the housing, wherein the cell holder is configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and a respective sample tray when in its closed run position; and/or a microprocessor controlling the cell holder and the furnace assembly, wherein the microprocessor performs a sequential operation, wherein, in its closed operational position, each individual sample cell supported on one of the sample trays: (i) move to the respective heater assembly, (ii) be heated by the respective heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analyte from the sample within each individual sample cell well, and (iii) be returned to the one sample tray at an elevated temperature; wherein during said sequential run the other sample tray is moved to its open loading position which allows a user to load a plurality of sample unit cells onto the other sample tray whilst preventing contact with individual sample unit cells on the preceding one sample tray which are at said elevated temperature.
Embodiments of the above invention may include one or more of the following features.
The apparatus may comprise two sample trays.
The apparatus may further comprise a tray lock for each sample tray, each tray lock selectively locking a respective sample tray in its closed run position and releasing the respective sample tray for movement to its open load position.
Each tray lock may comprise a latch mounted on the housing and a retainer mounted on the respective sample tray, wherein the latch and the retainer are configured to lock the respective sample tray in its closed run position unless the microprocessor signals the electromechanical lock to release the respective sample tray.
The device may further comprise an ejection means for each sample tray which, when released, automatically ejects the respective sample tray towards its open loading position.
The ejection means may comprise a compression spring which biases the respective sample tray towards its open loading position.
The housing may include: (i) a front wall and (ii) an opening in the front wall through which each sample tray extends when the sample tray is in its open loading position, and each sample tray may include a closure on a front end thereof that closes the opening in the front wall when the respective sample tray is in its closed run position.
The apparatus may further comprise a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, and a switching valve, wherein the microprocessor controls the solvent pump and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
Another aspect of the invention relates to an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising: a sample tray comprising a plurality of receptacles configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells, respectively, the sample tray having a lateral channel adjacent to one or more of the receptacles; a heater assembly configured to receive and heat individual sample cell wells to facilitate extraction of analytes from a sample; a cell holder configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and the sample tray; and/or a microprocessor controlling the cell holder and the furnace assembly, whereby the microprocessor performs a sequential operation, wherein the cell holder moves the respective sample cell: (i) move from the sample tray, (ii) move through the channel through the sample tray, and (iii) move to a respective heat furnace assembly.
Embodiments of the above invention may include one or more of the following features.
The receptacles may be linearly spaced along the sample tray.
The sample tray may include a plurality of cell holders linearly spaced along the sample tray, each cell holder configured to receive and support a portion of the plurality of sample cells, wherein the channel is located between adjacent ones of the plurality of cell holders.
Each unit cell holder may comprise four receptacles.
Each cell support may be configured to support a respective sample cell in a single column along the sample tray.
The cell holder is movable relative to the sample tray and the furnace assembly along X, Y and Z-axis.
The microprocessor may perform a sequential operation in which the cell holders further: (i) move from the respective oven assembly, (ii) move through the sample tray via the tunnel, and (iii) move to the sample tray.
The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of sample trays, each sample tray comprising said plurality of receptacles and said lateral channels, wherein said microprocessor is configured to perform a sequential operation in which said cell holders move respective sample cell wells through all sample trays via their respective channels.
The apparatus may further comprise a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, and a switching valve, wherein the microprocessor controls the solvent pump and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
The sample tray may be configured to receive and support a plurality of differently sized sample cell wells, each having a cell well lid removably secured to a cell well vessel. The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of receptacles on the sample tray, each receptacle configured to receive and support a respective sample unit cell, wherein each receptacle comprises an upper seat and a lower seat, wherein each upper seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a first length, and wherein each lower seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a second length longer than the first length.
Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising: a sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of differently sized sample unit cells, each sample unit cell having a unit cell cover removably secured to a unit cell vessel; a plurality of receptacles on the sample tray, each receptacle configured to receive and support a respective sample unit cell, wherein each receptacle comprises an upper seat and a lower seat, wherein each upper seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a first length, and wherein each lower seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a second length longer than the first length; a heater assembly configured to receive and heat individual sample cell wells to facilitate extraction of analytes from a sample; and/or a cell holder configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and the sample tray.
Embodiments of the above invention may include one or more of the following features.
The device comprises two sample trays.
Each receptacle may further comprise a mid-seat between the upper seat and the lower seat, wherein each mid-seat is configured to receive a cell cover of a respective sample cell of a cell vessel having a third length that is longer than the first length and shorter than the second length.
The receptacles may be linearly spaced along the sample tray.
