Method for producing analysis device by means of sliding window simulation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (100) for producing an analysis device (10) having at least one separating device (12, 12.1, 12.2) and a plurality of pneumatic modules (14). In a first step (110), a pneumatic coupling structure (30) is provided, which comprises at least one separating device (12, 12.1, 12.2) and a virtual representation (35) of a plurality of pneumatic modules (14). Furthermore, in a second step (120), a composition (22) of the fluid flow (20) and at least one operating parameter for the pneumatic coupling structure (30) are preset. In a third step (130), at least one flow parameter (32) of the fluid flow (20) is determined during the flow of the fluid flow (20) through the at least one separating device (12, 12.1, 12.2), and the at least one flow parameter (32) is output to a user and / or a data interface. The method (100) further comprises a fourth step (140) in which the analysis device (10) is produced in accordance with the pneumatic coupling structure (30) specified in the first step (110) if the determined flow parameter (32) conforms to the specifiable setpoint (33). According to the invention, the third step (130) is carried out on the basis of a sectional simulation which follows the fluid flow (20) on the basis of a sliding manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing an analytical apparatus and a computer program product by means of which the manufacturing method can be partially implemented. The invention also relates to a digital twin of the analytical apparatus, based on which the claimed method can be implemented. Furthermore, the invention relates to an analytical apparatus manufactured by the claimed method, and the application of a sliding-window solver. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document KR 102511137 B1 discloses a method for chromatographic image similarity analysis, in which the retention times of each component of a gas sample are reflected. This method constructs a matrix to store time-series data and evaluates it using a sliding-window algorithm.

[0003] A simulated moving bed separation system is known from patent application CN 103657152 A, which has interconnected chromatographic columns. This moving bed separation system is configured to separate the three components of a sample of a substance from each other with higher purity.

[0004] For numerous application scenarios, customized analytical devices are required, and these devices must be specifically designed for each application. Such application-oriented design is time-consuming, complex, and prone to errors, especially during design optimization, which is both difficult and labor-intensive. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method that enables the rapid, reliable, and accurate design and manufacture of analytical devices. This invention aims to provide a solution that improves upon at least one of the aforementioned aspects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This objective is achieved by the method of the present invention for manufacturing an analytical apparatus. The analytical apparatus can be configured, in particular, as a gas analysis apparatus. The analytical apparatus to be manufactured has at least one separation device, such as a chromatographic column, and multiple pneumatic modules. The pneumatic modules can be configured, for example, as pressure regulators, throttling devices, or valves. The pneumatic modules exert hydrodynamic influence on the fluid flow through the analytical apparatus to be manufactured. In a first step of the method, a pneumatic coupling structure is provided, which includes virtual representations of the separation device and the pneumatic modules. By pneumatically coupling these virtual representations in the provided structure, the series flow of fluid sequentially through the separation device and the pneumatic modules can be reconstructed in the form of virtual representations. The pneumatic coupling structure can be configured as a dataset specifying how at least one separation column in the analytical apparatus to be manufactured is coupled to the pneumatic modules. Furthermore, the pneumatic coupling structure can also include virtual representations of connecting lines and hydrodynamic parameters of the connecting lines through which the separation device and the pneumatic modules are interconnected. The pneumatic coupling structure can, for example, be provided by a user performing the method.

[0006] Furthermore, the method includes a second step in which the composition of the fluid flow is preset and measured using the analytical device to be manufactured. The second step also presets operating parameters for the pneumatic coupling structure, such as ambient temperature, ambient pressure, and / or the supply pressure used to propel the fluid flow through the analytical device to be manufactured. These operating parameters characterize a design condition for a specific application, under which the analytical device to be manufactured should be suitable. The composition of the fluid flow and / or at least one operating parameter can be preset by the user, a higher-level software component, or artificial intelligence, respectively.

