Sealed Plasma Torch Assembly for Stable Low-Argon Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Open-air type plasma torches face challenges with high argon consumption, high heat load, and operational interference from atmospheric air, leading to inefficiencies and complex vacuum system management.
Innovation Solution
A sealed plasma torch assembly with a sealed connection between the plasma zone and the sampling chamber, utilizing a seal, such as an O-ring or metal gasket, to isolate the inert gas from the atmosphere, combined with RF coils for self-ignition and adjustable exhaust channels for plasma positioning, and recirculation of gases to optimize gas flow and reduce argon consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If open-air type plasma torch is used, then plasma generation is simple, but argon consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by introducing a sealed enclosure around the plasma generation zone, creating a controlled inert environment that prevents atmospheric air from mixing with the argon plasma flow. This sealed environment maintains plasma stability while significantly reducing argon consumption by preventing dissipation into the surrounding air, directly resolving the contradiction between simple plasma generation and high argon consumption.
2Ease of manufacture
If open-air type plasma torch is used, then plasma generation is simple, but heat load is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed enclosure creates a controlled inert environment that confines the plasma and its thermal energy, preventing excessive heat dissipation into the surrounding air. This controlled environment allows for more efficient heat management and reduces the overall heat load on the system while maintaining plasma generation simplicity.
3Temperature
If open-air type plasma torch is used, then atmospheric air is available for cooling, but operational interference from atmospheric air occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a sealed inert environment that eliminates atmospheric air interference with the plasma operation. The enclosure prevents air molecules from entering the plasma zone, eliminating operational interference while still allowing for controlled cooling through the enclosure walls and managed gas flow within the sealed system.
4Loss of substance
If sealed connection is implemented, then argon consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed enclosure creates a controlled inert environment that significantly reduces argon consumption by preventing dissipation. While the sealing mechanism adds some complexity, the design integrates the seal into the existing torch structure, and the benefits of reduced gas consumption and improved plasma stability outweigh the moderate increase in device complexity.
5Stability of the object's composition
If sealed torch is used, then plasma pressure is stabilized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed enclosure creates a controlled inert environment that stabilizes plasma pressure by isolating it from atmospheric variations. While this requires precise manufacturing of the seal and enclosure components, the patent addresses this through careful design of the sealing interface and tolerance specifications that ensure consistent plasma pressure stability while maintaining manufacturability.
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 sealed torch reduces argon consumption, minimizes heat load, stabilizes plasma pressure independent of atmospheric conditions, and simplifies vacuum system management, enhancing measurement reproducibility and reducing mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a seal for providing a sealed connection between the envelope and the wall of the sampling chamber around the at least one sampler orifice
Implementation Method 2
The Fassel-type torch includes three concentric quartz tubes inserted in a helical coil connected to a high voltage radiofrequency (RF) generator
Implementation Method 3
an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) for use, e.g., in mass cytometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed plasma torch assembly is described. In various embodiments, the sealed plasma torch completely separates the inert gas that flows inside the torch and forms the plasma from the surrounding air. In this way, the inert gas (e.g., argon) is not mixed with air. The sealed torch, in various embodiments, allows for better heat management, reduced consumption of gas, and a simpler and cheaper construction. The gas may be recirculated, further reducing consumption of gas. The reproducibility of analytical measurements using the plasma torch may be improved because the pressure of the plasma torch does not depend on atmospheric pressure. Methods of using the plasma torch are also described.