ExperimentMicrowaveDigestion
ExperimentMicrowaveDigestion[Samples]⟹Protocol
generates a Protocol for performing microwave digestion on the provided Samples.
Microwave digestion involves the breakdown of complex samples using microwave heating in the presence of a caustic and/or oxidizing digestion agent. Microwave radiation is used to impart thermal energy into the reaction mixture via the excitation of rotational motion in dipolar molecules and translational motion in ions and charged molecules. This direct heating mechanism allows for more rapid and uniform heating to high temperatures than conventional conductive heating. Furthermore, microwave digestion reaction vessels are designed to withstand high pressures, increasing the temperature at which the digestion can be conducted. This facilitates the decomposition of the sample into oxidized species of its constituent elements, and the solubilization of the resulting mixture. The digested mixture can be analyzed for elemental composition using techniques such as Ion Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES), or Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Microwave digestions is a necessary step in preparing samples for such techniques, which allow for the identification and quantitation of trace metals within a sample.
Experimental Principles
Figure 1.1: 1. The sample is transferred into a quartz digestion tube with a teflon coated magnetic stir bar. 2. The digestion agent(s) (general nitric acid or similar) is added to the digestion tube, which is capped prior to analysis. 3. The sample is heated via microwave radiation to perform the digestion, with periodic venting to prevent over pressurization. 4. A portion of the sample is aliquoted out to perform further analysis such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (AES), or other techniques. The remaining solution is treated by controlled addition to a neutralizing solution and discarded.
Instrumentation
Discover SP-D 80
Figure 2.1: The CEM Discover SP-D 80 is a microwave digestion system that is composed of a magnetron (microwave source), a sample chamber with temperature and pressure monitors, a pressure relief valve, and a cooling system. Reaction vessels are loaded into the instrument via a robotic arm, and the sample chamber is sealed by an automated cap. The reaction vessel, which can tolerate temperatures up to 260 C and pressures up to 300 PSI, is heated via microwave radiation (2455 MHz) according to an isothermal or ramped temperature profile. Microwave radiation, as opposed to conventional heating, imparts energy directly to the solution via the excitation of rotational and translational motion of dipolar molecules and ions. During the digestion, the reaction vessel and surrounding chamber can be periodically vented when the headspace pressure reaches user-designated set points. The vented gas is purged from the instrument using a continuous flow of nitrogen through the purge line inlet. When sample digestion is complete, the tubes are vented to relieve residual pressure, and returned to the autosampler rack via a robotic arm. Temperature and pressure data is collected through the entirety of the digestion process and can be used to inform the temperature profile and designated venting pressures of future digestions.
Experiment Options
General
Instrument
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Object[Instrument, Reactor, Microwave] or Model[Instrument, Reactor, Microwave]
Programmatic Pattern: ObjectP[{Object[Instrument, Reactor, Microwave], Model[Instrument, Reactor, Microwave]}]
SampleType
Specifies if the sample is primarily composed of organic material, inorganic material, or is a tablet formulation. If the sample in tablet form, select Tablet regardless of the composition.
Default Calculation: The sample type is set to Organic for any solid and liquid samples by default, and Tablet for samples with Tablet -> True.
SampleAmount
Default Calculation: The default sample amount is set to 100 Milligram or 100 Microliter for solid and liquids samples, respectively.
Programmatic Pattern: (RangeP[1*Microliter, 20000*Microliter] | RangeP[1*Milligram, 500*Milligram]) | Automatic
Preparation
Indicates if this unit operation is carried out primarily robotically or manually. Manual unit operations are executed by a laboratory operator and robotic unit operations are executed by a liquid handling work cell.
Sample Preparation
CrushSample
PreDigestionMix
Indicates if the reaction mixture is stirred at ambient temperature directly prior to being subjected to microwave heating. Pre-mixing can ensure that a sample is fully dissolved or suspended prior to heating.
Default Calculation: Defaults to True unless the PreDigestionMixTime and PreDigestionMixRate are not specified.
PreDigestionMixTime
The amount of time for which the reaction mixture is stirred at ambient temperature directly prior to being subjected to microwave heating.
Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 0 minutes and less than or equal to 2 minutes or Null.
PreDigestionMixRate
The rate at which the reaction mixture is stirred at ambient temperature directly prior to being subjected to microwave heating.
Digestion
PreparedSample
Indicates if the member of SampleIn is already mixed with an appropriate digestion agent. Setting PreparedSample -> True will change the upper limit on the SampleAmount to 20 mL.
Default Calculation: Resolves to True for liquid samples which contain greater than 50 % of a standard digestion agent.
DigestionAgents
The Model[Sample] and volume of chemical digestion agents used to digest and dissolve the input sample in the form of {Model[Sample], volume}.
Default Calculation: When PreparedSample -> True, this option is set to Null, otherwise the digestion agents will be resolved based on the SampleType.
Programmatic Pattern: ({{Model[Sample, "Nitric Acid 70% (TraceMetal Grade)"] | Model[Sample, "Hydrochloric Acid 37%, (TraceMetal Grade)"] | Model[Sample, "Sulfuric Acid 96% (TraceMetal Grade)"] | Model[Sample, "Phosphoric Acid 85% (>99.999% trace metals basis)"] | Model[Sample, "Hydrogen Peroxide 30% for ultratrace analysis"] | Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] | Model[Sample, "id:qdkmxzqpeaRY"] | Model[Sample, "id:N80DNj1WpbLD"] | Model[Sample, "id:n0k9mG8Z1b4p"] | Model[Sample, "id:lYq9jRx5nvmO"] | Model[Sample, "id:xRO9n3BGjKb5"] | Model[Sample, "id:8qZ1VWNmdLBD"], RangeP[0*Milliliter, 20*Milliliter]}..} | Automatic) | Null
DigestionTemperature
Default Calculation: When DigestionTemperatureProfile is specified, DigestionTemperature -> Null. Otherwise it is set to 200 Celsius.
Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 25 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 300 degrees Celsius or Null.
DigestionDuration
Default Calculation: When DigestionTemperatureProfile is specified, DigestionDuration matches the length of the final isothermal segment. Otherwise it is set to 10 minutes.
DigestionRampDuration
The amount of time taken to heat the sample from ambient temperature to reach the DigestionTemperature.
Default Calculation: When DigestionTemperatureProfile is specified, DigestionRampDuration -> Null, otherwise it is set to heat at a rate of 40 C/minute.
DigestionTemperatureProfile
The heating profile for the reaction mixture in the form {Time, Target Temperature}. Consecutive entries with different temperatures result in a linear ramp between the temperatures, while consecutive entries with the same temperature indicate an isothermal region at the specified temperature.
Default Calculation: When DigestionTemperature, DigestionRampTime, or DigestionTime are specified, this option is set to reflect those values.
Programmatic Pattern: ({{RangeP[0*Hour, Min[$MaxExperimentTime, 99*Hour]], RangeP[25*Celsius, 300*Celsius]}..} | Automatic) | Null
DigestionMixRateProfile
The relative rate of the magnetic stir bar rotation that will be used to mix the sample, either for the duration of the digestion (fixed), or from the designated time point to the next time point (variable). For safety reasons, the sample must be mixed during microwave heating.
Programmatic Pattern: ((Low | Medium | High) | {{RangeP[0*Hour, Min[$MaxExperimentTime, 99*Hour]], Low | Medium | High}..}) | Null
DigestionMaxPower
Default Calculation: If SampleType -> Organic, the maximum power is set at 200 Watt. For SampleType -> Tablet or Inorganic, the maximum power is set to 300 Watt.
DigestionMaxPressure
The pressure at which the magnetron will cease to heat the reaction vessel. If the vessel internal pressure exceeds 500 PSI, the instrument will cease heating regardless of this option.
Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 pound‐force per inch squared and less than or equal to 500 pounds‐force per inch squared.
PressureVenting
Default Calculation: If PressureVentingTriggers and TargetPressureReduction are both Null, this option is set to False for Inorganic and Tablet samples.
