Process analytic device with improved thermal stability
A process analytic device has an input to receive a sample of interest. An analytic detector is operably coupled to receive the sample of interest and to provide an analytic output relative to the sample of interest. A heat pipe is thermally coupled to the analytic detector. In one embodiment, the process analytic device is a process gas chromatograph.
1. A process analytic device comprising:
an input to receive a sample of interest;
an analytic detector operably coupled to receive the sample of interest and to provide an analytic output relative to the sample of interest;
a cover at least partially defining a heated chamber, and wherein the sample of interest flows into the heated chamber; and
a heat pipe thermally coupled to the analytical detector, wherein an evaporative portion of the heat pipe is thermally coupled to the cover.
2. The process analytic device of claim 1 , wherein the process analytic device is a process gas chromatograph.
3. The process analytic device of claim 1 , wherein the analytic detector is disposed within the heated chamber.
4. The process analytic device of claim 1 , wherein the evaporative portion of the heat pipe is thermally coupled to a temperature sensor.
5. The process analytic device of claim 1 , wherein a condensing end of the heat pipe is in thermal contact with the analytical detector.
6. The process analytic device of claim 5 , wherein the analytical detector is a thermal conductivity detector.
7. The process analytic device of claim 1 , wherein a condensing end of the heat pipe is in thermal contact with the analytic detector.
8. The process analytic device of claim 1 , wherein the heat pipe contains a working fluid with a boiling point of 80° C.
9. The process analytic device of claim 8 , wherein the working fluid is water.
10. The process analytic device of claim 1 , and further comprising a metallic shield disposed to protect the heat pipe.
11. The process analytic device of claim 1 , and further comprising:
at least one heater configured to heat the sample of interest and the analytic detector;
a temperature sensor configured to provide an indication of temperature relative to the sample of interest or the analytic detector; and
a controller coupled to the at least one heater and the temperature sensor to maintain the temperature of the sample of interest and the analytic detector at a specified temperature.
12. The process analytic device of claim 11 , wherein the heat pipe has a working fluid therein having a boiling point at the specified temperature.
13. The process analytic device of claim 12 , wherein the heat pipe has a first portion coupled to the analytic detector and a second portion thermally coupled to the temperature sensor.