The sample tray may comprise eight receptacles.
Each receptacle may be configured to support a respective sample cell well in a single column along the sample tray.
The cell holder is movable relative to the sample tray and the furnace assembly along X, Y and Z-axis.
The sample tray may further comprise a lateral channel adjacent to one or more of the receptacles, and the apparatus further comprises a microprocessor controlling the cell holders and the furnace assembly, whereby the microprocessor performs a sequential operation in which the cell holders move respective sample cell through the channel, through the sample tray, and to the respective furnace assembly.
The apparatus may further include a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, a switching valve, and a microprocessor that controls the heating furnace assembly, the cell holder, the solvent pump, and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the invention.
Drawings
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with an improved sample tray according to aspects of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the device of fig. 1 showing one sample tray in its open/loading position.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device of fig. 1 showing another sample tray in its open/loading position.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the device of fig. 1 with a portion of the housing removed to illustrate the arrangement of various components therein.
Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary fluid handling configuration of the device of fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of fig. 1 along a sample tray in its closed/run position.
FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but showing one of the sample trays in a partially open position.
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of the device of fig. 1.
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the device of fig. 1, taken along line 9-9 of fig. 8.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary control configuration of the apparatus of FIG. 1.
Detailed Description
Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) systems typically use organic and aqueous liquid solvents at elevated temperatures and pressures to increase the efficiency of the extraction process. The extraction cell (extraction cell) carrying the sample is typically heated to a temperature above the boiling point of the solvent to accelerate extraction of the analyte of interest from the sample. For example, the extraction cell may be heated to a temperature above 100 ℃. This often results in elevated extraction cell surface temperatures, which can pose a potential safety hazard to the user when being handled. In addition to hot surfaces, moving mechanical parts within the ASE system may injure the user during operation. The evaporated solvent may also escape from the system and be inhaled by a user nearby during the extraction process.
According to various aspects of the invention, ASE devices may be provided with a multi-tray configuration to increase throughput and facilitate safe handling of post-analysis sample cell (sample extraction cell). In particular, the multi-tray configuration allows a user to prepare sample unit cells for a first sample tray, load them onto the first sample tray, and initiate a first sequential run to extract analytes from the sample unit cells of the first sample tray. In performing sequential runs of the first sample tray, the user may similarly prepare sample unit cells for a second sample tray, load them on the second sample tray, and initiate a second sequence for the second sample tray. By alternating sample trays, continuous operation can be established, facilitating higher throughput and user safety with minimal latency.
Also, according to various aspects of the invention, the device may be configured with an intelligent locking device to limit access to one or both sample trays, thereby protecting the user from: (i) exposing the sample cell to a sample at an elevated temperature; (ii) a moving part exposed within the device; and/or (iii) exposure to evaporated solvent within the device when the instrument is operational and unsafe to the user.
Turning now to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like reference numerals throughout the several views, and with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows an ASE device 30 provided with a plurality of sample trays 32, 33, each sample tray 32, 33 supporting a plurality of extraction or sample cell reservoirs 35 (see FIG. 4).
A benefit of the multi-tray configuration is that a user can open one sample tray for loading and/or unloading while restricting access to other sample trays when they support a pool of hot sample units that should not be manipulated by the user for safety purposes. For example, a user may open one sample tray 32 while the other sample tray 33 remains closed (see, e.g., fig. 2), and vice versa (see, e.g., fig. 3). By allowing access to one tray while preventing access to another tray where the sample cell wells overheat without safe handling, the one tray can be loaded with sample containers for the next extraction sequence, thus increasing the overall throughput of the analysis and maintaining a safe experimental plan for the user. In contrast to conventional single-tray configurations, the multi-tray configuration allows for better utilization of the device and improved user workflow with minimal latency.
In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, and with reference to fig. 4, the ASE device 30 may further include: a furnace module 36 having a plurality of furnace assemblies 38; a case 39 enclosing the sample tray and other components; a cell holder 41 movably disposed on a gantry 42 for transferring the sample cell between the sample tray and the furnace assembly; a tray lock 44 (fig. 6) to selectively lock the sample tray; a rotating carousel 45 supporting a collection bottle 46; and a microprocessor 48 (fig. 10) which controls the various components of the device.
Typically, the ASE device 30 comprises a plurality of sample trays 32, 33 on which a user can load sample cell wells 35 of various sizes when the trays are extended from the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the ASE device comprises pairs of retractable trays, each tray supporting eight sample cell wells. The sample tray may also support one or more wash unit wells 49. It will be appreciated that two, three, four or more trays supporting various types and numbers of sample cell wells may be used. Similarly, one will appreciate that various configurations of trays may be utilized, including but not limited to lift, pull, swing, tilt, and/or other suitable tray configurations.
