Gas Chromatograph Injector with Sequential Reagent Injection
Solution Overview
Problem
The manual derivation process in gas chromatography is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and hazardous, limiting the throughput and safety of analysis, especially when handling hazardous reagents, and existing automated solutions are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sample injector system with a syringe and actuator controlled by a controller to inject a liquid sample and derivation reagent into a sample-vaporizing chamber, allowing for a predetermined time interval between injections to vaporize and convert the sample into a derivative within the column, reducing manual handling and equipment complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual derivation process is used with nitrogen gas spraying and mixing, then derivation can be performed, but the process consumes time and labor, reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the derivation process from manual operation and integrates it directly into the gas chromatograph system. The derivation reagent is injected automatically through the needle into the sample-vaporizing chamber where it mixes with the vaporized sample, eliminating the need for separate manual mixing operations and significantly reducing process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the derivation process automatically without requiring external manual intervention. The controller manages the timing and injection of the derivation reagent, and the chamber environment automatically facilitates the chemical reaction, making the system self-sufficient for the complete analysis workflow.
2Ease of operation
If manual derivation process is used with multiple tools for spraying and mixing, then derivation can be performed, but the work of preparing tools and handling reagents becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The gas chromatograph system is designed to perform multiple functions: sample injection, vaporization, and derivation. The same needle and chamber used for sample introduction also serve for reagent injection and chemical reaction, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sample introduction system and derivation reagent delivery system into a single integrated mechanism. Both the sample and derivation reagent are injected through the same needle into the same chamber, combining multiple operations into one unified process that reduces equipment complexity.
3Reliability
If manual handling of derivation reagents is performed, then derivation process can be executed, but safety risks increase due to hazardous and flammable reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling of hazardous reagents with an automated injection system. The derivation reagent is delivered through a controlled mechanical injection mechanism rather than manual pouring or transfer, significantly reducing operator exposure to hazardous substances and improving safety.
4Extent of automation
If conventional automated derivation apparatus is used with thermostatic chambers and channel selector valves, then automation is achieved, but the apparatus becomes large and complex with higher production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas chromatograph system is designed to perform multiple functions: sample injection, vaporization, and derivation. The same needle and chamber used for sample introduction also serve for reagent injection and chemical reaction, eliminating the need for separate specialized tools for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sample introduction system and derivation reagent delivery system into a single integrated mechanism. Both the sample and derivation reagent are injected through the same needle into the same chamber, combining multiple operations into one unified process that reduces equipment complexity.
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 significantly enhances the throughput and safety of gas chromatography analysis by minimizing labor and hazardous handling, allowing for efficient derivation within the column, reducing production costs, and improving the sensitivity and accuracy of compound detection.
Implementation Method 1
a sample to be analyzed is suctioned so that the sample is held closer to the needle and the derivation reagent farther from the needle; the needle is inserted into the sample-vaporizing chamber
Implementation Method 2
Conversion of a compound into a derivative uses a reagent that causes various kinds of chemical reactions with a functional group of the compound to be analyzed
Data Source
AI summary
In a sample injector for a gas chromatograph, the present invention improves the throughput of a GC analysis including the derivation of a target compound and reduces the tedious work of handling a reagent for the derivation. According to the present invention, a derivation reagent R is suctioned into a microsyringe 10, after which a small amount of air and a sample P to be analyzed are successively suctioned so that the reagent, the air and the sample are held in this order, from top to bottom. Then, the needle 11 of the microsyringe 10 is inserted through the septum 3 into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2, and the plunger 12 is pushed halfway through so that only the sample is injected into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2. The sample thus injected is quickly vaporized into a gas sample and introduced into the column 6, where the target compound contained in the gas sample adheres to the inner wall of an inlet section of the column 6. When several seconds have passed after the injection of the sample, the plunger 12 is further pushed down to inject the reagent into the sample-vaporizing chamber 2. Then, the reagent is turned into gas and introduced into the column 6, where the reagent reacts with the compound to produce a derivative. Subsequently, the temperature of the column 6 is raised to carry out a GC analysis.