ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR LIQUID SAMPLES

Abstract: An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample includes structure (96) defining an analysis region, a polychromator system (112) disposed in sensing relation to the analysis region, and a structure (60, 68) connecting a sample inlet port (20) to the inlet of the analysis region (96). The analysis region includes a pair of spaced metal electrodes (72, 92), one electrode (72) having an upper surface (74) in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode (92) and passage structure (70) connected to the inlet of the analysis region. The one metal electrode (72) is disposed with the passage structure (70) extending to an outlet port in the upper surface (74), and structure (127, 130) in the upper surface (74) defines a plurality of channels extending away from the outlet port of the passage structure (70) for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through the passage structure. The system also includes another analysis region for infrared analysis.

Description: Analysis system for liquid samples. This invention relates to analysis systems, and more particularly to apparatus and processes for analyzing liquid samples such as engine oils and the like, and to spectrometer methods and apparatus. Background of the Invention Analysis of constituents of engine oil provides information on current conditions of the engine and may identify problems'which may require costly repair if not corrected. Analytical services have been provided through use of a kit type service in which a sample of the engine oil is mailed to an analysis laboratory and a report is furnished after the laboratory conducts an analysis using conventional analysis equipment such as a polychromator with rotatable carbon electrodes. Such technology involves a delay of several days. Improved maintenance of engines, vehicles and other equipment could be obtained by providing analytical equipment in the garage or other maintenance facility for use by a technician operating in a shop environment. Summary of the Invention In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided an analysis system with a mobile housing, a sample input, a first sample analysis region through which a beam of radiation is passed for infrared (FTIR) analysis and a second sample analysis region that includes a pair of spaced electrodes for exciting the sample material to spectroemissive levels and a spectroanalytical system coupled to the electrodes for responding to radiation from the electrode gap, both analysis regions being disposed in the mobile housing. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample that includes housing structure, structure in the housing structure defining a first analysis region having an inlet and an outlet, an infrared (FTIR) analysis system disposed in sensing relation to the first analysis region, structure in the housing structure defining a second analysis region having an inlet and an outlet, a polychromator system disposed in sensing relation to the second analysis region, structure defining a sample inlet port, structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlets of the first and second analysis regions, control structure in the housing structure for flowing a sample to be analyzed from the sample inlet port through the first and second analysis regions, and output structure coupled to the first and second analysis regions for providing output data as a function of the outputs of the FTIR system and the polychromator system as a function of the liquid sample flowed through the first and second analysis regions. In a particular embodiment, the FTIR analysis system includes a flow through cell with a pair of spaced plate members, the first analysis region is disposed between the plate members, interferometer structure that generates a beam of radiation for passage through the plate members and the first analysis region, and sensor structure that senses the beam of radiation passed through the plate members and the first analysis region for generating FTIR analysis information as function of the liquid sample disposed in the first analysis region. The polychromator system includes entrance slit structure, exit slit structure composed of a plurality of exit slit regions, and radiation dispersing structure for dispersing radiation passing through the entrance slit structure into a spectrum for application to the exit slit regions. The second analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus with main and trigger electrodes disposed in an enclosed chamber with an outlet port across which filter structure is disposed, and fan structure for flowing gas from the chamber through the filter structure for exhaust outside the housing structure. The main electrodes are a pair of spaced metal electrodes (preferably of at least 99% purity) , one of the electrodes having an upper surface in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode and a through passage connected to the inlet of the second analysis region, the one metal electrode being disposed with the through passage extending to an outlet port in the upper surface, and structure in the upper surface defining a plurality of channels extending away from the outlet port of the through passage for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through