Patent Description:
The present application relates generally to systems that process high-melting-point liquids, and, more particularly, to a system for identifying and quantifying chemical components in a high-melting-point liquid.

Corrosion of metal parts in a molten salt conduit containing a molten salt flow may be caused by water (H<NUM>O), oxygen (O<NUM>), and/or other impurities in the molten salt. Corrosion rates depend on the level(s) of impurities in the molten salt. Accordingly, progress towards a working nuclear reactor that utilizes a high-melting point liquid (e.g., molten salt) must be supported by the ability to identify and quantify potentially corrosive components (e.g., chemical components) in the high-melting point liquid.

<CIT> provides a method and apparatus for analyzing molten salt electrolyte. The method includes extracting a sample of a molten salt electrolyte from an electrorefiner or other process vessel or conduit; generating droplets from the sample, where the droplets are at a first temperature; transporting the droplets to detectors, where during transport, the droplets attain a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature; analyzing the droplets at or below the second temperature; and returning the droplets to the process. The apparatus includes a droplet generator; a sample transport mechanism; and at least one detector positioned above the sample transport mechanism.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for elemental analysis of a high-melting-point liquid are described herein. Such a high-melting-point liquid may be or include molten salt, molten sodium, molten lead, the like, or any combination thereof. Specifically, the present disclosure facilitates real-time identification and quantification of components in the high-melting-point liquid, which is a critical step in achieving regulatory approval for a nuclear reactor utilizing the high-melting-point liquid (e.g., the molten salt). Corrosion of metal parts in contact with a molten salt flow may be caused by water (H<NUM>O), oxygen (O<NUM>), and/or other impurities in the molten salt. The present disclosure enables operators to measure: the components in the high-melting-point liquid (e.g., molten salt); the concentration(s) of water (H<NUM>O) and oxygen (O<NUM>) in the molten salt; and/or other impurity levels in the high-melting-point liquid. Equipped with this information, among other things, operators are able to determine how certain metals (e.g., alloys) behave when in contact with the high-melting-point liquid (with and without impurities), and prevent, or at least reduce, corrosion by monitoring and setting alarms for any situation in which the concentrations of the impurities and/or other components in the high-melting-point liquid stray outside of safe operating levels.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a system <NUM> for identifying and quantifying components in a high-melting-point liquid, according to one or more embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a molten liquid conduit <NUM>, a nebulizer assembly <NUM>, and instrument(s) <NUM>. The molten liquid conduit <NUM> is configured to contain a high-melting-point liquid <NUM>, as in <FIG>, and, in some embodiments, forms part of a molten salt loop associated with a nuclear reactor. The nebulizer assembly <NUM> is configured to receive a volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. The received volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is then aerosolized by the nebulizer assembly <NUM>, as will be described in further detail below. The instrument(s) <NUM> are configured to receive the aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the nebulizer assembly <NUM>. The instrument(s) <NUM> may be or include a variety of analytical instrumentation configured to receive the aerosolized volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the nebulizer assembly <NUM> and to determine the chemical contents of the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid, as will be described in further detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the nebulizer assembly <NUM> includes a pump <NUM> (e.g., a reciprocating pump) and an evacuator <NUM>. As described above, the molten liquid conduit <NUM> is configured to contain the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>, as in <FIG>, and, in some embodiments, forms part of a molten salt loop associated with a nuclear reactor. The pump <NUM> is configured to communicate high-melting-point liquid from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM>. The evacuator <NUM> is configured to receive the high-melting-point liquid from the pump <NUM>. In some embodiments, the pump <NUM> is omitted and the evacuator <NUM> is configured to receive the high-melting-point liquid directly from the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. In other embodiments, the pump <NUM> may be replaced by a valve (not shown) actuable to control flow of the high-melting-point liquid from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM>. The nebulizer assembly <NUM> also includes a heater <NUM> such as, for example, a furnace, an oven, the like, or a combination thereof. The evacuator <NUM> is contained within the heater <NUM>. The nebulizer assembly <NUM> also includes a gas source <NUM>. The evacuator <NUM> is further configured to receive gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM>. In response to the evacuator <NUM> receiving a volume of the high-melting-point liquid from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> and the gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM>, the evacuator <NUM> is further configured to deliver the received volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> into the nebulizer <NUM> using positive gas pressure.

