Methods and apparatuses for generating trace vapors
Inventors
Collins, Greg • Rose-Pehrsson, Susan • Malito, Michael • Giordano, Braden C. • Lubrano, Adam L. • Hammond, Mark H. • Tamanaha, Cy
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11754583-B2
Publication Date
2023-09-12
Expiration Date
2039-02-14
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Abstract
Apparatuses and methods for generating trace vapors are provided. The apparatus includes a controller and an oven. The controller includes: a processor, a memory storing at least one control program, a clean solution supply port constructed to output a clean solution, an analyte solution supply port constructed to output an analyte solution, a carrier gas inlet port constructed to receive a carrier gas, and a plurality of carrier gas supply controllers constructed to output the carrier gas. The oven includes a clean manifold, an analyte manifold, a clean solution nebulizer constructed to: receive the clean solution from the clean solution supply port, and the carrier gas from one of the plurality of carrier gas supply controllers, and output a clean solution vapor stream comprising the clean solution and the carrier gas to the clean manifold, an analyte solution nebulizer constructed to: receive the analyte solution from the analyte solution supply port and the carrier gas from another one of the plurality of carrier gas supply controllers, and output an analyte solution vapor stream comprising the analyte solution and the carrier gas to the analyte manifold, a pneumatic valve controllably connected to the processor and communicatively connected to the clean manifold and the analyte manifold, and an output supply port communicatively connected to the pneumatic valve. The controller is configured to operate the pneumatic valve to allow the clean vapor solution or the analyte vapor solution to enter the chamber and be provided to the output supply port.
Core Innovation
The invention provides apparatuses and methods for generating trace vapors, comprising a controller and an oven. The controller includes a processor, memory storing a control program, supply ports for clean and analyte solutions, a carrier gas inlet, and multiple carrier gas supply controllers. The oven includes clean and analyte manifolds, clean and analyte nebulizers to receive solutions and carrier gas and output vapor streams to respective manifolds, a pneumatic valve controlled by the processor connected between the manifolds, and an output supply port connected to the valve. The controller operates the valve to selectively provide clean or analyte vapor to the output supply port.
The problem being addressed is the difficulty in reproducibly and accurately generating extremely small concentrations of trace vapors, especially for compounds with low vapor pressures such as many narcotics and explosives. Existing techniques suffer from vapor streams that are pulsed or steadily declining, difficulty in adjusting concentrations for dynamic range studies, and lack the capability to switch between clean and analyte air streams. The invention aims to overcome these deficiencies by providing a continuous, stable, and dynamically adjustable trace vapor generation system with switching capability between clean and analyte vapor streams.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent claim which focuses on an apparatus for generating trace vapors with specific structural and functional features.
Removable dual manifold system for analyte and non-analyte vapor streams
An apparatus comprising an oven with first and second manifolds for receiving analyte and non-analyte vapor streams, respectively, where these manifolds are removably disposed in a side of the oven.
Valve configured to switch vapor streams between output and exhaust ports under controller instruction
A valve communicably connected to the output supply port, the first manifold, and the second manifold, which switches between states allowing selective flow of analyte or non-analyte vapor streams to the output supply port and directing the other stream to the exhaust port in response to controller instructions.
Heated oven to prevent adsorption of analyte vapor
A heater disposed within the oven configured to maintain a temperature that inhibits adsorption of analyte vapor onto manifold surfaces.
Fan to circulate heated air within oven
A fan disposed within the oven to circulate air heated by the heater, providing even temperature distribution.
Nebulizer nozzles partially disposed at manifold ends inject vapor streams
First and second nebulizer nozzles partially disposed in distal ends of the first and second manifolds, configured to inject vapor streams into the respective manifolds.
Manifolds with sheath flow inlets to receive carrier gas surrounding nebulizer nozzles
Each manifold includes a plurality of sheath flow inlets disposed around its nebulizer nozzle to receive and mix carrier gas with the vapor stream.
Metal flange with heated flow paths to warm carrier gas
A metal flange removably connected to the oven, including multiple paths heated by the heater and disposed within the oven, which heat the carrier gas as it flows to the sheath flow inlets, enhancing vaporization and preventing adsorption.
The independent claim covers an apparatus with removable analyte and non-analyte manifolds in a heated oven, equipped with nozzle nebulizers and sheath gas flows, and a valve controlled by a processor to switch vapor streams to an output port or exhaust, optimizing stable and controlled trace vapor generation and delivery.
Stated Advantages
Capability to deliver accurate and controlled vapor concentrations over long periods with low relative standard deviation, demonstrating precision and stability.
Ability to generate continuous, pulse-free vapor streams, overcoming drawbacks of existing pulsed or declining vapor generation techniques.
Capability to rapidly switch between clean (non-analyte) and analyte vapor streams, enabling dynamic control and studies of sensor detection ranges.
Heated oven and carrier gas warmed through heated flow paths prevent adsorption of low vapor pressure compounds, improving vapor consistency and reliability.
Removable manifolds allow for replacement to prevent cross-contamination and enable analyte changes.
Documented Applications
Evaluation and calibration of sensors designed to detect trace concentrations of explosives and narcotics.
Generation of controlled trace vapors with concentrations ranging from parts per quadrillion to parts per million for dynamic range studies.
Delivery of vapor samples to detection systems, including those with vacuum samplers or positive pressure flow sensors.
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