Joints and couplings

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention provides a gas chromatography connector comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and a first pair of wings defining a first recess. Another aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and at least a first protrusion defining the first recess. Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a connector comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and a first connector positioned on a portion of the surface of the connector.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 804,919, filed February 28, 2020. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Sometimes it is necessary to connect multiple gas chromatography columns (e.g., to achieve increased column length). Two columns can be connected using a simple connector. Multiple columns can also be connected using a multi-port connector (e.g., to split a sample flow from a single master column into two parallel columns). However, current configurations of two-port or multi-port connectors can lead to leaks, difficulty in installation, and / or adversely affect chromatographic performance.

[0004] Glass or fused silica press-fit joints are difficult to make leak-free. Furthermore, even when successfully attached, they are not mechanically robust. Therefore, these joints are prone to leakage after a short period of use. This is partly due to the inadequacy of the methods available for securing glass joints inside a GC oven, where the combination of high-speed airflow and multiple temperature cycles causes the column to crack at the seal between the column and the conical glass-to-column interface (i.e., the location of the press-fit seal). These factors necessitate limiting the upper temperature limit of these column connectors to the lower-middle range, thus restricting the range of suitable applications.

[0005] Other connectors are bulky and difficult to attach to the column. Such connectors also suffer from thermal hysteresis inside the gas chromatography oven due to chromatographic anomalies caused by excessive metal mass (e.g., efficiency loss, peak tailing). Similarly, these bulky connectors are prone to failure (e.g., leakage, causing solute degradation), where it is difficult to find suitable means to secure the connector while still preventing mechanical failure of the connection. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a gas chromatography connector, the gas chromatography connector comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and a first pair of wings defining a first recess.

[0007] This aspect of the invention can have various embodiments. The gas chromatography connector may further include a second pair of wings defining a second recess adapted to engage with a second portion of the gas chromatography column cage.

[0008] The first recess may be positioned relative to at least one of the first port or the second port at an angle from about 45 degrees to about 270 degrees.

[0009] Each of the first and second ports can include at least a substantially conical section. Each of the first and second ports can include at least one substantially conical section and at least one substantially cylindrical section.

[0010] The gas chromatography junction can include a material having a thermal conductivity of less than about The gas chromatography junction can be composed of stainless steel.

[0011] The gas chromatography junction can further include an indicator that indicates a size of columns that the junction is capable of coupling to one another.

[0012] The gas chromatography junction can further include a third port in fluid communication with the first and second ports. The third port can be coplanar with both the first and second ports. The third port can be perpendicular to both the first and second ports.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a junction, comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and at least a first protrusion defining a first recess.

[0014] This aspect of the present disclosure can have various embodiments. The first recess can define an internal geometry that allows the junction to be integrated into a GC column cage. The first recess can be at an angle from about 45 degrees to about 270 degrees relative to at least one of the first or second ports.

[0015] The junction can further include at least a second protrusion defining a second recess.

[0016] The junction can further include an indicator that indicates a size of columns that the junction is capable of coupling to one another.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a coupler, comprising: a first port; a second port in fluid communication with the first port; and a first connector positioned on a portion of a surface of the coupler.

[0018] This aspect of the present disclosure can have various embodiments. The first connector can be one of a friction fit connector or a snap fit connector. The junction can further include an indicator that indicates a size of columns that the coupler is capable of connecting to one another.

[0019] The coupler can further include a second connector positioned on a portion of a surface of the coupler. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] To gain a more complete understanding of the nature and intended purpose of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the views.

[0021] Figure 1 depicts a gas chromatography system.

[0022] Figure 2 depicts a gas chromatograph oven, opened to show the capillary column.

[0023] Figure 3 provides various views of a gas chromatography connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 provides a perspective view of a gas chromatography connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 is an alternative internal cross-section of a gas chromatography connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figures 6A and 6B depict a gas chromatography connector according to an embodiment of the invention, connected to two gas chromatography columns and associated gas chromatography column cages.

[0027] Figure 6C depicts a gas chromatography connector according to an embodiment of the invention installed in the gas chromatography cage before being connected to a gas chromatography column.

[0028] Figures 7A to 8B provide views of a three-port connector or splitter connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] definition

[0030] The invention is best understood with reference to the following definitions.

