System for crystal growth, particularly for space vessel

Details System for crystal growth, particularly for space vessel System for crystal growth, particularly for space vessel

1988-10-03

1990-04-24

Straub, Gary P.

Chemical apparatus and process disinfecting, deodorizing, preser

Physical type apparatus

Crystallizer

422102, 422236, 422253, 156607, 156DIG62, 156DIG113, B01D 900, C30G 2954, C30G 3500, C30B 700

Patent

active

049199005

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a system for crystal growth, especially but non-limitatively adapted to be employed on board a space vessel.
It is known that one of the methods of studying macromolecular substances consists in forming crystals of said substances and in subjecting said crystals to examinations, particularly spectrographic ones. In order to form such crystals, methods of diffusion, possibly through a porous diffusion wall, are used. To that end, in an enclosure, is disposed a crucible filled with a liquid mixture of a macromolecular substance to be studied and of a precipitating agent in an insufficient concentration to act, then such a precipitating agent is introduced into said enclosure either in vapour form or in liquid form.
By diffusion, the concentration of the mixture of the precipitating agent and of the macromolecular substance contained in the crucible tends to align on that of the precipitating agent contained in the enclosure. Consequently, by varying the concentration of this latter precipitating agent, one may act on the crystallization of said macromolecular substance. The crucible and the enclosure are generally at least partially transparent, with the result that an operator may visually follow the development of the crystallization.
However, the crystals obtained in laboratories on Earth by carrying out these diffusion techniques are not perfect, either in quality or in size, particularly due to the phenomena of convexion due to gravity.
In order to overcome this drawback, it would be advantageous to be able to employ such diffusion techniques on board space vessels, as, in that case, the conditions of zero-gravity eliminate these phenomena of convexion.
However, an attempt to employ the terrestrial methods as such would encounter difficulties, if not impossibilities, due in particular to the working conditions on board the space vessels and to the conditions of launching thereof, as well as to the short life duration of certain macromolecular substances (about fifteen days for proteins for example). For example, taking into account the imperatives and relatively long periods for preparing the launching of a space vessel, the macromolecular substances would be dead before crystallization thereof in space could be attempted.
The present invention has for its main object a system of crystal growth making it possible to adapt the methods of diffusion to use on board a space vessel, it being understood that this system may, however, be used in a laboratory on Earth.
To that end, according to the invention, the system of crystal growth by diffusion, particularly intended to be employed on board a space vessel, and in which a substance to be crystallized, contained in a crucible, is brought into the presence of a precipitating agent, is noteworthy in that it comprises: for evacuating precipitating agent; with precipitating agent, said crucible containing said substance to be crystallized; and said means for supplying and with said means for evacuating precipitating agent during introduction of said tight capsule in said receptacle.
It is seen that said receptacle, said means for supplying precipitating agent and said means for evacuating precipitating agent may form a fixed sub-assembly which contains the products without too considerable time limitations and which may be installed and positioned in a space station, even in the transport vehicle for placing in orbit, several weeks before the beginning of the experiments of crystal growth. On the other hand, the tight capsule or capsules, preferably modular, are easy to manipulate and may, after having been prepared in the laboratory, be embarked at the last moment by the astronauts and, moreover, be returned by them after the experiment.
Thus, thanks to the invention, a minimum period of time between the manufacture of the macromolecules to be studied and the beginning of the experiments of crystal growth in zero gravity may be obtained. Moreover, the invention makes it possible to reduce the transport costs of the flights both

REFERENCES:
patent: 3511612 (1967-03-01), Kennerly et al.
patent: 3788818 (1974-01-01), Madjid et al.
patent: 3898044 (1975-08-01), Strecker et al.
patent: 4812293 (1989-03-01), McLaurin et al.
Journal Crystal Growth, vol. 76, No. 3, Aug. 11, 1986, W. Little et al., "Protein Single Crystal Growth Under Microgravity", pp. 663-672.
AIAA Journal, vol. 16, No. 5, Mar. 78.
M. D. Lind: "Crystal Growth from Solutions in Low Gravity", pp. 458-462.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

System for crystal growth, particularly for space vessel does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with System for crystal growth, particularly for space vessel, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System for crystal growth, particularly for space vessel will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-33393