Gas Analyzer Pressure Control via External Gas Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The pressure in the reaction unit of gas analyzing devices using the chemical luminescence analysis method fluctuates due to atmospheric pressure changes, affecting the accuracy of analysis results, especially when trying to maintain low pressures for enhanced sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A gas analyzing device is designed with a pressure control unit that includes a gas flow passage connected to the outside, allowing external gas to be introduced into the system to control the pressure in the reaction unit. This control unit measures absolute pressure and adjusts the flow rate of external gas to maintain a predetermined pressure, independent of external pressure fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a pressure difference regulator is used to maintain constant pressure difference between atmospheric pressure and reaction unit pressure, then the pressure control mechanism is simple, but the pressure in the reaction unit fluctuates due to atmospheric pressure changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control mechanismVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a pressure sensor continuously monitors the actual pressure in the reaction unit and compares it with the target pressure. The controller adjusts the opening degree of the pressure control valve based on the pressure difference feedback signal, dynamically compensating for atmospheric pressure changes to maintain stable reaction unit pressure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical pressure difference regulator with an electro-pneumatic control system. The pressure control valve is actuated by an electromagnetic actuator controlled by a microprocessor-based controller, enabling precise electronic regulation of gas flow to maintain constant pressure despite external variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the pressure in the reaction unit is set to be low to enhance sensitivity, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the pressure becomes more susceptible to atmospheric pressure fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidpressure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback control system continuously monitors the low pressure in the reaction unit and makes real-time adjustments to the pressure control valve opening degree. When atmospheric pressure changes occur, the system detects the pressure deviation and compensates by adjusting the gas flow rate, thereby maintaining the desired low pressure condition for high sensitivity detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pressure control valve as an intermediary component between the gas supply and the reaction unit. This valve acts as a buffer that isolates the reaction unit from atmospheric pressure fluctuations, allowing the system to maintain a stable low pressure environment necessary for enhanced chemical luminescence detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the pressure control unit is isolated from external gas introduction, then the analysis gas flow path is simplified, but the pressure in the reaction unit cannot be actively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow pathVSAvoidpressure control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a pressure control valve as an intermediary component between the gas supply and the reaction unit. This valve acts as a buffer that isolates the reaction unit from atmospheric pressure fluctuations, allowing the system to maintain a stable low pressure environment necessary for enhanced chemical luminescence detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical pressure difference regulator with an electro-pneumatic control system. The pressure control valve is actuated by an electromagnetic actuator controlled by a microprocessor-based controller, enabling precise electronic regulation of gas flow to maintain constant pressure despite external variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution effectively suppresses pressure fluctuations in the reaction unit, ensuring a constant and predetermined pressure, which enhances the accuracy and stability of gas analysis results.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure control unit (5) including a gas flow passage L having one end connected to the first gas line L1 and the other end connected to the outside, for introducing external gas into the first gas line L1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow control:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure measuring unit (7) for measuring absolute pressure in the reaction unit (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 3

a gas analyzing device using a chemical luminescence analysis method... reaction light generated by interaction between the analysis target gas and luminescence-inducing gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical luminescence: Chemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4553478A1Gas analyzing device, pressure control method, and program
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 HORIBA LTD
  • EP4553478A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4553478A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4553478A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To suppress pressure fluctuation in a reaction unit, a gas analyzing device (100) includes a reaction unit (1), an evacuating unit (3), a first gas line (L1), a pressure control unit (5), a pressure measuring unit (7), and a control unit (9). The reaction unit (1) allows an analysis target gas and a luminescence-inducing gas to interact with each other. The evacuating unit (3) evacuates the reaction unit (1). The first gas line (L1) connects the reaction unit (1) and the evacuating unit (3). The pressure control unit (5) is connected to the first gas line (L1) and is configured to introduce external gas into the first gas line (L1), and controls a flow rate of the gas introduced into the first gas line (L1) to control pressure in the reaction unit (1). The pressure measuring unit (7) measures absolute pressure in the reaction unit (1). The control unit (9) controls the pressure control unit (5) based on the absolute pressure in the reaction unit (1) measured by the pressure measuring unit (7), and controls the flow rate of the gas introduced into the first gas line (L1) so that the pressure in the reaction unit (1) becomes a predetermined pressure.