Gas Equilibrium Coil for Real-Time Analyzer Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing calibration solutions for gas analyzers, such as blood gas analyzers, face challenges with inadequate oxygen buffering capacity, susceptibility to oxygen contamination, and difficulties in maintaining stable gas levels over time, leading to inaccuracies and labor-intensive preparation processes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a long, thin-walled, gas-permeable tubing wrapped around a temperature-controlled mandrel, which rapidly achieves gas equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere, allowing for real-time calibration of gas levels in a liquid reagent, using atmospheric oxygen and controlling temperature and pressure to ensure accurate calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If gas-tonometered aqueous solutions are packaged in sealed containers, then gas levels remain stable over time, but the solutions require elaborate preparation procedures and cannot be adjusted in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from static sealed containers to a dynamic system using gas-permeable tubing that allows real-time equilibration of gas levels. The coil can be adjusted to different temperatures and exposed to different gas atmospheres, enabling dynamic calibration standards that adapt to current conditions rather than being fixed at manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses gas-permeable tubing (such as silicone or fluorocarbon materials) that allows selective diffusion of gases between the calibration solution and the surrounding atmosphere. This porous structure enables real-time gas exchange while maintaining solution stability, eliminating the need for complex sealed container systems.
2Measurement precision
If aqueous control liquids are used, then they mimic blood pH and pCO2 levels, but they lack adequate oxygen buffering capacity and are prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the oxygen partial pressure parameter dynamically by exposing the calibration solution to controlled oxygen atmospheres through the gas-permeable tubing. This allows the system to maintain accurate oxygen levels despite variations in buffering capacity, as the oxygen concentration is continuously equilibrated with the reference atmosphere rather than relying solely on solution chemistry.
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration solutions are prepared in advance, then gas levels can be controlled during manufacturing, but real-time adjustment and equilibration to current temperature and pressure conditions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary preparation of the calibration solution in advance (filling the container, selecting appropriate buffer composition) but then uses the gas-permeable coil to perform the final gas equilibration at the moment of use. This combines the benefits of advance preparation with real-time adaptation to current environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration solution automatically equilibrates its own gas levels by diffusion through the gas-permeable tubing when exposed to the reference atmosphere. The system self-regulates to match current temperature and pressure conditions without requiring external intervention or complex control mechanisms.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If sealed ampuls are used to prevent gas diffusion, then shelf life is extended, but real-time equilibration with atmospheric gases cannot occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the sealed impermeable container with a gas-permeable membrane or tubing system that allows controlled gas exchange. This enables the calibration solution to maintain stability during storage while automatically equilibrating with atmospheric gases when needed for calibration, combining the benefits of both sealed and open systems.
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 solution enables precise and stable gas calibration in real-time, reducing labor and equipment costs while maintaining accurate gas levels, even in varying environmental conditions, by utilizing high oxygen permeability tubing and controlled temperature settings.
Implementation Method 1
a long, thin-walled, gas permeable tubing wrapped around a heated, temperature-controlled mandrel
Implementation Method 2
rapidly assumes a new equilibrium based on atmospheric pressure, temperature and percent of gas in the space surrounding the coil
Implementation Method 3
a long, thin-walled, gas permeable tubing wrapped around a heated, temperature-controlled mandrel
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas-solution equilibrium device for a liquid sample gas analyzer includes a temperature-controlled, thermally-conductive mandrel, a coil of gas-permeable tubing wrapped around the mandrel, the gas-permeable tubing having an inlet and an outlet, and a housing having an internal space containing the temperature-controlled, thermally-conductive mandrel, the coil of gas-permeable tubing and a volume of gas where the gas-permeable tubing has a predefined linear length and a predefined wall thickness, the combination of which together is capable of equilibrating a liquid passing through the coil at a predefined flow rate with oxygen in the atmosphere to provide a gas calibration solution in real time at the outlet of the tubing for the liquid gas analyzer.