Chromatographic column cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of chromatographic detection, in particular to a chromatographic column cleaning device. The device comprises a control system, a chromatographic column fixing frame, a water outlet, a liquid feeding pipe with a pump and at least two liquid storage tanks for storing different cleaning agents, the chromatographic column is mounted on the chromatographic column fixing frame, and the water outlet is in butt joint with one end of the chromatographic column; the at least two liquid storage tanks are connected with the water outlet through different liquid feeding pipes; and the control system is electrically connected with the pump. According to the chromatographic column cleaning device designed by the invention, a plurality of liquid storage tanks are arranged, different cleaning agents are stored in the liquid storage tanks, the corresponding cleaning agents can be adopted for cleaning according to the types of residual solutions in the chromatographic column, and the pump is controlled to work through the control system, so that the different cleaning agents are controlled to automatically wash, and the next cleaning agent is automatically replaced; and manual operation is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of chromatography detection, and in particular to a chromatography column cleaning device. Background Art

[0002] After a period of use, some impurities will accumulate in the column and be difficult to be eluted, which will affect the separation performance of the column. This may result in increased column pressure, uneven baseline, double chromatographic peaks, reduced separation performance, etc. If the contaminated column is cleaned, some or even most of the separation capacity can be restored. Therefore, careful and regular cleaning after use can not only extend the service life of the column, save resources, but also greatly reduce the cost of analysis.

[0003] In the prior art, for cleaning different chromatographic columns, specific cleaning agents need to be manually prepared and the cleaning agents need to be manually replaced in sequence, which is a rather troublesome operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of the present application is to provide a chromatographic column cleaning device, aiming to solve the problem that the current chromatographic column cleaning operation needs to be done manually, which is rather troublesome.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present application provides a chromatographic column cleaning device, which includes a control system, a chromatographic column fixing frame, a water outlet, a liquid delivery pipe with a pump, and at least two liquid storage tanks storing different cleaning agents;

[0006] The chromatographic column is installed on the chromatographic column fixing frame, and the water outlet is butted against one end of the chromatographic column;

[0007] The at least two liquid storage tanks are connected to the water outlet via different liquid delivery pipes;

[0008] The control system is electrically connected to the pump.

[0009] Optionally, the device further comprises a liquid mixer; a liquid mixing pipe with a pump is connected to the liquid storage tank, different liquid storage tanks are connected to a liquid mixer via the liquid mixing pipes, and the outlet end of the liquid mixer is connected to the water outlet.

[0010] Optionally, the liquid mixer is a flow-through liquid mixer.

[0011] Optionally, there are multiple water outlets, and the multiple water outlets are connected to different liquid storage tanks. Marks corresponding to the liquid storage tanks are provided next to the water outlets.

[0012] Optionally, the liquid storage tank and the liquid delivery pipe are connected by one of threaded connection, clamp connection and flange connection.

[0013] Optionally, the chromatographic column fixing frame comprises a fixing groove, the water outlet is arranged in the middle of the bottom of the fixing groove, and after the chromatographic column is inserted into the fixing groove, the water outlet is butted against a port of the chromatographic column.

[0014] Optionally, a sensor for monitoring the placement position of the chromatographic column is provided on the chromatographic column fixing frame, and the sensor is electrically connected to the control system.

[0015] Optionally, the sensor is a ranging sensor.

[0016] Optionally, the chromatographic column fixing frame includes a plurality of fixing grooves, and the depths of the plurality of fixing grooves are different.

[0017] Optionally, a drainage hole is provided on the bottom surface of the fixing groove.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that can be achieved by this application are:

[0019] The chromatographic column cleaning device provided in the present application includes a control system, a chromatographic column fixing frame, a water outlet, a liquid delivery pipe with a pump, and at least two liquid storage tanks storing different cleaning agents; the chromatographic column is installed on the chromatographic column fixing frame, and the water outlet is connected to one end of the chromatographic column; the at least two liquid storage tanks are connected to the water outlet through different liquid delivery pipes; the control system is electrically connected to the pump. The chromatographic column cleaning device is equipped with multiple liquid storage tanks, in which different cleaning agents are stored. The corresponding cleaning agents can be used for cleaning according to the type of residual solution in the chromatographic column. The operation of the pump is controlled by the control system, thereby controlling the automatic flushing of different cleaning agents and automatically replacing the next cleaning agent, eliminating manual operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a chromatographic column cleaning device in one embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chromatographic column fixing frame in one embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fixing groove in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a drain hole of a fixed groove in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a recycling container in one embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Explanation of symbols: 1-chromatographic column fixing frame, 101-fixing groove, 102-drain hole, 2-water outlet, 3-liquid delivery pipe, 4-liquid storage tank, 5-liquid mixer, 6-liquid mixing pipe, 7-recovery container.