the through passage. The control structure for flowing a sample includes a pump that has forward and reverse modes of operation, the first and second analysis regions are connected in series, and the control structure flows a sample to be analyzed at a first flow rate into the first analysis region with the pump being stopped during an FTIR analysis cycle, and the pump being operated in a reverse flow mode (preferably less than one-half the first flow rate) during a first part of a polychromator analysis cycle to remove excess sample material from the second analysis region and then in a relatively low forward" flow rate mode during a second part of the polychromator analysis cycle. The housing structure is mounted on wheels so that the analysis system is relatively mobile, and the polychromater system is mounted on shock absorbing structure in the housing structure. In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a process for analyzing liquid sample material such as a lubricating oil comprising the steps of providing a first analysis region with an FTIR analysis system disposed in sensing relation to the first analysis region, providing structure defining a second analysis region with a polychromator system disposed in sensing relation to the second analysis region, flowing a liquid sample to be analyzed into the first analysis region, stopping the liquid sample flow while said liquid sample is in the first analysis region and subjecting that liquid sample in the first analysis region to an FTIR analysis sequence, flowing the liquid sample into the second analysis region, reversing the flow direction to remove excess sample from the second analysis region, resuming flow in the forward direction at a low flow rate and concurrently subjecting the liquid sample in the second analysis region to an electric discharge to excite the liquid sample to spectroemissive levels for sensing by the polychromator system. In accordance with still another aspect, there is provided an analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample comprising structure defining an analysis region with an inlet and an outlet, a spectrometer system disposed in sensing relation to the analysis region, structure defining a sample inlet port, and structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region. The analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus with a pair of spaced metal electrodes, one of the electrodes having an upper surface in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode and passage structure connected to the inlet of the analysis region. Preferably, the other electrode has a lower surface of annular configuration in spaced juxtaposition to the upper surface of the one electrode. The one metal electrode is disposed with the passage structure extending to an outlet port in the upper surface, and structure in the upper surface defines a plurality of channels extending away from the outlet port of the passage structure for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through the passage structure. Control structure flows a sample to be analyzed from the sample inlet port through the analysis region, and output structure coupled to the analysis region provides output data as a function of the output of the spectrometer system as a function of the liquid sample flowed through the analysis region. Preferably, the control structure for flowing a sample includes a pump that has forward and reverse modes of operation, and the control structure operates the pump in a reverse flow mode (preferably less than one-half the first flow rate) during a first part of a spectrometer analysis cycle to remove excess sample material from the analysis region and then in a relatively low forward flow rate mode during a second part of the spectrometer analysis cycle. The sample excitation apparatus (including both main and trigger electrodes) is preferably disposed in an enclosed chamber that has an outlet port across which filter structure is disposed, and fan structure flows gas from the chamber through the filter structure for exhaust. The pair of spaced metal electrodes preferably have structures which encourage random spark emissions across the opposing surfaces of the electrodes and reduces "hot spots" on the surfaces. As a result, the surface of the electrodes are maintained at lower temperatures during the analysis operation and the possibility for "burned-on" residue of the liquid sample at "hot spots" on the surface of the electrode is reduced. The channeled or slotted surface of the lower electrode provides a number of discharge points at which the liquid sample covering these points can be spectroemissively excited. In particular embodiments, the upper electrode is "tube-like" and avoids an undesirable single discharge point and provides a larger surface area from which spark emissions are generated further promoting the random sampling of the liquid sample being analyzed. Thus, the accuracy and sensitivity of the spectroanalysis of the liquid sample is improved and the analysis is less sensitive to the amount of the sample which flows over the upper surfaces of the lower electrode. