Analytical cartridge for soil testing and related methods

Abstract

A rotary analysis apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a rotary machine operable to rotate or spin a removable disk-type analytical cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of fluidly isolated processing trains for processing multiple samples simultaneously. Each process train includes an extractant mixing chamber, slurry filtration chamber, supernatant collection chamber, and reagent mixing chamber in fluid communication. In one use, soil sample slurry is prepared and added to the extractant mixing chamber. The slurry is mixed with an extractant by rotating the cartridge to separate out an analyte from the mixture. A sediment filter in the filtration chamber deliquifies and traps soil particles to produce clear supernatant. A color changing reagent or fluorescent agent may be mixed with the collected supernatant for subsequent colorimetric, fluorescent, turbidimetric, or other type of analysis.