The nebulizer assembly <NUM> also includes a nebulizer <NUM>. The nebulizer <NUM> is contained within the heater <NUM>. The evacuator <NUM> provides a connection between the molten liquid conduit <NUM> and the nebulizer <NUM>. The nebulizer <NUM> is configured to receive the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> delivered from the evacuator <NUM>. The nebulizer assembly <NUM> also includes a heat exchanger <NUM>. The heat exchanger <NUM> is contained within the heater <NUM>. The heater <NUM> is configured to heat the evacuator <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM>, and the heat exchanger <NUM> to keep the high-melting-point liquid from freezing. As shown in <FIG>, the evacuator <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM>, and the heat exchanger <NUM>, in combination, are part of the nebulizer assembly <NUM>. The nebulizer <NUM> is further configured to receive gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM> (or another gas source) via the heat exchanger <NUM>. In response to the nebulizer <NUM> receiving the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the evacuator <NUM> and the gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM> is configured to aerosolize the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. In addition to delivering the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> into the nebulizer <NUM> using positive gas pressure, the evacuator <NUM> can withdraw any remainder of the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the nebulizer <NUM> using decreased or negative gas pressure. In this regard, the nebulizer assembly <NUM> also includes a vacuum source <NUM> configured to apply this decreased or negative gas pressure to the evacuator <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vacuum source <NUM> is, includes, is part of, or is otherwise combined or in communication with, the gas source <NUM>. In response to the decreased or negative gas pressure applied to the evacuator <NUM> by the vacuum source <NUM>, the evacuator <NUM> is further configured to withdraw any remainder of the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the nebulizer <NUM> and back into the evacuator <NUM>. In those embodiments in which the pump <NUM> is omitted, the vacuum source <NUM> may be configured to draw the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> into the evacuator <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the instrument(s) <NUM> include an interface apparatus <NUM> and a flame atomic absorption spectrometer ("FAAS") <NUM>. The interface apparatus <NUM> extends between the nebulizer <NUM> and the FAAS <NUM> and is configured to communicate the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer <NUM> to the FAAS <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interface apparatus <NUM> includes one or more conduits, such as, for example, a metal tube extending from the nebulizer assembly <NUM> and a Tygon tube extending from the FAAS <NUM>. The FAAS <NUM> is configured to identify and quantify element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. In addition, or instead, the instrument(s) <NUM> also include an inductively coupled plasma ("ICP") torch <NUM>. The interface apparatus <NUM> (or another interface apparatus) extends between the nebulizer assembly <NUM> and the ICP torch <NUM> and is configured to communicate aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer assembly <NUM> to the ICP torch <NUM>. The ICP torch <NUM> is configured to heat aerosolized high-melting-point liquid in a plasma causing the ICP torch <NUM> to emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., in the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum) and gas-phase atoms/ions. In one or more embodiments, as in <FIG>, the instrument(s) <NUM> also include an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer ("ICP-MS") <NUM>. The ICP-MS <NUM> is configured to receive the gas-phase atoms/ions emitted from the plasma generated by the ICP torch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ICP-MS <NUM> is, includes, or is part of the ICP torch <NUM>. The ICP-MS <NUM> is further configured to identify and quantify element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. In addition, or instead, the instrument(s) <NUM> can also include an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer ("ICP-OES") <NUM>. The ICP-OES <NUM> is configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plasma generated by the ICP torch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ICP-OES <NUM> is, includes, or is part of the ICP torch <NUM>. The ICP-OES <NUM> is further configured to identify and quantify particular element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid.

In some embodiments, in addition to, or instead of, the interface apparatus <NUM>, the FAAS <NUM>, the ICP torch <NUM>, the ICP-MS <NUM>, and the ICP-OES <NUM>, the instrument(s) <NUM> may be or include one or more other components, such as, for example, other analytical instrumentation configured to receive the aerosolized volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the nebulizer assembly <NUM> and to determine the chemical contents of the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid.

In operation, the molten liquid conduit <NUM> contains a high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. A volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> to the nebulizer assembly <NUM>, more specifically to the evacuator <NUM>, as indicated by arrows 170a-b. In addition to receiving the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the molten liquid conduit <NUM>, as indicated by the arrow 170b, the evacuator <NUM> also receives gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. In response to the evacuator <NUM> receiving the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> and receiving the gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM>, the evacuator <NUM> discharges the received volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> into the nebulizer <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. The heater <NUM> heats the evacuator <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM>, and the heat exchanger <NUM> to keep the received volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from freezing. The nebulizer <NUM> also receives gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM> (or another gas source) via the heat exchanger <NUM>, as indicated by arrows 185a-b. In response to the nebulizer <NUM> receiving the volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the evacuator <NUM> and the gas (e.g., argon) from the gas source <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM> aerosolizes the received volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> and communicates the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid to the interface apparatus <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. Before, during, or after the nebulizer <NUM> aerosolizes the received volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>, the vacuum source <NUM> applies a reduced or negative gas pressure to the evacuator <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. The reduced or negative gas pressure applied to the evacuator <NUM> withdraws any non-aerosolized remainder of the high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer <NUM> and back into the evacuator <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. In some embodiments, withdrawal of the non-aerosolized remainder of the high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer <NUM> and back into the evacuator <NUM> prevents, or at least reduces, cooling and/or freezing of the non-aerosolized remainder of the high-melting-point liquid within the nebulizer <NUM>, which would otherwise be difficult to clean out.

The interface apparatus <NUM> sweeps the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid into the FAAS <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>. The FAAS <NUM> identifies and quantifies element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. In addition, or instead, the interface apparatus <NUM> sweeps the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid into the ICP torch <NUM> (or another interface apparatus), as indicated by arrow <NUM>. The ICP torch <NUM> heats the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid in a plasma. As a result, the ICP torch emits electromagnetic radiation (e.g., in the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum) and gas-phase atoms/ions. In some embodiments, as in <FIG>, the ICP torch <NUM> forms part of the ICP-MS <NUM>; accordingly, the mass spectrometer of the ICP-MS <NUM> receives the gas-phase atoms/ions emitted from the plasma generated by the ICP torch <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>, to identify and quantify element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. Specifically, in one or more embodiments, the gas-phase atoms/ions entering the mass spectrometer of the ICP-MS <NUM> are hit by fast electrons to convert the gas-phase atoms/ions into positively-charged ions. The positively-charged ions then move through the mass spectrometer of the ICP-MS <NUM> and are identified based on their mass-to-charge ratio. However, in other embodiments, the gas-phase atoms/ions (which can be positive or negative) are generated in another manner. In some embodiments, as in <FIG>, in addition, or instead, the ICP torch <NUM> forms part of the ICP-OES <NUM>; accordingly, the optical emission spectrometer of the ICP-OES <NUM> receives the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plasma generated by the ICP torch <NUM>, as indicated by arrow <NUM>, to identify and quantify element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. In other embodiments, rather than forming part of both the ICP-MS <NUM> and the ICP-OES <NUM>, the ICP torch <NUM> may instead form part of only one of the ICP-MS <NUM> and the ICP-OES <NUM>, while another ICP torch identical to the ICP torch <NUM> forms part of the other one of the ICP-MS <NUM> and the ICP-OES <NUM>.

