CN111803978A

CN111803978A - Solvent evaporation device and solvent evaporation system

Info

Publication number: CN111803978A
Application number: CN202010901013.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 胡巍; 赵永新; 陆艮峰; 秦来贵
Original assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Shanghai Instruments Co Ltd
Current assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Shanghai Instruments Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-01
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2020-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-01
Also published as: CN111803978B

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of solvent evaporation, and provides a solvent evaporation device, which comprises: a first solvent evaporation bottle; a second solvent evaporation bottle which has a smaller volume than the first solvent evaporation bottle and is engageable with the first solvent evaporation bottle from below; a second solvent evaporation bottle holding mechanism for holding a second solvent evaporation bottle therein; and a light guide member disposed below the second solvent evaporation bottle and configured to guide light to illuminate the solvent therein from a bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle so as to identify a solvent level. The light guide member is configured as a light guide post configured to eject the second solvent evaporation bottle from the evaporation bottle holding mechanism. By means of the solvent evaporation device, the solvent liquid level in the second solvent evaporation bottle can be highlighted, the accuracy of liquid level detection is ensured, and meanwhile, the second solvent evaporation bottle is kept stable in liquid level detection through a simple structure. In addition, the invention also provides a solvent evaporation system.

Description

Solvent evaporation device and solvent evaporation system

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of solvent evaporation, in particular to a solvent evaporation device comprising two solvent evaporation bottles and a solvent evaporation system comprising the solvent evaporation device.

Background

The solvent evaporation device is a common laboratory device, is mainly used for continuously distilling volatile solvents under the condition of reduced pressure or heating, and is applied to the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering, biological medicine and the like. For example, in some accelerated solvent extraction applications, it is sometimes necessary to replace the solvent before the analyte enters the gas chromatograph. In this case, it is necessary to completely remove the solvent from the original extract and then introduce another solvent as necessary.

The solvent evaporation means will typically comprise an evaporation vessel, suction means, heating means, air blowing means, input lines, etc. The evaporation vessel may be composed of two different volume solvent evaporation bottles. For example, the first solvent evaporation bottle may be a large bottle having a capacity of 60 ml, and the second solvent evaporation bottle may be a small bottle having a capacity of 2 ml. Typically, the second solvent evaporation bottle (small bottle) is located below the first solvent evaporation bottle (large bottle), and thus the small bottle may also be referred to as a bottom bottle.

Due to the larger cross-section of the first solvent evaporation bottle (i.e. the inner diameter of the bottle), the evaporation rate is faster at this stage when the solvent is in the first solvent evaporation bottle (i.e. the level of solvent is also in the large bottle). Whereas when the solvent (or the sample containing the solvent) remains only in the second solvent evaporation flask (bottom flask), the evaporation rate at this stage is significantly slowed down due to the smaller cross-section of the second solvent evaporation flask (i.e., the inner diameter of the flask). Advantageously, this allows to achieve a balance between the evaporation rate (duration of the evaporation process) and an accurate judgment of the moment when the evaporation is complete.

However, the following problems exist in the solvent evaporation apparatus of the prior art:

first, when the first solvent evaporation bottle and the second solvent evaporation bottle are connected to each other, since they are made of a hard material (e.g., glass), high airtightness cannot be ensured by screw connection, and thus vacuum pumping cannot be effectively utilized to rapidly perform evaporation.

Secondly, when the solvent is evaporated to be only in the second solvent evaporation bottle, how to accurately measure the liquid level of the residual solvent, thereby estimating the evaporation completion time point and avoiding excessive evaporation is a problem to be solved. Usually, the first solvent evaporation bottle needs to be removed from the second solvent evaporation bottle, and then the remaining solvent in the second solvent evaporation bottle needs to be detected, which is time-consuming and labor-consuming.

Thirdly, if the solvent in the second solvent evaporation bottle is illuminated by the light source to observe the liquid level thereof, the light source needs to provide a large light intensity to highlight the liquid level on the one hand, and on the other hand, even if the large light intensity is provided, the bottom position of the second solvent evaporation bottle cannot be clearly displayed, so that the judgment of the residual amount of the solvent is not accurate enough.

Therefore, there is a need to ensure sufficient airtightness between the evaporation bottles with a simple and reliable structure to enable vacuum evaporation of the solvent in the evaporation bottles.

