Dual Tower Autosampler for Simultaneous GC Sample Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas chromatography systems lack efficient and simultaneous sample injection capabilities from multiple sample reservoirs into separate injector ports, limiting their analytical throughput and precision.
Innovation Solution
An autosampler with a carousel tray and dual sample transfer towers that rotate to align with multiple sample reservoirs, allowing simultaneous extraction and injection of samples into fixed injector ports using syringe actuators, enabling dual parallel withdrawal and injection of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single sample transfer mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and analytical throughput are limited due to inability to process multiple samples simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The autosampler is divided into multiple independent sample transfer towers (first and second towers), each capable of independently transferring samples from the carousel tray to separate injector ports. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel tray serves multiple functions by providing both sample storage and sample presentation to multiple transfer towers simultaneously. The single carousel tray is universally accessed by both the first and second sample transfer towers, allowing one component to serve multiple purposes and reduce overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If samples are injected sequentially into a single injector port, then the device complexity is minimized, but the measurement precision and reliability are reduced due to longer analysis time and potential sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate injector ports (first and second injector ports) that are independently connected to their respective sample transfer towers. This segmentation allows simultaneous injection of different samples into different ports, enabling parallel analysis that improves measurement precision by reducing analysis time and minimizing sample degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates the operations of multiple sample transfer towers and injector ports. It manages the timing and sequencing of sample transfers and injections, ensuring precise control over the parallel analysis process without requiring complex manual intervention
3Productivity
If multiple sample transfer towers are implemented, then the productivity and simultaneous sample processing capability are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sample transfer system is segmented into modular towers that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the complete autosampler. Each tower is a self-contained unit with similar functional components, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes and reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains parameter consistency across multiple transfer towers by using identical or similar design specifications for each tower (syringe mechanisms, needle positions, transfer volumes). This standardization of parameters simplifies manufacturing by allowing production of interchangeable components and reduces the complexity of quality control and calibration
Data Source
AI summary
A gas chromatography system includes at least one gas chromatography subsystem including at least one injector port, and an autosampler. The autosampler includes a carousel tray mounted for rotation about a rotation axis and including arcuately extending first and second rows of sample reservoirs, a first sample transfer tower to extract samples from the first row, a second sample transfer tower to extract samples from the second row, and a control system operative to: selectively position the carousel tray relative to the first and second sample transfer towers to align the first and second sample transfer towers with a selected pair of the sample reservoirs of the first and second rows, respectively; draw samples from the selected pair using the first and second sample transfer towers; inject the sample drawn from the first row into the at least one injector port using the first sample transfer tower; and inject the sample drawn from the second row into the at least one injector port using the second sample transfer tower.