The operation of the system <NUM> enables operators to identify and quantify potentially corrosive components such as water (H<NUM>O), oxygen (O<NUM>), and/or other impurities in the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. Once such potentially corrosive components are identified and quantified, operators can determine how certain metals (e.g., alloys) behave when in contact with the high-melting-point liquid (with and without impurities). Based on this information, operators can monitor the concentration(s) of such potentially corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> and set alarms for any situation in which the concentration(s) of such potentially corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> stray outside of safe operating levels. Such alarms notify operators when it is necessary to take steps to reduce the concentration(s) of such potentially corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. In addition, based on the monitoring of the concentration(s) of such potentially corrosive components in the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> over time, operators can plan for the maintenance, repair, remediation, and/or replacement of critical components of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> (or other components in contact with the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>) before failure of such critical components occurs.

As mentioned above, the molten liquid conduit <NUM> can be part of a molten salt loop associated with a nuclear reactor, in which case the system <NUM> supports the reliability of the nuclear reactor. For example, the system <NUM> may enable operators of the nuclear reactor to monitor fuel concentration(s) (e.g., uranium-<NUM> or other fuel isotopes), which must remain at certain levels for the nuclear reactor to function properly. For another example, the system <NUM> may enable operators of the nuclear reactor to monitor fission products (e.g., thorium-<NUM>). For yet another example, the system <NUM> may enable operators of the nuclear reactor to monitor medically useful isotopes (e.g., molybdenum-<NUM>), which can then be removed. Furthermore, although described as including the FAAS <NUM>, the ICP-MS <NUM>, and the ICP-OES <NUM>, in addition, or instead, the system <NUM> may include other analytical instrumentation configured to receive the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer <NUM> and to determine the chemical contents of the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the evacuator <NUM>, the nebulizer <NUM>, and the heat exchanger <NUM> are contained within the heater <NUM> by a support apparatus <NUM>. The support apparatus <NUM> may be fabricated from carbon steel. In some embodiments, the heater <NUM> is an Olympic Doll E/Test E Kiln. During the operation of the system <NUM>: a molten liquid conduit 225a communicates high-melting-point liquid from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM>; a gas conduit 225b communicates gas from the gas source <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM>; a molten liquid conduit 225c communicates high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator <NUM> to the nebulizer <NUM>; a gas conduit 225d communicates gas from the gas source <NUM> (or another gas source) to the heat exchanger <NUM>; a gas conduit 225e communicates gas from the heat exchanger <NUM> to the nebulizer <NUM>; and an aerosol conduit 225f communicates aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer <NUM> to the interface apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, in those embodiments in which the vacuum source <NUM> is, includes, or is part of the gas source <NUM>, the fluid conduit 225b also applies a reduced or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the evacuator <NUM> includes a fluid vessel <NUM> defining an internal cavity <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> includes a central portion <NUM> and opposing end portions 245a and 245b. In some embodiments, the central portion <NUM> is a <NUM> in. long x <NUM> in. SS316 NPT pipe. In some embodiments, the opposing end portions 245a and 245b are each a high-pressure SS316 <NUM> in. The evacuator <NUM> also includes a molten liquid inlet <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>; shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the molten liquid inlet <NUM> includes a fitting <NUM> coupled to the evacuator <NUM> so as to communicate with the internal cavity <NUM> of the fluid vessel <NUM>. For example, the fitting <NUM> may be connected to the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM>. Alternatively, the evacuator <NUM> may further include a tube (not shown) to which the fitting <NUM> is connected, which tube extends through the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM>.

The evacuator <NUM> also includes a gas conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gas conduit <NUM> includes a tube <NUM> and a fitting <NUM>. The tube <NUM> defines opposing end portions 275a and 275b and has a length L1. In some embodiments, the tube <NUM> extends through the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM>. For example, the end portion 275a of the tube <NUM> may extend proximate the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tube <NUM> is a <NUM> in. SS316 tube. The fitting <NUM> is connected to the tube <NUM> at the end portion 275a. In some embodiments, the fitting <NUM> is a Yor-Lok <NUM>° elbow fitting for <NUM>-in. Alternatively, the tube <NUM> may be omitted from the evacuator <NUM> and the fitting <NUM> may instead be connected directly to the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM> to communicate with the internal cavity <NUM> of the fluid vessel <NUM>.

