Portable field air vapor extraction device and extraction method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a portable field air water vapor extraction device and an extraction method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of water vapor extraction. The device is composed of the water storage module, the air exhaust module and the temperature control module, external water vapor is extracted through the air exhaust module and conveyed into the water storage module, the temperature control module controls the temperature near the air inlet of the water storage module, the water vapor is prevented from being condensed in advance in a pipeline, and it is ensured that the water vapor smoothly enters the bottom of the water storage module; efficient condensation and stable collection of water vapor are guaranteed. The device not only is low in cost, but also is suitable for quickly and efficiently collecting and analyzing isotopes of a large batch of air vapor samples under the field environment condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water vapor extraction technology, and in particular to a portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device and the extraction method of the extraction device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing equipment for measuring hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in air water vapor is mostly imported, such as the Picarro and Los Gatos Research series. These are expensive and difficult to deploy in the field for extended periods, which severely restricts the flexibility and economy of environmental hydrological and ecological research.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an air vapor extraction device that can balance flexibility and economy, is easy to carry, and is suitable for field use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, to address the technical problems of existing equipment for measuring hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in air water vapor, such as high cost, lack of flexibility, and unsuitability for long-term field deployment, this invention provides a portable field air water vapor extraction device. This device consists of a water storage module, an extraction module, and a temperature control module. The extraction module draws external water vapor and transports it to the water storage module. The temperature control module regulates the temperature near the air inlet of the water storage module to prevent premature condensation of water vapor within the pipes, ensuring smooth entry of water vapor into the bottom of the water storage module and guaranteeing efficient condensation and stable collection. This device is not only cost-effective but also suitable for rapid and efficient collection and isotope analysis of large quantities of air water vapor samples under field conditions.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device, comprising: The water storage module is used to collect and store the liquid condensed by the low-temperature condensation module; The air extraction module is used to extract external water vapor and transport it to the water storage module for condensation. The temperature control module is used to regulate the temperature near the air inlet of the water storage module, prevent water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe, ensure that water vapor enters the bottom of the water storage module smoothly, and ensure efficient condensation and stable collection of water vapor.

[0006] Preferably, the water storage module is a condensate test tube, and the air inlet of the condensate test tube has a short glass tube interface and a long glass tube interface. The short glass tube interface is used to connect to the air extraction module, and the long glass tube interface is used to connect to the temperature control module.

[0007] Preferably, the air extraction module is an air extraction pump, which is connected to the interface of the short glass tube via a rubber tube.

[0008] Preferably, the temperature control module includes: The first temperature controller is connected to the interface of the long glass tube and is used to heat the water vapor to 45°C before it enters the bottom of the condensate test tube, so as to prevent the water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe and ensure that a sufficient amount of water vapor enters the bottom of the condensate test tube to participate in condensation. The second temperature controller is located at the top of the condensate test tube and is used to maintain the temperature at the top of the condensate test tube at 100°C to prevent water vapor from condensing prematurely at the tube opening due to low temperature, and to ensure that water vapor passes through smoothly and condenses at the bottom of the condensate test tube.

[0009] Preferably, the cryogenic condensation module includes: A Dewar flask is used to contain the water storage module, and it contains a low-temperature medium to provide a low-temperature environment for the water storage module.

[0010] Preferably, the cryogenic medium is liquid nitrogen.

[0011] Preferably, it further includes: A battery module is used to power the vacuum module and the temperature control module.

[0012] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a portable method for extracting water vapor from outdoor air, comprising the following steps: Step (1): Assemble the above-mentioned portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device; Step (2): After assembly, first, fill the low-temperature medium into the low-temperature condensation module. Then, turn on the temperature control module. After the temperature reaches the set value, turn on the air extraction module to start extracting water vapor. After the preset time is reached, turn off the temperature control module and the air extraction module. Take out the water storage module from the low-temperature condensation module, wait for the water vapor to melt, transfer it to the sample bottle and write a label.

