Concentric Tube Plasma Torch with Segmented Gas Manifolds

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plasma torches for ICP spectrometry require high flow rates of plasma-forming gas to maintain adequate separation of high temperature plasma from the torch components, which is inefficient and potentially damaging.

Innovation Solution

A plasma torch assembly with concentric tubes and improved gas flow manifolds that allow for reduced plasma-forming gas flow rates while maintaining effective separation and system performance, using tangential gas injection to minimize turbulence and optimize gas flow patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high flow rates of plasma-forming gas are used to maintain adequate separation of high temperature plasma from torch components, then plasma separation is improved, but gas consumption increases and system efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma separationVSAvoidgas consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The gas delivery system is segmented into multiple manifolds with separate gas injection paths. The first manifold injects gas between the first and second tubes, while the second manifold injects gas between the second and third tubes. This segmentation allows optimized gas flow distribution that maintains plasma separation while reducing overall gas consumption compared to a single high-flow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gas injection is applied locally at specific positions rather than uniformly throughout the system. The manifolds provide localized gas injection between tube pairs where plasma separation is most critical. This local quality approach ensures adequate separation only where needed, reducing unnecessary gas consumption in other regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If high flow rates of plasma-forming gas are used to maintain adequate separation of high temperature plasma from torch components, then plasma separation is improved, but system efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasma separationVSAvoidsystem efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas delivery system is segmented into multiple manifolds with separate gas injection paths. The first manifold injects gas between the first and second tubes, while the second manifold injects gas between the second and third tubes. This segmentation allows optimized gas flow distribution that maintains plasma separation while reducing overall gas consumption compared to a single high-flow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gas injection is applied locally at specific positions rather than uniformly throughout the system. The manifolds provide localized gas injection between tube pairs where plasma separation is most critical. This local quality approach ensures adequate separation only where needed, reducing unnecessary gas consumption in other regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional plasma torch design is used, then simplicity is maintained, but plasma damage risk increases due to high gas flow requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorch designVSAvoidplasma damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gas delivery system is segmented into multiple manifolds with separate gas injection paths. The first manifold injects gas between the first and second tubes, while the second manifold injects gas between the second and third tubes. This segmentation allows optimized gas flow distribution that maintains plasma separation while reducing overall gas consumption compared to a single high-flow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Gas injection is applied locally at specific positions rather than uniformly throughout the system. The manifolds provide localized gas injection between tube pairs where plasma separation is most critical. This local quality approach ensures adequate separation only where needed, reducing unnecessary gas consumption in other regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enables a reduction in plasma-forming gas flow rates by up to 50% while maintaining satisfactory ICP spectrometry system performance, reducing the risk of plasma damage and improving gas flow efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an induction coil supplied with a radio-frequency electric current... The induction coil causes the plasma-forming gas to become energized via electromagnetic induction to create a high temperature plasma region within the torch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The induction coil causes the plasma-forming gas to become energized via electromagnetic induction to create a high temperature plasma region within the torch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10440807B1Torch assembly

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 ELEMENTAL SCI

AI summary

A demountable plasma torch assembly suitable for use in ICP spectrometry comprises a first tube having an inner diameter and a second tube disposed concentrically within the first tube, wherein the second tube has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the first tube. The first and second tubes are supported by a torch body. The torch body includes a first bore configured to receive an end of the first tube, a second bore configured to receive an end of the second tube, and a manifold disposed between the first bore and the second bore to receive a gas for injection between the first tube and the second tube. The manifold has an outer diameter at least substantially equal to the inner diameter of the first tube and an inner diameter at least substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second tube.