Fluidic Network for Gas Separation via Temperature-Controlled Preconcentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic networks for gas flow control are limited in their ability to perform advanced operations such as addition, subtraction, filtration, reaction, and mixing of gaseous flows, and lack the complexity to effectively manage multiple gaseous compounds.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic network comprising interconnected preconcentration units with multiple fluidic paths and heating capabilities, organized in series and parallel configurations, allowing for temperature control and chemical reactions, along with a control unit to manage the flow and heating of each unit, enabling advanced gas flow manipulation and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If preconcentration units are connected only in series, then the system can perform basic sequential processing, but the system lacks the capability to perform advanced operations such as addition, subtraction, filtration, reaction, and mixing of gaseous flows
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gas flow control into multiple independent preconcentration units (organized in series and parallel), each capable of independent temperature control and gas manipulation. This segmentation allows complex operations to be broken down into simpler unit operations while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Each preconcentration unit is designed with multiple fluidic paths and independent temperature control, enabling it to perform multiple functions (trapping, releasing, mixing, reaction) depending on the configuration and operating conditions. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware to support diverse gas flow operations without requiring additional specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple preconcentration units are interconnected with multiple fluidic paths, then advanced gas flow operations become possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of fluidic path selection through temperature modulation and flow direction control. By dynamically switching which paths are active and which preconcentration units are engaged, the system can adapt its effective complexity to match the specific operation required, rather than requiring all possible paths to be physically present and active simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the fluidic network configuration by using time-dependent temperature control and sequential activation of different paths. This allows the system to achieve complex multi-path functionality through time-multiplexed operation rather than requiring all paths to be simultaneously active, effectively reducing the instantaneous device complexity while maintaining operational versatility.
3Measurement precision
If preconcentration units are individually controlled with heating means, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent preconcentration units share common thermal boundaries and can be thermally coupled through conductive paths. By merging the thermal management of neighboring units, the system reduces redundant heating requirements and leverages thermal inertia to maintain temperature precision with lower energy input, particularly during transient operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic or pulsed heating cycles rather than continuous heating to achieve precise temperature control. By applying heat in controlled bursts and utilizing the thermal mass of the preconcentration units to maintain temperature between pulses, the system achieves the required temperature precision while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous heating.
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 control and separation of multiple gaseous compounds by varying the temperature and configuration of preconcentration units, allowing for complex operations like trapping, releasing, and mixing of gases, enhancing the capability to manage and analyze gas streams.
Implementation Method 1
means for heating said cavity
Implementation Method 2
The temperature to which the unit is heated makes it possible to vary the equilibrium constants of adsorption of the compounds on the adsorbent phase
Implementation Method 3
a cavity filled with an adsorbent material... makes it possible to block/store in its cavity compounds of the gas stream or to release them totally or partially
Implementation Method 4
The temperature to which the unit is heated makes it possible to vary the equilibrium constants of adsorption of the compounds on the adsorbent phase
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fluidic network (R) for controlling a gas flow which comprises several pre-concentration units (Ui,j), of which at least one first sequence whose pre-concentration units are connected in series and each defined by a rank j in said sequence, with j ranging from 1 to m and m greater than or equal to 2, each pre-concentration unit of said network comprising: ∘ a cavity filled with an adsorbent material, ∘ at least one first fluidic path (V1) opening into said cavity, ∘ at least one second fluidic path (V2) opening into said cavity, ∘ means for heating said cavity.