[0013] The portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device provided by this invention consists of a water storage module, an air extraction module, and a temperature control module. The air extraction module extracts external water vapor and transports it to the water storage module. The temperature control module regulates the temperature near the air inlet of the water storage module to prevent premature condensation of water vapor within the pipes, ensuring smooth entry of water vapor into the bottom of the water storage module and guaranteeing efficient condensation and stable collection of water vapor. Compared to existing technologies, it has the following advantages: (1) Low cost (several thousand RMB), cost is only a fraction of that of mainstream instruments on the market.

[0014] (2) It has a simple structure, is easy to carry, and can work continuously and stably in the field for more than 5 hours. It also has extremely high water vapor extraction efficiency. For example, under a relative humidity of about 60%, it can extract nearly 1 ml of pure water every 15 minutes, which fully meets the needs of subsequent stable isotope mass spectrometry for the determination of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in water.

[0015] (3) Temperature control module: Dual temperature coordination to improve condensation efficiency Composition: 45℃ temperature controller (D) + 100℃ temperature controller (E).

[0016] Advantages: The first temperature controller preheats at 45℃, preventing water vapor from condensing prematurely due to the low temperature of the pipeline before entering the condensation test tube, reducing gas path loss, and ensuring sufficient water vapor enters the condensation zone; The second temperature controller maintains a 100℃ temperature at the tube opening: This prevents water vapor from condensing and blocking the upper part of the test tube due to low temperature, ensures unidirectional gas flow, and allows all water vapor to condense efficiently at the bottom of the test tube (liquid nitrogen low-temperature zone), thereby improving the collection rate.

[0017] (4) Condensation module: Low temperature and high efficiency, ensuring sample stability Composition: Dewar flask (containing cryogenic medium (liquid nitrogen)) + condensate test tube.

[0018] Advantages: Liquid nitrogen rapidly condenses water vapor into liquid water in a low-temperature environment, and 0.8 ml of sample can be stably collected within 15 minutes (parallel experimental results are consistent), with high condensation efficiency; The bottom of the condensate test tube is designed to be immersed (flat or round): This maximizes the condensation area, ensures that water vapor fully contacts the low-temperature area, and reduces residual loss.

[0019] (5) Vacuuming module: stable drive to ensure experimental repeatability Composition: air pump + battery module + fixed 15-minute air pumping time.

[0020] Advantages: Stable pumping power; the battery-powered pump provides continuous airflow; with standardized time control (15 minutes), 0.8 ml of water was collected in three parallel experiments, verifying the operational stability and data repeatability of the device.

[0021] (6) Overall coordination: compact structure, adaptable to the needs of isotope analysis Advantages: All components are precisely connected via glass tubes and rubber tubes, ensuring a tight air passage and reducing external contamination; The condensate is stored directly in the condensate test tube, which facilitates rapid transfer to the sample bottle and is compatible with the subsequent determination requirements of the LGR laser water isotope analyzer and isotope ratio mass spectrometer, providing a preliminary guarantee for the accuracy of isotope data.

[0022] (7) Through laboratory comparison and verification, the results of isotope determination of water samples extracted by this method were compared with the direct determination results of ABB high-precision isotope analyzer, and the errors of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes were within the range of instrument error.

[0023] In summary, this invention achieves rapid, quantitative, and repeatable collection of water vapor through a synergistic design of "dual temperature control - high-efficiency condensation - stable gas extraction," making it particularly suitable for field scenarios requiring precise isotope analysis and demonstrating a balance between structural simplicity and functional reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the condensate test tube assembly. In the diagram, 1 is the water storage module; 11 is the short glass tube interface; 12 is the long glass tube interface; 2 is the air extraction module; 3 is the temperature control module; 31 is the first temperature controller; 32 is the second temperature controller; 4 is the low-temperature condensation module; and 5 is the battery module. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device includes: A water storage module 1 is used to collect and store the liquid condensed by the low-temperature condensation module 4. The water storage module 1 is preferably a condensate test tube, with a short glass tube interface 11 and a long glass tube interface 12 at its inlet. The short glass tube interface 11 is used to connect to the vacuum module 2, and the long glass tube interface 12 is used to connect to the temperature control module 3. The low-temperature condensation module 4 preferably includes a Dewar flask for containing the water storage module 1, which contains a low-temperature medium to provide a low-temperature environment for the water storage module 1. The low-temperature medium is liquid nitrogen. Water vapor collects at the bottom of the water storage module 1. The low-temperature condensation module 4 provides a low-temperature environment, rapidly condensing the water vapor into liquid water and collecting it. After the vacuum module 2 finishes vacuuming, the water vapor is transferred to a sample bottle, providing a stable sample for subsequent hydrogen and oxygen isotope determination.

