Bi-directional Pump Sampling System for Optical Cell Temperature Gradient Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical cells are inadequate for simultaneously assessing temperature, spectroscopic, and compositional data necessary for preparing calibration models, and they fail to manage temperature gradients, leading to errors in calibration models.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system with bi-directional pumps that withdraw and mix samples within an optical cell, allowing for the simultaneous collection and analysis of fluid samples, temperature determination, and mixing of additional samples to correct for temperature gradients, enabling accurate calibration model preparation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical cells are used for single characteristic analysis, then device simplicity is maintained, but the capability to simultaneously assess multiple characteristics (temperature, spectroscopic, compositional data) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement capabilities (temperature sensing via thermocouple, spectroscopic analysis via optical components, and compositional analysis via sampling system) into a single integrated optical cell assembly. This allows simultaneous assessment of multiple characteristics without requiring separate instruments, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical cell is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform temperature measurement, spectroscopic analysis, and compositional sampling simultaneously. The sampling system with bi-directional pumps and mixing capability provides universal applicability for various analysis types, achieving high adaptability while maintaining a unified device structure.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical cells without temperature management are used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature gradients cause significant error in calibration models
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a thermocouple for temperature sensing that provides feedback on the actual temperature conditions within the optical cell. This temperature data is used to monitor and correct for temperature gradients, ensuring accurate temperature measurement and compensating for thermal effects that would otherwise cause calibration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system acts as an intermediary between the process fluid and analysis instruments, allowing samples to be withdrawn and analyzed separately. This enables temperature management by separating the measurement function from the process environment, where temperature gradients exist, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex active temperature control of the entire system.
3Measurement precision
If samples are withdrawn and analyzed separately using multiple instruments, then measurement accuracy for individual characteristics is maintained, but the ability to obtain simultaneous characteristics for calibration models is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sampling and sample preparation actions within the optical cell assembly itself. By pre-withdrawing samples using the bi-directional pumps and preparing them for analysis within the integrated system, the measurements can be conducted simultaneously across multiple instruments without time delays, achieving both precision and simultaneity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sampling, sample handling, and analysis functions into a single integrated system. The bi-directional pumps and mixing apparatus are combined with the optical and temperature measurement capabilities, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple characteristics without the time loss associated with sequential sampling and analysis by separate instruments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If bi-directional pumps are used to withdraw and mix samples, then simultaneous characterization of fluid samples is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional pumps are designed to perform multiple functions: withdrawing samples from the optical cell, introducing reagents or diluents, and mixing samples. This multi-functionality achieves simultaneous sample characterization capability while minimizing the number of separate components required, thereby reducing overall device complexity relative to the functional capability achieved.
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 system effectively manages temperature gradients and provides simultaneous characterization of fluid samples, enhancing the accuracy of calibration models by ensuring precise temperature control and data collection.
Implementation Method 1
A second bi-directional pump is in fluid communication with the first bi-directional pump and a storage vessel. The second bi-directional pump is configured to withdraw a second sample from the storage vessel and to cause the second sample to move toward and mix with the first sample.
Implementation Method 2
When analyzing a given substance, multiple instruments are routinely used to determine the characteristics of only a single sample. The conventional optical cells fall short of providing such an instrument for assessing simultaneous characteristics such as temperature, spectroscopic, and compositional data.
Implementation Method 3
determining a temperature of the fluid during the optical analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
A sampling system (100) for an optical cell (102) containing a process fluid, the sampling system comprising: a first bi-directional pump (124) in fluid communication with a sampling path wherein the first bi-directional pump is configured to withdraw a first sample of the process fluid and to cause the first sample to flow towards the first bi-directional pump, and a second bi-directional pump (126) in fluid communication with the first bi-directional pump and a storage vessel, wherein the second bi-directional pump is configured to withdraw a second sample from the storage vessel (128) and to cause the second sample to move toward and mix with the first sample, wherein a first rate of withdraw of the first sample is greater than a second rate of movement of the second sample toward the first sample, and wherein a difference between the first rate and the second rate correspond to a pre-determined ratio of the first sample mixed with the second sample.