GB2572140A

GB2572140A - Vacuum device, system and methods

Info

Publication number: GB2572140A
Application number: GB1804238.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Treffer Daniel
Original assignee: Meltprep GmbH
Current assignee: Meltprep GmbH
Priority date: 2018-03-16
Filing date: 2018-03-16
Publication date: 2019-09-25
Also published as: EP3765191A1; WO2019175268A1; GB201804238D0

Abstract

A vacuum device 1 comprising a main body part 10 having a tubular shape, a top body part 20 for closing one end of the main body part, and a sealing member 30 arranged at the opposite end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection to a surface 2 when the vacuum device is arranged on said surface. The device further comprises a vacuum port 40 arranged on the main body part. Ideally, the vacuum port comprises a tubular element 42 and a connector 44, and is thermally isolated from the main body. The device may comprise a venting valve 50 which is also thermally isolated from the main body. A system comprising a measuring device with a hot plate 2 and the vacuum device wherein the sealing member provides a sealing connection when the device is placed on the hot plate. A method of preparing a sample using the system such that the hot plate of the measurement device is under controlled negative pressure by evacuating the device and a method of manufacturing the device is also disclosed.

Description

The present invention relates to the field of vacuum chambers, more specifically to a vacuum device, a system, a method of manufacturing a vacuum device, and a method of analyzing a sample.

Background

Vacuum chambers are used in many laboratories for a variety of different applications. One example is desiccators, which may be used to dry powder or sample material or to keep such material dry. Some desiccators have a built-in heating element. In any event, desiccators are separate units which, if heated, are difficult to handle. Another example is vacuum ovens, which may be used to heat up material under vacuum in order to melt the material without the risk of oxidation or air inclusions or to speed up drying of the material. However, vacuum ovens are often quite slow in operation. Firstly, no heat transfer by convection is possible under vacuum. Thus, heating is slow. Secondly, the size of the chamber in a vacuum oven is usually quite large in comparison to the capacity of the vacuum pump, such that evacuation of the chamber may take a considerable amount of time.

In connection with many types of measurements, it would be advantageous to be able to prepare or condition a sample directly on the hot plate of the measurement device, i.e. without having to transfer the sample to and from a desiccator or a vacuum oven. However, at present no useful solutions exist,

- 2 that could easily be implemented in existing systems. Accordingly, a need exists for such a solution.

Summary of the Invention

This need may be met by the subject-matter according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vacuum device comprising (a) a main body part having a tubular shape, (b) a top body part for closing one end of the main body part, and (c) a sealing member arranged at the opposite end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection to a (preferably planar) surface when the vacuum device is arranged on said surface.

This aspect of the invention is based on the idea that the sealing member assures that the vacuum device forms a closed cavity when it is placed on a surface, such as on a hot plate. In other words, the vacuum device may be arranged on top of a sample on any surface in any kind of measurement device and thus exhibits an extremely high degree of flexibility and ease of use. The main body part, the top body part and the sealing member then form a closed dome-like space above the sample, which space can be evacuated to establish a vacuum.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a vacuum port arranged in a wall portion of the main body part.

The vacuum port allows for evacuation of the vacuum device by connecting the vacuum port to a vacuum pump as known in the art.

- 3 According to a further embodiment of the invention, the vacuum port comprises a tubular element extending radially away from the main body part, and a vacuum connector arranged at an end of the tubular element.

The tubular element provides a connection channel between the interior of the device and the vacuum connector. Furthermore, the tubular element may in particular be used as a grip for handling the vacuum device, e.g. when arranging it on a hot plate or other surface or when removing it from such surface.

The vacuum connector is preferably adapted to be connected with a hose or tube connected to a vacuum pump or similar device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the vacuum port is thermally isolated from the main body.

By thermally isolating the vacuum port, e.g. by means of thermally insulating material interposed between the main body part and the vacuum port, the use of the vacuum port as a grip is further facilitated. Such interposed thermally insulating material may also form part of the connection channel between the interior of the device and the vacuum connector.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a venting valve arranged in a further wall portion of the main body part.

