Vapor Sampling Probe for Direct Chemical Composition Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the chemical composition of vapors in chemical processing equipment are time-consuming, requiring personnel to collect and dilute liquid samples, which can lead to unacceptable compositions during processing due to delayed analytical results.
Innovation Solution
A direct sampling method using a special sampling probe and vapor chamber that maintains vapors in a gaseous state, allowing for rapid analysis by interfacing with GC, MS, or GC-MS systems, eliminating the need for manual sampling and solvent dilution, and incorporating heating and vacuum controls to prevent condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional liquid sampling and solvent dilution methods are used, then compositional analysis can be performed, but the analysis time is excessively long (over one hour) and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the vapor phase from the chemical stream for analysis, eliminating the need for liquid sampling and solvent dilution steps. The vapor is directly introduced into the analytical instrument through a heated sampling probe, reducing analysis time from over one hour to minutes and eliminating manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of liquid sampling, weighing, and dilution is replaced by an automated vapor sampling system using a heated probe and carrier gas flow. The system automatically introduces vapor into the analytical instrument without human intervention, eliminating the time-consuming manual steps.
2Productivity
If vapor streams are directly introduced into analytical equipment, then analysis time is reduced, but special sampling apparatus with heating and vacuum controls is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the sampling system by maintaining the sampling probe and intermediate chamber at elevated temperatures (using heating elements) to prevent vapor condensation. This parameter change allows direct vapor introduction without complex condensation management, enabling faster processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediate vapor chamber that serves as a mediator between the chemical stream and the analytical instrument. This chamber allows for vapor dilution with carrier gas, pressure equalization, and temperature control, simplifying the direct introduction process while maintaining fast processing speeds.
3Measurement precision
If vapor condensation is prevented through heating, then direct vapor analysis is possible, but additional heating equipment and energy consumption are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies heating only to the specific regions where vapor condensation would occur (the sampling probe and intermediate chamber), rather than heating the entire system. This partial heating approach maintains measurement precision by preventing condensation in critical areas while minimizing overall energy consumption.
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 quick determination of chemical composition, allowing for rapid adjustments to processing equipment parameters to achieve optimum results, reducing processing time and maintaining consistent compositions.
Implementation Method 1
The design of the sampling apparatus and downstream vapor chamber incorporates provisions for heating to maintain vapors in the vapor state
Implementation Method 2
The design of the sampling apparatus and downstream vapor chamber incorporates provisions for heating to maintain vapors in the vapor state and also for applying vacuum conditions which further preclude the transition of sample vapors into the liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
A method of extracting a vapor from chemical processing equipment which may be operated under pressure or vacuum conditions and adjusting the density, temperature, dilution, pressure and flow conditions for subsequently compositional analysis by chemical analysis equipment interfaced with computer controls which subsequently control the process variable related to operating chemical process equipment.