Portable miniature chromatographic column box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a portable miniature chromatographic column box which comprises a chromatographic column box body, a chromatographic column, a heating assembly for heating air and a temperature control heat dissipation module for heating and cooling the chromatographic column are arranged in the chromatographic column box body, and the temperature control heat dissipation module is located between the chromatographic column and the heating assembly; a gas inlet and a gas outlet are formed in the chromatographic column box, and the temperature control heat dissipation module ensures that gas in the box body flows smoothly and efficiently through the gas inlet and the gas outlet; the chromatographic column is provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature. According to the utility model, closed-loop control is formed through the synergistic effect of the heating component, the temperature control heat dissipation module, the air inlet and the air outlet in combination with the real-time feedback of the temperature sensor, so that the working environment temperature of the chromatographic column is uniformly heated, the temperature control precision is improved, and the device has excellent temperature increasing and decreasing capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of analytical instruments, specifically to a portable miniature chromatography column oven. Background Technology

[0002] Chromatography, as a highly efficient and precise analytical technique, has shown broad application prospects in various fields such as environmental protection, food, medicine, chemical industry, power, environmental monitoring, and environmental detection. It can efficiently separate components in complex mixtures and perform accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis using detectors, providing strong technical support for scientific research, production control, and quality control.

[0003] However, despite the numerous advantages of chromatography, traditional gas chromatographs are generally bulky, heavy, and difficult to move in practical applications. These characteristics greatly limit their application in on-site analysis. In existing technologies, conventional heating elements often use electric heating wires to directly heat the chromatographic column. However, due to the resistance characteristics of the heating wires themselves, the heating element requires a large structural design. This not only significantly increases the volume of the heating element but also causes uneven temperature distribution within the chamber. The larger column structure reduces heat transfer efficiency, increasing the temperature gradient in different areas of the chamber. Especially during frequent switching between high and low temperatures, local hot spots are easily generated, affecting the separation efficiency of the column. Furthermore, the complex and bulky structure, coupled with multi-layer insulation designs that often sacrifice portability, and the traditional heat dissipation channel design, often affects the accuracy of column analysis within the chamber.

[0004] This application is made in order to address the problems described above. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a portable miniature chromatography column oven, which specifically realizes a miniaturized, integrated and modular design. It has the characteristics of strong versatility, excellent heat preservation performance, fast heating and cooling speed and wide operating temperature range (-180℃-350℃). At the same time, it is easy to replace and maintain the components to meet the needs of different chromatographic analysis scenarios for equipment portability, efficiency and reliability.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A portable miniature chromatography column box includes: a chromatography column box body, wherein a chromatography column, a heating element for heating air, and a temperature control and heat dissipation module for heating and cooling the chromatography column are disposed inside the chromatography column box body, the temperature control and heat dissipation module being located between the chromatography column and the heating element; the chromatography column box body is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, and the temperature control and heat dissipation module ensures smooth and efficient flow of gas inside the box body through the air inlet and the air outlet; the chromatography column is equipped with a temperature sensor for monitoring temperature.

[0008] Furthermore, the temperature control and heat dissipation module is in the form of a hollow column with a diameter smaller than that of the chromatographic column. The bottom of the column is provided with holes for fixing. The outer wall of the column is composed of a pneumatic fan blade made up of a number of parallel teeth of the same size and regular shape evenly distributed, so as to achieve precise control of the internal temperature of the chromatographic column oven.

[0009] Furthermore, the heating element is located in the central area of ​​the temperature control and heat dissipation module. The heating element has an overall gear shape and is composed of multiple layers of fins with consistent outlines, providing a stable heat source for the chromatography column oven.

[0010] Furthermore, the chromatographic column housing comprises an outer heat-insulating shell, a heat-insulating material shell, and an inner heat-insulating shell; the heat-insulating material shell is disposed between the outer heat-insulating shell and the inner heat-insulating shell, and the inner heat-insulating shell is installed inside the heat-insulating material; the heating element device is installed on the inner heat-insulating shell, and the chromatographic column is installed on the inner heat-insulating shell.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer heat-insulating shell, the heat-insulating material shell, and the inner heat-insulating shell are respectively provided with an outer heat-insulating cover, a heat-insulating cover, and an inner heat-insulating cover.

