Removable Spark Stand Cartridge for Atomic Emission Spectrometer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The buildup of debris, dust, and residue in the spark chamber and gas inlet/outlet of atomic emission spectrometers contaminates the plasma, affecting analytical results and requiring labor-intensive and time-consuming cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, easy-to-substitute spark stand cartridge is designed to be decoupled from the atomic emission spectrometer, allowing for tool-less coupling and decoupling, and enabling efficient cleaning and maintenance without disrupting the spectrometer's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the spark stand is made as a fixed integrated part of the spectrometer, then the structural stability is improved, but the cleaning and maintenance become labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The spark stand is divided into a modular cartridge design that can be detached from the spectrometer. The cartridge includes the spark chamber, gas inlet, and gas outlet as separate replaceable units, allowing easy removal and cleaning without disassembling the entire spectrometer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The spark stand cartridge is extracted as a separate removable component from the main spectrometer body. This allows the cartridge to be taken out for cleaning or replacement while the rest of the spectrometer remains in place and operational.
2Ease of repair
If the spark stand is designed as a removable cartridge, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spark stand is segmented into a cartridge assembly that includes the spark chamber, gas inlet, and gas outlet as integrated sub-components. This segmentation allows the entire cleaning-prone area to be removed as one unit while maintaining a relatively simple coupling mechanism to the spectrometer.
3Loss of time
If the spark stand is cleaned in place, then the downtime is reduced, but the cleaning effectiveness decreases due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The spark stand cartridge is extracted from the spectrometer and can be cleaned externally where full access is available. This extraction enables thorough cleaning of all surfaces including internal chambers and passageways that would be difficult to reach during in-situ cleaning.
4Productivity
If multiple spark stands are maintained, then the productivity is improved through parallel operation, but the loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge design enables quick replacement of contaminated spark stand units with clean ones, allowing the contaminated cartridges to be sent for cleaning or disposal. This ensures continuous availability of clean spark stands for analysis while managing the lifecycle of each cartridge efficiently.
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 solution facilitates easier and more efficient cleaning, significantly reduces maintenance time, decreases instrument downtime, and improves the reliability of analytical results by minimizing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The spark stand can be removed from the spectrometer without tools, by use of a simple mechanical or magnetic fastening or locking system between the spark stand and a stage at the spectrometer.
Implementation Method 2
Applying a voltage between the electrode and the analysis table (and so the sample) ignites a spark or arc between the electrode and table or sample. This causes a portion of the sample that is exposed to the spark through the aperture of the plate to be vaporised or ablated and form a plasma.
Implementation Method 3
This causes a portion of the sample that is exposed to the spark through the aperture of the plate to be vaporised or ablated and form a plasma.
Implementation Method 4
Typically, a flow of the inert gas is passed through the spark chamber which houses the electrode and in which the plasma is formed. The inert gas flows into the spark chamber through a passageway or conduit forming a gas inlet, and the gas (and any ablated material) is carried from the spark chamber via a passageway or conduit forming a gas outlet.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a peak intensity in an optical spectrum is described. The method includes producing a two-dimensional array of spectrum values by imaging the optical spectrum onto a detector array. An offset using an actual location and an expected location of a peak of an interpolated subarray is used to adjust an expected location of another peak that is within another two-dimensional subarray. Interpolated spectrum values are then used to produce a peak intensity value of the second peak.