Abstract:
A system and method for analyzing contaminants such as hydrocarbons in soil and ground water utilizes a reaction device comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a permeable material and processes that device in contact with a contaminant in an analytical device in order to generate a spectrogram indicative of the contaminants in the soil and ground water.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national stage application of PCT/US2013/022263 filed Jan. 18, 2013 and entitled “Spectrometric Device for the Analysis of Environmental and Geological Samples,” which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/352,629 filed Jan. 18, 2012 and entitled “Diffusion/Chemical Reaction/Spectrometric Device for the Analysis of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Environmental and Geological Formation Samples,” both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the analysis of contaminants, particularly hydrocarbons, in environmental or geological samples. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to devices for spectrometric analysis of hydrocarbons. Generally, robust chromophores in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum may be produced by Friedel-Crafts Reactions, hereinafter FCRs, with a wide variety of the chemical constituents in crude oil and crude oil fractions. These chromophores may serve as spectral markers to form unique spectrograms or spectral fingerprints for the chemical components in a hydrocarbon or petroleum substance. These unique spectrograms may permit determination of the source of the hydrocarbon or petroleum substances. Still further, this fingerprinting of the petroleum substance may be used for information related to various environmental investigations and in the oil and gas exploration and production (E&amp;P) industry. 
     Previously, the present inventor has sought to utilize FCR kits for detection of hydrocarbons in environmental and geological formation samples. Such kits were also used, for example, by the United States Department of Commerce “Rapid Commercialization Initiative” Program (1997) and selected as one of the “Ten Best Environmental Developments in the United States.” Further, development of a prototype device in that configuration was laboratory and field tested by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. 
     However, in application these kits required the transportation of a plurality of liquid reagents into the field to conduct the tests. Additionally, the coloration of the result provides for the type of hydrocarbon and the concentration in the formation, based on the color and intensity of the reaction, but does not provide spectral fingerprinting and identification of the source of the contaminant. The present disclosure is directed to a device and method for spectrometric analysis of hydrocarbon contaminants in environmental and geological samples. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, the present disclosure relates to analyzing contaminants such as hydrocarbons in soil and ground water. The disclosure relates to a reaction device comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a permeable material and a method of manufacturing that device. Further, the disclosure relates to an analytical device configured for processing the reaction device in order to generate a spectrogram indicative of the contaminants in the soil and ground water. Also, the disclosure relates to a method of operating the analytical device. 
     A reaction device includes a first and a second portion of a permeable material sealably encapsulating an anhydrous Friedel-Crafts catalyst. The first and second portions of the permeable material are configured to form a linear tape having regularly spaced discrete reaction vessels retaining the Friedel-Crafts catalyst or a tab having individual vessels retaining the Friedel-Crafts catalyst. The first and second portions of the permeable material includes at least one non-reactive polymer chosen from the group consisting of olefinic polymers, silicon polymers, or hydrophobic polymers. 
     A method manufacturing a reaction device includes positioning an anhydrous catalyst reagent on a first portion of a material, overlaying a second portion of a material, sealing the second material to the first material, and finishing an encapsulated reaction device. The material may include at least one non-reactive polymer chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, other olefinic polymers, silicon polymers, or hydrophobic polymers. Sealing the second material to the first material may include thermal sealing or pressure sealing. Finishing an encapsulated reaction device may include forming a linear tape having regularly spaced discrete reaction vessels retaining the Friedel-Crafts catalyst or forming individual, discrete tabs retaining the Friedel-Crafts catalyst. 
     A device for analyzing soil and water contaminants includes a chemical module, wherein the chemical module comprises an extraction vessel having a floor configured to retain a reaction device, walls configured to retain a solvent reservoir and a coupler, and an analysis module, wherein the analysis module comprises a body with a complementary coupler, a light source, a filter, an optical receptor, and an analysis device. The solvent reservoir may include a sample site. The body of the device may further include an extendible plunger configured to mechanically mix a solvent and a sample by disrupting the solvent reservoir to form an extract. The plunger may be configured to expose the reaction device to the extract. The reaction device may be configured to catalyze a Friedel-Crafts chromophore reaction in the extract. The light source may include a metal halide configured for illuminating the extract in a spectra of the Friedel-Crafts chromophore. The receptor may include an optical receptor configured for detecting the refracted or transmitted light in the extract. 
