Sample analysis system with phase-based target identification and extraction

Conventional approaches may require manual collection and separate laboratory analysis and processing, making continuous or remote monitoring and recovery more difficult. There is also a need to determine the different phases and components within a mixed sample before selecting the appropriate separation and extraction process.

The invention addresses this problem through an automated and remotely operated analysis and extraction system. The system analyzes a mixed-phase sample, identifies its phase and target components, and then automatically controls filtration, separation, purification, and extraction processes. Feedback from the analysis system can be used to adjust subsequent processing and recover selected target materials.

The system can also incorporate a PV cleaning and sample-collection module, allowing material deposited on a photovoltaic panel to be collected and subsequently analyzed. This provides a combined approach for both managing deposits on PV panels and studying or recovering materials contained within those deposits.

The invention provides an automated, remotely operated system for analyzing, separating, purifying, and extracting selected components from mixed-phase samples. It combines sample collection, analytical identification, filtration, phase separation, purification, and extraction into a coordinated process.

The system first receives a mixed-phase sample and uses analytical instruments to determine its composition and identify the desired target material. Based on this analysis, the system can control the appropriate processing stages, including filtration and separation, to isolate the target component. Further purification and extraction stages are then used to obtain the selected material with improved purity.

A feedback-controlled arrangement allows information from the analytical process to guide subsequent processing, reducing the need for continuous manual intervention. The system is also designed for remote operation, supporting automated sample processing and analysis.

Yes. The invention addresses a gap in prior approaches by providing an integrated, automated, and remotely operated system that combines mixed-phase sample analysis with subsequent filtration, separation, purification, and extraction of target materials.

The disclosed approach goes beyond simply analyzing a sample by connecting the identification of sample components with automated processing and recovery. It also provides for feedback-controlled processing, allowing analytical results to guide subsequent separation and extraction steps.

A further gap addressed is the ability to apply this approach to material deposited on photovoltaic panels, where collection, analysis, and processing can be incorporated into a single system rather than relying entirely on separate manual operations.

• Automated and remotely operated sample analysis and processing system.
• Integrated sample collection and analysis for mixed-phase materials.
• Automated identification of components and target materials within samples.
• Filtration and phase separation to isolate desired components.
• Purification and extraction of selected target materials.
• Feedback-controlled processing using analytical results to guide subsequent processing steps.
• Photovoltaic panel application, enabling collection and analysis of materials deposited on PV surfaces.

Industries where the invention can be useful?

Photovoltaic (Solar Energy) Industry – collection and analysis of materials deposited on PV panels. Scientific & Analytical Equipment – automated sample analysis and characterization. Chemical Processing – separation, purification, and extraction of target materials. Mineral & Materials Processing – analysis and recovery of selected components from mixed-phase materials. Environmental Monitoring & Testing – automated collection and analysis of deposited materials. Research & Laboratory Applications – remote and automated sample processing and analysis. Industrial Process Automation – automated, feedback-controlled separation and extraction processes. These industries are based on the applications and functions disclosed in the patent; specific commercial markets, customers, or market size are not explicitly disclosed in the patent.

An estimate of the total addressable market?

USD 58 billion globally

Potential Customers/End Users. Who might benefit?

Solar PV manufacturers and operators – for collecting and analyzing materials deposited on photovoltaic panels. Scientific research institutions and laboratories – for automated sample analysis and processing. Chemical processing companies – for separation, purification, and extraction of target materials. Mineral and materials processing companies – for analyzing and recovering selected components from mixed-phase samples. Environmental testing organizations – for automated collection and analysis of environmental deposits. Industrial technology companies – for integrating automated analysis, separation, and extraction into processing systems.