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided an analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample that includes structure defining an analysis region having an inlet and an outlet, a spectrometer system disposed in sensing relation to the analysis region, structure defining a sample inlet port, structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region, the structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region including a sample transport tube and structure for introducing gas bubbles into the sample to be analyzed for flow with the sample through the transport tube to the analysis region, the analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus with a pair of spaced metal electrodes, one of the electrodes having an upper surface in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode and passage structure connected to the inlet of the analysis region, and the other electrode having a lower surface in spaced juxtaposition to the upper surface of the one electrode, the one metal electrode being disposed with the passage structure extending to an outlet port in its the upper surface. Control structure flows a sample to be analyzed from the sample inlet port through the analysis region, and output structure responsive to the spectrometer system for providing output data as a function of the liquid sample flowed into the sample excitation apparatus. Preferably, the structure connecting the sample inlet port to the inlet of the analysis region includes a sample flow tube and an adjacent tube for introducing gas bubbles into the sample to be analyzed for flow with the sample through the transport tube to the analysis region. In a particular embodiment, the gas flow tube is disposed concentrically with the sample transport tube and their ports are disposed adjacent one another for submergence in the liquid sample to be analyzed so that, during a cleaning interval, gas bubbles may be flowed through the sample inlet passage concurrently with the sample liquid or a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inlet tube and other regions of the analysis sample flow path. In a particular embodiment, the spectrometer system is a polychromator that includes entrance slit structure, exit slit structure composed of a plurality of exit slit regions, and radiation dispersing structure for dispersing radiation passing through the entrance slit structure into a spectrum for application to the exit slit regions; the housing structure is mounted on wheel structure so that the analysis system is relatively mobile; and the housing structure includes shock absorbing structure on which the polychromator system is mounted. Brief Description of the Drawing Other features and advantages of the invention will be seen as the following description of particular embodiments progresses, in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an analysis system in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the system shown in Fig. 1 including diagrammatic showings of the sample flow path and the analysis regions; Fig. 3 is a front view of the system shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a top view of the system shown in Fig. i; Fig. 5 is a side view of the system shown in Fig. i; Figs. 6-8 are side, top and bottom views of the lower arc stand electrode employed in one embodiment of the spectroscopy component of the system shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is a side sectional view of another set of upper and lower arc stand electrodes suitable for use in the spectroscopy component of the system shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 10 is a top view of the lower arc stand electrode shown in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a bottom view of the upper arc stand electrode shown in Fig. 9; and Fig. 12 is a timing diagram indicating a sequence of operations with the system of Fig. 1. Description of Particular Embodiments The system shown in Fig. 1 includes mobile housing 10 mounted on wheels 11 with shelf 12 on which is mounted control keyboard 14, light pen type bar code reader 16, and oil sample receiver 18. Coupled to sample receiver 18 is inlet assembly 20. Mounted in the console above surface 12 are display 22 and arc stand chamber access door 24. A second output device in the form of printer 26 is disposed on top of the housing 10, 115 volt line cord 27 supplies electrical power to the system under control of switch 29, and waste container 30 is disposed in the end wall. Controller 32 is mounted in housing 10 behind display 22. With reference to Figs. 2-5, sample input assembly 20 includes stainless steel outer tube 34 that has an inner diameter of about four millimeters, and Teflon inner tube 36 that has an outer diameter of about three millimeters and an inner diameter of about 1.5 millimeters. Coupled to outer tube 34 via adjustable needle valve 37 and solenoid control valve 38 is a source 40 of air at a pressure of about 10-12 psi. Tubes 34 and 36 have ports 34' and 36' at their lower ends that are in substantial alignment and are arranged for insertion into the liquid sample to be analyzed that is disposed in sample container 18. Coupled to the other end of inner tube 36 is metering pump 42, (Model Q1CKCLF Fluid Metering, Inc., Oyster Bay, N.Y.). Metering pump 42 includes a piston and cylinder assembly 44 that is mounted for pivoting movement on rotatable drive assembly 46 which is coupled to stepper motor 48 by timing belt 50. Air cylinder 52 is connected to assembly 44 by link 54 and receives