WO2008056084A1

WO2008056084A1 - Method for the automated injection of a sample into the cell of an analysis apparatus, and device for implementing said method

Info

Publication number: WO2008056084A1
Application number: PCT/FR2007/052306
Authority: WO
Inventors: Didier Lambert; Bernard Ribero; SAINT-MARTIN (épouse GRANZOTTO), Claude; Miguel Sanchez; Sylvain Beaucamp; Pierre Barere
Original assignee: Topnir Systems Sas; Opta Periph
Priority date: 2006-11-08
Filing date: 2007-11-06
Publication date: 2008-05-15
Also published as: FR2908187B1; FR2908187A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the automated injection of a sample into the cell of an analysis apparatus, and to a device for implementing said method. The invention relates to an automated device (5) for injecting into at least one analysis cell of an analysis apparatus (1), essentially a spectrometer, at least one sample to be analysed and contained in a vessel (3), essentially a test tube or the like. The device (5) is characterised in that it comprises: means (6)for collecting a sample (2) to be analysed in a vessel (3); means (7) for storing the collected sample (2) before its analysis; means (8) for injecting the stored sample (2) to be analysed into at least one analysis cell; means for the automated control of the circulation of the sample (2) to be analysed through the collecting (6), storage (7) and injection (8) means of the device. The invention further relates to a method that uses said device (5).

Description

Method for injecting, automatically, a sample into a cell of an analysis apparatus and device for its implementation

The invention relates to an automated device for injecting a sample to be analyzed into at least one cell that comprises an analysis apparatus. The invention further relates to an installation for automatically analyzing at least one liquid sample. Finally, the invention relates to an injection method implemented by said injection device as well as to an analysis method implemented by said analysis facility.

This invention relates to the field of the manufacture of laboratory equipment, more particularly those designed to ensure, on the one hand, the preparation of samples (in particular by dilution with a solvent) intended to be analyzed by a device. of analysis, in particular a spectrometer, and, secondly, the transfer of such a sample from its place of storage in an analysis cell that includes such an analysis apparatus and inside which it is analyzed this sample.

Already known, equipment designed to ensure such preparation and transfer.

Such equipment is usually in the form of a pipette or the like. Such a pipette is designed to pump the sample to be analyzed from the inside of a container, in particular constituted by a bottle, a tube or the like.

This pipette also makes it possible to inject this sample into the cell of the analysis apparatus with a view to its characterization. In this regard, it will be observed that such a cell can either be removed from the analysis apparatus for cleaning for a new analysis, or be emptied and rinsed in situ, more particularly, through a pipette of the aforementioned type.

In fact, all these operations are performed manually by an operator which generates a number of disadvantages.

First, it will be observed that these manipulations are repetitive, tedious and binding for such an operator.

In addition, these manipulations require, especially in the case of potentially dangerous samples or solvents, specific equipment and appropriate handling precautions.

In addition, and in the case of samples consisting of continuously manufactured chemicals (eg chemicals derived from the distillation of petroleum products) and requiring, for the proper conduct of the manufacturing process, permanent and continuous control, it is therefore essential to ensure, also permanently and continuously, the presence of an operator specially assigned to such manipulations and analyzes.

The present invention is intended to overcome the disadvantages of devices of the state of the art.

For this purpose, the invention relates to an automated device for injecting, inside at least one analysis cell of an analysis apparatus, in particular a spectrometer, at least one sample to be analyzed contained in a container, especially a test tube or the like. This device is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

means for taking a sample to be analyzed in its container;

means for storing the sample taken pending its analysis;

means for injecting the stored sample to be analyzed into at least one analysis cell; means for controlling, in an automated manner, the circulation of the sample to be analyzed within the sampling, storage and injection means of the device.

Another feature is that the device comprises at least one means for discharging an analyzed sample or the residue of such a sample out of the device and / or the analysis apparatus.

An additional feature is that the means for taking a sample comprises a conduit adapted to be immersed in at least one container containing a sample to be analyzed.

In addition, said means for taking a sample comprises means, controlled by control means, to give this duct a relative movement with respect to at least one container containing a sample.

Another feature is that the storage means is constituted by a conduit connected to the sampling means and shaped serpentine, such a conduit being, in particular, constituted by a tube, more particularly of flexible type.

An additional feature is that the traffic control means comprises at least one three-way valve connected either to the means for sampling, the means for storing and means for injecting a sample, or means for storing, means for injecting, and means for discharging a sample.