     A method for analyzing soil and water contaminants includes loading a reaction device having a Friedel-Crafts catalyst encapsulated in a permeable material, positioning a solvent reservoir adjacent the reaction device, mixing a sample and the solvent reservoir to form an extract, exposing the extract to the reaction device to form a Friedel-Crafts chromophore in the extract, illuminating the extract, collecting the refracted or transmitted light therethrough, and generating a spectrogram indicative of the soil and water contaminants. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a reaction device having a Friedel-Crafts catalyst encapsulated in a material; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a device for manufacturing a reaction device; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a flow chart schematic for manufacturing a reaction device; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a device for analyzing hydrocarbons in soil and water; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate configuration for analyzing hydrocarbons in soil and water; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another alternate configuration for analyzing hydrocarbons in soil and water; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a spectrometer configuration for analyzing hydrocarbons in soil and water; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a flow chart schematic for a method of analyzing hydrocarbons in soil and water; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an alternative configuration of a device for analyzing hydrocarbons in soil and water shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 
     Generally, the analytical spectral data produced by the disclosure herein is related to U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,379 previously granted to the present inventor. The disclosure therein relates to a device and method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of aromatic compounds in water resultant from a Friedel-Crafts Reaction (FCR), more specifically a Lewis-acid catalyzed FCR, for application in a Chemical Reaction Spectrometric (CRS) device or kit. Further, the disclosure therein generally relates to a method whereby a sample to be tested is extracted, the FCR is catalyzed, and the reaction product is analyzed based on the color and intensity thereof to determine aromatic or hydrocarbon components. 
     The encapsulated reagents of the present disclosure include a linear series of discrete reaction vessels. In this configuration, the encapsulated reaction vessels comprise a tape or strip that is configured for serial or sequential processing of each of the discrete reaction vessels in individual fashion. In exemplary embodiments, the tape or strip may be configured as a roll, a drum, or a coil without limitation, and configurable to unwind during processing of each discrete reaction vessel. In other configurations, the device is configured to manipulate individual discrete reaction vessels. In these configurations, the individually encapsulated reagents include reaction tabs that may be processed by feeding to the device via another apparatus, such as a hopper, or manual insertion by a device operator. In some embodiments, the device for manipulation of the encapsulated reagents is related to the device for analysis. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the analysis device includes a sample loading device in an analysis compartment. The sample loading device may be configured to expose the encapsulated reagents to a sample fluid and create an encapsulated reaction. In some configurations, the sample loading device is a pressurized loading device, for example, a plunger or piston to selectively permeate a polymeric film of the encapsulated reagents. In other configurations, the sample loading device includes an extension or protrusion configured to at least partially disrupt the polymeric film of the encapsulated reagents and permit the encapsulated reaction. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the analysis device further includes an optical device. Generally, an optical device includes a light source and a light receiver that are disposed within an analysis compartment. The light source may be an optical probe or emitter such as a laser device or a fiber optic device. Further, the light source may include a filter or other apparatus configured to alter the light properties to irradiate the encapsulated reaction. The light receiver is generally configured to convert the light emitted from the irradiated encapsulated reaction into a graphical format or a data format. Exemplary light receivers may be cameras or photon collecting, counting, or capturing devices and arrays. In some configurations, the light receiver may include a filter, a grating, or another apparatus configured to alter the light properties emitted from the encapsulated reaction. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the present disclosure relates to a reaction device  101  configured for isolating reagents  120 . Generally, the reaction device  101  includes a material  102  configurable for the induced, selective, selectively permeable, or semipermeable passage of fluids therethrough. In exemplary configurations, the material  102  is a polymeric material or film. The material  102  includes a non-reactive polymer, and for example, a hydrophobic polymer such that water is at least temporarily excluded from contacting the reagents  120 . Exemplary polymers may include polyethylene, polypropylene, other olefinic polymers, or silicon polymers, without limitation. 