The evacuator <NUM> also includes a molten liquid conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the molten liquid conduit <NUM> includes a tube <NUM> and a fitting <NUM>. The tube <NUM> defines opposing end portions 295a and 295b and has a length L2. The tube <NUM> extends through the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM> and into the internal cavity <NUM>. The length L2 is greater than the length L1. As a result, the end portion 295b of the tube <NUM> extends closer to the end portion 245b of the fluid vessel <NUM>, and farther from the end portion 245a of the fluid vessel <NUM>, than the end portion 275b of the tube <NUM>. For example, the end portion 295b of the tube <NUM> may extend within the internal cavity <NUM> proximate the end portion 245b of the fluid vessel <NUM>. In contrast, the end portion 295a of the tube <NUM> extends outside the fluid vessel <NUM>. In some embodiments, the tube <NUM> is a <NUM> in. SS316 tube. The fitting <NUM> is connected to the tube <NUM> at the end portion 295a. In some embodiments, the fitting <NUM> is a Yor-Lok <NUM>° elbow fitting for <NUM>-in.

During the operation of the system <NUM>, high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM> via the molten liquid conduit 225a (shown in <FIG>). Gas <NUM> (e.g., argon) is then communicated from the gas source <NUM> to the evacuator <NUM> via the gas conduit 225b (shown in <FIG>) and the gas conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to apply a positive gas pressure to a surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. The end portion 295b of the tube <NUM> of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> extends beneath the surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. Accordingly, in response to the positive gas pressure applied to the surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>, the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the evacuator <NUM> to the nebulizer <NUM> via the molten liquid conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the molten liquid conduit 225c (shown in <FIG>). The gas <NUM> in the evacuator <NUM> is then communicated to the vacuum source <NUM> via the gas conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the gas conduit 225b (shown in <FIG>) to apply a decreased or negative gas pressure to the surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. In response to the decreased or negative gas pressure applied to the surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>, any of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> remaining in the nebulizer is withdrawn back into the evacuator <NUM> via the molten liquid conduit 225c (shown in <FIG>) and the molten liquid conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, withdrawal of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the nebulizer <NUM> back into the evacuator <NUM> prevents, or at least reduces, cooling and/or freezing of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> within the nebulizer <NUM>, which would otherwise be difficult to clean out.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the nebulizer <NUM> includes a fluid vessel <NUM> defining an internal cavity <NUM>. The fluid vessel <NUM> includes a jar <NUM> and a lid <NUM>. The jar <NUM> defines opposing end portions 320a and 320b. The jar <NUM> is open at the end portion 320a and closed at the end portion 320b. The lid <NUM> is connected to the jar <NUM> at the end portion 320a. For example, the lid <NUM> may be threadably connected to the jar <NUM>. In some embodiments, the nebulizer <NUM> is a three-jet MRE-style Collison nebulizer with an <NUM>-oz (<NUM>) SS316 jar from CH Technologies. The nebulizer <NUM> also includes a molten liquid conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the molten liquid conduit <NUM> includes a fitting <NUM> coupled to the nebulizer <NUM> so as to communicate with the internal cavity <NUM> of the fluid vessel <NUM>. For example, the fitting <NUM> may be connected to the lid <NUM> of the nebulizer <NUM>. Alternatively, the nebulizer <NUM> may further include a tube <NUM> to which the fitting <NUM> is connected, which tube <NUM> extends through the lid <NUM> of the nebulizer <NUM>.

The nebulizer <NUM> also includes a gas conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gas conduit <NUM> includes a tube <NUM> and a fitting <NUM>. The tube <NUM> defines opposing end portions 350a and 350b and has an outer diameter D1. The tube <NUM> extends through the lid <NUM> and into the internal cavity <NUM> of the fluid vessel <NUM>. For example, the end portion 350b of the tube <NUM> may extend within the internal cavity <NUM> of the fluid vessel <NUM> proximate the end portion 320b of the jar <NUM>. In contrast, the end portion 350a of the tube <NUM> extends outside the fluid vessel <NUM>. The fitting <NUM> is connected to the tube <NUM> at the end portion 350a. The nebulizer <NUM> also includes a jet <NUM>. The jet <NUM> is connected to the tube <NUM> at the end portion 350b. The jet <NUM> has an outer diameter D2. The outer diameter D2 is greater than the outer diameter D1. The jet <NUM> includes spray holes <NUM> distributed (e.g., evenly) therearound.

The nebulizer <NUM> also includes an aerosol outlet <NUM>. In some embodiments, the aerosol outlet <NUM> includes a curved tube <NUM> coupled to the nebulizer <NUM> so as to communicate with the internal cavity <NUM> of the fluid vessel <NUM>. For example, the curved tube <NUM> of the aerosol outlet <NUM> may be connected to the lid <NUM> of the nebulizer <NUM>. The aerosol outlet <NUM> is configured to sweep away the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. The curved tube <NUM> of the aerosol outlet <NUM> defines an enlarged flow passageway as compared to the tube <NUM> of the gas conduit <NUM>. The enlarged flow passageway of the aerosol outlet <NUM> is configured to accommodate the increased volume of the high-melting-point liquid after it has been aerosolized.