Furthermore, on the one hand, there is still a need in the field of solvent evaporation to provide a solvent evaporation device that allows accurate level detection with a simple structure. On the other hand, easy replacement of the solvent evaporation bottles cannot be achieved while ensuring their airtight connection.

Disclosure of Invention

To this end, the invention aims to solve both the problem of solvent level detection inside a solvent evaporation bottle and the problem of replacement of the solute evaporation bottle with a simple and reliable structure.

Specifically, the present invention provides a solvent evaporation apparatus comprising: a first solvent evaporation bottle; a second solvent evaporation bottle which has a smaller volume than the first solvent evaporation bottle and is engageable with the first solvent evaporation bottle from below; a flask holding mechanism for holding a second solvent flask therein; a light guide member disposed below the second solvent evaporation bottle and configured to guide light to illuminate the solvent therein from a bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle so as to identify a solvent level. The light guide member may be configured as a light guide post configured to eject the second solvent evaporation bottle from the evaporation bottle holding mechanism.

By means of the solvent evaporation device, the solvent liquid level in the second solvent evaporation bottle can be highlighted, the accuracy of liquid level detection is ensured, and meanwhile, the second solvent evaporation bottle is kept stable in liquid level detection through a simple structure. In addition, the device can also be convenient for an operator to take the second solvent evaporation bottle out of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism. In other words, one light guide member can simultaneously realize dual functions.

Preferably, a groove or a protrusion may be provided on a top surface of the light guide member facing the second solvent evaporation bottle such that an air gap exists between the top surface and a bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle.

By means of the air gap between the first solvent evaporation bottle and the second solvent evaporation bottle, the bottle bottom position of the second solvent evaporation bottle can be clearly and prominently displayed, and the volume calculation of the residual solvent in the second solvent evaporation bottle is facilitated.

Particularly preferably, the groove of the light-guiding member may be implemented as a V-groove. The V-shaped groove is convenient to machine and form on one hand, and generates a particularly good light spot effect on the other hand.

Advantageously, the grooves or the protrusions may be designed in a plurality of spokes extending from the center to the periphery of the top surface of the light-guiding member.

By means of the spoke-like air gap extending from the center to the periphery, a uniform light spot can be generated over the entire bottom of the second solvent evaporation bottle, so that a clear position can be detected over the entire width of the bottle bottom.

For example, a plurality of grooves or a plurality of projections may be provided evenly angularly spaced from one another. The uniform spacing may be such that the intensity of the spots is also uniform across the bottom of the bottle (viewed from the side).

In particular, the light guide may be configured to be itself retained by the vaporization bottle retaining mechanism. When the light guide column itself can also be held by the evaporation bottle holding mechanism (i.e., the evaporation bottle holding mechanism can hold both the light guide column and the second solvent evaporation bottle), the dual functions can be realized without an additional holding mechanism, and thus, the structure is simple and convenient.

In some embodiments, the bottom of the vial retaining mechanism may include an opening having a diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the second solvent vial, wherein the light guide may include a head portion having a diameter larger than the opening and a stem portion that is passable through the opening to push the second solvent vial upward.

Thus, the light guide column can be stably held inside the evaporation bottle holding mechanism by the head portion with a larger diameter, and the rod portion with a smaller diameter advantageously realizes the function of ejecting the second solvent evaporation bottle upward.

Preferably, the solvent evaporation device may further comprise a sealing element disposed between the first and second solvent evaporation bottles, the sealing element being configured to ensure sealing engagement between the first and second solvent evaporation bottles when compressed.

By means of the sealing element, a high degree of sealing between the first solvent evaporator bottle and the second solvent evaporator bottle can be achieved, which provides the possibility of vacuum evaporation thereof by means of a vacuum device.

Further, a radial groove may be provided in the vial retaining mechanism at a location along its length within which a collar may be seated, wherein the collar has a diameter greater than the diameter of the second solvent vial but less than the diameter of the head portion of the light guide post to restrain the light guide post during upward urging of the second solvent vial.

By means of the clamping ring with proper diameter, the light guide column can be ensured not to accidentally fall out of the evaporating bottle holding mechanism when the second solvent evaporating bottle is ejected upwards.

