Low Flow-Through Vial for Continuous TOC Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Some sample systems are unable to maintain the minimum required flow rate and time period for continuous TOC analysis using existing TOC analyzers, necessitating a device for analyzing TOC at lower flow rates and shorter times.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a primary container with a septum penetrable by a TOC analyzer's needle, an input conduit, and an output conduit, allowing for continuous measurement by inserting the device into a grab analysis port, enabling analysis at flow rates from 0.5 mL/min to 50 mL/min and for shorter durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grab analysis port with a vial is used for TOC analysis, then the analysis can be performed without plumbing the sample system continuously, but the device cannot provide continuous measurement and requires high flow rates that some sample systems cannot sustain
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested container structure where an inner container is placed inside an outer container. The inner container holds the TOC sample and is positioned within the grab analysis port, while the outer container provides structural support and interfaces with the analyzer. This nested configuration enables the grab analysis port to function with continuous measurement capability while maintaining ease of operation, as the inner container can be easily inserted and removed without requiring complex plumbing modifications to the sample system.
2Productivity
If the iOS system is used for continuous TOC measurement, then continuous measurement is achieved, but a minimum flow rate must be maintained for a minimum time period which some sample systems cannot provide
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary between the sample system and the TOC analyzer. The inner container receives the TOC sample flow and concentrates it, allowing the analyzer to perform continuous measurement without requiring the sample system to maintain high flow rates. The container volume and geometry serve as a buffer that decouples the flow rate requirements of the analyzer from the capabilities of the sample system, enabling continuous measurement at lower flow rates that some sample systems can sustain.
3Ease of operation
If a vial is filled with TOC sample and inserted into the grab analysis port, then snap-shot analysis is performed, but the vial is not plumbed into the system and cannot provide continuous measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables dynamic operation by allowing the inner container to be filled continuously from the sample system while positioned within the grab analysis port. The container can be filled, analyzed, and refilled in a continuous cycle, transforming the static grab analysis into a dynamic continuous measurement process. The resiliently penetrable membrane allows for continuous sample introduction and analysis without removing the container from the port, thereby extending the analysis duration while maintaining ease of operation.
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 continuous TOC analysis at lower flow rates and shorter times, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by allowing direct sample deposition onto analyzer needles, thus facilitating analysis at lower flow rates and reducing the required analysis time.
Implementation Method 1
The primary end wall includes a septum that is resiliently penetrable by an analyzer needle of a grab analysis port of a TOC analyzer
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a device for analyzing total organic carbon (TOC) within a fluid. The device includes a primary container, an input conduit, and an output conduit. The primary container is hollow and has a primary side wall and a primary end wall. The primary side wall has an inner surface defining a primary cavity and an outer surface opposite and spaced apart from the inner surface. The primary end wall includes a septum that is resiliently penetrable by an analyzer needle of a grab analysis port of a TOC analyzer. The input conduit has an input lumen. The input conduit extends through the primary container such that the input lumen is in fluid communication with the primary cavity. The output conduit has an output lumen.