ACTIVE, VARIABLE SAMPLE CONCENTRATION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUB-PPB MEASUREMENTS AND EXEMPLARY X-RAY ANALYSIS APPLICATIONS THEREOF

摘要

A sample handling apparatus/technique/method for a material analyzer, which provides active, variable concentration of a sample, using a measurement marker introduced into the sample, to measurably concentrate an analyte in a liquid (e.g., water) sample. Active, variable concentration allows otherwise lower level analytes to be concentrated in a measurable way. This enables measurements at higher (e.g., concentrated) levels, which can be extrapolated to obtain their lower, original levels based on the concentration level—measured using the introduced marker as a guide. The sample handling apparatus may be used in combination with an optic-enabled x-ray analyzer, the x-ray analyzer including an x-ray engine with an x-ray excitation path and an x-ray detection path, usable during both during the concentration and analyte measurement.

主权项

1. A method for concentration of a sample having a first analyte level therein requiring measurement in an analyzer, comprising:
concentrating the sample, and therefore the first analyte level in the sample; determining a concentration factor of the concentrated sample; measuring a second analyte level in the concentrated sample; and determining the first analyte level according to the measured, second analyte level and the concentration factor.