Coupling unit for use in gas distribution network of gas chromatography system

Abstract

A coupling unit (1) for coupling gas conduits (51, 53) in a gas distribution network comprises a base portion (30) and a module portion (20). The base portion (30) comprises at least one base gas orifice, and the module portion (20) is provided with at least one module gas orifice, each module gas orifice matching a corresponding base gas orifice. Each base gas orifice is provided with a normally closed valve (60). The module gas orifices are configured for opening valves of the corresponding base gas orifices when the base portions and the module portions are joined together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas distribution network and components thereof, for example, a gas distribution network for an analytical instrument such as a gas chromatography system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a coupling unit for coupling gas conduits in a gas distribution network of an analytical instrument. Background Art

[0002] Systems for analytical chemistry such as gas chromatography (GC) systems are well known. Conventional gas chromatography systems may include an analytical column, an oven in which the analytical column is arranged, an injector for introducing a sample to be analyzed into the inlet of the analytical column, and a detector connected to the outlet of the analytical column to detect the eluent flowing out of the column. A gas conduit is usually provided to supply a carrier gas, one or more detector gases, and optionally an auxiliary gas.

[0003] US2022 / 0011279 discloses a carrier gas connection device capable of changing the carrier gas supplied to a gas chromatography channel. The carrier gas connection device comprises a channel adapter, a carrier block and a clamping system. A disadvantage of the known system is that when the channel adapter is removed from the carrier block, the carrier block passage is open and gas escapes into the atmosphere.

[0004] It is often useful to be able to replace components of a gas chromatography system, for example, in order to provide different injectors for different applications or to replace components for maintenance purposes. US 8,871,149 discloses a gas chromatography system in which replaceable modules, in particular injector modules and / or detector modules, are provided. Each module can be inserted into a base of the gas chromatography system, and its electronics and pneumatics are quickly connected to corresponding sockets. Gas conduits are provided between the gas connections to deliver a number of gases, such as carrier gas, air, H 2 and any other gases. The entire contents of US 8,871,149 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] When replacing or temporarily removing a module of a gas chromatography system, it is usually undesirable for gas to escape. Of course, it is possible to manually shut down the gas supply when replacing or removing a module, and to manually reopen the gas supply afterwards, but this is time-consuming and prone to error. In particular, when two or more gas chromatography systems are connected to the same gas conduit, shutting down the gas conduit to replace a module in one of the systems will cause undesired interruptions in the other systems. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides a gas chromatography system, the gas chromatography system comprising:

[0007] at least one gas distribution network,

[0008] at least one coupling unit, and

[0009] At least one gas chromatography unit.

[0010] The at least one coupling unit comprises a base part and a module part, the base part being connected to at least one gas distribution network and the module part being connected to at least one gas chromatography unit. The base part and the module part are removably coupleable and the base part comprises at least one valve.

[0011] The module portion is configured to operate at least one valve to automatically establish a gas connection when the base portion and the module portion are coupled, and to automatically interrupt the gas connection when the base portion and the module portion are separated.

[0012] By providing a module part configured to operate a valve (or multiple valves), when the base part and the module part are brought together, the valve can be opened to establish a gas connection, and when the base part and the module part are separated, the valve can automatically close. That is, removal of the module part can cause the valve to close.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base portion includes at least one base gas orifice, the module portion includes at least one module gas orifice, each module gas orifice matches with the corresponding base gas orifice, each base gas orifice is provided with a corresponding normally closed valve, each module gas orifice is configured to open the valve of the corresponding base gas orifice when the base portion and the module portion are combined together, each valve includes a movable valve element accommodated in the corresponding base gas orifice and an elastic element for keeping the valve normally closed, and each valve element is at least partially hollow so as to provide a valve gas channel passing through the corresponding valve element.

[0014] By providing each base gas orifice with a corresponding normally closed valve, it is ensured that no gas can flow out of the base unit when no module is connected to the base unit or when a module is removed. This eliminates the need to close the entire gas conduit. When the valve is not operated by the module part, the action of the elastic element will close the valve.

[0015] By providing the module gas orifices with valves configured to open corresponding base gas orifices when the base and module parts are brought together, it is ensured that gas can flow from the base part to the module part through the matching orifices when the base and module parts are brought together.

[0016] The movable element of the valve is thus configured to open and close the valve, and at least one elastic element keeps the valve normally closed. Combining the module part and the base part together (for example, by placing the module part on the base part) can cause the module gas port to open the valve. Removing the module part from the base part will cause the valve to close.