control signals over lines 56, 57 from controller 32 to select a pumping volume of pump 42. A control signal over line 56 places the pump 42 in a low flow position (about 0.5 milliliter per minute) while a signal over line 57 places the pump system in a high flow position (about five milliliters per minute) . The liquid sample is pumped by pump 42 over line 60 into " infrared (FTIR) system 80, which may be a Nicolet Impact 400 system. The sample is pumped to the inlet 62 of FTIR flow-through cell 64 and from outlet 66 over line 68 to flow through passage 70 of silver spark source electrode 72. The liquid sample pumped by pump 42 through cell 64 to electrode 72 flows over the top surface 74 of electrode 72 and into well 76 for transfer over line 78 to waste bottle 30. FTIR system 80 includes an interferometer 82 that directs radiation beam 84 through flow cell 64 to sensor 86 which applies output signals over line 88 to controller 32. Coupled to cell 64 is heater 90 which is adapted to maintain cell 64 at a temperature of about 155°F during the analysis operation. A spark source unit 108 is provided for exciting the oil sample under analysis. Silver upper and lower main electrodes 72, 92 and trigger electrodes 94 are housed in chamber 96 having access door 24 (Fig. 1) in its front wall. As shown in Fig. 2, chamber 96 has an activated charcoal and particulate filter 98 disposed across exhaust port 100 in a rear chamber wall with tube 102 coupling port 100 to exhaust fan 104 and exhaust port 106 mounted in the rear wall of housing 10. Spark source unit 108 of the type shown in Belmore, U.S. Patent No. 5,141,314 (the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference) is mounted in the lower part of housing 10. Spark source unit 108 receives control signals over lines 110 from controller 32, and energizes trigger electrodes 94 and main electrodes 72, 92 to generate sparks across the electrode gap to excite the oil sample to be analyzed to spectroemissive levels. Optically coupled to the gap between electrodes 72 and 92 via mirror 73 (Fig. 3) is three quarter meter, nine channel polychromator unit 112 that includes frame 75 on which are mounted radiation dispersing grating 114, ten micr " ometer wide entrance slit structure 116, and spectrum shifter 77 (driven by stepper motor 71) that is disposed in beam path 105 that is incident on grating 114. Radiation dispersed by grating 114 passes through nine seventy-five micrometer wide exit slit structures 79 that are also mounted on frame 75 and is sensed by nine corresponding photomultiplier tubes 118. Spectrometer unit 112 is mounted on Lord shock mountings 81, 83, 85 that are in turn mounted on housing frame members 87, 89. The photomultiplier tubes 118 are disposed to sense elementary aluminum, copper, iron, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, silicon, chromium, and tin and apply signals over lines 120 to controller 32. The FTIR sensor system 80 provides signals over lines 88 for analyses of the oil sample for constituents such as glycol, water, fuel (gasoline or diesel) and soot. The FTIR flow through cell 64 includes two potassium bromide plates 122 spaced about 0.1 millimeter apart to provide a flow through sensing region 124 in which the oil sample to be analyzed is disposed and through which beam 84 is passed with an inlet 62 at the bottom and an outlet 66 at the top. Grooves 123 in the surface of plate 72 provide bypass channels that bypass sensing region 124 for release of bubbles and permit a faster oil flow pumping rate. Shown in Figs. 6-8 are top, side and bottom views of 99.999% pure silver spark electrode 72. Upper electrode 92 is of the same purity silver. Electrode 72 has a diameter of about 0.6 centimeter, and a length of about 1.5 centimeter. The lower portion of electrode 72 has threaded section 126 of about 0.6 centimeter length and through passage 70 of about one millimeter diameter. Formed in upper surface 74 is a waffle-like array 125 of V-shaped grooves 127 spaced about 0.12 millimeter on center 'in rectangular pattern and crests 129, each groove 127 being about 0.1 millimeter deep and with side walls at a 30° angle. Referring to Fig. 9, a side sectional view of an alternate embodiment of spaced 99.9% pure silver spark electrodes 72', 92' is shown; Fig. 10 is a top view of electrode 72'; and Fig 11 is a bottom view of electrode 92*'. Each electrode 72', 92' has a diameter of about 0.6 centimeter and a length of about 1.2 centimeters. Electrode 72' remote from the electrode gap has threaded section 126 . Tubular upper electrode 92 is secured with set screws. Through passage 70' of lower electrode 72' has a diameter of about one millimeter with upper surface 74' having a rectangular array of nine slots 130 that define spaced land areas 131 at surface 74'. Each slot 130 has a width of about 1/2 millimeter and a depth of about 1/2 centimeter. The electrode 92' has an annular wall 132 of about 0.25 millimeter thickness. Trigger electrodes 94 are 1.5 millimeter diameter thoriated tungsten pointed rods that are disposed in spaced alignment and about two centimeters to the rear of main electrodes 72, 92 and perpendicular to the main electrodes. The source unit 108 breaks down the trigger gap and the resulting ultraviolet radiation preionizes the main gap and assists in the breakdown of that gap with a spark striking to the