Air Sampler Manifold with One-Way Valve and Pressure Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas collection devices fail to safely and efficiently transport high-pressure gas samples to ambient pressure while maintaining sample integrity and allowing for quantitative and qualitative analysis, as they often lead to contamination and risk of explosion due to improper design features like open vents and non-removable filters.
Innovation Solution
A compact air sampling device with a one-way valve system and a removable filter positioned outside the sample bag, featuring a controlled pressure vent and a biological collector, ensuring the sample remains contained and allowing for analysis without contamination, using a flexible and impermeable bag with a manifold assembly for connecting to various pressure sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high pressure metal cylinder and collection manifold are used, then the device can collect high pressure gas samples, but the cost of the device is greatly increased and there is more potential for end users altering the device which decreases safety
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a reusable manifold assembly and a disposable sample collection bag. The manifold handles high-pressure connections while the bag contains the sample, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function and reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample collection bag is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and potentially alterable metal cylinders. This maintains safety while reducing device complexity and cost.
2Ease of operation
If a vent is opened to ambient air during sampling, then gas exchange can occur, but the sample can freely exchange with outside air which compromises sample integrity
Solution Approach 1:
A one-way valve is introduced as an intermediary between the sample bag and the vent. This valve allows gas to flow out during sampling but prevents outside air from entering the sample bag, thereby maintaining sample integrity while still allowing venting operation.
3Measurement precision
If the filter remains in communication with the sample bag during transport, then the filter can capture particulates, but the sample can move both directions past the filter which affects the gas sample
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is extracted from the sample bag and placed in the manifold assembly outside the bag. This allows the filter to capture particulates from incoming gas while preventing any backflow or bidirectional movement of the gas sample past the filter during transport and storage.
4Reliability
If a burst disc is used for over-pressure protection, then extreme high pressure events are protected against, but the device cannot work with low pressure samples and there is risk of explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure protection mechanism is changed from a burst disc with fixed pressure threshold to a pressure relief valve that can be adjusted to different pressure settings. This allows the device to handle both low-pressure samples (with appropriate valve settings) and provides over-pressure protection when needed, eliminating the explosion risk associated with burst discs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device safely transports high and low-pressure gas samples without risk of explosion, maintains sample integrity, and allows for accurate analysis of particulate matter, reducing costs and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the present design includes a one way valve where the collected gas enters the bag which leaves the filter, fittings and tubes apart from the sample
Implementation Method 2
the present design has a controlled pressure vent before the filter that regulates the maximum pressure that the bag and filter are exposed to during obtaining a high pressure gas sample
Implementation Method 3
the present device and method provide for a filter that has a removable element for quantitative and qualitative analysis that captures its sample
Implementation Method 4
a low pressure sample reliably contained in a non-explodable safety bag that is filled from very high pressure sources to near ambient pressure sources
Data Source
AI summary
An air sampler that receives an air source through a manifold. The manifold has a restrictor and a vent that opens above a specified pressure. The remaining portion of the air source enters the inlet assembly where it passes through a filter with a removable element then through a one way valve and into an impermeable bag. Excess air in the bag escapes out an outlet one way valve capturing a sample inside the bag. An ambient air sample may delivered via a hand squeeze bulb and a biological sample may be contained inside the bag.