[0017] By providing a movable valve element which is at least partially hollow, a gas passage through the valve is provided which has a relatively low flow resistance. Thus, a movable valve element can be provided with a through opening which serves as a gas passage, thereby eliminating the need for gas to flow around the movable valve element, around which there may be obstacles.

[0018] The base part may further comprise at least one base gas port, each base gas orifice being connected to a corresponding base gas port via a corresponding base gas channel, and the module part may further comprise at least one module gas port, each module gas orifice being connected to a corresponding module gas port via a corresponding module gas channel. Thus, using the gas ports, a gas connection may be formed in the base part and the module part between the gas orifices and the gas distribution network.

[0019] In one embodiment, the valve gas channel extends at least partially through the valve element in the longitudinal direction of the valve element and at least partially through the valve element in the radial direction of the valve element. That is, the valve gas channel may lead to both the end face (when viewed in its longitudinal direction) and the side face of the movable element. In another embodiment, the valve gas channel may extend completely through the valve element in the longitudinal direction of the valve element.

[0020] The elastic element may be accommodated in a cavity in the base portion. In this way, the elastic element is protected from damage by external causes. In addition, the elastic element may provide little or no flow resistance to the gas flowing through the valve. The cavity may be part of a gas passage between a corresponding base gas orifice and a corresponding base gas port.

[0021] The elastic element may be accommodated between the movable valve element and the wall (eg, bottom wall) of the cavity. That is, the elastic element may exert elastic pressure on the movable valve element while being supported by the wall of the cavity.

[0022] The movable valve element may include a flange having a first side for supporting an O-ring and a second side for receiving an elastic element. In such embodiments, the elastic element may apply pressure to the second side of the flange of the movable valve element. The O-ring may be configured to seal the cavity and may be pressed against the inner wall of the cavity by the elastic element through the flange of the valve element.

[0023] The elastic element (also referred to as a resilient element) may include at least one coil spring. The at least one coil spring may accommodate at least a portion of the movable valve element, thereby at least partially encapsulating the valve element. The elastic element may include two, three or more coil springs. Alternatively or in addition, the elastic element may include at least one other spring, such as a leaf spring, or a piece of elastic or resilient material, such as rubber.

[0024] In one embodiment, a section of the valve element protrudes from the base aperture so as to contact the module portion when the module portion and the base portion are brought together. That is, the protruding section of the movable valve element can be pressed into the base portion by the module portion when the base portion and the module portion are brought together (e.g., by mounting the module portion on the base portion). This pressing (usually against the force of the resilient element) can open the valve.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the module portion includes a dummy module orifice configured to keep the valve of the corresponding base gas orifice closed instead of opening the valve when the base portion and the module portion are combined. By providing the option of a dummy gas orifice instead of a module gas orifice, it is possible to not select a gas and close the corresponding base gas orifice. That is, since the dummy gas orifice is configured not to open the corresponding valve and thus keep the valve closed, no gas will flow out of the corresponding base gas orifice. Therefore, the module portion can be configured to open the valve or keep the valve closed by providing an actual module gas orifice or a dummy gas orifice, respectively.

[0026] When a module portion includes two or more module gas orifices, it can be configured to open the base gas orifice (or base gas orifices) of the desired gas (or gases) while keeping any other base gas orifices closed. Thus, the configuration of the module portion can determine which base gas orifices are opened by bringing the base portion and module portion together, and which base gas orifices remain closed.

[0027] Combining the base portion and the module portion together may involve, for example, mounting the module portion on the base portion. In some embodiments, the base portion and the module portion may, for example, constitute the left and right halves of the coupling unit. In other embodiments, the base portion may be mounted on the top of the module portion.

[0028] The dummy module orifice may include a recess for accommodating a protruding section of the valve element. The length of the recess may be at least the length of the protruding section of the valve element, and the width of the recess may be at least the width of the protruding section. By receiving the protruding section of the movable valve element in the recess, no pressure is applied to the valve element, and the valve remains closed.

[0029] As described above, each valve may include a movable element housed in a corresponding base gas orifice and an elastic element for keeping the valve normally closed. The elastic element may be, for example, a coil spring. A portion of the movable element may protrude from the base orifice so as to contact the module portion when the module portion and the base portion are combined together. The module portion may then apply pressure on the section, which may result in the movable element being at least partially pushed into the base gas orifice and thereby opening the valve.

