Process-Gas Sample Weighing Scale With Bottom-Directed Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balances for weighing samples in interaction with process gases have high measurement uncertainty and do not accurately reflect reaction rates in larger systems due to the introduction of process gas from the side, leading to discrepancies in reaction rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A balance design with a sample holder featuring outlet openings that direct process gas to the bottom of the sample container, combined with a process gas line that minimizes horizontal gas flow and includes a balancing unit to reduce measurement uncertainty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If process gas is introduced from the side of the sample in a horizontal direction, then the balance structure is simple, but the measured reaction rate does not correlate well with reaction rates in larger systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional gas introduction approach by directing process gas from the top of the sample holder downward through outlet openings onto the sample container bottom, rather than introducing gas horizontally from the side. This inversion creates a more realistic reaction environment that better correlates with larger system reactions while maintaining balance structure simplicity.
2Reliability
If a complete reaction chamber with sample inside is weighed, then the reaction environment is complete, but the total weight is high resulting in relatively high absolute measurement uncertainty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample container from the complete reaction chamber and places it directly on the sample holder for weighing. This extraction allows the reaction environment to be maintained while reducing the total weight being measured, thereby lowering absolute measurement uncertainty while preserving reaction reliability.
3Device complexity
If the sample holder design is fixed, then the balance structure is simple, but the balance cannot be easily adapted to different samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a removable sample container design that allows the sample holder configuration to be dynamically changed between different samples. The sample container can be easily removed and replaced, providing adaptability to different samples while maintaining a simple overall balance structure.
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 design allows for more accurate measurement of reaction rates that better match real reactor conditions, with lower measurement uncertainty and flexibility for different samples, enabling precise weight changes detection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one measuring unit (14) for measuring the weight force or a change in weight force acting on the sample holder (8)
Implementation Method 2
at least one process gas line (12) for supplying the process gas (6) to the sample holder (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a balance (2) for weighing a sample (4) under interaction with at least one process gas (6), wherein the balance (2) has at least one sample holder (8) which is designed to absorb a weight force of a sample container (10) containing the sample (4), at least one process gas line (12) which is designed to supply the process gas (6) to the sample holder (8), and at least one measuring unit (14) for measuring the weight force or a change in weight force acting on the sample holder (8), wherein the sample holder (8) has at least one outlet opening (16) for the process gas (6), which is arranged to guide the process gas (6) to a sample container base (18).