[0027] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the utility model to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0029] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention (such as up, down, left, right, front, back...) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0030] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "connection", "fixation", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0031] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the utility model, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In addition, the meaning of "and / or" appearing in the full text includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, or scheme B, or a scheme that satisfies both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the utility model.

[0032] After a period of use, some impurities will accumulate in the column. Strongly retained impurities usually gather at the column head or in the column, which are difficult to be eluted. They may even interact with the filler to form a new pseudo-stationary phase, changing the separation performance of the column. Usually, it manifests as increased column pressure, uneven baseline, double peaks in the chromatography, and reduced separation performance. After cleaning, these contaminated columns can restore some or even most of their separation capacity. Therefore, careful and regular cleaning after use can not only extend the service life of the column, save resources, but also greatly reduce the cost of analysis.

[0033] Different reagents are required for cleaning according to different chromatographic columns and different types of contaminants in the chromatographic columns. For example, when using silica gel, alumina, and polar bonded phase chromatographic columns, you can first use dichloromethane or n-hexane and other solvents for long-term low-flow flushing; bonded reversed-phase silica gel chromatographic columns, ion exchange chromatographic columns, and gel chromatographic columns can first be flushed with a high proportion of water (methanol-water mixed solvent), and then flushed with 100% methanol. Therefore, different reagents, different flushing sequences, and even mixed solutions of different reagents are required for cleaning for different chromatographic columns.

[0034] In the prior art, the cleaning operation of the chromatographic column requires manual preparation of the cleaning agent and manual replacement of the cleaning agent, which is a relatively troublesome operation.

[0035] To make up for the shortcomings of the existing technology, see Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present application provides a chromatographic column cleaning device, the device comprising a control system, a chromatographic column fixing frame 1, a water outlet 2, a liquid delivery pipe 3 with a pump, and at least two liquid storage tanks 4 storing different cleaning agents;

[0036] The chromatographic column is installed on the chromatographic column fixing frame 1, and the water outlet 2 is connected to one end of the chromatographic column;

[0037] The at least two liquid storage tanks 4 are connected to the water outlet 2 through different liquid delivery pipes 3;

[0038] The control system is electrically connected to the pump.

[0039] The cleaning device of the present application is equipped with multiple liquid storage tanks 4, which store different cleaning agents. The corresponding cleaning agents can be used for cleaning according to the type of residual solution in the chromatographic column. The operation of the pump is controlled by the control system, so as to control the flushing time of each cleaning agent and automatically replace it with the next cleaning agent, eliminating manual operation.

[0040] As an example, the liquid storage tank 4 may include a n-hexane liquid storage tank 4, a methanol liquid storage tank 4, an acetonitrile liquid storage tank 4, a water liquid storage tank 4, an acid solution liquid storage tank 4, an alkali solution liquid storage tank 4, and the like.

[0041] For some pollutants, it is necessary to use a mixed reagent for cleaning, such as water: methanol (10:90) or acetonitrile: isopropanol (75:25). Therefore, in order to achieve automatic mixed liquid flushing, as an optional embodiment of the present application, the device also includes a liquid mixer 5; the liquid storage tank 4 is connected to a liquid mixing pipe 6 with a pump, and the liquid mixing pipes 6 of at least two different liquid storage tanks 4 are connected to one liquid mixer 5, and the outlet end of the liquid mixer 5 is connected to the water outlet 2. That is, each liquid storage tank 4 can be connected to the liquid mixer 5 through another liquid mixing pipe 6 in addition to being directly connected to the water outlet 2; taking the water storage tank and the methanol storage tank as an example, the water storage tank and the methanol storage tank are connected to the inlet end of the same liquid mixer 5 through their respective liquid mixing pipes 6, and the flow rates of the two liquid mixing pipes 6 are controlled according to the mixing ratio, and the methanol and water are transported to the liquid mixer 5 in proportion for mixing, and after mixing, they can be directly transported to the water outlet 2 to flush the chromatographic column. The pump of the mixing pipe 6 is also controlled by a control system. The control system may be a PLC control system, and a specific flushing program may be designed for each water outlet 2 through programming.

