Abstract: A method of directed automated analysis of a plurality of analytes of a process solution includes providing a sample of the process solution containing a plurality of the analytes, admixing an enriched isotope spike for each of the plurality of analytes to be analyzed with the process solution sample thereby effecting admixture of the enriched ratio of isotopes with the naturally occurring ratio of each analyte to be analyzed, creating ions from the spikes, introducing the ions into a mass spectrometer for determination of the identity and quantity of each analyte and delivering the information to a microprocessor. If desired, the process solution sample may be diluted and/or subjected to the addition of reagents or standards prior to initiation of the analysis. The ions may be created by an atmospheric pressure ionization interface. The information obtained is processed in a computer which serves to control other portions of the practice of the method.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an analytical apparatus is provided that includes a carriage; and a plurality of electrospray probes pivotably mounted on the carriage, wherein movement of the carriage engages a feature with a selected one of the electrospray probes whereby movement of the feature pivots the selected one of the electrospray probes with respect to the carriage.

Abstract: An electrolytic method and apparatus for treating a solution sample allowing for the accurate and substantially real-time and on-line analysis of trace contaminants in the solution sample. The method of the present invention includes two stages. The solution sample is electrolyzed during a first stage to decompose the matrix, thereby substantially neutralizing the matrix, while during a second stage deposited or precipitated metals are recovered and/or stabilized in solution. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination electrospray/microwave induced plasma (MIP) ionization source is used as the ionization source for a mass spectrometer. The electrospray can be operated in positive mode, negative mode, or it can be switched off. The microwave-induced plasma can also be switched on or off. This allows the instrument to be operated in multiple modes. With the electrospray off and the MIP on, the instrument will normally have its maximum elemental sensitivity. Mixed mode operation potentially allows the determination of additional information about the chemical constituents present in the analyte. In pure electrospray mode, it is possible to obtain molecular information and to analyze organic compounds.

Abstract: A method, system, and mixture for simultaneously cleaning and reconditioning at least a part of a sampling pathway of an inline automated mass spectrometry system are disclosed. A sampling pathway including a probe or a nebulizer, in one example, may be simultaneously reconditioned and cleaned by mixing an isotopically enriched species and/or natural abundant species with a cleaning solution, and then cleaning the sampling pathway with the spiked cleaning solution through various means and procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improved inline and automated chemical analysis is provided, in particular disclosing signal optimization for an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer apparatus. A substantially inert pathway for ion analysis is provided by using substantially inert metals or polymers for pathway parts. Other enhancements and advantages are also disclosed, including an advantageous probe profile and metal foil cover.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of neutralizing the matrix of an acidic solution including at least one metal using a weak anion exchange resin is provided. The method includes the acts of: activating the weak anion exchange resin with a weakly acidic metal complexing reagent, the weakly acidic metal complexing reagent partially disassociating into protons and metal complexing anions, whereby some functional groups in the weak anion exchange resin are protonated and bind with the metal complexing anions; and neutralizing a sample of the acidic solution with the activated weak anion exchange resin.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus to monitor fluid systems has at least one extraction module having a raw-sample reservoir connected by input fluid conduit to individual ones of said fluid systems, to extract raw samples for analysis from said fluid systems, one or more modification modules comprising additive materials to modify the extracted raw samples prior to analysis, an analytical device to receive at least a portion of said raw samples in an ordered sequence, and to determine concentration of at least one constituent of said sample portion, fluid-handling apparatus for transferring fluid through the analytical apparatus, and a computerized control and management system to manage operations of component modules and devices, and to report analytical results.

Abstract: An electrodialysis method and apparatus are provided for treating a sample including trace metals in a matrix. Advantageously, the present invention allows for highly accurate detection of trace contaminants in a solution sample, in particular trace metals, substantially in real-time and on-line. The present invention includes flowing a carrier solution through a carrier solution channel separated from a sample channel by a membrane. A component of the carrier solution is diffused through the membrane into the sample channel to stabilize trace metals in the solution sample for subsequent analysis. Simultaneously, the matrix is eliminated, neutralized, and/or modified for enhanced analysis.

Abstract: An automated matrix removal module is configurable to automatically withdraw a portion of sample containing an interferent. The module is further configurable to mix the portion of sample with a precipitating reagent selected to react with the interferent to form a precipitant and then filter mixture of sample and precipitant reagent through a filter. Finally, the module is further configurable to flush the precipitant from the filter.

Abstract: A combination electrospray/microwave induced plasma (MIP) ionization source is used as the ionization source for a mass spectrometer. The electrospray can be operated in positive mode, negative mode, or it can be switched off. The microwave-induced plasma can also be switched on or off. This allows the instrument to be operated in multiple modes. With the electrospray off and the MIP on, the instrument will normally have its maximum elemental sensitivity. Mixed mode operation potentially allows the determination of additional information about the chemical constituents present in the analyte. In pure electrospray mode, it is possible to obtain molecular information and to analyze organic compounds.

Abstract: A loop dilution system includes a dual-loop multi-way valve. In a first configuration of the multi-way valve, a first loop may be filled with a first solution and a second loop may be filled with a second solution. In a second configuration of the multi-way valve, the first and second loops are serially connected with a pump so that their contents may be mixed with a diluent. In another aspect of the invention, an in-process mass spectrometry (IPMS) system is disclosed that uses an internal standard to determine the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The internal standard has a different molecular composition than the analyte but is sufficiently similar chemically and physically to the analyte such that it behaves substantially the same as the analyte during an ionization process in the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for in-process automated analysis employing a mass spectrometry ratio measurements is disclosed. It involves elemental and speciation threshold measurement that is optimized for quality assurance at and is capable of functioning at and near quantitative instrumental detection limits. The system is automated and may be employed in an unattended operation for identification and quantification of elemental or specie contaminants. In a preferred aspect of the method, a sample is subjected to equilibration with at least one spike after which it is subjected to ionization in an atmospheric ion generator and processed by a mass spectrometer with the output of the mass spectrometer being processed by a microprocessor which through a controller coordinates operation of sample and spike delivery and equilibration as well as the operation of the atmospheric ion generator and mass spectrometer. The method may in the alternative be employed qualitatively.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for in-process automated analysis employing a modified form of isotope dilution mass spectrometry is disclosed. It involves elemental and speciation threshold measurement that is optimized for quality assurance at and is capable of functioning at and near quantitative instrumental detection limits. The system is automated and may be employed in an unattended operation for identification and quantification of elemental or specie contaminants. In a preferred aspect of the method, a sample is subjected to equilibration with at least one spiked enriched stable isotope element or specie after which it is subjected to ionization in an atmospheric ion generator and processed by a mass spectrometer with the output of the mass spectrometer being processed by a microprocessor which through a controller coordinates operation of sample and spike delivery and equilibration as well as the operation of the atmospheric ion generator and mass spectrometer.