Thermal Extraction Apparatus for High-Volume Vapor Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling devices for detecting illicit substances in high-volume situations are inefficient, particularly in large-scale environments, as they require extensive time for sample preparation and often necessitate bulky equipment that restricts operator mobility, and lack simultaneous extraction capabilities for both solid and liquid phases.
Innovation Solution
A thermal extraction device (TED) utilizing a high volume sampling trap (HVST) with a TD tube for vapor sample collection, where the sample trap is heated to release vaporized samples, which are then directed to a TD tube for cooling and analysis via Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (TD-GC/MS), enabling direct analysis and efficient sample recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid preparations are used for sampling surfaces, then reliable detection is achieved, but extensive time is required for sample preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target compounds directly from surfaces into a portable detection device using vapor deposition onto adsorbents, eliminating the need for liquid sample preparation. The adsorbent material selectively captures vapor-phase target moieties directly from the sampled environment, allowing immediate analysis without time-consuming liquid phase preparation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical process of liquid application and manual sample preparation with a vapor deposition system. Target compounds are collected in vapor phase onto adsorbents within the device, substituting the traditional liquid preparation mechanism with a vapor-phase collection approach that requires no manual intervention or preparation time.
2Reliability
If encapsulating the entire object is used for sampling, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but large footprint is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential sampling function from the object being tested, using a handheld wand that collects vapor-phase target compounds from the immediate vicinity. This eliminates the need to enclose the entire object in a large chamber, achieving comprehensive vapor sampling with a compact portable device that has minimal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional enclosed chamber sampling to a focused vapor collection approach that samples the vapor phase surrounding the object. By collecting target compounds in the vapor phase rather than requiring physical enclosure, the system achieves comprehensive coverage with a handheld device that occupies minimal space.
3Ease of operation
If handheld sampling wands are used, then operator mobility is improved, but simultaneous extraction of solid and liquid phases is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the handheld sampling wand with universal adsorbent materials that can capture both vapor-phase target compounds and particulate matter. The adsorbent bed is configured to simultaneously sequester volatile organic compounds in vapor phase while also trapping solid particle contaminants, enabling multi-phase extraction with a single portable device that maintains operator mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges vapor-phase and solid-phase sampling capabilities into a single integrated adsorbent system. The adsorbent material is designed to simultaneously adsorb volatile compounds from the vapor phase and capture solid particles, combining multiple extraction functions into one handheld device that preserves operator mobility while expanding versatility.
4Volume of moving object
If vapor deposition systems are used, then compact design is achieved, but simultaneous extraction and sequestration of solid and liquid phases is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a compact vapor deposition system with universal adsorbent capacity that can simultaneously process vapor-phase, solid-phase, and liquid-phase samples. The adsorbent material is selected to have broad affinity for multiple phases, allowing the compact device to perform simultaneous extraction and sequestration of diverse sample types without requiring separate processing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite adsorbent materials that combine multiple functional properties in a single medium. The adsorbent is designed with characteristics that enable simultaneous capture of vapor-phase volatile compounds, solid particles, and liquid aerosols, allowing the compact vapor deposition system to handle multiple phases concurrently through a single integrated material system.
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 TED facilitates rapid and efficient collection and analysis of large volumes of air samples, allowing for simultaneous extraction of solid and liquid phases, improving operational efficiency and mobility in high-volume sampling scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a heater to heat the sample collector adsorbent of the sample collector to a temperature sufficient to release the vapor sample
Implementation Method 2
a cooling member in heat exchange with the TD tube to cool the TD tube
Implementation Method 3
a pump to generate the gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a thermal extraction apparatus includes: a housing having a gas inlet and a gas outlet to receive a gas flow through the housing from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, and a side opening to receive a sample collector, having a sample collector adsorbent containing a vapor sample, into a sample collector location; a pump to generate the gas flow; a heater to heat the sample collector adsorbent of the sample collector to a temperature sufficient to release the vapor sample; a thermal desorption (TD) tube connected with the gas outlet of the housing to receive the gas flow downstream of the sample collector and collect the vapor sample released from the sample collector adsorbent of the sample collector; and a cooling member in heat exchange with the TD tube to cool the TD tube.