Multi-Vessel Reaction Sampling for Time-Comparable Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses struggle with taking samples at comparable times during reactions, especially for analyses that cannot be measured continuously or require evaluation over a particular period, making serial analyses difficult.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with at least one reactor connected to multiple sample vessels, allowing for simultaneous or timed sampling and analysis, using controllable valves and adjustable volume sample vessels with pistons for precise sampling, and inert purging to prevent contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single sample vessel is used for sampling during reactions, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but it becomes difficult to take samples at comparable times and perform serial analyses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to take samples at comparable timesVSAvoidnumber of sample vessels

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single sample vessel is divided into multiple separate sample vessels (first sample vessel, second sample vessel, etc.), each capable of independently receiving samples at different time points. This segmentation allows simultaneous or sequential sampling operations to be performed independently, enabling samples to be taken at comparable times without interference, while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If samples are taken continuously during reactions, then complete reaction progression data is obtained, but analyses that take prolonged periods cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime for analysis completionVSAvoidcomparability of reaction samples

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Samples are pre-collected in separate sample vessels at defined time points during the reaction before analysis begins. This preliminary sampling action allows the reaction to continue undisturbed while samples are stored ready for later analysis, enabling prolonged analytical procedures without affecting the reaction progression or sample comparability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sample vessels serve as intermediary storage containers between the reaction system and the analysis system. They temporarily hold the reaction samples, decoupling the sampling process from the analysis process, thereby allowing analyses that take prolonged periods to be performed without compromising the timing precision or comparability of the samples

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reactors are operated in parallel for comprehensive studies, then reaction parameter variations can be examined, but coordinating sampling at the same time becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to examine reaction parameter influenceVSAvoidcoordination of simultaneous sampling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each reactor is assigned its own dedicated sample vessel(s), creating independent sampling pathways. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex coordination when sampling from multiple reactors, as each sampling operation can be controlled independently while still achieving simultaneous sampling across all reactors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling system is designed with universal components (valves, conduits, sample vessels) that can be configured to work with any number of reactors. This multi-functional design allows the same sampling mechanism to be applied to each reactor independently, enabling easy coordination of simultaneous sampling across multiple reactors operated in parallel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, automated sampling at defined times, facilitating continuous or pulsed analysis of reaction parameters and fluctuations, supporting varied reaction conditions for comprehensive reaction studies.

Implementation Method 1

the sample chamber (15) is bounded on one side by a piston (17) movable within the sample vessel (13)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

In order to facilitate sampling, a vacuum pump (43) is connected to the gas conduit (19)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

the sample vessels are heatable. For this purpose, preference is given to using an electrical heater (29)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12458944B2Device and method for examining reactions

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 HTE-AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT THE HIGH THROUGHPUT EXPERIMENTATION COMPANY

AI summary

The invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing reactions, comprising at least one reactor (1) and at least two sample vessels (13), wherein, in the case of an apparatus having one reactor (1), the reactor (1) is connected to at least two sample vessels (13), and, in the case of an apparatus having more than one reactor (1), each reactor (1) is connected to at least one sample vessel (13). The invention further relates to a method of analyzing reactions in such an apparatus.