Patent ID: 6458328
Filing Date: 2002-10-01
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An analytical system comprising:a separation apparatus adapted to separate a sample into its components having a separation apparatus outlet; and a first oxidizing agent inlet adapted to supply a first amount of an oxidizing agent which mixes with the sample components to form a mixture; a multi-stage oxidation apparatus comprising: a sample inlet in fluid communication with the separation apparatus outlet and adapted to receive the mixture; a first combustion zone maintained at an elevated temperature adapted to convert oxidizable sample components into their corresponding oxides; a second oxidizing agent inlet adapted to supply a second amount of the oxidizing agent, where the second amount of oxidizing agent is designed to increase conversion of oxidizable sample components into their corresponding oxides; and a second combustion zone maintained at an elevated temperature and adapted to receive the mixture and the second amount of the oxidizing agent; an outlet through which an oxidized sample effluent exits the apparatus, where the first amount of oxidizing agent and the second amount of oxidizing agent is in excess of the amount of oxidizing agent required to convert all oxidizable components in the sample into their corresponding oxides and the apparatus increases the formation of nitrogen, phosphorous and/or sulfur oxides from sample components containing chemically bound nitrogen, phosphorous and/or sulfur; and an interface interposed between and operatively connected to the separation apparatus outlet and the oxidation apparatus inlet wherein the first oxidizing agent inlet is connected to the interface and the interface is designed to form an aerosol comprising the first amount of oxidizing agent and the sample components.