In addition, the present invention also provides a solvent evaporation system comprising: solvent evaporation apparatus as previously described; solvent level monitoring device, solvent level monitoring device includes: a light emitting unit located below the light guide member and configured to emit light upward toward the light guide member; and the photosensitive unit is arranged on the side surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle and is used for monitoring the position of the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle and the liquid level of the solvent in the second solvent evaporation bottle.

With this solvent evaporation system, the level of the remaining solvent in the second solvent evaporation bottle and its bottom position can be clearly observed.

Drawings

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a solvent evaporation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a first solvent evaporation bottle and a second solvent evaporation bottle are engaged within an evaporation bottle retaining mechanism;

fig. 2 schematically shows an exploded view of the solvent evaporation device according to fig. 1;

3A-3C schematically illustrate a solvent evaporation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIGS. 3C, 3B and 3A sequentially illustrate a light guide post ejecting a second solvent evaporation bottle upwardly from an evaporation bottle holding mechanism;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a second solvent evaporation bottle, light guide and collar according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein D3< D1< D2;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a light guide bar according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the light guide bar is shown with a groove provided on its top surface facing the second solvent evaporation bottle;

FIG. 6A shows the solvent level inside the second solvent evaporation bottle detected in the darkroom by the solvent evaporation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B shows the solvent level detected in the darkroom in the case where the light guide bar is not provided with a groove;

fig. 7 schematically illustrates a solvent evaporation system according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a first solvent evaporation bottle, a second solvent evaporation bottle, an evaporation bottle holding mechanism, a light emitting unit, and a light guide column of a solvent evaporation apparatus are illustrated, and the light emitting unit is also illustrated.

List of reference numerals:

100 solvent evaporation device;

110, sealing the cover;

120 a first solvent evaporation flask;

130 a sealing element;

140 a second solvent evaporation flask;

142 solvent level;

150 light guide posts;

152 a top surface;

154 head portion;

156 a stem portion;

158 grooves;

160 an evaporator bottle holding mechanism;

166 internal threads;

170O-shaped ring;

180 a collar;

200 light emitting unit.

Detailed Description

It should be noted that the drawings referred to are not all drawn to scale but may be exaggerated to illustrate aspects of the present invention, and in this regard, the drawings should not be construed as limiting.

The solvent evaporation apparatus 100 according to the present invention is mainly used for evaporating a solvent from an evaporation vessel, such as a solvent evaporation bottle. To this end, the solvent evaporation device 100 comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of evaporation vessels, for example in the form of solvent evaporation bottles, in which the solvent to be evaporated or a sample containing the solvent to be evaporated can be accommodated. In such an evaporation vessel, the sample may contain only the solvent to be evaporated, wherein the solvent may be a single component solvent (e.g., acetone, dichloromethane, n-hexane, methanol, ethanol, water, dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide), but may also be a multi-component mixed solvent. But alternatively the sample may also contain other substances than solvents.

The sample or solvent can flow into the evaporation vessel via, for example, a solvent input line. The solvent to be evaporated is generally stably held in the evaporation vessel without leaking out. To effect evaporation of the solvent, vacuum, heat, or various means known in the art may be employed.

In some embodiments, the solvent evaporation apparatus 100 may include a vacuum-pumping device disposed in communication with the interior of the evaporation vessel via its tubing. Thus, a certain degree of vacuum (i.e., a reduced pressure) can be formed inside the evaporation container by evacuating the inside thereof, so that the solvent is gradually vaporized (i.e., evaporated).

In such embodiments, a high degree of air tightness of the vaporization container with respect to the environment should be satisfied. Here, the term "highly airtight" means that the inside of the evaporation vessel is airtight to such an extent that a predetermined degree of vacuum is not affected in the case of vacuum pumping, not only to such an extent that the solvent does not leak out of the evaporation vessel.

In other embodiments, solvent evaporation device 100 may include a heating device that heats the evaporation vessel to achieve a controlled evaporation process by increasing the temperature. Alternatively, the evaporation process may additionally be facilitated by heating the device.

To accelerate the evaporation process of the solvent, solvent evaporation device 100 may optionally include other devices to facilitate evaporation. For example, the solvent vaporization system can further include an air-blowing device configured to blow a gas, such as a gas from a gas loading source, such as an inert gas, through a conduit into the solvent in the vaporization vessel such that the surface area of the solvent is increased, thereby significantly increasing the rate of vaporization under comparable conditions (same temperature, vessel cross-sectional area, etc. factors affecting vaporization).