[0012] Furthermore, the side wall of the chromatographic column housing is provided with holes for placing the two ends of the chromatographic column, and the holes are used for connecting and installing the injector and the detector.

[0013] Furthermore, a motor is installed outside the chromatographic column oven, and the motor is connected to a temperature control and heat dissipation module to ensure more uniform temperature distribution.

[0014] Furthermore, the temperature sensor is equipped with a control unit, which includes a controller and a control system. The signal receiving end of the temperature sensor is connected to the signal output end of the controller, the heating element is connected to the voltage output end of the controller, and the voltage input end of the controller is connected to the input power supply.

[0015] Furthermore, the chromatographic column housing is one of a rectangular, cylindrical, or polygonal shape.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] This utility model discloses a chromatography column oven that integrates a heating element and a temperature control and heat dissipation module. Through the synergistic action of the heating element, the temperature control and heat dissipation module, and the inlet and outlet ports, combined with real-time feedback from a temperature sensor, a closed-loop control is formed. This ensures that the working environment temperature of the chromatography column within the oven is uniformly heated and can be rapidly increased or decreased, improving temperature control accuracy and providing excellent heating and cooling capabilities. Furthermore, the compact modular design achieves miniaturization of the column oven. This not only makes the entire column oven smaller and lighter, facilitating on-site analysis, but also allows users to quickly remove or install different columns without disassembling the entire oven, significantly reducing replacement time and achieving plug-and-play functionality.

[0018] Furthermore, the modular design makes the replacement and maintenance of each module component exceptionally convenient, extending the service life of the column oven. The miniature column oven is constructed entirely of stainless steel with a mirror finish, combined with a multi-layer insulation structure made of environmentally friendly materials, reducing interference from the external environment and effectively improving its thermal insulation performance. This allows the column oven to handle various complex analytical needs and achieve thorough separation of complex mixtures. The modular design also makes column replacement extremely convenient for different application scenarios. Simultaneously, this column oven is highly versatile, meeting the needs of isothermal analysis, providing a stable and uniform temperature environment for the analytical process; it can also adapt to programmed temperature rise requirements, precisely controlling temperature changes according to a preset temperature program, providing strong support for diverse analytical experiments and further enhancing the reliability of the column oven. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 An exploded view of the structure of a portable miniature chromatography column box provided by this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 A side view of a portable miniature chromatography column oven provided by this utility model.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 1-Insulated outer cover, 2-Insulated cover, 3-Insulated inner cover, 4-Heating component, 5-Temperature control and heat dissipation module, 6-Chromatographic column, 7-Temperature sensor, 8-Fixing bracket, 9-Insulated inner shell, 10-Insulated material shell, 11-Insulated outer shell, 12-Air inlet, 13-Air outlet, 14-Motor, 15-Chromatographic column housing. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model; the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it 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. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. These descriptions are intended to explain the invention and not to limit it.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 2As shown, this embodiment discloses a portable miniature chromatography column box, including a column box body 15. The column box body 15 is a multi-layered thermally insulated box body composed of an outer heat-insulating shell 11, a heat-insulating material shell 10, a heat-insulating inner shell 9, an outer heat-insulating cover 1, a heat-insulating cover 2, and a heat-insulating inner cover 3. A chromatography column 6 and a heating element 4 for heating the column are housed within the column box body 15. Through the layered enclosure of the outer heat-insulating shell 11, the heat-insulating material shell 10, and the heat-insulating inner shell 9, the column box body 15 forms a highly efficient thermally insulated cavity, effectively reducing heat exchange between the interior of the box and the external environment. This allows the interior of the box to maintain a stable temperature environment for a long time, thereby ensuring the accuracy and stability of the chromatography column 6 during the analysis process. The multi-layered thermal insulation structure makes the column box body 15 respond to temperature more quickly and accurately. Whether heating or cooling, the internal temperature of the box can reach the preset value in a short time and remain stable. A stable temperature environment is the foundation for the reliable operation of the chromatography column 6. The multi-layer thermal insulation design of the column housing 15 effectively reduces the impact of temperature fluctuations on the performance of the column 6, enabling the column 6 to perform separation and analysis under optimal working conditions, thereby improving the accuracy and repeatability of the analysis.

