Ion chromatograph

Abstract

The utility model relates to the chromatographic technology, in particular to an ion chromatograph which comprises a conveying unit, a separation unit and a detector, the conveying unit comprises a container and a conveying pump, the ion chromatograph further comprises a sealing module and a driving module, the sealing module is arranged at an opening of the conveying pump, and the opening allows gas to pass through; the driving module is used for driving the sealing module and controlling the delivery pump to be in a first state and a second state, when the driving module is in the first state and the delivery pump operates, gas in the delivery pump is exhausted through the opening, and when the driving module is in the second state, the delivery pump is isolated from the outside at the opening. The device has the advantages of automatic maintenance and the like, and is applied to ion chromatography.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to chromatography technology, in particular to an ion chromatograph. Background Art

[0002] An ion chromatograph primarily consists of an eluent unit, an injection unit, a separation unit, and a detection unit. The eluent unit, which provides a stable and accurate flow of eluent, serves as the power source for analysis and consists of an eluent bottle and an infusion pump. The eluent bottle stores the eluent, while the infusion pump delivers it to the chromatographic column at a steady flow rate, ensuring the stability and repeatability of the analysis process.

[0003] To improve detection sensitivity, a suppressor is typically placed between the separation unit and the detection unit. This suppressor reduces the background conductivity of the eluent through an ion exchange process and increases the conductivity of the analyte, thereby improving the response of the subsequent conductivity test. The suppressor typically employs a three-channel sandwich design. In this design, the eluent channel, which carries the sample, is separated from the flanking regenerant channel, which carries the water flow, by two ion exchange membranes. A flat electrode is placed in each of the regenerant channels. A constant current is passed between the two electrodes. Electrolysis of water in the regenerant channel generates hydrogen and hydroxide ions, which are used to suppress the eluent.

[0004] The working process of an ion chromatograph is usually as follows: a plunger pump delivers the mobile phase to the analysis system at a stable flow rate (or pressure), the sample is introduced into the chromatographic column through an injector, the mobile phase carries the sample into the chromatographic column, the components are separated in the chromatographic column, and then enters the suppressor, that is, another high-pressure plunger pump is used to deliver the regeneration liquid to the suppressor. In the suppressor, the background conductivity of the mobile phase is reduced, and then the effluent is introduced into the conductivity detection cell, and the detected signal is sent to the data system for recording, processing or storage.

[0005] Existing ion chromatographs have some shortcomings, such as:

[0006] During ion chromatograph operation, bubbles can easily form in the mobile phase vial. These bubbles flow into the plunger pump, causing pressure fluctuations. In severe cases, the pump pressure can drop to zero, causing the pump to shut down. When air ingress causes a pump shutdown, the purge valve below the pump can be opened, and the pump flow rate can be increased to 3 ml / min to expel the bubbles from the purge valve outlet. The purge valve can then be closed to resume normal operation. However, manually opening the purge valve no longer meets the needs of instrument automation.

[0007] 2. The three-channel sandwich structure of the suppressor makes it unable to withstand high pressure. During use, due to reasons such as pipeline blockage, the pressure at the rear end of the suppressor will increase, causing the suppressor to leak.

[0008] Although there is a plan to seal the entire suppressor with glue to improve its pressure resistance, this brings about problems such as complicated operation and the glue removal step after the suppressor is damaged, which increases the difficulty of repair. Utility Model Content

[0009] In order to solve the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art solutions, the present invention provides an ion chromatograph.

[0010] The purpose of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0011] An ion chromatograph includes a delivery unit, a separation unit, a suppressor, and a detector. The delivery unit includes a container and a delivery pump; the delivery unit also includes:

[0012] a sealing module, the sealing module being arranged at an opening of the delivery pump, the opening allowing gas to pass through;

[0013] A driving module is used to drive the closed module and control the delivery pump to be in a first state and a second state respectively. When in the first state and when the delivery pump is running, the gas in the delivery pump is discharged through the opening. When in the second state, the delivery pump is isolated from the outside world at the opening.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. Automation;

[0016] Automatic exhaust is achieved by using the closed module and the drive module;

[0017] 2. Simple structure;

[0018] A closed module consisting of a cylindrical part and a protrusion is designed, which has a simple structure and good reliability;

