Pycnometer with acclimatization chamber

Abstract

An arrangement for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample is provided, the arrangement comprising: a first chamber for containing the sample, at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber, a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first and second chambers, a pressure sensor, a plurality of gas paths including a plurality of valves, and a temperature equalization system configured to regulate at least the first, second, and third chambers to substantially the same temperature, the plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves being arranged and connected to, for example, allow gas from the third chamber to fill at least one of the first and second chambers and measure the pressure in at least one of the first and second chambers.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample in the field of pycnometry, and further relates to a manufacturing method for producing the device. [Background technology]

[0002] Pycnometer methods are used to determine the volume of solid or liquid samples (e.g., to determine true density). Here, a gas phase displacement or gas expansion method is performed, whereby a sample chamber in which the sample to be measured is located is filled with gas and the gas pressure is measured. The gas is then expanded into an expansion chamber and the resulting pressure is measured. Using the Boyle-Marriott law, the volume of the sample may be determined based on the pressure measurement and based on the known volumes of the sample chamber and the expansion chamber.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,095,437A discloses a pycnometer designed to measure the density of certain porous polymer samples. A computer calculates the sample density from the weight of the sample and the volume of the sample, determined by measuring the superatmospheric gas pressure in a gas reservoir when isolated from the sample cell and the equalized pressure established when the gas reservoir is placed in open communication with the sample cell. The gas reservoir is joined to a gas cylinder.

[0004] US Patent Publication 2017 / 0030817A1 discloses a true density measurement device that applies a gas phase displacement method. A sample chamber is pressurized by introducing an inert gas, and the gas is released into an expansion chamber. The volume of the expansion chamber is changed by inserting or withdrawing a volume changing member.

[0005] US Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0010196A1 also discloses a true density measurement device that applies a gas phase displacement method. The sample chamber can be closed with a lid that presses the edge of the opening of the sample chamber to seal the sample chamber.

[0006] Previously known pycnometers may have problems with long measurement times, in particular the need for long equilibration times and thus an increase in the time required for each measurement has been observed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid sample, which reduces the measurement time and / or improves the accuracy of the measurement results.

[0008] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims specify particular embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that any dependent claim may refer to any of the preceding dependent claims relating to multiple embodiments of the invention, even if the appended claims do not contain multiple dependencies. Thus, the submitted document includes all dependent claims referring to one of the preceding claims.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an arrangement for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising a first (e.g., sample) chamber for accommodating the sample, at least one second (e.g., reference or expansion) chamber connectable to the first chamber, a third chamber (e.g., acclimation chamber) connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first and second chambers, a pressure sensor, a plurality of gas paths with the gas inlet path including a plurality of valves, and a temperature equalization system configured to regulate at least the first, second, and third chambers to substantially the same temperature, the plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves being arranged and connected to, for example, allow gas from the third chamber to be filled into at least one of the first and second chambers and to measure the pressure in at least one of the first and second chambers.

[0010] The arrangement may be configured as a pycnometer. The third chamber may also be referred to as an acclimation or conditioning chamber for conditioning the gas contained in the third chamber to a temperature substantially equal to or at least similar to the temperature of the first and / or second chambers (e.g., with an accuracy of less than ±0.5° C. or less than ±0.1° C.). The gas used during the measurement may include, for example, an inert gas such as helium. [Outline of the embodiment]

[0011] In some embodiments, the mechanism may include two or more pressure sensors.

[0012] The gas inlet path may, for example, selectively allow filling the first or second chamber in two different measurement modes. In other embodiments, the gas inlet path only leads to the first chamber and is not connected or does not lead to the second chamber. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the gas inlet path leads or is connected to the second chamber, but does not allow connection to the first chamber. To allow the gas inlet path to be selectively connected to either the first or second chamber, several gas paths and respective valves are required, which are described in detail below. Thus, embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism for first filling the first chamber with gas and then expanding the gas into the second chamber during a later measurement. Other embodiments of the invention provide a mechanism for first filling the second chamber with gas and then expanding the gas into the first chamber. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to a mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid sample, and filling and expanding the gas may be performed in both directions.

[0013] The temperature equalization system may be implemented in different configurations in different embodiments, in some embodiments, the temperature equalization system includes two or more metal blocks that are separated from one another and are not in thermal contact with one another, with each block housing one or more of the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber.

[0014] That is, a first block housing the first chamber, a second block housing the second chamber, and a third block housing the third chamber may be provided. Each block may be equipped with a temperature control device such as a Peltier element for controlling the respective temperatures, and may be controlled separately by such a temperature control device.

[0015] In another embodiment, a first block may house the first and second chambers, and a second block (separate from and not in thermal contact with the first block) houses the third chamber, each block may be separately equipped with and controlled by a temperature regulator such as a Peltier element for regulating the respective temperature.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the temperature equalization system includes a metal assembly in thermal contact with the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of gas paths, and in thermal contact with at least one of the plurality of valves.

[0017] The metal assembly may house and / or include the first, second and third chambers, or may only be in thermal contact with these chambers. These chambers may be contained within the metal assembly, such as implemented as recesses or open spaces in the metal assembly from which the material of the metal assembly is removed, if the chambers are housed or included in the metal assembly. These chambers or at least one of these chambers may be manufactured, for example, by milling specific areas from a solid block of metal or from several metal parts, as will be explained in more detail below. In particular, if the metal assembly houses or includes at least one of these chambers, in particular all of them, i.e. the first, second and third chambers, the gas that may be present in one or more of these chambers may be quickly equilibrated to the temperature of the metal assembly with respect to its temperature. In particular, the gas contained in the third chamber may also be at a temperature of the entire metal assembly, which is equal to the temperature of the gas in the first and / or second chambers at the start of the measurement. Thus, when the gas from the third chamber is introduced or charged into either the first or second chamber, the equilibration time for the charged gas to equilibrate to the temperature of the first and / or second chamber can be reduced. As a result, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor may reach an equilibrium value after a shorter time range. Thus, this mechanism can accelerate the pycnometer measurement of the sample.

[0018] The metal assembly may comprise a single metal block, e.g., a block of aluminum, or may comprise several metal assembly parts connected to each other, e.g., by bolts. The first and / or second chamber (and possibly also the third chamber) may be established as respective recesses in the metal assembly or metal structure, which may be realized, e.g., by milling or cutting. In this case, the metal assembly may house the first chamber, the second chamber, and at least one gas path, as well as optionally the third chamber. Thus, the material of the metal assembly itself may form the limiting walls of the respective chambers. In other embodiments, the metal assembly may comprise recesses into which the individual containers providing these different chambers are inserted.

