Membrane Gas Sampling with Carrier Gas Flow Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas equilibrium membrane inlet gas analyzers face challenges in accurately calibrating gas flow due to variable parameters such as temperature and composition, requiring frequent recalibrations for continuous sampling with changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A gas sampling device with a gas-liquid equilibrium membrane inlet that maintains constant gas-liquid equilibrium conditions using a circulation pump and sensors to ensure accurate quantification of dissolved gases, allowing for easy handling and calibration-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capillary gas inlet with gas-permeable membrane is used to separate solvent liquid from gas entering the analyzer, then gas separation and analysis capability is improved, but calibration complexity increases due to non-linear gas flow dependencies on temperature, pressure, and viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a carrier gas as an intermediary substance that flows through the gas-permeable membrane in a controlled manner. This carrier gas mediates the transport of dissolved gases from the liquid sample to the analyzer, replacing the problematic direct capillary flow that was highly sensitive to temperature and pressure variations. The carrier gas flow can be precisely controlled and measured, simplifying the calibration process while maintaining accurate gas separation and analysis capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If traditional GE-MIMS with capillary pressure reduction is used, then gas equilibrium analysis is achieved, but frequent recalibration is required when sample parameters such as temperature and composition change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual carrier gas flow rate is measured and used to adjust and maintain accurate quantification of dissolved gases. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing sample conditions (temperature, composition) without requiring frequent recalibration, as the measured flow rate directly informs the calculation of gas concentrations in the liquid phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the flow parameter control from passive capillary pressure reduction to active carrier gas flow control. By using a carrier gas with controllable flow rate and known characteristics, the system can maintain accurate measurements across varying sample conditions. The carrier gas flow parameters (rate, composition, temperature) can be independently controlled and monitored, providing adaptability to different sampling scenarios without compromising measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If capillary tubes are used for pressure reduction and gas transport, then gas flow control is simplified, but accurate quantification becomes difficult due to complex non-linear flow relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical capillary pressure reduction system with an active carrier gas flow system. Instead of relying on capillary pressure effects and viscous flow relationships that are difficult to quantify, the invention uses a carrier gas flow that can be actively controlled and measured. This substitution replaces complex mechanical flow control with a more measurable and controllable gas phase transport mechanism, improving both ease of operation and quantification accuracy.
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 precise and efficient quantification of dissolved gases by maintaining equilibrium conditions, facilitating easy calibration and reducing the need for frequent recalibrations, especially in varying sample conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-permeable membrane (3) for separating dissolved gases from a solvent-containing solution
Implementation Method 2
a circulation gas pump (13), which returns the gas from the gas collection vessel (8) to the gas volume (4) of the sample collection vessel (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas sampling device (1) with a gas equilibrium membrane inlet for the quantification of dissolved gases in solvent-containing solutions. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the quantification of dissolved gases in solvent-containing solutions using the device according to the invention, as well as the use of the device in this method.