Flow Regulation Device for Volatile Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sampling volatile and semi-volatile compounds are prone to errors due to reliance on manual calibration, timing, and assumptions about uniform adsorbent material composition, leading to inaccuracies in gas volume sampling.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulation device with a real-time flow meter and three-way valve, controlled by a circuit board, which automatically calculates and achieves the desired gas volume sampling without user intervention, independent of adsorbent material variability and personnel errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual calibration and timing methods are used to determine sampling volume, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of gas volume sampling deteriorate due to personnel errors and assumptions about uniform adsorbent material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical timing and calibration procedures with an automated flow regulation device that uses electronic flow meters and computer-controlled valves to precisely measure and regulate gas flow rates, eliminating personnel errors and assumptions about uniform adsorbent material composition
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulation device automatically monitors and regulates its own operation through real-time flow measurement and computer control, eliminating the need for manual calibration and timing by personnel while maintaining high measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If a dosing controller with vacuum pump is used to achieve accurate sampling, then the measurement precision improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to large pressure swings causing faults in sensor and pump performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by switching between different flow paths through computer-controlled three-way valves - alternating between sampling mode (vacuum pump drawing gas through adsorbent tube) and flush mode (ambient air flowing through the system) - which allows accurate volumetric sampling while minimizing continuous pressure swings that could damage sensors and pumps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ambient air as an intermediary flushing medium that flows through the system during non-sampling periods, acting as a buffer that reduces pressure swings and protects sensors and pumps from the full impact of vacuum pump operation, thereby improving reliability while maintaining measurement precision
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 device ensures accurate and reliable sampling of specific gas volumes by eliminating manual calibration and timing errors, reducing variability associated with adsorbent material and personnel, and minimizing pressure swings that can affect sensor and pump performance.
Implementation Method 1
A real time flow meter is located in the housing. The flow meter is in fluid communication with the inlet.
Implementation Method 2
a three-way valve having three branches comprising: a first branch in fluid communication with the gas inlet; the second branch in fluid communication with the outlet; and a third branch for drawing air through a secondary inlet from the ambient surroundings.
Implementation Method 3
The outlet is in fluid communication with the gas inlet or a secondary inlet, and is usable for establishing fluid communication with a vacuum source.
Implementation Method 4
a flow regulation device for volatile and semi-volatile sampling onto adsorbent material contained in a tube
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulation device for volatile and semi-volatile sampling onto adsorbent media is provided. The flow regulation device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a secondary inlet that is open to the ambient, a real time flow meter, a controller in electronic communication with the flow meter, and a three-way valve. Gas is drawn through the adsorbent media, into the inlet, and then to the outlet by a vacuum source joined to the outlet. The controller is configured to: (1) actuate the three-way valve to put the vacuum source in-line with the inlet; (2) continuously monitor the flow of gas through the inlet and calculate the time necessary to sample a pre-set volume of gas; and (3) after the pre-set volume of gas passes through the inlet, actuate the three-way valve to put the vacuum source in-line with the secondary inlet.