NMR Flow-Through Probehead with Multi-Chamber Sample Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
NMR spectroscopy using flow-through NMR probeheads results in high sample consumption due to the inability to reuse or reactivate measurement samples after spin order decay, leading to increased costs and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-chamber device for NMR measurement samples that allows catalytic transfer of spin order from a gas to a liquid measurement sample, enabling reactivation and reuse of the sample by controlling gas pressure and using a template to maintain spin order without altering the chemical structure, allowing repeated measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flow-through NMR probehead is used for liquid measurement samples, then automatic transport of sample is simplified, but measurement sample consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a system where the liquid measurement sample is not discarded after measurement but is recovered and reused. The sample is transported from the probehead back to a chamber where it can be reactivated and measured multiple times, thereby reducing sample consumption while maintaining automatic transport capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous measurement by allowing the same sample to undergo multiple measurement cycles. The sample is repeatedly activated and measured in the probehead without being discarded, creating a continuous useful action that reduces overall sample consumption compared to single-use flow-through measurements.
2Measurement precision
If para-hydrogen is added to measurement sample for spin order transfer, then signal strength is enhanced, but sample can only be measured once after activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the measurement sample after the single use and returns it to the chamber for reactivation. The sample is not discarded after one measurement but is recovered and can be activated again with para-hydrogen, enabling multiple measurements while maintaining enhanced signal strength through repeated catalytic spin order transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the measurement sample to serve itself by being automatically returned to the chamber for reactivation. The sample undergoes catalytic transfer of spin order from para-hydrogen multiple times, effectively serving multiple measurement needs without requiring external intervention to prepare fresh samples.
3Loss of time
If measurement sample is transported quickly through tube system, then time between activation and measurement is reduced, but large amount of sample is used up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers the sample after it passes through the tube system and returns it to the chamber for reactivation. This allows the sample to be used multiple times despite the quick transport, thereby reducing overall sample consumption while maintaining fast measurement timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous measurement cycles where the sample is quickly transported, measured, and then returned for reactivation. This continuity allows multiple measurements to be performed on the same sample, reducing the need to consume large amounts of sample for each individual measurement.
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
Significantly reduces sample consumption by enabling the recycling and repeated activation of measurement samples, improving signal-to-noise ratio and reducing costs through efficient use of para-hydrogen and other gases.
Implementation Method 1
catalytic transfer of spin order from a gas to a liquid measurement sample
Implementation Method 2
spin order can be catalytically transferred from a gas to a liquid measurement sample
Implementation Method 3
first pressurized gas reservoir of an inert gas or para-hydrogen connected to the mixing chamber via a first connection for introducing gas and for increasing gas pressure in the mixing chamber
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1, 21, 31, 41, 64) for the preparation and measurement of a nuclear spin resonance (NMR) measurement sample (10), including - a flow-through NMR probehead (2), with a first tube (3) and a second tube (14) each for the supply and removal of a liquid NMR measurement sample (10), - at least one chamber (4, 22, 32) which is connected to one of the tubes (3, 14), - a sample inlet (5) for introducing the liquid measurement sample (10) into the device (1, 21, 31, 41, 64), wherein at least one chamber (4, 22, 32) has at least one connection for increasing (9, 24, 25, 42, 43, 46, 47) and releasing (8, 23, 27, 48a, 48b) the gas pressure, and in which at least one chamber (4, 22, 32) comprises means for mixing the liquid measurement sample (10) contained in the chamber (4, 22, 32) with a gas With the inventive device it is possible to reduce the measurement sample consumption when doing an NMR spectroscopic measurement on liquid measurement samples to which spin order can be catalytically transferred.