According to another characteristic, the means for controlling the circulation comprise means for pumping and / or discharging at least one sample at least within the means of sampling, storage and injection that comprises the device.

In fact, such a pumping / discharging means is designed to pump / discharge a working fluid capable of driving the sample within the device.

An additional feature is that the device comprises a pneumatic means, controlled by a control means, and adapted to blow a gas within at least one analysis cell, the storage means and / or the control means. injection, or even the sampling means and / or the evacuation means.

Finally, this device comprises at least one means for controlling at least a portion of the above-mentioned control means, such control means being, in particular, constituted, at least in part, by software comprising at least some lines of code. for controlling at least part of said control means.

Another characteristic is that the invention also relates to a method for injecting, automatically and within at least one analysis cell of an analysis apparatus, at least one sample to be analyzed. contained in a container. This method is implemented by the device described above and is characterized in that it consists in that: - taking a sample to be analyzed in its container using a sampling means;

the sample taken is stored in a storage medium waiting for its analysis; injecting, by an injection means, this sample stored in at least one analysis cell; the circulation of the sample is controlled by means of control means and in an automated manner to ensure the collection, storage and / or injection of this sample.

The invention also relates to an installation for analyzing, automatically, at least one liquid sample. This analysis installation comprises, on the one hand, at least one container containing a liquid sample to be analyzed, on the other hand, an analysis apparatus consisting of an infrared spectrometer (preferably a spectrometer designed to carry out analyzes in the near-infrared domain) and comprising an analysis cell for containing the sample to be analyzed and, secondly, an automated injection device, having the aforementioned characteristics, and designed to inject, within this cell, at least one sample to be analyzed and contained in this container.

This invention also relates to the use of this analysis facility for the analysis of a hydrocarbon, more particularly a section of such a hydrocarbon, especially a heavy cut of such a hydrocarbon, more specifically a heavy and diluted cut of such a hydrocarbon.

Finally, the invention relates to a method for analyzing, in an automated manner, at least one liquid sample by infrared spectroscopy. This analysis method is implemented by the aforementioned analysis installation and comprises a step of injecting, in an automated manner, this sample into an analysis cell that the apparatus comprises. analysis of such an analysis facility, this according to the injection method described above.

The advantages of the present invention are that the device makes it possible to take a sample to be analyzed in a container and to inject it into at least one analysis cell, this in a completely automated manner.

This device also makes it possible to evacuate the sample from such a cell once its analysis has been completed and to clean such a cell for a new analysis, again in a completely automated manner.

This device then makes it possible to analyze a plurality of samples automatically, sequentially and continuously, without requiring the presence of an operator.

Such a device will find a particularly suitable application in the context of an analytical laboratory or in the context of an industrial process, especially online.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description relating to embodiments which are given by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

The understanding of this description will be facilitated by reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a schematic view, in perspective and in a first side, of the device according to the invention;

- Figure 3 and a schematic view, in perspective and on the other side, the device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The invention relates to the field of the manufacture of laboratory equipment designed to provide, automatically, the supply of an analysis apparatus with at least one sample to be analyzed.

As can be seen in the appended figures, such an analysis apparatus 1 is preferably (but in no way limiting) constituted by a spectrometer, more particularly an infrared spectrometer, preferably designed to carry out analyzes in the field. medium and near infrared and visible.

Such an analysis apparatus 1 is designed to proceed to the analysis of samples 2, 2 ', 2 "which are, in particular, in a fluid form and which are injected into at least one analysis cell that comprises or that receives (including removably) such an analysis apparatus 1, this for their analysis in such a cell.

These samples 2, 2 ', 2 ", before being injected into such a cell, are stored, individually, in a container 3, 3', 3" constituted by a bottle, a bottle, a test tube, a test tube or the like waiting to be transferred to at least one analysis cell.

As can be seen in the appended figures, these containers 3, 3 ', 3 "can be arranged, in an orderly manner, in a basket 4 (known per se) designed for receiving such containers 3, 3', 3".

The invention relates, then, to a device 5 of automated type and designed to inject, within at least one analysis cell that includes such an analysis apparatus 1, at least one sample 2, 2 ', 2 "to be analyzed and initially contained in a container 3, 3 ', 3" of the aforementioned type. According to the invention, this device 5 comprises, then:

means 6 for taking a sample 2 to be analyzed in its container 3; means 7 for storing the sample 2 taken pending its analysis;

means 8 for injecting the stored sample 2 to be analyzed into at least one analysis cell; means 9 for controlling, in an automated manner, the circulation of the sample 2 to be analyzed within the sampling means 6, the storage means 7 and the injection means 8 that the device 5 comprises.

