Sample Tray Thermal and Humidity Control for Calorimetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample trays for calorimetric or thermoanalytical investigations do not provide controlled ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity, during transport to the measuring apparatus, which can affect the accuracy of the measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sample tray with a receptacle and heat transport means, such as a Peltier cooler, to control the temperature of the sample from ambient laboratory conditions to the desired temperature, and a gas management system to regulate humidity and oxygen levels, ensuring samples are maintained in controlled conditions until inserted into the furnace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If samples are prepared and transported under ambient laboratory conditions, then the preparation process is simple and quick, but the temperature and humidity control is lost during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The sample tray is divided into an inner tray for holding samples and an outer tray providing thermal insulation, creating a segmented structure that isolates the sample environment from ambient conditions while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transport means acts as an intermediary between the outer tray and inner tray, actively controlling temperature by transferring heat as needed, thereby maintaining stable thermal conditions during transport without direct exposure to ambient fluctuations
2Temperature
If samples are cooled to low temperatures (e.g., -30°C), then the temperature control precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Samples are pre-cooled in a refrigerator or freezer before being placed in the inner tray, so that the heat transport means only needs to maintain rather than actively cool the samples during transport, significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving precise temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The heat transport means operates passively or semi-passively by responding to temperature differences between the pre-cooled samples and ambient conditions, adjusting heat flow as needed without requiring continuous high-energy input
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 sample tray effectively maintains samples at precise temperatures (up to -30°C) and controlled environments, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of calorimetric or thermoanalytical investigations by minimizing exposure to ambient conditions during transport.
Implementation Method 1
said heat transport means may comprise a thermo-electrical Peltier cooler arranged within said inner tray space
Implementation Method 2
The heat transport means of the sample tray according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise a heat exchanger
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention is related to a sample tray for holding a sample of a material ready for a calorimetric or a thermoanalytical investigation and to an apparatus for a calorimetric or a thermoanalytical investigation comprising a calorimetric or a thermoanalytical measuring apparatus and said sample tray associated therewith.