In-line Temperature Measurement for Sorbent Trap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sorbent trap temperature measurement techniques are inaccurate due to temperature gradients between the thermocouple location and the sorbent trap, leading to discrepancies in temperature control, which is critical for sensitive gas sampling applications.
Innovation Solution
An in-line temperature measurement device with a thermal sensing portion located within the fluid passage of the probe, in direct contact with the sorbent trap, is used to provide precise temperature measurement and control, allowing for improved temperature management during gas sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a thermocouple is located outside the liner for temperature measurement, then the measurement device is simple to install and protect, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature gradients between the thermocouple and sorbent trap
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal conductor rod is introduced as an intermediary element that physically connects the external thermocouple to the sorbent trap. This rod conducts heat from the sorbent trap to the thermocouple, allowing accurate temperature measurement while keeping the thermocouple externally mounted for ease of installation and protection.
2Temperature
If cooling air flow is used to cool the liner, then overheating is prevented, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates because the thermocouple is exposed to cooling flow
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conductor rod acts as a mediator that isolates the thermocouple from the cooling air flow while still allowing it to measure the sorbent trap temperature accurately. The rod conducts heat from the sorbent trap to the thermocouple without being directly exposed to the cooling flow, thus preventing measurement errors.
3Productivity
If the thermocouple is positioned away from the sorbent trap, then interference with sample gas flow is minimized, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to temperature gradient
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal conductor rod serves as a bridge that allows the thermocouple to be positioned away from the sorbent trap (minimizing interference with gas flow) while still accurately measuring the trap temperature. The rod conducts thermal energy from the trap to the thermocouple, eliminating the need for direct contact between the thermocouple and the sorbent trap.
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 solution ensures accurate temperature control of the sorbent trap, minimizing the risk of analyte retention issues and equipment damage, thereby enhancing the reliability of gas sampling results.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature measurement device having a thermal sensing portion located within the fluid passage of the probe... The thermal sensing portion may be in direct thermal contact with the gaseous stream proximate to the sorbent material
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling system including a probe having at least one sorbent trap disposed in a fluid passage that receives and delivers a sample gas, and an in-line temperature measurement located within the fluid passage of the probe. The in-line temperature measurement may be provided by a temperature measurement device having a thermal sensing portion located proximate to, or at, the sorbent trap for providing a more accurate temperature measurement of the trap during sampling of the gas. The sampling system includes a controller configured to receive a signal corresponding to the temperature measured by the thermal sensing portion within the fluid passage, in which the controller may be configured to control the temperature of the sorbent trap based upon the temperature signal.