As shown in fig. 4, the sample tray may include a rack to hold and support sample cell wells of different sizes, e.g., a smaller cell well 35 ', a medium cell well 35 ", and a larger cell well 35"'. In various embodiments, the sample cell reservoir may have a capacity ranging from 1mL to 1000mL, and more preferably ranging from 1mL to 100 mL.
Referring to fig. 2 and 3, each sample tray has a corresponding open/load position and closed/run position. For example, fig. 3 shows one tray 32 in its open/loading position and the other tray 33 in its closed/operative position, and fig. 2 shows one tray 32 in its closed/operative position and the other tray 33 in its open/loading position. When in their respective open/load positions, the user may safely load one or more sample cell wells onto the respective tray when the tray is extended out of the ASE device 30. The sample tray may be provided with linear bearings or tray slides to allow the tray to move between its open/loading and closed/run positions. However, it will be appreciated that other structural configurations may be utilized to movably support the sample tray between its loading and operating positions.
The housing 39 may include one or more tray openings 52 in a front wall 54 of the housing through which the sample trays extend when the sample trays are in their respective open/loading positions. Preferably, each sample tray comprises a closure 55 on its front end, which closure 55 closes the opening of the front wall when the sample tray is in its closed/operative position. Touch sensors or buttons (see fig. 4) may be provided on each closure or elsewhere on the housing to allow the user to open the sample trays as long as the respective sample trays are not locked as described below.
Referring to fig. 7, the housing 39 may further include a guide pin 58, the guide pin 58 extending from a rear wall 59 of the housing toward the sample tray, and the sample tray may include a guide hole 61 on a rear end thereof. As shown in fig. 6, the guide holes receive guide pins to index the position of the sample tray relative to the housing and cell holder when the sample tray is in the closed/run position. Thus, the tray can be retracted into the device such that each sample cell position is precisely aligned within the device to facilitate transport of individual cell by cell holder 41, as discussed below.
According to various aspects of the present invention, the ASE device 30 is provided with a plurality of furnace modules 38, as shown in FIG. 4. Each heater assembly is adapted to receive and heat an individual sample cell well to facilitate extraction of an analyte from a sample within the sample cell well. In the illustrated embodiment, each oven assembly has an open chamber configuration that can readily receive a sample cell transported by the cell holder 41, as discussed below. Each heater assembly may have a shape adapted to receive and substantially surround (50% or more) an individual sample cell well such that it can independently heat an individual sample cell well to a different temperature than an adjacent sample cell well.
In the illustrated embodiment, the ASE device is provided with four furnace assemblies, allowing for a four-channel device in which up to four extractions can be performed in parallel on four different sample cell wells at a time. It will be appreciated that two, three, four or more furnace assemblies may be provided. Since typical ASE processing times can be as long as 20-30 minutes, performing multiple extractions in parallel can greatly improve throughput without significantly increasing laboratory floor space.
With continued reference to FIG. 4, the cell holder 41 is configured to transport the sample cell 35 between the sample trays 32, 33 and the heater furnace assembly 38. In various embodiments, the sample tray is located beside the oven assembly in order to reduce and/or minimize the distance that the sample cell wells must travel between the sample tray and the oven assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater module 36 extends parallel to the sample trays 32 and 33.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cell holder is supported by the gantry 42 for movement relative to the housing 39 along X, Y and the Z-axis. For example, the cell holder can be moved up and down by the Z actuator 62, back and forth along the Y frame 64, and from side to side along the X rail 65. In various embodiments, a gantry is positioned above the sample tray and the oven assembly to take full advantage of three-dimensional space and reduce the overall size of the apparatus. It will be appreciated that other suitable gantry configurations may be utilized to move the cell holder and the sample cell supported thereon. It will also be appreciated that this movement may be achieved in an otherwise conventional manner by a linear actuator or other suitable means.
According to various embodiments of the present invention, and as shown in fig. 8, a sample tray (e.g., sample trays 32, 33) may be elongated and may include a plurality of locations or receptacles 67 configured to receive and support respective sample cell wells at specific locations along the sample tray. The receptacles may be linearly spaced along the sample tray. For example, fig. 8 shows receptacles spaced to support sample cell wells 35 in a single column along the sample tray in a linear fashion. The sample tray may include one or more cell holders 68. For example, the illustrated embodiment includes two cell holders on each sample tray.