[0030] In one embodiment, the base gas orifice may include a second or additional O-ring for sealing against the module portion. In some embodiments, the base portion may be composed of two sections to facilitate accommodating the movable element and the elastic element in the cavity. In such embodiments, there may be a third O-ring to seal the cavity at the junction of the sections of the base portion.

[0031] The coupling unit may further comprise a connecting element for mechanically connecting the base unit and the module unit. The connecting element may comprise at least one bolt or screw. A single bolt or screw having threads over at least a portion of its length may be used, the corresponding threads being arranged in the base portion. Alternatively, two or more bolts or screws, or one or more clamps may be used.

[0032] The modular part may include a manifold, an injector and / or a detector. The modular part itself may consist of a module of a gas chromatography system, such as an injector module or a detector module.

[0033] The gas conduits may supply two or more different gases to the base portion of the coupling unit via respective base ports. The base portion may include two base gas orifices, but embodiments are possible in which the base portion has only a single base gas orifice or has three or more base gas orifices. For example, in a gas distribution system of a gas chromatography system, the base portion may be configured to receive four different gases having different gas functions:

[0034] - a carrier gas (e.g. helium, hydrogen, nitrogen or argon / methane),

[0035] - Make-up gas (e.g. helium, nitrogen or argon / methane),

[0036] - a fuel gas (usually hydrogen), and

[0037] - Oxidant gas (usually air).

[0038] Depending on the function of a particular module, one or more of these gases may be required. For example, an injector module may require only a carrier gas, while a detector module may require all four gases described above. Each gas having a specific gas function may be supplied to a specific gas port. For example, one base gas port may be dedicated to a carrier gas, while another base gas port may be dedicated to a fuel gas. However, in other embodiments, the base gas ports may not be dedicated to a specific gas function, and appropriate selection of gas conduits and / or appropriate arrangement of switch valves may be used to supply specific gases to the base gas ports.

[0039] The present disclosure also provides a gas distribution network, which includes at least one gas conduit and at least one coupling unit, as described above. The gas conduit is configured to supply gas to the coupling unit, preferably to the base portion of the coupling unit. Preferably, at least two gas conduits are connected to the base portion of each coupling unit so that at least two different gases can be supplied to each coupling unit. The coupling unit of the present disclosure may have a module portion that can select a gas from the gas supplied to the base unit by arranging a module orifice at the corresponding base orifice. When the module unit is provided with a dummy orifice at a certain base orifice, the gas supplied to the base orifice is not selected when the base orifice is closed.

[0040] The gas distribution network may further comprise at least one switch valve array for switching the gas connection between the two gas conduits. Thus, the switch valve array allows gas to be routed between the gas conduits. Specifically, the switch valve array allows the supply of various gas types to the gas conduits to be varied. The switch valve array may be computer controlled.

[0041] The present disclosure also provides a coupling unit for use in a gas distribution network as described above. The coupling unit or at least its base portion may have a length less than 50 mm, a width less than 50 mm, and / or a height less than 20 mm. For example, the length of the coupling unit or its base portion may be about 35 mm, its width may also be about 35 mm, and its height may be about 15 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the coupling unit or base portion may be less than or greater than its length.

[0042] The present disclosure also provides a gas chromatography system, which includes at least one coupling unit as described above and / or at least one gas distribution network as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a gas network according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0044] Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a gas coupling unit according to the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0045] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a gas connection unit in which the two parts are separated.

[0046] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional perspective view of an embodiment of a gas connection unit with two parts joined together.

[0047] Figure 5 Schematically shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gas connection unit in which two parts are joined together.

[0048] Figure 6 Schematically shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a gas connection unit in which two parts are joined together.

[0049] Figure 7 An example of a configuration of a gas coupling unit according to the present disclosure is schematically shown.

[0050] Figure 8 A gas chromatography system in which a gas coupling unit according to the present disclosure may be utilized is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present disclosure provides a gas chromatography system, which includes at least one gas distribution network, at least one connection unit and at least one gas chromatography unit. The present disclosure also provides other analysis systems, such as a system for analytical chemistry, which includes at least one gas distribution network, at least one connection unit and at least one gas chromatography unit.

[0052] A gas chromatography system may include several gas chromatography units, such as one or more injectors, one or more detectors, one or more chromatography columns, one or more manifolds, and optionally other components. A gas chromatography system or other analytical system may include a spectrometer, such as a mass spectrometer.

