Carrier gas connection device for gas chromatographs
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12259371-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
Carrier gas connection devices (100, 402, 404, 406, 408) enable one to change the carrier gas provided to a gas chromatography channel. The carrier gas connection devices (100, 402, 404, 406, 408) comprise a channel adaptor (102, 202), a carrier block (104, 302), and a clamping system, and two or more channel adaptor positions. In each of the channel adaptor positions, a fluid-tight flow path for carrier gas out of the carrier block (104,302) into the channel adaptor (102, 202) is formed. Carrier gas distribution systems (400), gas chromatography instruments, and methods of changing a carrier gas supplied to a GC are also provided.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a carrier gas connection device for gas chromatographs that includes a carrier block comprising first and second carrier block carrier gas passageways, each having an entrance and an exit. The device further includes a channel adaptor comprising a channel adaptor carrier gas passageway having an entrance and an exit. A clamping system fastens the carrier block to the channel adaptor in a substantially fluid-tight connection so that carrier gas can be routed between the carrier block passageways and the channel adaptor.
The carrier gas connection device comprises first and second channel adaptor positions. In the first channel adaptor position, the channel adaptor carrier gas passageway entrance aligns with the first carrier block carrier gas passageway exit to form a fluid-tight flow path for a first carrier gas out of the carrier block into the channel adaptor. In the second channel adaptor position, the channel adaptor carrier gas passageway entrance aligns with the second carrier block carrier gas passageway exit to form a fluid-tight flow path for a second carrier gas out of the carrier block into the channel adaptor.
The invention addresses the problem of switching carrier gas delivered to a GC channel by using a channel adaptor moved between adaptor positions relative to the carrier block. Depending on the channel adaptor position, the device forms a fluid-tight flow path for a selected carrier gas while other carrier block passageways are not used. In described embodiments, sealing surfaces and compliant seal material cooperate with the adaptor positions to plug unused carrier gas passageways, and vent passageways for waste/vent gas can be automatically plugged as well.
The disclosed systems also include a carrier gas distribution system with multiple such carrier gas connection devices and GC instruments employing multiple channels, including micro gas chromatograph (micro GC) configurations. Described arrangements connect different carrier gas passageways to carrier gas sources and allow switching of carrier gas by moving the adaptor between the first and second positions while supplying the corresponding carrier gases through the channel adaptor passageway.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are identified. Across these claims, the core coverage centers on a carrier gas connection device with two channel adaptor positions that alternately form fluid-tight flow paths for different carrier gases, with additional refinements emphasizing clamping alignment, sealing behavior, venting geometries, and dimensional relationships.
Two-position carrier gas routing via aligned fluid-tight passageway entrances and exits
A carrier gas connection device comprising first and second channel adaptor positions where, in the first channel adaptor position, the channel adaptor carrier gas passageway entrance aligns with the first carrier block carrier gas passageway exit to form a fluid-tight flow path for a first carrier gas out of the carrier block into the channel adaptor, and in the second channel adaptor position the channel adaptor carrier gas passageway entrance aligns with the second carrier block carrier gas passageway exit to form a fluid-tight flow path for a second carrier gas out of the carrier block into the channel adaptor.
Clamping system fastening carrier block to channel adaptor in substantially fluid-tight connection
A carrier gas connection device comprising a clamping system that fastens the carrier block to the channel adaptor in a substantially fluid-tight connection.
Position-dependent clamping alignment using fastener or alignment feature with adaptor and carrier block holes
The clamping system comprises at least one fastener or alignment feature, at least one hole in the channel adaptor, and at least two holes in the carrier block, where the channel adaptor hole is aligned with a first carrier block hole in the first channel adaptor position and the channel adaptor hole is aligned with a second carrier block hole in the second channel adaptor position.
Dimensional relationships for vent passageway exits spacing and passageway/exit offsets
The refinements include a channel adaptor vent passageway with at least two exits spaced by distance D2 where D2 is substantially equal to D1, and hole-set and exit spacing relationships using distance D3, with D3 substantially equal to D1 in the described refinement.
The independent claims cover carrier gas connection devices that alternately align a channel adaptor passageway entrance with one of two carrier block passageway exits using two adaptor positions, while maintaining a substantially fluid-tight connection through a clamping system. Dependent refinements further constrain the clamping alignment with holes and fasteners and add sealing and venting behavior and dimensional relationships that govern vent and passageway geometry.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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