PressureVentingTriggers
The set point pressures at which venting will begin, and the number of times that the system will vent the vessel in an attempt to reduce the pressure by the value of TargetPressureReduction. If the pressure set points are not reached, no venting will occur. Be aware that excessive venting may result in sample evaporation, leading to superheating of the reaction vessel.
Default Calculation: If PressureVenting -> True, the PressureVentingTriggers are set to include a venting step at 50 PSI (2 attempts) with additional venting set according to SampleType. If SampleType -> Organic, additional venting occurs at 25 PSI increments starting at 225 PSI with 2 venting attempts at each pressure point until 350 PSI, for which venting is set to 100 attempts. Inorganic samples utilize additional venting at 400 PSI, using 100 attempts.
TargetPressureReduction
The target drop in pressure during PressureVenting. Venting is conducted according to the PressureVentingTriggers.
Default Calculation: When PressureVenting -> True, the TargetPressureReduction is set based on the value of SampleType. Organic samples and tablets require more frequent venting with a differential of 25 PSI, while inorganic samples may be vented less frequently with a differential of 40 PSI.
Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 pound‐force per inch squared and less than or equal to 300 pounds‐force per inch squared or Null.
Workup
OutputAliquot
The amount of the reaction mixture that is aliquotted into the ContainerOut as the output of this experiment. The remaining reaction mixture is discarded.
Default Calculation: By default, 25% of the solution by volume will be collected, and 75% discarded.
Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 0 milliliters and less than or equal to 20 milliliters.
DiluteOutputAliquot
Indicates if the OutputAliquot is added to a specified volume (DiluentVolume) of Diluent prior to storage or use in subsequent experiments. Dilution reduces the risk and cost associated with storage of caustic/oxidizing reagents commonly employed in digestion protocols.
Default Calculation: When Diluent and DiluentVolume are specified, this will automatically resolve to True.
Diluent
Default Calculation: When DiluteOutputAliquot -> True, the default diluent is Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"].
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
DiluentVolume
The volume of diluent into which the OutputAliquot will be added. User should only specify one of the 3 options: DiluentVolume, DilutionFactor, TargetDilutionVolume.
DilutionFactor
The desired dilution factor for this mixture. User should only specify one of the 3 options: DiluentVolume, DilutionFactor, TargetDilutionVolume.
Default Calculation: When DiluteOutputAliquot -> True and DiluentVolume, TargetDiluentVolume are both Null, the Dilution factor is set to 5.
TargetDilutionVolume
The volume to which the OutputAliquot is diluted with Diluent. User should only specify one of the 3 options: DiluentVolume, DilutionFactor, TargetDilutionVolume.
ContainerOut
The container into which the OutputAliquotVolume or dilutions thereof is placed as the output of this experiment. The remainder of the reaction mixture is discarded.
Default Calculation: A container that satisfies the output volume requirement and is acid-compatible will be selected.
Model Input
PreparedModelAmount
Indicates the amount of a Model[Sample] specified as input to the experiment function that will be prepared in the PreparedModelContainer. When set to All and the input model sample is not preparable, the entire amount of the input model sample that comes from one of the Products is prepared. The selected product must have both Amount and DefaultContainerModel populated, and it must not be a KitProduct. When set to All and the input model is preparable such as water, 1 Milliliter of the input model sample is prepared.
Programmatic Pattern: ((Null | (RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | RangeP[1*Milligram, 20*Kilogram] | GreaterP[0*Unit, 1*Unit] | GreaterP[0., 1.] | All)) | Automatic) | Null
PreparedModelContainer
Indicates the container in which a Model[Sample] specified as input to the experiment function will be prepared.
Default Calculation: If PreparedModelAmount is set to All and the input model has a product associated with both Amount and DefaultContainerModel populated, automatically set to the DefaultContainerModel value in the product. Otherwise, automatically set to Model[Container, Vessel, "50mL Tube"].
Post Experiment
SamplesInStorageCondition
The non-default conditions under which the SamplesIn of this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed. If left unset, SamplesIn will be stored according to their current StorageCondition.
Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
SamplesOutStorageCondition
The non-default conditions under which any new samples generated by this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed. If left unset, the new samples will be stored according to their Models' DefaultStorageCondition.
Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
Sample Prep Options
Sample Preparation
PreparatoryUnitOperations
Specifies a sequence of transferring, aliquoting, consolidating, or mixing of new or existing samples before the main experiment. These prepared samples can be used in the main experiment by referencing their defined name. For more information, please reference the documentation for ExperimentSamplePreparation.
Pattern Description: List of one or more unit Operation ManualSamplePreparation or RoboticSamplePreparation or unit Operation must match SamplePreparationP entries or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: {((ManualSamplePreparationMethodP | RoboticSamplePreparationMethodP) | SamplePreparationP)..} | Null
Preparatory Incubation
Incubate
Indicates if the SamplesIn should be incubated at a fixed temperature prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Incubation options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
IncubationTemperature
Temperature at which the SamplesIn should be incubated for the duration of the IncubationTime prior to starting the experiment.
Pattern Description: Ambient or greater than or equal to -20 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 500 degrees Celsius or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: ((Ambient | RangeP[$MinIncubationTemperature, $MaxIncubationTemperature]) | Automatic) | Null
IncubationTime
Duration for which SamplesIn should be incubated at the IncubationTemperature, prior to starting the experiment.
Mix
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to True if any Mix related options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
MixType
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on the container of the sample and the Mix option.
Pattern Description: Roll, Vortex, Sonicate, Pipette, Invert, Stir, Shake, Homogenize, Swirl, Disrupt, or Nutate or Null.
MixUntilDissolved
Indicates if the mix should be continued up to the MaxIncubationTime or MaxNumberOfMixes (chosen according to the mix Type), in an attempt dissolve any solute. Any mixing/incubation will occur prior to starting the experiment.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to True if MaxIncubationTime or MaxNumberOfMixes is set.
MaxIncubationTime
Maximum duration of time for which the samples will be mixed while incubated in an attempt to dissolve any solute, if the MixUntilDissolved option is chosen. This occurs prior to starting the experiment.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on MixType, MixUntilDissolved, and the container of the given sample.
IncubationInstrument
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves based on the options Mix, Temperature, MixType and container of the sample.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Roller], Model[Instrument, OverheadStirrer], Model[Instrument, Vortex], Model[Instrument, Shaker], Model[Instrument, BottleRoller], Model[Instrument, Roller], Model[Instrument, Sonicator], Model[Instrument, HeatBlock], Model[Instrument, Homogenizer], Model[Instrument, Disruptor], Model[Instrument, Nutator], Model[Instrument, Thermocycler], Model[Instrument, EnvironmentalChamber], Model[Instrument, Pipette], Object[Instrument, Roller], Object[Instrument, OverheadStirrer], Object[Instrument, Vortex], Object[Instrument, Shaker], Object[Instrument, BottleRoller], Object[Instrument, Roller], Object[Instrument, Sonicator], Object[Instrument, HeatBlock], Object[Instrument, Homogenizer], Object[Instrument, Disruptor], Object[Instrument, Nutator], Object[Instrument, Thermocycler], Object[Instrument, EnvironmentalChamber], or Object[Instrument, Pipette] or Null.
AnnealingTime
Minimum duration for which the SamplesIn should remain in the incubator allowing the system to settle to room temperature after the IncubationTime has passed but prior to starting the experiment.
IncubateAliquotContainer
The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the incubation samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
IncubateAliquotDestinationWell
The desired position in the corresponding IncubateAliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
IncubateAliquot
The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the IncubateAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before incubation.
Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
Preparatory Centrifugation
Centrifuge
Indicates if the SamplesIn should be centrifuged prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Centrifuge options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
CentrifugeInstrument
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, Centrifuge] or Object[Instrument, Centrifuge] or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge]}] | Automatic) | Null
CentrifugeIntensity
The rotational speed or the force that will be applied to the samples by centrifugation prior to starting the experiment.