[0007] The method further includes a third step in which at least one flow parameter is determined as the fluid flow passes through at least one separation device. To this end, in the third step, the fluid flow is reconstructed in a virtual representation of the at least one separation device. The fluid flow may include a material sample and / or a carrier gas. The fluid flow is also provided in the form of a virtual representation in the third step. The flow parameter determined in the third step may be a physical or chemical quantity of at least one component of the fluid flow, which may be affected by the separation device. The flow parameter may in particular be a quantity that describes the separation behavior of the fluid flow in the separation device. The determined flow parameter is output to a user and / or a data interface. The data interface may be configured to provide the flow parameter to a computer program product, such as a graphical user interface, or for further processing within or outside the scope of the protected method.

[0008] Furthermore, the method includes a fourth step in which the flow parameters determined in the third step are compared with preset values. These preset values ​​can be, for example, preset by a user or an algorithm. The preset values ​​define a requirement derived from the requirements of the analytical apparatus to be manufactured. The fourth step checks whether the flow parameters meet the preset values, i.e., checks whether the recorded requirement is met. If the flow parameters meet the preset values, the analytical apparatus is manufactured according to the pneumatic coupling structure preset in the first step.

[0009] According to the invention, in the third step, the flow parameters are determined based on a segmented simulation that follows the fluid flow in a sliding manner, i.e., following a virtual representation of the fluid flow. Therefore, the propagation of the fluid flow within the separation device, i.e., its forward movement, can be captured. Within the region wetted by the fluid flow, a segment of the separation device is reconstructed through simulation, and the interaction between the fluid flow and the separation device is simulated within it. Segments located ahead of the fluid flow, i.e., segments of the separation device not yet wetted by the fluid flow, are thus ignored. Similarly, segments that the fluid flow has already passed through and are located outside the simulated segment are also ignored. The simulated region slides in an accompanying manner because it is tightly coupled in a fixed manner to at least one component of the fluid flow (i.e., its virtual representation). This realizes the principle of sliding window simulation. The invention is also based on an unexpected realization: for fluid flow through a flow separation device, this simulation technique can provide sufficient accuracy, thus possessing sufficient realism. Therefore, the interaction between the fluid flow and the virtual representation of the separation device can be accurately predicted, and the expected chromatogram when a corresponding fluid flow is applied in an analytical device manufactured according to the corresponding structure can be predicted accordingly. Therefore, there is no need for complex simulations that require continuous reconstruction of the entire separation unit. This method can be implemented with a higher degree of automation and with minimal user input. Because the flow parameters are accurately determined through simulation in the third step, the analytical device to be manufactured can be designed more precisely for the target application conditions, thus enabling the rapid delivery of analytical devices that meet the requirements.

[0010] In one embodiment of the protected method, the independent simulation in the third step is performed independently for at least the first and second components of the fluid flow. Similarly, flow parameters are determined for the first and second components separately in the third step. Segmental simulations are performed within their respective independent segments, each segment following the first or second component in a sliding manner. Therefore, as the simulated fluid flow passes through the separation device, the segmental simulations can either partially overlap spatially at the same time or not intersect each other spatially. In particular, the first component of the fluid flow can be reconstructed within a first simulation window that moves with the first component within the separation device. Similarly, the second component can be reconstructed within a second simulation window that moves with the second component within the separation device. The simulation windows can be set independently and at least partially overlap during method execution. This allows for the reconstruction of the process of the fluid flow separating into at least the first and second components. Overall, the different physical or chemical properties of the different components can be accurately reconstructed.

[0011] In another embodiment of the protected method, the determination of flow parameters in the third step is performed using the Crank-Nicolson method. The Crank-Nicolson method allows for the solution of heat conduction equations and partial differential equations via the finite difference method. Furthermore, the Crank-Nicolson method is numerically stable under unconditional conditions, making it particularly suitable for the protected method. The Crank-Nicolson method is also suitable for performing a segmented simulation based on a sliding-window simulation following a reference point, i.e., following the fluid flow. Therefore, the Crank-Nicolson method is particularly suitable for sliding-window simulations. Consequently, the rationality check required in the protected method to check for and, if necessary, suppress unrealistic behaviors arising from the simulation is no longer necessary. The invention is also based on an unexpected realization: the physical interaction between the fluid flow and the separation device can be rapidly and accurately reconstructed using the Crank-Nicolson method. Alternatively or supplementarily, the third step can also be performed based on the backward Euler method.

