Mixing chamber apparatus for high-volume sampling
Inventors
Dicicco, Joseph A. • Flanigan, IV, Paul M. • Perry, David • Brady, John • Smith, Barry
Assignees
Government Of United States Represented By Secretary Of Homeland Security AS • Signature Science LLC • US Department of Homeland Security
Publication Number
US-12005403-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-11
Expiration Date
2041-08-05
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Abstract
Disclosed is a mixing chamber apparatus suitable for high-volume sampling (HVS) application. The mixing chamber apparatus includes, among other elements, inlet and outlet manifolds, a mixing chamber, and a tubing manifold for the introduction of clean, turbulent air into the mixing chamber. The inlet manifold defines a plurality of vapor ports that can be in fluid communication with one or more vapor sources to be sampled and mixed within the mixing chamber. Also described herein is a baffled mixing system that can be used alone or in combination with the disclosed mixing chamber apparatus.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention is a mixing chamber apparatus specifically designed for high-volume sampling (HVS) applications, useful for detecting contraband materials. This apparatus comprises an inlet manifold with a tubing manifold port and multiple vapor ports, an outlet manifold with sample ports and an exhaust port, and a mixing chamber defined between these manifolds. A tubing manifold extends from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber; this tubing manifold is an elongate body with an open end connected to a clean air source and a closed end. It includes multiple holes extending through its longitudinal surfaces, allowing clean air to exit and create turbulent flow in the chamber for effective mixing of vapors.
The problem addressed arises in the difficulty of detecting contraband materials by vapor sampling because of various factors: the diverse chemical structures of signature molecules, their low vapor pressures offering trace vapor quantities, adsorptive losses within containers, presence of interfering vapors, and the requirement for high throughput in asymmetric threat environments. Existing commercial vapor generators cannot operate at high flow rates needed for effective HVS systems, and there is a lack of suitable mixing chambers for vapor dilution and flow rate increase. The invention satisfies the need for a reliable mixing chamber that can handle high flow rates and support vapor generation and pre-concentrator filters in HVS setups.
The apparatus can also include optional features such as baffles positioned around the elongate body of the tubing manifold to increase the turbulence and thus enhance mixing within the chamber. Additionally, a baffled mixing system is described that can be used alone or in conjunction with the mixing chamber apparatus to improve mixing. The disclosed system includes means to control airflow via a three-way valve and connections to filter media for vapor sampling and a carbon scrubber to prevent environmental contamination.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims covering the apparatus, system, and method. The independent claims focus on the structure and function of the vapor generator mixing chamber apparatus, the system including the apparatus and associated clean air and vapor sources, and methods of mixing vapor and clean air within the apparatus.
Mixing chamber apparatus with tubing manifold and baffles
An apparatus comprising an inlet manifold with a tubing manifold port and vapor ports; an outlet manifold with sample and exhaust ports; a mixing chamber between the manifolds; and a tubing manifold extending from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber. The tubing manifold is an elongate body with an open end, closed end, and inner and outer longitudinal surfaces defining a duct with multiple holes extending through both surfaces. The tubing manifold includes one or more baffles positioned around the elongate body, with each baffle having a central opening receiving the body.
Helical arrangement of holes in tubing manifold
The plurality of holes in the tubing manifold elongate body are arranged in a helical pattern to promote even airflow distribution and turbulent mixing.
Baffled mixing system connected to exhaust port
The apparatus features a baffled mixing system fluidly connected to the exhaust port of the outlet manifold. This system includes top and bottom body portions defining offset baffle elements, which extend toward each other to create turbulence, and a gasket coupled to a fluid communication port.
Differently sized holes along tubing manifold length
The tubing manifold elongate body defines holes with diameters that decrease from the open (inlet) end to the closed end, where larger holes are positioned closer to the open end and smaller holes toward the closed end to optimize airflow distribution.
Threaded inlet manifold with clamp groove for chamber attachment
The inlet manifold has a threaded outer edge designed to mate with complementary threading on the mixing chamber body for secure attachment. It includes a groove to receive a clamp, enabling secure fastening of a flexible bag-type or other chamber.
System comprising clean air source, vapor generator, and mixing chamber apparatus
A system includes a clean air source, a vapor generator, and a vapor generator mixing chamber apparatus with inlet and outlet manifolds as described, and a tubing manifold extending into the mixing chamber, facilitating controlled mixing and sampling.
Method of mixing clean air and vapor within the described chamber
A method involves flowing clean air from a clean air source through the tubing manifold and flowing vapor from a vapor generator through vapor ports into the mixing chamber apparatus, resulting in controlled mixing via turbulent flow generated by the tubing manifold and its holes.
The independent claims collectively cover a vapor generator mixing chamber apparatus with specific structural features such as an elongate tubing manifold with holes and baffles for turbulent mixing, the inclusion of a baffled mixing system attached to the exhaust port, a system combining the apparatus with a clean air source and vapor generator, and methods for mixing vapor and air within the apparatus. Additional features include threaded connections and clamping for chamber attachment and controlled flow paths.
Stated Advantages
Provides a mixing chamber suitable for vapor generation operating at high flow rates necessary for high-volume sampling systems.
Enables reduction of vapor concentration while increasing flow rate via clean air introduction, improving vapor detection and sampling efficiency.
Incorporation of baffles and a helical arrangement of holes creates turbulent flow, enhancing mixing between clean air and vapor.
Allows for use with disposable low-contamination bags to minimize contamination and enable flexible chamber configurations.
Includes provisions for controlled sampling and exhaust flow with three-way valves and filter media adapters to maintain system operation and enable filter swapping.
Documented Applications
Sampling and detection of contraband materials through vapor sampling in large container environments.
Use with high-volume sampling (HVS) systems and pre-concentration filters for vapor screening of large transport systems.
Chemical identification of vapors from contraband materials in enclosed spaces.
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