Regulate the detector flow rate of the flow fractionator

Abstract

This disclosure describes an apparatus, method, and system for regulating the detector flow rate of a field flow fractionator. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes (1) a detector flow meter configured to measure the detector flow rate from the field flow fractionator, (2) a channel pressure gauge configured to measure the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator, (3) at least one control valve, wherein the inlet of the at least one control valve is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge, (4) the detector flow meter configured to set a channel pressure setpoint for the channel pressure gauge, and (5) the channel pressure gauge configured to actuate the at least one control valve to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 876,052, filed May 16, 2020. Background Technology

[0003] This disclosure relates to a field flow fractionator, and more specifically, to adjusting the detector flow rate of a field flow fractionator. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, and a system for regulating the detector flow rate of a field flow fractionator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes (1) a detector flow meter, wherein the inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain including at least one detector, wherein the inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of a detector port of the field flow fractionator, wherein the detector flow meter is configured to measure the detector flow rate from the field flow fractionator; (2) a channel pressure gauge, wherein the inlet of the channel pressure gauge is configured to be connected to the outlet of a split port of the field flow fractionator, wherein the channel pressure gauge is configured to measure the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator; (3) at least one control valve, wherein the inlet of the at least one control valve is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge; (4) wherein the detector flow meter is configured to set a channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge to maintain the detector flow rate from the detector port at a specific flow rate; and (5) wherein the channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate at least one control valve to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1A depicts an existing field flow fractionator with a mass flow controller.

[0006] Figure 1B depicts the existing field flow fractionator / dilution control channel without a split port.

[0007] Figure 2A An apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted.

[0008] Figure 2B An apparatus according to one embodiment is described.

[0009] Figure 2C A field flow fractionator / dilution control channel according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted.

[0011] Figure 4A A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0012] Figure 4B A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0013] Figure 5 A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0014] Figure 6A A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0015] Figure 6B A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0016] Figure 7A A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0017] Figure 7B A graph depicting a specific embodiment is provided.

[0018] Figure 8 A computer system according to an exemplary embodiment is described. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This disclosure describes an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, and a system for regulating the detector flow rate of a field flow fractionator. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes (1) a detector flow meter, wherein the inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain including at least one detector, wherein the inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of a detector port of the field flow fractionator, wherein the detector flow meter is configured to measure the detector flow rate from the field flow fractionator; (2) a channel pressure gauge, wherein the inlet of the channel pressure gauge is configured to be connected to the outlet of a split port of the field flow fractionator, wherein the channel pressure gauge is configured to detect the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator; (3) at least one control valve, wherein the inlet of the at least one control valve is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge; (4) wherein the detector flow meter is configured to set a channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge to maintain the detector flow rate from the detector port at a specific flow rate; and (5) wherein the channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate at least one control valve to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint. In one embodiment, at least one detector is one of a light scattering instrument, a viscometer, a refractometer, a UV-Vis absorption detector, an infrared absorption detector, an evaporative light scattering detector, a Raman spectroscopy detector, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, a fluorescence detector, a conductivity detector, and a pH detector. In a particular embodiment, the light scattering instrument is one of a static light scattering instrument and a dynamic light scattering instrument. In one embodiment, the field flow fractionator (FFF) is at least one of an asymmetric flow FFF system, a gravity FFF system, a centrifugal FFF system, a thermal gradient FFF system, an electric FFF system, a magnetic FFF system, a flow FFF system, a hollow fiber FFF system, and a split-flow thin-cell fractionation system.

[0020] In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method and system includes (1) receiving detector flow data from a detector flow meter by a computer system, wherein the detector flow meter is configured to measure detector flow from a field flow fractionator, wherein the inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain including at least one detector, wherein the inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of a detector port of the field flow fractionator; (2) receiving channel pressure data from a channel pressure meter by a computer system, wherein the channel pressure meter is configured to measure channel pressure of the field flow fractionator, wherein the inlet of the channel pressure meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a split port of the field flow fractionator; (3) performing a set of logical operations by the computer system in response to the received detector flow data, which sets a channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure meter via the detector flow meter to maintain detector flow from the detector port at a specific flow rate; and (4) performing a set of logical operations by the computer system in response to the received channel pressure data, which actuates at least one control valve via the channel pressure meter to maintain channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint, wherein the inlet of the at least one control valve is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure meter.

