Differential Scanning Calorimeter With In-Place Rapid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Differential Scanning Calorimeters (DSCs) lack the capability to perform fast cooling, limiting the resolution of thermochemical reaction analysis and requiring samples to be removed after heating for cooling, thus preventing the detection of additional thermochemical reactions during the cooling process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rapid cooling system, including a fluid cooler, semiconductor cooler, and convective air cooler, capable of achieving cooling rates up to 120°C per minute, allowing for controlled and simultaneous heating and cooling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cooling systems are used in DSC, then the system structure remains simple, but the cooling rate is limited to about 80°C per minute which reduces measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into multiple independent cooling devices working in parallel: a Peltier cooler for controlled cooling, a liquid nitrogen cooling system for rapid cooling, and a convective air cooler for intermediate cooling. Each device operates independently to achieve different cooling rates, allowing the system to reach ultra-fast cooling rates while maintaining structural organization and control capability.
2Measurement precision
If samples are removed after heating for cooling, then the cooling process can be performed, but additional thermochemical reactions during cooling cannot be detected and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling process is initiated immediately after heating without removing the sample from the measurement chamber. The controller automatically switches from heating mode to cooling mode, and the cooling system begins cooling the sample in place. This preliminary preparation of the cooling system allows continuous measurement of thermochemical reactions during both heating and cooling phases, eliminating sample handling time and capturing cooling-phase reactions that would otherwise be missed.
3Speed
If fast cooling is implemented, then the cooling rate increases to improve resolution, but the system requires complex rapid cooling capabilities that conventional DSC lacks
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system employs a composite approach by integrating three different cooling mechanisms (Peltier effect-based solid-state cooling, liquid nitrogen phase-change cooling, and convective air cooling) into a unified system. Each cooling mechanism contributes its strengths: the Peltier cooler provides precise controlled cooling, liquid nitrogen enables ultra-fast cooling rates exceeding 80°C per minute, and the convective air cooler provides intermediate cooling capability. This composite system achieves rapid cooling rates while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design and automated control.
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
Enhances the resolution of thermochemical reaction analysis by identifying additional peaks and valleys, enabling quicker sample testing and increased throughput by allowing thermochemical reactions to be detected during both heating and cooling phases.
Implementation Method 1
A rapid cooling system is at least partially disposed in the chamber... A fluid cooler disposed immediately below, and in thermal communication with, the platform
Implementation Method 2
the semiconductor cooler includes a first surface contacting the second platform, and a second surface opposite the first surface
Implementation Method 3
the rapid cooling system includes a semiconductor cooler and a convective air cooler... a fan configured to generate the cooling air flow
Implementation Method 4
Differential scanning calorimetry is a thermoanalytical technique in which a difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and a reference is measured
Data Source
AI summary
A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) includes a chamber containing a platform having at least a first reference material mount and a first sample material mount. A first calorimetric probe is configured to determine at least one thermochemical reaction of a first material in the first reference mount, and a second calorimetric probe is configured to determine at least one thermochemical reaction of a second material in the second reference mount. A rapid cooling system is at least partially disposed in the chamber. A controller is controllably coupled to at least the rapid heating system and the rapid cooling system. The controller is configured to rapidly heat the chamber and record the at least one thermochemical reaction of the second material as the second material temperature falls.