NMR Probe Gas Replacement via Cyclic Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
NMR apparatuses face clogging issues in the rotation mechanism due to condensation and solidification of gases when replacing probes or sample tubes at low temperatures, leading to unstable or halted sample tube rotation and increased time to reach normal temperature.
Innovation Solution
An NMR apparatus with a depressurizing and pressurizing control system that alternately repeats depressurization and pressurization cycles to replace gases in the NMR probe, preventing solidification and liquidation of air, using a gas supply device to maintain the desired gas composition and pressure, thereby preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the closed circuit is opened to replace the NMR probe or sample tube, then the gas replacement becomes possible, but air is introduced into the NMR apparatus causing condensation and solidification that clogs the rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful air from the closed circuit by introducing it to the exhaust line and removing it through the condensation trap and pump system, preventing air contamination while maintaining the closed circuit configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas replacement valve as an intermediary component that enables gas replacement functionality without requiring opening of the main closed circuit, using the exhaust line as a mediator pathway for air removal
2Reliability
If the temperature is maintained at normal temperature to prevent condensation, then clogging is avoided, but the time required for cooling down increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary removal of air through the gas replacement system before cooling begins, preventing condensation in advance so that the cooling process can proceed without delay
3Stability of the object's composition
If pieces of ice are generated during air introduction, then the sample tube rotation becomes unstable or stops, but maintaining the closed circuit prevents air introduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts air from the closed circuit through the exhaust line and condensation trap system, removing the source of ice formation before it can affect the rotation mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful air introduction into a controlled process where air is deliberately channeled through the exhaust line to the condensation trap, transforming a harmful event into a controlled removal operation
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 solution effectively prevents clogging in the rotation mechanism, ensuring stable sample tube rotation and reducing the time required to reach normal temperature during gas replacement, maintaining efficient NMR measurement conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a depressurizing device for depressurizing the NMR probe or an accessory device for replacing a sample
Implementation Method 2
a gas supply device for supplying gas into the NMR probe to thereby pressurize the NMR probe
Implementation Method 3
gas or liquid contained in air may be liquified or solidified
Implementation Method 4
gas or liquid contained in air may be liquified or solidified
Data Source
AI summary
An NMR apparatus includes a depressurizing device for depressurizing an NMR probe, a gas supply device for supplying gas into the NMR probe to thereby pressurize the NMR probe, and a control device. The control device alternately repeats depressurization of the NMR probe, using the depressurizing device, and pressurization of the NMR probe, using the gas supply device. This replaces the gas in the NMR probe.