[0012] Furthermore, in the third step of the protected method, the retention behavior of the fluid flow in at least one separation device can be reconstructed, i.e., simulated. The retention behavior includes the adsorption and desorption behaviors between a component of the fluid flow and the retention coating and / or filler on the wall of the separation device. The retention behavior is reconstructed for at least two components of the fluid flow, thereby enabling the reconstruction of the separation behavior of the separation device between these components. The retention behavior of each component of the fluid flow can be reconstructed rapidly and accurately, particularly using the Crank-Nicolson method. At least one flow parameter determined in the third step can serve as an indicator describing the separation between the two components of the fluid flow achieved by the separation device. Specifically, to simulate the separation behavior, an independent segmented simulation can be performed for each component of the fluid flow, based on a sliding motion following the corresponding component.

[0013] Furthermore, the fluid flow can include at least one gaseous component and / or at least one liquid component, which are retained and delayed by the walls and / or packing of the separation device. The combination of gaseous and liquid components can, for example, constitute an aerosol. The liquid component can therefore be a spray or a fine mist. With the protected method, the retention behavior of the gas and liquid can be reconstructed, thereby allowing for the rapid design and manufacture of customized analytical devices for a wide range of applications.

[0014] In another embodiment of the protected method, the third step further determines at least one flow parameter of the fluid flow as it flows through at least one pneumatic module. For example, the pressure loss of the fluid flow at the pneumatic module can often be calculated algebraically. Thus, by observing along the flow direction, the behavior of the fluid flow in each section before and after the separation device can be quickly and accurately determined, thereby obtaining the overall behavior of the aerodynamic coupling structure. By making systematic changes during the execution of the protected method, multiple possible aerodynamic coupling structures can be simulated, thereby providing an analytical apparatus particularly suitable for the target application.

[0015] In the protected method, the flow parameters determined in the third step can be a peak pattern of the fluid flow, which is decomposed into components by a separation device or a virtual representative of the separation device in a pneumatically coupled structure. Such a peak pattern can, for example, be a chromatogram curve. The peak pattern contains a peak for each component of the fluid flow, i.e., a graphical peak, which indicates the intensity of the measurement signal at the detector. The area enclosed by the peaks essentially represents a measure of the quantity of the corresponding component in the fluid flow. The peak pattern therefore contains information about the intervals at which the components of the individual fluid flows exit from the separation device. Thus, the peak pattern indicates the expected measurement result of a suitable detector, which is essentially directly downstream of the separation device in the flow direction.

[0016] Furthermore, in the protected method, the broadening mechanism of at least one peak in the peak pattern can also be reconstructed in the third step. The broadening mechanism deforms the peak relative to its idealized shape. For example, the peak may broaden due to diffusion and non-uniform radial velocity distribution in the fluid flow. Similarly, broadening and / or peak shape caused by non-ideal fluid flow (e.g., sample injection) are also relatively easy to simulate. In addition, non-ideal behavior of detectors, such as diffusion or convection in thermal conductivity detectors, can also be reconstructed. Therefore, the protected method can realistically reconstruct the non-ideal operating state of the separation device with relatively low computational overhead, thereby achieving the aforementioned technical advantages to a greater extent.

[0017] Furthermore, in the protected method, the shape of at least one peak in the peak pattern can be determined using a Gaussian function. The shape of the Gaussian function, i.e., its curve, can be adjusted with a relatively small number of coefficients. Moreover, there are known relationships for different mechanisms, especially broadening mechanisms, allowing for corresponding adjustments to the coefficients of the Gaussian function. Using the Gaussian function and its coefficients, peaks in the peak pattern can be accurately described with a more concise dataset. The protected method is data-economical overall, thus enabling rapid execution of the third step. The shape of the peak can also be determined by superimposing multiple Gaussian functions.

