X-Ray Sample Container Pressure Buffering for Liquid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescent X-ray analyzers require helium gas to maintain a vacuum atmosphere for measuring light elements in liquids, necessitating complex gas management systems and risking damage to analytical films due to pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
A sample container with a first receptacle, analytical film, protective receptacle, and pressure adjustment valve, featuring a connection hole with a smaller cross-sectional area than the opening, to control pressure and restrict fluid flow, preventing damage to the protective film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the area of the opening of the sample cup is increased to enlarge the region irradiated by X-rays, then the measurement area is improved, but the analytical film becomes more susceptible to damage due to pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is divided into multiple compartments: a first receptacle for the liquid sample, a second receptacle for gas storage, and a buffer space. This segmentation allows the system to manage pressure differences more effectively while maintaining a large opening area for X-ray irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component to control and adjust the pressure inside the first receptacle. This valve acts as a mediator between the internal pressure and the external vacuum environment, preventing direct damage to the analytical film while allowing the opening area to be enlarged.
2Reliability
If helium gas is used to fill the sample chamber to maintain vacuum atmosphere, then measurement of light elements is enabled, but complex gas management systems and high-pressure equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for helium gas by creating a self-contained vacuum environment within the sample container itself. The second receptacle stores vacuum atmosphere, allowing the system to maintain vacuum conditions without requiring external helium gas supplies or complex gas management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample container is designed to maintain its own vacuum atmosphere internally through the second receptacle and valve mechanism. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external helium gas filling and complex gas management equipment, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable vacuum conditions for light element measurement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the analytical film is damaged due to pressure difference, then the liquid sample and gas inside the container are forcefully ejected, but the protective film may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protective receptacle with protective film is positioned as a buffer between the first receptacle and the external environment. This beforehand cushioning arrangement protects the analytical film from direct exposure to large pressure differences. When pressure changes occur, the protective film absorbs the mechanical stress, preventing damage to the analytical film and containing the liquid sample.
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 safe measurement of light elements in liquids without helium, maintaining a vacuum atmosphere while reducing the risk of film damage and ensuring reliable containment of the sample.
Implementation Method 1
a cross-sectional area of the connection hole is smaller than an area of the first opening
Implementation Method 2
an analytical film that closes off the first opening and transmits X-rays
Implementation Method 3
detecting fluorescent X-rays emitted from the liquid sample
Implementation Method 4
a sample chamber that accommodates the sample container and is able to be maintained in a vacuum atmosphere
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A sample container (100) for a fluorescent X-ray analyzer, the sample container (100) includes: a first receptacle (10) that accommodates a liquid sample (S) and has a first opening (4a) and a second opening (4b); an analytical film (20) that closes off the first opening (4a) and transmits X-rays; a protective receptacle (40) that includes a protective film (44) for transmitting X-rays and covers the analytical film (20); and a pressure adjustment valve (60) that adjusts a pressure inside the first receptacle (10), wherein the first receptacle (10) has a first space (2a) facing the first opening (4a), a second space (2b) facing the second opening (4b), and a connection hole (2c) connecting the first space (2a) and the second space (2b), and wherein a cross-sectional area of the connection hole (2c) is smaller than an area of the first opening (2a).