Pattern Description: Greater than 0 revolutions per minute or greater than 0 standard accelerations due to gravity on the surface of the earth or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*RPM] | GreaterP[0*GravitationalAcceleration]) | Automatic) | Null
CentrifugeTime
CentrifugeTemperature
The temperature at which the centrifuge chamber should be held while the samples are being centrifuged prior to starting the experiment.
Pattern Description: Ambient or greater than or equal to -10 degrees Celsius and less than or equal to 40 degrees Celsius or Null.
CentrifugeAliquotContainer
The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the centrifuge samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
CentrifugeAliquotDestinationWell
The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
CentrifugeAliquot
The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the CentrifugeAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before centrifugation.
Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
Preparatory Filtering
Filtration
Indicates if the SamplesIn should be filter prior to starting the experiment or any aliquoting. Sample Preparation occurs in the order of Incubation, Centrifugation, Filtration, and then Aliquoting (if specified).
Default Calculation: Resolves to True if any of the corresponding Filter options are set. Otherwise, resolves to False.
FiltrationType
Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to a filtration type appropriate for the volume of sample being filtered.
FilterInstrument
Default Calculation: Will automatically resolved to an instrument appropriate for the filtration type.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock], Model[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Object[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Model[Instrument, VacuumPump], Object[Instrument, VacuumPump], Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge], Model[Instrument, SyringePump], or Object[Instrument, SyringePump] or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock], Model[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Object[Instrument, PeristalticPump], Model[Instrument, VacuumPump], Object[Instrument, VacuumPump], Model[Instrument, Centrifuge], Object[Instrument, Centrifuge], Model[Instrument, SyringePump], Object[Instrument, SyringePump]}] | Automatic) | Null
Filter
The filter that should be used to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to a filter appropriate for the filtration type and instrument.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Plate, Filter], Model[Container, Vessel, Filter], or Model[Item, Filter] or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Container, Plate, Filter], Model[Container, Vessel, Filter], Model[Item, Filter]}] | Automatic) | Null
FilterMaterial
The membrane material of the filter that should be used to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
Default Calculation: Resolves to an appropriate filter material for the given sample is Filtration is set to True.
Pattern Description: Cellulose, Cotton, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, PES, PLUS, PVDF, GlassFiber, GHP, UHMWPE, EPDM, DuraporePVDF, GxF, ZebaDesaltingResin, NickelResin, AgaroseResin, CobaltResin, Silica, HLB, or AnoporeAlumina or Null.
PrefilterMaterial
The material from which the prefilter filtration membrane should be made of to remove impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
Pattern Description: Cellulose, Cotton, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, PTFE, Nylon, PES, PLUS, PVDF, GlassFiber, GHP, UHMWPE, EPDM, DuraporePVDF, GxF, ZebaDesaltingResin, NickelResin, AgaroseResin, CobaltResin, Silica, HLB, or AnoporeAlumina or Null.
FilterPoreSize
The pore size of the filter that should be used when removing impurities from the SamplesIn prior to starting the experiment.
Default Calculation: Resolves to an appropriate filter pore size for the given sample is Filtration is set to True.
Pattern Description: 0.008 micrometers, 0.02 micrometers, 0.1 micrometers, 0.2 micrometers, 0.22 micrometers, 0.45 micrometers, 1. micrometer, 1.1 micrometers, 2.5 micrometers, 6. micrometers, 20. micrometers, 30. micrometers, or 100. micrometers or Null.
PrefilterPoreSize
The pore size of the filter; all particles larger than this should be removed during the filtration.
Pattern Description: 0.008 micrometers, 0.02 micrometers, 0.1 micrometers, 0.2 micrometers, 0.22 micrometers, 0.45 micrometers, 1. micrometer, 1.1 micrometers, 2.5 micrometers, 6. micrometers, 20. micrometers, 30. micrometers, or 100. micrometers or Null.
FilterSyringe
Default Calculation: Resolves to an syringe appropriate to the volume of sample being filtered, if Filtration is set to True.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container, Syringe] or Object[Container, Syringe] or a prepared sample or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[{Model[Container, Syringe], Object[Container, Syringe]}] | _String) | Automatic) | Null
FilterHousing
The filter housing that should be used to hold the filter membrane when filtration is performed using a standalone filter membrane.
