Signature collection cartridge with embossed collection substrate
Inventors
Kendall, John Kirby • Guerrera, Robyn L. • Van Tilburg, Alec N.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9927329-B2
Publication Date
2018-03-27
Expiration Date
2035-04-23
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Abstract
A device (201) is provided for collecting signatures from an ambient fluid. The device includes a housing (205) equipped with an (207) inlet and an outlet (209) which are in fluidic communication with each other, and a signature collector (203) which has a plurality of spaced-apart layers (213). The signature collector is disposed in a fluidic flow path between the inlet and the outlet such that a flow of fluid passes through adjacent layers of the signature collector. Each of the layers includes a substrate (217) having a sorbent or adherent (219) disposed thereon, and a plurality of embossments (215) which maintains the layers in the spaced-apart configuration.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a device for collecting signatures from ambient fluids, comprising a housing with an inlet and an outlet in fluidic communication, and a signature collector disposed in the fluid flow path. The collector has a plurality of spaced-apart layers, each including a substrate coated with a sorbent or adherent. The layers are maintained in spaced-apart relation by embossments on the substrate, allowing fluid to flow through spaces between adjacent layers.
The problem solved is the high pressure drop in conventional packed sorbent bed sampling systems, which require large and power-consuming pumps or fans to maintain fluid flow. Prior packed media systems limit the use to active sampling due to these pressure drops and may have reduced efficiency if particle size is increased to lower pressure drop, complicating the trade-off between flow resistance, sampling efficiency, and residence time.
The disclosed system addresses the need for a sampling system with reduced pressure drop compared to packed beds, enabling use in both active and passive sampling modes, reduced size and power requirements of the fluid driver, and sufficient residence time and affinity for signature capture. The embossed multilayer substrate arrangement preserves fluid flow while maintaining signature capture efficiency, and allows construction of devices with improved mechanical properties and adaptability for thermal desorption or other analysis methods.
Claims Coverage
The claims include two independent claims covering a signature collector device and a method for collecting signatures from ambient fluids, featuring key inventive features related to the embossed multilayer substrate and fluid flow arrangement.
Signature collector with embossed wound substrate
The signature collector device comprises a housing with inlet and outlet in fluidic communication and a wound substrate having discrete embossings that maintain adjacent substrate layers spaced apart. The substrate is positioned so fluid flows through spaces between layers, and an adherent for signature capture is disposed on the substrate and in fluidic contact with the flow path.
Method of collecting signature using spaced-apart embossed layers
A method of collecting a signature by using a device having a housing with inlet and outlet and a signature collector with multiple spaced-apart layers including a substrate having discrete embossments and an adherent for capturing signatures. Ambient fluid is passed through the device at about 1.5 L/min flow rate, achieving a pressure drop less than 0.01 MPa. The method optionally involves desorption, chemical analysis, and various analysis techniques.
Overall, the claims cover a multilayer wound and embossed substrate within a fluidic housing that allows signature capture with reduced pressure drop, and corresponding methods for signature collection including desorption and analysis.
Stated Advantages
The device exhibits significantly lower pressure drop compared to conventional packed sorbent beds, reducing the size and power requirements of fluid-driving means.
It enables both active and passive sampling methods by allowing ambient fluid flow with minimal resistance.
The multilayer embossed substrate provides sufficient residence time and affinity for capturing signatures of interest effectively.
The device can be resistively heated for thermal desorption, facilitating downstream chemical or biological analysis.
The construction allows robust mechanical properties that facilitate winding, handling, and sealing without impairing function.
Documented Applications
Collecting chemical, biological, radiological, or particulate signatures from ambient fluids such as air or water for analytical or transformative purposes.
Detection of environmental pollutants at industrial sites and environmental remediation efforts.
Enforcement of chemical or nuclear arms treaties by capturing relevant signatures.
Use with analytical techniques including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, microscopic examination, biological assays, and radiological analysis.
Sampling devices operable as active or passive systems deployable on platforms such as carts, ground vehicles, aircraft including drones and gliders, balloons, or parachutes.
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