     As discussed hereinabove, the reaction device  101  includes reagents  120  captured by and isolated within the material  102 . Generally, the reagents  120  are encapsulated in the material  102  and for example, between a first portion  103  and a second portion  104  of the material  102 . The reagents  120  include any reactive material for exposure to an analyte or sample. In some configurations, the reagents  120  may exist as solids or liquids. Generally, the reagents  120  include at least one catalyst, for example a Lewis-acid catalyst. In some configurations, the reagents  120  are a FCR-catalyst. Exemplary catalysts include anhydrous acid catalysts and, more specifically, an anhydrous aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 ). The reagents  120  contain predetermined quantities such as concentrations, masses, or volumes of the catalysts. In certain instances, the reagents  120  include stoichiometric concentrations that are predetermined to sufficiently react with a predetermined volume of an analyte. The reagents  120  are selected for the FCR in order to form chromophores with selected analytes. Thusly configured, the reaction device  101  provides single or multiple regularly spaced, discrete reaction vessels for the reagents  120  in the material  102 . The reaction device  101  provides single or multiple discrete analysis vessels for spectrometric analysis. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a device  200  is illustrated for the manufacturing of a reaction device or devices  201 . Generally, the device  200  is configured as a press  210  configurable to create reaction devices  201 . In certain instances, the reaction devices  201  are manufactured as a tape  205 . Alternatively, the press  210  is configured as a punch, in order to form one or more tabs  206 . Tabs  206  may be any configuration of individual or unitary reaction devices  201 . In some instances, tabs  206  are planar or approximately planar, having a shape that corresponds to the perimeter of the press  210 . 
     Generally, in either configuration the press  210  includes a sealing surface  211 . The sealing surface  211  is any device configured to thermally or pressurably contact and seal a second portion  204  over the reagents  220  and in contact with the surface of the first portion  203 . The sealing surface  211  may provide pressure against an arbor or arbor plate  212 . The sealing surface  211  may be considered a ring, the diameter of a circle, a cylindrical cross-section, or the outer portion of any 2-dimensional shaped polygon such as a square, triangle, etc., without limitation. Sealing surface  211  may further include elements configured to bond, anneal, vulcanize, or similarly seal the second portion  204  to the first portion  203  of the material  202 . Additionally, when the press  210  is configured as a punch, the sealing surface  211  may further include a cutting element such as a blade or a thermal cutting element. In additional configurations, the device  200  may include guides  215  to direct the first portion  203  and the second portion  204  of the material therethrough and to eject the reaction device  201  therefrom. Exemplary guides  215  may be flat surfaces, rollers, tabs, fingers, elastic materials, springs, or other devices that contact the first portion  203 , the second portion  204 , and the reaction device  201 . 