[0031] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” used herein include plural references.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified or obvious from the context, as used herein, the term "about" should be understood as being within the normal tolerance range in the field, such as within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" can be understood as being within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "about".

[0033] As used in the specification and claims, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” “having,” etc., may have the meanings assigned to them under U.S. patent law and may refer to “includes,” “including,” etc.

[0034] Unless otherwise specified or obvious from the context, the term “or” as used herein shall be understood to be inclusive.

[0035] The ranges provided herein should be understood as abbreviations of all values ​​within the range. For example, the range 1 to 50 should be understood to include any number, combination of numbers, or subrange selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 (and their fractions, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise). Detailed Implementation

[0036] A aspect of the present invention provides a connector for a gas chromatography system.

[0037] Gas chromatography is a type of chromatography used in analytical chemistry to separate and analyze compounds that can be vaporized without decomposing. Referring to Figure 1, gas chromatography uses a carrier gas 102 as both the mobile and stationary phases. The stationary phase is a layer of liquid or polymer material coated on the inside of a section of fused silica or metal tubing called a column 104.

[0038] Typically, the thickness of the phase coating can range from about 0.10 micrometers to about 10 micrometers or greater. However, a suitable length of column 104 may not be coated with any stationary phase, but may optionally have only a chemically deactivated surface. That is, this section of column 104 may have no surface changes on the inner surface of the fitting. In some examples, multiple uncoated sections of fitting are attached before or after the coated column as “protective columns” or “retaining gaps.”

[0039] As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the length of column 104 (e.g., between about 0.5 m and about 100 m) necessitates that it be coiled for assembly into oven 106. Referring to Figure 2, column 104 is typically wound around cage 202 to maintain a coiled configuration, but other configurations exist (e.g., annular, planar).

[0040] Sometimes it is necessary to connect multiple gas chromatography columns 104 (e.g., to achieve an increased column length). Connectors can be used to connect two or more columns 104. However, connectors may leak, be difficult to install, and / or adversely affect chromatographic performance.

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a gas chromatograph connector 300, which includes: a first port 302; a second port 304; and a first wing, protrusion, or connector, or a first pair of wings, protrusions, or connectors 306a, 306b (referred to herein as "wings" for simplicity). Wings 306a, 306b may define a first recess 308. As shown, wings 306a, 306b and the first recess 308 may be laterally oriented to the axis defined by ports 302, 304, either at an angle (as depicted in Figure 4) or parallel (as depicted in Figures 3 and 6A to 6C). In this example, each of wings 306a, 306b may be semi-circular.

[0042] Connector 300 can be formed from a single material, such as metal (e.g., 316 stainless steel), plastic, polymer, glass, etc. In this example, the material can withstand oven temperatures (e.g., between approximately -80°C and approximately 450°C). Connector 300 can have a size smaller than approximately Less than approximately Less than approximately Less than approximately Less than approximately Less than approximately Less than approximately Thermal conductivity, etc. In other examples, connector 300 can be made of materials such as aluminum (with approximately...) Thermal conductivity), copper (with approximately Metals and their alloys, such as those with high thermal conductivity, are formed.

[0043] The connector 300 can be formed using various manufacturing techniques, including machining, casting, and molding.

[0044] First port 302 and second port 304 may be in fluid communication with each other. For example, first port 302 and second port 304 may be opposite to each other and / or aligned with each other. Ports 302 and 304 may have suitable internal geometries to form a fluid-impermeable seal with the chromatographic column (which typically has an outer diameter of about 2 mm). For example, ports 302 and 304 may include threads, ridges, rings, or other features to facilitate a seal. These ports may be coupled to the gas chromatography column at the factory or in the field (e.g., using ferrules and nuts, pressure fitting, etc.). While embodiments of the invention may have the same port geometry, other embodiments of the invention may have different geometries to facilitate the coupling of columns with different diameters (outer and / or inner diameters), geometries, and / or materials. In this example, to better identify the column diameter best matched to connector 300, connector 300 may include one or more indicators, such as numbers(multiple), markings(multiple), or colors(multiple). In this example, as shown in FIG3, first port 302 may include two lines 320 indicating that port 302 can receive or accept a column with an outer diameter of 2 mm. The second port 304 may include three lines 322 indicating that port 304 can receive or accept a post with an outer diameter of 3 mm. Other indicators, such as numbers or dots in the form of recesses or protrusions, may also be implemented. In this example, instead of markings, each of ports 302, 304 may include a specific color indicating a post 104 of a predetermined size. In another example, if connector 300 is capable of receiving / connecting two posts 104 with a diameter of 3 mm, the number 3 may be stamped or printed on a portion of connector 300.