[0019] The third chamber differs from a mere gas conduit in that the volume of the internal space of the third chamber is substantial enough to allow the gas in the third chamber to be filled into one of the first or second chambers at a desired predetermined target pressure without the need to use any additional gas, for example from an external gas source. Thus, all gases required for a typical pycnometer measurement may already be contained in the third chamber at the start of the measurement. The third chamber may have, for example, a rectangular or cylindrical shape. The walls of each of these chambers may be made of a highly thermally conductive material, such as metal, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0020] The gas paths and valves may be arranged and connected to, for example, fill the first chamber with gas from the third chamber during the first measurement mode, and to fill the second chamber with gas from the third chamber during the second measurement mode. Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide mechanisms that allow bidirectional operation (i.e., filling the first chamber first, or filling the second chamber first, and then expanding gas into the second or first chamber, respectively), where gas is introduced into the first or second chamber from the third chamber providing gas that is already thermally equilibrated to the temperature of the metal assembly. Other embodiments provide only unidirectional operation from the third chamber as a fill source for the first or second chamber.

[0021] The arrangement may in particular be configured as a pycnometer suitable for measuring the volume of a solid sample and / or the (true) density of a solid sample. In order to determine the density of a solid sample, in addition to determining the volume of the solid sample, a determination of the mass of the solid sample may also be performed with the arrangement (e.g. by means of an integrated balance) or with an auxiliary facility. Alternatively, if the density of the solid sample is known, the arrangement may be suitable for measuring the volume of the solid sample, and then the mass of the solid sample may be determined from these two parameters.

[0022] The setup may be operable in a temperature range between, for example, 5° C. and 50° C. Thus, both the chamber and the gas path may be thermostated to a desired temperature within the temperature operating range mentioned above. In particular, all components of the setup that are in thermal contact with the measurement gas may be thermostated to the same operating temperature, for example within an error range of ±1° or less.

[0023] Solid samples may include foams and / or powders and / or compact samples or the like. The volume of a solid or liquid sample may be, for example, less than 0.1 cm. 3 ~1000cm 3 It may be in the range between.

[0024] The first chamber and the at least one second chamber may provide an internal volume or space bounded by a wall. The chambers may, for example, have a substantially cylindrical or cuboid shape. The chambers may, for example, be bounded by individual walls of the respective containers or by the material of a metal assembly with which, for example, the chambers may be in thermal contact or may be housed or contained.

[0025] The first chamber may, for example, include a lid or closure that allows the first chamber to be opened and closed. The lid may, for example, be configured with a gripping portion that allows a user to grasp the lid and engage the grip (e.g., by a rotational movement) with an engagement portion of the first chamber. Once the first chamber is opened, a sample may be introduced into the first chamber. After placing the sample in the first chamber (also referred to as the sample chamber), the first chamber may be closed with a lid, i.e., closed in an airtight manner.

[0026] By way of example, the relative operating pressure after filling of the first chamber or filling of the at least one second chamber may range, for example, between -1 bar (-100,000 Pascals) and 10 bar (1,000,000 Pascals). The lid may include a sealing provision for maintaining the gas in the first chamber at a desired operating pressure when the first chamber is closed by the lid.

[0027] The at least one second chamber (also referred to as a reference chamber) may not include a lid. The at least one second reference chamber may be connected to the first chamber when the third valve and the fourth valve are in an open state.

[0028] When a chamber is said to be connectable or connected to another chamber, it may mean that the gas contained in the chamber may freely communicate with the space or internal volume of the other chamber. Thus, for example, when a first chamber is connected to a second chamber, the gas in the first chamber and the gas in the second chamber may mix with each other and distribute across the first and second chambers to reach the same pressure and completely fill the free volume of the first chamber and the internal volume of the second chamber. When a chamber is said to be connected to a particular valve, it means that the gas contained in the chamber and / or the respective valve may freely communicate with the valve or chamber, respectively.

[0029] The pressure sensor may be configured to measure relative pressure, for example, with an operating range between -1 bar (-100,000 Pascals) and 10 bar (1,000,000 Pascals). The pressure sensor may be thermostated to have substantially the same temperature as the chamber and the valve. Even in the above pressure ranges, all gas paths, valves and all chambers may be gas tight.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the size of the internal volume of the third chamber is between 0.1 and 100 times the size of the internal volume of one of the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0031] The gas contained in the third chamber may in particular be pressurized at a pressure at least as high as or even higher than that required as the target pressure for filling either the first or second chamber. In particular, the gas filled in the third chamber may have a relative pressure of, for example, between 0.1 and 200 bar (10,000 and 20,000,000 Pascals).

[0032] The relative target pressure after filling the first or second chamber may be, for example, in the range of -1 to 10 bar (-100,000 to 1,000,000 Pascals). If the internal volume of the third chamber has the dimensions specified above, the gas required to fill either the first or second chamber may be completely contained in the third chamber, and there is no need to fill the first or second chamber with additional gas that has not been previously equilibrated and contained in the third chamber. Thus, typical measurement protocols can be followed.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third chamber encloses a metal material providing a high surface area, the metal material being in thermal contact with the metal assembly, the metal material comprising at least one of a fibrous web, a sintered structure, a bulk material, a mesh, a fleece, a fabric, a nonwoven, a woven, and a mat.

[0034] The metallic material may further include metallic spheres, metallic powder, or any other material that improves thermal conductivity between the gas and the chamber. If the metallic material is enclosed in the third chamber and in thermal contact with the metallic assembly, the gas in the third chamber surrounding the metallic material may be quickly brought to the temperature of the metallic assembly. Since the temperature of the metallic assembly substantially corresponds to or is equal to the temperature of the first and second chambers, the equilibration time for the gas to equilibrate to the temperature of the first or second chamber after the gas is filled into the respective chamber may also be reduced. The metallic material may be configured in several different ways. However, the surface area of ​​the metallic material is much larger than the surface area of ​​the metallic material when the metallic material is in a continuous or compact structure.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the metal assembly to a desired temperature, and an insulator surrounding the metal assembly.

[0036] The temperature regulation equipment may include electric heaters and coolers, in particular at least one Peltier element allowing heating and / or cooling of the metal assembly. The metal assembly may provide a significant heat capacity and may be an excellent thermal conductor. Basically, the temperature may be equal or at least very similar over the entire extent of the metal assembly. Thus, the temperatures in these different chambers and gas paths may also be substantially the same or at least very similar. Since the pressure and / or volume of the gas depends exclusively or sensitively on the temperature, providing equal temperatures in all relevant parts of the measurement may improve the reliability and / or accuracy of the volume determination. The provision of holes in the metal assembly may be easily achieved. This may make separate elements of the gas paths not or not necessary.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal assembly includes a first metal part housing a first chamber, a second metal part housing a second chamber, and a third metal part housing a third chamber, the first metal part being mounted in a lateral plane relative to a lateral plane of the second metal part, and another lateral plane of the second metal part being mounted in a lateral plane of the third metal part.

[0038] When the metal assembly is assembled from a first metal part, a second metal part, and optionally a third metal part, a facile construction that is easily manufacturable is provided. The interfaces between the portions of one or more flow paths between adjacent metal parts of the metal assembly may be provided with respective seals, e.g. O-rings, to prevent leakage at the mounting interfaces of the metal parts. This may achieve a compact design.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the multiple gas paths and the multiple valves include at least one of a first gas (e.g., supply) path including a first valve, one end of which is connected to the first chamber via the first valve and the other end of which is connected to the gas inlet path, and a second gas (e.g., supply) path including a second valve, one end of which is connected to the second chamber via the second valve and the other end of which is connected to the gas inlet path.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the system includes at least one of a third gas path having a third valve, one end of which is connected to the first chamber and the other end of which is connected to the pressure sensor via the third valve, and a fourth gas path having a fourth valve, one end of which is connected to the second chamber and the other end of which is connected to the pressure sensor via the fourth valve.