As previously mentioned, the evaporation vessel may be comprised of two different volume solvent evaporation vials. The material of the solvent evaporation bottle may be, for example, glass or a polymer material. For example, the first solvent-evaporating bottle 120 may be a large bottle having a capacity of 60 ml, and the second solvent-evaporating bottle 140 may be a small bottle having a capacity of 2 ml. Generally, the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 may be engaged with the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 from below (e.g., the upper end of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 is directly connected with the lower end of the first solvent evaporation bottle 120) to enable fluid communication therebetween.

It is to be understood that the present invention does not exclude the use of more than two solvent evaporation bottles. For example, three or more solvent evaporation bottles may be placed on top of each other. In embodiments with more than two solvent evaporation bottles, the lowest solvent evaporation bottle (typically the smallest volume) is used as the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 described in this invention.

The solvent evaporation device 100 according to the present invention further includes an evaporation flask holding mechanism 160, and the evaporation flask holding mechanism 160 may have any structure suitable for holding the second solvent evaporation flask 140 (vial) therein. The evaporation flask holding mechanism 160 is configured such that the second solvent evaporation flask 140 does not undesirably fall out of the evaporation flask holding mechanism 160. It should be understood, however, that "retained therein" does not preclude a portion or all of the second solvent evaporator bottle 140 from exiting the evaporator bottle retaining mechanism 160.

The evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 according to the present invention may have an open upper end and a bottom and a length extending between the upper end and the bottom. Along this length, the inside diameter of the vaporizer bottle retaining mechanism 160 may be uniform or varying. The bottom of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 is preferably open. Even, the bottom of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 can be completely open (i.e., the bottom has no stopper) as long as the second solvent evaporation bottle is held by the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160. For example, the flask holding mechanism 160 may have a tapered structure with a large top and a small bottom, and the second solvent flask 140 may be stably held by the flask holding mechanism 160 without falling out downward since the diameter of the opening at the bottom is smaller than that of the second solvent flask 140 although the bottom is completely opened.

It is more preferable that the bottle holding mechanism 160 has a bottom structure (i.e., a bottom is stopped) on which the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 can rest, so that the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 is more stably and reliably held, especially when a force from the top to the bottom is applied to the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. In other words, the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 preferably has a bottom that is not completely open.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 may preferably be substantially cylindrical, and have an open bottom. In this embodiment, the diameter of the opening is smaller than the inner diameter of the flask holding mechanism 160 and smaller than the outer diameter of the second solvent flask 140, so that the second solvent flask 140 can be abutted against the bottom. Of course, the size of the opening in the bottom of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 may be small, but is preferably more than one third of the diameter of the bottom for movement therethrough of other components as will be described in detail below. The material of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 according to the present invention may be, for example, transparent acrylic, transparent polycarbonate, or the like.

In order to be able to control the solvent evaporation process more accurately, it is necessary to observe the solvent level 142 within the evaporation vessel. In general, accurate determination of the liquid level becomes particularly important when the solvent evaporates until it is present only in the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 (e.g., a 2 ml vial), as the critical phase of solvent evaporation is entered. The second solvent evaporation bottle 140 itself may preferably be transparent or amber-colored.

In the present invention, the term "level" refers to the position of the liquid level within the container. It will be appreciated that when the liquid level, the position of the bottom of the container, and the cross-sectional shape of the container from the liquid level to the bottom position are determined, the volume of solvent remaining in the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 can be accurately determined or calculated.

In order to be able to observe the solvent level 142 in the evaporation vessel, it is necessary to have the light illuminate the solvent located in the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. Since there is a significant medium change between the solvent and the air or other gas above the liquid in the evaporation vessel, it can be observed from the side when illuminated (e.g., in a dark room). The light passing through the evaporation vessel (here, the second solvent evaporation bottle 140) can then be imaged, whereby the solvent level 142 in the evaporation vessel is known (e.g., by means of a photosensitive unit).

A second solvent evaporation bottle 140 to be monitored may be located in the solvent evaporation system of the present invention. The solvent evaporation system of the present invention may further include a light emitting unit 200 for illuminating the solvent located in the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and a light sensing unit for receiving light passing through the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and imaging it, in addition to the solvent level monitoring device. Generally, the photosensitive unit is disposed at a side of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 200 illuminates the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and the solvent inside thereof upward.