[0029] The extraction module 2 is used to extract external water vapor and transport it to the water storage module 1 for condensation. Preferably, the extraction module 2 is an extraction pump, which is connected to the short glass tube interface 11 via a rubber tube.

[0030] Temperature control module 3 is used to regulate the temperature near the air inlet of the water storage module 1, preventing water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe, ensuring that water vapor smoothly enters the bottom of the water storage module 1, and guaranteeing efficient condensation and stable collection of water vapor. Preferably, temperature control module 3 includes: The first temperature controller 31 is connected to the long glass tube interface 12 and is used to heat the water vapor to 45°C before it enters the bottom of the condensate test tube, so as to prevent the water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe and ensure that a sufficient amount of water vapor enters the bottom of the condensate test tube to participate in condensation.

[0031] The second temperature controller 32 is located at the top of the condensate test tube and is used to maintain the temperature at the top of the condensate test tube at 100°C. This prevents water vapor from condensing prematurely at the tube opening due to low temperature, ensures that water vapor passes smoothly and condenses at the bottom of the condensate test tube, and ultimately ensures efficient condensation and stable collection of water vapor.

[0032] This invention also includes a battery module 5 for powering the vacuum module 2 and the temperature control module 3. The battery module 5 provides stable power to the vacuum module 2 (vacuum pump) and the temperature control module 3 (first temperature controller 31 and second temperature controller 32), ensuring continuous operation of each module in the field without external power, guaranteeing the portability of the device and the independence of experimental operation, and providing an energy foundation for the continuous and stable operation of water vapor extraction, temperature control, and condensation processes.

[0033] Terminology Explanation Dewar flask: A Dewar flask is a special container primarily used for storing and transporting cryogenic liquids (such as liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid helium, etc.) or high-temperature substances. It consists of two or more layers of walls with a vacuum in between to achieve excellent insulation. This design allows the Dewar flask to effectively reduce heat transfer, thereby maintaining a stable temperature for the contents.

[0034] The low-temperature condensation module 4 provides a continuous low-temperature environment for the water storage module 1 through a Dewar flask, which allows the water vapor regulated by the temperature control module 3 to condense rapidly into liquid water at the bottom of the condensate test tube. The design of immersing the bottom of the condensate test tube in liquid nitrogen maximizes the condensation area, ensuring that 0.8 ml of condensate is stably collected within 15 minutes (parallel experimental results are consistent), providing an efficient and reliable sample collection basis for subsequent hydrogen and oxygen isotope determination.

[0035] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a portable method for extracting water vapor from outdoor air, comprising the following steps: Step (1): Assemble the above-mentioned portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device. Details are as follows: Experimental setup preparation Module assembly and inspection: Connect battery module 5 to the vacuum pump, first temperature controller 31 and second temperature controller 32. Connect the vacuum pump to the short glass tube interface 11 of the condensate test tube through a rubber tube. Connect the first temperature controller 31 to the long glass tube interface 12 of the condensate test tube. Connect the second temperature controller 32 to the end of the condensate test tube. Ensure circuit safety and gas circuit tightness (no leakage).

[0036] Pour sufficient liquid nitrogen into the Dewar flask so that the bottom of the condenser tube is immersed in liquid nitrogen (the liquid level should cover 1 / 3 of the bottom of the tube) to create a low-temperature condensation environment.

