Thermal field flow separation system adopting Peltier for refrigeration

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of thermal field flow separation, and discloses a thermal field flow separation system adopting Peltier for refrigeration, which comprises a channel unit, and the channel unit comprises an upper plate, a lower plate and a diaphragm arranged between the upper plate and the lower plate; a heating element is arranged in the upper plate, the heating element is used for heating the upper plate, and the whole diaphragm is designed to be hollow; the Peltier is arranged at the bottom end of the lower plate, and the contact face of the Peltier and the lower plate is refrigerated and used for cooling the lower plate. According to the thermal field flow separation system, rapid and uniform refrigeration is achieved through the Peltier, and a stable temperature field is formed through the combined action of the Peltier and the heating element of the upper plate. The temperature field is combined with a shear force flow field between the upper plate and the lower plate, so that different molecules are effectively separated. A flow channel in the hollow diaphragm is designed to be wide in the middle and narrow at the two ends, and directional flow of fluid is optimized. A sample inlet hole and a sample outlet hole in the lower plate are communicated with the runner, so that the fluid is accurately controlled, and the reliability and efficiency of the system are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of thermal field flow separation, and in particular to a thermal field flow separation system employing Peltier cooling. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is the most mature method for separating polymer materials. However, GPC involves high shear forces, which can easily damage the structure of some polymers, leading to inaccurate results. Furthermore, polymer solutions with large molecular weights or high gel content can easily clog the chromatographic column. Therefore, field flow techniques with larger flow channel dimensions are needed. Among these, thermal field separation techniques based on the principle of molecular thermal diffusion are more suitable for separating polymers with high gel content, such as natural rubber. This technique, based on the principle of molecular thermal diffusion, achieves precise separation of different molecules by constructing thermal and flow fields.

[0003] Current thermal field-flow separation systems typically use electric heating to heat the upper plate of the separation channel, while simultaneously cooling the lower plate of the separation channel with high-velocity cooling water. This instrument configuration results in a large instrument size, high energy consumption (requiring an additional cooling water tank), and the temperature of the lower plate usually increases with the temperature of the upper plate, which can only be adjusted by the flow rate and temperature of the cooling water, making precise control impossible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the current instrument configuration makes the instrument large in size and consumes a lot of energy. Moreover, the temperature of the lower plate usually increases with the increase of the temperature of the upper plate, and can only be adjusted by the flow rate and temperature of the cooling water, which cannot be precisely controlled.

[0005] The above-mentioned technical problems are solved by the following technical solution: This invention proposes a thermal field-flow separation system using Peltier cooling, which includes,

[0006] A channel unit, the channel unit including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a diaphragm disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate;

[0007] The upper plate is equipped with a heating element for heating the upper plate. The diaphragm is hollow. The heating element can be a resistance wire or other heating device. The upper plate can be heated when the heating element is in operation.

[0008] A Peltier is disposed at the bottom of the lower plate, and the contact surface between the Peltier and the lower plate is cooled to cool the lower plate. After operation, the Peltier cools the lower plate, and the cooled lower plate and the heated upper plate form a temperature field. Compared with traditional water cooling methods, using the Peltier achieves rapid cooling while ensuring cooling stability. Effective separation of different molecules is achieved through the formation of a stable temperature field and the flow field created by the shear forces of the upper and lower plates.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field-flow separation system using Peltier cooling described in this invention: the minimum number of Peltiers is one set, and the distance between two adjacent sets of Peltiers is less than 1 mm. By specifically limiting the installation spacing of the Peltiers, the temperature difference that would occur at both ends of a traditional water-cooled cooling channel plate along the water flow direction is avoided, thereby ensuring cooling uniformity.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling described in this invention: the diaphragm is hollow and forms a flow channel, which extends horizontally from the center to both ends for a certain distance, and then gradually narrows from both sides until they converge. This design makes the flow channel inside the diaphragm have a shape that is wide in the middle and narrow at both ends, which helps to achieve directional flow and control of the fluid.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field flow separation system employing Peltier cooling described in this invention: an inlet and an outlet are provided on the inner side of the lower plate, and the inlet and outlet are respectively connected to the junctions at both ends of the flow channel. This design enables precise control and guidance of the fluid, helping to ensure that the fluid flows along a predetermined path, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the system.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field-flow separation system using Peltier cooling described in this invention: a cooling fan is provided on the side of the Peltier that is not in contact with the lower plate, and the cooling fan is used to reduce the temperature of the heating surface of the Peltier. The cooling fan can absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the heating surface of the Peltier, and reduce the overall temperature of the Peltier, ensuring its normal operation.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling described in this invention: it further includes a temperature control unit, which includes a temperature controller and a temperature sensor installed inside the upper plate and the lower plate;

