Abstract In a chromatographic column oven, a particular arrangement of a fan, heater and baffles provides low thermal gradients and rapid oven cool-down. Low thermal gradients are obtained by providing an air circulation pattern that promotes optimum mixing of the air within the oven enclosure. A fast cool-down time is obtained by providing a high-velocity air flow along the walls of the oven enclosure. A fan is mounted substantially at the geometric center of a first wall of the oven enclosure. A second wall of the enclosure, which faces the first wall, comprises a door for providing access to the oven enclosure. An elongate heating element is mounted on the first wall so as to substantially surround the periphery of the fan. A plurality of baffles are mounted symmetrically around the periphery of the fan on and extending perpendicularly from the first wall. A gap is provided between each particular baffle and the wall or walls intersecting the first wall nearest that particular baffle.
A chromatographic column oven comprising walls to enclose an interior oven volume, a fan mounted at substantially the geometric center of a first one of said walls, a second one of said walls facing toward said first wall, said second wall comprising a door for providing access to said interior oven volume, an elongate heating element mounted on said first wall, said heating element substantially surrounding the periphery of said fan, a plurality of baffles mounted on said first wall, said baffles extending generally perpendicularly from said first wall and being symmetrically disposed around the periphery of said fan.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
A chromatographic column oven comprising walls to enclose an interior oven volume, a fan mounted at substantially the geometric center of a first one of said walls, a second one of said walls facing toward said first wall, said second wall comprising a door for providing access to said interior oven volume, an elongate heating element mounted on said first wall, said heating element substantially surrounding the periphery of said fan, a plurality of baffles mounted on said first wall, said baffles extending generally perpendicularly from said first wall and being symmetrically disposed around the periphery of said fan.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The chromatographic column oven of claim 1 wherein said interior oven volume is formed by the intersection of a plurality of said walls with said first wall, and wherein each of said baffles is spaced apart from the walls intersecting said first wall.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The chromatographic column oven of claim 1 wherein said baffles are of generally planar configuration.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The chromatographic column oven of claim 1 wherein said first wall is generally rectangular, and wherein one of said baffles is disposed adjacent each corner of said first wall.