[0028] In this embodiment, the chromatographic column 6 is fixed to the heat-insulating inner shell 3 by the fixing bracket 8, and a temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 is provided in the middle of the chromatographic column 6. This module is a cylindrical annular structure with uniformly arranged pneumatic fan blades on its surface. Specifically, these are fan blade assemblies that rotate and mix air. The bottom of the fan blade assembly has holes, and a high-temperature resistant motor 14 is connected via a long rod. Driven by the motor, the airflow is improved, enhancing the temperature control and heat dissipation performance of the chromatographic column oven. Furthermore, a heating element 4 is provided in the annular space in the middle of the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5. The heating element 4 has a gear-like shape, specifically a cylindrical finned heat sink. Its exterior is composed of multiple layers of fins with consistent contours. The more fins the heating element has, the better and more uniform its heat dissipation effect. Specifically, more fins increase the heat dissipation area, allowing heat to be dissipated more quickly and widely into the surrounding environment, providing a stable heat source for the chromatographic column oven. Simultaneously, it efficiently dissipates heat, preventing adverse effects on other components within the chromatographic column oven due to localized overheating. Furthermore, the heating element 4 is mounted on the insulated inner cover 3, simplifying the equipment maintenance process. When maintenance or replacement of the heating element is required, the user does not need to disassemble the entire chromatographic column housing 15; they can easily access the internal components simply by opening the top cover, thereby significantly reducing maintenance and replacement time and complexity.

[0029] When the heating element 4 and the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 work together, the temperature inside the micro-chromatographic column oven can quickly reach the preset value, effectively increasing the heat dissipation area and maintaining stability. That is, the heating element 4 can rapidly convert electrical energy into heat energy, and through its surface fin structure, it evenly transfers the heat to the chromatographic column 6 via the rotation of the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5, eliminating local hot spots, preventing malfunctions of the chromatographic column 6, and extending the column's lifespan. Simultaneously, the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 can quickly and evenly dissipate the heat generated by the heating element 4 into the inner cavity of the column oven 15, ensuring the temperature uniformity of the chromatographic column 6. Furthermore, the movement of the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 also helps promote air circulation within the oven, further improving heat dissipation efficiency. This combination not only achieves efficient heating but also ensures uniform heat distribution and rapid dissipation.

[0030] In this embodiment, an air inlet 12 and an air outlet 13 are also provided on the same side of the column housing. These two outlets are not simply opened, but are directly connected to the interior of the column housing 15, forming a highly efficient gas flow channel. Using an air pump as a power source, air or other inert gases are supplied to the air inlet 12. Furthermore, in some special application scenarios with higher requirements for cooling speed and effect, cryogenic gases such as liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and carbon dioxide can be introduced into the air inlet, or a semiconductor cooling chip can be used to pre-cool the gas to be introduced, thereby achieving a more rapid cooling effect.

[0031] When the gas pump starts, gas rapidly enters the chamber of the chromatography column oven through the inlet 12. As the gas continuously flows in, it works in conjunction with the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 to quickly compress and push the existing hot air inside the chamber, ultimately expelling it through the outlet 13. This allows the chromatography column oven to efficiently displace the hot air inside, rapidly reducing the temperature to a suitable range. This provides a stable working environment for the chromatography column 6, protecting its performance, improving the accuracy and reproducibility of chromatographic analysis, and reducing the residence time of the chromatography column oven 15 at high temperatures. This reduces thermal stress damage to the chromatography column oven 15 and extends its service life. Compared to traditional cooling methods, this significantly shortens the cooling time, achieving a highly efficient and rapid cooling effect. In this embodiment, the chromatography column 6 is also equipped with a temperature sensor 7, allowing for real-time and precise monitoring of its operating temperature. The temperature sensor 7, combined with the control system and controller, enables intelligent temperature adjustment of the chromatography column 6. When temperature sensor 7 detects a temperature deviation from the set value, the control system can automatically adjust the power of heating component 4 or the rotation speed of temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 to quickly restore and maintain the set temperature. Temperature sensor 7 also has early warning and protection functions. When the temperature of chromatographic column 6 is too high or too low, potentially adversely affecting its performance or lifespan, temperature sensor 7 will promptly send an early warning signal to the control system. The control system can then take appropriate protective measures based on the early warning signal.

