Plasma Torch Air Sampling for Direct Aerosol Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for analyzing air compositions or aerosols require additional sample transportation methods, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, whereas the goal is to enable easy and direct analysis of air samples using the aspirative properties of the plasma itself.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plasma torch that ionizes and aspirates air compositions or aerosols directly, eliminating the need for external sample transportation by leveraging the negative pressure zone created by the plasma to draw in the sample, with adjustable flow rates and optional sample introduction units for particle classification and dosage control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional sample transportation methods (pumps, transport means) are used to introduce air compositions or aerosols into the system, then the sample can be delivered to the plasma torch, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma torch itself performs the sample introduction function by creating a negative pressure zone that automatically aspirates the air composition or aerosol through the sample inlet, eliminating the need for external pumps or transport means. The plasma sustains itself and performs dual functions: ionization and sample aspiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample introduction function is merged with the plasma torch function. The plasma torch not only ionizes the sample but also creates the suction force necessary to draw the sample in, combining two previously separate functions (sample transport and plasma generation) into a single integrated system.
2Productivity
If the plasma flow rate is increased to improve aspiration of air compositions, then more sample can be introduced, but the plasma stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes plasma parameters (power, gas flow, frequency) to achieve a stable plasma that can sustain the required negative pressure for aspiration. By carefully controlling these parameters, the plasma maintains both stability and sufficient aspiration capability for effective sample introduction.
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 on-spot analysis of air compositions and aerosols with high sensitivity, as demonstrated by successful detection of gold concentrations in dust generated from drilling reference standards, achieving a limit of detection within 1.15 to 1.33 ppb, and allowing for analysis of particles' isotopic composition, size, and concentration.
Implementation Method 1
the plasma torch is configured to produce a plasma which ionizes the sample such that ions and/or photons are generated
Implementation Method 2
the plasma has a zone with a negative pressure relative to the sample inlet. The suction property of the zone with the negative pressure can surprisingly be used for aspirating the air composition or aerosol into the system
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for analyzing a sample (2), wherein the sample is an air composition or an aerosol, the system (1) comprising - a sample preparation unit (3) with a sample inlet (4) and a plasma torch (5), wherein the sample (2) enters the system (1) through the sample inlet (4), wherein the plasma torch (5) is configured to produce a plasma (6) which ionizes the sample (2) such that ions and/or photons are generated, wherein the plasma (6) is configured to aspirate the sample (2) through the sample inlet (4), - an interface (7) which is configured to guide the generated ions and/or photons towards a detector (8), - the detector (8) which is configured to detect the generated ions and/or photons, and - an evaluation unit (9) which is configured to analyze the sample (2) by means of the detected ions and/or photons.