As shown in the appended figures, the means 6 for taking a sample 2 comprises a conduit 10 designed to be immersed in at least one container 3, 3 ', 3 "containing a sample 2, 2', 2" to be analyzed.

In fact and according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, such a duct 10 comprises, on the one hand, a rigid tube 11

(In particular steel, for example stainless, or the like) whose end is intended to be immersed in the container or containers 3, 3 ', 3 "containing the samples 2, 2', 2" to be analyzed and, on the other hand, on the other hand, a flexible tube 12 (in particular made of synthetic material, for example polyethylene) connected to said rigid tube 11 as well as to the storage means 7.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the sampling means 6 comprises means 13 for conferring on said conduit 10 a relative movement with respect to at least one container 3, 3 ', 3 "containing a sample 2, 2', 2" .

In this respect, it should be observed that the means 13 for imparting such relative movement comprise means 14 for conferring on this duct 10 (more particularly on the rigid tube

11 which is partly the latter 10) a movement descending / ascending for its introduction / withdrawal in at least one container 3, 3 ', 3 "containing a sample 2, 2', 2" to be analyzed.

Another feature is that these means 13 for imparting relative movement to the conduit 10 include means 15 for moving the conduit 10 relative to a plurality of containers 3, 3 ', 3 "each containing a sample 2, 2 ', 2 ".

In this regard, these means 15 for moving the conduit 10 (more particularly the rigid tube 11 which constitutes in part this conduit 10) may comprise at least one carriage 16 which is secured to said conduit 10 (more particularly said rigid tube 11) and mounted in translation, by means of a translational mounting means 18, on a beam 17 that comprises the device 5.

According to an additional feature, the displacement means 15 of said duct 10 may, again, comprise means 18A for translational mounting of such a beam 17 with respect to the device 5, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the translation of the carriage 16.

Such means 15 for moving the conduit 10 (carriage 16 + beam 17 + translation mounting means 18, 18A) advantageously make it possible to move this conduit 10 (in particular of the rigid tube 11) relative to a plurality of containers 3, 3 ', 3 "containing samples 2, 2', 2" to be analyzed and arranged, for example, in a basket 4 of the aforementioned type.

An additional feature is that this device 5 (more particularly the means 13 for imparting a relative movement) may comprise means for homogenizing the sample 2, 2 ', 2 "taken (in particular a sample resulting from dilution as will be described below). Such a means of homogenization comprises means for conferring on the sampling means 6 (in particular on the rigid tube 11) a helical movement, more particularly by means of a circular actuation along an x / y axis and in translation (up and down). / or descent) along an axis z.

It will be observed that said means 13 for imparting a relative movement can be controlled by means of control means (not shown), in particular of electric, pneumatic and / or hydraulic type, that comprises the device 5 according to the invention. In this regard, it will be observed that the device 5 may then have means 30 for controlling such control means.

Another feature of the device 5 according to the invention is that the above-mentioned storage means 7 is constituted by a serpentine-shaped duct 19 inside which a sample 2 coming from a container 3 is sucked, this by the through the means of sampling 6.

It will be observed that such a duct 19 is connected to the duct 10 (more particularly to the flexible tube 12 of the latter 10) of the sampling means 6 and may be constituted by a tube, again, of flexible type. This duct 19 has a length of between 300 and 700 mm, preferably between 400 and 600 mm, in particular of the order of 500 mm.

Regarding the means 8 for injecting the sample to be analyzed (and stored in the storage means 7) in at least one analysis cell, the latter 8 can, again, be constituted by a conduit 20 connected, on the one hand, to said storage means 7 and, on the other hand, to at least one such analysis cell. Again, such a conduit 20 may be constituted by a tube, more particularly of flexible type.

As mentioned above, the device 5 comprises means 9 for controlling the circulation of the sample 2 to be analyzed within the sampling means 6, storage 7 and injection 7 of the device 5.

As can be seen in the appended figures, such control means 9 comprise a three-way valve 21 connected, on the one hand, to means 6 for taking a sample 2 to be analyzed in its container 3, on the other hand, by means of 7 to store the sample 2 taken and, secondly, by means 8 to inject the sample 2 to be analyzed in at least one analysis cell, more particularly via a second three-way valve 24 to which said first three-way valve 21 is connected by a conduit 25 as will be described below.

The device 5 according to the invention then comprises means 30 for controlling such a three-way valve 21.