Here, the term "light emitting unit" according to the present invention may include a light source, for example, a visible light source, but may also include other components (for example, a reflection element) than the light source. The term "photosensitive unit" according to the invention may then comprise any means for imaging as well as any means for optimizing the imaging effect, such as CCD or CMOS type image sensors or the like.

To make the monitoring of the liquid level more accurate, the solvent evaporation system of the present invention may further comprise a mechanism for adjusting (e.g., pre-adjusting, adjusting in real time) the illumination intensity of the light emitting unit (see fig. 7). Such pre-adjustment may be performed for an empty bottle, for example.

In order to be able to better illuminate the solvent inside the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, the solvent evaporation device 100 according to the present invention further includes a light guide member. Here, the term "light guide member" refers to any suitable member for guiding light to the solvent inside the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. Generally, the light guide member is disposed below the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, whereby light can be guided to illuminate the solvent located therein from the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, so that the solvent level 142 can be recognized (for example, by the aforementioned photosensitive unit or the like). The light-guiding member is particularly advantageous when the level of the solvent is monitored in a dark room.

The light-guiding member may be selected to be made of a material suitable for guiding light well, which is well known in the art (e.g., transparent acryl). In the present invention, the solvent liquid may have different colors, and the light guide member may illuminate the liquid surface of, for example, a dark color solvent, making the liquid surface more transparent, thereby obtaining clearer light at the time of light sensing monitoring. Particularly advantageously, the light-guiding member may be designed to adjust the intensity of the light. For different application environments or different depths of liquid, it is desirable to adjust the light intensity to obtain appropriate brightness and improve detection accuracy.

Advantageously, the light guide member may be configured as a light guide 150 (see, e.g., fig. 1-2). Herein, the term "light guide" refers to a generally columnar member for guiding light, i.e., a member having a length significantly greater than its diameter. However, the cross-section of the light guide 150 of the present invention is not limited, and is preferably circular.

When the solvent evaporation device 100 includes the light guide 150, the light emitting unit 200 is preferably disposed under, particularly directly under, but spaced apart from the bottom of the light guide 150. The light emitting unit 200 may irradiate light to the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 from the bottom of the light guide pillar 150. In some embodiments, the luminous flux emitted by the light sources of the lighting unit 200 may be regulated by means of a regulating element, for example, in the range of 0-10 lm (lumens), but is not limited to this range.

As shown in fig. 3A-3C, according to the present invention, a light guide member, particularly a light guide post 150, may be configured to eject the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 from the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160. Preferably, the light guide 150 ejects the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 upward from the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160. In this case, the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 is preferably pushed out to such an extent that only a part of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 (for example, the upper end and the neck of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140) is pushed out of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 while the remaining part remains in the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160. It is within the scope of the present invention that the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 is completely ejected by the light guide 150.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, it is not excluded that the light guide member pushes the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 downward from the bottom of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 from above. In such embodiments, the bottom of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 is generally a movable structure, such as a structure (e.g., a pivotable structure) that can open downward under a certain pressure (such as a downward ejection force from an operator against the light guide member). However, if the light guide member is disposed below the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 when guiding light, the light guide member needs to be displaced to the upper end of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 at this time in order to eject the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 downward.

With the light guide member, the present invention not only allows for better viewing of the solvent level 142 within the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, but also facilitates the operator's removal of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 from the evaporation bottle retention mechanism 160. In other words, the light-guiding member itself serves a dual function in the present invention.

More advantageously, the light guide member, and in particular the light guide 150 itself, is also retained by the evaporation flask retaining mechanism 160. In other words, during the solvent evaporation process, both the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and the light guide member are held by the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 without undesirably falling out therefrom.

As shown in fig. 1 and 3C, the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 may preferably achieve such holding by the design of its bottom structure. For example, the bottom of the bottle holding mechanism 160 may include an opening having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 so that the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 does not fall out downward. Meanwhile, the light guide member, particularly the light guide bar 150, may include a head portion 154 having a diameter larger than the opening and a rod portion 156 capable of passing through the opening to push the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 upward, the head portion 154 being substantially always held inside the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160. In other words, the light guide 150 may include an upper portion with a larger diameter so that the light guide 150 does not fall out of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160, while the light guide 150 has a remaining portion with a smaller diameter so that it can freely move in the opening to perform the ejecting action.