[0041] Any of the gas paths may be formed, for example, by gas conduits having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, where the gas paths are adapted to guide or transport the gas without substantially contaminating the gas, without absorbing any of the gas's components and without changing the gas's composition. The gas paths and the chamber may be suitable for filling or guiding any of the conventionally known measurement gases, such as noble gases or inert gases, for example nitrogen. In particular, helium may be used as the measurement gas. All the valves, i.e. the first, second, third and fourth valves, may be configured in essentially the same way, in particular as solenoid valves, further in particular as two-way latching valves.

[0042] The first gas path may be referred to as the first gas supply path since it may provide an opportunity to supply the measurement gas into the first chamber. The second gas path may be referred to as the second gas supply path since it may allow the measurement gas to be filled into the second chamber. The third gas path may be referred to as the third gas measurement path since it may be utilized during measurement to expand gas from the first chamber or to connect a pressure sensor with the first chamber to measure the pressure after the measurement gas is filled into the first chamber. The fourth gas path may be referred to as the fourth gas measurement path since it may be utilized during measurement to expand gas already contained in the first chamber (or second chamber) into the second chamber (or first chamber) through the third and fourth valves. In this situation, the fourth gas path connects the first and second chambers and also connects both internal volumes of both chambers to a pressure transducer or pressure sensor. According to embodiments of the present invention, a third gas path and a fourth gas path may be utilized to connect the first and second chambers with each other and with the pressure sensor.

[0043] The arrangement allows for the measurement of the volume of a sample in two different operating modes by providing a first, second, third and fourth gas path including respective first, second, third and fourth valves. In the first operating mode, the first (sample) chamber is first filled with a measurement gas, which is then expanded into the second (reference) chamber. In the second measurement mode, the second chamber is first filled with a measurement gas, which is then expanded into the first chamber. In both measurement modes, the sample may be placed in the first chamber. By providing two different measurement modes, characterized by opposite flow directions of the expanding measurement gas, a variety of different types of samples can be accurately and reliably measured.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises at least one of a fifth gas (e.g., vent) path having a fifth valve, one end of which is connected to the first chamber via the fifth valve and the other end of which is connected to a gas sink, and a sixth gas (e.g., vent) path having a sixth valve, one end of which is connected to the second chamber via the sixth valve and the other end of which is connected to a gas sink.

[0045] The fifth gas path may also be referred to as the fifth degassing path, since it may be utilized to degas the first chamber and / or the second chamber as well as the connecting gas paths after performing a measurement according to the first measurement mode. Alternatively, the fifth gas path may be utilized to degas these chambers and gas paths after performing a measurement according to the second measurement mode. Thus, only one degassing hole is required, which may be positioned anywhere within the device.

[0046] A sixth gas path including a sixth valve may be utilized to vent the system after measurements are performed using the first measurement mode. Alternatively, venting of the sixth valve may be performed after measurements are performed using the second measurement mode. Some embodiments of the invention include only one of these valves, i.e., the fifth valve and the fifth gas path, or the sixth valve and the sixth gas path. In this case, either the fifth valve or the sixth valve may be utilized (and present) to vent the system when any of the operational measurement modes are performed. In other embodiments, the fifth and sixth valves may be present as well as the fifth and sixth gas paths.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism further comprises a controller adapted to control the state of at least one of the first, second, third and fourth valves (and in particular the fifth and sixth valves) to selectively enable measurement of the volume of the sample according to, for example, a first measurement mode or a second measurement mode, in which in the first measurement mode the first chamber in which the sample is contained is filled with gas from the third chamber and then the gas is expanded into the second chamber, and in the second measurement mode the second chamber is filled with gas from the third chamber and then the gas is expanded into the first chamber in which the sample is contained.

[0048] The controller may be communicatively connected to these different valves via electrical and / or optical and / or wireless control lines. The controller may for example be communicatively connected to a pressure sensor in order to read out a pressure measurement signal.

[0049] Each of these valves may be adapted to be in two different states: open and closed. In the closed state, each valve may block gas communication between different sides of each valve. In the open state, each valve may freely allow gas communication (e.g., in one of these gas paths) across different sides of each valve. Each valve may include a simple solenoid valve that may be in a closed state unless specifically actuated by a control signal or control current. In other embodiments, a single current pulse may be provided to each valve configured as a two-way latching valve to switch the valve between the closed and open states.

[0050] The controller may be adapted to control the state of the first, second, third, fourth, and in particular the fifth and sixth valves, as further described below. By controlling the state of each valve, a measurement method for determining the volume of the solid sample can be performed. The controller may, for example, control the drivers of each of these valves, which may generate and send suitable driver signals in response to control signals, as sent from the controller, to adjust or change the state of each valve.

[0051] The gas inlet path may be connected, for example, to a gas container that holds the measurement gas. The gas container may or may not be in thermal contact with the respective chambers and valves. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the gas inlet path including the gas container (also called the third chamber) may be in thermal contact with the first chamber, the second chamber and the different valves thereof and may in particular be maintained at the same temperature as them.

[0052] No physical modification or rearrangement of any part of the mechanism may be required to employ the first or second measurement mode. The first or second measurement mode may be selectively established by simply appropriately switching the state of these different valves. This allows a variety of different types of samples to be reliably measured. For example, a first type of sample group may be best measured using the first measurement mode, and a second type of sample group may be best measured using the second measurement mode. A user operating the mechanism may, for example, simply input into an input interface the respective types of samples desired to be measured. Based on the input sample types, the mechanism may automatically switch to the preferred measurement mode, i.e., the first or second measurement mode, without any further user intervention / input. In other embodiments, the type of measurement mode, i.e., the first or second measurement mode, may be directly input by the user.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller is adapted, when in the first measurement mode, to open the first and third valves to fill the first chamber with gas from the third chamber, close the first valve, and measure a first pressure associated with the first measurement mode using the pressure sensor, for example while the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth valves (as well as the seventh and eighth valves) are closed (e.g. after an equilibrium state has been reached), and to open the fourth valve (and optionally the seventh valve leading to a further second chamber) to expand gas into at least one second chamber as well and measure a second pressure associated with the first measurement mode, which is adapted to calculate a volume of the sample based on both the first and second pressures associated with the first measurement mode.