Under the impulse of this control means 30, the three-way valve 21 allows the passage of a sample 2, that is to say the means 6 for taking this sample towards the storage means 7 and vice versa (while preventing the passage of this sample 2 of the storage means 7 to the injection means 8 and vice versa), or the storage means 7 to the injection means 8 and vice versa (while preventing the passage of such a sample 2 of the sampling means 6 to the storage means 7 and vice versa).

According to an additional feature of the invention, the device 5 also comprises at least one means 22 for discharging an analyzed sample 2 or the residue of such a sample 2 (or even a driving fluid as described below). below) out of this device 5 and / or out of the analysis apparatus 1.

This discharge means 22 opens into a container (not shown) for receiving analyzed samples, residues and / or motor fluid.

A preferred embodiment consists in that the evacuation means 22 comprises at least one conduit 23 connected (directly or indirectly) to the output of at least one analysis cell.

In this connection, it will be observed that such an analysis cell may comprise, on the one hand, an input connected to the means 8 for injecting the sample 2 to be analyzed into such a cell and, on the other hand, a connected output. by means 22 to evacuate this sample 2 after its analysis.

According to a first embodiment, this input and this output are distinct. Preferably, said input may be located in the lower part, or even at the lower end, of such an analysis cell while the output may be located in the upper part, or even at the upper end, of such a cell.

Thus, the sample 2 to be analyzed enters such a cell from below and is evacuated from the top of this cell. During the analysis cycle of this sample 2, it then passes through such an analysis cell.

In such a case, the device 5 may, again, comprise a control means 9 in the form of a valve connected, on the one hand, to the output of such an analysis cell and, on the other hand, to an evacuation means 22. This valve is, again, controlled by a control means 30, and is designed to control (or not) the output, out of an analysis cell, of the sample 2 analyzed (or even a residue of such a sample 2 or a motor liquid), this for its evacuation by means 22.

However, and according to another embodiment visible in the appended figures, the input and output of an analysis cell can be confused. In such a case, the inlet and the outlet are connected, directly, to the injection means 8. The means 22 for evacuating the sample 2 can then be connected to this inlet / outlet, more particularly via said injection means 8 as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the means 9 for controlling the circulation of the sample 2 comprise a second three-way valve 24 connected, on the one hand, to the means 8 for injecting the sample to be analyzed in at least one analysis cell, on the other hand, by means 22 for discharging an analyzed sample 2 or a residue of such a sample 2 (or a liquid motor) out of the device 5 and / or at least one analysis cell and, on the other hand, by means 7 for storing the sampled sample, more particularly via said first three-way valve 21 mentioned above to which this second three-way valve 24 is connected by a conduit 25.

The device 5 according to the invention then comprises means 30 for controlling such a three-way valve 24.

Under the impetus of this control means 30, this three-way valve 24 allows the passage of a sample 2, or means 7 for storing the sample 2 to the injection means 8 (while preventing the passage of this sample 2 of the storage means 7 to the evacuation means 22), or the injection means 8 to the evacuation means 22 (while preventing the passage of such a sample 2 of the injection means 8 to the storage means 7).

As can be seen in the appended figures, the two three-way valves 21; 24 are interconnected by a conduit 25, in particular in the form of a flexible tube.

According to an additional feature of the invention, the means 9 for controlling the circulation comprise means 26 for pumping and / or discharging at least one sample 2 within the sampling means 6, storage 7, injection 8 and / or discharge 22 which comprises the device 5, more particularly inside the conduits (10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 23, 25) that comprise these means (6, 7, 8, 22).

In this regard, it should be noted that this means 26 of pumping / discharge is designed to pump / discharge a working fluid capable of driving the sample 2 within the device (, and, more particularly within the sampling means 6 , the storage means 7, the injection means 8 and / or the evacuation means 22.

In fact and as can be seen in the appended figures, this pumping / discharging means 26 is directly connected to the storage means 7 in order to pump the sample 2 to be analyzed in this storage means 7 and the discharge back of this storage means 7.

Through this connection and the connection of this storage means 7 to the sampling means 6 (through the valve 21), the injection means 8 (by the same valve 21 and the valve 24) and by means of 22 (by the valve 24), the means 26 for pumping / discharge allows to pump a sample

2 in the sampling means 6 and out of a container 3, the discharge (or even the pumping) of this sample 2 in the storage means 7, in the injection means 8 and in the evacuation means 22.