As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the diameter of the head portion 154 of the light guide 150 is substantially slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the vaporizer bottle retaining mechanism 160, but significantly larger than the diameter of the opening at the bottom, while the diameter of the stem portion 156 is substantially slightly smaller than the diameter of the opening at the bottom. The head 154 of the light guide post 150 includes a flat top and is generally T-shaped in overall shape. It is understood that the specific structure of the light guide member of the present invention held by the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 may be variously modified in addition to those shown in fig. 1 to 3C.

In some preferred embodiments, a radial groove is provided in the evaporation bottle retaining mechanism 160 at a location along its length, within which a collar 180 is seated. As shown in FIG. 4, the diameter D1 of collar 180 is larger than the diameter D3 of second solvent evaporation bottle 140, but smaller than the diameter D2 of the head 154 of the light guide bar 150 to restrain the light guide bar 150 during pushing the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 upward. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other structures for stopping the light guide 150 from completely leaving the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 when it moves upward are also conceivable. In a preferred embodiment, D1 may be 12 millimeters, D2 12.2 millimeters, and D3 11.6 millimeters.

In addition, a seal, such as an O-ring 170, is preferably provided between the large diameter head 154 of the light pipe 150 and the open bottom of the evaporation vial retaining mechanism 160 against which it rests, to further preclude potentially leaked solvent from leaving the evaporation vial retaining mechanism 160 to the outside environment.

Although the solvent level 142 can be observed from the side of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 (for example, automatically by a photosensitive unit), if the remaining amount or the remaining volume of the solvent in the evaporation vessel is to be calculated (provided that the cross section of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 is constant), it is also necessary to determine the bottle bottom position of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. Thus, the remaining volume of solvent can be determined by the difference between the solvent level 142 in the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and the bottom position of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. However, it is a practical case that although the solvent inside the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 can be illuminated from below by means of the light guide member, there is a high possibility that the position of the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 cannot be accurately determined by the operator or the photosensitive unit due to insufficient brightness (for example, see fig. 6B).

Since the light guide member may directly contact the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 or there may be another member therebetween, although the light guide member or another member therebetween is different from the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 in material (for example, the light guide pillar may be made of transparent acrylic, and the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 may be made of glass), the difference in material may not be enough for the light sensing unit to sense the bottom surface position of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. As shown in fig. 6B, the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 is a blurred spot as viewed from the side.

For this reason, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a large change in the refractive index of the medium between the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and the light guide member or other members or materials in direct contact with the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. Preferably, the medium directly adjacent to the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 may be air because the refractive index of air is much smaller than that of general materials.

As best shown in fig. 3A-3C, in embodiments where the second solvent evaporation flask 140 is in direct contact with the light-conducting medium, it is preferable to provide a structure that creates air between the two. For example, a groove 158 or a protrusion may be provided on the top surface 152 of the light guide member facing the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 so that there is a sufficient air gap between the top surface 152 of the light guide member and the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. This top surface 152 of the light-guiding member is generally planar in itself, but it is not excluded that the top surface 152 itself is convex (e.g. dome) or concave. Further, in order to make the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 appear bright lines in the sensing of the photosensitive unit, it is preferable that the air gaps are uniformly distributed on the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 (but non-uniform distribution is also within the scope of the present invention).

As shown in fig. 4, the groove 158 of the light-guiding member is preferably implemented as a V-groove, but other shapes of cross-section are also within the scope of the invention. Advantageously, the grooves 158 or protrusions of the light-guiding member may be designed in a plurality of spokes extending from the center to the periphery of the top surface 152 of the light-guiding member, so that bright light over the entire diameter may be observed at the side of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, as best shown in fig. 5. More advantageously, the plurality of grooves 158 or the plurality of protrusions are disposed at evenly spaced angles from one another. In one example, eight grooves 158 are provided on the top surface 152 of the light guide 150 that diverge from the center to the perimeter of the top surface 152, and the grooves 158 may be spaced 45 degrees apart. Up to this point, by designing the shape of the light guide member, the light can uniformly illuminate the liquid surface of the solvent in the second solvent evaporation bottle 140.