[0021] definition

[0022] particle

[0023] Particles can be components of liquid samples or aliquots. These particles can be molecules, nanoparticles, virus-like particles, liposomes, emulsions, bacteria, and colloids of various types and sizes. The size of these particles can range from nanometers to micrometers.

[0024] Analysis of the types of macromolecules or particles in solution

[0025] Analysis of macromolecules or particle types in solution can be achieved by preparing a sample in a suitable solvent and then injecting aliquots of the sample into a separation system (such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column or field flow fractionation (FFF) channel), in which the different types of particles contained in the sample are separated into their various components. Once separated, the sample can generally be analyzed based on size, mass, or column affinity, using light scattering, refractive index, ultraviolet absorption, electrophoretic mobility, and viscosity response.

[0026] Light scattering

[0027] Light scattering (LS) is a non-invasive technique for characterizing macromolecules and various particles in solution. Two common types of light scattering detection used to characterize macromolecules are static light scattering and dynamic light scattering.

[0028] Dynamic light scattering

[0029] Dynamic light scattering, also known as quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), involves measuring the time-varying fluctuations in the scattered light signal using a fast photodetector. DLS measurements determine the diffusion coefficients of molecules or particles, which can then be used to calculate their hydrodynamic radii.

[0030] Static light scattering

[0031] Static light scattering (SLS) encompasses various techniques such as single-angle light scattering (SALS), two-angle light scattering (DALS), low-angle light scattering (LALS), and multi-angle light scattering (MALS). SLS experiments generally involve measuring the absolute intensity of light scattered from a sample in solution illuminated by a narrow beam of light. For appropriate classes of particles / molecules, these measurements are typically used to determine the size and structure of sample molecules or particles, and, when combined with knowledge of sample concentration, to determine weight-average molar mass. Furthermore, the nonlinearity of the scattered light intensity as a function of sample concentration can be used to measure interparticle interactions and correlations.

[0032] Multi-angle light scattering

[0033] Multi-angle light scattering (MALS) is a type of light scattering (SLS) technique used to measure light scattered from a sample at multiple angles. It is used to determine the absolute molar mass and average size of molecules in a solution by detecting how they scatter light. Collimated light from a laser source is most commonly used, in which case the technique may be called multi-angle laser scattering (MALLS). The term "multi-angle" refers to detecting scattered light at different discrete angles, for example, by measuring a single detector moving within a range that includes a selected specific angle, or by an array of detectors fixed at a specific angular position.

[0034] MALS measurements require a set of auxiliary components. The most important of these is a collimated or focused beam (often from a laser source that produces a monochromatic collimated beam) illuminating the sample area. The beam is generally plane-polarized, perpendicular to the measurement plane, although other polarizations can be used, especially when studying anisotropic particles. Another required component is an optical cell that holds the sample under test. Alternatively, a cell can be used in conjunction with equipment that allows measurement of flowing samples. If the scattering properties of a single particle are to be measured, a method must be provided to introduce one such particle at a time through the beam at a point approximately equidistant from surrounding detectors.

[0035] Although most MALS-based measurements are performed in a plane containing a set of detectors, often equidistant from a centrally located sample through which an illumination beam passes, a three-dimensional version has also been developed where the detectors are positioned on the surface of a sphere, and the sample is controlled to pass through its center, where it intersects the path of the incident beam traveling along the diameter of the sphere. MALS techniques generally collect multiplexed data sequentially from the outputs of a set of discrete detectors. MALS light scattering photometers typically have multiple detectors.

[0036] Since different detectors in a MALS detector may (i) have slightly different quantum efficiencies and different gains, and (ii) may view different geometric scattering volumes, it is necessary to normalize the signals captured by the photodetectors of the MALS detector at each angle. Without normalizing these differences, the results of the MALS detector may be meaningless and inappropriately weighted for different detector angles.

[0037] Viscometer

[0038] A capillary bridge viscometer (VIS) is an instrument used to measure the specific viscosity of a solute in a suitable solvent. Specific viscosity is defined as η. sp =η / η o -1, where η is the viscosity of the sample and η o This refers to the viscosity of the solvent. When the sample is introduced into a bridge viscometer, a pressure sensor generates a signal indicating the pressure difference. This pressure difference, combined with the system's predetermined internal pressure, is used to calculate the sample's specific viscosity. Specific viscosity can be used to determine the molecular parameters of a polymer, including molar mass and hydrodynamic radius.

