Cryogenic Sampling Release Using Dried Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sampling methods for gaseous analytes, particularly those using cryotrap systems, are complicated by resistance heaters, which lead to prolonged cooldown times and difficulty in stepwise release of compounds, resulting in reduced accuracy due to co-release of water with CO2/C-14 in humid environments.
Innovation Solution
A sampling arrangement that includes a sample concentration element for trapping analytes by freezing, a sample release arrangement with a drying element to remove humidity, and a pump element to provide a controlled gas flow at room temperature around the sample concentration element, allowing for precise temperature control and separate release of analytes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resistance heater is used to vaporize the frozen sample, then the sample can be released for analysis, but the system becomes complicated with electronics and the cooldown time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the resistance heater from the system entirely. Instead of using electrical heating, the patent employs a thermal mass block that is pre-cooled and then brought into thermal contact with the cryotrap to transfer heat. This eliminates the need for electronics, wiring, and control circuits associated with resistance heaters, directly reducing system complexity while maintaining sample release capability.
2Reliability
If a resistance heater is used to vaporize the frozen sample, then the sample can be released, but the cryotrap heats up more than needed and cooldown time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by using a thermal mass block that is specifically designed to provide localized, controlled heat transfer. The block can be positioned to contact only the specific region of the cryotrap containing the frozen sample, delivering heat precisely where needed for vaporization without unnecessarily heating the entire cryotrap body. This localized heating approach minimizes the thermal energy required for sample release and reduces the subsequent cooldown time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action through a thermoelectric cooler that can be activated in cycles. The cooler cools the thermal mass block, which is then brought into contact with the cryotrap for heat transfer. This periodic cooling and heating cycle allows the system to efficiently manage thermal energy, preparing the thermal mass block in advance and using it on-demand for sample release, thereby optimizing both release speed and cooldown efficiency.
3Reliability
If a resistance heater strongly heats the cryotrap, then the sample can be released, but water is released together with CO2/C-14 lowering analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses local quality by directing heat transfer to specific regions of the cryotrap. The thermal mass block can be positioned to contact only the portion containing the CO2/C-14 sample, applying heat locally to release the target analyte while leaving other regions (such as those containing water) at lower temperatures. This spatially selective heating prevents co-release of water with the CO2/C-14, thereby maintaining high analysis accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs parameter changes by controlling the temperature profile dynamically. The thermal mass block transfers heat to raise the temperature of the sample region above the sublimation point of CO2 (-78.5°C) but keeps other regions below the boiling point of water (100°C). This precise temperature parameter control allows selective release of CO2/C-14 while retaining water in the frozen state, eliminating interference with analysis accuracy.
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
This solution enables quick and accurate release of frozen analytes, reduces cooldown time, and allows for sequential release of multiple analytes with minimized cross-contamination, improving sampling efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a sample concentration element configured to trap at least one analyte of interest by freezing
Implementation Method 2
a release gas preprocessing element; and a pump element configured to provide the gas flow on or around the sample concentration element; wherein the release gas preprocessing element comprises a drying element configured to reduce or remove humidity from the gas flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sampling arrangement (100), comprising a sample concentration element (30) configured to trap at least one analyte of interest by freezing; further comprising a sample release arrangement (110) configured to provide a flow of gas, at room temperature on or around the sample concentration element (30) in order to change the temperature thereof; wherein the sample release arrangement comprises a release gas preprocessing element (70); and a pump element (90) configured to provide the gas flow on or around the sample concentration element (30).