[0019] 3. Realized real-time alarm function;

[0020] The set pressure detection module is used to monitor the pressure or pressure drop of the suppressor in real time, and an alarm is prompted based on the judgment result. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The disclosure of the present invention will become more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that these drawings are merely used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an ion chromatograph according to the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2It is a structural diagram of the enclosed module and the driving module according to the utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the suppressor according to the utility model.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, 10-eluent container, 11-delivery pump, 111-opening, 112-annular portion, 21-suppressor, 211-main channel, 212-regeneration liquid channel, 31-pressure detection module, 41-separation unit, 51-closing module, 511-cylindrical portion, 512-protrusion, 513-through hole, 61-driving module, 71-conductivity detector, 81-multi-way valve, 811-first port, 812-quantitative ring, 82-waste liquid tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1-Figure 3 The following description describes optional specific embodiments of the present invention to teach those skilled in the art how to implement and reproduce the present invention. In order to teach the technical solution of the present invention, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art should understand that variations or replacements derived from these specific embodiments will be within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the following features can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the following optional specific embodiments, but is only limited by the claims and their equivalents.

[0027] Example 1.

[0028] An ion chromatograph with an alarm function in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ion chromatograph includes:

[0029] The delivery unit includes an eluent container 10 and a delivery pump 11 , and the eluent is delivered to the injection unit via the delivery pump 11 .

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the sealing module 51 is arranged at the opening 111 of the delivery pump 11 , and the opening 111 allows gas to pass through.

[0031] The driving module 61 is used to drive the sealing module 51 and control the delivery pump 11 to be in a first state and a second state respectively. When in the first state and when the delivery pump 11 is running, the gas in the delivery pump 11 is discharged through the opening 111. When in the second state, the delivery pump 11 is isolated from the outside world at the opening 111.

[0032] The injection unit includes a multi-port valve 81 and a quantitative loop 812. The first port 811 of the multi-port valve 81 is connected to the sample, and the other ports are connected to the delivery pump 11, the separation unit 41, and the waste liquid reservoir 82. When the multi-port valve 81 is switched to the quantitative state, the sample enters the quantitative loop 812 for quantification. When it is switched to the injection state, the delivery pump 11 pushes the eluent into the quantitative loop 812, carrying the sample into the separation unit 41.

[0033] A heating module and a chromatographic column are provided in the separation unit 41 . The heating module and the chromatographic column are provided in a column oven, and the output end thereof is connected to the main flow channel 211 of the suppressor 21 .

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, the suppressor 21 includes a main channel 211 and a regeneration liquid channel 212 outside the main channel. The eluent inlet of the main channel 211 is connected to the separation unit 41, and the eluent outlet is connected to the inlet of the conductivity detector 71. The ion exchange membrane is arranged between the main channel 211 and the regeneration liquid channel 212, and the electrode plate is arranged in the regeneration liquid channel 212.

[0035] The outlet of the conductivity detector 71 is connected to the inlet of the regeneration liquid channel 212 , and the outlet of the regeneration liquid channel 212 is connected to the waste liquid tank 82 .

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to reduce structural complexity and improve reliability, the outer side of the delivery pump 11 further has an annular portion 112 surrounding the opening 111 and extending outward; the closing module 51 includes a cylindrical portion 511 and a protrusion 512, the cylindrical portion 511 is arranged on the annular portion 112 by a thread, and has a through hole 513, the protrusion 512 is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 511 and extends into the annular portion 112; when the cylindrical portion 511 rotates forwardly under the drive module 61, the end of the protrusion 512 closes the opening 111, and when the cylindrical portion 511 rotates reversely under the drive module 61, the end of the protrusion 512 is separated from the opening 111, and the gas in the delivery pump 11 passes through the opening 111 and the through hole 513 in sequence.

[0037] In order to stably drive the sealing module 51 , the driving module 61 further includes a motor and a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is used to connect the rotating shaft of the motor and the cylindrical portion 511 .

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, in order to realize the alarm function, the ion chromatograph further includes.

[0039] The pressure detection module 31 is used to detect the pressure downstream of the outlet or the pressure drop of the main channel 211.

[0040] A judgment module is used to judge whether the pressure or pressure drop exceeds a threshold.