[0039] The differential pressure sensor in a capillary bridge viscometer measures the differential pressure generated across the fluid arm. The instrument continuously measures the differential pressure as fluid flows through the system. When pure solvent flows through the system and the bridge is balanced, the measured differential pressure should be zero. Impurities in the solvent, undissolved bubbles, electrical noise, or micro-leakage in the piping can introduce unwanted noise into the differential pressure measurement, which is ultimately used to determine the specific viscosity.

[0040] Concentration detector

[0041] Differential refractive index detector

[0042] A differential refractive index detector (dRI), or differential refractometer, or refractive index detector (RI or RID), is a detector that measures the refractive index of an analyte relative to a solvent. They are commonly used as detectors in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and size exclusion chromatography (SLC). dRIs are considered universal detectors because they can detect any substance with a refractive index different from that of the solvent, but they have relatively low sensitivity. When light leaves one material and enters another, it bends or refracts. The refractive index of a material is a measure of how much light bends as it enters.

[0043] A differential refractive index (dRI) detector contains a flow cell with two parts: one for the sample and one for the reference solvent. The dRI measures the refractive index of both components. When only the solvent passes through the sample component, the measured refractive indices of both components are the same; however, when the analyte passes through the flow cell, the measured refractive indices differ. The difference is displayed as peaks in the chromatogram. DRI detectors are commonly used for the analysis of polymer samples in size exclusion chromatography. The dRI outputs a concentration detector signal value corresponding to the sample concentration.

[0044] Ultraviolet-Vis Spectroscopy

[0045] Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, or ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis or UV / Vis), refers to absorption or reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet-visible spectral region. UV-Vis detectors / UV-Vis spectrophotometers use visible light and light in adjacent ranges, where absorption or reflectance in the visible light range directly affects the perceived color of the chemical substance involved, and where atoms and molecules undergo electronic transitions in this region of the electromagnetic spectrum. This type of absorption spectroscopy measures transitions from the ground state to an excited state. UV-Vis detectors / UV-Vis spectrophotometers measure the light intensity (I) passing through the sample and compare it with the light intensity (I0) before passing through the sample. o The ratio I / I is compared. o This is called transmittance and is often expressed as a percentage (%T). Absorbance A is calculated based on transmittance using the following formula:

[0046] A = -log(%T / 100%).

[0047] The UV-Vis spectrophotometer can also be configured to measure reflectance, whereby the spectrophotometer measures the intensity (I) of light reflected from the sample and compares it with the intensity (Io) of light reflected from a reference material, where the ratio I / Io is called reflectance and is often expressed as a percentage (%R). The UV absorption detector outputs a concentration detector signal value corresponding to the sample concentration value.

[0048] Current technology

[0049] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the prior art infers the detector flow rate of the FFF from other flow rates, assuming that the volume of the FFF channel is constant during the sample's passage through the FFF, and that the recovered mass is not measured if any sample remains trapped on the FFF membrane. The detector flow rate of the field flow fractionator needs to be adjusted.

[0050] refer to Figure 2A In one exemplary embodiment, the device includes (1) a detector flow meter 210, wherein the inlet of the detector flow meter 210 is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain 220 including at least one detector, wherein the inlet of the detector chain 220 is connected to the outlet of a detector port 232 of a field flow fractionator 230, wherein the detector flow meter 210 is configured to measure the detector flow from the field flow fractionator 230, and (2) a channel pressure gauge 214, wherein the inlet of the channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to be connected to the outlet of a split port 234 of the field flow fractionator 230. (2) a channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to measure the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator 230; (3) at least one control valve 216, wherein the inlet of the at least one control valve 216 is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge 214; (4) a detector flow meter 210 is configured to set the channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge 214 to maintain the detector flow from the detector port 232 at a specific flow rate; and (5) the channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to actuate at least one control valve 216 to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator 230 at the channel pressure setpoint. In one embodiment, the specific flow rate is a constant flow rate.

[0051] In one embodiment, channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to actuate at least one control valve 216 to maintain the detector flow rate at a specific flow rate for a set time. In a particular embodiment, channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to actuate at least one control valve 216 toward a closed state to increase channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being less than a specific flow rate, and channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to actuate at least one control valve 216 toward an open state to decrease channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being greater than a specific flow rate. In one embodiment, channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to actuate at least one control valve 216 toward a closed state to increase channel pressure, and channel pressure gauge 214 is configured to actuate at least one control valve 216 toward an open state to decrease channel pressure.

