Liquid Capture Probe Vortex Flow for Airborne Sample Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid sampling probes face challenges in capturing airborne sample material efficiently, particularly when the sample is ejected by radiant energy or acoustic desorption, as the material can disperse before being collected.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system with a probe that includes a liquid supply conduit and an exhaust conduit, where the second volumetric flow rate exceeds the first, creating a vortex that withdraws gas-containing samples, and a gas guide to focus gas flow into the exhaust conduit, assisting in capturing airborne material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a liquid sampling probe is used to capture airborne sample material, then the probe can collect sample material, but the sample material disperses before being collected efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-flow liquid system where liquid enters through a supply conduit and exits through an exhaust conduit, creating a controlled hydraulic flow pattern. The exhaust liquid flow rate is specifically set to exceed the supply liquid flow rate, generating a net inward radial flow that captures airborne sample material before dispersion occurs. This hydraulic approach directly addresses the sample loss problem by creating a controlled fluid environment for capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes the liquid flow field before sample material arrives at the probe. By pre-configuring the exhaust flow rate to be higher than the supply flow rate, the probe creates a ready-to-capture environment with inward radial flow patterns already in place, ensuring sample material is immediately captured upon contact rather than allowing dispersion to occur.
2Productivity
If the exhaust liquid flow rate exceeds the supply liquid flow rate to create inward radial flow, then sample capture efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid supply and exhaust conduits serve multiple functions: they deliver and remove liquid respectively, but also collectively create the radial flow pattern necessary for sample capture. The conduits are positioned to define a sample space and work together as an integrated flow control system, reducing the need for additional separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture despite the dual-flow requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own liquid flow to create the capture mechanism. The exhaust liquid, rather than being merely waste removal, actively participates in creating the inward radial flow that draws sample material into the probe. The liquid flow system serves both its primary function of liquid transport and the secondary function of sample capture, eliminating the need for separate mechanical capture mechanisms.
3Productivity
If a vortex is created in the exhaust conduit to withdraw gas containing sample, then sample collection efficiency increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex in the exhaust conduit is generated automatically by the liquid flow dynamics itself, without requiring external energy input. The exhaust liquid flow rate being higher than the supply flow rate naturally creates the conditions for vortex formation as the liquid moves through the conduit. The system converts the kinetic energy of the liquid flow into rotational motion, using the flow's own energy to create the vortex that enhances sample withdrawal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the transition of liquid flow from simple linear movement to rotational vortex flow within the exhaust conduit. This phase transition in flow pattern occurs naturally due to the flow rate differential and conduit geometry, creating a more effective sample withdrawal mechanism without requiring additional energy input or active control systems.
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 captures and analyzes airborne sample material by creating a vortex in the exhaust conduit, ensuring efficient collection and analysis of ejected samples, maintaining sample integrity and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The probe can produce a vortex of liquid in the liquid exhaust conduit
Implementation Method 2
The device for radiating energy can be a laser producing a laser beam
Implementation Method 3
sample material is first ejected from the sample by the application of radiant energy such as a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for sampling a sample material includes a device for directing sample into a capture probe. The device for supplying sample material to the probe can be a device for radiating energy to the sample material to eject sample from the sample material. A probe includes an outer probe housing having an open end. A liquid supply conduit has an outlet positioned to deliver liquid to the open end. An exhaust conduit removes liquid from the open end of the housing. The liquid supply conduit can be connectable to a liquid supply for delivering liquid at a first volumetric flow rate to the open end of the housing. A liquid exhaust system can be in fluid connection with the liquid exhaust conduit for removing liquid from the liquid exhaust conduit at a second volumetric flow rate such that gas with sample is withdrawn with the liquid.