NMR Flow Cell Parallel Capillary Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NMR spectroscopy systems for monitoring chemical reactions face challenges in maintaining uniform temperature during sample transport, leading to potential changes in reaction conditions and increased complexity due to numerous connection points, which can result in leaks and inefficient temperature control.
Innovation Solution
The monitoring cell design features parallel transport capillaries with reversed temperature control fluid flow, reducing the number of connections and ensuring consistent temperature control along the capillaries, using standard components and materials like PTFE for improved durability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If coaxial transport capillaries are used within the temperature control lines, then the system structure is compact, but the temperature control becomes inefficient and complex with numerous connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the transport capillaries from the temperature control lines, routing them parallel to each other instead of nesting them coaxially. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple connection points where capillaries must be decoupled from temperature lines, while maintaining a compact overall structure through parallel arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection points are used to connect transport capillaries and temperature control lines, then the system is flexible, but leaks become more likely and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transport capillary routing with the temperature control line routing by running them parallel alongside each other through the adapter section. This combining approach eliminates the need for separate connection and decoupling points between transport and temperature systems, thereby reducing leak potential while maintaining system flexibility.
3Device complexity
If transport capillaries are exposed to room temperature in a coupling section, then the system design is simplified, but temperature control is compromised and reaction conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures that transport capillaries remain within the temperature-controlled environment of the adapter section throughout their entire length. By preliminarily planning the parallel routing arrangement, the design prevents any exposed sections where temperature control might be compromised, maintaining uniform temperature without requiring additional coupling sections.
4Ease of manufacture
If the outlet transport capillary has large volume, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the returned sample volume adversely affects the reaction in the reactor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different internal diameters to the inlet and outlet transport capillaries based on their specific functional requirements. The outlet capillary is designed with a smaller internal diameter to minimize the volume of sample returned to the reactor, thereby maintaining reaction equilibrium. This local optimization of capillary dimensions allows for precise control of sample return volume while considering manufacturing constraints.
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
This design enhances temperature control, reduces system complexity, minimizes leak points, and allows for easier setup and retrofitting, maintaining chemical equilibrium while simplifying the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
a device for conducting temperature control fluid around the inlet and outlet transport capillaries
Implementation Method 2
The system essentially consists of the following four parts: Housing for reversing the temperature control lines
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An NMR flow cell (100) comprising an NMR sample probe (110), an inlet and outlet transport capillary (112, 123), a device for directing temperature control fluid around the transport capillaries, which includes a supply line (306) guided coaxially within a drain (358) of the temperature control fluid, an adapter section (106) through which the transport capillaries are guided; and an adapter head (108) at the sample-side end of the adapter section for coupling the transport capillaries to the sample probe, wherein the inlet transport capillary projects into the sample probe and wherein the adapter head detachably connects the sample probe to the adapter section, is characterized in that the transport capillaries are guided parallel to each other within the supply line - and not coaxially - and are each fluid-tightly attached to the adapter head, and that a reversal of the temperature control fluid flow takes place in the adapter section.This makes it particularly easy to set up the system for sample extraction with just a few standardized connection points and maintains a uniform temperature in the supply and return lines of the measuring sample in order not to affect the thermal equilibrium.