As described above, if the light guide member is not in direct contact with the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, a member or material in direct contact with the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 may be selected to have a refractive index significantly different from that of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, or a member or material in direct contact with the bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 may have a structure similar to the top surface 152 of the light guide member described above to provide a sufficient air gap. The latter is generally preferred because air is a cheap, readily available medium with a significantly different refractive index.

Further, the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 according to the present invention has a function of enabling the sealing engagement between the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and the first solvent evaporation bottle 120, in addition to holding the second solvent evaporation bottle 140.

As mentioned above, the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 and the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 are made of glass and are connected to each other by screw threads at their ends, but such glass-glass medium connection can achieve the purpose of not exposing the solvent but not providing a high degree of sealing, which is a large condition for vacuum-pumping to promote the solvent evaporation.

To provide a high degree of sealing, the solvent evaporation device 100 preferably comprises a sealing element 130 disposed between the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 and the second solvent evaporation bottle 140. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the sealing element 130 may be, for example, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, teflon, or the like, or a similar flexible material. The sealing element 130 allows the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 and the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 to be joined to each other with a desired sealing property, as compared with the joining of two glass bottles or similar material bottles. It is also contemplated, however, that the sealing element 130 is not a separate element, but rather is provided by the vial retaining mechanism 160, e.g., the sealing element 130 may be disposed on an inner wall of the vial retaining mechanism 160. When it is desired to use, the sealing member 130 provided on or extending from the inner wall can be interposed between the first solvent-evaporating bottle 120 and the second solvent-evaporating bottle 140.

According to the present invention, when the sealing member 130 is interposed between the first and second solvent-evaporating

bottles

120 and 140, the sealing member 130 may be configured to ensure a sealing engagement between the first and second solvent-evaporating

bottles

120 and 140 when it is compressed.

Compression of the sealing element 130 may be accomplished in a variety of ways. Preferably, the sealing member 130 may be first placed between the first solvent-evaporating bottle 120 and the second solvent-evaporating bottle 140. As best seen in fig. 2, a sealing element 130, for example in the form of a sealing ring, is fitted directly over the mouth of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 to tighten on the mouth by means of the elasticity of the sealing element 130. At this time, the sealing element 130 may be in a natural relaxed state or a slightly tensioned state. By the relative movement (relative proximity) between the first solvent-evaporating bottle 120 and the second solvent-evaporating bottle 140, the sealing member 130 is pressed from above to seal the first solvent-evaporating bottle 120 and the second solvent-evaporating bottle 140.

Relative proximity between the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 and the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 may be achieved by the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 being held stationary within the bottle holding mechanism 160, but the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 being moved toward the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 within the bottle holding mechanism 160. For example, the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 may be provided with an internal thread 166 at or near its open upper end, and the lower end of the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 can be screwed to the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160 so as to compress the sealing element 130 during screwing in of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described compression of the sealing element 130. For example, the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 may be rapidly pressed toward the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, and the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 may move upward after releasing the downward pressing force due to the elasticity of the sealing member 130, but such upward movement may be prevented by a one-way stopper mechanism in the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160. For example, such a one-way stopper mechanism is provided at a position near the open upper end of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism 160.

In addition, it is understood that the inside diameter of the mouth of the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 does not have to be larger than the inside diameter of the mouth of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, and may be substantially equivalent, as long as the mouth of the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 has a sufficient contact area with the sealing element 130 and the mouth of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 also has a sufficient contact area with the sealing element 130, as shown in fig. 1, for example. Here, the "sufficient contact area" means that the contact area is not so small that the sealing member 130 is accidentally dropped into the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 or dropped out of the mouth of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 when the sealing member is pressed downward from above. Preferably, the sealing member 130 has an inverted L-shaped cross-section.

Although in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 presses the sealing element 130 directly from above downwards, so that the sealing element 130 is clamped longitudinally between the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 and the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, it is also conceivable that the sealing element 130 is clamped laterally between the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 and the second solvent evaporation bottle 140 when pressure is applied from above downwards. For example, the large diameter finish of the first solvent evaporator bottle 120 may be disposed at least partially longitudinally around the small diameter finish of the second solvent evaporator bottle 140 with the sealing element 130 between the large and small finishes partially overlapping each other. In this case, the sealing element 130 can still be fitted over the mouth of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140.

