Programmable logic controller-based system and user interface for air sampling controlled environments
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Publication Number
US-11971396-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system and method for sampling air at multiple locations in a controlled environment. The system and method includes automatic adjustment of mass flow rates and duration of vacuum connections (either via time elapsed or indirectly by volume) based on rates set by an operator. Additionally, the system and method enables users to monitor and control aspects of the system via network-connected devices. Additionally, the system enable a vacuum pump to be disconnected from power in response to a physical emergency button, a software-based emergency stop button available on network connected devices, and an automatic power disconnection in response to an abnormal mass flow reading that could potentially impact the vacuum pump.
Core Innovation
A system for sampling air at multiple locations in a controlled environment is provided. The system includes a plurality of air sampling devices configured to monitor and test a volume of air within the controlled environment, and a plurality of vacuum connections that receive the volume of air from the air sampling devices.
The system further includes a plurality of flow sensors configured to sense a mass flow rate of the volume of air received by each vacuum connection. A server connected to a network provides a graphical user interface accessible by a network-connected computing device, and the graphical user interface provides functionality for a user to specify one or more setpoints indicative of a desired mass flow rate at one or more of the air sampling devices.
In response to the desired mass flow rate specified by the user via the graphical user interface, the system initiates an air sampling cycle at one of the air sampling devices using a plurality of flow control valves. The flow control valves control the mass flow rate of the volume of air received by the corresponding vacuum connection to follow the desired mass flow rate.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover two aspects: a networked air-sampling system for multiple locations in a controlled environment, and a corresponding method for sampling air at multiple locations using similar sensing, setpoint input, and valve-controlled flow control. Each independent claim includes multiple inventive features spanning multi-location sampling hardware, server-based graphical user interface setpoint specification, and flow control valve regulation of mass flow rate during an air sampling cycle.
Multi-location air sampling in a controlled environment
A plurality of air sampling devices configured to monitor and test a volume of air within a controlled environment at multiple locations.
Vacuum connections receiving sampled air
A plurality of vacuum connections, each configured to receive the volume of air from one of the plurality of air sampling devices.
Flow sensing of mass flow rate at vacuum connections
A plurality of flow sensors, each configured to sense a mass flow rate of the volume of air received by one of the vacuum connections.
Server-provided graphical user interface for setpoints
A server connected to a network that provides graphical user interface functionality for a user to specify one or more setpoints indicative of a desired mass flow rate at one or more of the air sampling devices, the graphical user interface being accessible by a network-connected computing device.
Valve-controlled initiation and mass-flow regulation in response to setpoints
A plurality of flow control valves configured to initiate an air sampling cycle at one of the air sampling devices and control the mass flow rate of the volume of air received by the corresponding vacuum connection in response to the desired mass flow rate specified by the user via the graphical user interface.
Method steps for multi-location air sampling
Monitoring and testing by a plurality of air sampling devices volumes of air within a controlled environment; receiving the volumes of air by a plurality of vacuum connections; sensing mass flow rates of the volumes of air by a plurality of flow sensors.
Graphical user interface via server for setpoint input
Providing a graphical user interface by a server via a network for display on a network-connected computing device; receiving from a user via the graphical user interface one or more setpoints indicative of a desired mass flow rate at one or more of the air sampling devices.
Initiating sampling cycles and controlling mass flow by valves
Initiating an air sampling cycle at one of the air sampling devices; controlling by one of a plurality of flow control valves the mass flow rate of the volume of air received by the corresponding vacuum connection in response to the desired mass flow rate specified by the user via the graphical user interface.
Across the independent claims, coverage is centered on multi-location air sampling in a controlled environment using multiple vacuum connections and flow sensors, with user-specified desired mass-flow setpoints provided through a server-based graphical user interface and implemented by flow control valves during an air sampling cycle.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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