Supercritical Extraction Temperature Control via Needle-Integrated Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component extraction apparatuses using supercritical fluids face challenges in accurately maintaining the supercritical state of the mobile phase, requiring precise temperature control and detection of sample containers.
Innovation Solution
A component extraction apparatus with a heater for bottom-side heating of sample containers and a temperature sensor assembly that includes a needle with a temperature sensor to detect the temperature on the upper surface, ensuring accurate temperature measurement and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature is measured at the bottom side of the sample container (near the heater), then temperature control is simplified, but the measured temperature does not reflect the actual temperature at the extraction interface (upper surface)
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is moved from the bottom side (heating side) to the upper surface (extraction interface side) of the sample container, measuring temperature at a different spatial location that directly reflects the extraction conditions. This dimensional change in measurement location resolves the contradiction by providing accurate temperature data at the critical interface without adding complex measurement systems.
2Reliability
If the mobile phase temperature is not accurately controlled, then the supercritical state cannot be maintained, but implementing complex temperature monitoring and control systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor on the upper surface provides real-time temperature feedback from the extraction interface, which is used by the temperature controller to adjust the heater output. This feedback loop ensures the mobile phase maintains the supercritical state by continuously monitoring and adjusting temperature at the critical location, achieving reliable control without excessive system complexity.
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
Enables precise temperature detection and control of sample containers, maintaining the supercritical state of the mobile phase for effective extraction, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
a heater provided in the rack placement part so as to be in contact with the sample containers held by the container rack directly or indirectly to heat the sample containers
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor provided in the needle assembly so as to detect a temperature of the upper surface of the sample container when the tip of the needle is inserted into the needle port of the sample container
Implementation Method 3
the mobile phase becomes a supercritical fluid, and the supercritical mobile phase is supplied to the sample containers as an extraction solvent
Implementation Method 4
supercritical fluids exhibit excellent dissolving power for many substances
Data Source
AI summary
A component extraction apparatus includes a rack placement part, a heater, an extraction medium supply part, a needle assembly, and a temperature sensor. When the container rack is mounted on the rack placement part, a heater is configured to heat the sample containers in direct or indirect contact with sample containers held by the container rack. The needle assembly holds a needle with a tip thereof pointing downward, and the needle being configured to connect a flow channel by inserting the tip thereof into a needle port provided on an upper surface of each of the sample containers. The temperature sensor is included in the needle assembly and is configured to detect a temperature of the upper surface of any one of the sample containers when the tip of the needle is inserted into the needle port of the one of the sample containers.