High-Throughput High-Pressure SANS Sample Cell Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-pressure small angle neutron scattering (HP-SANS) systems are not well-suited for analyzing biopolymers due to poor temperature control, large sample volume requirements, and operational complexity, limiting the ability to study biopolymers under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A novel high-throughput high-pressure (HT HP) sample cell design featuring a pressure transmitter chamber with a compressible circular internal separator, capable of withstanding pressures up to 220 MPa and temperatures from -21°C to 90°C, allowing for simultaneous high-pressure and extreme temperature analysis without sample leakage or contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional HP-SANS systems are used for biopolymer analysis, then pressure measurement capability is available, but temperature control is poor and sample volume requirements are large
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure transmission system is segmented into multiple components: a pressure transmitter chamber, a compressible separator, and a sample chamber. This segmentation allows independent optimization of temperature control in the sample chamber while using minimal sample volume, resolving the contradiction between temperature control capability and sample volume requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The sample chamber is nested within the pressure transmission system, with the compressible separator acting as an interface between the pressure transmitter chamber and the sample chamber. This nested configuration enables efficient heat transfer to the small sample volume while maintaining pressure control, simultaneously improving temperature control and reducing sample volume requirements
2Productivity
If conventional HP-SANS equipment is used, then high pressure analysis is possible, but operational complexity increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample cell design integrates multiple functions into a single component: pressure transmission, temperature control, and neutron radiation transmission. The compressible separator simultaneously transmits pressure and allows neutron beam passage, while the integrated heating/cooling mechanism provides temperature control. This multi-functionality reduces operational complexity and enables high-throughput data collection by eliminating the need for separate control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible separator automatically transmits pressure from the pressure transmitter chamber to the sample chamber through its elastic deformation, without requiring additional mechanical transmission components. This self-service pressure transmission mechanism simplifies the system operation and reduces the complexity of pressure control, thereby improving productivity
3Reliability
If standard sample cells are used under extreme conditions, then simplicity of design is maintained, but sample leakage and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The compressible separator acts as a flexible membrane that separates the pressure transmitter chamber from the sample chamber while maintaining sample containment under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. This flexible film approach provides reliable sample containment without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device 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
Enables faster and more reliable data collection for soft matter liquid samples, particularly biopolymers, by providing a robust and compatible sample environment for beamline analysis, enhancing the study of food and pharmaceutical samples under extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The HT HP sample cell delivers pressurizing fluid, such as water under pressure, to the pressure transmitter chamber, which pressure is translated by the compressible, circular internal separator to the soft matter liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a technique commonly used to probe structural properties of soft-matter, due to the non-destructive nature of the neutrons
Data Source
AI summary
High-throughput high-pressure (HT HP) sample cells and sampling environments are disclosed herein. The HT HP sample cells include a top cell member and a bottom cell member that can be sealed together enclosing a sample in a pressure transmitter chamber. Further, the HT HP sample cells include a compressible, circular internal separator for compressing a sub-mL soft matter liquid sample. Further, the radiation beam windows of the HT HP sample cells are integral to the HT HP sample cell members. The novel and innovative HT HP sample cell design enables SANS measurements of the soft matter liquid sample when exposed to extreme temperatures and pressures without exhibiting leakage or cross-contamination of the soft matter liquid sample with the pressurizing fluid. Methods for using the HT HP sample cells in a pressurizing system for SANS analysis are also disclosed.