Temperature-Controlled Sample Introduction System for Viscous Oils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Viscous samples such as edible oils and hard fats often solidify or increase in viscosity at traditional room temperatures, causing handling and analysis challenges, including clogging and reduced throughput in ICP mass spectroscopy instrumentation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled sample introduction system that includes a heated autosampler deck, transfer line, and sample introduction system to maintain samples in a fluid state, using heating elements and temperature control to prevent viscosity increases and ensure smooth sample transfer to analysis devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If viscous samples are handled at room temperature, then the system operates with simple temperature control, but the samples solidify or increase in viscosity causing clogging and reduced throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones: a heated autosampler deck, a heated transfer line with heating element, and a heated sample introduction system housing. Each zone can be independently controlled to maintain samples in a fluid state throughout the entire sample path, preventing solidification and clogging while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
A heating element acts as an intermediary between the autosampler and the analysis device, providing continuous thermal energy to the sample throughout its journey. The heating element in the transfer line and the heated housing in the sample introduction system work together to maintain sample temperature, ensuring smooth flow without direct mechanical intervention.
2Reliability
If heating elements are added to prevent sample solidification, then sample fluidity is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements provide continuous thermal energy to the sample throughout its entire path from the autosampler through the transfer line to the analysis device. This continuous heating action prevents intermittent solidification events, ensuring reliable sample handling. The heated housing maintains a thermal environment that prevents energy loss and reduces the overall energy burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The autosampler deck is pre-heated before sample introduction, and the transfer line heating element is activated in advance to ensure the sample is already in a fluid state when it enters the transfer line. This preliminary heating action prevents solidification from occurring during the critical transition phases.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple heating zones are implemented, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is divided into distinct heating zones (autosampler deck, transfer line, sample introduction housing), each with its own heating element. This segmentation allows precise temperature control in each zone while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular, independent control of each heating zone.
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 system effectively maintains viscous samples in a fluid state during handling and analysis, preventing solidification and clogging, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient sample analysis with improved throughput.
Implementation Method 1
A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an autosampler including a temperature-controlled deck to support one or more sample containers; a heating unit including one or more heating elements to one or more fluids to be introduced to a sample removed from the one or more sample containers
Implementation Method 2
a transfer line fluidically coupled with the autosampler and including a heating element configured to transfer heat to fluid flowing through the transfer line
Implementation Method 3
a sample handling system fluidically coupled with the transfer line and configured to fluidically couple with an analysis device, the sample handling system including a housing and a heating element configured to control a temperature of an environment defined by the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A sample introduction system is described that provides temperature-controlled handling and transfer of a sample from an autosampler, through a transfer line, to a heated environment proximate an analytical device. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, an autosampler including a temperature-controlled deck to support one or more sample containers; a heating unit including one or more heating elements to one or more fluids to be introduced to a sample removed from the one or more sample containers; a transfer line fluidically coupled with the autosampler and including a heating element configured to transfer heat to fluid flowing through the transfer line; and a sample handling system fluidically coupled with the transfer line and configured to fluidically couple with an analysis device, the sample handling system including a housing and a heating element configured to control a temperature of an environment defined by the housing.