[0054] The opening of the first and third valves may be performed simultaneously or at a later time. For example, the third valve may be opened (i.e., meaning that the third valve is set to an open state), and the first valve may be opened simultaneously with or after the third valve is opened. The first and third valves may remain open until the pressure in the first gas path as well as the first chamber and the third gas path (measured by a pressure sensor) reaches a target pressure, which may be in the range between -1 bar (-100,000 Pascals) and 10 bar (1,000,000 Pascals), for example. After the target pressure is reached, the first valve may be closed (i.e., set to a closed state), and a first pressure (associated with a first measurement mode) may be measured using the pressure sensor. This may measure the pressure with the pressure sensor until the measured pressure does not change by a configurable threshold, thereby specifying a limit / threshold for the rate of change. Thus, one may wait until the gas temperature in the sample chamber and the third gas path substantially assumes the temperature of the walls limiting the sample chamber and the material limiting the third gas path. Thus, the first pressure may be determined after equilibrium with respect to the gas temperature is reached. The first pressure may be measured while the first, second, fourth, fifth and sixth valves (and optionally the seventh and eighth valves) are closed.

[0055] After measuring the first pressure (associated with the first measurement mode), the fourth valve (and also the seventh valve, described below, optically) may be opened, allowing the gas to expand from the first chamber into at least one second chamber. Also, the second pressure (associated with the first measurement mode) may be measured after reaching an equilibrium state (particularly with respect to the gas temperature). Thereby, for example, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor may be tracked and observed until the measured pressure does not change significantly, and thus until this change falls below a threshold value after a predefined time interval.

[0056] The mechanism (e.g., including a processor) may utilize the (previously known) volumes of the first and second chambers in addition to the first and second pressures, and may utilize further calibration data as described in more detail below for volume determination.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the invention, the controller is adapted, when in the second measurement mode, to open the second and fourth valves (optionally the seventh valve) to fill the second chamber with gas from the third chamber, close the second valve, and measure a first pressure associated with the second measurement mode using the pressure sensor, for example while the first, second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth valves are closed (e.g. after an equilibrium condition is reached), and to open the third valve to expand gas into the first chamber as well and measure a second pressure associated with the second measurement mode, which is adapted to calculate the volume of the sample based on both the first and second pressures associated with the second measurement mode.

[0058] For example, the fourth valve and the second valve may be opened simultaneously or later. If it is desired to fill a volume larger than the volume of the second chamber with gas, the seventh valve may also be opened optionally. The seventh valve may connect the second chamber to another second chamber. The second chamber, and optionally another second chamber, may be filled with measurement gas until a target pressure is reached in the second chamber (and optionally another second chamber), as well as in the second and fourth gas paths. When this target pressure is reached, the second valve may be closed. Then, in particular after reaching an equilibrium state, a first pressure (associated with the second measurement mode) may be measured with the pressure sensor. During the measurement of the first pressure, the first, second, third, fifth and sixth valves, as well as the seventh and eighth valves may be closed.

[0059] After measuring the first pressure (associated with the second measurement mode), the third valve may be opened, thereby connecting the second chamber with the first chamber and allowing gas to expand across the second chamber as well as the first chamber and the third gas path. After an equilibrium state is reached (e.g., determined by observing the measured pressure, which does not change significantly over time), a second pressure (associated with the second measurement mode) may be measured. In the second measurement mode, the mechanism (processor) calculates the volume of the sample based on the first and second pressures (both associated with the second measurement mode), and optionally also based on the known internal volumes of the first chamber, the second chamber, the fourth gas path, and the third gas path.

[0060] Furthermore, the calculation of the sample volume in any of these measurement modes may be based on the volume of a portion of the first gas path, in particular the volume of the first gas path between the first valve and the first chamber. Furthermore, this calculation may be based on a portion of the second gas path, i.e. the portion between the second valve and the second chamber. Thus, according to embodiments of the invention, the volume of at least a portion of the gas path may be taken into account in order to calculate the sample volume. These specific portions of the gas path may be known in advance and may be stored, for example, as calibration data in an electronic storage device.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller is adapted to at least one of: after measuring the second pressure associated with the first measurement mode, open the fifth valve to allow the gas from the first chamber and the second chamber to vent to the gas sink; and after measuring the second pressure associated with the second measurement mode, open the sixth valve to allow the gas from the first chamber and the second chamber to vent to the gas sink.

[0062] This may provide for venting of the system to the same gas sink without physically changing any gas paths.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first, second, third and fourth valves (particularly the fifth and sixth valves) comprises a one-way valve whose input side is sealed.

[0064] The one-way valves may only be sealed on one side, i.e., the input side (also called the supply side). The one-way valves can only tolerate gas leakage from the input side of the respective valve, but not from the output side (outlet side). The one-way valves may have substantially smaller dimensions and size and weight compared to bidirectional valves sealed on both sides. This may reduce the complexity, size, and weight of the arrangement. Furthermore, the fifth and sixth valves, and possibly the eighth and seventh valves, may also include or be one-way valves with one sealed input side.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the following applies: an input side of the first valve faces towards and / or is connected to the first chamber; an input side of the second valve faces towards and / or is connected to the second chamber; an input side of the third valve faces towards and / or is connected to the pressure sensor; an input side of the fourth valve faces towards and / or is connected to the pressure sensor; and, when the third valve is in an open state, the input side of the fourth valve is connected to the first chamber; and, when the fourth valve is in an open state, the input side of the third valve is connected to the second chamber.

[0066] If the input side of the first valve faces or is connected to the first chamber, the first valve may effectively prevent gas from leaking from the first chamber through the first valve when the first valve is in a closed state. If the second valve faces or is connected to the second chamber, the second valve may effectively prevent gas from leaking from the second chamber through the second valve when the second chamber is in a closed state. If the third valve faces or is connected to the pressure sensor, it may prevent gas leakage through the third valve in a second measurement mode, for example, when a first pressure (associated with the second measurement mode) is measured after filling the second chamber. If the fourth valve faces or is connected to the pressure sensor, it may effectively prevent gas leakage through the fourth valve in a first measurement mode after the first chamber is filled with gas and the first pressure (associated with the first measurement mode) is measured. Thereby, the first and second measurement modes may be performed.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement further comprises at least one of a seventh gas path having a seventh valve and connecting the second chamber to another second chamber, and an eighth gas path having an eighth valve connected at one end to the first valve, the second valve and the gas inlet path and connected at another end to another gas sink. The eighth valve may have one end connected to the output side of the first valve and the second valve with respect to its input side and connected to the gas inlet path.

[0068] The seventh gas path and the second chamber provide the opportunity to initially fill the second chamber and the other second chamber with a higher volume or a larger amount of gas. This gas contained in the second chamber and the other second chamber may then be expanded into the first chamber. However, in the first measurement mode, the first chamber may first be filled with gas and the gas may be expanded into the combination of the second chamber and the other second chamber. This provides different measurement configurations depending on the size or volume of the sample or other considerations.

[0069] If it is desired to fill a volume larger than the volume of the second chamber with gas, then an optional seventh valve may also be opened. The seventh valve may connect the second chamber to another second chamber. The second chamber, and optionally another second chamber, may be filled with the measurement gas until a target pressure is reached in the second chamber (and optionally another second chamber), as well as in the second gas path and the fourth gas path.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mechanism further comprises a processor adapted to calculate the volume of the sample based on at least the pressure measurement and the volumes of the first and second chambers (e.g., using the Boyle-Marriott law), and an electronic storage device accessible to the processor and containing volume calibration data for the first and second chambers for calculating the volume of the sample.