The venting valve may in particular be used to release a vacuum after use by allowing surrounding air to enter the interior of the device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the venting valve comprises a knob which is thermally isolated from the main body.

- 4 The knob is preferably adapted to operate or to constitute the venting valve, e.g. by turning the knob and thereby causing a part to move within a threaded opening. In addition, it can be used as additional grip for the handling of the vacuum device.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the top body part is formed as a lid adapted to be removably arranged at the one end of the main body.

In this embodiment, the top body part and the main body are formed as separate units which may be brought together and then released from each other.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a further sealing member arranged at the one end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection between the main body part and the top body part.

In other words, the further sealing member assures that a vacuum-tight connection between main body part and top body part can be provided.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises a fastening element for fastening the top body part at the one end of the main body.

The fastening element may provide additional safety by assuring that the top body part is maintained in its desired position at the one end of the main body. More specifically, the fastening element may be any suitable fastening mechanism, including but not limited to a strap, a lock, and a clamp.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one of the main body part and the top body part is made from a transparent material, such as

- 5 borosilicate glass or Plexiglas®, polycarbonate or any other transparent plastic.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, at least one of the main body part and the top body part is made of metal, such as aluminum, preferably coated with a functional layer of nickel to increase surface resistance against chemical and mechanical wear.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the main body part and the top body part form an integral unit, i.e. a single unit manufactured from a single piece of material.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is made from a heat-resistant material.

This assures longevity and stable operation.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is made from a thermally insulating material.

This assures that the temperature of the main body part and the top body part is kept down, such that the device is safe to handle without the need for protection, such as protective gloves.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is formed as an O-ring or as a Quad-ring®.

While O-rings may provide excellent sealing, Quad-rings® may be preferable since these may be fastened in two undercuts in a groove (one on the inner surface and one on the outer surface of the groove). Thus, the Quad-rings® do not easily fall of.

- 6 According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is mechanically, frictionally or chemically connected with the main body.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein a purge gas inlet is provided to enable vacuum and gas cycles and continuous flow of gas, e.g. inert or reactive gas through the vacuum device at negative pressures compared to the surroundings.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising (a) a measurement device comprising a hot plate, and (b) a vacuum device according to the first aspect or any of the described embodiments, wherein the sealing member is adapted to provide a sealing connection to the surface of the hot plate when the vacuum device is arranged thereon.

This second aspect of the invention is based on the same idea as the first aspect described above and provides a complete system which can be used in a wide variety of applications.

According to an embodiment, the system further comprises a vacuum source adapted to be connected to the vacuum device.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a vacuum device, the method comprising (a) providing a main body part having a tubular shape, (b) providing a top body part for closing one end of the main body part, and (c) providing a sealing member arranged at the opposite end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection to a surface when the vacuum device is arranged on said surface.

- 7 This third aspect of the invention is based on the same idea as the first aspect described above.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of analyzing a sample in a measurement device comprising a hot plate, the method comprising (a) arranging the sample on the hot plate, (b) arranging a vacuum device according to the first aspect or any of the embodiments described above on the hot plate such that the sample is surrounded by the sealing member, and (c) evacuating the vacuum device.

This fourth aspect of the invention is generally based on the same idea as the first aspect described above and provides a method of using such a device.

It is noted that embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to different subject matters. In particular, some embodiments have been described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments have been described with reference to apparatus type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise indicated, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter also any combination of features relating to different subject matters, in particular to combinations of features of the method type claims and features of the apparatus type claims, is part of the disclosure of this document.

The aspects defined above and further aspects of the present invention are apparent from the examples of embodiments to be described hereinafter and are explained with reference to the examples of embodiments. The invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to examples of embodiments. However, it is explicitly noted that the invention is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments.

- 8 Brief Description of the Drawing

Figure 1 shows a sectional side view of a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a side view of a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment.

