Benchtop Optical Spectrometer with Remote Plasma Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometers are bulky and require substantial bench space, limiting their use in applications that need rapid analysis, and their operation is procedurally complex due to the handling of high-voltage conductors and gases.
Innovation Solution
A benchtop optical spectroscope with a remote plasma ignition system, automated plasma detection, negative pressure vent chimney, and a plasma tube holder that shields users from high voltages and temperatures, sequestering high-voltage components within a protective housing and using a flexible insulating conduit for safe arc initiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercial inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometers are used, then spectrographic analysis capability is achieved, but the device occupies substantial bench space and weighs hundreds of pounds
Solution Approach 1:
The spectroscope is divided into functionally independent modules: a compact plasma generation unit with dielectric ring, a separate optical detection system, and modular gas flow control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for minimal size while maintaining performance, reducing overall instrument footprint from hundreds of pounds to benchtop scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma generation mechanism is extracted from the traditional large-scale inductively coupled plasma system and implemented as a compact dielectric ring configuration. This extraction enables plasma generation in a confined space, eliminating the need for large magnetic confinement systems while maintaining spectrographic analysis capability.
2Power
If traditional inductively-coupled plasma systems are used, then plasma generation is achieved, but operation requires trained personnel to manage high-voltage conductors and gases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated plasma ignition and stabilization through a remote high-voltage electrode that initiates discharge without manual intervention. Gas flow controllers automatically regulate argon and nitrogen streams, and safety interlocks automatically shut down plasma generation if abnormal conditions are detected, eliminating the need for trained operators to manually manage high-voltage conductors and gas flows.
Solution Approach 2:
A remote high-voltage electrode serves as an intermediary that initiates plasma discharge from a safe distance, eliminating the need for operators to handle high-voltage conductors directly. The electrode is positioned outside the immediate work area and connected through insulated feedthroughs, mediating between the operator and the high-voltage plasma generation process.
3Extent of automation
If high-voltage electrodes are positioned close to the plasma region for arc initiation, then plasma ignition is achieved, but the work area contains high-voltage components requiring operator safety measures
Solution Approach 1:
The high-voltage electrode and its power supply are extracted from the immediate work area and positioned in a separate enclosure. The electrode extends through insulated feedthroughs to reach the plasma region, but the high-voltage components themselves are located outside the operator's workspace, eliminating electrical shock hazards while maintaining automated plasma ignition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulated feedthroughs and remote electrode positioning serve as intermediaries that transmit high-voltage power to the plasma region without exposing the work area to high-voltage components. The physical separation mediated by insulation barriers allows plasma ignition to occur in the work area while keeping high-voltage equipment in a safe, enclosed location.
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 solution simplifies the operation of inductively-coupled optical spectrometers, making them more accessible and safer by removing high-voltage components from the work area, allowing for compact and portable use while maintaining effective plasma generation and analysis capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The plasma, in this case, is produced by the inductive electrical coupling of energy to a gas such as argon
Implementation Method 2
A high-voltage power supply provides a conductor communicating with the high-voltage electrode to switchably apply a high voltage to the high-voltage electrode to generate an arc in gas passing through the gas channel
Implementation Method 3
The plasma heats the analyte promoting light emissions received by an optical system
Implementation Method 4
The plasma heats the analyte promoting light emissions received by an optical system (spectroscope assembly) that resolves the different frequencies of the light
Data Source
AI summary
A portable, optical spectrometer provides an extended ignition arc allowing high-voltage components to be contained within a protective housing. Automatic plasma initiation is managed through an optical plasma detector distinguishing plasma contained in the plasma region from breakout plasma. A negative pressure vent receives gases received from the plasma and cools these gases prior to receipt by a remote vent fan through a conduit having sheathing air bleed openings around the vent mixing with other cooling air streams for the electronics. A spring-biased sample jet tube holder allows ready removal and replacement of the sample jet tube while preserving proper alignment with the plasma region.