[0071] The processor may, for example, include or execute a computer program loaded into a memory with which the processor is in communication. The calculation may utilize the Boyle-Marriott law known from thermodynamics. The Boyle-Marriott law may assume the validity of the ideal gas equation. In other embodiments, a modified equation may be utilized rather than the Boyle-Marriott law, which assumes ideal gas, to account for deviations of real gases from ideal gas behavior. The processor may be communicatively connected to a controller and may, for example, provide the controller with control signals for appropriately controlling valves according to the measurement program.

[0072] The processor may be communicatively connected to the pressure sensor to receive the pressure measurement signal. Furthermore, the processor may be adapted or communicatively connected to one or more temperature sensors arranged to measure the temperature of these different chambers and / or gas paths. The processor may receive a temperature measurement value of one of the temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of a metal assembly that houses (or is in thermal contact with) all the chambers and all the gas paths. It may then be assumed that all the sample chambers and gas paths have substantially the same temperature as determined by the temperature measurement sensor, or that the temperature of each of these different elements may be derived from the temperature as measured by the temperature sensor, for example with the aid of temperature calibration data.

[0073] It is to be understood that the features disclosed, provided, described or applied to the mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid sample, individually or in any combination, also apply to the manufacturing method for manufacturing the mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid sample, according to the embodiments of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an arrangement for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising the steps of: providing a first chamber for containing the sample, providing at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber, providing a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first and second chambers, providing a temperature equalization system configured to regulate at least the first, second and third chambers to substantially the same temperature, providing a pressure sensor, and arranging and connecting a plurality of gas paths including a plurality of valves to, for example, allow filling of gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first and second chambers and measuring pressure in at least one of the first and second chambers.

[0075] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an arrangement and corresponding manufacturing method, whereby the temperature of the gas in the first chamber (also called sample chamber) and the second chamber (also called reference chamber) and the third chamber (also called acclimatization chamber) are substantially the same. Thus, the introduction of the gas from the third chamber into either the first or second chamber does not upset the thermal system, thereby reducing the equilibration time until the temperature of the gas filled in either the first or second chamber actually assumes the temperature of the surrounding chamber walls (i.e., substantially corresponds to the temperature of the metal assembly).

[0076] Thus, the third chamber may function as an acclimatization or conditioning chamber, installed in addition to the sample and reference chambers, having a sufficiently large volume and sharing the same thermal control system as the first and second chambers. Thus, the temperature of the gas introduced into the sample or reference chamber has already reached the temperature that also prevails in the first and / or second chamber. This advantageously provides a pycnometer with the highest accuracy, since the temperature of the gas in these different chambers should ideally be uniform between the sample and expansion or reference chambers.

[0077] According to embodiments of the present invention, by filling the first or second chamber with gas from the third chamber, only gas equilibrated to the temperature of the first or second chamber is admitted to the first or second chamber. According to embodiments of the present invention, the waiting time until the first or another first pressure reaches a constant value is shorter than when using previously known mechanisms or devices. In prior art solutions, there may have been a large temperature difference between the operating temperature of the device and the initial gas temperature, which may usually be room temperature.

[0078] According to embodiments of the invention, the pycnometer measurements carried out with this setup may be carried out at gas temperatures between 5°C and 50°C. The corresponding target temperature may be adjusted using a temperature control facility or controlling the temperature control facility to a certain target temperature. In particular, if measurements are carried out with this setup at a target temperature different from room or ambient temperature, it may be particularly advantageous to already temperature control the gas contained in the third chamber to the target temperature before filling the gas into the first or second chamber. According to embodiments of the invention, the gas is introduced at the operating temperature (or target temperature) of the device.

[0079] The acclimatization chamber may be a third volume within a metal block or metal assembly. In particular, knowledge of the exact volume of the third chamber may not be necessary, and it may not be necessary to provide a pressure transducer to accurately measure the pressure in the acclimatization chamber. The acclimatization chamber may be connected to a gas source that provides a specific filling pressure.

[0080] To improve heat transfer between the gas in the third chamber and the metal material of the metal assembly, the interior space of the third chamber may be filled with a material (such as metal wool) that increases the surface contact area with which the gas contained within the third chamber can exchange heat, thereby allowing the gas contained within the third chamber to more quickly equilibrate to the temperature of the metal assembly.

[0081] In particular, the gas input line (e.g., from a gas source) may be connected directly to a third chamber or to the acclimation chamber. This may also be beneficial, since the input line may usually be at a higher pressure than the working pressure of the device. Hence, the acclimation chamber may hold more gas, which means that the residence time of the gas in the chamber before it is needed by the device is longer. Furthermore, the introduction of a third chamber into the setup may improve the measurement accuracy of the setup, and in particular the pycnometer.

[0082] Previously, the gas may have been admitted to the sample chamber (or reference chamber, depending on the measurement mode) at a temperature different from the temperature of the overall setup or metal assembly, and waiting for the gas to reach the temperature of the instrument may be critical. Multiple embodiments of the present invention reduce waiting times.

[0083] To know when the gas has actually reached equilibrium or the temperature of the metal assembly, one may usually track the pressure in the chamber until it stabilizes. This may require a definition of "pressure stability". Equilibration is usually considered complete when the pressure fluctuations in a certain time interval are below a threshold or limit, or when the pressure fluctuations over time are below a limit (e.g., the pressure changes less than 0.001 Torr (about 0.13 Pascal) / min). This parameter may usually be selected taking into account the measurement duration as well, so it does not always guarantee complete temperature stabilization.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a relatively strict threshold is selected to define that equilibration is complete. For example, the threshold that must be reached to determine that equilibration is complete may be set at, for example, 0.3 millitorr (about 0.04 Pascal) / min. Since the threshold may be stricter than traditionally defined, the measurement accuracy may also be higher than traditionally observed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0085] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of a setup for measuring the volume of a solid sample according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0086] [Diagram 2] 2 shows an exploded three-dimensional view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0087] The arrangement 100 for measuring the volume of a solid sample 101 shown in Fig. 1 includes a first chamber 103 for containing the sample 101, at least one second chamber 105 (and optionally another second chamber 106) connectable to the first chamber 103. Furthermore, the arrangement 100 includes a third chamber (also called an acclimation chamber) 185 connectable to a gas source 181 and connected to a gas inlet path 115 leading to at least one of the first chamber 103 and the second chamber 105. Furthermore, the arrangement 100 includes a pressure sensor 123 and multiple gas paths including multiple valves, which will be described in detail below.

[0088] The system 100 further includes a metal assembly 160 that is in at least thermal contact with, houses, or contains the first chamber 103, the second chamber 105, the third chamber 185, and at least a portion of at least one of the multiple gas paths, and is in thermal contact with at least one of the multiple valves.

[0089] The metal assembly 160 at least partially implements a temperature equalization system configured to temperature at least the first chamber 103, the second chamber 105, and the third chamber 185 to substantially the same temperature.