[0052] refer to Figure 2B In one embodiment, the outlet of the detector flow meter 210 is configured to be connected to the fraction collector 240. Figure 2C A field flow fractionator / dilution control channel with a detector port and a split port is depicted, wherein the disclosed apparatus is implemented in a dilution control module.

[0053] refer to Figure 3 In one exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method and system are configured to perform the following operations: receiving detector flow data from a detector flow meter, wherein the detector flow meter is configured to measure detector flow from a field flow fractionator, wherein the inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain including at least one detector, wherein the inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of a detector port of the field flow fractionator; receiving channel pressure data from a channel pressure gauge, wherein the channel pressure gauge is configured to measure channel pressure of the field flow fractionator, wherein the inlet of the channel pressure gauge is configured to be connected to the outlet of a split port of the field flow fractionator; performing a set of logical operations by the computer system in response to the received detector flow data, which sets a channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge via the detector flow meter to maintain the detector flow from the detector port at a specific flow rate; and performing a set of logical operations by the computer system in response to the received channel pressure data, which actuates at least one control valve via the channel pressure gauge to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint, wherein the inlet of the at least one control valve is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge. In one embodiment, the actuation operation includes actuating at least one control valve via a channel pressure gauge to maintain the detector flow rate at a specific flow rate for a set time. In a particular embodiment, the actuation operation includes actuating at least one control valve via a channel pressure gauge toward a closed state to increase the channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being less than a specific flow rate, and the actuation operation includes actuating at least one control valve via a channel pressure gauge toward an open state to decrease the channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being greater than a specific flow rate. In one embodiment, the actuation operation includes actuating at least one control valve via a channel pressure gauge toward a closed state to increase the channel pressure, and the actuation operation includes actuating at least one control valve via a channel pressure gauge toward an open state to decrease the channel pressure.

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the computer system is a standalone computer system, such as Figure 8 The computer system 800 shown is a distributed computer network, wherein at least some of the computers are computer systems (such as...). Figure 8 The computing system 800 shown) or cloud computing node server (such as Figure 8 The computer system shown is 800. In one embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8 The computer system 800 shown performs analysis on data collected by an analysis instrument script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In one embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8The computer system / server 812 shown performs analysis on data collected by an analysis instrument script or computer software application that performs at least method 300. In one embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8 The processing unit 816 shown performs analysis on data collected by an analytical instrument script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In one embodiment, the computer system is the processor of the analytical instrument that performs analysis on data collected by an analytical instrument script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300.

[0055] In one embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8 The computer system 800 shown executes a process to regulate detector flow by performing at least operations 310, 312, 314, and 316 on a field flow fractionator script or computer software application. In one embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8 The computer system / server 812 shown executes the regulation of detector flow by implementing field flow fractionator scripts or computer software applications that perform at least operations 310, 312, 314, and 316. In one embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8 The processing unit 816 shown performs actions to regulate the detector flow rate of the field flow fractionator script or computer software application that implements at least operations 310, 312, 314, and 316. In one embodiment, the computer system is the processor of the dilution control module that performs actions to regulate the detector flow rate of the field flow fractionator script or computer software application that implements at least operations 310, 312, 314, and 316.

[0056] Example

[0057] For example, Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The reproducibility of the detector flow controlled by the disclosed apparatus, method and system is described. Figure 5 The disclosed apparatus, method, and system demonstrate that they can result in more accurate measurement of recovered mass (square / rectangular points) compared to current systems (mass flow controller systems) (diamond points).

[0058] Computer System

[0059] In one exemplary embodiment, the computer system is as follows: Figure 8The computer system 800 shown is merely an example of a computer system and is not intended to impose any limitation on the scope or functionality of the embodiments of the present invention. In any case, the computer system 800 can be implemented to perform and / or implement any functionality / operation of the present invention.

[0060] Computer system 800 includes computer system / server 812, which can operate with many other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for computer system / server 812 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, fat clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics devices, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices.

[0061] The computer system / server 812 can be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions (such as program modules) executed by the computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, and / or data structures that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. The computer system / server 812 can be implemented in a distributed cloud computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked via a communication network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may reside on local and remote computer system storage media (including memory storage devices).