[0053] Specifically, the present disclosure provides a gas distribution network in a gas chromatography system, the gas distribution network comprising a gas connection unit having a valve that automatically closes when a module is removed. This feature makes it very easy to temporarily or permanently remove a module, for example for maintenance purposes, or to replace a module, since there is no need to shut down the gas supply sources of the various gases.

[0054] In addition, the present disclosure provides a gas network, which includes a gas connection unit that allows automatic gas selection. That is, the connection unit can be configured to allow a gas source to be automatically selected from two or more gas sources, or to select two or more gas sources from multiple gas sources. The connection unit includes a base portion and a module portion, which can be connected to the gas network, and the module portion itself can be a module or component of an analysis system or can be connected to a module or component of an analysis system through one or more gas conduits. This automatic selection can be achieved by providing a module portion having one or more orifices for desired gases and one or more dummy orifices for undesired gases. By providing a module with an appropriate combination of real orifices and dummy orifices, a selection can be made from available gases.

[0055] A module or module part may have, for example, two orifices. If two gases are required to be provided by the base module, both orifices may be real orifices. If only a single gas is required, only one orifice is a real orifice and the other orifice is a dummy orifice. The position of the real orifice relative to the base part determines which gas is selected.

[0056] It should be understood that it is also possible to use a coupling unit having only one aperture, and / or a coupling unit having three or more apertures. Figure 7 Explain this in more detail.

[0057] exist Figure 1 A gas network for use in an analytical system such as a gas chromatography system is schematically shown in a perspective view of FIG. 1 . The gas network 100 comprises several gas connection units 1, in this example four gas connection units, each of which is shown in an exploded view. Gas conduits 50 originating from a gas port block 80 are configured to supply gas to the various gas connection units 1. One or more gas sources (such as a carrier gas source, a supplementary gas source and / or a combustion gas source) can be connected to the gas port block.

[0058] At least four different gas functions are available:

[0059] - a carrier gas (e.g. helium, hydrogen, nitrogen or argon / methane),

[0060] - Make-up gas (e.g. helium, hydrogen, nitrogen or argon / methane),

[0061] - a fuel gas (usually hydrogen), and

[0062] - Oxidant gas (usually air).

[0063] Accordingly, a single gas (eg hydrogen) may provide two different functions and may therefore be supplied using two different gas conduits.

[0064] In some embodiments, one or more pumps for exhausting or storing waste gas may also be connected to the gas port block 80. The gas conduit 50 may be identified as the first gas conduit ( Figure 2 51) and the second gas conduit ( Figure 2 52 in). Note that the second gas conduits may lead to other connection units, where they may again be marked as first gas conduits. Not all gases need to be supplied to all gas connection units.

[0065] The gas conduit is connected to the base portion 30 of the gas connection unit 1. Figures 2 to 6 Explained in more detail, a module part can be connected to each base part to form a gas connection unit 1. When used in a gas chromatography system, relevant modules (such as an injector module, a column module or a detector module) can be integrated with each module part and / or mounted on each module part. The gas conduit can also be directly connected to the module without using a connection unit.

[0066] Figure 2 A perspective view of a gas coupling unit according to the present disclosure is shown. Coupling unit 1 is shown to include a base portion 30 and a base plate 30'. In the illustrated embodiment, base portion 30 is provided with ports for receiving a gas conduit 51 on one side and a gas conduit 52 on the opposite side. Gas conduit 51 may be a gas conduit from which gas flows into coupling unit 1, while gas conduit 52 may be a gas conduit into which gas flows from coupling unit 1. As will be referenced later Figure 6 As shown, the gas conduits 51 and 52 are connected via a gas channel inside the coupling unit 1 .

[0067] The base part is provided with two normally closed valves 60. The opening 39 in the base part 30 may be provided with an internal thread for receiving a screw 40 in order to connect the module part 20 and the base part 30. The module part 20 is provided with a corresponding opening 29 through which the screw or bolt 40 may extend. Instead of a screw or bolt, another fastening mechanism may be used, such as a clamp.

[0068] The module part 20 is provided with a port for receiving a gas conduit 53, which can lead to a device (such as an injector) mounted on the module part 20. Figure 2As can be seen in the figure, the base part 30 can receive two different gases, such as a carrier gas and a booster gas supplied via two gas ducts 51, and the module part 20 can have only a single gas duct 53. Therefore, the coupling unit 1 is configured to select one of these gases by establishing a gas connection with a gas having the desired gas function. In addition, the coupling unit 1 is configured so that no undesired gas flows into the module part 20. The mechanism for achieving this is shown in the following figure, where Figure 5 Shown along Figure 2 The section of line AA in Figure 6 Shown along Figure 2 The section along line BB in .