Again, the device 5 according to the invention comprises a means 30 for controlling such a means 26 for pumping / discharging.

According to a first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, such a pumping / discharging means 26 is constituted by a syringe 27 or the like, in particular a step-type syringe or the like.

Such a syringe 27 is then connected to said storage means 7, in particular via a conduit 28, for example a tube, in particular of flexible type.

In this regard, it will be observed that the volume of fluid contained by this syringe 27 is less than that of the storage means 7. Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to avoid any contamination of the contents of the syringe 27 by the contained fluid. in the storage means 7. This storage means 7 is, in fact, an isolation means (insulation loop) acting as a barrier.

Another embodiment is that this means 26 of pumping / discharge may be constituted by a pump, in particular peristaltic type or the like.

Such a pump cooperates with a conduit (more particularly a flexible tube) connected to the storage means 7.

An additional feature is that this pumping / discharging means 26 (more particularly when it is constituted by a syringe 27) is preferably associated with at least one motor (particularly continuous), in particular with an incremental encoder, for the actuation of this means 26. Such an engine is associated with said control means 30, for its control by the latter 30 and / or for the signaling of its state thereto 30.

An additional feature of the invention consists in that the device 5 comprises a reservoir 29 of motor fluid, more particularly connected to the means 26 for its pumping / discharge, in particular via a conduit (for example a flexible tube).

In this connection, it will be observed that the driving fluid is preferably constituted by a liquid.

A preferred embodiment of the invention consists in the fact that this driving fluid consists of a solvent of the sample (s) 2, 2 ', 2 "which should be analyzed.

It is obvious that the aforementioned conduits (10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 23, 25, 28) are then made of a material resistant to such a solvent, for example polyethylene.

It will be noted that the device 5 according to the invention is, more particularly (but in no way limiting), designed to feed an analysis apparatus 1 with samples 2, 2 ', 2 "from the petroleum industry (gasoline). In such a case, the driving fluid may consist of a solvent of the organic type, in particular toluene or the like.

The use of such a solvent as a driving fluid has many advantages.

Thus, it is possible to ensure an analysis of a raw sample 2 and / or such a sample 2 which could have previously been diluted with the aid of the solvent of this sample 2. In this regard, it will be observed that such a dilution can be provided in an automated manner, particularly at the interface between this sample 2 and the solvent. Such dilution is controlled and controlled, automatically, by the device 5, more particularly by the control means 9 and by the control means 30 thereof 9.

Another embodiment is that such a dilution can be ensured, again in a completely automated way, by taking (by means of the sampling means

6) a specified amount of a sample 2 in a container

3 (in particular arranged in the basket 4) and by injecting this quantity of sample 2 into another container 3 '(in particular arranged in this same basket 4) before injecting, in this same container 3', a determined quantity of solvent , this through the sampling means 6, more particularly under the influence of the control means 9 (at least partly under the influence of the means 26 for the pumping / discharge of the solvent) and the control means 30.

In addition, after analysis of a sample 2, the device 5 can be designed to ensure a circulation of solvent in the sampling means 6, storage 7, injection 8 (or evacuation 22) and in at least an analysis cell. Such circulation advantageously allows cleaning of these means (6, 7, 8, 22) as well as of such a cell.

Again, such cleaning is controlled and controlled, automatically, by the device 5, more particularly by the control means 9 and the control means 30 thereof 9.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the device 5 also comprises a pneumatic means designed to blow a gas (in particular air or an inert gas, for example nitrogen) within at least one analysis cell, the storage means 7 and / or the injection means 8, or even the average 6 and / or the evacuation means 22.

Again, the device 5 according to the invention comprises a means 30 for controlling a control means of such a pneumatic means.

As mentioned above, the device 5 comprises at least one means 30 for controlling at least a portion of the means 9 for controlling the flow of the sample 2, means for controlling the means 13 for setting in motion relative, or even the control means of the pneumatic means.

Such a control means 30 may, in addition, be designed to control the analysis means that includes the analysis apparatus 1, or even means to collect the results of such an analysis.

In this regard, it will be observed that such a control means 30 is of the automated type and may consist, at least in part, of software comprising at least code lines for controlling at least part of the aforementioned means. , more particularly of said control means.

In fact, such software is implemented at a computer or the like connected to said control means and / or to the analysis apparatus 1.

It is, more particularly, this control means 30 which is in charge of the management, in an automated manner, of the various sampling, storage, injection, analysis, evacuation and sample dilution sequences. , cleaning device 5. As mentioned above, this automated injection device 5 is designed to inject at least one sample 2, 2 ', 2 "to be analyzed in an analysis cell that comprises an analysis apparatus 1 used in the composition of an installation for analyzing, automatically, at least one liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 ".