[0018] Furthermore, the segmented simulation in the third step can be performed over a width, i.e., a window width, which is fixedly preset by the user and / or the algorithm. Here, the width refers to the size of the simulation segment along the flow direction of the fluid flow, i.e., the window width of at least one simulation window in a sliding window simulation. Alternatively, the width of the segmented simulation, i.e., the window width, can be dynamically specified during the third step, for example, using artificial intelligence.

[0019] In another embodiment of the protected method, a flow parameter of the fluid flow (i.e., its virtual representation) in the connecting conduit is also determined. For this purpose, a virtual representation of the connecting conduit exists in the pneumatic coupling structure. The connecting conduit is used to connect the separation device to a pneumatic module or to connect two pneumatic modules to each other. This also applies to their respective virtual representations. In particular, it is thus possible to determine pressure losses and / or spike broadenings related to the conduit length, such as spike broadenings caused by diffusion, which occur in the fluid flow or its virtual representation. Thus, the fidelity of the third step of the protected method is further improved.

[0020] Furthermore, in the protected method, steps one, two, and three can be repeatedly executed by modifying the pneumatic coupling structure. Modifications to the pneumatic coupling structure can manifest as changes to the length, diameter, inner coating, or filler of the separation device or its virtual representation. Similarly, at least one pneumatic module and / or a connecting pipe or their respective virtual representations can be modified. Modifications can be performed systematically, using optimization algorithms and / or, for example, artificial intelligence. Modifications continue as long as the flow parameters determined in step three do not reach the corresponding preset values, i.e., the requirements for the analytical apparatus to be manufactured are not met. Since the protected method can be implemented with relatively low computational overhead, frequent repetitions based on the aforementioned modifications can be completed within an acceptable timeframe. Accordingly, the protected method is also suitable for iterative, small-step modifications to the pneumatic coupling structure, thereby rapidly achieving structural optimization of the analytical apparatus to be manufactured. Overall, the protected method enables the manufacture of analytical apparatuses whose technological potential is more fully realized.

[0021] The aforementioned objectives are also achieved by the computer program product of the present invention. This computer program product is configured to determine at least one flow parameter of a fluid flow passing through a separation device of an analytical apparatus. The computer program product is adapted to store a pneumatic coupling structure comprising at least one separation device and multiple pneumatic modules, i.e., to store virtual representations of each, and to reconstruct the fluid flow or its virtual representation flowing through the pneumatic coupling structure. The computer program product is also adapted to set the composition of the fluid flow or its virtual representation. According to the present invention, the computer program product is designed to at least partially implement the method of any of the foregoing embodiments, particularly at least the first, second, third, and / or fourth steps of the method. For this purpose, the computer program product can be stored at least temporarily in an executable manner on a memory, such as a hard disk, working memory, optical storage medium, and / or FPGA. The computer program product allows for the rapid, at least partially automated, design of an analytical apparatus, which can then be manufactured by a corresponding method.

[0022] Similarly, the above-mentioned objectives are also achieved through a digital twin of the analytical apparatus of the present invention. The analytical apparatus, modeled in the digital twin and capable of being mapped via simulation, includes at least one separation device and multiple pneumatic modules. For this purpose, the digital twin includes virtual representations of at least one separation device and one pneumatic module, respectively. According to the present invention, the digital twin is manufactured by the method of any of the foregoing embodiments. The digital twin can particularly be configured as an intermediate product of the method and formed after the fourth step. The digital twin can be configured as a digital twin in the sense of U.S. Application US 2017 / 0286572 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0023] The objectives stated at the outset are also achieved by the analysis apparatus of the present invention. This analysis apparatus includes a separation device and multiple pneumatic modules. The separation device and the pneumatic modules are pneumatically connected. The analysis apparatus is manufactured using the method of any of the foregoing embodiments. This method is particularly capable of generating a digital twin, which in turn serves as a template and / or manufacturing specification for the analysis apparatus. Specifically, it is possible to determine a control dataset for a machine tool for at least one pneumatic module from the digital twin, either manually or automatically, for example, using optimization algorithms or artificial intelligence, and to manufacture the pneumatic module on that machine tool. Based on this method, the claimed analysis apparatus can complete manufacturing with a higher degree of automation, thereby accelerating manufacturing and reducing costs. The advantages of the basic method or the resulting digital twin are concretely realized in the analysis apparatus of the present invention and constitute an economically significant embodiment of the claimed method.

