Cryogenic trap system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of liquid nitrogen in cryogenic trap systems for separating arsenic species is hazardous and inefficient, posing risks to lab equipment and personnel, and requires a safer and more reliable cooling method.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric cryotrap system using Peltier modules to cool hydride gas, eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen and enhancing safety and accuracy by sandwiching the cryotrap body between Peltier units, with a zigzag channel design for turbulent flow and a sorbent bed for arsenical condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used for cooling in the cryogenic trap system, then the cooling effect is strong and arsines can be effectively trapped, but safety hazards increase and equipment damage risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of liquid nitrogen cooling with a thermoelectric cooling system using Peltier modules. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with liquid nitrogen handling while maintaining the required cooling effect for trapping arsines. The Peltier modules provide controlled, contactless cooling through the cryotrap body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cryotrap body as an intermediary component between the Peltier cooling modules and the arsine-containing gas stream. This intermediary allows the cooling effect to be transmitted to the gas phase without requiring direct contact with liquid nitrogen, thereby eliminating safety hazards while maintaining trapping effectiveness.
2Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used for cooling, then the cooling capability is sufficient, but the reliability of the system decreases due to potential equipment damage and personnel injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the unreliable liquid nitrogen system with a more reliable thermoelectric cooling system. Peltier modules provide controlled, electricity-driven cooling without the risks of liquid nitrogen handling, thus improving system reliability while maintaining adequate cooling capability for arsine trapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The Peltier cooling modules are self-regulating through electrical control, allowing precise temperature management without the need for manual intervention required in liquid nitrogen systems. This self-service capability enhances reliability by eliminating human error and accidental exposure risks.
3Productivity
If liquid nitrogen is used in the cryogenic trap, then the trapping efficiency is high, but the complexity of handling and safety procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex liquid nitrogen handling system with a simpler thermoelectric cooling system. Peltier modules require only electrical power connection and provide automatic temperature control, eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen storage, transfer, and safety procedures, thus reducing handling complexity while maintaining trapping efficiency.
4Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used for cooling, then the condensation of organic arsenicals is effective, but the cost and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes liquid nitrogen cooling with Peltier module-based thermoelectric cooling. This replacement maintains the low temperature required for effective condensation of organic arsenicals while eliminating all safety risks associated with liquid nitrogen handling and storage.
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 thermoelectric cryotrap system effectively separates and identifies inorganic and organic arsenicals without liquid nitrogen, providing a safer, more reliable, and cost-effective method for arsenic speciation, enabling continuous operation and extended Peltier module lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectric Peltier modules cool the hydride gas as it passes through the cryotrap body
Implementation Method 2
The arsines are then swept by an argon stream to AFS or AAS detector... organic arsenicals are condensed on the cold plates and walls of the channel, or adsorbed in a sorbent bed inside the cryotrap body
Data Source
AI summary
The cryogenic trapping system traps organic arsenicals within a centrally-positioned cryotrap body and allows inorganic arsenical to flow through the cryotrap body. As a hydride gas is directed into the central cryotrap body, the gas is cooled by a pair of Peltier units that sandwich the cryotrap body so that the cold side of each of the Peltier units abuts the cryotrap body. The hot side of each Peltier unit abuts a heat exchanger—which cools the Peltier unit. In the preferred embodiment, organic arsenicals are trapped in a sorbent bed within the cryotrap body.