[0041] An alarm module is used to issue an alarm message when the judgment result is yes.

[0042] In order to realize pressure or pressure drop detection, further, when the judgment module judges the pressure, the pressure detection module 31 includes a first pressure sensor arranged downstream of the outlet.

[0043] When the judgment module judges the pressure drop, the pressure detection module 31 includes a first pressure sensor downstream of the outlet and a second pressure sensor upstream of the inlet, respectively. The pressure drop is the difference between the output values ​​of the second pressure sensor and the first pressure sensor.

[0044] The working mode of the ion chromatograph in the embodiment of the present utility model includes a maintenance phase, and the maintenance phase is.

[0045] The multi-way valve 81 is switched to a quantitative state, and the sample enters the quantitative ring 812 from the first port 811 for quantification.

[0046] The multi-way valve 81 is switched to the injection state, and the eluent in the eluent container 10 is driven by the delivery pump 11 to enter the multi-way valve 81 , carrying the sample in the quantitative loop 812 into the separation unit 41 .

[0047] The components are separated in the separation unit 41 and then enter the main channel 211 of the suppressor 21 , where the background conductivity of the mobile phase is reduced, before entering the conductivity detector 71 .

[0048] When air is taken into the delivery pump 11 , the driving module 61 drives the sealing module 51 , the delivery pump 11 is in the first state, the delivery pump 11 operates, and bubbles in the delivery pump 11 are discharged through the opening 111 and the through hole 513 .

[0049] After the maintenance is completed, the driving module 61 drives the sealing module 51 , the protrusion 512 blocks the opening 111 , and the delivery pump 11 is in the second state. The delivery pump 11 is isolated from the outside at the opening 111 .

[0050] In order to realize the alarm function, the pressure detection module 31 detects the pressure downstream of the outlet of the main flow channel 211 of the suppressor 21 or the pressure drop of the main flow channel 211 of the suppressor 21 .

[0051] The determination module determines whether the pressure or pressure drop exceeds a threshold.

[0052] The alarm module issues an alarm message when the judgment result is yes.

[0053] In order to realize pressure or pressure drop detection, further, when the judgment module judges the pressure, the pressure detection module 31 includes a first pressure sensor arranged downstream of the outlet.

[0054] When the judgment module judges the pressure drop, the pressure detection module 31 includes a first pressure sensor downstream of the outlet and a second pressure sensor upstream of the inlet, respectively. The pressure drop is the difference between the output values ​​of the second pressure sensor and the first pressure sensor.

[0055] Example 2.

[0056] An application example of the ion chromatograph according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the outer side of the delivery pump 11 (such as a plunger pump) has an annular portion 112 (with external threads) surrounding the opening 111 and extending outward.

[0058] The sealing module 51 includes a cylindrical portion 511 (with an internal thread) and a protrusion 512. The cylindrical portion 511 is arranged on the annular portion 112 by threaded matching and has a through hole 513. The protrusion 512 is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 511 and extends into the annular portion 112. When the cylindrical portion 511 rotates forward under the drive module 61, the end of the protrusion 512 closes the opening 111. When the cylindrical portion 511 rotates backward under the drive module 61, the end of the protrusion 512 separates from the opening 111, and the opening 111 is no longer blocked by the protrusion 512. The gas in the delivery pump 11 passes through the opening 111 and the through hole 513 in sequence.

[0059] The driving module 61 adopts a motor, and the rotating shaft of the motor is connected to the cylindrical portion 511 through a connecting portion, thereby driving the cylindrical portion 511 to rotate forward or reverse.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the suppressor 21 includes a main channel 211 and a regeneration liquid channel 212 outside the main channel. The inlet of the main channel 211 is connected to the separation unit 41, and the outlet is connected to the conductivity detector 71. The ion exchange membrane is arranged between the main channel 211 and the regeneration liquid channel 212, and the electrode plate is arranged in the regeneration liquid channel 212.

[0061] The pressure detection module 31 uses a pressure sensor, which is set downstream of the outlet to obtain a pressure value.

[0062] The judgment module is used to judge whether the pressure exceeds a threshold.

[0063] The alarm module is used to send out sound and light alarm information when the judgment result is yes.

[0064] The working mode of the ion chromatograph in the embodiment of the present utility model includes a maintenance phase, and the maintenance phase is.