Also, according to various embodiments of the present invention, each location or receptacle may include two, three, or more vertically stacked seats to receive different sized sample cell wells. Referring to fig. 4 and 6, each receptacle 67 may include an upper seat 70, a middle seat 71, and a lower seat 73 to receive a respective small sample unit cell 35 ', a middle sample unit cell 35 ", and a large sample unit cell 35"'.
Referring to fig. 6, this vertically stacked seat configuration is particularly suitable for receiving and supporting various sizes of sample cell wells having similarly shaped cell covers 74 and cell vessels 75', 75 ", and 75" of various sizes. For example, the sample cell wells may have standardized cell well covers releasably secured to tubular cell well vessels, wherein the individual cell well vessels are substantially identical except for their length. In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle seat is sized and configured to receive and support the lower unit cell cover of the sample unit cell, however, it will be understood that the receptacle seat may also be sized and configured to receive and support the upper unit cell cover of the sample unit cell.
The cell holder may be configured to pick up any sample cell mounted on any of the sample trays and then transport it to one of the oven assemblies as required. As shown in fig. 4, the sample tray may be provided with a transverse channel or passageway 77 adjacent to one or more receptacles 67 to provide clearance so that sample cell wells supported by the cell well holders may be transported through the sample tray towards the heater assembly.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the channel is located between adjacent receptacles 67' and 67 ". However, it will be appreciated that the channel may be located on the front and/or rear end of the sample tray such that it is adjacent only one receptacle. One will also appreciate that one or more channels may be provided on the sample tray. The channels between adjacent receptacles can reduce the total distance that the cell holder must carry a sample cell, thereby increasing overall throughput. For example, the centrally located channel shown in the figures may reduce the average distance any sample cell well must travel, for example, along the path P shown in fig. 8.
The cell holder may be provided with a yoke 78 (or other suitable structure) to engage a lid flange 80 (or other suitable structure) of the sample cell wells, lift the sample cell wells from the sample tray, support the sample cell wells during transport to the oven assembly, and store the sample cell wells in the oven assembly (or vice versa).
Once the sample cell wells are stored in the furnace assembly, the furnace assembly may heat the sample cell wells and the sample therein to facilitate extraction of the analyte from the sample that would otherwise be done in a conventional manner.
Turning now to fig. 5, the ASE device may include various fluid handling components to enable extraction of analytes from the sample cell reservoir and delivery of the analytes to the respective collection vials. For example, the ASE device 30 may further include a solvent source 81, a solvent pump 83, a gas source 84, a switching valve 86 for directing solvent and/or gas to the sample cell wells 35 located in the respective furnace assemblies of the furnace module 36 to enable extraction of analytes from the respective samples in the respective sample cell wells. The solvent and/or gas containing the extracted analyte may continue through appropriate fluid lines to the restrictor tube 87 for delivery to the corresponding collection vial 46 of the carousel 45 (see fig. 4). While such simplified fluid handling configurations are presented for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various components and configurations may be utilized to achieve delivery of extracted analytes to respective collection vials.
As described above, the sample cell wells are returned to their respective sample trays after extraction, and it takes some time for the sample cell wells to cool sufficiently from the elevated temperature achieved during extraction. To prevent user injury, the ASE device 30 may provide a tray lock 44 (fig. 6 and 7) for each sample tray (e.g., sample tray 32) to prevent the sample tray from opening until the sample cell wells supported thereon are sufficiently cooled for safe handling by the user. Also, the tray locks may be configured to prevent the sample trays from moving out of their closed/run position as the cell holders move to prevent injury to the user and/or internal damage to the device. In particular, each tray lock may selectively lock a respective sample tray in its closed position shown in fig. 6, and may selectively release the tray to its open/loading position (see, e.g., sample tray 32 in fig. 2).
Each tray lock may include an electromechanical lock 88 having a latch 90 mounted on or near the front wall 54 of the housing 39, and a retainer 91 mounted on a respective sample tray (e.g., sample tray 32 in fig. 6). The retainer 91 is configured to receive a latch from the electromechanical latch when the sample tray is closed to retain the sample tray in the closed position. The latch and the retainer are collectively configured to lock the sample tray in the closed/run position unless the microprocessor sends a signal to the electromechanical lock to release the sample tray. For example, the electromechanical lock may be a single acting device which biases the latch towards the holder unless it is actuated to release the sample tray. Alternatively, the locking device may be a dual action device, wherein different signals are required to engage and disengage the pallet lock. It will be appreciated that the locking means may comprise a pneumatically controlled actuator or other suitable means to selectively prevent movement of the sample tray. For example, in the event of a power outage or lock failure event, a plunger may be used on the opposite side of the retainer as the manual lock release mechanism. Such plungers may be actuated with switches that are not easily accidentally actuated, requiring a special panel to be opened, or require narrow pins to actuate the plunger.