[0024] Furthermore, the fundamental objective is also achieved through the application of the so-called sliding-window solver in this invention. The sliding-window solver is used to determine the flow parameters of the fluid flow. According to the invention, the separation device of the fluid flow through the flow analysis apparatus is reconstructed or calculated in the form of a virtual representation using the sliding-window solver, i.e., the flow through its virtual representation. The sliding-window solver is particularly useful for implementing the method of any of the foregoing embodiments, for example, for the third step of the method. The invention is also based on an unexpected realization: the sliding-window solver is suitable for rapidly and accurately reconstructing the aerodynamic coupling structure of the analysis apparatus, i.e., reconstructing its virtual representation. In particular, this sufficiently strong reconstruction capability of the sliding-window solver enables the analysis apparatus to be designed rapidly and accurately. The technical advantages of the fundamental method are realized to a greater extent through the sliding-window solver. Therefore, the features of the corresponding method can be adapted to the application of the sliding-window solver. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Several embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood in a complementary manner, meaning that the same reference numerals in different drawings have the same technical meaning. Furthermore, the various features of the embodiments shown in the drawings can be combined with each other and with the features summarized above. The drawings specifically illustrate: Figure 1 An illustrative flow diagram of one implementation of the claimed method is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 A schematic flow diagram of one stage of the first embodiment of the claimed method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] exist Figure 1The diagram schematically illustrates the flow of one embodiment of the claimed method 100. Method 100 aims to manufacture an analytical apparatus 10, which can be implemented as a gas analysis apparatus, and a virtual representative 35 of the analytical apparatus is shown in... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the analytical apparatus 10 to be manufactured, as a separation device 12, includes a first separation device 12.1 and a second separation device 12.2, which are pneumatically connected to a plurality of pneumatic modules 14, respectively. The pneumatic modules 14 can be implemented as valves 16, throttling elements 17, or connecting lines 18. Each pneumatic module 14 is implemented to act on at least one flow parameter 32 of the fluid flow 20 flowing through its respective pneumatic module 14. The pneumatic modules 14 and at least one separation device 12 belong to a pneumatic coupling structure 30, which is provided in the first step 110 of the claimed method 100. In the pneumatic coupling structure 30, virtual representatives 35 are stored for each of the at least one separation device 12 and for each associated pneumatic module 14. Therefore, the pneumatic coupling structure 30 is a plurality of virtual representatives 35 combined in a function-oriented manner. Furthermore, the pneumatic coupling structure 30 includes a gas inlet 11 through which a fluid flow 20 can be applied to each of its virtual representatives 35. Similarly, the pneumatic coupling structure 30 also includes a gas outlet 13 through which the fluid flow 20 can be separately discharged. The pneumatic coupling structure 30 is implemented to allow the fluid flow 20, i.e., its virtual representation 35, to enter the pneumatic coupling structure 30 via the gas inlet 11 and exit the pneumatic coupling structure again via the gas outlet 13. The fluid flow 20 can include a material sample 15 and / or a carrier gas 25. The pneumatic module 14 represents a flow resistance 19 for the fluid flow 20 passing through the pneumatic module. One of the flow parameters 32 of the fluid flow 20 is affected by the flow resistance 19. Furthermore, the flow resistance 19 is determined by structural parameters of the associated pneumatic module 14, which are not shown in further detail.