During the operation of the system <NUM>, the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the evacuator <NUM> to the nebulizer <NUM> via the molten liquid conduit 225c (shown in <FIG>) and the molten liquid conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, a distal end <NUM> of the tube <NUM> of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> extends beneath a surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> proximate the end portion 320b of the jar <NUM>. Gas <NUM> (e.g., argon) is then communicated from the gas source <NUM> to the nebulizer <NUM> via the gas conduits 225d and 225e (shown in <FIG>) and the gas conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to nebulize the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> into an aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spray holes <NUM> of the tube <NUM> of the gas conduit <NUM> extend above the surface <NUM> of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. The aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is then communicated to the interface apparatus <NUM> via the aerosol outlet <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the aerosol conduit 225f (shown in <FIG>). In some embodiments, the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> exiting the nebulizer <NUM> via the aerosol outlet <NUM> includes droplets having <NUM>-<NUM> diameters. Finally, any of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> remaining in the nebulizer <NUM> is withdrawn back into the evacuator <NUM> via the molten liquid conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the molten liquid conduit 225c (shown in <FIG>).

In some embodiments, the nebulizer <NUM> may be omitted and replaced with another nebulizer in which the pump <NUM> generates the pressure needed to force the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> through a nozzle to create the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. In other embodiments not being part of the invention as defined by the appended claims, the nebulizer <NUM> may be omitted and replaced with yet another nebulizer utilizing a different nebulization process such as, for example, pneumatic nebulization, ultrasonic nebulization, the like, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments not being part of the invention as defined by the appended claims, in addition, or instead, the evacuator <NUM> may be omitted from the nebulizer assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the FAAS <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a burner head <NUM>. The body <NUM> defines a spray chamber <NUM> in which a flow spoiler <NUM> extends. The flow spoiler <NUM> is retained within the spray chamber <NUM> via a flow spoiler retaining screw <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes an aerosol port <NUM>, a fuel port <NUM>, and oxidant port(s) 420a and/or 420b. During the operation of the system <NUM>, the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the nebulizer <NUM> to the spray chamber <NUM> via the interface apparatus <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the aerosol port <NUM>. Additionally, fuel (e.g., acetylene) and oxidant(s) (e.g., compressed air) are communicated to the spray chamber <NUM> of the body <NUM> via the fuel port <NUM> and the oxidant port(s) 420a and/or 420b. The aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> mixes with the fuel and the oxidant(s) and flows to the burner head <NUM> via the flow spoiler <NUM>. The burner head <NUM> then ignites the mixture and the flame is evaluated to identify and/or quantify element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. For example, the presence of sodium in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is indicated by an intense yellow-orange light having a wavelength of <NUM> nanometers being emitted from the flame. For another example, the absorbance of nickel and magnesium in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> can be measured by the FAAS <NUM>, that is, the FAAS <NUM> verifies the presence of both nickel and magnesium independently in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. Based on this information, a calibration curve and a detection limit for magnesium in the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> can be established using nickel as an internal standard. The FAAS <NUM> can also detect other metals in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> in the parts per million range.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the ICP torch <NUM> includes a capillary <NUM>, an inner tube <NUM> extending around the capillary <NUM>, an outer tube <NUM> extending around the inner tube <NUM>, and a load coil <NUM> circumscribing a distal end <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM>. The capillary <NUM> includes an aerosol port <NUM>. The inner tube <NUM> includes an auxiliary port <NUM>. The outer tube <NUM> includes a coolant port <NUM>. During the operation of the system <NUM>, the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the nebulizer <NUM> to the capillary <NUM> via the interface apparatus <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and the aerosol port <NUM>. Additionally, auxiliary gas (e.g., argon gas) is communicated to the inner tube <NUM> surrounding the capillary <NUM> via the auxiliary port <NUM>. The auxiliary gas becomes a plasma <NUM> proximate a distal end <NUM> of the capillary <NUM>. Coolant (e.g., argon gas) is communicated to the outer tube <NUM> surrounding the inner tube <NUM> via the coolant port <NUM>. The aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM> enters the plasma <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the capillary <NUM> and is heated by the plasma <NUM> causing the ICP torch <NUM> to emit electromagnetic radiation (e.g., in the visible, ultraviolet, and near-infrared ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum) and gas-phase atoms/ions. The load coil <NUM> forms a strong magnetic field inside the ICP torch <NUM> to control the plasma <NUM>. With the ICP torch <NUM> operably coupled to the nebulizer <NUM>, the ICP torch can be used for additional analytical techniques, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the ICP-MS <NUM> is configured to receive gas-phase atoms/ions emitted from the plasma <NUM> generated by the ICP torch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ICP-MS <NUM> is, includes, or is part of the ICP torch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ICP-MS <NUM> is an Agilent <NUM> ICP-MS. The ICP-MS <NUM> includes a sampler cone <NUM>, a skimmer <NUM>, lenses <NUM>, and a quadrupole ("Q-pole") mass spectrometer <NUM>. During the operation of the system <NUM>, the gas-phase atoms/ions emitted from the plasma <NUM> pass through the sampler cone <NUM>, the skimmer <NUM>, and the lenses <NUM>. The lenses <NUM> focus the gas-phase atoms/ions emitted from the plasma <NUM> into the Q-pole mass spectrometer <NUM>, which identifies and/or quantifies element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM>. The ICP-MS <NUM> also includes a rotary pump <NUM> and turbo pumps 500a and 500b operable to maintain proper vacuum during the operation of the system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the ICP-OES <NUM> is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plasma flame <NUM> generated by the ICP torch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ICP-OES <NUM> is, includes, or is part of the ICP torch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ICP-OES <NUM> is an Echelle monochromator. The ICP-OES <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a diffraction grating <NUM>, a prism <NUM>, and a charge-coupled device ("CCD") detector <NUM>. The housing <NUM> defines an entrance window <NUM>. During the operation of the system <NUM>, the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plasma flame <NUM> passes through the entrance window <NUM> in the housing <NUM>, reflects off of the diffraction grating <NUM>, and passes through the prism <NUM>. The prism <NUM> casts the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the plasma <NUM> onto the CCD detector <NUM>, which identifies and/or quantifies element(s) in the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the nebulizer assembly <NUM> is omitted from the system <NUM> and replaced by a nebulizer assembly <NUM>'. The nebulizer assembly <NUM>' includes several features/components that are substantially identical to corresponding features/components of the nebulizer assembly <NUM>, which substantially identical features/components are referred to by the same reference numerals. The nebulizer assembly <NUM>' includes an evacuator <NUM>' configured to receive a volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from an outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. The evacuator <NUM>' is similar to the evacuator <NUM> described above, except that the evacuator <NUM>' defines an internal volume specifically sized to accommodate only the volume of the high-melting-point liquid desired for delivery into the nebulizer <NUM> to be aerosolized. Accordingly, the internal volume of the evacuator <NUM>' may be referred to as a metering chamber.