[0069] Figure 3 The cross-sectional perspective view of also shows the base portion 30 and the module portion 20. The base portion 30 is shown as being provided with a substrate 30', which closes the interior of the base portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve mechanism 60 extends beyond the upper surface of the base portion. In order to accommodate the protruding section 66 of the valve mechanism 60, the module portion is provided with openings, which are openings 27 and 28 in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, openings 27 and 28 are provided in the bottom surface of the module portion 20, while the valve mechanism 60 is provided in the top surface of the base portion 30. It should be understood that the base portion is shown as being below the module portion only as an example, and the base portion may be located above the module portion, with the valve mechanism arranged in the bottom surface of the base portion. In other embodiments, the base portion and the module portion may be arranged side by side, with the valve mechanism and the corresponding opening being arranged accordingly.

[0070] Figure 3 The base portion 30 and the module portion 20 are shown separated, and Figure 4 The base part 30 and the module part 20 are shown after being joined together and attached to each other by means of screws 40. Each valve mechanism ( Figure 3 60) includes a movable valve element 61, which will refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 This will be described in more detail.

[0071] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the line AA in FIG. Figure 4 , which shows the base part 30 and the module part 20 attached to each other. Two first O-rings 37 seal the base part 30 against the module part 20 at the valve mechanism, while two second O-rings 38 seal the base part 30 against the base plate 30' near the valve mechanism.

[0072] In the embodiment shown, the base part 30 comprises two valve mechanisms, each valve mechanism comprising a movable valve element 61 and an elastic element, which is constituted here by a spring 69. Each spring 69 is arranged in a cavity 33 in the base part 30 and rests on a base plate 30' into which the cavity 33 extends. The opposite end of each spring 69 abuts against a flange 65 extending radially from the movable valve element 61. Thus, as shown, when the base plate 30' is mounted on the base part 30, the spring 69 exerts pressure on the movable valve element 61 so that the valve mechanism is normally closed.

[0073] When the base portion 30 and the module portion 20 are brought together so that the valves are aligned with the openings 27 and 28, the two valve elements will be accommodated to some extent by the openings 27 and 28, respectively. Figure 5 The tip section of the valve element 61 on the left side will be received in the widened section 26 of the opening 27 to provide an improved mechanical connection between the base part and the module part. The widened section 26 may be wide enough to receive the tip section of the valve element 61. The length of the widened section 26 may be a few millimeters, for example between 1 mm and 10 mm, in some embodiments between 4 mm and 6 mm, but lengths exceeding 10 mm are also possible.

[0074] Note that in some embodiments, the widened section 26 may be omitted. In such embodiments, the opening 27 may have a substantially uniform diameter, which may be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the movable valve element 61. In such embodiments, the valve element 61 may not be able to penetrate into the module portion 20.

[0075] In most embodiments, the inner diameter of the narrower or regular section of the opening 27 will be approximately equal to the inner diameter of the movable valve element 61. This allows gas to flow through the valve element 61, which provides a lower flow resistance than the gas flow around the valve element 61. The coupling unit 1 can be designed so that the gas flow around the valve element 61 is avoided. This can be achieved by a small spacing between the valve element 61 and the narrowest part of the cavity 33, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0076] The opening or orifice 27 is configured to open the valve when the module portion and the base portion are brought together. That is, the module portion 20 presses the valve element 61 into the base portion 30, thereby compressing the spring 69. By doing so, the transverse section 63 of the valve element passage 62 connects with the base element cavity 33, thereby forming a gas connection between the cavity 33 and the module gas conduit 53 via the module opening 27 and the module passage 23. As will be referenced later Figure 6 As discussed, the cavity 33 may be connected to the gas conduit ( Figure 2 51 and 52) are connected to allow gas to be supplied from the gas supply conduit ( Figure 2 51) flows to the module gas conduit 53.

[0077] As mentioned above, Figure 5 The valve mechanism on the left hand side is opened, for example, by placing the module part 20 on the base part 30. The valve mechanism on the right hand side is kept closed by the presence of a wider or virtual opening or aperture 28, which is long and wide enough to accommodate at least a part of the length of the valve element 61, i.e., the tip section 66 protruding from the base part 30. As shown in Figure 5 3 that the right hand valve element 61 is not pressed into its corresponding cavity 33, thereby keeping the valve mechanism closed. It can be seen that the transverse section 63 of the right hand valve element passage 62 is not connected to the corresponding cavity 33. In addition, the O-ring 68 resting on the flange 65 is pressed against the shoulder of the base portion, thereby further closing the cavity 33.