[0065] When air is taken into the delivery pump 11, the driving module 61 drives the sealing module 51 (cylindrical portion 511) to rotate in the forward direction, and the protrusion 512 is separated from the opening 111, so that the delivery pump 11 is in the first state. The delivery pump 11 is in operation, and the bubbles in the delivery pump 11 are discharged through the opening 111 and the through hole 513 in sequence.

[0066] After maintenance is completed, the driving module 61 drives the sealing module 51 (cylindrical portion 511 ) to rotate in reverse, and the protrusion 512 blocks the opening 111 , so that the delivery pump 11 is in the second state and the delivery pump 11 is isolated from the outside at the opening 111 .

[0067] The pressure detection module 31 detects the pressure downstream of the outlet of the main flow channel 211 of the suppressor 21 .

[0068] The determination module determines whether the pressure or pressure drop exceeds a threshold value of 150 psi.

[0069] The alarm module sends out an audible and visual alarm message when the judgment result is yes.

[0070] Example 3.

[0071] The ion chromatograph of the embodiment of the present utility model is different from that of embodiment 2.

[0072] The pressure detection module 31 includes a first pressure sensor disposed downstream of the outlet and a second pressure sensor disposed upstream of the inlet, respectively. The pressure drop is the difference between the output values ​​of the second pressure sensor and the first pressure sensor.

[0073] In order to realize the alarm function, the pressure detection module 31 includes obtaining a first pressure downstream of the outlet of the main channel 211 and a second pressure upstream of the inlet of the main channel 211 , and the pressure drop is the difference between the second pressure and the first pressure.

[0074] The determination module determines whether the pressure drop exceeds a threshold value of 100 psi.

[0075] The alarm module sends out an audible and visual alarm message when the judgment result is yes.

Claims

1. An ion chromatograph comprising a delivery unit, a separation unit, a suppressor and a detector, wherein the delivery unit comprises a container and a delivery pump; characterized in that: The conveying unit further includes: a sealing module, the sealing module being arranged at an opening of the delivery pump, the opening allowing gas to pass through; A driving module is used to drive the closed module and control the delivery pump to be in a first state and a second state respectively. When in the first state and when the delivery pump is running, the gas in the delivery pump is discharged through the opening. When in the second state, the delivery pump is isolated from the outside world at the opening.

2. The ion chromatograph according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer side of the delivery pump has an annular portion surrounding the opening and extending outward, and the sealing module is arranged on the annular portion.

3. The ion chromatograph according to claim 2, characterized in that The closing module includes a cylindrical portion and a protrusion. The cylindrical portion is threadedly arranged on the annular portion and has a through hole. The protrusion is fixed to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion and extends into the annular portion. When the cylindrical portion rotates forwardly under the drive module, the end of the protrusion closes the opening. When the cylindrical portion rotates reversely under the drive module, the end of the protrusion is separated from the opening, and the gas in the delivery pump passes through the opening and the through hole in sequence.

4. The ion chromatograph according to claim 3, characterized in that The driving module includes a motor and a connecting portion, wherein the connecting portion is used to connect the rotating shaft of the motor and the cylindrical portion.

5. The ion chromatograph according to claim 1, characterized in that The ion chromatograph further includes a sample injection unit, which includes: A multi-way valve and a quantitative loop, wherein both ends of the quantitative loop, the sample, the delivery pump and the separation unit are respectively connected to the ports of the multi-way valve. When the multi-way valve is switched to the quantitative state, the sample enters the quantitative loop through the ports of the multi-way valve. When the multi-way valve is switched to the injection state, the eluent driven by the delivery pump pushes the sample in the quantitative loop into the separation unit.

6. The ion chromatograph according to claim 5, characterized in that The separation unit includes a chromatographic column, a heating module and a column oven, wherein the chromatographic column and the heating module are arranged in the column oven; the inlet of the chromatographic column is connected to the multi-way valve, and the outlet is connected to the inlet of the main channel of the suppressor.

7. The ion chromatograph according to claim 5, characterized in that The outlet of the detector is connected to the inlet of the regeneration liquid channel of the suppressor, and the outlet of the regeneration liquid channel is connected to the waste liquid tank.

Images