GB2021765A - Transferring reproducible amounts of nebulized samples for spectrophotometry - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method and apparatus for automatically depositing predetermined reproducible amounts of nebulized samples into a furnace atomizer of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, a plurality of open-topped sample containers 8 containing samples to be analyzed are arranged on a sample container transporting device 4. A selected sample is aspirated from its container via means 29 and allowed to flow into a nebulizer-mixing chamber device 30 until such time that the nebulized sample achieves full equilibrium therein. The nebulized and now equilibrated sample is transferred from the chamber device through tube 43, tube 40 and nozzle 42 into the furnace atomizer. The deposition into the atomizer of predetermined and reproducible amounts of nebulized samples is controlled by a means which may comprise a vacuum source connected at 17 and in communication via line 45 and valve 18 with the tube 40. Aerosol deposition into the atomizer is effected only during the time period when the vacuum source is shut off from tube 40 by shutting valve 18. In another embodiment, the means for controlling the amount of nebulized sample being deposited comprises a fluidic switch in communication with the nebulizer-mixing chamber device 30 on the one hand and with nozzle 42 on the other. Sample deposition into the atomizer takes place only during the time period when such communication from the chamber device to nozzle 42 is effected by the fluidic switch. <IMAGE>