Locate the task in the fluid path first
Arrows indicate task relationships, not that every component is connected in series in one tube. Check valve positions, pump wetted boundaries and operating states for each branch.
Specify acid and salt matrices, target concentrations and particle conditions, preserving actual sample-to-internal-standard volume relationships. Coordinate post-switching delay, shared-path residue and introduction conditions with the instrument method. Auxiliary pump output alone does not establish stable detection.
Common product roles and application guides
| Product category | Role in this instrument |
|---|---|
| Syringe pump | Standard preparation, dilution and internal-standard preparation |
| Valveless metering pumps | Suitable continuous auxiliary-liquid supply |
| Multiport rotary valve | Selection of samples, standards, blanks and wash liquids |
| Sampling Probes | Liquid-sample source interface |
| Bubble and pressure detection | Auxiliary-path supply and pressure state |
| Tubing and fittings | Connections between matrix liquids and instrument interfaces |
- Syringe pumps in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
- Valveless Metering Pumps for Spectroscopy and Elemental Analysis
- Multiport rotary valves in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
- Sampling needles in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
- Bubble and Pressure Monitoring for Spectroscopy and Elemental Analysis
- Tubing and fittings in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
Operating requirements differ by step
| Stage | Task category | Operating conditions to define |
|---|---|---|
| Sample transfer: identify the receiving end first | Sampling conditions | Actual sample volume, remaining source volume, probe-tip height, aspiration/dispensing speed and system liquid |
| Standards and dilution: include concentration in acceptance criteria | Proportion-based preparation | Actual volumes of original sample, diluent or internal standard; concentrations at each stage; mixing and resampling conditions |
| Multiple-source selection: calculate delay and displacement | Valve-path requirements | All ports, valve states, pressures in each state, shared volume and flushing volume |
Sample transfer: identify the receiving end first
Delivery to a dilution vessel primarily requires volume control; delivery to an introduction interface also requires system-specific continuous flow, pulsation and pressure checks. Evaluate materials and sample-change recovery using the actual matrix.
Standards and dilution: include concentration in acceptance criteria
Measure delivery of stock, diluent and internal standard separately, then validate the resulting concentration or method response after mixing. Shared-section residue can produce an incorrect composition despite correct commanded volumes.
Multiple-source selection: calculate delay and displacement
Create a port map before switching samples, standards, blanks and wash liquids. Validate blanks and stabilization time with the matrix combinations most difficult to clear, then determine displacement volume.
Explore configurations through product application guides
- Syringe pumps in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
- Valveless Metering Pumps for Spectroscopy and Elemental Analysis
- Multiport rotary valves in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
- Sampling needles in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
- Bubble and Pressure Monitoring for Spectroscopy and Elemental Analysis
- Tubing and fittings in spectroscopy and elemental analysis
Validate the complete cycle through application results
Check concentration ratios, mixing, blank recovery and method results. Evaluate preparation and sample supply separately.
| Step to validate | Measurements or observations | Priority troubleshooting checks |
|---|---|---|
| Sample transfer: identify the receiving end first | Measure actual delivery at the receiver, covering routine small volumes and maximum task volume, first dose after idle, sample changes and high/low concentration sequences | Air aspiration, clots/particles, probe contact with a wall or leakage alter actual delivery |
| Standards and dilution: include concentration in acceptance criteria | Measure each branch's delivery, received ratio and mixing uniformity separately, then check assay response | Small-volume errors, shared residual liquid or inadequate mixing may alter the actual ratio |
| Multiple-source selection: calculate delay and displacement | Check unintended connections, leakage, backflow and post-switching residue in each state; measure flushing volume and arrival delay through the complete path | Misalignment, shared-segment residue or abnormal switching pressure may affect the next task |
A sample-preparation pump is not automatically suitable for nebulizer supply. Confirm the introduction system for the specific instrument.
Common selection and recovery questions
Can standard preparation and instrument introduction use the same volume criterion for selection?
For preparation, verify individual liquid volumes and mixed composition. The introduction interface must separately meet actual flow, pressure and response requirements. Define the receiver before comparing drives.
Why is a delay still needed after the selector valve switches?
Check shared volume, actual flow and new-sample arrival. Validate displacement with method blanks and stabilization time; a valve reaching position does not establish that composition has updated.