Semi-autonomous mems micro-calibration device

Abstract

A system for solventless calibration of volatile or semi-volatile compounds and methods thereof. The system includes a fluid path having a first end configured to be operably coupled to a fluid source and a second end configured to be operably coupled to the analytical instrument. A solid sorbent is disposed along the fluid path and is configured to absorb an analyte. The flow of fluid along the fluid path from the first end to the second end causes absorbed analyte to be desorbed from the solid sorbent at a desired concentration to the instrument.

1 . A microcalibrator for solventless calibration of an analytical instrument, the microcalibrator comprising:
 a fluid path having a first end configured to be operably coupled to a fluid source and a second end configured to be operably coupled to the analytical instrument; and   a solid sorbent disposed along the fluid path, the solid sorbent configured to absorb an analyte,   wherein flow of a fluid along the fluid path from the first end to the second end causes absorbed analyte to be desorbed from the solid sorbent at a desired concentration to the instrument.   
     
     
         2 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent is contained within a micro-concentrator. 
     
     
         3 . The microcalibrator of  claim 2 , wherein the micro-concentrator includes a hub from receiving an analyte source. 
     
     
         4 . The microcalibrator of  claim 3 , wherein the hub is configured to engage a pierceable septum. 
     
     
         5 . The microcalibrator of  claim 2 , wherein the micro-concentrator includes a hotplate operably coupled to the solid sorbent. 
     
     
         6 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent comprises a graphitized carbon black, activated carbon, a porous polymer, or a xerogel. 
     
     
         7 . The microcalibrator of  claim 6 , wherein the solid sorbent is 2,6-diphenyl-p-phenylene oxide or SiO 2 . 
     
     
         8 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , wherein the solid sorbent is operably coupled to a hotplate. 
     
     
         9 . The microcalibrator of  claim 8 , wherein the solid sorbent is grown onto the hotplate. 
     
     
         10 . The microcalibrator of  claim 8 , wherein the solid sorbent is applied to the hotplate. 
     
     
         11 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a carbon trap along the fluid path.   
     
     
         12 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a controller configured to operate a flow of fluid along the fluid path.   
     
     
         13 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a valve configured to vary a flow of fluid through the solid sorbent.   
     
     
         14 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a supplemental fluid path; and   a valve fluidically coupling the supplemental fluid path to the fluid path and configured to introduce a supplemental fluid to the fluid path and, thereby, dilute the concentration of the analyte in the fluid path.   
     
     
         15 . The microcalibrator of  claim 1 , wherein the fluid path, the solid sorbent, or both are configured to be heated for facilitating desorption of low vapor pressure analytes. 
     
     
         16 - 39 . (canceled) 
     
     
         40 . A method for solventless calibration, the method comprising:
 loading a solid sorbent with an analyte;   initiating a fluid flow through the solid sorbent such that analyte desorbs from the solid sorbent; and   directing the fluid flow with the desorbed analyte to an analytical instrument.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising:
 operably coupling an analyte source to the solid sorbent to load the solid sorbent with analyte.   
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , further comprising:
 heating the analyte source.   
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein a rate of fluid flow ranges from 5 mL/min to 100 mL/min. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising:
 heating the solid sorbent to further desorb analyte from the solid sorbent.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising:
 heating the flowing fluid.