[0014] The temperature control unit is electrically connected to the heating element inside the upper plate and the Peltier. The actual temperature of the upper and lower plates is monitored by temperature sensors and fed back to the temperature controller. The temperature controller adaptively adjusts the Peltier and heating element based on the feedback temperature values ​​to ensure the stability of the temperature field.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling described in this invention: a heat insulation plate is provided at the top of the upper plate, and the heat insulation plate is used to slow down the heat loss of the upper plate.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling described in this invention, an installation unit is further included. The installation unit includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and fixing screws for connecting the top plate and the bottom plate. The channel unit and the Peltier are located between the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the thermal field-flow separation system employing Peltier cooling described in this invention: the sample inlet is connected to a flow controller to control the sample injection rate and pressure, and the sample outlet is connected to a working device. The working device can be a detector such as an angle laser scatterer or a differential detector, or a sample collector such as a fraction collector.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This thermal field-flow separation system achieves rapid and uniform cooling through Peltier cooling, which, together with the heating element on the upper plate, forms a stable temperature field. This temperature field, combined with the shear force flow field between the upper and lower plates, effectively separates different molecules. The flow channel within the hollow diaphragm is designed to be wide in the middle and narrow at both ends, optimizing the directional flow of fluid. The inlet and outlet ports on the lower plate are connected to the flow channel, ensuring precise fluid control and improving system reliability and efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 A side view of the invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 A front view of the invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the specific structure of the diaphragm of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the thermal flow channel and sample flow profile structure of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0025] The terminology used in this invention is that which is currently widely used in the art in consideration of the function of the invention; however, these terms may vary according to the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, or new technology in the art. Furthermore, specific terms may be chosen by the applicant, and in such cases, their detailed meanings will be described in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should not be construed as simple names, but rather based on their meanings and the overall description of the invention.

[0026] Reference Figures 1-3 This embodiment provides a thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling, which includes,

[0027] Channel unit 1 includes an upper plate 11, a lower plate 12, and a diaphragm 13 disposed between the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12.

[0028] The upper plate 11 is equipped with a heating element for heating the upper plate 11. The diaphragm 13 is hollow. The heating element can be a resistance wire or other heating device. Under the operation of the heating element, the upper plate 11 can be heated.

[0029] Peltier 2 is positioned at the bottom of the lower plate 12, and its contact surface with the lower plate 12 is cooled to provide cooling for the lower plate 12. After operation, Peltier 2 cools the lower plate 12, creating a temperature field between the cooled lower plate 12 and the heated upper plate 11. Compared to traditional water cooling methods, using Peltier 2 achieves rapid cooling while ensuring cooling stability. Effective separation of different molecules is achieved through the formation of a stable temperature field and the flow field created by the shear forces of the upper and lower plates 11 and 12.

[0030] The minimum number of Peltier 2 units is one set, and the spacing between two adjacent sets of Peltier 2 units is less than 1 mm. By specifically limiting the installation spacing of Peltier 2 units, the temperature difference that would occur at both ends of a traditional water-cooled flow channel plate along the water flow direction is avoided, thus ensuring uniform cooling.

[0031] The diaphragm 13 has a hollow design and forms a flow channel 131. The flow channel 131 extends horizontally from the center to both ends for a certain distance, and then gradually narrows from both sides until it converges. This design makes the flow channel 131 have a shape that is wide in the middle and narrow at both ends inside the diaphragm 13, which helps to achieve directional flow and control of fluid.

[0032] The lower plate 12 has an inlet hole 121 and an outlet hole 122 on its inner side, which are connected to the junctions at both ends of the flow channel 131. This design enables precise control and guidance of the fluid, helping to ensure that the fluid flows along a predetermined path, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the system.

[0033] It also includes an installation unit 3, which includes a top plate 31, a bottom plate 32, and fixing screws 33 for connecting the top plate 31 and the bottom plate 32. The channel unit 1 and the Peltier 2 are located between the top plate 31 and the bottom plate 32.

[0034] A heat insulation plate 111 is provided at the top of the upper plate 11. The heat insulation plate 111 is used to reduce the heat loss of the upper plate 11.