[0090] The gas paths and valves, particularly gas paths 107, 117, 123, 133, 125, 175, and 171, and particularly valves 119, 109, 135, 127, 151, 153, 155, and 157, are arranged and connected to enable, for example, gas from the third chamber 185 to be filled into at least one of the first chamber 103 and the second chamber 105, and to enable the pressure in at least one of the first chamber 103 and the second chamber 105 to be measured.

[0091] The arrangement 100 further includes a first gas supply path 107 including a first valve 109 having one end 111 connected to the first chamber 103 via the first valve 109 and another end 113 connected to a gas inlet path 115. The arrangement further includes a second gas supply path 117 including a second valve 119 having one end 121 connected to the second chamber 105 via the second valve 119 and another end 124 connected to the gas inlet path 115.

[0092] The arrangement 100 further includes a pressure sensor 123 and a third gas measurement path 125 including a third valve 127, the third gas path 125 having one end 129 connected to the first chamber 103 and another end 139 connected to the pressure sensor 123 via the third valve 127. The arrangement 100 further includes a fourth gas measurement path 133 including a fourth valve 135, the fourth gas path 133 having one end 137 connected to the second chamber 105 and another end 139 connected to the pressure sensor 123 via the fourth valve 135.

[0093] The arrangement 100 further comprises a controller 150 adapted to control the states of the first valve 109, the second valve 119, the third valve 127, the fourth valve 135, as well as in particular the states of the fifth valve 151, the sixth valve 153, the seventh valve 155 and the eighth valve 157, for example to enable the measurement of the volume of the sample selectively according to a first measurement mode or a second measurement mode. Thus, the controller receives a pressure measurement signal 166 from the pressure sensor 123.

[0094] In a first measurement mode, the first chamber 103 containing the sample 101 is filled with gas from the gas inlet path 115, which is then expanded into the second chamber 105. In a second measurement mode, the second chamber 105 is filled with gas from the gas inlet path 115, which is then expanded into the first chamber 103 containing the sample 101. In both the first and second measurement modes, gas is vented through the gas sink 159.

[0095] The controller 150 provides valve control signals 161 to the respective valves to control the valves. When in the first measurement mode, the controller 150 is adapted to cause the control signals 161 to open the first valve 109 and the third valve 127 to fill the first chamber 103 with gas from the gas inlet path 115, close the first valve 109, and measure a first pressure (associated with the first measurement mode) using the pressure sensor 123. Furthermore, the controller 150 causes the fourth valve 135 and optionally the seventh valve 155 to open to allow gas to expand through the seventh valve 155 into at least one second chamber 105 and in particular, optionally into another second chamber 106. A second pressure (associated with the first measurement mode) may then be measured, and a processor 163 included in the controller 150 calculates the volume of the sample 101 based on the first and second pressures.

[0096] When in the second measurement mode, the controller 150 is adapted to open the second valve 119 and the fourth valve 135 to allow the second chamber 105 (and optionally the other second chamber 106 by further opening the seventh valve 155) to fill with gas from the gas entry path. A first pressure (associated with the second measurement mode) may then be measured using the pressure sensor 123. Furthermore, the controller 150 opens the third valve 127 to allow the gas to expand into the first chamber 103 and a second pressure (associated with the second measurement mode) to be measured. The processor 163 is then adapted to calculate the volume of the sample 101 based on the first pressure and the second pressure (both associated with the second measurement mode).

[0097] For degassing purposes, the arrangement 100 includes a fifth degassing path 165 including a fifth valve 151, which has one end 167 connected to the first chamber 103 via the fifth valve 151 and the other end 169 connected to a gas sink 159. The arrangement further includes a sixth degassing path 171 including a sixth valve 153, which has one end 173 connected to the second chamber 105 and the other end 175 connected to the gas sink 159.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve is implemented or configured as a one-way two-way latching valve having an input side and an output side or a supply side and an outlet side. Here, the supply side or the input side is indicated by an open circle, and the output side is indicated by a black or filled circle. As can be seen from FIG. 1 , the input side of the first valve 109 faces the first chamber 103. Furthermore, the input side of the second valve 119 faces the second chamber 105. Furthermore, the input side of the third valve 127 faces the pressure sensor 123. Furthermore, the input side of the fourth valve 135 also faces the pressure sensor 123. Furthermore, when the third valve 127 is in an open state, the input side of the fourth valve 135 is connected to the first chamber 103. Furthermore, when the fourth valve 135 is in an open state, the input side of the third valve 127 is connected to the second chamber 105.

[0099] The system 100 further includes an eighth valve 157 having one end connected to the first valve 109, the second valve 119, and the gas inlet path 115 and another end connected to another gas sink 177. The system 100, and in particular the controller 150, includes an electronic memory device 183 that contains volumetric and / or temperature calibration data.

[0100] Gas entry path 115 includes a gas supply valve 179 that is connected to a gas container 181. Gas entry path 115 may or may not include an acclimation chamber 185. Thus, in some embodiments, the acclimation chamber 185 is not present.

[0101] However, the arrangement 100 shown in FIG. 1 further includes a third chamber 185 for acclimatization purposes, which is connected to the gas supply 181, 179 and provides a gas inlet path 115 in the first gas path 107 and the second gas path 117. Here, the third chamber 185 is in thermal contact with or housed in the metal assembly 160. The metal assembly 160 is also in thermal contact with or housed in the first chamber 103, the second chamber 105, and the gas paths 107, 117, 133, 125, 165, 171 and all the valves 109, 151, 153, 155, 135, 127, 119, 157. A temperature control device 162, including, for example, a Peltier element, is further provided and is in thermal contact with the metal assembly 160 to control the temperature of the metal assembly 160 to a desired temperature. The temperature control device 162 is controlled by a control signal 164 from the controller 150.

[0102] The third chamber 185 may have a volume, for example, in the range of 0.1 to 10 times the volume of the second chamber 105 or the first chamber 103. Thus, the third chamber 185 is not drawn to scale in FIG. 1. The third chamber may be filled with a mesh filter or metal mesh, not shown, for example a woven wire mesh filter. It is noted that the third chamber 185 is an optional feature of the arrangement 100 and may not be present in other embodiments of the invention.

[0103] 1, the sample chamber 103 is closed by a lid 104. To load the sample 101 into the first chamber 103, the lid 104 may be removed by a user.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the system includes a second gas path 121, a second valve 119, a fourth gas path 133, a fourth valve 135, a third gas path 125, a third valve 127, a fifth gas path 165, and a fifth valve 151. However, the system may only optionally include other gas paths and valves shown in FIG.

[0105] The size of the third chamber 185 may be substantially the same as the size of the first chamber 103 or the second chamber 105. It may be, for example, between 0.1 and 100 times the size of the first chamber 103 or the second chamber 105.

[0106] Figure 2 shows an exploded perspective view of an implementation of a mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid sample according to an embodiment of the present invention. Elements in Figures 1 and 2 that are similar in structure and / or function are labeled with reference symbols that differ only in the first digit. The description of an element not described in detail in a particular embodiment may be understood from the description of this respective element in the context of another embodiment or figure.