A valve 530a is operably coupled between the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> and the evacuator <NUM>', which valve 530a is actuable between open and closed positions to either permit or block flow of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> and into the evacuator <NUM>'. The valve 530a is a two-way valve. Similarly, a valve 530b is operably coupled between the evacuator <NUM>' and the nebulizer <NUM>, which valve 530b is actuable between open and closed positions to either permit or block flow of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the evacuator <NUM>' to the nebulizer <NUM>, and vice versa. The valve 530b is a two-way valve.

The nebulizer assembly <NUM>' also includes a gas source <NUM>', which gas source <NUM>' is similar to the gas source <NUM> except that, rather than delivering gas directly to the evacuator <NUM>, as in <FIG>, the gas source <NUM>' is configured to deliver gas to the evacuator <NUM>' via the heat exchanger <NUM> and a valve 530c operably coupled between the heat exchanger <NUM> and the evacuator <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>. The nebulizer assembly <NUM>' also includes a vacuum source <NUM>', which vacuum source <NUM>' is similar to the vacuum source <NUM>, except that, rather than applying a decreased or negative gas pressure directly to the evacuator <NUM>, as in <FIG>, the vacuum source <NUM>' is configured to apply the decreased or negative gas pressure to the evacuator <NUM>' via the valve 530c operably coupled between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>', as shown in <FIG>.

The valve 530c is a three-way valve actuable between: a first open position in which the valve 530c permits fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' (via the heat exchanger <NUM>) and the evacuator <NUM>' while blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'; a second open position in which the valve 530c permits fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>' while blocking fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'; and a closed position in which the valve 530c blocks fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>' while also blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'. Alternatively, the valve 530c may be omitted and replaced by a pair of two-way valves (not shown), one of which is actuable between open and closed positions to permit or block fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>', and the other of which is actuable between open and closed positions to permit or block fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'.

A valve 530d is operably coupled between the evacuator <NUM>' and an inlet 528b of the molten liquid conduit <NUM>, which valve 530d is actuable between open and closed positions to either permit or block flow of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the evacuator <NUM>' back into the molten liquid conduit <NUM> via the inlet 528b. The valve 530d is a two-way valve. Alternatively, the valves 530a and 530d may be omitted and replaced by a three-way valve similar in structure and operation to the valve 530c.

In some embodiments, as in <FIG>, the inlet 528b of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> is downstream from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. However, in other embodiments, the inlet <NUM> of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> may be upstream from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. A flow control device <NUM> can be positioned within, operably coupled to, and/or otherwise incorporated into the molten liquid conduit <NUM>, between the outlet 528a and the inlet 528b. The flow control device <NUM> is actuable to partially (i.e., via throttling) and/or completely block flow of the high-melting-point liquid within the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flow control device <NUM> is omitted.

Table <NUM> illustrates various operational configurations for the valves 530a-d, as will be described in further detail below.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment, a method is generally referred to by the reference numeral <NUM>. The method <NUM> includes, at a step 533a, permitting a volume of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> to flow from the molten liquid conduit <NUM> into the nebulizer assembly <NUM>', specifically the evacuator <NUM>'. The step 533a can be executed by actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration A, in which the valves 530a and 530d are open and the valves 530b and 530c are closed, as shown above in Table <NUM>. Actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration A allows the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> from the outlet 528a of the molten liquid conduit <NUM> to flow into and fill the evacuator <NUM>', via the valve 530a, and return to the molten liquid conduit <NUM> via the valve 530d. Additionally, to encourage such flow of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> to fill the evacuator <NUM>', execution of the step 533a can further include actuating the flow control device <NUM> to partially (i.e., via throttling) and/or completely block flow of the high-melting-point liquid within the molten liquid conduit <NUM>.

At a step 533b, the volume of high-melting-point liquid with which the evacuator <NUM>' is filled is permitted to flow from the evacuator <NUM>' to the nebulizer <NUM>. The step 533b can be executed by actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration B, in which the valves 530a and 530d are closed and the valves 530b and 530c are open, as shown above in Table <NUM>. More particularly, in Configuration B, the three-way valve 530c is actuated to the first open position described above, in which the valve 530c permits fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' (via the heat exchanger <NUM>) and the evacuator <NUM>' while blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'. Actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration B allows pressurized gas from the gas source <NUM>' to displace the volume of high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator <NUM>' into the nebulizer <NUM>.