[0035] This thermal field-flow separation system utilizes the Peltier effect to achieve rapid and stable cooling, thereby forming a stable temperature field. The system includes an upper plate 11 and a lower plate 12. The upper plate 11 is heated by a resistance wire or other heating element, while the lower plate 12 is cooled by the Peltier 2. The installation spacing of the Peltier 2 is less than 1 mm, ensuring uniform cooling and avoiding the temperature difference problems that may occur with traditional water cooling methods. The combined effect of heating by the upper plate 11 and cooling by the lower plate 12 creates a stable temperature field. This temperature field, combined with the flow field formed by the shear forces of the upper and lower plates 11 and 12, achieves effective separation of different molecules. This separation effect is achieved through a flow channel 131 formed inside a hollow diaphragm 13. The flow channel 131 is wider in the middle and narrower at both ends, which facilitates the directional flow and control of the fluid. In addition, the inlet hole 121 and outlet hole 122 on the inner side of the lower plate 12 are connected to the junction of the two ends of the flow channel 131, which further realizes the precise control and guidance of the fluid, ensuring that the fluid flows along the predetermined path, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the system.

[0036] In summary, this thermal field-flow separation system achieves rapid and uniform cooling through the Peltier 2, which, together with the heating element of the upper plate 11, forms a stable temperature field. This temperature field, combined with the shear force flow field between the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12, effectively separates different molecules. The flow channel 131 within the hollow diaphragm 13 is designed to be wide in the middle and narrow at both ends, optimizing the directional flow of fluid. The inlet port 121 and outlet port 122 on the lower plate 12 are connected to the flow channel 131, ensuring precise fluid control and improving system reliability and efficiency.

[0037] As one embodiment provided, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2A cooling fan 21 is installed on the side of the Peltier 2 that does not contact the lower plate 12. The cooling fan 21 is used to reduce the temperature of the heating surface of the Peltier 2. The cooling fan 21 can absorb and dissipate the heat generated by the heating surface of the Peltier 2, and reduce the overall temperature of the Peltier 2, ensuring the normal operation of the Peltier 2.

[0038] As one embodiment provided, a temperature control unit is also included, which includes a temperature controller and a temperature sensor installed inside the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12.

[0039] The temperature control unit is electrically connected to the heating element inside the upper plate 11 and the Peltier 2. The actual temperature of the two is monitored by the temperature sensors inside the upper plate 11 and the lower plate 12 and fed back to the temperature controller. The temperature controller adaptively adjusts the Peltier 2 and the heating element according to the feedback temperature value to ensure the stability of the temperature field.

[0040] In one embodiment, the inlet port 121 is connected to a flow controller to control the injection rate and pressure, and the outlet port 122 is connected to a working device. The working device can be a detector such as an angled laser scatterer or a differential detector, or a sample collector such as a fraction collector.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the methods and devices described in detail above are merely embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify these embodiments in different ways as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal field flow separation system employing Peltier cooling, characterized in that: include, Channel unit (1), the channel unit (1) includes an upper plate (11), a lower plate (12), and a diaphragm (13) disposed between the upper plate (11) and the lower plate (12); The upper plate (11) is provided with a heating element for heating the upper plate (11), and the diaphragm (13) is hollow in whole. Peltier (2) is disposed at the bottom end of the lower plate (12), and the contact surface between the Peltier (2) and the lower plate (12) is cooled to cool the lower plate (12).

2. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier refrigeration according to claim 1, characterized in that: The minimum number of Pellets (2) is one set, and the distance between two adjacent sets of Pellets (2) is less than 1 mm.

3. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier refrigeration according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diaphragm (13) is hollow and forms a flow channel (131). The flow channel (131) extends a certain distance from the center to both ends in the horizontal direction, and then gradually narrows from both sides until it converges.

4. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier refrigeration according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower plate (12) has an inlet hole (121) and an outlet hole (122) on its inner side. The inlet hole (121) and the outlet hole (122) are respectively connected to the intersection of the two ends of the flow channel (131).

5. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling according to claim 4, characterized in that: A cooling fan (21) is provided on the side of the Peltier (2) that does not contact the lower plate (12), and the cooling fan (21) is used to reduce the temperature of the heating surface of the Peltier (2).

6. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: It also includes a temperature control unit, which includes a temperature controller and a temperature sensor installed inside the upper plate (11) and the lower plate (12); The temperature control unit is electrically connected to the heating element inside the upper plate (11) and the Peltier (2).

7. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier refrigeration according to claim 6, characterized in that: A heat insulation plate (111) is provided at the top of the upper plate (11), and the heat insulation plate (111) is used to slow down the heat loss of the upper plate (11).

8. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier refrigeration according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes an installation unit (3), which includes a top plate (31), a bottom plate (32), and fixing screws (33) for connecting the top plate (31) and the bottom plate (32). The channel unit (1) and the Peltier (2) are located between the top plate (31) and the bottom plate (32).

9. The thermal field flow separation system using Peltier cooling according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The inlet port (121) is connected to the flow controller to control the injection speed and pressure, and the outlet port (122) is connected to the operating equipment.

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