[0032] In this embodiment, the sidewall is also provided with placement holes at both ends of the chromatographic column 6. These two holes are respectively connected to the injector and the detector, providing an efficient and smooth channel for sample introduction and discharge. During sample introduction, the injector, through the connected holes, can accurately and stably deliver the sample to the starting end of the chromatographic column 6, avoiding sample loss and contamination during introduction and ensuring the accuracy of the sample's initial state. During sample discharge, the sample, after separation and analysis by the chromatographic column 6, smoothly enters the detector through the other connected hole, ensuring effective separation and timely detection of the sample, without missing any critical information, thus improving the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. The chromatographic column housing 15 can be cubic, cylindrical, or polygonal. This diverse design can meet the needs of different application scenarios, improving the adaptability, flexibility, and versatility of the chromatographic column housing. In this invention, the external dimensions of the insulating outer shell 11 can be set to a length of 50mm-150mm, a width of 50mm-150mm, and a height of 40mm-160mm. This relatively small size range makes the chromatography column oven lighter and easier for operators to carry and move. This advantage is particularly evident in scenarios requiring on-site testing or mobile experiments, allowing operators to easily take the equipment to different locations, improving work flexibility and efficiency. Furthermore, in situations with limited laboratory space, it frees up more space for other experimental equipment or operations, optimizing laboratory layout and resource allocation. Simultaneously, the smaller size also helps reduce heat buildup inside the equipment, improving the stability and reliability of the chromatography column oven, and reducing costs.

[0033] The working process of this embodiment is as follows: At room temperature, the sample is mixed with nitrogen as a carrier gas to form a sample gas mixture. This sample gas mixture is then introduced into the chromatographic column 3 through one end of the column. During this process, to ensure separation efficiency, the operating temperature of the chromatographic column 6 is monitored in real time by a temperature sensor 7, and the monitored temperature signal is transmitted to the controller in real time. Upon receiving the signal, the controller immediately adjusts the voltage output of the heating element 4 dynamically based on the difference between the preset ideal temperature value and the actual temperature value, thereby precisely controlling the heating power to achieve accurate temperature control of the chromatographic column 6. Once the temperature of the chromatographic column 6 reaches the preset set value, the control system automatically switches to a constant temperature mode to ensure that the temperature of the chromatographic column 6 remains constant during subsequent separation processes. At this constant temperature, the various components in the sample will be effectively separated in the chromatographic column 6 based on their respective boiling points. As each component moves within the chromatographic column 6, their movement speeds differ, resulting in different colored bands on the column 6. These bands flow out from the other end of the chromatographic column 6 in a specific order and are captured and recorded sequentially by the detector.

[0034] Working Principle: Temperature sensor 7 monitors the temperature of column 6 in real time and transmits the signal to the controller. Based on the difference between the preset temperature value and the actual temperature value, the controller adjusts the voltage output of heating component 4 through a control system (with a PID control algorithm), thereby controlling the heating power. A temperature-controlled heat dissipation module 5 agitates the air inside the column chamber, mixing the heated air to achieve temperature rise in column 6. When the temperature of column 6 reaches the preset value, the controller maintains the current voltage output, keeping column 6 operating at a constant temperature. Under these conditions, the multi-layered thermal insulation and the mirror-finished stainless steel shell structure reflect external heat, preventing heat loss through radiation, blocking heat conduction to reduce heat transfer to the outside, reflecting internal heat radiation to form a uniform thermal field, and preventing interference from the external environment, making the analysis process of column 6 more stable and effective. If cooling is required, the control system initiates a cooling program, introducing external air or inert gas through inlet 12 and expelling hot air through outlet 13. Combined with the high-speed operation of the temperature-controlled heat dissipation module 5, the airflow around column 6 is accelerated, carrying away heat and achieving rapid cooling.