Default Calculation: Resolve to an housing capable of holding the size of the membrane being used, if filter with Membrane FilterType is being used and Filtration is set to True.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Instrument, FilterHousing], Object[Instrument, FilterHousing], Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], or Object[Instrument, FilterBlock] or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[{Model[Instrument, FilterHousing], Object[Instrument, FilterHousing], Model[Instrument, FilterBlock], Object[Instrument, FilterBlock]}] | Automatic) | Null
FilterIntensity
Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 2000 GravitationalAcceleration if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
Pattern Description: Greater than 0 revolutions per minute or greater than 0 standard accelerations due to gravity on the surface of the earth or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: ((GreaterP[0*RPM] | GreaterP[0*GravitationalAcceleration]) | Automatic) | Null
FilterTime
Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 5 Minute if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
FilterTemperature
The temperature at which the centrifuge chamber will be held while the samples are being centrifuged during filtration.
Default Calculation: Will automatically resolve to 22 Celsius if FiltrationType is Centrifuge and Filtration is True.
FilterContainerOut
The desired container filtered samples should be produced in or transferred into by the end of filtration, with indices indicating grouping of samples in the same plates, if desired.
Default Calculation: Automatically set as the PreferredContainer for the Volume of the sample. For plates, attempts to fill all wells of a single plate with the same model before using another one.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or {Index, Container} or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: (((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | Automatic, (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
FilterAliquotDestinationWell
The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
FilterAliquotContainer
The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the filter samples which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
Programmatic Pattern: ((ObjectP[Model[Container]] | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | Automatic}) | Automatic) | Null
FilterAliquot
The amount of each sample that should be transferred from the SamplesIn into the FilterAliquotContainer when performing an aliquot before filtration.
Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container.
Pattern Description: All or greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
FilterSterile
Default Calculation: Resolve to False if Filtration is indicated. If sterile filtration is desired, this option must manually be set to True.
Aliquoting
Aliquot
Indicates if aliquots should be taken from the SamplesIn and transferred into new AliquotSamples used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment. Note that if NumberOfReplicates is specified this indicates that the input samples will also be aliquoted that number of times. Note that Aliquoting (if specified) occurs after any Sample Preparation (if specified).
AliquotAmount
Default Calculation: Automatically set as the smaller between the current sample volume and the maximum volume of the destination container if a liquid, or the current Mass or Count if a solid or counted item, respectively.
Programmatic Pattern: ((RangeP[1*Microliter, 20*Liter] | RangeP[1*Milligram, 20*Kilogram] | GreaterP[0*Unit, 1*Unit] | GreaterP[0., 1.] | All) | Automatic) | Null
TargetConcentration
The desired final concentration of analyte in the AliquotSamples after dilution of aliquots of SamplesIn with the ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent which should be used in lieu of the SamplesIn for the experiment.
TargetConcentrationAnalyte
Default Calculation: Automatically set to the first value in the Analytes field of the input sample, or, if not populated, to the first analyte in the Composition field of the input sample, or if none exist, the first identity model of any kind in the Composition field.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Molecule], Model[Molecule, cDNA], Model[Molecule, Oligomer], Model[Molecule, Transcript], Model[Molecule, Protein], Model[Molecule, Protein, Antibody], Model[Molecule, Carbohydrate], Model[Molecule, Polymer], Model[Resin], Model[Resin, SolidPhaseSupport], Model[Lysate], Model[ProprietaryFormulation], Model[Virus], Model[Cell], Model[Cell, Mammalian], Model[Cell, Bacteria], Model[Cell, Yeast], Model[Tissue], Model[Material], or Model[Species] or Null.
AssayVolume
Default Calculation: Automatically determined based on Volume and TargetConcentration option values.
Pattern Description: Greater than or equal to 1 microliter and less than or equal to 20 liters or Null.