[0028] Method 100 includes a first step 110, in which, as Figure 1 The example provided illustrates a pneumatic coupling structure 30, which may be provided, for example, by a user performing method 100 or by a template. For this purpose, the pneumatic coupling structure 30 can be displayed via a graphical user interface and can be adjusted by the user. The pneumatic coupling structure 30 is implemented in a pneumatically coupled manner, such that the fluid flow 20, i.e., its virtual representation 35, can only enter through at least one gas inlet 11 and can only exit through at least one gas outlet 13.

[0029] Furthermore, the claimed method 100 also includes a second step 120, in which the composition 22 of the fluid flow 20, i.e., its virtual representation 35, is preset. Similarly, at least one operating parameter is also preset, which acts on the fluid flow 20 to be reconstructed, such as ambient temperature. The fluid flow 20 comprises multiple components 21, and their flow through the aerodynamic coupling structure 30 needs to be reconstructed in the claimed method 100. The components 21 are separated by a separation device 12 in such a way that when they reach a detector (not shown in further detail), they appear sequentially and generate a signal spike or peak 24 on the detector for each component 12. Here, the fluid flow 20 is implemented as a material sample 15, which needs to be guided by the separation device 12, i.e., one of the first separation devices 12.1, or its behavior in this process is reconstructed by means of its respective virtual representation 35. The composition 22 of the fluid flow 20 is preset by the user, for example, in the second step 120.

[0030] Similarly, the claimed method 100 also includes a third step 130, in which at least one flow parameter 32 is determined during the flow separation device 12, i.e., the first separation device 12.1, of which the fluid flow 20 is formed. Figure 1 The flow and retention behaviors of the individual components 21 of the fluid flow 20 in the separation device 12, which are not shown in further detail, are reconstructed by means of their respective virtual representations 35. The implementation of the third step 130 is as follows: Figure 2 Figure 3 shows this in more detail. Furthermore, in the third step 130, the determined flow parameter 32 is output to the user and / or a data interface (not shown in further detail). By outputting to the data interface, the determined flow parameter 35 can be stored, at least temporarily.

[0031] Furthermore, the claimed method 100 also includes a fourth step 140, in which the flow parameter 32 determined in the third step 130 is compared with a preset value 33. The preset value 33 can be preset by the user or determined by user input. If the determined flow parameter 32 does not reach the preset value 33, i.e., the requirement for the aerodynamic coupling structure 30 mapped therefrom is not met, the first, second, and third steps 110, 120, and 130 are repeated. Here, the repeated execution is performed when the aerodynamic coupling structure 30 is modified by a change 36. At this time, the structural parameters of at least one separation device 12, 12.1, 12.2 and / or at least one pneumatic module 14 are changed by means of artificial intelligence 50. Here, the artificial intelligence 50 is implemented as a so-called neural network 52, which can be trained using a training dataset. Accordingly, multiple aerodynamic coupling structures 30 are generated by the change 36, in which at least one flow resistance 19 changes. Each aerodynamic coupling structure 30 thus generated has multiple virtual representations 35 of different aerodynamic modules 14 and / or separation devices 12, 12.1, 12.2. The first, second, and third steps 110, 120, 130 are continuously executed while the aerodynamic coupling structure 30 is modified 36, until at least one flow parameter 32 meets the associated set value 35.

[0032] If the determined flow parameter 32 meets the set value 33, i.e., the requirement represented thereto is satisfied, the pneumatic coupling structure 30 is output, and the analytical device 10 is manufactured based on this pneumatic coupling structure. In the protected method 100, the pneumatic coupling structure 30 (in which at least one flow parameter 32 meets the set value 33) represents an intermediate product, which is stored at least temporarily as a so-called digital twin 55 of the analytical device 10 to be manufactured. The digital twin 55 of the analytical device 10 to be manufactured can be output to a user. The protected method 100 can be executed by means of a computer program product 60, which can be implemented as a monolithic structure or can include multiple subroutines that interact during undirected operation and thereby implement the function of the method 100. The operational behavior of the analytical device 10 manufactured by means of the protected method 100 can be reconstructed, i.e., simulated, through the digital twin 55.