electrode crests 129 or lands 131 and exciting the oil or other liquid sample in grooves 130 to spectroemissive levels. The triggering signals on lines 110 are generated at a 120 hertz repetition rate and each main spark is of about 800 microseconds duration and about twenty amperes magnitude. In system use, sample S of the oil (or other liquid) to be analyzed in sample container 18 is sucked through inlet assembly 20 by pump 42 for flow through FTIR sensing region 124 of FTIR system 80 and then through" passage 70 of lower silver electrode 72 for flow to upper surface 74 and overflow along slots 130 (or grooves 127) and over line 78 to waste bottle 30. In an analysis sequence, as indicated in Fig. 12, sample S to be analyzed is placed in sample container 18 and the tips of tubes 34 and 36 of input assembly 20 are submerged in the sample S. Controller 32 sets pump rate selector 52 in its high volume position in response to a signal on line 57 and solenoid valve 38 is opened in response to signal on line 59 to flow air through outer tube 34 produce bubbles in the sample S which are drawn by pump 42 for flow through sensing region 124 and electrode passage 70, the interposed air bubbles providing a scouring action that enhances the removal of the prior sample traces from the flow path. With reference to Fig. 12, system controller 32, at the start 140 of an analysis cycle, energizes exhaust fan 104 for flowing gas from electrode chamber 96, sets pump controller 52' in high flow rate position 142 in response to a signal on line 57; operates pump drive 46 in the forward direction as indicated in interval 144 in response to a signal on line 136 to provide a flow rate of about five milliliters per minute of the sample; and opens air valve 38 in response to a signal on line 59, as indicated at interval 146 to provide a flow of air bubbles into sample S which are sucked up through Teflon tube 36 to enhance the cleaning and scouring action and to reduce sample carryover. Controller 32 closes the air valve 38 at interval 148 and stops pump motor 48 about fifteen seconds later at interval 150 for an FTIR sample interval of about thirty seconds duration during which radiation beam 84 from interferometer 82 is passed through the sample cell 64 for detection by sensor 86. During this interval, air cylinder 52 is operated in response to a signal on line 58 to shift the pump assembly 44 to the lower speed position as indicated at interval 152. Pump motor 48 re-energizes pump 42 in the forward direction for a positive low flow rate interval 154 (a flow rate of about 0.5 milliliter per minute with no air flow) to flow the sample to be analyzed through inlet passage 70 of electrode 72 where it overflows into chamber 76 and into waste bottle 30. Motor 48 is then energized to place pump 42 in the reverse direction in response to a signal on line 138 from controller 32 to provide a slow reverse flow interval 156 of about fifteen seconds duration. Excess sample S is sucked from the upper surface 74 of electrode 72 followed by an analysis interval 160 (of at least about thirty seconds duration— about fifteen seconds preburn and about fifteen seconds integration per burn) (and which may include multiple burns) during which sample S is flowed at a rate of about 0.1 milliliter per minute through passage 70 and slots 130 (or grooves 127) . During this flow period, electrodes 72, 92 are energized by spark source 108 to excite the oil sample to spectroemissive levels and to produce radiation beam 105 for sensing by polychromater unit 112 while gas and spark products are exhausted from chamber 96 by fan 104. The system allows analysis of a variety of liquid samples, including oils such as diesel fuels or other oils which may includes substantial quantities of contaminants and other constituents; and minimizes cross contamination. The electrode configuration shown in Figs. 9-11 provides good dispersion of sparks while permitting relatively large sample flow rates which contribute to the cooling of the lower electrode 72. While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled to those in the art, and therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited'to the disclosed embodiments, or to details thereof, and departures may be made therefrom within the spirit and scope of the invention. What is claimed is:

Claims: CLAIMS : - 15 - 1. An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample comprising housing structure (10) , structure (96) in said housing structure (10) defining a first analysis region having an inlet (68) and an outlet (78) , sample excitation apparatus (72, 92) in said first analysis region, a spectrometer system (112) disposed in sensing relation to said first analysis region, structure (20) defining a sample inlet port, characterized by structure (64) in said housing structure (10) defining a second analysis region (124) having an inlet (62) and an outlet (68) , an infrared analysis system (82, 86) disposed in sensing relation to said second analysis region (124) , structure (60) connecting said sample inlet port (20) to said inlets of said first and second analysis regions (96, 124) , control structure (42) in said housing structure for flowing a sample to be analyzed from said sample inlet port through said first and second analysis regions, and output structure (32, 22, 26) coupled to said first and second analysis regions (96, 124) for providing output data as a function of the outputs of said infrared analysis system (80) and said spectrometer system (112) as a function of the liquid sample flowed through said first and second analysis regions (96, 124) . 2. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that wherein said infrared analysis system (80) includes a flow through cell (64) comprising a pair of spaced plate members (122) , said second analysis region (124) being disposed between said plate members, interferometer structure (82) for generating a beam of radiation for passage through said plate members (122) and said second analysis region (124) , and sensor structure (86) for sensing the beam of radiation passed through said plate members (122) and said second analysis region (124) for generating infrared analysis information as function of the liquid sample disposed in said second analysis region (124). 3. The system of claim 1 or 2 further characterized in that said control structure for flowing a sample includes a pump (42) that has forward and reverse modes of operation, said first and second analysis regions (96, 124) are connected in series, and said control structure (32) is adapted to flow a sample to be analyzed at a first flow rate into said second analysis region (124) with the pump (42) being stopped during an infrared analysis cycle, and the pump (42) being operated to in a reverse flow mode during a first part of a spectrometer analysis cycle to remove excess sample material from the first analysis region (96) and then in a relatively low forward flow rate mode during a second part of said spectrometer analysis cycle. 4. The system of claim 3 wherein said relatively low forward flow rate is less than one-half said first flow rate. 5. The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that said sample excitation apparatus includes a pair of spaced metal electrodes (72, 92), one of said electrodes having an upper surface (74) in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode (92) and a through passage (70) connected to said inlet of said first analysis region, said one metal electrode (72) being disposed with said through passage (70) extending to an outlet port in said upper surface (74) , and structure (127, 130) in said upper surface (74) defining a plurality of channels extending away from said outlet port of said through passage for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through said through passage. 6. An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample comprising housing structure (10) , structure (96) in said housing structure defining an analysis region having an inlet and an outlet, a spectrometer system (112) disposed in sensing relation to said analysis region (96) , structure (20) defining a sample inlet port, structure (60) connecting said sample inlet port (36') to said inlet of said ' analysis region, said analysis region including sample excitation apparatus with a pair of spaced electrodes (72, 92), control structure (32, 42) for flowing a sample to be analyzed from said sample inlet port (36') through said analysis region (96), and output structure (32, 22, 26) coupled to said analysis region for providing output data as a function of the output of said spectrometer system as a function of the liquid sample flowed through said analysis region (96) , characterized in that one (72) of said electrodes has an upper surface (74) in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode (92) and passage structure (70) connected to said inlet of said analysis region, said one electrode (72) is disposed with said passage structure (70) extending to an outlet port in said upper surface (74) , and structure (127, 130) in said upper surface (74) defining a plurality of channels extending away from said outlet 'port of said passage structure for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through said passage structure (70) . 7. The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that said sample excitation apparatus is disposed in an enclosed chamber (96) , said chamber (96) having an outlet port (100) across which filter structure (98) is disposed, and structure (104) for flowing gas from said chamber through said filter structure (98) for exhaust outside said housing structure (10) . 8. The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that said spectrometer system (112) includes entrance slit structure (116) , exit slit structure (79) composed of a plurality of exit slit regions, and radiation dispersing structure (114) for dispersing radiation passing through said entrance slit structure (116) into a spectrum for application to said exit slit regions (79) . 9. The system of any preceding claim' further characterized in that said housing structure (10) including shock absorbing structure (81, 83, 85), and said spectrometer system (112) is mounted on said shock absorbing structure (81, 83, 85) . 10. The system of any preceding claim further characterized by the provision of wheel structure (11) on which said housing structure (10) is mounted so that said analytical system is relatively mobile. 11. The system of any one of claims 5-10 further characterized in that each said electrode (72, 92) contains at least ninety-nine percent of a specific metal. ' .12. The system of claim 11 further characterized in that said specific metal is silver. 