Reversible direction capsule chemistry sample liquid analysis system and

Abstract

Sample liquid analysis apparatus and method for the formation and supply to a conduit of a stream of successive sample liquid test packages, and the repeated bi-directional displacement of the sample liquids test package stream in the conduit, sample liquid analysis apparatus operatively associated with the conduit for repeated, time-spaced analyses in turn of the sample liquids in each of the sample liquid test packages. Each of the test packages comprises a first segment of a sample liquid and a first reagent liquid, and a second segment of a second reagent liquid spaced from the first segment by a different fluid in the test package. The conduit includes a portion to combine the respective first and second segments of each of the test packages upon the flow therethrough to commence the sample and reagent liquids reaction for sample liquid analysis; the sample liquid analysis apparatus is disposed upstream the conduit portion to enable independent analyses of the respective first and second segments of the test packages in turn prior to the combination thereof. Positive displacement pumping, operatively associated with the conduit inlet, or with both the conduit inlet and outlet and, in that event, precisely coupled to provide for differential pumping, for the formation and supply of the test packages in turn to the conduit to form the sample liquids test package stream therein, and for the repeated bi-directional displacement of that stream in the conduit.