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the computer system / server 812 in computer system 800 is illustrated as a general-purpose computing device. Components of the computer system / server 812 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 816, system memory 828, and a bus 818 that couples various system components, including system memory 828, to processor 816.

[0063] Bus 818 represents one or more of several bus architectures, including memory buses or memory controllers, peripheral buses, accelerated graphics ports, and processor or local buses using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example and not limitation, such architectures include the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, the Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0064] Computer systems / servers 812 typically include a variety of computer system-readable media. Such media can be any available media accessible to the computer system / server 812, and include volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0065] System memory 828 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 830 and / or cache memory 832. Computer system / server 812 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system 834 may be provided for reading from and writing to non-removable non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and generally referred to as a "hard disk drive"). Although not shown, disk drives for reading from and writing to removable non-volatile disks (e.g., "floppy disks") and optical disk drives for reading from or writing to removable non-volatile optical disks (such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, or other optical media) may be provided. In such cases, each may be connected to bus 818 via one or more data media interfaces. As will be further described below, memory 828 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to perform functions / operations of embodiments of the invention.

[0066] By way of example and not limitation, a program / utility 840 having a set (at least one) of program modules 842 may be stored in memory 828. Exemplary program module 842 may include an operating system, one or more applications, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more applications, other program modules, and program data, or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networked environment. Program module 842 generally implements the functions and / or methods of embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] The computer system / server 812 may also communicate with one or more external devices 814, such as a keyboard, pointing device, display 824, one or more devices enabling a user to interact with the computer system / server 812, and / or any device enabling the computer system / server 812 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., network interface card, modem, etc.). This communication may occur via input / output (I / O) interface 822. However, the computer system / server 812 may communicate with one or more networks (such as local area networks (LANs), general area networks (WANs), and / or public networks (e.g., the Internet)) via network adapter 820. As shown, network adapter 820 communicates with other components of the computer system / server 812 via bus 818. It should be understood that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with the computer system or server 812. Examples include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archiving storage systems.

[0068] Computer program products

[0069] This invention may be a system, method, and / or computer program product. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or media) having computer-readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to perform various aspects of the invention.

[0070] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible devices capable of retaining and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multifunction disc (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices such as punched cards or raised structures in recesses on which instructions are recorded, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, computer-readable storage media should not be construed as transient signals, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through fiber optic cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0071] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a suitable computing / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network). The network may include copper transmission cables, fiber optic transmission, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program commands to a computer-readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0072] Computer-readable program instructions used to carry out the operations of this invention may be assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer as a standalone software package, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet provided by an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, an electronic circuit system including, for example, a programmable logic circuit system, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) may execute the computer-readable program instructions by personalizing the electronic circuit system with state information from the computer-readable program instructions in order to perform various aspects of the invention.

[0073] This document describes various aspects of the invention with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0074] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine that executes via the processor of the computer or other data processing apparatus to create apparatus for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that instructs a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other equipment to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium storing the instructions comprises an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0075] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which are executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device, implement the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0076] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may not appear in the order indicated in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action or implements a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0077] The description of various embodiments of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical application, or technical improvements to technologies found in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device for adjusting the detector flow rate of a flow fractionator, comprising: Detector flow meter, The inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain containing at least one detector. The inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of the detector port of the field flow fractionator. The detector flow meter is configured to measure the detector flow rate from the field flow fractionator; Channel pressure gauge, The inlet of the channel pressure gauge is configured to connect to the outlet of the split port of the field flow fractionator. The channel pressure gauge is configured to measure the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator; At least one control valve, The inlet of the at least one control valve is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge; The detector flow meter is configured to set the channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge to maintain the detector flow from the detector port at a specific flow rate; as well as The channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate at least one control valve to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one detector is one of a light scattering instrument, a viscometer, a refractometer, a UV-Vis absorption detector, an infrared absorption detector, an evaporative light scattering detector, a Raman spectroscopy detector, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, a fluorescence detector, a conductivity detector, and a pH detector.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light scattering instrument is one of a static light scattering instrument and a dynamic light scattering instrument.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the field flow fractionator, i.e., FFF, comprises at least one of an asymmetric flow FFF system, a gravity FFF system, a centrifugal FFF system, a thermal gradient FFF system, an electric FFF system, a magnetic FFF system, a flow FFF system, a hollow fiber FFF system, and a split-flow thin-cell fractionation system.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the specific flow rate is a constant flow rate.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate the at least one control valve to maintain the detector flow rate at the specific flow rate for a set time.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, The channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate at least one control valve to increase the channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being less than the specific flow rate, moving towards a closed state. The channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate at least one control valve toward an open state in response to the detector flow rate being greater than the specific flow rate, thereby reducing the channel pressure.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, The channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate the at least one control valve toward the closed state to increase the channel pressure, and The channel pressure gauge is configured to actuate the at least one control valve toward the open state to reduce the channel pressure.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to a fraction collector.