[0035] Specifically, the casing of this invention is made entirely of stainless steel, a material with excellent strength and corrosion resistance, capable of adapting to complex operating environments. Its interior undergoes a mirror-finish treatment, resulting in a smooth, mirror-like surface. This treatment significantly improves heat conduction, allowing for faster and more even heat transfer. Structurally, this invention adopts a split, modular design. Both the heating element 4 and the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 are modular, offering high flexibility and convenience. When changing the chromatographic column 6 for different scenarios, operators do not need to perform large-scale disassembly and reassembly of the entire device; they can simply replace the corresponding module, greatly saving time and labor costs and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, this invention integrates the heating element 4 with the temperature control and heat dissipation module 5, as well as the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13. In this combination, the components work synergistically to exert powerful functionality. The temperature control and heat dissipation module 5 precisely regulates the temperature, the air inlet 12 and air outlet 13 are responsible for the orderly entry and exit of gas, and the heating element 4 provides a stable and efficient heat source. This synergistic effect not only significantly improves heating and cooling speed, allowing the chamber to reach the set temperature quickly and cool down rapidly when needed, but also provides a wide heating range to meet the diverse temperature requirements of different analytical samples. Furthermore, it offers a wide heating range and a multi-stage gradient heating mode for isothermal heating, greatly satisfying diverse analytical needs. These technological advantages make this invention a promising candidate for general-purpose or specialized analytical instruments, particularly in the pursuit of miniaturization, modernization, on-site analysis, and portable analytical instruments, demonstrating broad application prospects and enormous market potential.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A portable micro-chromatography column case, characterized by, The application relates to a chromatographic column box, which comprises a chromatographic column, a heating assembly for heating air and a temperature control heat dissipation module for lifting and lowering the temperature of the chromatographic column. The temperature control heat dissipation module is in the form of a hollow cylinder and has a diameter smaller than that of the chromatographic column, the bottom of the cylinder is provided with a hole for fixation, and the outer wall of the cylinder is composed of a plurality of parallel teeth with the same size and regular shape, thereby forming a pneumatic fan wing and realizing accurate control of the temperature inside the chromatographic column box.

2. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 1, wherein, The heating assembly is located in the middle region of the temperature control heat dissipation module, the heating assembly as a whole is in the form of a gear, and the outer part is composed of a plurality of fin plates with consistent profiles, thereby providing a stable heat source for the chromatographic column box.

3. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 1, wherein, The chromatographic column box is composed of a heat preservation shell, a heat insulation material shell and a heat preservation inner shell, the heat insulation material shell is arranged between the heat preservation shell and the heat preservation inner shell, the heat preservation inner shell is installed in the heat insulation material, the heating assembly is installed on the heat preservation inner shell, and the chromatographic column is installed on the heat preservation inner shell.

4. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 3, wherein, The heat preservation shell, the heat insulation material shell and the heat preservation inner shell are respectively provided with a heat preservation outer cover, a heat insulation cover and a heat preservation inner cover.

5. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 4, wherein, Holes for placing the two ends of the chromatographic column are arranged on the side wall of the chromatographic column box, and the holes are used for connecting and installing a sample injector and a detector.

6. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 4, wherein, A motor is arranged outside the chromatographic column box, the motor is connected with the temperature control heat dissipation module, and the temperature transmission is more uniform.

7. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 6, wherein, The temperature sensor is provided with a control unit, the control unit comprises a controller and a control system, a signal receiving end of the temperature sensor is connected with a signal output end of the controller, the heating assembly is connected with a voltage output end of the controller, and a voltage input end of the controller is connected with an input power supply.

8. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to claim 7, wherein, The chromatographic column box is in one of the forms of a rectangular body, a cylindrical body and a polygonal body.

9. The portable micro-chromatography cartridge case according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, ​

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