[0033] Figure 2 The illustration schematically depicts a stage of a first embodiment of the protected method 100. Specifically, Figure 2 The third step 130 of the protected method 100 is shown in detail, for example, it is possible to... Figure 1 This third step is then performed. Figure 2 The implementation method assumes that the first step and the second step 110, 120 of the protected method 100 (e.g.) Figure 1(As shown in the example) has been successfully completed. The separation device 12, especially the first separation device 12.1, has its structure preset. This structure, namely the virtual representative 35 associated with the separation device 12, is defined by structural parameters, such as the inner diameter 38 of the separation device 12, its length 34, and / or the thickness 39 of the retained coating 28 on the wall 26 of the separation device 12. These parameters are preset in the first step 110. In addition, the composition 21 of the material sample 15, which is the fluid flow 20 flowing through the separation device 12, i.e., its virtual representative 35, is preset.

[0034] In the third step 130, the separation device 12 and the fluid flow 20 therein are reconstructed in segments, wherein the assigned segment 40 follows the flow direction of the fluid flow 20, which is in... Figure 2 The arrows indicate this. A portion of the first and second components 44, 46 of the fluid flow 20, which are mixed with each other as component 21, is located in the first section 41. The first component 44 and the second component 46 interact with the retention coating 28 in the separation device 20. The retention coating 28 retains the first component 44 and the second component 46 for different durations, thus creating a retention effect 29. Due to the retention effect 29 of the retention coating 28, the second component 46 is retained to a greater extent than the first component 44. In the second section 42 of the separation device 12, the first component 44 exists alone, i.e., separately from the second component 46. Correspondingly, the second component 46 exists alone in the third section 43. The retention effect 29 on the first component 44 and the second component 46 of the fluid flow 20, i.e., the retention effect on their respective virtual representations 25, is initially performed only for the first section 41 in the third step 130. The first component 44 is simulated in the first simulation window 56, which follows the first component 44. Accordingly, the second component 46 is simulated in the second simulation window 48. The first simulation window 56 and the second simulation window 58 follow the first component 44 and the second component 46 respectively. Within the region of the first segment 41, the first component 44 and the second component 46 remain in a mixed state, so the first simulation window 56 and the second simulation window 58 substantially overlap. The retention effect 29 is determined stepwise by further segment 40, which is located between the first segment and the second segments 41, 42, and between the first segment and the third segments 41, 43. Here, the window width 49 of the first segment 41, the second segment 42, and the third segment 43, i.e., the window width of the simulation windows 56, 58, remains constant.

[0035] Here, the degree of separation between the first component 44 and the second component 46 represents the flow parameter 32, which is determined in the third step 130. The flow parameter 32 is determined in multiple segments 30, which are adjacent to each other and partially overlap. Here, each segment 30 is simulated independently for the first component 44 and the second component 46. The segment 30 (in which the flow parameter 32 is determined) and the simulation windows 56, 58 follow the first component 44 or the second component 46 of the fluid flow 20 at the corresponding flow rates of the first or second component. Thus, the virtual representation 35 of the first component 44 and the second component 46 converted to the fluid flow 20 always simulates the same particles in these components 44, 46 and their associated retention effects 29. The segments 40 reconstructed in this way, arranged adjacent to the first and second segments 44, 46 respectively, define boundary conditions 47 for each other. Based on the flow velocity of the first component 44 or the second component 46 of the fluid flow 20, a time step 45 is obtained. This time step is used to separate the values ​​of the flow parameters 32 of the first component or the second component 44, 46 determined for each segment 40. The time step 45 also presets a tracking 48 with the first component 44 or the second component 46 for the first simulation window 56 and the second simulation window 58. Due to the retention effect 29 of the first component 44 and the second component 46, the first simulation window 56 and the second simulation window 58 are separated and... Figure 2 The lines shown do not intersect. Figure 2 The diagram also illustrates such a degree of separation 23. This results in the overall tracing 48 of segment 40 from the first segment to the second segment 42. The principle of sliding window simulation is thus realized by reconstructing the retention effect 29 on the first component 44 and the second component 46 of the fluid flow 20. Therefore, the third step 130 can be executed quickly. The longer the separation device 12, the more time is saved in the third step 130 compared to a simulation that reconstructs the separation device 12 and the fluid flow 20 (i.e., its virtual representation 35) along with its retention effect 29 all at once. Accordingly, the degree of separation 23, as the flow parameter 32, can be determined quickly. Thus, with acceptable computational cost, a large number of aerodynamic coupling structures 30 can be reconstructed in multiple cycles of the first, second, and third steps 110, 120, 130, and the aerodynamic coupling structure 30 conforming to the set value 33 can be determined by changing 36. Therefore, the analytical device 10 to be manufactured can be designed in a manner that is at least partially autonomous. The present invention is also based on the understanding that by using a suitable sliding-window solver 65, the third step 130 can be executed at a higher speed, thereby making it feasible to modify the aerodynamic coupling structure 30 36 again. This simplifies and speeds up the manufacturing of the corresponding analysis device 10.