     Generally, the device  200  further includes a reagent delivery device  230 . The reagent delivery device  230  deposits a predetermined quantity of the reagents  220  on the first portion  203 . The reagent delivery device  230  operates prior to overlaying the second portion  204 , and sealing the reaction device  201  as described hereinabove. Generally, the reagent delivery device  230  may be a programmable or automated device, for example an auto-pipetting device or similar. In solids handling instances, the reagent delivery device  230  may be a volumetric or gravimetric delivery system, or a vacuum-solids deposition system in alternative embodiments. In some configurations, the reagent delivery device  230  may be operated manually, for example by manufacturing personnel in order to remain flexible with respect to the reagent delivery or deposition. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the reaction device  201  is constructed by a method  300  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the method  300  includes the steps of forming  310  a first and second portion of a material, depositing  320  a reagent on a first portion of the material, overlying  330  a second portion of material, sealing  340  the reagent to form a reaction device, and finishing  350  the reaction device. Forming  310  a first and second portion of the material may include extruding or depositing a polymeric material as described previously to form a film. Depositing  320  a reagent on a first portion of the material includes placing a drop of a fluid or a portion of solids on a supporting layer of the polymeric film. Overlying  330  a second portion of the material includes covering the reagent with a second portion of the polymeric material, generally the same material, and subsequently sealing  340  the reagent to form a reaction device, including capturing and isolating the reagent. The step of finishing  340  the reaction device includes producing a reagent device linear array or tape, or in certain instances, punching or pushing out tabs from a sealed polymeric material. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the present disclosure relates to an analysis device  400 . Analysis device  400  is generally configured to utilize at least one reaction device  401  to analyze a sample of hydrocarbons. The analysis device  400  includes a chemical module  410  and an optical module  450 . The chemical module  410  includes a liquid reaction chamber or extraction chamber  412 , a reaction device support  414 , a solvent reservoir  416 , an injector  418 , and a coupler  420 . The optical module  450  includes a housing  452 , a coupler  454 , a light source  456 , a filter  458 , a receptor  460  and a graphical analysis device  462 . 
     The extraction chamber  412  of the analysis device is configured as a vessel for extracting hydrocarbons and aromatics as analytes from an environmental material, geological material, soil, and/or water sample. The extraction chamber  412  includes any material that is resistant to acid, solvent, hydrocarbon, or other reactive chemical groups, such as alkanes or halides thereof. In certain instances, the extraction chamber  412  is constructed out of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) or a comparable material. The extraction chamber  412  is generally constructed or configured to retain a liquid sample. The extraction chamber  412  includes a floor  413  and a wall or walls  415  disposed about the perimeter. The floor  413  of the extraction chamber  412  includes a reaction device support  414 . In certain instances, the extraction chamber  412  is configured to be disposable or rapidly replaceable, such as a modular component. 
     Reaction device support  414  is configured to retain or guide the reactive device  401  in the extraction chamber  412 . In exemplary embodiments, the reaction device support  414  includes a recess, a protrusion, a clamp, or any similar modification or addition to the floor  413  of the extraction chamber  412  to retain a tab-configured reaction device  401 . In alternative instances, the reaction device support  414  includes a track, a guide, or other directional modification for permitting placement or localization of a portion of a tape-configured reaction device  401  in the extraction chamber. In these instances, the floor  413  may be sealably connected to the walls  415  of the reaction chamber, such that at least partial de-coupling thereof permits a tape-configured reaction device to be inserted and pulled or otherwise manipulated through the extraction chamber. Further, the floor  413  and reaction device support  414  include an optical window or connector. 
     The walls  415  include the coupler  420  configured as any mechanical interaction such as a snap-fit, an interference-fit, or threadable connector. In certain configurations, the walls  415  may have additional supports  417  configured as rings, tabs, or lips. The supports  417  are configured to support a solvent reservoir  416 . 
     The solvent reservoir  416  includes a partially or totally sealable vessel for retaining a predetermined volume, mass, or concentration of a reaction solvent. Generally, the solvent reservoir  416  may be configured to be resistant to any material that is resistant to acid, solvent, hydrocarbon, or other reactive chemical groups, such as alkanes or halides thereof. In certain instances, the solvent reservoir  416  is constructed out of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or a comparable material. Alternatively, the solvent reservoir  416  may be constructed out of thin metallic or metallic alloy films, such as aluminum. The solvent reservoir  416  may include a packet or sealed volume that is puncturable or frangible. In some configurations, the solvent reservoir  416  may include a tab or opening configured to puncture or fail under an induced condition. Further, the solvent reservoir  416  may be configured as a liquid volume transferring or releasing device, such as a pipet, pump, piston, or syringe. In other configurations, solvent reservoir  416  includes sample site  419 . Sample site  419  includes a depression or cup in the surface of the solvent reservoir shape. The sample site  419  is configured to receive and retain a sample to be analyzed prior to the extraction of the analytes. 
