Multi-Channel Valve Sampling Apparatus for Slurry Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sampling devices face challenges in achieving high precision, maintaining sample integrity, and efficiently removing solids from liquid or slurry samples for analysis, particularly in laboratory settings where access and process conditions are restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A sampling apparatus comprising a valve with multiple channels and an actuator that transitions between sampling and extracting positions, allowing for in-situ sampling, thermal equilibrium, and sequential dilution of the sample using a precision pump and a filter made of chemically and thermally inert materials to maintain sample integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a pipette is used to sample from laboratory vessels, then sample volume can be controlled, but access to the process is restricted and sample integrity cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
A valve with multiple channels (sampling channel, transfer channel, extraction channel) serves as an intermediary device that enables automated sampling from laboratory vessels. The valve body with integrated channels allows the system to access the process medium while maintaining sample integrity through controlled fluid paths, eliminating the need for manual pipetting and providing adaptability to different sampling scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If manual sampling is performed, then flexibility of sampling is maintained, but measurement precision and sample integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automated sampling where the valve and pump work together to automatically draw samples, transfer them through defined channels, and deliver them to extraction channels. This automated process maintains sampling flexibility through programmable operations while significantly improving measurement precision by eliminating manual handling errors and ensuring consistent sample volumes.
3Quantity of substance
If samples are taken without immediate processing, then sample volume is preserved, but sample integrity is lost due to precipitation and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system performs preliminary actions by providing dedicated transfer channels and extraction channels that enable immediate sample processing upon collection. The integrated fluid paths allow samples to be rapidly transferred and extracted without delay, preventing precipitation and degradation while preserving the original sample volume for analysis.
4Quantity of substance
If solids are not removed from samples, then sample composition is maintained, but analysis precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system segments the sampling process into distinct functional channels: a sampling channel for collecting the process medium, a transfer channel for moving the sample, and an extraction channel for delivering the processed sample. This segmentation allows solids to be filtered from the liquid phase in each channel, maintaining the liquid sample composition while removing interfering solids to improve analysis precision.
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
Enables precise, automated, and repeated sampling while maintaining sample integrity by achieving thermal equilibrium and sequential dilution, preventing precipitation and degradation, and effectively separating liquids from slurries.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operable to pump fluid through at least one of the transfer channel and the extraction channel
Implementation Method 2
an actuator connected with the valve core and operable to transition the valve from a sampling position to an extracting position
Data Source
AI summary
A sampling apparatus is provided. The sampling apparatus may include at least a valve, a pump and an actuator. The valve may include a sampling channel, a transfer channel and an extraction channel. The pump may be connected to at least one of the transfer channel and the extraction channel. The actuator is operable to transition the valve from a sampling position to an extracting position. The sampling position includes a fluid connection between the sampling channel and the transfer channel and the extracting position includes a fluid connection between the transfer channel and the extraction channel.