ConcentratedBuffer
The concentrated buffer which should be diluted by the BufferDilutionFactor in the final solution (i.e., the combination of the sample, ConcentratedBuffer, and BufferDiluent). The ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent will be combined and then mixed with the sample, where the combined volume of these buffers is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
BufferDilutionFactor
The dilution factor by which the concentrated buffer should be diluted in the final solution (i.e., the combination of the sample, ConcentratedBuffer, and BufferDiluent). The ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent will be combined and then mixed with the sample, where the combined volume of these buffers is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
Default Calculation: If ConcentratedBuffer is specified, automatically set to the ConcentratedBufferDilutionFactor of that sample; otherwise, set to Null.
BufferDiluent
The buffer used to dilute the aliquot sample such that ConcentratedBuffer is diluted by BufferDilutionFactor in the final solution. The ConcentratedBuffer and BufferDiluent will be combined and then mixed with the sample, where the combined volume of these buffers is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] if ConcentratedBuffer is specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
AssayBuffer
The buffer that should be added to any aliquots requiring dilution, where the volume of this buffer added is the difference between the AliquotAmount and the total AssayVolume.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to Model[Sample, "Milli-Q water"] if ConcentratedBuffer is not specified; otherwise, resolves to Null.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Sample] or Object[Sample] or a prepared sample or Null.
AliquotSampleStorageCondition
The non-default conditions under which any aliquot samples generated by this experiment should be stored after the protocol is completed.
Pattern Description: {AmbientStorage, EnclosedAmbientStorage, Refrigerator, Freezer, DeepFreezer, CryogenicStorage, YeastIncubation, YeastShakingIncubation, BacterialIncubation, BacterialShakingIncubation, MammalianIncubation, ViralIncubation, CrystalIncubation, AcceleratedTesting, IntermediateTesting, LongTermTesting, UVVisLightTesting} or Disposal or Null.
DestinationWell
The desired position in the corresponding AliquotContainer in which the aliquot samples will be placed.
Default Calculation: Automatically resolves to A1 in containers with only one position. For plates, fills wells in the order provided by the function AllWells.
Pattern Description: Any well from A1 to H12 or list of one or more any well from A1 to H12 or any well from A1 to H12 entries or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: ((WellPositionP | {((Automatic | Null) | WellPositionP)..}) | Automatic) | Null
AliquotContainer
The desired type of container that should be used to prepare and house the aliquot samples, with indices indicating grouping of samples in the same plates, if desired. This option will resolve to be the length of the SamplesIn * NumberOfReplicates.
Default Calculation: Automatically set as the PreferredContainer for the AssayVolume of the sample. For plates, attempts to fill all wells of a single plate with the same model before aliquoting into the next.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or Automatic or Null or {Index, Container} or list of one or more an object of type or subtype Model[Container] or Object[Container] or a prepared sample or Automatic or Null entries or list of one or more Automatic or Null or {Index, Container} entries.
Programmatic Pattern: (((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null) | {GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)} | {((ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null))..} | {({GreaterEqualP[1, 1] | (Automatic | Null), (ObjectP[{Model[Container], Object[Container]}] | _String) | (Automatic | Null)} | (Automatic | Null))..}) | Automatic) | Null
AliquotPreparation
Default Calculation: Automatic resolution will occur based on manipulation volumes and container types.
ConsolidateAliquots
Protocol Options
Organizational Information
Template
A template protocol whose methodology should be reproduced in running this experiment. Option values will be inherited from the template protocol, but can be individually overridden by directly specifying values for those options to this Experiment function.
Pattern Description: An object of type or subtype Object[Protocol] or an object of type or subtype of Object[Protocol] with UnresolvedOptions, ResolvedOptions specified or Null.
Programmatic Pattern: (ObjectP[Object[Protocol]] | FieldReferenceP[Object[Protocol], {UnresolvedOptions, ResolvedOptions}]) | Null
Name
A object name which should be used to refer to the output object in lieu of an automatically generated ID number.
Post Experiment
MeasureWeight
Indicates if any solid samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should have their weights measured and updated after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are weighed regardless of the value of this option.
