Patent ID: 8322199

Claim:
An automatic sampling and dilution apparatus for use in a polymer analysis system that includes a flow-through detector capable of transmitting an output signal that is related to a physical parameter of a polymer-containing liquid flowing through the detector, and a device for receiving the output signal, such as a recording and/or display device, the apparatus comprising: (a) a primary mixing chamber comprising an active mechanical mixing device within the primary mixing chamber; (b) a primary pump capable of continuously withdrawing a variable viscosity liquid from a reactor at a selectable, fixed withdrawal rate over a varying viscosity range of about 50 to about 5,000,000 centipoise (cP), the primary pump comprising an inlet line for transporting the variable viscosity polymer-containing liquid into the primary pump, and an outlet line in fluid-flow relation with the primary mixing chamber for continuously conveying the variable viscosity polymer-containing liquid into the primary mixing chamber; (c) a first dilution pump comprising an inlet line for transporting a first dilution solvent from a first solvent reservoir into the first dilution pump, and an outlet line in fluid-flow relation with the primary mixing chamber for continuously delivering the first dilution solvent into the mixing chamber at a selectable, fixed flow rate to mix with the variable viscosity liquid in the mixing chamber, and thereby form a diluted polymer-containing liquid therein; and (d) a secondary pump comprising an inlet line in fluid-flow relation with the mixing chamber for continuously conveying the diluted polymer-containing liquid from the mixing chamber into the secondary pump, and an outlet for delivering the diluted polymer-containing liquid into the flow-through detector.