[0078] Thus, when the module part and the base part are brought together, whether the valve mechanism opens or remains closed depends on the type of orifice it faces: a conventional gas orifice with opening 27 will open the valve, while a so-called dummy orifice with opening 28 will keep the valve closed. By providing the module part with the appropriate orifice, the required gas supply can be automatically selected. In addition, the supply of unwanted gas is prevented.

[0079] Note that when the module portion is removed from the base portion, the valve mechanism facing the conventional orifice will automatically close, thereby preventing gas from escaping. It should also be noted that in the embodiment shown, the dummy orifice 28 is not connected to any internal passage of the module portion, thereby further preventing gas flow.

[0080] Figure 6 The base portion 30 is shown along Figure 2 . It can be seen how the supply gas duct 51 and the return gas duct 52 are connected in the interior of the base part via the first channel 31, the cavity 33 and the second channel 32. The transverse section 63 of the valve channel 62 is shown extending across the width of the upper section of the valve element 61. The recess 34 in the top surface of the base part 30 accommodates the first O-ring 37, while the widened section of the cavity 33 accommodates the second O-ring 38, which seals against the base plate 30'.

[0081] The inner diameter D of the valve element passage 62 may be approximately equal to Figure 5 The inner diameter of the opening or aperture 27 shown in FIG.

[0082] As in Figure 6As can be seen in the figure, the structure of the coupling unit 1 is simple and consists of only a few parts. This makes the coupling unit reliable and easy to manufacture. In addition, the simple structure allows the coupling unit 1 to have a small size. Considering that thin gas lines are commonly used today, instruments are required to occupy a reduced amount of space, and relatively more (e.g., five or six) orifices need to be provided in a single coupling unit, it is important that the coupling unit can have a small size. In a non-limiting example, a coupling unit with five orifices can be square, with a size of approximately 35mm×35mm, and with a height of approximately 15mm (excluding the protruding tip section 66 of the valve). The inner diameter D of the valve channel 62 can be approximately 2mm. Therefore, it can be seen that some prior art valve designs will be difficult to manufacture with these small sizes. The simple design with a minimum number of parts disclosed in the present invention allows small coupling units to be manufactured economically.

[0083] Additionally, the coupling unit of the present disclosure provides improved ease of operation compared to prior art designs.

[0084] As described above, the module portion may include two gas orifices, namely a module gas orifice and a dummy gas orifice. This allows one gas to be selected from the two gases and flow into the module portion. In some embodiments, both gas orifices may be module gas orifices, so two available gases are selected. In other embodiments, both gas orifices may be dummy gas orifices, so no available gas is selected. In other embodiments, the module portion may include only a single gas orifice, which may be a module gas orifice or a dummy gas orifice. In other embodiments, the module portion may include three or more gas orifices, each of which may be a module gas orifice or a dummy gas orifice as desired.

[0085] It should be noted that a specific gas (such as helium) or a specific gas function (such as a carrier gas) can always be supplied to the same base port, unless a switch is used that allows changing the feed to different gas conduits ( Figure 1 The gas switching network of the gas in 50) in the module. Therefore, if applicable, the carrier gas will usually be supplied to the same base orifice. If the carrier gas is supplied to the base orifice, the module can select or not select the carrier gas by having a real module gas orifice or a dummy gas orifice, respectively.

[0086] Figure 7 An example of a configuration of a gas connection unit according to the present disclosure is schematically shown. In the above embodiment, the module part 20 of the connection unit has a real orifice or opening 27 and a virtual orifice or opening 28, such as Figure 7 This configuration allows the module to open one valve (on the left hand side in the figure) and keep the other valve (on the right hand side in the figure) closed. This configuration can be reversed, such as Figure 7As shown in b in FIG. 1 , the dummy opening 28 is arranged on the left hand side and the real opening 27 is arranged on the right hand side. Note that although the module part 20 is Figure 7 , but they may not be symmetrical in practice and may only be assembled on the base portion in a single way. It should also be noted that Figure 7 The coupling units are all rectangular, but circular, oval, square or polygonal designs are also possible.