The invention also relates to such an analysis installation (illustrated in the appended figures) comprising, on the one hand, at least one container 3, 3 ', 3 ", constituted by a bottle, a bottle, a test piece, a test tube or the like, and containing a liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 "waiting to be transferred (more particularly through the aforementioned injection device 5) for its analysis.

On the other hand, this analysis installation comprises an analysis apparatus 1 which is preferably constituted by an infrared spectrometer, more particularly designed to carry out analyzes in the near-infrared (usually called NIR) range. i.e. for frequencies between 800 and 2500 nm, preferably between 2100 and 2500 nm.

This analysis apparatus 1 comprises, in fact, at least one analysis cell (fixed or removable type), intended to contain the liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 "to be analyzed and within which is introduced such a liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 "under the influence of the aforementioned injection device 5.

On the other hand, said analysis installation also includes such an injection device 5, of automated type, having the aforementioned characteristics and designed to inject, inside at least one analysis cell. of the abovementioned type and that comprises in this analysis apparatus 1, at least one liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 "to analyze and initially contained in a container 3, 3 ', 3 "of the aforementioned type.

An additional feature concerns the fact that such an analysis facility also comprises means for managing, in an automated manner, the analysis of at least one liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 ".

In particular, such management means may be designed to provide, automatically, the control of the analysis means that includes the analysis apparatus 1, or even means for collecting the results of such an analysis.

It is also these means of management that can be in charge of the management, in an automated manner, of the various sequences of sampling, storage, injection, analysis, evacuation, sample dilution, cleaning of the injection device 5.

In this regard, it will be observed that, according to a preferred embodiment, such management means may, at least in part, be constituted by a steering means 30 of the aforementioned type.

Again, such management means are of the automated type and may be constituted, at least in part, by software having lines of code at least for the management of at least part of the aforementioned means.

Preferably, such software is implemented at a computer or the like connected to the analysis facility, or even (and preferably) that includes it.

As mentioned above, the analysis facility according to the invention is designed to ensure the analysis of at least one liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 "contained in a container 3, 3',

3 ".

In this regard, it will be observed that this automated analysis facility will find a particularly suitable (but however non-limiting) use in the context of the analysis of a hydrocarbon, more particularly a section of such a hydrocarbon.

In fact, the use of this analysis facility is particularly suitable for the analysis of a heavy cut of such a hydrocarbon, more specifically a heavy and diluted cut of such a hydrocarbon. It will be noted that the analysis installation according to the invention can then advantageously also be designed to ensure the dilution of such a heavy cut of hydrocarbon, before ensuring the analysis .

According to another characteristic of the invention, the above-mentioned injection device 5 is designed to implement a method consisting of injecting, automatically and within at least one analysis cell, a device of the invention. 1, in particular a spectrometer, at least one sample

2 to be analyzed contained in a container 3, in particular a test tube or the like.

This process consists of:

a sample 2 to be analyzed is taken from its container 3 by means of sampling means 6;

- Sample 2 is stored in a storage means 7 waiting for its analysis;

injecting, by an injection means 8, this sample 2 stored in at least one analysis cell; the control of the sample 2 is controlled by means of control means 9 and automatically ensure the collection, storage and / or injection of this sample 2.

Said method consists, before and / or after taking a sample 2, to give the sampling means 6 at least one relative movement with respect to at least one container 3 containing a sample 2, by controlling the means 13 to confer a such movement.

This method consists in that, during the taking of a sample 2, this sample 2 is pumped into the storage means 7, by controlling the circulation of the sample 2 by the means 9.

During the injection of the sample 2, this sample 2 is forced out of the storage means 7 and into at least one cell, through the injection means 8, by controlling the circulation of the sample 2 by the through means 9.

The method consists, again, in automatically ensuring a dilution of the sample 2 to be analyzed.

This method consists, again, in automatically ensuring the evacuation of the sample 2 analyzed from at least one analysis cell and / or the device 5, by means of the evacuation means 22.

According to a particular embodiment, this method consists in that, during an evacuation of the sample 2, this sample 2 is first pumped out of at least one cell and into storage means 7. before pushing this sample 2 out of this storage means 7 and through the evacuation means 22, this controlling the circulation of the sample 2 through the means 9 (analysis cell input / output merged) . Another solution consists, during an evacuation of the sample 2, to drive back this sample 2 out of at least one analysis cell, this by controlling the circulation of the sample 2 through the means 9 (separate in / out analysis cell).

