Abstract:
An analytical system for analyzing a liquid sample that includes 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, and the other electrode having 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 its upper surface, and that electrode includes structure in the upper surface defining a plurality of channels extending away from the outlet port for discharge of excess quantities of a liquid sample to be analyzed that has been 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 responsive to the spectrometer system provides output data as a function of the liquid sample flowed into the sample excitation apparatus.