MeasureVolume
Indicates if any liquid samples that are modified in the course of the experiment should have their volumes measured and updated after running the experiment. Please note that public samples are volume measured regardless of the value of this option.
ImageSample
Example Calls
Basics
PreparedSample
If samples already contain digestion agent(s), they can be specified as prepared samples. This option also allows for samples with larger volumes to be run
SampleType
Specify the SampleType to indicate the properties of the sample. Organic, inorganic, and samples in tablet form may be digested
Mixing prior to digestion
Specify digestion parameters
Specify venting parameters
Specify dilution of the output sample
Warnings and Errors
Messages (63)
DigestionAgentsPrecision (1)
DigestionMixRateProfilePrecision (1)
DigestionTemperatureProfilePrecision (1)
InstrumentPrecision (1)
InsufficientPreparedMicrowaveDigestionSample (2)
MicrowaveDigestionAboveAmbientInitialTemperature (1)
MicrowaveDigestionAliquotExceedsReactionVolume (1)
MicrowaveDigestionAquaRegiaGeneration (1)
MicrowaveDigestionBannedAcids (1)
MicrowaveDigestionComputedSampleTypeMisMatch (1)
MicrowaveDigestionConflictingDigestionDuration (1)
MicrowaveDigestionConflictingDigestionRampDuration (1)
MicrowaveDigestionConflictingDigestionTemperature (1)
MicrowaveDigestionDilutionLessThanAliquot (1)
MicrowaveDigestionExcessiveVentingCycles (1)
MicrowaveDigestionIncompatibleContainerOut (1)
MicrowaveDigestionInvalidInstrument (1)
MicrowaveDigestionLargePressureReduction (1)
MicrowaveDigestionLargeVolumeConcAcid (1)
MicrowaveDigestionLargeVolumeDilution (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMisMatchReactionLength (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDigestionAgent (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDigestionDuration (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDigestionProfile (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDigestionRampDuration (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDigestionTemperature (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDiluent (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingDiluentVolume (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingMixingProfile (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingPreDigestionMixRate (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingPreDigestionMixTime (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingPressureVentingTriggers (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingRecommendedVenting (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingRequiredVenting (1)
MicrowaveDigestionMissingTargetPressureReduction (1)
MicrowaveDigestionNoDigestionAgent (1)
MicrowaveDigestionNoPreDigestionMix (1)
MicrowaveDigestionNoSolvent (1)
MicrowaveDigestionNotEnoughSample (1)
MicrowaveDigestionPossiblePreparedSample (1)
MicrowaveDigestionRapidRampRate (1)
MicrowaveDigestionSampleAmountPrecision (1)
MicrowaveDigestionSampleCannotBeCrushed (1)
MicrowaveDigestionTemperatureProfileWithCooling (1)
MicrowaveDigestionTimePointSwapped (1)
MicrowaveDigestionTooManySamples (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUncrushedTablet (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnsafeOrganicVenting (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnusedDigestionAgent (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnusedDiluentVolume (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnusedPreDigestionMixRate (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnusedPreDigestionMixTime (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnusedPressureVentingProfile (1)
MicrowaveDigestionUnusedTargetPressureReduction (1)
ObjectDoesNotExist (6)
Do NOT throw a message if we have a simulated container but a simulation is specified that indicates that it is simulated:
Do NOT throw a message if we have a simulated sample but a simulation is specified that indicates that it is simulated:
Throw a message if we have a container that does not exist (ID form):
Throw a message if we have a container that does not exist (name form):
Throw a message if we have a sample that does not exist (ID form):
Throw a message if we have a sample that does not exist (name form):
Possible Issues
Trace metals in reagents
As digested samples are often used in elemental analyses, only add reagents and diluents to the samples that are free of trace metals.
Vessel over pressurizes during experiment
If a sample reaches an unsafe pressure, venting occurs automatically. If this is not desired, lower temperatures or smaller sample volumes should be used.
Undissolved silicates left in sample
Last modified on Mon 8 Sep 2025 10:27:11