At a step 533c, at least a portion of the volume of the high-melting-point liquid in the nebulizer <NUM> is aerosolized, using the nebulizer <NUM>. The structure and operation of the nebulizer <NUM> are described in detail above. Next, at a step 533d, the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid is permitted to flow to the instrument(s) <NUM> for chemical analysis. The structure and operation of the instrument(s) <NUM> are described in detail above, according to one or more embodiments.

At a step 533e, any remaining non-aerosolized high-melting-point liquid is evacuated from the nebulizer <NUM> using the evacuator <NUM>'. The step 533e can be executed by actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration C, in which the valves 530a and 530d are closed and the valves 530b and 530c are open, as shown above in Table <NUM>. More particularly, in Configuration C, the three-way valve 530c is actuated to the second open position described above, in which the valve 530c permits fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>' while blocking fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'. Actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration C allows decreased or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source <NUM>' to draw any remaining volume of high-melting-point liquid in the nebulizer <NUM> back into the evacuator <NUM>'.

Finally, at a step 533f, the evacuated non-aerosolized high-melting-point liquid is permitted to flow from the evacuator <NUM>' back to the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. The step 533f can be executed by actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration D, in which the valves 530a and 530b are closed and the valves 530c and 530d are open, as shown above in Table <NUM>. More particularly, in Configuration D, the three-way valve 530c is actuated to the first open position described above, in which the valve 530c permits fluid communication between the gas source <NUM>' (via the heat exchanger <NUM>) and the evacuator <NUM>' while blocking fluid communication between the vacuum source <NUM>' and the evacuator <NUM>'. Actuating the valves 530a-d to Configuration D allows pressurized gas from the gas source <NUM>' to displace the volume of high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator <NUM>' back into the molten liquid conduit <NUM>, via the valve 530d.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment not being part of the invention as defined by the appended claims, the nebulizer assembly <NUM> is omitted from the system <NUM> and replaced by a nebulizer assembly <NUM>". The nebulizer assembly <NUM>" includes a nebulizer <NUM>', which nebulizer <NUM>' includes a vibrating mesh <NUM> operably coupled to (e.g., mounted on) a vibration source <NUM>. A power source <NUM> provides electrical power to the vibration source <NUM>, enabling the vibration source <NUM> to impart vibration to the vibrating mesh <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the power source <NUM> is operably coupled to the vibration source <NUM> with electrodes (not shown), which electrodes cause rapid deformation of the vibration source <NUM> when electrified, thereby causing the vibration source <NUM> to vibrate. When imparted with vibration from the vibration source <NUM>, the vibrating mesh <NUM> aerosolizes high-melting-point liquid <NUM> received from the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. The nebulizer assembly <NUM>" also includes a gas source <NUM>". The gas source <NUM>" is adapted to deliver gas downstream from the vibrating mesh <NUM> to sweep the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid into the instrument(s) <NUM>. The structure and operation of the instruments <NUM> is described in detail above, according to one or more embodiments. Although not shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the gas source <NUM>" delivers gas through a heat exchanger substantially identical to the heat exchanger <NUM> described herein, which heat exchanger is contained in a heater substantially similar to the heater <NUM> described herein.

Referring to <FIG>, with continuing reference to <FIG>, in an embodiment not being part of the invention as defined by the appended claims, the vibrating mesh <NUM> is a disk-shaped mesh screen and the vibration source <NUM> is a ring-shaped piezoelectric material. In such embodiment(s), the nebulizer <NUM>' can be mounted in a pipe <NUM> (e.g., on a tee) to which the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> is communicated from the molten liquid conduit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vibrating mesh is or includes a flat piece of metal having holes formed therethrough, which holes are tapered or curved so that each hole has a larger diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side. In one or more embodiments, the vibrating mesh <NUM> is a disk-shaped mesh screen having a diameter of equal to or less than <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>-inch). Likewise, in one or more embodiments, the vibration source <NUM> is a ring-shaped piezoelectric material having a diameter of equal to or less than <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM>-inch). The ring-shaped vibration source <NUM> engages the disk-shaped vibrating mesh <NUM> to impart vibration thereto. As the vibrating mesh <NUM> vibrates, the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> communicated to the vibrating mesh <NUM> passes through both the center of the ring-shaped vibration source <NUM> and the disk-shaped vibrating mesh <NUM>, which converts the high-melting-point liquid into small droplets to thereby form an aerosol. The aerosol is carried to the instrument(s) <NUM> by an inert gas delivered into the pipe, from the gas source <NUM>", downstream from the vibrating mesh <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holes in the vibrating mesh <NUM> are sized and/or shaped so that, when vibration is not imparted to the vibrating mesh <NUM> by the vibration source <NUM>, the vibrating mesh <NUM> does not permit the high-melting-point liquid to pass therethrough, that is, the vibrating mesh <NUM> only allows passage of the high-melting-point liquid therethrough vibration is imparted thereto by the vibration source <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly <NUM>" including the nebulizer <NUM>' facilitates aerosolization of the high-melting-point liquid <NUM> closer to the source so that a smaller volume of the high-melting-point liquid is required to be pulled out of the molten liquid conduit <NUM>.

