Patent EP-2733481-A1 (EP)
Inventor: BLUMM JÜRGEN
IPC: H01J49/04
Filed: 2011-01-18
Abstract: The thermal analysis device comprises a controllable temperature regulator (20) for changing a temperature of a sample (16) to be examined in a controlled manner, a detector (ST) for a continuous detection of a signal, which is characteristic of a property of the sample during the change in the temperature, and a gas analysis device (26) for examining gases released by the sample. During the changing of the temperature of the sample, the temperature regulator is controlled according to a control algorithm taking account of a detected signal (TG). The thermal analysis device comprises a controllable temperature regulator (20) for changing a temperature of a sample (16) to be examined in a controlled manner, a detector (ST) for a continuous detection of a signal, which is characteristic of a property of the sample during the change in the temperature, and a gas analysis device (26) for examining gases released by the sample. During the changing of the temperature of the sample, the temperature regulator is controlled according to a control algorithm taking account of a detected signal (TG) and/or the gas analysis device is designed to be controllable and is controlled according to a control algorithm taking account of the detected signal. A sample chamber containing the sample to be examined is connected via a heated transfer line and a heated valve/injection system with the gas analysis device. The control algorithm provides a preprocessing of the signal detected by the detector for continuously determination of a rate of change of the signal. A control parameter of the control algorithm is adjustable by an operator. The control algorithm provides a control operation for the temperature regulator and/or the gas analysis device on the basis of a discharge of predetermined criteria by the detected signal and/or by a determined rate of change of the signal. The control operation has a change caused by the temperature regulator of a rate of change of temperature of the sample and/or a starting operation of the gas analysis device. The control algorithm provides a predefined temperature program having a specific time-dependent change of the temperature of the sample and temporarily interruption of the temperature program at a time point, on which the discharge of the predetermined criteria is detected by the detected signal and/or by a determined rate of change of the signal. During the interruption of the temperature change, the gas analysis device is operated, and the control algorithm provides a continuation of the temperature change after a termination of a gas inspection through the gas analysis device. The thermal analysis device further comprises an evaluation device, which provides after the termination of the controlled change of the temperature of the sample on the basis of the measured temperature of the sample and a result of the gas analysis providing an evaluation result that indicates the temperature of a thermal decomposition- or evaporation process and further indicates an assignment of the temperature to a relevant results of the gas analysis. An independent claim is included for a method for thermal analysis.