Parallel Reactor Switching for Isotopic Gas Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas analysis apparatuses require complex and laborious reconfiguration for different measurements, leading to susceptibility to errors and inefficiencies due to the need for varying arrangements of component parts for each type of gas conversion.

Innovation Solution

A device with at least one second reactor, allowing for additional or alternative thermal measures, which can be arranged in parallel or series with the first reactor, and equipped with switching devices to facilitate quick switching between reactors, enabling different gas conversions without altering the apparatus construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus uses a single reactor for gas conversion, then the construction is simple, but different gas conversions require reconfiguration of component parts which is laborious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform different gas conversionsVSAvoidarrangement of component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas conversion system is divided into multiple independent reactors (first reactor and second reactor) that can be selectively activated. Each reactor is designed for specific types of gas conversions, allowing the system to handle different measurement types without reconfiguring the entire apparatus. The reactors are positioned in parallel configurations with independent control, enabling flexible selection based on measurement requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed with a universal gas path system that can route gas streams to either the first reactor or the second reactor depending on the required conversion type. The common gas inlet and outlet pathways, combined with selective reactor activation, create a multi-functional system that performs various gas conversions (oxidation, reduction, pyrolysis) without requiring separate apparatus configurations for each conversion type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the apparatus is reconfigured for different gas conversions, then different measurements are possible, but this leads to susceptibility to errors and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferent gas conversionsVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple reactors are pre-configured and pre-positioned within the apparatus, each optimized for specific conversion types. The switching mechanism is pre-established to route gas streams to the appropriate reactor based on measurement requirements. This eliminates the need for physical reconfiguration during operation, reducing errors and maintaining measurement reliability while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows real-time selection between different reactors based on the required gas conversion type. The switching mechanism enables flexible, on-the-fly adaptation without physical reconfiguration, maintaining system reliability by avoiding manual intervention while preserving the ability to perform different measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If reactors are arranged in parallel, then switching between different gas conversions is rapid, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching speed between conversionsVSAvoidreactor arrangement and switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple reactors are merged into a single integrated apparatus with common gas inlet and outlet pathways. The reactors share structural supports, insulation systems, and control electronics, reducing overall complexity despite having multiple conversion chambers. The unified gas flow path eliminates the need for separate routing systems for each reactor, maintaining simplicity while enabling rapid switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 rapid and precise switching between different gas conversions, reducing errors and inefficiencies by maintaining a continuous gas flow and avoiding dead volumes, thus improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one second reactor, which is arranged parallel to, or in series with, the first reactor, wherein at least one of the reactors can be deactivated or means are provided for circumventing at least one of the reactors. The second reactor allows additional or alternative thermal measures to be applied to the gases supplied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conversion: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9709537B2Device for providing gases, in particular for isotopic ratio analysis

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 THERMO FISHER SCI BREMEN

AI summary

A device is provided for delivering gases to an analyzer, such as an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer. The device includes first and second reactors, preferably arranged in parallel. At least one of the reactors may be selectively activated, or means may be incorporated to circumvent one of the reactors, such that different types of gas conversions may be achieved.