Method and apparatus for determining temperature of and controlling the evaporation of liquid samples
US6605474B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25375
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method is described for evaporating liquid samples contained in sample holders mounted within a chamber and rotated by the rotor during an evaporation process in which the pressure in the chamber is reduced below atmospheric and the sample holders are rotated at high speed so as to exert centrifugal force on the contents of the holders. Heat is supplied to elevate the temperature of the liquid component of the samples to assist in the evaporation process. The temperature of the sample material is continuously or regularly monitored during the evaporation process and temperature signals are transmitted to a remote computing means which is programmed to generate a control signal for controlling the supply of heat to the samples and controlling the evaporation process. The temperature may be sensed by a probe in a sample holder containing an evaporating liquid sample, or in an adjoining sample holder containing a buffer liquid. The rotational speed is also sensed and a speed signal conveyed to the computing means. In an alternative method the rate of flow of vapor from the chamber is monitored and a flow rate signal is computed which is also supplied to the computer means and the ev…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.