In the present invention, the outer wall of the mouth of the second solvent-evaporating bottle 140 may be threaded, but may also be smooth. The inner wall of the mouth of the first solvent-evaporating bottle 120 may be smooth or threaded. Regardless of the form of the inner wall of the mouth of the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 and the outer wall of the mouth of the second solvent evaporation bottle 140, the airtight engagement therebetween is not affected due to the presence of the sealing member 130.

By means of the sealing member 130 and the evaporation flask holding structure described above, the vacuum-pumping operation of the solvent evaporation flask can be realized. As can be seen in fig. 1, a closure cap 110 is provided on top of the first solvent evaporation bottle 120, but in fig. 1, a suction device is not shown, which can be connected from the closure cap position to the first solvent evaporation bottle 120 in order to draw a vacuum from above the solvent level.

Although various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to examples of solvent evaporation systems in the various figures, it should be understood that embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be applied to laboratory systems and the like having similar structures and/or functions.

The foregoing description has set forth numerous features and advantages, including various alternative embodiments, as well as details of the structure and function of the devices and methods. The intent herein is to be exemplary and not exhaustive or limiting.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size and arrangement of parts including combinations of these aspects within the principles described herein, as indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that such various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be included therein as well.

Claims

1. A solvent evaporation device, the solvent evaporation device (100) comprising:

a first solvent evaporation bottle (120);

a second solvent evaporation bottle (140), the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) having a smaller volume than the first solvent evaporation bottle (120) and being engageable with the first solvent evaporation bottle (120) from below;

characterized in that the solvent evaporation device (100) further comprises:

a flask retaining mechanism (160) for retaining the second solvent flask (140) therein;

a light guide member disposed below the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) and configured to guide light to illuminate the solvent therein from a bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) so as to recognize a liquid level of the solvent,

wherein the light guide member is configured as a light guide post (150) configured to eject the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) from the evaporation bottle holding mechanism (160).

2. The solvent evaporation device of claim 1, wherein a groove (158) or protrusion is provided on a top surface (152) of the light guide member facing the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) such that an air gap exists between the top surface (152) and a bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140).

3. The solvent evaporation device of claim 2, wherein said groove of said light guide member is implemented as a V-groove.

4. The solvent evaporation device of claim 2, wherein said grooves or said protrusions are designed as a plurality of spokes extending from the center to the periphery of said top surface (152) of said light-guiding member.

5. The solvent evaporation device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of grooves or the plurality of protrusions are disposed at angularly uniform intervals from one another.

6. The solvent evaporation device of claim 1, wherein said light guide (150) is configured to be itself retainable by said evaporation vial retaining mechanism (160).

7. The solvent evaporation device of claim 6, wherein the bottom of the evaporation bottle holding mechanism (160) comprises an opening having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140), wherein the light guide (150) comprises a head portion (154) having a diameter larger than the opening and a stem portion (156) that can pass through the opening to push the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) upward.

8. The solvent evaporation device of any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a sealing element (130) disposed between the first solvent evaporation bottle (120) and the second solvent evaporation bottle (140), the sealing element (130) being configured to ensure a sealing engagement between the first solvent evaporation bottle (120) and the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) when compressed.

9. The solvent evaporation device of claim 8, wherein said evaporation vial retaining mechanism (160) is provided with an internal thread (166) at or near its open upper end, the lower end of said first solvent evaporation vial (120) being threadably connected to said evaporation vial retaining mechanism (160) so as to compress said sealing element (130) during screwing in of said evaporation vial retaining mechanism (160).

10. The solvent evaporation device of claim 7, wherein a radial groove is provided in the evaporation bottle retaining mechanism (160) at a location along its length, within which a collar (180) is disposed, wherein the collar (180) has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) but smaller than the diameter of the head of the light guide (150) to restrain the light guide (150) during upward pushing of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140).

11. A solvent evaporation system, comprising:

the solvent evaporation device (100) of any of claims 1-10;

solvent level monitoring device, solvent level monitoring device includes:

a light emitting unit (200) located below the light guide member and configured to emit light upward toward the light guide member;

a light sensing unit disposed at a side of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) for monitoring a position of a bottom surface of the second solvent evaporation bottle (140) and a level of the solvent therein.