[0037] Parameter preset Temperature control module 3 is activated: the first temperature controller 31 is set to 45℃ (preheating air inlet pipe), and the second temperature controller 32 is set to 100℃ (insulation and condensation test tube inlet). Debugging of vacuum module 2: Power the vacuum pump through battery module 5, and preset the vacuum time to 15 minutes (standardized experimental duration).

[0038] Step (2): After assembly, first, fill the low-temperature condensation module 4 with a low-temperature medium. Then, turn on the temperature control module 3. Once the temperature reaches the set value, turn on the vacuum module 2 to begin extracting water vapor. After the preset time, turn off the temperature control module 3 and the vacuum module 2. Remove the water storage module 1 from the low-temperature condensation module 4, wait for the water vapor to melt, transfer it to a sample bottle, and label it. Specifically: Introducing ambient gases Start the air pump to draw in outdoor air. The airflow carries water vapor through the preheating zone of the first temperature controller 31 (to prevent water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe).

[0039] Temperature control and directional conveying Preheated water vapor enters the condensate test tube. The opening of the condensate test tube is insulated by the second temperature controller 32 to prevent water vapor from condensing at the opening and blocking the gas passage, ensuring that the gas flows into the bottom of the condensate test tube in one direction.

[0040] Low-temperature condensation and collection Liquid nitrogen is immersed in the bottom of the condensate test tube. Water vapor condenses rapidly into liquid water at low temperature and collects at the bottom of the condensate test tube. The air was continuously pumped for 15 minutes. During this time, the temperature control and air pumping worked together to ensure efficient condensation of water vapor, and finally, about 0.8 ml of condensate was collected stably.

[0041] Sample processing and subsequent analysis Device shutdown and sample transfer After the evacuation is complete, turn off battery module 5, disconnect the gas line connection, and remove the condensate test tube. Transfer the collected liquid water in the test tube to a clean sample bottle, seal it, and label it (e.g., sampling time and location).

[0042] Isotope analysis adaptation The samples were directly used for detection by an LGR laser water isotope analyzer or isotope ratio mass spectrometer to determine the hydrogen and oxygen isotope composition. , This provides data support for environmental hydrological research.

[0043] Working principle: Through a synergistic mechanism of "air extraction drive - dual temperature control - high-efficiency liquid nitrogen condensation", quantitative and rapid extraction of water vapor from outdoor air is achieved. Battery module 5 ensures independent operation in environments without external power supply. The modular design improves portability and operational stability, making it suitable for in-situ water vapor isotope sampling needs in various outdoor scenarios (such as mountains and wetlands).

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will be described below with reference to specific test experiments: Water vapor extraction device test experiment 1. Experimental time and experimental environment The test was conducted at Shenzhen University (Yuehai Campus) on May 27, 2025. The weather was overcast or cloudy (Table 1), with no rain, which met the basic weather conditions for water vapor extraction.

[0045] Table 1 Experimental Record Sheet

[0046] The equipment list is shown in Table 2-3 below. Table 2 Equipment List

[0047] Table 3 Equipment List

[0048] 2. Experimental Procedure The test was conducted three times a day: 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, as parallel experiments. Before the experiment, the environmental conditions at that time, namely time, temperature, humidity, and weather, were recorded (Table 1).

[0049] Assembly (Figure 1): First, assemble the Dewar flask, vacuum pump, battery module 5, first temperature controller 31, second temperature controller 32 and condensate test tube in sequence. The vacuum pump is connected to the short glass tube interface of the condensate test tube through a rubber tube, and the long glass tube interface at the other end is connected to the first temperature controller 31. The second temperature controller 32 is installed on the upper part of the condensate test tube, and the bottom of the condensate test tube is placed inside the Dewar flask.

[0050] Vacuuming: After installation, fill the Dewar flask with liquid nitrogen. Then, turn on the switches of the first temperature controller 31 and the second temperature controller 32. Once their temperatures reach the set 45 ℃ and 100 ℃ respectively, turn on the vacuum pump to begin extracting water vapor and time it for 15 minutes. After the timer expires, turn off the temperature controllers and the vacuum pump, remove the test tube from the Dewar flask, wait for the water vapor to melt, transfer it to a sample vial, and label it.