[0087] exist Figure 7 At c in FIG. 2 , both openings are true openings 27, which means that when the module part is mated with the base part, gas can flow through both openings. Figure 7 At d in FIG. 2 , both openings are dummy openings 28, which means that when the module portion is mated with the base portion, no gas will flow through either opening. Figure 7 As shown at e and f in the figure, the number of openings is not limited to two, and embodiments in which the module unit 20 has only a single opening, or three openings as shown at e and f, or four or more openings are possible. When three openings are used, two of them can be dummy openings 28, as shown at e, or two of them can be real openings, as shown at f. The order of real openings and dummy openings can be selected so as to adapt to the requirements of the corresponding modules. Although the arrangement at e and f is linear, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other arrangements of the openings are also possible, such as a triangular arrangement.

[0088] Figure 8 An exemplary gas chromatography system in which a gas connection unit according to the present disclosure can be utilized is schematically shown. An exemplary gas chromatography (GC) system 200 is shown to include several gas chromatography units, such as a sampling device 201, a gas supply source 202, an injector 203, a GC column 204, and a detector 205. The gas connection unit 1 connects the gas supply source 202 with the injector 203 and the detector 205. The sampling device 201 can introduce a sample to be analyzed into the injector 203, as shown by arrow 70. Typically, this is done using a syringe (such as a micro-syringe). A fluid connector 90 connects the injector 203 to the column 204, and then connects the column 204 to the detector 205. The connector 90 can be composed of suitable column accessories.

[0089] The gas supply source 202 is connected to a gas network, which includes a gas conduit 50 and at least one coupling unit 1, as described above. In the example shown, the injector unit 203 can receive both pressurized gas and carrier gas through the coupling unit 1. Similarly, the detector 205 can receive supplementary gas and / or other gases through another coupling unit 1. Thus, the injector unit 203 may include a module unit ( Figure 220) or may be mounted on a module unit. Similarly, the detector unit 205 may include a module unit ( Figure 2 20) or can be installed on a module unit. Placing the injector unit 203 and the detector unit 205 on the base unit of their corresponding coupling unit 1 can open at least one gas orifice in each coupling unit. By using a suitable layout of the gas orifices, only the gas orifices that provide the gas required by the corresponding unit can be opened.

[0090] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a coupling unit for coupling gas conduits in a gas distribution network, the coupling unit comprising a base portion and a module portion,

[0091] The base portion includes at least one base gas orifice and at least one base gas port, each base gas orifice being connected to a respective base gas port via a respective base gas channel,

[0092] The module portion is provided with at least one module gas orifice and at least one module gas port, each module gas orifice matches with a corresponding base gas orifice, and each module gas orifice is connected to a corresponding module gas port via a corresponding module gas channel,

[0093] Each base gas orifice is equipped with a corresponding normally closed valve.

[0094] Each module gas port is configured to open a valve of the corresponding base gas port when the base portion and the module portion are brought together, and

[0095] Each valve includes a movable valve element received in a corresponding base gas orifice and a resilient element for keeping the valve normally closed.

[0096] At least one valve element may be at least partially hollow in order to provide a valve gas passage through the respective valve element.However, in some embodiments, a solid valve element may be used.

[0097] The coupling unit or at least the base portion may have a length of less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm (e.g., about 35 mm, about 30 mm, or about 25 mm). Similarly, the coupling unit or at least the base portion may have a width of less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm (e.g., about 35 mm, about 30 mm, or about 25 mm). The base portion may also have a height of less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm (e.g., about 15 mm, or about 10 mm).

[0098] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and that many additions and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gas chromatography system, comprising: at least one gas distribution network, at least one coupling unit, and at least one gas chromatography unit, wherein the at least one coupling unit comprises a base part and a module part, the base part being connected to the at least one gas distribution network and the module part being connected to the at least one gas chromatography unit, wherein the base portion and the module portion are removably connectable, and wherein the base portion comprises at least one valve, characterised in that the module part is configured to operate the at least one valve so as to When the base portion and the module portion are coupled, a gas connection is automatically established, and When the base portion and the module portion are separated, the gas connection is automatically interrupted.

2. The gas chromatography system according to claim 1, wherein The base portion includes at least one base gas orifice, The module portion includes at least one module gas port, each module gas port mates with a corresponding base gas port, Each base gas orifice is equipped with a corresponding normally closed valve. each module gas port is configured to open the valve of the corresponding base gas port when the base portion and the module portion are brought together, Each valve comprises a movable valve element received in a corresponding base gas orifice and a resilient element for keeping the valve normally closed, and Each valve element is at least partially hollow so as to provide a valve gas passage through the respective valve element.