Each sample tray may also be provided with an ejection device 93, which ejection device 93 automatically ejects the sample tray towards the open/load position when the corresponding tray lock is released. The ejection device may have a compression spring 94, which compression spring 94 biases the sample tray towards the open/loading position. For example, the ejection device may push the sample trays to the partially open position shown in fig. 7 to provide a visual indication that the sequential run has been completed and the sample cell wells located on the respective sample trays have cooled sufficiently for safe handling by the user. It will be appreciated that other ejection device configurations may also be utilized, including but not limited to electric motors and gears, extension springs, tilt slides, and/or other suitable devices.
Turning now to fig. 10, microprocessor 48 includes a memory section that may be configured to control various subsystems of ASE device 30, including but not limited to: operating the tray lock 44; operating the X, Y, and Z actuators of gantry 42 to move the cell pool gripper; operating the furnace assembly 38; operating the solvent pump 83; the switching valve 86 is operated; and an operation dial 45. The microprocessor 48 may be integrated into the ASE device 30 or may be part of a personal computer that sends signals to communicate with the ASE device 30. The memory portion may include software or firmware instructions on how to control the various subsystems of the ASE device 30.
For example, the microprocessor may be configured to perform a sequential run in which each individual sample cell well supported on one of the sample trays in its closed/run position: (i) is moved to a corresponding heater assembly, (ii) is heated by the corresponding heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analyte from the sample within the individual sample cell wells, and (iii) is returned to the one sample tray at an elevated temperature. And, the microprocessor may be configured to, during the sequential run, move the other sample tray to its open/load position, the open load position allowing a user to load a plurality of sample unit cells onto the other sample tray while preventing contact with individual sample unit cells on the preceding one sample tray at an elevated temperature.
The microprocessor may be configured to engage the tray lock and prevent the sample tray from moving out of its closed/run position as the cell holder moves within the housing.
The microprocessor may be configured to allow one sample tray to move to its open/load position as sequential runs are made on another sample tray, thus allowing a user to load a sample unit cell onto the first sample tray.
The microprocessor may be configured to monitor the temperature of the sample cell wells in real time using a suitable sensor arrangement and open the tray when a safe temperature is reached. Alternatively, the microprocessor may also be configured to empirically determine the time required to achieve sufficient cooling of the sample cell wells. Also, the microprocessor may be configured to control the optional cooling device to achieve a predetermined safe handling temperature. For example, the housing 39 may be provided with a cooling fan 96 (see fig. 6) to direct ambient air into the housing (or to exhaust hot air from the interior) to cool the interior of the device. Alternatively, the microprocessor may control a peltier device and/or other suitable device to cool the sample cell wells, sample trays, and/or the interior.
Various sensors may be provided to inform the microprocessor of various conditions of the ASE device. For example, referring to fig. 6, a proximity sensor 97 may be provided to sense when the sample tray is in the closed/run position, thus allowing the microprocessor to operate the cell holder and furnace assembly only when the sample tray is in the closed/run position. A temperature sensor 99 may be provided within the housing, thereby allowing the microprocessor to lock the respective sample tray in its closed/operative position until the temperature of all of the sample cell wells supported on the sample tray is less than or equal to a predetermined value. A hydrocarbon sensor 100 may be provided within the housing, thus allowing the microprocessor to lock the sample tray in its closed/run position when the concentration of solvent vapor within the housing is above a predetermined concentration.
In operation and use, a user may collect multiple samples to prepare multiple sample unit cells. The preparation of solid and semi-solid samples typically involves some sort of homogenization procedure, in which a mortar and pestle are used to grind the sample. Each sample may be ground with or combined with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) or other absorbent and then transferred to a sample cell. Typically, the process of preparing the sample cell wells takes about 5-10 minutes. According to various aspects of the present invention, a user may first prepare a number of sample unit cells corresponding to the amount of space on a sample tray (e.g., up to eight sample unit cells for one sample tray as shown in fig. 2) a day. The user may then load a first sample tray (e.g., sample tray 32), return the loaded first sample tray to its closed/run position, and initiate a first sequential run of the ASE device on the sample cell wells loaded on the first sample tray.
