Fusion Sample Preparation Heat Reflection and Indirect Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing analytical samples by fusion for XRF, AA, or ICP analysis are inefficient due to significant energy losses from heat radiation and require costly temperature measurement tools, which can be impractical and affect accuracy due to emissivity changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves reflecting heat radiation back to the crucible using a reflective surface around the crucible and indirectly measuring the crucible's temperature by absorbing heat radiation into a heat-conducting surface, allowing for more efficient heating and precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the mixture is heated to high temperatures for fusion, then the sample is properly fused and dissolved, but significant energy is lost through heat radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reflects the harmful heat radiation back toward the crucible using a reflective surface, converting the energy loss into beneficial heating. The radiation that would otherwise be wasted is redirected to provide additional heat to the mixture, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining fusion temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by positioning a reflective surface around the crucible at a specific distance. This creates a three-dimensional arrangement where radiation is redirected through spatial geometry, adding a new dimensional aspect to the heating system that improves energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a pyrometer is used to measure temperature, then temperature can be monitored, but the measurement is inaccurate due to changing emissivity of the crucible surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-conducting surface as an intermediary between the crucible and the temperature sensor. This mediator absorbs heat radiation from the crucible and conducts it to the sensor, providing a stable measurement interface that is not affected by changes in crucible surface emissivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct optical measurement system (pyrometer) with a thermal conduction-based measurement system. Instead of measuring radiation directly from the crucible, the system uses a heat-conducting surface to transfer thermal energy to a sensor, substituting an optical measurement approach with a thermal conduction approach that is more reliable.
3Measurement precision
If a type R thermocouple or pyrometer is used for temperature measurement, then temperature can be measured, but manufacturing and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a heat-conducting surface that can be a simple, inexpensive component compared to expensive thermocouples or pyrometers. This approach replaces costly measurement instruments with a simpler, more economical solution that achieves the same measurement function through thermal conduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-conducting surface serves as a mediator that enables temperature measurement using simple, low-cost sensors. By introducing this intermediary element, the system can use inexpensive temperature sensors attached to the heat-conducting surface rather than requiring expensive direct measurement instruments.
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
This approach reduces energy requirements for heating and provides accurate temperature measurement without the need for costly direct temperature measurement tools, ensuring efficient and reliable sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting a first portion of heat radiation radiating from the crucible back to the crucible
Implementation Method 2
reflecting a first portion of heat radiation radiating from the crucible back to the crucible
Implementation Method 3
absorbing a second portion of the heat radiation radiating from the crucible into the heat-conducting and reflective surface
Implementation Method 4
measuring the temperature of the heat-conducting and reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for preparing an analytical sample by fusion. A mixture of a sample and flux material is heated and stirred, in a crucible, at a temperature sufficient to fuse the mixture and obtain a substantially homogeneous fused mixture; a first portion of heat radiation radiating from the crucible is reflected back to the crucible so as to provide additional heat to fuse the mixture, while heating and stirring the mixture; and the homogeneous fused mixture, is subsequently cooled, thereby forming the analytical sample.