Physical properties measurement system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Physical Properties Measurement Systems require a time-consuming cycle to warm and cool the cryostat to switch test samples, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage from ice formation, which hampers the measurement process at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A closed pressurized Physical Properties Measurement System that uses a sealed container attached to a cryogenic tank, purged with a gas like helium to prevent water vapor deposition, allowing multiple test samples to be measured at cryogenic temperatures without warming the cryostat, thus eliminating the need for the warming/cooling cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the cryostat is warmed to room temperature to remove test samples, then water vapor and ice formation is reduced, but the cycle time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate environments: a sealed container maintained at cryogenic temperature for storing test samples, and the cryostat measurement chamber. This segmentation allows sample handling to occur independently of the cryostat temperature cycle, eliminating the need to warm the entire system for sample changes.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed container acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the cryostat. Test samples are stored and exchanged in this sealed container at cryogenic temperatures, then transferred to the cryostat for measurement without requiring the cryostat to be warmed, thus preventing ice formation while maintaining short cycle times.
2Measurement precision
If the cryostat is cooled to cryogenic temperature to measure test samples, then accurate low temperature measurements are achieved, but sample changing requires warming and cooling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
Test samples are pre-cooled and stored in the sealed container at cryogenic temperatures before measurement. This preliminary cooling action eliminates the need to wait for the cryostat to cool down when changing samples, as samples are already at the required temperature, thus improving productivity without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates sample storage/preparation functions (in the sealed container) from measurement functions (in the cryostat). This allows sample preparation to occur independently and simultaneously with other measurements, improving overall productivity while maintaining accurate low-temperature measurements.
3Loss of time
If multiple test samples are stored in the sealed container at cryogenic temperature, then sample changing time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed container serves multiple functions: storing multiple test samples at cryogenic temperatures, providing a controlled atmosphere to prevent ice formation, and facilitating rapid sample exchange. This multi-functionality reduces sample switching time while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed container is integrated within or adjacent to the cryostat system, with the test rod extraction tube nested through the sealed container. This nested arrangement allows the sample exchange mechanism to operate within the existing cryostat footprint, minimizing additional space requirements and simplifying the overall system integration despite the added functionality.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required to switch test samples and prevents ice formation, enhancing measurement efficiency and reducing the risk of cryostat damage, thereby saving hours of time and labor while maintaining accurate measurements.
Implementation Method 1
reducing water vapor and ice formed inside the sample test chamber
Implementation Method 2
a cryostat having a sample test chamber cooled to a cryogenic temperature in a cryogenic tank
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed container having gloves attached thereto is provided as part of a physical properties measuring system (PPMS). The PPMS includes a sealed pressurized portion that is pressurized with a gas to purge out air from inside the sealed pressurized portion to reduce water vapor inside the sealed pressurized portion below a water vapor threshold. The system further includes a cryogenic tank having a cryostat disposed therein. The cryogenic tank contains a cryogenic liquid cooled to a cryogenic temperature. Test samples are placed inside the sealed pressurized portion in preparation of measuring physical properties of the test samples. One of the test samples is immersed in the cryogenic liquid to measure the physical properties. The test sample is removed from the cryogenic liquid and is exchanged for another test sample inside the sealed pressurized portion to prevent ice formation inside the cryostat.