Importance

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Abstract

In a method and an apparatus for performing routine analyses such as polarographic or spectrophotometric analysis on a large set of sample solutions filled into separate sample cups being arranged on or shaped in a sample cup holder (101) along a moving path, wherein the samples are in consecutive cycles sucked out of the sample cup (102) by a suction tube (103) and transferred into a common vessel, wherein the analysis will be performed. The vessel (105) has a lower outlet (107) communicating with an analyzer cell (112) or the ambient space over a channel (116) which is only effective if the sample level in the vessel (105) exceeds a certain threshold level, and an aspirating mouth (108) in the upper part of the vessel (105) communicating over a valve (109) with the ambient space. The suction tube (103) has a fixed end coupled to the inlet (106) of the vessel (105) and a free end can be moved into two different working positions. A continuous suction effect is exerted on the fixed end of the suction tube during the whole series of cycles whereas the free end of the suction tube is in the first phase of each cycle moved into its first working position wherein the free end is dipping into the next sample cup and being thus positioned opposite to the suction tube and in the second phase turned into its second working position wherein the free end is protruding into the ambient space. The analysis is performed when the level of the sample in the vessel has already exceeded a prescribed threshold level and at the end of the analysis operation an overpressure is established in the vessel. Then the suction tube, as the phase of the next following cycle, is moved again into its first working position and this series of operations is cyclically repeated.

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