During the first sequential run, the cell holder will transfer each sample cell to the corresponding heater assembly to heat the sample cell and its sample. When the sample cell is in the oven assembly, the conduit from the switching valve is in sealed connection with the inlet of the sample cell, while the other cell conduit is in sealed connection with the outlet of the sample cell so that the extracted liquid can flow to a collection vessel or bottle. Thus, once the liquid is sufficiently heated, the analyte can be extracted from the sample in the sample cell. And, once the analyte has been extracted from the sample cell, the sample cell is then returned to position on the sample tray and the process is repeated on the next sample cell until all sample cells on the sample tray are completed. And all sample cell wells returned to the sample tray are allowed to cool sufficiently to a safe handling temperature.
Once the analyte has been extracted from all of the sample cell wells and all of the sample cell wells have cooled sufficiently to (or below) a predetermined value, the sample tray can be released and its sample cell wells can be safely handled by a user. In various embodiments, the predetermined value may be less than 65 ℃, or more preferably less than 60 ℃, or most preferably less than 40 ℃. Once sufficiently cooled, the first tray lock for the first sample tray is released and the first tray is ejected to indicate that the first sequential run has been completed. The user may then remove the depleted sample unit cell from the first sample tray, reload the first sample tray with a sample unit cell containing a freshly prepared sample, and then repeat the process.
In performing a first sequential run on a sample unit cell of a first sample tray, a user may collect a plurality of samples and prepare the sample unit cell to load a second sample tray, and then run a second sequential run in the same manner. Having multiple sample trays allows a user to pass from one sample tray to another. In particular, a user may prepare a sample and load the sample onto another sample tray while the sample on one sample tray is being analyzed. When the sample cell wells of one sample tray are too hot to safely handle during its sequential run, a user may handle another sample tray (and its sample cell wells) when access to the one sample tray (and its sample cell wells) is limited. This multi-tray configuration allows for more continuous sample throughput because the user does not have to wait for all sample cell wells to cool before preparing and initiating the next sequential run.
Advantageously, aspects of the present invention allow for the placement of sample cell wells at two or more discrete locations such that when the sample cell well environment in one location is hot, the device may still allow for user interaction to occur at another location. This approach minimizes user latency and increases workflow throughput.
Advantageously, aspects of the present invention allow for locking the sample tray in place during operation so that: i) preventing the moving cell holder from interfering or colliding with the sample cell on the sample tray; ii) ensuring successful pick and place of the sample cell by the cell holder; iii) preventing a user from entering the device, thereby preventing injury caused by moving parts within the device; iv) limiting user access to a hot surface inside the system and/or to a hot sample cell well; and/or v) closing the device housing to minimize the possibility of a user encountering solvent vapors within the system.
It will be appreciated that certain aspects of the above-described invention are particularly applicable to ASE devices, but may also be used with other sample manipulation devices in a variety of sample preparation instruments to maximize valuable laboratory space and/or upgrade instrument throughput.
For convenience in explanation and accurate definition in the appended claims, the terms "upper" and "lower", "inner" and "outer", etc. are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of such features as displayed in the figures.
The foregoing descriptions of specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application to enable others skilled in the art to make and use various exemplary embodiments of the invention and various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
Claims (42)
1. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising:
a sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells and having: (i) an open loading position that allows a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray and (ii) a closed run position;
a plurality of heater assemblies, each heater assembly adapted to receive and heat an individual sample cell well to facilitate extraction of an analyte from a sample;
a housing enclosing the sample tray and the heat furnace assembly, wherein in the open loading position the sample tray extends from the housing;
a cell holder within the housing, wherein the cell holder is configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and the sample tray when in the closed run position;
a tray lock that selectively: (i) locking the sample tray in the closed run position and (ii) releasing the sample tray, allowing it to move to the open load position; and
a microprocessor controlling the tray lock, the cell holder, and the furnace assembly, whereby the microprocessor performs a sequential operation in which, in the closed operating position, each individual sample cell supported on the sample tray: (i) moved by the cell holder to a respective heater assembly, (ii) heated by the respective heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analyte from the sample within each individual sample cell, and (iii) returned to the sample tray at an elevated temperature;
wherein the tray lock releases the sample tray only when the cell holder does not move and each individual sample cell has cooled from the elevated temperature to a temperature less than or equal to a predetermined value.
2. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said gripper is movable relative to said housing along X, Y and the Z axis.
3. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tray lock comprises an electromechanical lock.
4. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electromechanical lock comprises a latch mounted on the housing and a retainer mounted on the sample tray, wherein the latch and retainer are configured to lock the sample tray in the closed run position unless the microprocessor signals the electromechanical lock to release the sample tray.
5. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the electromechanical lock is a single acting device biasing the latch towards the retainer.
6. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an ejection device that automatically ejects the sample tray towards the open loading position when the sample tray is released.
7. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the ejection means comprises a compression spring biasing the sample tray towards the open loading position.
8. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises: (i) a front wall and (ii) an opening in the front wall through which the sample tray extends when the sample tray is in the open loading position, and the sample tray includes a closure on a front end thereof that closes the opening in the front wall when the sample tray is in the closed run position.
9. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said housing comprises: (i) a rear wall and (ii) a guide pin extending from the rear wall towards the sample tray, and the sample tray comprises a guide aperture on a rear end thereof, wherein the guide aperture receives the guide pin when the sample tray is in the closed run position to scale the position of the sample tray relative to the housing and the cell holder.
10. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor that senses when the sample tray is in the closed run position, wherein the microprocessor operates the cell holder and the heating furnace assembly only when the sample tray is in the closed run position.
11. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor within the housing, wherein the microprocessor locks the sample tray in the closed run position until the temperature of all sample cell wells supported on the sample tray is less than or equal to a predetermined value.
12. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a hydrocarbon sensor within the housing, wherein the microprocessor locks the sample tray in the closed run position when the solvent vapor concentration within the housing is above a predetermined concentration.
13. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a cooling fan for cooling the sample tray and any sample cell wells supported thereon when the sample tray is in the closed run position.
14. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sample trays, each sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells, and each sample tray having: (i) a corresponding open loading position that allows a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray; and (ii) a corresponding closed operating position;
wherein, when in its closed position, the cell holder is configured to transfer the sample cell between the furnace assembly and a respective sample tray;
wherein the microprocessor is configured to perform the sequential operation in which each individual sample cell well supported on one of the sample trays in its closed operating position: (i) is moved to a respective heater assembly, (ii) is heated by the respective heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analytes from samples within the individual sample cell wells, and (iii) is returned to the one sample tray at an elevated temperature;
wherein during said sequential run the other sample tray is moved to its open loading position which allows a user to load a plurality of sample unit cells onto the other sample tray whilst preventing contact with individual sample unit cells on the preceding one sample tray which are at said elevated temperature.
15. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, and a switching valve, wherein the microprocessor controls the solvent pump and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
16. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising:
a plurality of sample trays, each sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells, and each sample tray having: (i) an open loading position to allow a user to load individual sample unit cells onto the sample tray and (ii) a closed run position;
a plurality of heater assemblies, each heater assembly adapted to receive and heat an individual sample cell well to facilitate extraction of an analyte from a sample;
a housing enclosing the sample trays and the furnace assembly, wherein in the open loading position, each of the sample trays protrudes from the housing;
a cell holder supported within the housing, wherein the cell holder is configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and a respective sample tray when in its closed run position; and
a microprocessor controlling the cell holder and the furnace assembly, wherein the microprocessor performs a sequential operation in which, in its closed operational position, each individual sample cell supported on one of the sample trays: (i) move to the respective heater assembly, (ii) be heated by the respective heater assembly to facilitate extraction of analyte from the sample within each individual sample cell well, and (iii) be returned to the one sample tray at an elevated temperature;
wherein during said sequential run the other sample tray is moved to its open loading position which allows a user to load a plurality of sample unit cells onto the other sample tray whilst preventing contact with individual sample unit cells on the preceding one sample tray which are at said elevated temperature.
17. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the apparatus comprises two sample trays.
18. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a tray lock for each sample tray, each tray lock selectively locking a respective sample tray in its closed run position and releasing the respective sample tray for movement to its open load position.
19. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 18, wherein each tray lock comprises a latch mounted on the housing and a retainer mounted on the respective sample tray, wherein the latch and retainer are configured to lock the respective sample tray in its closed run position unless the microprocessor signals the electromechanical lock to release the respective sample tray.
20. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising an ejection device for each sample tray that automatically ejects the respective sample tray towards its open loading position when the sample tray is released.
21. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the ejection means comprises a compression spring biasing the respective sample tray towards its open loading position.
22. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said housing comprises: (i) a front wall and (ii) an opening in the front wall through which each sample tray extends when the sample tray is in its open loading position, and each sample tray includes a closure on a front end thereof that closes the opening in the front wall when the respective sample tray is in its closed run position.
23. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, and a switching valve, wherein the microprocessor controls the solvent pump and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
24. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising:
a sample tray comprising a plurality of receptacles configured to receive and support a plurality of sample cell wells, respectively, the sample tray comprising a lateral channel adjacent to one or more of the receptacles;
a heater assembly configured to receive and heat individual sample cell wells to facilitate extraction of analytes from a sample;
a cell holder configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and the sample tray; and
a microprocessor controlling the cell holder and the furnace assembly, whereby the microprocessor performs sequential operations in which the cell holder moves the respective sample cell: (i) move out of the sample tray, (ii) move through the channel to pass through the sample tray, and (iii) move to a corresponding heat furnace assembly.
25. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said receptacles are linearly spaced along said sample tray.
26. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the sample tray comprises a plurality of cell holders linearly spaced along the sample tray, each cell holder configured to receive and support a portion of the plurality of sample cells, wherein the channel is located between adjacent ones of the plurality of cell holders.
27. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 26, wherein each unit cell support comprises four receptacles.
28. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 27, wherein each cell holder is configured to support a corresponding sample cell in a single column along the sample tray.
29. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said cell holder moves relative to said sample tray and said heating furnace assembly along X, Y and Z axes.
30. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said microprocessor performs sequential operations, wherein said cell holder further: (i) removed from the respective heater assembly, (ii) moved through the sample tray via the channel, and (iii) returned to the sample tray.
31. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a plurality of sample trays, each sample tray comprising said plurality of receptacles and said lateral channels, wherein said microprocessor is configured to perform a sequential run wherein said cell gripper moves a respective sample cell through all sample trays via its respective corresponding channel.
32. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, and a switching valve, wherein the microprocessor controls the solvent pump and the switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
33. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said sample tray is configured to receive and support a plurality of differently sized sample unit cells, each sample unit cell having a unit cell cover removably secured to a unit cell vessel, said apparatus further comprising:
a plurality of receptacles on the sample tray, each receptacle configured to receive and support a respective sample unit cell, wherein each receptacle comprises an upper seat and a lower seat, wherein each upper seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a first length, and wherein each lower seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a second length longer than the first length.
34. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus comprising:
a sample tray configured to receive and support a plurality of differently sized sample unit cells, each sample unit cell having a unit cell cover removably secured to a unit cell vessel;
a plurality of receptacles on the sample tray, each receptacle configured to receive and support a respective sample unit cell, wherein each receptacle comprises an upper seat and a lower seat, wherein each upper seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a first length, and wherein each lower seat is configured to receive a unit cell cover of a sample unit cell of a respective unit cell vessel having a second length longer than the first length;
a heater assembly configured to receive and heat individual sample cell wells to facilitate extraction of analytes from a sample; and
a cell holder configured to transfer at least one sample cell between the furnace assembly and the sample tray.
35. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the apparatus comprises two sample trays.
36. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 34, wherein each receptacle further comprises a mid-seat between the upper seat and the lower seat, wherein each mid-seat is configured to receive a cell lid of a respective sample cell of a cell vessel having a third length that is longer than the first length and shorter than the second length.
37. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 34, wherein the receptacles are linearly spaced along the sample tray.
38. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the sample tray comprises eight receptacles.
39. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 38, wherein each receptacle is configured to support a respective sample cell well in a single column along the sample tray.
40. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said cell holder moves relative to said sample tray and said heating furnace assembly along X, Y and Z axes.
41. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said sample tray further comprises a transverse channel adjacent to one or more of said receptacles, and said apparatus further comprises a microprocessor controlling said cell holder and said furnace assembly, whereby said microprocessor performs a sequential operation wherein said cell holder moves a respective sample cell through said channel through said sample tray and to a respective furnace assembly.
42. An accelerated solvent extraction apparatus according to claim 34, further comprising a solvent pump, a solvent source, a gas source, a switching valve, and a microprocessor controlling said furnace assembly, said cell holder, said solvent pump, and said switching valve to facilitate: (i) extracting an analyte from the sample in each individual sample cell well; and (ii) delivering the analyte to the respective sample container.
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| CN202111497626.4A CN114184450A (en) | 2021-12-09 | 2021-12-09 | Accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with improved sample tray |
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| CN202111497626.4A CN114184450A (en) | 2021-12-09 | 2021-12-09 | Accelerated solvent extraction apparatus with improved sample tray |
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