Claims

1. A method (100) for manufacturing an analytical apparatus (10), the analytical apparatus having at least one separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2) and a plurality of pneumatic modules (14), the method comprising the steps of: a) Provide a pneumatic coupling structure (30) comprising the at least one separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2) and a virtual representation (35) of the plurality of pneumatic modules (14). b) The composition (22) of the preset fluid flow (20) and at least one operating parameter for the aerodynamic coupling structure (30); c) Determine at least one flow parameter (32) of the fluid flow (20) during flow through the at least one separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2), and output the at least one flow parameter (32) to the user and / or data interface; d) When the determined flow parameter (32) meets the preset set value (33), the analysis device (10) is manufactured according to the pneumatic coupling structure (30) preset in step a). The feature is that step c) is performed based on segmented simulation, wherein the segmented simulation follows the fluid flow (20) based on a sliding method.

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step c), the segmental simulation is performed independently for the first and second components (44, 46) of the fluid flow (20), and flow parameters (32) are determined for the first and second components respectively.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In step c), the flow parameter (32) is determined based on the Crank–Nicolson method.

4. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step c), the retention behavior (29) of the fluid flow (20) in the at least one separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2) is reconstructed.

5. The method (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fluid flow (20) includes at least one gaseous component, at least one liquid component and / or at least one solid component, which are delayed by the retention coating (28) and / or filler of the wall (26) of the separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2) due to retention.

6. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In step c), at least one flow parameter (32) of the fluid flow (20) during flow through at least one pneumatic module (14) is also determined.

7. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The flow parameter (32) is a peak mode of the fluid flow (20), which is separated into components (44, 46) by the separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2).

8. The method (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step c), the broadening mechanism for at least one spike (24) is reconstructed.

9. The method (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The shape of at least one peak (24) in the peak pattern is determined by using a Gaussian function.

10. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The segmented simulation is implemented on a window width (49), which is preset in a fixed manner by the user and / or the algorithm.

11. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The flow parameters (32) of the fluid flow (20) in the connecting pipe (18) are also determined in the method.

12. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, By changing the aerodynamic coupling structure (30), steps a), b), and c are repeated.

13. The method (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The aerodynamic coupling structure (30) is modified using optimization algorithms and / or artificial intelligence.

14. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, In step b), the composition (22) of the fluid flow (20) and / or at least one operating parameter are preset by the user, a higher-level software component, or artificial intelligence.

15. A computer program product (60) for determining flow parameters (32) of a fluid flow (20) through a separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2) of an analysis device (10), characterized in that, The computer program product (60) is configured to perform at least steps a), b) and c) of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An application of a sliding window solver (65) for determining the flow parameters (32) of a fluid flow (20), wherein, The separation device (12, 12.1, 12.2) of the fluid flow (20) through flow analysis device (10) is characterized in that the flow parameters (32) are determined by the sliding window solver (65) in the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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