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of a vacuum device in accordance with an embodiment.

Detailed Description

The illustration in the drawing is schematic. It is noted that in different figures, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals or with reference numerals which differ only within the first digit.

Figure 1 shows a sectional side view of a vacuum device 1 in accordance with an embodiment. The vacuum device 1 is arranged on a surface 2, in particular on a hot plate, and comprises a main body part 10, a top body part 20, a sealing member 30, a vacuum port 40, a venting valve 50, and a further sealing element 60.

The main body part 10 has a tubular shape extending in the direction of axis R. and has a lower opening facing the surface 2 and an upper opening facing the

- 9 top body part 20. The main body part 10 is preferably made from aluminum and coated with nickel in order to be resistant against a wide range of chemical substances and mechanical wear. The sealing member 30 is preferably a Quad-ring® (also referred to as an X-ring) fastened to the circumference of the main body part 10 at the lower opening. The sealing member 30 is made from temperature resistant and thermally insulating material, such as Viton® or silicone, and provides a vacuum-tight seal when the vacuum device 1 is arranged on the surface 2.

The top body part 20 is arranged on top of the main body part 10 to close the upper opening. The further sealing element 60 is preferably similar to the sealing element 30 and is thus constituted by a Quad-ring® fastened to the circumference of the main body part 10 at the upper opening. However, in other embodiments, the further sealing element 60 may instead be fastened to the top body part 20. While both the sealing member 30 and the further sealing element 60 have been referred to as Quad-rings®, other embodiments may utilize any other suitable kind of sealing members, such as O-rings and the like. The further sealing member 60 is made from temperature resistant and thermally insulating material, such as Viton® or silicone, and provides a vacuum-tight seal when the top body part 20 is arranged on top of the main body part 10. The top body part 20 is preferably formed as a lid fitting the main body part 10 and is preferably made from borosilicate glass or a similarly heat resistant material. In other embodiments, the top body part 20 may be made from a transparent material, such as Plexiglas®, polycarbonate or other transparent plastics.

The vacuum port 40 is fitted to an opening in the side wall of the main body part 10 and comprises a tubular element 42 and a vacuum connector 44. The tubular element 42 extends radially away from the main body part 10 and may act as a handle or grip for handling and positioning the vacuum device 1. The vacuum connector 44 is shaped to be connected to an external vacuum pump (not shown) by means of an appropriate hose or tubing. The tubular

- 10 element 42 is fitted to the main body part 10 by a thermally insulating element 46, which is e.g. made from PEEK or a similar material. An O-ring 48 is provided to seal the connection between the thermally insulating element 46 and the main body part 10. In other embodiments, the O-ring 48 may be substituted by e.g. Teflon® tape or liquid adhesives. The thermally insulating element 46 assures that the tubular element 42 does not heat up and is safe to operate by hand.

The evacuation valve 50 is fitted to another opening in the side wall of the main body part 10 and comprises a knob or plug 52 which may be screwed or pulled out to allow ambient air to enter the vacuum device 1 and thereby release a vacuum present within the vacuum device 1. The knob or plug 52 fits into an opening in thermally insulating element 56 which prevents a (significant) transfer of heat from the main body part 10 to the knob or plug

52. An O-ring 58 is provided to seal the connection between the thermally insulating element 56 and the main body part 10. In other embodiments, the O-ring 58 may be substituted by e.g. Teflon® tape or liquid adhesives. The thermally insulating element 56 assures that the knob or plug 52 does not heat up and is safe to operate by hand. Moreover, the knob can be used as an additional handle for moving the vacuum device.

The vacuum device 1 may be used for conditioning a sample material directly on a hot plate 2 of a measurement device. More specifically, the sample material (not shown) is first placed on the hot plate 2. Then the main body part 10 is arranged such that its tubular wall and the sealing member 30 surrounds the sample material and the top body part 20 is arranged on top of the main body part. Now, the vacuum device 1 constitutes a gas-tight dome surrounding the sample material and may be evacuated by closing the venting valve 50 and connecting the vacuum connector 44 to a vacuum pump. This also causes the vacuum device 1 to be sucked against the surface 2. The sealing effect is strengthened by the compression force induced by surrounding pressure on the sealing member when the device is evacuated.

