System for automatic sampling, sample digestion, and joining a plurality of sample introduction systems

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatic sampling, digestion, and joining a plurality of sample introduction systems of a sample for subsequent analysis by ICP-MS are described. A system embodiment may include: a digestion vessel configured to receive a sample from a pressurized sample source; a shutoff valve configured to control a flow of the sample to the digestion vessel; a first syringe pump configured to introduce a reagent to the sample in the digestion vessel; a thermally-controlled block surrounding the digestion vessel and configured to control the temperature of the digestion vessel, wherein the thermally-controlled block increases the temperature of the digestion vessel to a first set temperature before digestion and wherein the thermally-controlled block decreases the temperature of the digestion vessel to a second set temperature after digestion; a level sensor configured to measure a level of the sample within the digestion vessel; a second syringe pump configured to introduce deionized water to the digestion vessel after digestion, based at least in part on the level measured by the level sensor; and a connector valve configured to receive digested sample from the digestion vessel and transfer the digested sample to an analysis system.