Rapid Probe Cooling via Pneumatic Gas Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The direct sample introduction method in mass spectrometry requires a significant waiting time for the probe to cool down from 500°C to room temperature, limiting analysis throughput due to the need for manual handling of a heated probe.
Innovation Solution
A direct sample introduction device with a pre-evacuating chamber and ventilation units that allow for controlled gas flow to rapidly cool the sample introduction probe by evacuating and supplying gas through separate units connected to a low-pressure source and a gas supply source, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the probe is heated to 500°C to vaporize the sample, then the sample vaporization is effective, but the cooling time increases and analysis throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas supply unit that supplies gas (such as nitrogen or air) to the probe during the cooling phase. This pneumatic cooling method rapidly reduces the probe temperature from 500°C to room temperature, significantly decreasing the cooling time and allowing faster probe removal while maintaining safety.
2Temperature
If the probe is heated to 500°C to vaporize the sample, then the sample vaporization is effective, but the waiting time for safe probe removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using gas supply for active cooling, the system reduces the waiting time for safe probe removal. The gas flow rapidly cools the probe, enabling quicker probe extraction and increasing the number of samples that can be analyzed per unit time, thus improving overall productivity.
3Device complexity
If natural cooling is used after probe heating, then the system is simple, but the cooling process is slow and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a gas supply unit connected to a gas source, which introduces a controlled flow of cooling gas to the probe. This active pneumatic cooling system, while adding some complexity, dramatically reduces cooling time compared to passive natural cooling, achieving a favorable balance between system complexity and cooling efficiency.
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 method significantly reduces the cooling time of the sample introduction probe, allowing for safer and more efficient handling and increasing analysis throughput by enabling quicker probe removal after analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a gas flow from the first ventilation unit to the second ventilation unit is formed in the pre-evacuating chamber 2 so that the sample introduction probe can be efficiently cooled by this gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A direct sample introduction device includes: a pre-evacuating chamber that has an internal space extending in a first direction through which a sample introduction probe extends in the first direction; a first ventilation unit that is allowed to be opened and closed, with a first end thereof being connected to the pre-evacuating chamber; and a second ventilation unit a first end of which is connected to the pre-evacuating chamber and a second end of which is connected to a low pressure source.