NMR Measurement Cell with Segmented Gas Introduction Zone

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional NMR spectrometers face challenges in performing measurements with significant gas introduction due to space constraints and the need for large solution circulation, which increases costs and complicates the introduction of gases with non-equilibrium magnetic properties.

Innovation Solution

A compact NMR measurement cell with a network of pipes forming a closed circuit for solution circulation, allowing gas introduction through bubble generation in the pipeline network, which eliminates the need for a large gas exchanger module and external pumping systems, ensuring homogeneous gas dissolution without disturbing the measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If gas is introduced into the solution during NMR measurement under the static magnetic field, then gas dissolution efficiency is improved, but bubbles formed in the measurement zone interfere with the measurement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas dissolution efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the NMR measurement cell into two distinct zones: a gas introduction zone where bubbles are generated, and a measurement zone where NMR measurements are performed. This spatial segmentation allows gas to be introduced efficiently in one zone while keeping the measurement zone free of interfering bubbles, thus resolving the contradiction between gas dissolution efficiency and measurement quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of bubbles on measurement is eliminated by extracting the gas introduction function to a separate zone outside the measurement volume. The gas introduction zone is positioned where bubbles can form and dissolve without entering the NMR detection region, thus removing the interference while maintaining efficient gas dissolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If a large gas exchanger module is used to introduce significant gas into the solution, then gas introduction capacity is improved, but the device dimensions become incompatible with conventional NMR spectrometers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas introduction capacityVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gas introduction system is reconfigured to utilize the vertical dimension within the NMR tube rather than requiring extensive horizontal space. Gas is introduced through the side wall of the NMR tube at a specific height, allowing bubbles to rise vertically through the solution. This dimensional approach enables significant gas introduction capacity while maintaining compatibility with the confined space of conventional NMR spectrometers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If solution circulation is used to transport gas to the detection volume, then gas distribution homogeneity is improved, but the quantity of solution required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution homogeneityVSAvoidsolution volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the rising bubbles themselves to drive solution circulation rather than requiring an external pumping system. As bubbles rise through the solution in the NMR tube, they create natural convection currents that distribute gas throughout the solution. This self-circulating mechanism achieves homogeneous gas distribution while minimizing the total solution volume required, as the circulation is driven by the gas introduction process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient and stable NMR measurements with effective gas introduction, compatible with conventional spectrometers, reducing solution volume and avoiding mechanical disturbances, while supporting gases with non-equilibrium magnetic properties.

Implementation Method 1

a gas inlet to generate bubbles only in the gas introduction zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble generation: Bubble

Implementation Method 2

the gas inlet being arranged so as to cause circulation of the solution in the network of pipes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

at least one measurement chamber in which a radiofrequency electromagnetic field is applied and/or measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear Magnetic Resonance: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3035070B1Nmr measurement cell and nmr measurement assembly
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP3035070B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3035070B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3035070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) measurement cell (20) for a solution (33) allowing the introduction of a gas into said solution. The measurement cell (20) comprises at least one detection volume intended to be placed in a static magnetic field of an NMR spectrometer (1), and includes within said detection volume a gas introduction zone (21), a measurement chamber (22) for the solution (33) located at a distance from the gas introduction zone (21), and a network of pipes (23) for the solution (33) arranged to provide fluidic communication between the gas introduction zone (21) and the measurement chamber (22). The gas introduction zone (21) includes in the network of pipes (23) at least one gas inlet (211) for generating bubbles (34) only within the gas introduction zone (21).The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such a measuring cell (20) and a measuring assembly comprising such a measuring cell (20).