Aerosol and vapor enhanced sample module
Inventors
Carlson, Micah • Dickinson, Danielle
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11906404-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-20
Expiration Date
2038-03-27
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Abstract
A sampling system is disclosed which comprises a collection chamber equipped with an inlet and first and second outlets; a pump which creates a flow of fluid into said inlet from the ambient environment, wherein said collection chamber divides the flow of fluid into a first major flow of fluid along which flows along a first flow path between said inlet and said first outlet, and a second minor flow of fluid which flows along a second flow path between said inlet and said second outlet; a collection surface disposed within said collection chamber and within the second flow path such that particles in the flow of fluid into said inlet impinge on said collection surface; a heater which vaporizes particles that collect on said collection surface; and an analyzer which analyzes the composition of the fluidic flow through said second outlet.
Core Innovation
The invention disclosed is a sampling system comprising a collection chamber with an inlet and first and second outlets, operated by a pump that creates a fluid flow from ambient air. Within the chamber, the fluid flow divides into a major flow and a minor flow, where the collection surface is positioned in the minor flow path to intercept particles. A heater vaporizes these collected particles, and an analyzer examines the composition of the vapor exiting through the second outlet. The collection chamber features a conically shaped nozzle and a collection surface holder maintaining a spaced-apart, open structure for fluid flow.
The problem addressed by the invention is the need for effective collection, concentration, and conversion of particulate and vapor-based chemical substances from ambient environments into vapor streams that can be suitably analyzed. Existing detection systems struggle with identifying solids-based toxic compounds, and traditional methods face issues such as clogging, inefficient concentration, and limitations in heating and vaporization techniques. The invention provides a system able to simultaneously collect and pre-concentrate aerosols and vapors, vaporize them via thermal and ambient pressure methods, and deliver a concentrated vapor stream to a chemical detection system with improved chemical transfer efficiency.
Embodiments of the invention utilize improvements in impaction and virtual impaction approaches, integrating a porous or sorbent-coated collection surface that collects and pre-concentrates particles and vapors. The system offers flexible configurations, variable flow rates, and adjustable particle size cutpoints, enabling both continuous flow-through and pulsed modes. It incorporates novel heater designs and flow paths to ensure vaporization efficiency and reduced energy use, while maintaining alignment and sealing without stringent machining demands. The system is compatible with multiple chemical detection technologies, and includes controller interfaces supporting remote monitoring and IoT integration.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two independent claims. The claims focus on the structural and functional components of the sampling system, specifically the collection chamber, flow paths, collection surface, heating, and vapor analysis features integrated with fluid flow management and collection surface mounting assemblies.
Collection chamber with divided flow paths
A collection chamber equipped with an inlet and first and second outlets, where a pump creates a fluid flow that divides into a major flow and a minor flow path within the chamber.
Porous collection surface positioned in minor flow path
A collection surface disposed within the collection chamber and within the minor flow path such that particles in the fluid flow impinge on the collection surface.
Heater for vaporizing collected particles
A heater configured to vaporize particles collected on the collection surface.
Analyzer for composition analysis of vapor
An analyzer which analyzes the composition of the fluidic flow emerging from the second outlet containing vaporized particles.
Nozzle with conically shaped interior surface
A nozzle within the collection chamber equipped with an orifice, having an interior surface conically shaped in cross-section.
Collection surface holder with spaced-apart arrangement and openings
A collection surface holder that holds the collection surface in spaced-apart relation to the nozzle, comprising a wall with at least one opening to allow fluid flow.
Fluid flow characteristics with specified flow directions and angles
Flow of fluid into the inlet travels along a first axis, with major and minor outlet flows traveling along second and third axes disposed at specified angular ranges relative to the inlet flow.
Nozzle with first and second apertures of different diameters
The inlet nozzle having two apertures with the first aperture diameter larger than the second aperture diameter along the flow path.
Porous collection surface enabling fluid flow through the surface
The collection surface is porous, allowing the second minor flow to extend through it.
Heating device configured with an interior channel
A heating device that applies heat to the collection surface and includes an interior channel through which the minor flow passes.
Collection surface holder comprising annuli and support element
The collection surface holder comprises a first annulus engaging the nozzle, a second annulus holding the collection surface spaced apart, and a support element connecting the annuli.
The independent claims collectively define a sampling system featuring a divided fluid flow within a collection chamber, a porous collection surface mounted via a specially designed holder, heating elements to vaporize collected particles, and an analyzer to detect vapor composition, all integrated within a nozzle structure having a conically shaped interior. These inventive features establish an apparatus enabling efficient particle collection, vaporization, and analysis with controlled flow paths and alignments.
Stated Advantages
Simultaneous collection and preconcentration of particles and vapors enables rapid and efficient sampling.
Improved chemical transfer efficiency due to heating and controlled vaporization enhances detection sensitivity.
Flexible design allows compatibility with a variety of chemical detection technologies including mass spectrometry and spectrometry methods.
Single-step alignment and sealing mechanisms reduce fabrication tolerances and ensure a sealed chemical analysis stream.
The ability to operate in continuous flow-through or pulsed modes permits adaptability to concentration and detection time requirements.
Integration with IoT enables remote monitoring and dynamic operation control.
Use of 3-D metal printing facilitates rapid customization for various detection platforms.
The system design reduces clogging and allows low energy operation, improving operational robustness.
Documented Applications
Detection of hazardous chemicals and threat vectors.
Applications in the pharmaceutical industry for aerosol and vapor sampling.
Environmental sciences applications involving aerosol and vapor chemical analysis.
Use with chemical detection technologies such as Mass Spectrometry, Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Differential Mobility Spectrometry, Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry, Infrared Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Raman Spectroscopy.
Deployment in military and industrial real-time chemical detection systems to identify solids-based toxic compounds.
Remote sampling from local or distant environments using heated transfer lines to minimize sample loss.
Industrial applications with high particulate environments using inertial separation inlet to exclude large particles without filters.
Use in systems requiring variable sampling modes and concentrations, including flow-through and pulsed operation.
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