[0107] The arrangement 200 includes a metal assembly 202 including a first metal portion 210 housing a non-visible first chamber, a second metal portion 206 housing a non-visible second chamber, and a third metal portion 208 housing a non-visible third chamber, in which the first metal portion 210 is mounted (in the assembled arrangement 200) in a lateral plane relative to one lateral plane of the second metal portion 206, or another lateral plane of the second metal portion 206 is mounted to one lateral plane of the third metal portion 208, such that the first, second, and third metal portions are arranged in series.

[0108] The lid 204 for closing the first chamber housed in the first metal part 210 is also shown in FIG. 1 and includes a gripping portion 212 that allows the lid 204 to be twisted or rotated, including a hook 216 for engaging or disengaging with an engaging portion 214 connected to the first metal part 210.

[0109] As can be seen in FIG. 2, some or all of the gas paths are realized by holes in the metal parts 210, 206, 208. For example, the first gas path 207, the second gas path 217, and the sixth gas path 271 are partially shown as holes. Furthermore, it can be seen from FIG. 2 that the valves are mounted on the outer surface of the metal assembly 202. In particular, for example, the second valve 219 (or another valve) is surface mounted on the outer surface of the third metal part 208. The third metal part 208 may be covered with a plate 222. The first valve 209, the third valve 227, the fourth valve 235, and / or the fifth valve 251 (or others) may be mounted on the outer surface of the second metal part. As can be further seen from FIG. 2, a sealing ring 218 is incorporated to provide an airtight connection between these different components. These three metal parts 210, 206, 208 may be attached to each other using, for example, bolts 220. Additionally, a pressure sensor or transducer 223 is shown and is surface mounted to the metal assembly.

[0110] 2, the third chamber is contained in a third metal portion 208. Holes in this metal portion 208 partially form one or more gas paths that allow gas from the third chamber to be filled into a second chamber contained in the second metal portion 206 or into a first chamber contained in the first metal portion 210 of the metal assembly 202.

[0111] For measurements of normal solids, a second measurement mode may be employed, in which the second chamber 105 (and optionally also the other second chamber 106) is first filled with gas, and then, after measuring the first pressure (associated with the second measurement mode), the gas may be expanded into the first chamber, i.e. the sample chamber.

[0112] When measuring foam or similar types of materials, a first measurement mode may be employed. Thus, first, the first chamber may be pressurized, i.e. filled with gas, thereby exchanging the function of either chamber. This may require that the pressure transducer is kept on the first chamber, but the sample is exchanged from the first chamber to the second chamber, thereby providing free access to both chambers.

[0113] Ambient pressure may also be used to derive the volume of the sample, which may be measured, for example, by placing a gas sink 159 in communication with a pressure sensor 123, 223 by operation of a valve, the gas sink 159 being at atmospheric pressure.

[0114] The ambient pressure may be measured, for example, by opening all valves (e.g., except for the first valve 109 and / or the second valve 119 and / or the gas supply valve 179) and measuring the pressure with the pressure sensor 123, 223. The ideal gas law may be used to evaluate the experiment and derive the volume of the sample. Since the amount of gas molecules in the system is constant before and after expansion, the Boyle-Marriott law may be used to calculate the volume Vs of the unknown sample. The volume of the unknown sample is (e.g., for the first measurement mode): Vs = Vc - (Va / (P1 / P2-1)) where P1 is a first pressure (e.g., associated with a first measurement mode), P2 is a second pressure (e.g., associated with a first measurement mode), Vc is the volume of the first chamber, and Va is the volume of the second chamber.

[0115] For example, the first measurement mode may be more suitable for the analysis of foams. However, the measurement of fine powders in the first measurement mode may involve a risk of contamination of the instrument. In contrast, the use of the second measurement mode, which is applied to fine powders, may reduce the risk of contamination.

[0116] In the prior art, the measurement gas is introduced into these different chambers at room temperature during the purge stage of the measurement process, which can lead to failures in the thermal system if the chamber temperature differs from the ambient temperature. This traditionally leads to long measurement times or inaccurate results if the equilibration time is selected too short. In the prior art, the temperature of the gas is not controlled before it is introduced into the sample or reference chamber. Traditionally, the gas enters the analysis chamber during measurements at ambient temperature. It takes a significant amount of time for the gas to equilibrate, especially if the chamber temperature differs from the ambient temperature. This means that the state of the art does not take full advantage of the benefits of thermal control.

[0117] According to embodiments of the invention, a conditioning chamber, a reference chamber and a sample chamber are provided, all of which volumes or chambers may share the same thermal control system and may have the same insulator. The conditioning chamber volume may be dimensioned so that the entire amount of gas required for the analysis step can be contained and preconditioned. To improve the heat transfer from the manifold to the gas, the conditioning chamber volume contains a metal mesh to increase the surface area involved in heat transfer.

[0118] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention include arrangements that do not allow bidirectional measurement. These embodiments do not include, for example, the first valve 109 and / or the sixth valve 153. These embodiments may, for example, make it possible to first fill the second chamber 105 and then expand the gas into the first chamber 103, thus providing a second measurement mode, but not the first measurement mode. Venting of the system may be performed via the fifth valve 151 to a gas sink 159.

[0119] Other embodiments, for example, do not include the second valve 119 and / or the first valve 109. These embodiments may, for example, make it possible to first fill the first chamber 103 and then expand the gas into the second chamber 105, thus providing a first measurement mode, but not a second measurement mode. Venting of the system may be performed via the sixth valve 153 to a gas sink 159.

[0120] Embodiments of the invention may or may not enable two different volume measurement modes, at least one measurement mode may be supported, where, for example, the second chamber may first be filled with gas, which is then expanded into the first chamber.

[0121] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality, and elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined.

[0122] The implementation of the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment shown and described above, instead many variants are conceivable that use the solutions shown and the principles according to the invention, even in the case of radically different embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. An arrangement for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising: a first chamber for containing the solid sample or the liquid sample; at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; A pressure sensor; a plurality of gas paths having the gas entry paths including a plurality of valves; a temperature equalization system configured to regulate at least the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber to substantially the same temperature; Equipped with The plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves include filling the gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; Measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; are arranged and connected to enable The temperature equalization system comprises: a metal assembly in thermal contact with at least a portion of the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and at least one of the plurality of gas paths, and in thermal contact with at least one of the plurality of valves; the third chamber encloses a metal material providing a high surface area, the metal material being in thermal contact with the metal assembly, the metal material comprising at least one of a fibrous web, a sintered structure, a bulk material, a mesh, a fleece, a fabric, a nonwoven, a woven, and a mat; structure.

2. A mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising: a first chamber for containing the solid sample or the liquid sample; at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; A pressure sensor; a plurality of gas paths having the gas entry paths including a plurality of valves; a temperature equalization system configured to regulate at least the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber to substantially the same temperature; Equipped with The plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves include filling the gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; Measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; are arranged and connected to enable The temperature equalization system comprises: a metal assembly in thermal contact with at least a portion of the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and at least one of the plurality of gas paths, and in thermal contact with at least one of the plurality of valves; The metal assembly comprises: a first metal part housing the first chamber; a second metal part housing the second chamber; and a third metal part housing the third chamber; and Including, the first metal portion is mounted in a lateral plane relative to a lateral plane of the second metal portion, and another lateral plane of the second metal portion is mounted in a lateral plane of the third metal portion; structure.