Said method also consists in automatically cleaning the storage means 7, injection 8, at least one cell, or even the sampling means 6 and / or the evacuation means 22.

Such a cleaning operation is ensured by automatically ensuring the circulation of the driving fluid (solvent) in the device 5, by controlling the circulation of the sample 2 through the means 9.

This method consists, again, in injecting, automatically, a gas through a pneumatic means, this by controlling a means of control of this pneumatic means.

Said method consists in controlling at least a part of the aforementioned control means, or even at least a part of the analysis means of the analysis device 1.

Such control is preferably provided, automatically, by a control means 30 at least partly constituted by software implemented in a computer or the like.

As described above, this injection device 5 is part of an installation for analyzing, automatically, at least one liquid sample 2, 2 ', 2 ".

This installation is, in fact, designed to implement a method, according to the present invention, and of analyzing, in an automated manner, at least one such sample. liquid 2, 2 ', 2 "by infrared spectroscopy, preferably in the near infrared.

According to one characteristic of this analysis method, it comprises a step consisting in injecting, in an automated manner, such a sample 2, 2 ', 2 "inside an analysis cell that the apparatus comprises. analysis 1 of this installation, this according to the injection method described above.

Another characteristic of this method consists in that, prior to the injection of a sample 2, 2 ', 2 "into the analysis cell, this method comprises a dilution step for obtaining the sample at Such a dilution may again be provided automatically by the analysis facility.

As mentioned above, the analytical system according to the invention will find a particularly suitable use in the context of the analysis of a hydrocarbon.

Thus and according to another characteristic of the analysis method according to this invention, this process is particularly suitable for the analysis of a hydrocarbon, more particularly of a section of such a hydrocarbon, in particular of a heavy cut of such a hydrocarbon, more specifically a heavy and dilute cut of such a hydrocarbon.

Claims

1) Device (5) automated for injecting, inside at least one analysis cell of an analysis device (1), in particular a spectrometer, at least one sample (2; 2'; 2" ) to be analyzed contained in a container (3; 3'; 3"), in particular a test tube or the like, this device (5) is characterized in that it comprises:

- means (6) for taking a sample (2) to be analyzed in its container (3);

- a means (7) for storing the sample (2) taken while awaiting its analysis;

- means (8) for injecting the stored sample (2) to be analyzed into at least one analysis cell;

- means (9) for controlling, in an automated manner, the circulation of the sample (2) to be analyzed within the sampling (6), storage (7) and injection (8) means of the device (5) ) .

2) Device (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one means (22) for evacuating an analyzed sample (2) or the residue of such a sample from the device (5) and/ or the analysis device (1).

3) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (6) for taking a sample (2) comprises a conduit (10) designed to be immersed in at least one container (3) containing a sample (2) to be analyzed.

4) Device (5) according to claim 3, characterized in that the means (6) for taking a sample (2) comprises means (13), controlled by control means (9), for giving this conduit (10) a relative movement with respect to at least one container (3; 3';3") containing a sample (2; 2';2").

5) Device (5) according to claim 4, characterized in that the means (13) for imparting relative movement to the conduit (10) comprises means (14) for imparting to this conduit (10) a downward/ascending movement for its introduction/removal into at least one container (3; 3'; 3") containing a sample (2; 2'; 2") to be analyzed.

6) Device (5) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the means (13) for imparting relative movement to the conduit (10) comprise means (15) for moving this conduit relative to a plurality of containers (3, 3', 3") each containing a sample (2, 2', 2").

7) Device (5) according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (15) for moving the conduit (10) are constituted by at least one carriage (16) to which said conduit (10) is secured and mounted in translation, by means of a translation mounting means (18), on a beam (17) which the device (5) comprises.

8) Device (5) according to claim 7, characterized in that the means (15) for moving the conduit (10) comprise means (18A) for mounting in translation of such a beam (17) relative to the device (5), in particular in a direction perpendicular to the translation of the carriage (16).

9) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage means (7) is constituted by a conduit (19) connected to the sampling means (6) and shaped like a serpentine, such conduit (19) being, in particular, constituted by a tube, more particularly of the flexible type. 10) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the injection means

(8) is constituted by a conduit (20) connected to the storage means (7) and to at least one analysis cell, such conduit (20) being, in particular, constituted by a tube, more particularly of the flexible type.

11) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (9) for controlling the circulation comprise a three-way valve (21) connected, on the one hand, to the means (6) for take a sample (2) to be analyzed in its container (3), on the other hand, by means (7) for storing the sample (2) taken and, on the other hand again, by means (8) for injecting the the sample (2) to be analyzed in at least one analysis cell, more particularly via a second three-way valve (24) to which this three-way valve (21) is connected by a conduit (25).

12) Device (5) according to claim 2, characterized in that the means (9) for controlling the circulation comprise a three-way valve (24) connected, on the one hand, to the means (8) for injecting the sample (2) to be analyzed in at least one analysis cell, on the other hand, by means (22) for evacuating an analyzed sample (2) or a residue of such a sample (2) out of the device (5) and , on the other hand again, by means (7) for storing the sample taken, more particularly via a first three-way valve (21) to which this three-way valve (24) is connected by a conduit ( 25).

13) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (9) for controlling the circulation comprise means (26) for pumping and/or discharging at least one sample (2) at least within the sampling (6), storage (7) and injection (8) means that the device (5) comprises. 14) Device (5) according to claim 13, characterized in that the pumping/discharge means (26) is designed to pump/discharge a working fluid capable of driving the sample

(2) within the device (5).

15) Device (5) according to claim 14, characterized in that the pumping/discharge means (26) is constituted by a syringe (27), in particular of the step-by-step type or the like, by a pump, in particular of the step-by-step type or peristaltic or similar.

16) Device (5) according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that it comprises a reservoir of working fluid, more particularly a solvent of the sample(s) to be analyzed.

17) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pneumatic means, controlled by a control means, and designed to blow a gas within at least one cell of analysis, the storage means (7) and/or the injection means (8), or even the sampling means (6) and/or the evacuation means (22).

18) Device (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one means (30) for controlling at least part of the control means (9), such means control (30) being, in particular, constituted, at least in part, by software comprising lines of code at least for the control of at least part of said control means (9).

19) Installation for analyzing, in an automated manner, at least one liquid sample (2, 2', 2"), this analysis installation comprising, on the one hand, at least one container (3; 3';3") containing a liquid sample (2; 2';2") to be analyzed, on the other hand, an analysis device (1) consisting of a infrared spectrometer and comprising an analysis cell for containing the sample (2, 2', 2") to be analyzed and, on the other hand, an automated device (5), in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, to inject, inside this cell, at least one sample (2; 2';2") to be analyzed and contained in this container (3; 3';3").

20) Analysis installation according to claim 19, characterized in that the infrared spectrometer is designed to carry out analyzes in the near infrared domain.

21) Analysis installation according to any one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that it comprises means for managing, in an automated manner, the analysis of at least one liquid sample (2, 2', 2").

22) Use of the analysis installation according to any one of claims 19 to 21 for the analysis of a hydrocarbon, more particularly of a cut of such a hydrocarbon, in particular of a heavy cut of such a hydrocarbon, more specifically a heavy and dilute cut of such a hydrocarbon.

23) Method for injecting, in an automated manner and inside at least one analysis cell of an analysis device (1), in particular a spectrometer, at least one sample (2; 2'; 2" ) to be analyzed contained in a container (3; 3'; 3"), in particular a test tube or the like, this method being implemented by the device (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by the fact that it consists of:

- a sample (2) to be analyzed is taken from its container (3) using a sampling means (6); the sample taken is stored in a storage means (7) awaiting its analysis; this sample (2) stored in at least one analysis cell is injected by injection means (8);

- we control, by means of control means (9) and in an automated manner, the circulation of the sample (2) to ensure the collection, storage and/or injection of this sample (2).

24) Method for analyzing, in an automated manner, at least one liquid sample (2, 2', 2") by infrared spectroscopy, this method being implemented by the analysis installation according to any one of claims 19 to 22 and comprising a step consisting of injecting, in an automated manner, this sample (2, 2', 2") inside an analysis cell which comprises the analysis apparatus (1) of a such analysis installation, this in accordance with the injection process according to claim 23.

25) Analysis method according to claim 24, characterized in that, prior to the injection of a sample (2, 2', 2") into the analysis cell, this method comprises a dilution step to obtain the sample (2, 2', 2") to be analyzed.

26) Analysis method according to any one of claims 24 or 25 for the analysis of a hydrocarbon, more particularly of a cut of such a hydrocarbon, in particular of a heavy cut of such a hydrocarbon, more specifically a heavy and dilute cut of such hydrocarbon.