     The injector  418  is configured to disrupt, puncture, pierce, inject, or otherwise evacuate the solvent reservoir  416 . The injector  418  may include features  421  such as prongs, points, or serrations in order to mechanically compromise the solvent reservoir  416 . The injector  418  further promotes the mechanical mixing or contacting of the sample from sample site  419  and the solvent from solvent reservoir  416 . In certain instances, the injector  418  is configured as a plunger or a piston for extending from the optical module  450  housing  452  towards the floor  413  of the extraction chamber  412 . Also, the injector  418  may be configured to propel the solvent from the solvent reservoir  416 . In further configurations, the injector  418  initiates the sample extraction reaction and the exposure of the extracted analyte to the FCR catalysts 
     The optical module  450  includes components of the analysis device peripheral to and in communication with the extraction chamber  412 . Generally, the peripheral components relate to optical analysis of the FCR products. The optical module  450  includes a housing  452  having a respective or complementary coupler  454  disposed exteriorly. The coupler  454  is configured for interacting with the coupler  420  of the extraction chamber  412  on the chemical module  410 . The housing  452  includes an elongate hollow body through which the injector  418  passes. The injector  418  is configurable to move along the elongate axis of the housing  452  in extension and refraction modes, for example as a plunger or piston. 
     Light source  456  may be a separate or integral component of housing  452 . Light source  456  is configured as a halogen or tungsten halogen light source having a broad emission spectrum. Light source  456  may further include other known emissive configurations for projecting excitation light and, in some instances, predetermined wavelengths of light, onto a reaction device  401 . Additionally, the light source  456  may be configured to emit or have emitted light pass through the housing  452  and in some configurations the injector  418 . The light source  456  may include a plurality of optic bundles, pipes, or fibers  457  that extend along the elongate axis of the housing  452  to at least one lens  459  proximal to the injector  418 . In certain instances, there is a plurality of fibers  457  extending from the light source  456  to the lens  459 . Further, the fibers  457  or the lens  459  may include a light pipe that extends around the circumference of the injector  418 . 
     Disposed in or adjacent to the floor  413  of the extraction module  410  there is a filter  458 . The filter  458  is disposed adjacent to and in the light path of light refracted, transmitted or emitted during chromophore absorbance. The filter  458  includes an optical filter, such as but not limited to a polarizer, a diffraction grating, a chromatic or dichroic lens, or any other optical filter configurable to alter light refracted or transmitted through the sample. In certain instances, the filter  458  may be an electronic device for optical analysis or integral to the receptor  460 . 
     The receptor  460  includes an optical array for collecting photons that pass through the filter  458 . Exemplary receptor  460  configurations include cameras, charge coupled devices (CCDs), spectrometers, or mini-spectrometers. The receptor  460  generates a digital output that is conveyed to a graphical analysis device  462  such as a computer. Without limitation by theory, the graphical analysis device  462  includes a processor configured to access instructions stored on a memory, such that when executed, the manipulation, analysis, display, and reproduction of graphical data indicative of the photons impingent on the receptor  460  is possible. In some instances, the graphical analysis device may be a hard drive or portable processing/storage medium. In other instances, the receptor  460  is configured for reversible coupling to the extraction chamber  412 , for example via SubMiniature A (SMA) connectors or other coaxial connectors. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated an alternative configuration of the device  400  described herein. In the present configuration, the light source  456  including fibers  457  and lenses  459  illuminate the reaction device  401  from adjacent the floor  413  of the extraction chamber  412  in the chemical module  410 . Thusly configured, the lens  459  and filter  458  may be monolithic or unitary components. Still further, the lens  459  and filter  458  may include a dichroic structure, such that the wavelengths of the light used for illumination is in a specific range of wavelengths and the refracted or transmitted light collected at the receptor is in a separate, discrete range of wavelengths. Without limitation by theory, configured thusly the device  400  may be more compact and transportable. 