- 11 The vacuum device 1 also allows the sample material to rest on the temperature controlled hot plate and be easily heated via conduction under vacuum on the measurement device itself. Once the heating process is finished, the vacuum can be released by opening venting valve 50 and the vacuum device can immediately be removed by hand (using the grip 42 and, if required, also the knob 52).

Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively show a side view, a top view, a perspective view and a bottom view of the vacuum device 1 already discussed in detail in conjunction with Figure 1. Since the various elements are similar to those already discussed above in conjunction with Figure 1, the corresponding detailed description is not repeated here.

In the embodiments described and discussed above, the body of the vacuum device 1 is formed of two parts, i.e. a main body part 10 and a top body part

20. In another embodiment (not shown), however, the body of the vacuum device 1 may be formed as an integral unit, i.e. as a single tubular body element which is permanently closed at one end. In such embodiments, the further sealing element 60 described above is not necessary and the device may be even easier to handle since it will no longer be necessary to position the top body part 20 correctly on the main body part 10.

It is noted that the term comprising does not exclude other elements or steps and the use of the articles a or an does not exclude a plurality. Also elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. It is further noted that reference signs in the claims are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum device (1) comprising a main body part (10) having a tubular shape, a top body part (20) for closing one end of the main body part, and a sealing member (30) arranged at the opposite end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection to a surface when the vacuum device is arranged on said surface.

2. The device according to the preceding claim, further comprising a vacuum port (40) arranged in a wall portion of the main body part.

3. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the vacuum port comprises a tubular element (42) extending radially away from the main body part, and a vacuum connector (44) arranged at an end of the tubular element.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vacuum port is thermally isolated from the main body.

5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a venting valve (50) arranged in a further wall portion of the main body part.

6. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the venting valve comprises a knob (52) which is thermally isolated from the main body.

7. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the top body part is formed as a lid adapted to be removably arranged at the one end of the main body.

8. The device according to the preceding claim, further comprising a further sealing member (60) arranged at the one end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection between the main body part and the top body part.

9. The device according to preceding claim 7 or 8, further comprising a fastening element for fastening the top body part at the one end of the main body.

10. The device according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 9, wherein at least one of the main body part and the top body part is made from a transparent material.

11. The device according to any of the preceding claims 7 to 10, wherein at least one of the main body part and the top body part is made of metal.

12. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main body part and the top body part form an integral unit.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is made from a heat-resistant material.

14. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is made from a thermally insulating material.

15. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is formed as an O-ring or as a Quad-ring®.

16. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member and/or the further sealing member is mechanically, frictionally or chemically connected with the main body (10).

17. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a purge gas inlet is provided to enable vacuum and gas cycles and continuous flow of gas, e.g. inert or reactive gas through the vacuum device at negative pressures compared to the surroundings.

18. A system comprising a measurement device comprising a hot plate (2), and a vacuum device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing member is adapted to provide a sealing connection to the surface of the hot plate when the vacuum device is arranged thereon.

19. The system according to the preceding claim, further comprising a vacuum source adapted to be connected to the vacuum device.

20. A method of manufacturing a vacuum device, the method comprising providing a main body part having a tubular shape, providing a top body part for closing one end of the main body part, and providing a sealing member arranged at the opposite end of the main body part and adapted to provide a sealing connection to a surface when the vacuum device is arranged on said surface.

21. A method of preparing a sample in a measurement device comprising a hot plate under controlled negative pressure in relation to the surrounding atmosphere, the method comprising arranging the sample on the hot plate, arranging a vacuum device according to any of claims 1 to 17 on the hot plate such that the sample is surrounded by the sealing member, and evacuating the vacuum device (1).