13. The system of any preceding claim further characterized in that said structure (20) connecting said sample inlet port to said inlet of said analysis region includes a sample transport tube (36) and structure (34, 37, 38, 40) for introducing gas bubbles into the sample to be analyzed for flow with the sample through said transport tube (36) to said analysis region. 14. The system of claim 13 further characterized in that said gas flow structure includes a supplemental tube (34) disposed adjacent said sample transport tube (36) and said tubes have ports (34', 36') disposed adjacent one another for submergence in the liquid sample to be analyzed so that, during a cleaning interval, gas bubbles may be flowed through said sample transport tube (36) concurrently with the sample or cleaning liquid for cleaning said sample transport tube (36) and other regions of the analysis sample flow path. 15. The system of claim 14 further characterized in that said supplemental tube (34) is disposed concentrically with said sample transport tube (36) . 16. The system of any one of claims 5-15 further characterized in that said other electrode (92) has a lower surface (132) of annular configuration in spaced juxtaposition to said upper surface (74) of said one electrode (72) . 17. A process for analyzing liquid sample material such as a lubricating oil comprising the steps of: providing structure (96) defining an analysis region with a polychromator system (112) disposed in sensing relation to said analysis region, said polychromator system (112) including entrance slit structure (116) , exit slit structure (79) composed of a plurality of exit slit regions, and radiation dispersing structure (114) for dispersing radiation passing through said entrance slit structure (116) into a spectrum for application to said exit slit regions (79) , flowing a liquid sample to be analyzed into said analysis region (96) at a first flow rate, reversing the flow direction to remove excess liquid sample from said analysis region (96) , and resuming flow in the forward direction at a low flow rate and concurrently subjecting said liquid sample in said analysis region to an electric discharge to excite the liquid sample to spectroemissive levels for sensing by said polychromator system (112) . 18. The process of claim 17 further characterized by the step of flowing gas bubbles concurrently with the sample for cleaning said sample flow path (60, 68) . 19. The process of either claim 17 or 18 further characterized in that said analysis region includes sample excitation apparatus that includes a pair of spaced metal electrodes (72, 92), one of said electrodes having an upper surface (74) in spaced juxtaposition to the other electrode (92) and passage structure (70) connected to said inlet of said analysis region, said one metal electrode (72) being disposed with said passage structure (70) extending to an outlet port in said upper surface (74), and structure (127, 130) in said upper surface defining a plurality of channels extending away from sa'id outlet port of said passage structure for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed flowed through said passage structure. 20. The process of claim 19 further characterized in that each said metal electrode (72, 92) contains at least ninety-nine percent silver. 21. The process of any one of claims 17-20 further characterized in that said liquid sample is a lubricating oil material, and said polychromator system (112) is adapted to sense metal constituents in said lubricating oil material. 22. The process of any one of claims 17-21 further characterized in that said relatively low forward flow rate is less than one-half said first flow rate. 23. The process of any one of claims 17-22 and wherein said sample excitation apparatus is disposed in an enclosed chamber (96) , said chamber having an outlet port (100) across which filter structure (98)' is disposed, further characterized by the step of flowing gas from said chamber through said filter structure (98) for exhaust outside said housing structure (10) while said liquid sample is being subjected to an electric discharge. 24. The process of any one of claims 17-23 further characterized by the steps of: providing a second analysis region (124) with an infrared analysis system (80) disposed in sensing relation to said second analysis region (124) , flowing a liquid sample to be analyzed into said second analysis region (124) , stopping the liquid sample flow while said liquid sample is in said second analysis region (124) and subjecting that liquid sample in said second analysis region to an infrared analysis sequence, and then subjecting the liquid sample to said polychro ater analysis. 25. The process of claim 24 wherein said liquid sample is a lubricating oil material, said polychromator system (112) is adapted to sense for metal constituents in said lubricating oil, and said infrared analysis system (80) is adapted to sense for constituents such as glycol, water, fuel and soot in said lubricating oil.

Inventors: BELMORE RICHARD J, CARROLL CHARLES E, KUNSELMAN GARRY C, TOBEY ARTHUR E, BELMORE, RICHARD, J., CARROLL, CHARLES, E., KUNSELMAN, GARRY, C., TOBEY, ARTHUR, E.
Applicants: THERMO JARRELL ASH CORP, THERMO JARRELL ASH CORPORATION
Application year: 1995
Main classification: G01N33
IPC codes: G01N21, G01N33