3. A mechanism for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising: a first chamber for containing the solid sample or the liquid sample; at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; A pressure sensor; a plurality of gas paths having the gas entry paths including a plurality of valves; a temperature equalization system configured to regulate at least the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber to substantially the same temperature; Equipped with The plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves include filling the gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; Measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; are arranged and connected to enable The plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves include a first gas path including a first valve, the first gas path having one end connected to the first chamber via the first valve and the other end connected to the gas inlet path; a second gas path including a second valve, the second gas path having one end connected to the second chamber via the second valve and the other end connected to the gas inlet path; At least one of structure.

4. 4. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein an internal volume of the third chamber is between 0.1 and 100 times the size of an internal volume of one of the first and second chambers.

5. A temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the metal assembly to a desired temperature; an insulator surrounding the metal assembly; The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

6. a third gas path having a third valve, the third gas path having one end connected to the first chamber and the other end connected to the pressure sensor via the third valve; a fourth gas path having a fourth valve, one end of the fourth gas path being connected to the second chamber and the other end of the fourth gas path being connected to the pressure sensor via the fourth valve; The arrangement of claim 3 , comprising at least one of:

7. a fifth gas path having a fifth valve, the fifth gas path having one end connected to the first chamber via the fifth valve and the other end connected to a gas sink; a sixth gas path having a sixth valve, one end of the sixth gas path being connected to the second chamber via the sixth valve and the other end being connected to a gas sink; The arrangement of claim 6, comprising at least one of:

8. a controller adapted to control a state of at least one of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve to selectively enable measurement of a volume of the solid sample or the liquid sample according to a first measurement mode or a second measurement mode. Further comprising: In the first measurement mode, the first chamber containing the solid or liquid sample is filled with gas from the third chamber, and then the gas is expanded into the second chamber; In the second measurement mode, the second chamber is filled with gas from the third chamber, and then the gas is expanded into the first chamber containing the solid or liquid sample. The arrangement according to claim 7.

9. When the controller is in the first measurement mode, adapted to open the first valve and the third valve to fill the first chamber with gas from the third chamber, close the first valve, and measure a first pressure associated with the first measurement mode using the pressure sensor; the fourth valve is adapted to open to cause the gas to expand into the at least one second chamber as well and to cause a second pressure associated with the first measurement mode to be measured; the mechanism is adapted to calculate the volume of the solid or liquid sample based on both the first pressure and the second pressure associated with the first measurement mode. The arrangement according to claim 8.

10. When the controller is in the second measurement mode, adapted to open the second valve and the fourth valve to fill the second chamber with gas from the third chamber, close the second valve, and measure a first pressure associated with the second measurement mode using the pressure sensor; the third valve is adapted to open to allow the gas to expand into the first chamber as well and to allow a second pressure associated with the second measurement mode to be measured; the mechanism is adapted to calculate the volume of the solid or liquid sample based on both the first pressure and the second pressure associated with the second measurement mode. A mechanism according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The controller: after measuring a second pressure associated with the first measurement mode; opening the fifth valve to allow the gas from the first chamber and the second chamber to vent to the gas sink; After measuring the second pressure associated with the second measurement mode, opening the sixth valve to allow the gas from the first chamber and the second chamber to vent to the gas sink; 11. The arrangement according to claim 8, adapted to cause at least one of the following:

12. 12. The arrangement of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve comprises a one-way valve with an input side sealed.

13. an input side of the first valve facing towards the first chamber; an input side of the second valve facing towards the second chamber; an input side of the third valve facing the pressure sensor; an input side of the fourth valve facing the pressure sensor; When the third valve is in an open state, the input side of the fourth valve is connected to the first chamber; When the fourth valve is in an open state, the input side of the third valve is connected to the second chamber. The arrangement according to claim 12 , wherein at least one of the following applies:

14. a seventh gas path having a seventh valve and connecting the second chamber to another second chamber; an eighth gas path having an eighth valve connected at one end to the first valve, the second valve, and the gas entry path and connected at another end to another gas sink; The arrangement of any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising at least one of:

15. a processor adapted to calculate the volume of the solid or liquid sample based on at least the pressure measurements and the volumes of the first and second chambers; an electronic storage device accessible to the processor and containing volume calibration data for the first and second chambers for calculating the volume of the solid or liquid sample; The arrangement of any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising:

16. the gas inlet path includes a gas supply valve; At least one of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve, and the fourth valve includes a solenoid valve configured as a two-way latching valve. The arrangement according to any one of claims 6 to 15, wherein at least one of the following applies:

17. 1. A method of manufacturing a device for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising: providing a first chamber for receiving the solid or liquid sample; providing at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; providing a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; providing a temperature equalization system configured to temperature at least the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber to substantially the same temperature; Providing a pressure sensor; A plurality of gas paths including a plurality of valves, filling the gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; Measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; and arranging and connecting the Equipped with The temperature equalization system comprises: a metal assembly in thermal contact with at least a portion of the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and at least one of the plurality of gas paths, and in thermal contact with at least one of the plurality of valves; the third chamber encloses a metal material providing a high surface area, the metal material being in thermal contact with the metal assembly, the metal material comprising at least one of a fibrous web, a sintered structure, a bulk material, a mesh, a fleece, a fabric, a nonwoven, a woven, and a mat; method.

18. A method for manufacturing a device for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising the steps of: providing a first chamber for receiving the solid or liquid sample; providing at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; providing a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; providing a temperature equalization system configured to temperature at least the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber to substantially the same temperature; Providing a pressure sensor; A plurality of gas paths including a plurality of valves, filling the gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; Measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; and arranging and connecting the Equipped with The temperature equalization system comprises: a metal assembly in thermal contact with at least a portion of the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and at least one of the plurality of gas paths, and in thermal contact with at least one of the plurality of valves; The metal assembly comprises: a first metal part housing the first chamber; a second metal part housing the second chamber; and a third metal part housing the third chamber; and Including, the first metal portion is mounted in a lateral plane relative to a lateral plane of the second metal portion, and another lateral plane of the second metal portion is mounted in a lateral plane of the third metal portion; method.

19. A method for manufacturing a device for measuring the volume of a solid or liquid sample, comprising the steps of: providing a first chamber for receiving the solid or liquid sample; providing at least one second chamber connectable to the first chamber; providing a third chamber connectable to a gas supply and connected to a gas inlet path leading to at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; providing a temperature equalization system configured to temperature at least the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber to substantially the same temperature; Providing a pressure sensor; A plurality of gas paths including a plurality of valves, filling the gas from the third chamber into at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; Measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber and the second chamber; and arranging and connecting the Equipped with The plurality of gas paths and the plurality of valves include a first gas path including a first valve, the first gas path having one end connected to the first chamber via the first valve and the other end connected to the gas inlet path; a second gas path including a second valve, the second gas path having one end connected to the second chamber via the second valve and the other end connected to the gas inlet path; At least one of method.

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