[0051] The subsequent two parallel experiments were conducted according to the above procedure within the specified time, with the same timing for each evacuation. The volume of water vapor extracted each time was 0.8 ml.

[0052] 3. Water vapor isotope determination The collected water vapor condensate was promptly analyzed for hydrogen and oxygen isotope values. The specific procedure was as follows: First, the hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratio of the environmental water vapor was measured in real time (9:00, 13:00, 16:00) using an LGR laser water isotope analyzer (IWA-45-EP, Los Gatos Research). After cold trap sampling, different liquid standards were converted into water vapor of similar concentration using an LGR standard water vapor generator (WVISS), and then introduced into the laser water isotope analyzer for measurement to obtain the measured values. Three liquid standards were used in this experiment: GBW04458 (δ²H: –1.7‰, : –0.15‰), GBW04459 (δ²H: –63.4‰, : –8.61‰) and GBW04460 (δ²H: –144.0‰, (–19.13‰). By establishing a calibration line between the measured values ​​of these three standard samples and their true values, and based on the regression equation of this calibration line, the isotopic measurements of environmental water vapor are converted into true values.

[0053] The liquid samples collected in the cold trap were then analyzed using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (Delta V Advantage, Thermo Fisher Scientific). Each liquid sample was measured three times, and the three liquid standards were measured four times before and after the sample measurement. The results of the last two measurements were used as the calibration basis. The isotope ratios of the cold trap samples were also corrected using a similar method, and the average of the last two measurements (after correction) was used as the final result (Table 3).

[0054] Table 3 Hydrogen and oxygen isotope values ​​of water collected from water vapor and atmospheric water vapor

[0055] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device, characterized in that, include: The water storage module is used to collect and store the liquid condensed by the low-temperature condensation module; The air extraction module is used to extract external water vapor and transport it to the water storage module for condensation. The temperature control module is used to regulate the temperature near the air inlet of the water storage module, prevent water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe, ensure that water vapor enters the bottom of the water storage module smoothly, and ensure efficient condensation and stable collection of water vapor.

2. The portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage module is a condensate test tube. The air inlet of the condensate test tube has a short glass tube interface and a long glass tube interface. The short glass tube interface is used to connect to the air extraction module, and the long glass tube interface is used to connect to the temperature control module.

3. A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air extraction module is an air extraction pump, which is connected to the interface of the short glass tube via a rubber tube.

4. A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature control module includes: The first temperature controller is connected to the interface of the long glass tube and is used to heat the water vapor to 45°C before it enters the bottom of the condensate test tube, so as to prevent the water vapor from condensing prematurely in the pipe and ensure that a sufficient amount of water vapor enters the bottom of the condensate test tube to participate in condensation. The second temperature controller is located at the top of the condensate test tube and is used to maintain the temperature at the top of the condensate test tube at 100°C to prevent water vapor from condensing prematurely at the tube opening due to low temperature, and to ensure that water vapor passes through smoothly and condenses at the bottom of the condensate test tube.

5. A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The low-temperature condensation module includes: A Dewar flask is used to contain the water storage module, and it contains a low-temperature medium to provide a low-temperature environment for the water storage module.

6. A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cryogenic medium is liquid nitrogen.

7. A portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Also includes: A battery module is used to power the vacuum module and the temperature control module.

8. A portable method for extracting water vapor from outdoor air, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step (1): Assemble the portable outdoor air water vapor extraction device as described in claim 1; Step (2): After assembly, first, fill the low-temperature medium into the low-temperature condensation module. Then, turn on the temperature control module. After the temperature reaches the set value, turn on the air extraction module to start extracting water vapor. After the preset time is reached, turn off the temperature control module and the air extraction module. Take out the water storage module from the low-temperature condensation module, wait for the water vapor to melt, transfer it to the sample bottle and write a label.

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