3. The gas chromatography system according to claim 2, wherein The base portion further comprises at least one base gas port, each base gas orifice being connected to a respective base gas port via a respective base gas channel, The module portion further includes at least one module gas port, each module gas aperture being connected to a respective module gas port via a respective module gas channel.

4. The gas chromatography system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the valve gas channel extends at least partially through the valve element in a longitudinal direction of the valve element and at least partially through the valve element in a radial direction of the valve element.

5. A gas chromatography system according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the resilient element is received in a cavity in the base portion.

6. The gas chromatography system of claim 5, wherein the elastic element is accommodated between the valve element and a wall of the cavity.

7. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve element comprises a flange having a first side for supporting an O-ring and a second side for receiving the resilient element.

8. The gas chromatography system according to claims 6 and 7, wherein the O-ring is configured to seal the cavity.

9. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element comprises at least one helical spring.

10. A gas chromatography system according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein a section of the valve element protrudes from the base aperture so as to contact the module part when the module part and the base part are brought together.

11. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module portion includes a dummy module port, which is configured to keep the valve of the corresponding base gas port closed rather than opening the valve when the base portion and the module portion are combined together.

12. The gas chromatography system according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the dummy module aperture comprises a recess for accommodating the protruding section of the valve element.

13. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion comprises at least two base gas ports.

14. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion comprises at least four base gas ports.

15. The gas chromatography system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the module portion comprises at least one module port and at least one dummy port.

16. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each base gas port comprises at least one further O-ring configured to seal against a module part.

17. The gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a connection element for mechanically connecting the base unit and the module unit.

18. The gas chromatography system of claim 17, wherein the connecting element comprises a bolt.

19. A gas chromatography system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the modular parts comprise a manifold, an injector and / or a detector.

20. The gas distribution network according to claim 19, further comprising at least one switch valve array, the at least one switch valve array being used to switch the gas connection between two gas conduits.

21. A gas distribution network according to claim 20, wherein the array of switch valves is computer controlled.

22. A coupling unit for use in a gas distribution network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling unit comprises a base part and a module part, the base part being connected to the gas distribution network and the module part being connected to at least one gas chromatography unit, wherein the base portion and the module portion are removably connectable, and wherein the base portion comprises at least one valve, It is characterized in that The module portion is configured to operate the at least one valve so that When the base portion and the module portion are coupled, a gas connection is automatically established, and When the base portion and the module portion are separated, the gas connection is automatically interrupted.

23. The coupling unit according to claim 22, wherein The base portion includes at least one base gas orifice, The module portion includes at least one module gas port, each module gas port mates with a corresponding base gas port, Each base gas orifice is equipped with a corresponding normally closed valve. each module gas port is configured to open the valve of the corresponding base gas port when the base portion and the module portion are brought together, Each valve comprises a movable valve element received in a corresponding base gas orifice and a resilient element for keeping the valve normally closed, and Each valve element is at least partially hollow so as to provide a valve gas passage through the respective valve element.

24. The coupling unit according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the valve gas channel extends at least partially through the valve element in a longitudinal direction of the valve element and at least partially through the valve element in a radial direction of the valve element.

25. A coupling unit according to claim 22, 23 or 24, wherein the resilient element is accommodated in a cavity in the base portion.

26. The coupling unit according to claim 25, wherein the elastic element is accommodated between the valve element and a wall of the cavity.

27. The coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the valve element comprises a flange having a first side for supporting an O-ring and a second side for receiving the elastic element.

28. The coupling unit according to claims 26 and 27, wherein the O-ring is configured to seal the cavity.

29. The coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the elastic element comprises at least one helical spring.

30. A coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein a section of the valve element protrudes from the base aperture so as to contact the module part when the module part and the base part are brought together.

31. A coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the module portion includes a dummy module orifice, which is configured to keep the valve of the corresponding base gas orifice closed rather than opening the valve when the base portion and the module portion are combined together.

32. A coupling unit according to claims 30 and 31 , wherein the dummy module aperture comprises a recess for accommodating the protruding section of the valve element.

33. A coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the base portion comprises at least two base gas apertures.

34. A coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 33, wherein the base portion comprises at least four base gas apertures.

35. A coupling unit according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the module part comprises at least one module aperture and at least one dummy aperture.

36. A coupling unit according to any one of claims 22 to 35, wherein the base portion has a length of less than 50 mm, a width of less than 50 mm and / or a height of less than 20 mm.

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