APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ON-LINE MONITORING OF FLUORINATED MATERIAL IN HEADSPACE OF VIAL

摘要

Apparatus and methods for monitoring the presence of an analyte in a closed vial wherein a sample contained within the closed vial is conveyed to an analyzer. The analyzer determines a value of an ultrasound velocity dependent on analyte concentration at a position within a headspace formed above the sample within the vial. An indicator is used to compare the measured value of the ultrasound velocity with a predetermined limit criteria to determine the, presence or absence of the analyte. Vials wherein the presence of the analyte is denominated are indicated as product vials whereas vials wherein the absence of the analyte is denominated are indicated as rejected vials. The rejected vials are conveyed by a transferrer to a rejected vial station. A first portion of the product vials are conveyed by a sampler to a sample collection station. A second portion of the product vials are conveyed to a labeler.