Method for preparing and processing a sample for intensive analysis
First Claim
1. A method for analyzing a raw sample, the method comprising:
- a) measuring out a portion of the raw sample;
b) measuring out a volume of a binding solution;
c) combining the portion and the volume to form a mixture;
d) grinding the mixture;
e) pelletizing the mixture; and
f) intensively analyzing the sample.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
This application relates to a method for pellerizing and taking intensive measurements of a raw sample. The method includes homogenizing and pelletizing the sample that is to be subjected to compositional or intensive analysis. The raw sample is mixed with several solutions containing epoxies and activators based in carrier solutions or solvents, and ground to a fine powder or gel. The gel is partially dried and conformed to a pellet shape. The pellet is then cured such that the epoxy and activator solutions react and form a binding agent capable of maintaining the structural integrity of the sample pellet during intensive analysis. An intensive analysis instrument, such as LIBS, may then be used to ablate the surface of the pellet. The pellet provides consistent ablation of the sample material for accurate intensive measurements.
69 Citations
67 Claims
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1. A method for analyzing a raw sample, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a portion of the raw sample; b) measuring out a volume of a binding solution; c) combining the portion and the volume to form a mixture; d) grinding the mixture; e) pelletizing the mixture; and f) intensively analyzing the sample. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63)
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2. A method for homogenizing a raw sample, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a portion of the raw sample; b) measuring out a volume of a binding solution, wherein the binding solution comprises a cementing agent, an activator, and a solvent; c) combining the portion and the volume to form a mixture; and d) grinding the mixture. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 64, 65, 66, 67)
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7. A method for homogenizing a raw sample, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a portion of the raw sample; b) measuring out a volume of a binding solution; c) combining the portion and the volume to form a mixture; and d) grinding the mixture to form a gel.
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10. A method for homogenizing a geological substance, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a portion of the geological substance; b) measuring out a volume of a binding solution, wherein the binding solution comprises a cementing agent, an activator, and a solvent; c) combining the portion and the volume to form a mixture; and d) grinding the mixture. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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16. A method for homogenizing a raw sample, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a portion of the raw sample; b) measuring out a volume of a first solution; c) measuring out a volume of a second solution; d) combining the sample portion, the first volume, and the second volume to form a mixture; and e) grinding the mixture. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method for pelletizing a raw sample, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a first portion of the raw sample; b) measuring out a volume of an epoxy solution having a solvent; c) measuring out a volume of an activator solution having the solvent; d) combining the first sample portion, the epoxy solution volume, and the activator solution volume to form a spiked sample; e) grinding the spiked sample; f) heating the spiked sample; and g) applying a force to the spiked sample to form a first pellet. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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46. A method of taking an intensive measurement of a sample, the method comprising:
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a) measuring out a first portion of the sample; b) measuring out a volume of an epoxy solution; c) measuring out a volume of an activator solution; d) combining the first sample portion, the epoxy solution volume, and the activator solution volume to form a spiked sample; e) grinding the spiked sample; f) drying the spiked sample; g) applying a force to the spiked sample to form a pellet; h) curing the pellet to form a binding agent; and i) ablating the surface of the pellet. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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Specification