[0045] Each port 302, 304 may include a combination of tapered and cylindrical inner surfaces (as shown in section AA of Figure 3), tapered and cylindrical inner surfaces (as shown in Figure 5), or a single tapered inner surface (not shown). Such surfaces facilitate forging. In some examples, ports 302, 304 include substantially tapered sections and substantially cylindrical sections.

[0046] A bridging connection can be associated with one or more ports to support the posts 104 and / or connectors 300 relative to each other. Such a bridging connection can be slightly flexible to allow movement while also resisting kinking of the posts 104.

[0047] The wings 306a, 306b and the corresponding recesses 308 can be adapted to engage with one or more structures, such as the gas chromatography column cage 202 (e.g., a double-wire cage) depicted in Figures 6A to 6C, a coiled gas chromatography column, etc. The relative shapes and dimensions of the wings 306a, 306b and / or the recesses 308 can be selected to facilitate the desired engagement. For example, the wings 306a, 306b can be designed to slightly flex to clamp another structure, form a snap-fit ​​engagement (e.g., where the gas chromatography column cage 202 flexes to receive the connector 300 before returning to its initial shape when located within the recesses 308, 312), form a friction fit, etc.

[0048] Referring again to Figure 3, the connector 300 may further include a second pair of wings 310a, 310b and associated recesses 312. The wings 310a, 310b and associated recesses 312 may be opposite to the first pair of wings 306a, 306b and associated recesses 308.

[0049] The wings 306a, 306b, 310a, 310b and the recesses 308, 312 may be parallel to the path between the ports 302, 304, or may be at an angle relative to such a path (as depicted in Figure 4). Exemplary angles are between approximately 5°, approximately 10°, approximately 15°, approximately 20°, approximately 25°, approximately 30°, approximately 45° and approximately 270°, etc.

[0050] In the examples shown in Figures 7A to 8B, the wing can also be applied to an n-port connector, where n is a positive integer, such as 3. As discussed, a three-port connector can be used to distribute samples from a single input to two outputs, each output coupled to post 104. In one example, as shown in Figure 7A, the wing can be positioned near the proximal end of one of the ports. However, the wing can also be placed at a point where the n-port connectors are joined to each other.

[0051] The embodiments of the present invention can be modified (e.g., using the applicant's...). (Method) to make the surface inert to active solutes. Small size can make the contactor invisible to solutes on chromatography.

[0052] equivalent

[0053] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described using specific terminology, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims.

[0054] References merged

[0055] All patents, published patent applications and other references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A gas chromatography connector, comprising: First port; The second port is in fluid communication with the first port; The first pair of wings defines the first recess; as well as The second pair of wings defines a second recess, which is adapted to engage with a portion of the gas chromatography column cage. The second recess is opposite to the first recess, and The channel between the first port and the second port is disposed between the first recess and the second recess.

2. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 1, wherein the first recess is positioned at an angle from 45 degrees to 270 degrees relative to at least one of the first port or the second port.

3. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the first port and the second port comprises at least a tapered section.

4. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the first port and the second port comprises at least one conical segment and at least one cylindrical segment.

5. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 1, comprising having a depth of less than 250 nm. Materials with high thermal conductivity.

6. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is made of stainless steel.

7. The gas chromatography connector of claim 1, further comprising an indicator indicating the size of columns to which the chromatographic connector can connect to each other.

8. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 1, further comprising: A third port is in fluid communication with the first port and the second port.

9. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 8, wherein the third port is coplanar with both the first port and the second port.

10. The gas chromatography connector according to claim 8, wherein the third port is perpendicular to both the first port and the second port.

11. A connector comprising: First port; The second port is in fluid communication with the first port; as well as At least the first protrusion that defines the first recess, The first recess forms an angle of 45 degrees to 270 degrees relative to the path between the first port and the second port. The first recess defines the internal geometry that allows the connector to be integrated into the gas chromatography column cage.

12. The connector of claim 11, further comprising at least a second protrusion defining a second recess.

13. The connector of claim 11, further comprising an indicator indicating the size of the posts to which the connector can connect to each other.

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