Abstract: Systems and methods are described to concentrate and homogenize a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration and homogenization system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, at least a first valve, at least a first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, a flow meter fluidically coupled with the first column when the first valve is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column, and a homogenization valve including a sample homogenizing loop in which the concentrated sample is homogenized.

Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated handling and maintaining nanoparticle standard solutions in a substantially homogenous state with controlled introduction to a fluid sample are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an agitator configured to mix a nanoparticle standard solution in a container to provide a mixed nanoparticle standard having a substantially homogenous distribution of nanoparticles; and a fluid preparation system fluidically coupled with the container to receive the mixed nanoparticle standard and direct the mixed nanoparticle standard to a fluid sample stream for inline mixing therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to concentrate and homogenize a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration and homogenization system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, at least a first valve, at least a first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, a flow meter fluidically coupled with the first column when the first valve is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column, and a homogenization valve including a sample homogenizing loop in which the concentrated sample is homogenized.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically utilizing multiple data processing methods on a given spectrometry dataset for the determination of nanoparticle detection factors including nanoparticle baseline and detection threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for analyzing local minimum data from spectrometry data for the determination of nanoparticle detection thresholds are described. In aspects, a histogram of the spectrometry data is used to search for potential local minimum values, which are subsequently validated to establish a nanoparticle detection threshold for the spectrometry data, with ion intensity values less than the nanoparticle detection threshold being attributable to signal background.

Abstract: Systems and methods for iterative removal of outlier data from spectrometry data to determine one or more of a particle baseline and a detection threshold for nanoparticles are described. Ion signal intensity values that exceed an outlier threshold value associated with a sum of a first multiple of an average of the count distribution of ion signal intensity and a first multiple of a standard deviation of the count distribution of ion signal intensity are iteratively removed from the raw data set until no outliers remain, providing a background data set. A nanoparticle baseline intensity value is set as a sum of a second multiple of an average of the background data set and a second multiple of a standard deviation of the background data set to differentiate between signal intensity values that are associated with background interference and that are associated with the presence of nanoparticles in the sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to maintain a liquid sample segment of a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling to an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample transfer line configured to transport a liquid sample from a remote sampling system via gas pressure; a sample loop fluidically coupled with the sample transfer line, the sample loop configured to hold a sample fluid; and a backpressure chamber fluidically coupled with a gas pressure source and with the sample transfer line, the backpressure chamber configured to supply a backpressure against the liquid sample during transport through the sample transfer line.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to maintain a liquid sample segment of a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling to an analysis system. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample transfer line configured to transport a liquid sample from a remote sampling system via gas pressure; a sample loop fluidically coupled with the sample transfer line, the sample loop configured to hold a sample fluid; and a backpressure chamber fluidically coupled with a gas pressure source and with the sample transfer line, the backpressure chamber configured to supply a backpressure against the liquid sample during transport through the sample transfer line.

Abstract: A system can include a valve assembly including a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with the first valve. The valve assembly can be configured to deliver one or more of a sample, a chemical (e.g., an acid, a base, an organic chemical, etc.), and a standard via flow of a working fluid facilitated by one or more syringe pumps. Further, the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard can maintain a physical separation from the one or more syringe pumps during delivery of the one or more of the sample, the chemical, and the standard.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to maintain a liquid sample segment of a sample transmitted through a transfer line from a remote sampling to an analysis system. A system, embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample transfer line configured to transport a liquid sample from a remote sampling system via gas pressure; a sample loop fluidically coupled with the sample transfer line, the sample loop configured to hold a sample fluid; and a backpressure chamber fluidically coupled with a gas pressure source and with the sample transfer line, the backpressure chamber configured to supply a backpressure against the liquid sample during transport through the sample transfer line.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic preparation of samples through evaporative sampling for subsequent analysis are described. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a sample source configured to supply a sample; an evaporation container fluidically coupled with the sample source to receive the sample; a temperature control element operably coupled with the evaporation container to vaporize a liquid portion of the sample within the evaporation container, the evaporation container fluidically coupled with a gas input to receive a gas to transport vapor from the evaporation container; and a cooling system configured to receive the vapor from the evaporation container and to condense the vapor for collection.

Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to concentrate and homogenize a remote sample for analysis. A sample concentration and homogenization system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, at least a first valve, at least a first column fluidically coupled to the first valve, a flow meter fluidically coupled with the first column when the first valve is in a first flow path configuration to measure an amount of the liquid sample passed through the first column, and a homogenization valve including a sample homogenizing loop in which the concentrated sample is homogenized.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and a method for hydride generation. In some embodiments, the system includes an assembly for introducing hydride generation reagents into a mixing path or mixing container, where the assembly includes first chamber configured to contain a first hydride generation reagent and a second chamber configured to contain a second hydride generation reagent. A first plunger is configured to translate within the first chamber and cause a displacement of the first hydride generation reagent, and a second plunger is configured to translate within the second chamber and cause a displacement of the second hydride generation reagent. The assembly further includes base coupling the first plunger and the second plunger together.

Abstract: An analysis system includes a degassing cell, at least one first valve, and at least one second valve. The at least one first valve is fluidly coupled with a top of the degassing cell, the at least one first valve configured selectably connect the degassing cell to a displacement gas flow and to a vacuum source. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected with a lateral side of the degassing cell and separately fluidly connected with a bottom of the degassing cell. The at least one second valve is selectably coupled with any of a source of a sample-carrying fluid, a transfer line configured to deliver a sample to an analysis device, or a waste output.

Abstract: Sample preparation systems and methods are described having pump control, valve configurations, and control logic that facilitate automatic, inline preparation dilutions of a sample according to at least two dilution operating modes. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to a first pump configured to drive a carrier fluid; a second pump configured to drive a diluent; and a plurality of selection valves fluidically coupled with the first pump and the second pump, the plurality of selection valves being configured to direct fluid flows from the first pump and the second pump according to at least two modes of operation to provide a single-stage sample dilution according to a first operating mode and to provide a dual-stage sample dilution according to a second operating mode.