     Further, in some configurations, the light source  456  is in communication with the graphical analysis device  462  by a communication link  466 . The communication link  466  may permit the changing and control of the illumination wavelengths from the light source  456 ; alternatively, communication link  466  permits activation and analysis simultaneously. In certain instances, the light source  456 , receptor  460 , and graphical analysis device  462  are components of the same device. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  there is illustrated a further configuration of the present disclosure. Generally, the device  700  illustrated includes a completely self-contained device for the analysis of hydrocarbons in soil or water samples. In the present configuration, the device  700  includes a housing  711  wherein the housing includes at least four chambers or modules. The housing  711  includes a sample chamber  710 , a waste chamber  720 , a reaction device storage  730 , and an analysis device chamber  740 . The chambers  710 ,  720 ,  730 ,  740  are in communication via fluid and materials conduits. The fluid conduits include a dual channel or dual pass plunger  750 . 
     Thusly configured, the sample chamber  710  includes a sample conduit  712  for inserting or injecting and fluidizing a sample therein. Further, the sample chamber includes an exit valve  714  in fluid connection with the plunger  750 . The plunger  750  is in fluid connection with the solvent reservoir  716  and the reaction chamber  718 . From the reaction device chamber  730  a portion of at least one reaction device  701  contacts the fluid in the reaction chamber  718 . The remaining solvent and analyte is withdrawn from the reaction chamber  718  to the waste chamber  720  via a drain or other vessel. The at least one reaction device  701  is conveyed to the analysis chamber  740 . In the analysis chamber  740  the reaction device  701  is illuminated by the probe  742 , such that a spectrometer  760  may collect the refracted or transmitted light. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is illustrated an exemplary spectrometer  760 . Generally, the spectrometer includes a probe  742  that extends into an analytical compartment  744  for the illumination of the sample in the reaction device  701 . Further, the spectrometer  760  generally includes a diffraction grating or similar filter  746  and a receptor  748 . Suitable exemplary filters  746  and receptors  748  have been described hereinabove. In some configurations, the spectrometer may be a mini-spectrometer such as but not limited to those produced by Hamamatsu. 
     In operation of the configuration shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first step includes: liquid or solid samples are introduced into the sample extraction chamber  710  via the sample access  712 . Subsequently, withdrawal of the dual channel syringe  750  causes a small aliquot of the extraction solvent from the solvent reservoir  716  to inject into the sample extraction chamber  710 . Further, depression of the syringe and simultaneous pressing of the SEC manual valve  714  causes the aliquot of the sample and solvent to be injected by the left-hand channel of the syringe from the extraction chamber into the extract/catalyst reaction chamber (ECRC)  718 . Electronic activation (not shown) of the motorized catalyst tape storage disc drum in the reaction device chamber  730  causes one segment of the catalyst tape  701  to advance, thereby positioning a catalyst packet under the light probe  742  for measuring absorbance. Still further, electronic activation of the light probe  742  also activates the spectrometer  760 , which causes a digital signal to be sent to the computer (not shown) via the USB port (not shown), for example. Manual depression of the ECRC valve drains the extract into the extract waste storage reservoir  722 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8  there is illustrated a method  800  for conducting an analysis according to the device illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In instances, the method includes preparing  810  the reaction device, positioning  820  the solvent reservoir, loading  830  the sample or analyte, assembling  840  the analysis device, activating  850  the extraction and FCR process, and analyzing  860  the FCR products by a spectrometer. In certain instances, preparing  810  the reaction device includes inserting manually or automatically a reaction device into the extraction chamber, wherein the reaction device includes a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. Activating  850  the extract and FCR process includes mixing the sample, the extraction solvent, and the Friedel-Crafts catalyst to attach a chromophore to aromatics and hydrocarbons in the analyte. Also, analyzing  860  the FCR product(s) includes illuminating the reaction device with a light source, such as a metal halide, and measuring the absorbance of the transmitted light. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated another configuration of an analysis device  900  as described herein for  FIG. 4 . In the present configuration, the analysis device  900  generally utilizes at least one reaction device  901  to analyze a liquid sample  919  of hydrocarbons. The analysis device  900  includes a chemical module  910  and an optical module  950 . The chemical module  910  includes a liquid reaction chamber or extraction chamber  912 , a reaction device support  914 , a solvent reservoir  916 , an injector  918 , and a coupler  920 . The optical module  950  includes a housing  952 , a coupler  954 , a light source  956 , a receptor  960  and a graphical analysis device  962 . 
