Rotating Sorbent Probe for Automated Analyte Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting analytes from liquid samples, such as gas chromatography, face inefficiencies with components of low vapor pressure or high solubility in liquids, particularly in automating the process, as they require manual handling and limited adsorbent capacity, hindering full automation and extraction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A probe assembly with an elongate cylinder and vanes coated with sorbent material that rotates within the sample, allowing for continuous liquid exchange and automated processing from extraction to thermal desorption without manual contact, enhancing extraction efficiency and compatibility with automated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solid phase is coated onto rods to increase adsorbent capacity, then extraction efficiency is improved, but compatibility with conventional autosampler is lost requiring manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a magnetic stirring element that rotates dynamically within the sample vessel, enabling automated operation while maintaining high adsorbent capacity on the rod surface. The rotation mechanism allows the probe to be fully automated compatible while achieving improved extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic field acts as an intermediary to drive the rotation of the probe without mechanical contact, enabling automated operation. The magnetic coupling allows the probe to rotate in response to an external magnetic stirrer, achieving automation compatibility while maintaining high adsorbent loading
2Extent of automation
If solid phase is coated onto fibres for SPME, then automation compatibility is improved, but adsorbent capacity is reduced limiting extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional fibre coating to two-dimensional rod surface coating, dramatically increasing the available surface area for adsorbent loading while maintaining automation compatibility through magnetic actuation of the rotating probe
3Quantity of substance
If manual handling is used for rod removal and loading, then extraction efficiency is maintained, but automation is hindered increasing processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed to be self-contained with the adsorbent coating applied during manufacturing, eliminating the need for manual coating and handling. The magnetic rotation mechanism allows the probe to perform its extraction function automatically, and the integrated design enables direct transfer to desorption without manual intervention
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 probe assembly achieves improved extraction efficiency and full automation by maximizing solid phase contact area and facilitating continuous liquid exchange, enabling efficient analyte extraction and thermal desorption without manual intervention, suitable for various sample types including liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The probe assembly comprises an elongate cylinder having a spiral vane about its outer surface. The vane is coated with a sorbent coating.
Implementation Method 2
The probe is then passed to a desorption tube where it is heated to release the components
Data Source
AI summary
A probe assembly for use in the extraction of analytes from a sample, which probe includes an elongate cylinder portion which is arranged to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and having thereon one or more vanes extending away from the cylinder portion.