Pressure-Sealed Extraction Chamber for Rapid Solvent Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation techniques for molecular analysis are time-consuming, require multiple steps, use excessive solvents, and are difficult to automate, limiting the number of samples that can be processed in a given time and delaying the identification of anomalous results.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive, pressure-sealed reaction chamber system with a sample cup and solvent delivery mechanisms that allows for rapid and efficient solvent extraction, using a combination of heating and inert gas agitation to disperse samples, reducing extraction time and solvent usage while enabling automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If Soxhlet extraction method is used, then extraction can continue automatically for extended periods, but extraction time becomes excessively long (hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the solvent in a reservoir before extraction begins. The solvent is heated to extraction temperature in advance, then rapidly introduced to the sample under pressure, eliminating the need for prolonged heating during extraction and reducing overall extraction time while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters by using elevated temperatures (e.g., 100-200°C) and pressures (e.g., 1-20 MPa) to accelerate the extraction process. These parameter changes enable rapid extraction in minutes rather than hours, while the system remains automated through programmable control of temperature, pressure, and flow rates.
2Loss of time
If ultra-sonication is used to speed up extraction, then extraction time is reduced, but the process becomes labor intensive and manual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical ultrasound agitation with a thermally-driven automated system. Instead of using ultrasonic waves to accelerate extraction, the system uses pre-heated solvent under pressure that naturally penetrates and extracts compounds from the sample matrix, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining rapid extraction speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing a system where the heated solvent automatically flows through the sample matrix and extracts compounds without requiring manual agitation or intervention. The pressure differential and temperature gradient drive the extraction process autonomously, reducing extraction time while maintaining full automation.
3Loss of time
If microwave-assisted extraction is used, then extraction speed is accelerated, but expensive high-pressure vessels are required that cannot filter extracts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction system into separate functional components: a solvent reservoir for heating, an extraction chamber with filter, and a collection vessel. This segmentation allows the use of simple, inexpensive components rather than a single complex high-pressure vessel, while maintaining rapid extraction through controlled solvent flow and filtration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component between the extraction chamber and collection vessel. This filter enables rapid separation of extracted compounds from the sample matrix without requiring complex pressure vessel designs, allowing the system to achieve fast extraction speeds with simple, maintainable equipment.
4Productivity
If automated pressurized fluid extraction is used, then extraction efficiency is improved, but the number of steps and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple extraction steps into a single integrated process. The pre-heated solvent is introduced under pressure, flows through the sample matrix in the extraction chamber, and passes through a filter all in one continuous operation. This consolidation maintains high extraction efficiency while reducing the number of discrete steps and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
The system significantly reduces extraction time and solvent consumption, achieving faster and more efficient sample preparation compared to existing methods, such as Soxhlet and ASE, while maintaining high recovery rates and simplifying the process, thus increasing the throughput of molecular analysis.
Implementation Method 1
heating the reaction chamber and the sample cup and the extraction sample and the extraction solvent inside the sample cup
Implementation Method 2
delivering an inert gas from a supply to the sample cup to agitate the contents of the sample cup
Implementation Method 3
A thermally conductive, pressure-sealed reaction chamber system with a sample cup and solvent delivery mechanisms that allows for rapid and efficient solvent extraction, using a combination of heating and inert gas agitation
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for extraction based molecular sample preparation and related processes is disclosed. The instrument includes a thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber and a thermally conductive sample cup positioned in the thermally conductive pressure resistant healing chamber for heating liquids and solids together in the thermally conductive sample cup. A liquid delivery inlet fixture in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber delivers liquids (solvent) from a supply to the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber, and a chiller in liquid communication with the thermally conductive sample cup in the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber receives heated liquids from the thermally conductive pressure resistant heating chamber when the chamber is opened to atmospheric pressure.