Patent ID: 8951783
Filing Date: 2015-02-10
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of stages arranged in series and configured to detect contaminants in a sample, wherein the plurality of stages comprises at least a first stage including a first sample holder and a first detector configured to detect a first contaminant and a second stage including a second sample holder and a second detector configured to detect a second contaminant, and wherein the first sample holder comprises a detachable shutter configured to allow selective access to an interior of the first sample holder; and a filtration unit positioned between and coupled to an output of the first stage and an input of the second stage; wherein one of the plurality of stages is configured to measure turbidity of the sample by monitoring a percentage of light transmitted through the sample as a function of time, wherein the one of the plurality of stages comprises an automated stirrer configured to agitate the sample to facilitate a homogeneous solution, and wherein the automated stirrer comprises a rotatable bar, and wherein the shutter includes the rotatable bar such that the rotatable bar is connected to the shutter.