10. A computer-implemented method for regulating the detector flow rate of a flow fractionator, comprising: The computer system receives detector flow data from the detector flow meter. The detector flow meter is configured to measure the detector flow rate from the field flow fractionator. The inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain containing at least one detector. The inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of the detector port of the field flow fractionator; The computer system receives channel pressure data from the channel pressure gauge. The channel pressure gauge is configured to measure the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator. The inlet of the channel pressure gauge is configured to be connected to the outlet of the split port of the field flow fractionator; In response to the received detector flow data, the computer system performs a set of logical operations that set the channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge via the detector flow meter to maintain the detector flow from the detector port at a specific flow rate. as well as In response to the received channel pressure data, the computer system executes a set of logical operations that actuate at least one control valve via a channel pressure gauge to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint. The inlet of at least one of the control valves is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the at least one detector is one of a light scattering instrument, a viscometer, a refractometer, a UV-Vis absorption detector, an infrared absorption detector, an evaporative light scattering detector, a Raman spectroscopy detector, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, a fluorescence detector, a conductivity detector, and a pH detector.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the specific flow rate is a constant flow rate.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the actuation comprises actuating the at least one control valve via the channel pressure gauge to maintain the detector flow rate at the specific flow rate for a set time.

14. The method according to claim 13, The actuation includes, in response to the detector flow rate being less than the specific flow rate, actuating the at least one control valve via the channel pressure gauge toward a closed state to increase the channel pressure, and The actuation includes actuating the at least one control valve to reduce the channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being greater than the specific flow rate, via the channel pressure gauge toward an open state.

15. The method according to claim 10, The actuation includes actuating the at least one control valve to the closed state via the channel pressure gauge to increase the channel pressure, and The actuation includes actuating the at least one control valve to the open state via the channel pressure gauge to reduce the channel pressure.

16. A system for regulating the detector flow rate of a flow fractionator, comprising: Memory; and A processor communicating with the memory, the processor being configured to perform a method comprising the following: Receive detector flow data from the detector flow meter. The detector flow meter is configured to measure the detector flow rate from the field flow fractionator. The inlet of the detector flow meter is configured to be connected to the outlet of a detector chain containing at least one detector. The inlet of the detector chain is connected to the outlet of the detector port of the field flow fractionator. Receive channel pressure data from the channel pressure gauge. The channel pressure gauge is configured to measure the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator. The inlet of the channel pressure gauge is configured to connect to the outlet of the split port of the field flow fractionator. In response to received detector flow data, a set of logical operations is performed that set the channel pressure setpoint of the channel pressure gauge via the detector flow meter to maintain the detector flow from the detector port at a specific flow rate, and In response to received channel pressure data, a set of logical operations is executed, which actuate at least one control valve via the channel pressure gauge to maintain the channel pressure of the field flow fractionator at the channel pressure setpoint. The inlet of at least one of the control valves is connected to the outlet of the channel pressure gauge.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the specific flow rate is a constant flow rate.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the actuation comprises actuating the at least one control valve via the channel pressure gauge to maintain the detector flow rate at the specific flow rate for a set time.

19. The system according to claim 18, The actuation includes, in response to the detector flow rate being less than the specific flow rate, actuating the at least one control valve via the channel pressure gauge toward a closed state to increase the channel pressure, and The actuation includes actuating the at least one control valve to reduce the channel pressure in response to the detector flow rate being greater than the specific flow rate, via the channel pressure gauge toward an open state.

20. The system according to claim 16, The actuation includes actuating the at least one control valve to the closed state via the channel pressure gauge to increase the channel pressure, and The actuation includes actuating the at least one control valve to the open state via the channel pressure gauge to reduce the channel pressure.

Images