Gas Chromatograph Carrier Gas Usage Display During Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas chromatographs require manual checking of carrier gas remaining amounts at the gas cylinder location, making it cumbersome to determine the usage amount of carrier gas during sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A gas chromatograph equipped with a controller that calculates and displays the carrier gas usage amount based on analysis time and flow rate, allowing users to monitor usage without physically checking the gas cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of carrier gas remaining amount is performed at the gas cylinder location, then the usage amount can be determined from pressure gauge detection values, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the gas cylinder information by calculating and displaying the carrier gas usage amount on the chromatograph's display device. Instead of requiring the operator to physically check the pressure gauge at the gas cylinder location, the system computes the usage amount based on flow rate and analysis time parameters, presenting this information as if it were directly measured at the operating location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation process that mediates between the physical pressure gauge measurement and the operator's need for usage information. The controller calculates the usage amount using the formula: usage amount = flow rate × analysis time, serving as an intermediary that translates physical measurements into convenient operational information without requiring direct physical inspection.
2Reliability
If the operator periodically records remaining amount by visiting the gas cylinder location, then the usage amount can be tracked, but time is lost due to repeated physical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating and displaying the carrier gas usage amount without requiring operator intervention to physically check the gas cylinder. The chromatograph's controller autonomously computes the usage based on stored flow rate parameters and current analysis time, eliminating the need for repeated manual visits and recording operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the usage amount is continuously calculated and displayed on the display device based on real-time analysis time and stored flow rate data. This provides immediate feedback to the operator about gas consumption, eliminating the delayed feedback that occurs when operators must periodically visit the gas cylinder to check pressure gauge readings.
3Measurement precision
If pressure gauge detection values are used to calculate remaining amount, then the usage amount can be determined, but the process requires physical presence at the gas supply source location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physically checking the pressure gauge with an automated calculation system. Instead of mechanically visiting the gas cylinder location and reading the pressure gauge, the system uses electronic parameters (flow rate and analysis time) to compute the usage amount, substituting physical mechanical inspection with electronic calculation and display.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas chromatograph includes a sample gas generator, a separation column configured to separate components of an introduced sample gas, a gas supply source configured to supply a carrier gas to the sample gas generator to carry the sample gas from the sample gas generator to the separation column when the components of the sample gas are analyzed, a controller configured or programmed to acquire an in-analysis usage amount of the carrier gas based on an analysis time for analyzing the components of the sample gas, and a flow rate of the carrier gas supplied from the gas supply source to the sample gas generator, and a display configured to display the in-analysis usage amount acquired by the controller.