     The analysis device  900  includes a housing  952  that is reversibly connected to the extraction chamber  912 . The extraction chamber  912  includes a reaction device support  914  that may be configured as previously described or functions as a receptor or indentation in the floor  913  of the extraction chamber  912 . Further, the receptor  960  may be threadably engaged or otherwise coupled to the extraction module and passing through the floor  913  in order to optically analyze the reaction device  901 . 
     The housing  952  includes the solvent reservoir  916  and an injector  918  configured to evacuate solvent or reagents therefrom. In instances, the solvent reservoir  916  and injector  918  are configured as a pump or piston, such as a syringe, in order to deliver solvent to the extraction chamber. The solvent reservoir and injector  918  may be coaxial with an elongate axis A of the analysis device  900 . Further, the housing  952  retains the light source  956  that may be arranged adjacent to or parallel with the solvent reservoir  916 . In certain instances, the light source  956  contains a power supply  957  in order to retain a compact or portable shape. 
     Thusly configured, the analysis device  900  permits the insertion of a reaction device  901  into the holder  914  prior to the addition of the sample  919  into the extraction chamber  912 . Subsequently, the extraction chamber  912  is coupled to the housing  952 . The injector  918  evacuates the reservoir  916  into the sample  919  in the chamber  912 . After a predetermined period of reaction, the light source  956  may be activated concurrently with the receptor  960  and the graphical analysis device  962 . 
     The present disclosure is based on the generation of robust, transient chromophores generated by sigma and pi electrons that engage in bond formation in Friedel-Crafts reactions. These chromophores resonate with frequencies in the near ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum generated by a tungsten/halogen energy source. In the present method and apparatus a soil, water, or formation fluid sample is extracted with an alkyl halide extractant, such as but not limited to carbon tetrachloride. The extract solution is then caused to undergo Friedel-Crafts (FC) reactions by exposure to a Lewis-acid catalyst such as but not limited to anhydrous Aluminum Chloride. This disclosure describes the apparatus that can accept the sample(s), the extraction solvent, a means for introducing the sample(s) and solvent into an extraction chamber, a means for presenting a precise amount of the catalyst to the extracted sample solution, a tungsten/halogen source, and a charge-coupled-device (CCD) spectrometer for the detection of the signal generated by the FC-produced chromophores. 
     The disclosure operates by introducing a sample (soil, water, or formation fluid) via the sample access into the sample extraction chamber using the dual channel syringe. The syringe is equipped with valves that regulate the flow of solvent from the solvent reservoir into the syringe and, subsequently, into the ECRC. The catalyst tape is fed into the ECRC by the motorized catalyst tape storage drum, for example. After a precise time and extraction temperature, which determine the diffusion of the solvent extract into the polyethylene-enclosed catalyst, the chromophoric signal is read by the CCD spectrometer. The digitized signal from the CCD is electrically transmitted via a standard USB connection from the electronic module to a computer or other microprocessor-based read-out device. 
     The embodiment described is designed as a small-sized device such that it can be easily transported to the field and utilized manually by one person for soil or water analysis for petroleum contamination. Conversely, this small device can be fully automated with appropriate electronic operation of the syringe and valving, and utilized with appropriate thermal and vibration insulation as a downhole wireline device for oil exploration purposes (geological formation fluid analysis). 
     Many modifications and variations, particularly in regard to automated or remote actuation, as specifically mentioned in the embodied device and method may be made without departing substantially from the concept of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be clearly understood that the form of the disclosure described herein is exemplary only, and is not intended as a limitation on the scope thereof. 
     While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.