A system has been described herein. The system generally includes a molten liquid conduit; a nebulizer assembly operably coupled to the molten liquid conduit and adapted to receive, from the molten liquid conduit, a high-melting-point liquid; wherein the nebulizer assembly is further adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high-melting-point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit; one or more instruments operably coupled to the nebulizer assembly and adapted to receive the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer, wherein the one or more instruments are further adapted to chemically analyze the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. The nebulizer assembly includes; a heater, a nebulizer contained within the heater and including a first fluid vessel in which the nebulizer is adapted to aerosolize the at least a portion of the high-melting-point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit. The nebulizer assembly further includes: an evacuator contained within the heater and including a second fluid vessel adapted to receive, from the molten liquid conduit, the high-melting-point liquid, the second fluid vessel being operably coupled to the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes: a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid vessel of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a gas source adapted to communicate gas into the evacuator to thereby deliver the received high-melting-point liquid from the second fluid vessel of the evacuator into the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and the second fluid vessel of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a vacuum source adapted to apply decreased or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source to the evacuator to thereby withdraw a non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and back into the second fluid vessel of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and the second fluid vessel of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the gas source is further adapted to communicate gas into the evacuator to thereby deliver the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator and back into the molten liquid conduit. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the second fluid vessel of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit.

A method has also been described herein. The method generally includes: receiving, into a nebulizer assembly, a high-melting-point liquid from a molten liquid conduit; aerosolizing, using the nebulizer assembly, at least a portion of the received high-melting-point liquid; delivering, into one or more instruments, the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid from the nebulizer; and chemically analyzing, using the one or more instruments, the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid. The nebulizer assembly includes a heater, a nebulizer contained within the heater and adapted to aerosolize the at least a portion of the high-melting-point liquid received from the molten liquid conduit, which nebulizer includes a first fluid vessel. The nebulizer assembly further includes an evacuator contained within the heater and including a second fluid vessel adapted to receive the high-melting-point liquid from the molten liquid conduit, wherein the second fluid vessel operably coupled to the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the molten liquid conduit and the second fluid vessel of the evacuator; and wherein receiving, into the evacuator, the high-melting-point liquid from the molten liquid conduit includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: delivering the received high-melting-point liquid from the second fluid vessel of the evacuator into the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a gas source; and wherein delivering the received high-melting-point liquid from the second fluid vessel of the evacuator into the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer includes communicating gas from the gas source into the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and the second fluid vessel of the evacuator; and wherein delivering the received high-melting-point liquid from the second fluid vessel of the evacuator into the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer further includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: withdrawing a non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and back into the second fluid vessel of the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a vacuum source; and wherein withdrawing the non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and back into the second fluid vessel of the evacuator includes applying, to the evacuator, decreased or negative gas pressure from the vacuum source. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and the second fluid vessel of the evacuator; and wherein withdrawing the non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the first fluid vessel of the nebulizer and back into the second fluid vessel of the evacuator further includes opening the valve. In one or more embodiments, the method further includes: delivering the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator and back into the molten liquid conduit. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a gas source; and wherein delivering the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator and back into the molten liquid conduit includes communicating gas from the gas source into the evacuator. In one or more embodiments, the nebulizer assembly further includes a valve operably coupled between, and in fluid communication with, the second fluid vessel of the evacuator and the molten liquid conduit; and wherein delivering the withdrawn non-aerosolized portion of the high-melting-point liquid from the evacuator and back into the molten liquid conduit further includes opening the valve.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

In several embodiments, the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various embodiments.

Any spatial references, such as, for example, "upper," "lower," "above," "below," "between," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," "angular," "upwards," "downwards," "side-to-side," "left-to-right," "right-to-left," "top-to-bottom," "bottom-to-top," "top," "bottom," "bottom-up," "top-down," etc., are for the purpose of illustration only and do not limit the specific orientation or location of the structure described above.

In several embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures may also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several embodiments, the steps, processes, and/or procedures may be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures.

In several embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>), comprising:
a molten liquid conduit (<NUM>);
a nebulizer assembly (<NUM>) operably coupled to the molten liquid conduit (<NUM>) and adapted to receive, from the molten liquid conduit (<NUM>), a high-melting-point liquid (<NUM>); wherein the nebulizer assembly (<NUM>) is further adapted to aerosolize at least a portion of the high-melting-point liquid (<NUM>) received from the molten liquid conduit (<NUM>), and where the nebulizer assembly (<NUM>) further comprises
a heater (<NUM>),
a nebulizer (<NUM>), contained within the heater (<NUM>), and including a first fluid vessel (<NUM>) in which the nebulizer (<NUM>) is adapted to aerosolize the at least a portion of the high-melting-point liquid (<NUM>) received from the molten liquid conduit (<NUM>), and
an evacuator (<NUM>), contained with the heater (<NUM>), and including a second fluid vessel (<NUM>) adapted to received, from the molten liquid conduit (<NUM>), the high-melting-point liquid (<NUM>), the second fluid vessel (<NUM>) being operably coupled to the first fluid vessel (<NUM>) of the nebulizer (<NUM>); and
one or more instruments (<NUM>) operably coupled to the nebulizer assembly (<NUM>) and adapted to receive the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid (<NUM>) from the nebulizer (<NUM>),
wherein the one or more instruments (<NUM>) are further adapted to chemically analyze the aerosolized high-melting-point liquid (<NUM>).