[0042] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the liquid mixer 5 is a flow-through liquid mixer 5. The flow-through liquid mixer 5 is a liquid mixer in which the liquid does not stay but is mixed while flowing forward. Currently, there are many structural designs of the flow-through liquid mixer 5, and the specific reference may be made to the liquid mixer disclosed in Chinese patent CN 208786194 U.

[0043] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the water outlet 2 is provided with a plurality of water outlets 2, and the plurality of water outlets 2 are connected to different liquid storage tanks 4, and a mark corresponding to the liquid storage tank 4 is provided next to the water outlet 2. That is, a plurality of stations and water outlets 2 for placing chromatographic columns are provided on the chromatographic column fixing frame 1, and each water outlet 2 is connected to a different cleaning agent. The chromatographic column is placed on a different water outlet 2 according to the difference of the chromatographic column (the difference of the pollutant), and the chromatographic column can be rinsed. The cleaning agent corresponding to each water outlet 2 is distinguished by marking, which is convenient for identification.

[0044] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the connection between the liquid storage tank 4 and the liquid delivery pipe 3 is one of threaded connection, clamp connection and flange connection. That is, in the present application, the liquid storage tank 4 and the liquid delivery pipe 3 are preferably connected in a detachable manner, so that different cleaning agents can be quickly replaced according to the experimental needs of enterprises or laboratories at different stages.

[0045] As an optional implementation of the present application, see Figure 2 The chromatographic column fixing frame 1 comprises a fixing groove 101, and the water outlet 2 is arranged in the middle of the bottom of the fixing groove 101. After the chromatographic column is inserted into the fixing groove 101, the water outlet 2 is docked with the port of the chromatographic column. Since cleaning the chromatographic column is to flush the inside of the chromatographic column, the docking of the water outlet 2 with the chromatographic column port means that the water outlet 2 is inserted into the chromatographic column port, so that the cleaning agent can flush the inside of the chromatographic column.

[0046] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the water outlet 2 can be designed to be conical, that is, the diameter is small at the top and large at the bottom, which can adapt to chromatographic columns of different sizes. No matter what the inner diameter of the chromatographic column is, it can form a closed contact with the water outlet 2 without leaving any gaps.

[0047] As an optional embodiment of the present application, a sensor for monitoring the placement position of the chromatographic column is provided on the chromatographic column fixing frame 1, and the sensor is electrically connected to the control system. The sensor can identify which water outlet 2 the chromatographic column to be cleaned is placed, and then the control system automatically controls the corresponding pump to work, and the water outlet 2 can spray the cleaning agent to achieve automatic cleaning.

[0048] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the sensor is a distance measuring sensor. The distance measuring sensor can be a laser distance measuring sensor or an infrared distance measuring sensor, etc., which determines the position by distance. Preferably, a sensor is set corresponding to the placement position of each chromatographic column.

[0049] As an optional embodiment of the present application, the chromatographic column fixing frame 1 includes a plurality of fixing grooves 101, and the depths of the plurality of fixing grooves 101 are different. Setting fixing grooves 101 of different depths can adapt to chromatographic columns of different sizes, so that chromatographic columns of different lengths can be well fixed without tilting.

[0050] As an optional implementation of the present application, see Figure 3-4 The bottom surface of the fixed groove 101 is provided with a drain hole 102. When the cleaning agent flows through the inner cavity of the chromatographic column and overflows from the other end and flows back into the fixed groove 101, the drain hole 102 discharges the refluxed cleaning agent to prevent liquid from accumulating in the fixed groove 101.

[0051] In another embodiment, the water outlet 2 may be arranged at the upper end of the chromatographic column, and the cleaning agent flows from top to bottom; the chromatographic column may also be placed horizontally or with a certain tilt angle, and the cleaning agent flows through the chromatographic column in a lateral direction.

[0052] In addition, since different cleaning agents are used for cleaning, the cleaning agents can be recycled separately to reduce costs. Specifically, this embodiment provides a solution, in which the upper end of the fixed groove 101 is designed as a bellows structure, that is, after the bellows is compressed downward, the chromatographic column can be inserted into the fixed groove 101, and then the bellows are unfolded upward. At this time, the chromatographic column is completely lower than the height of the fixed groove 101. After the cleaning agent overflows from the upper end of the chromatographic column, it will not splash outside the fixed groove 101, but will flow downward along the inside of the fixed groove 101 and be collected in the recovery container 7. In addition, the surface of the entire chromatographic column fixing frame 1 can also be kept clean, and different reagents will not mix or contaminate each other. See FIG. Figure 5 After cleaning, the bellows can be compressed downwards to easily remove the chromatographic column. In this solution, if the placement of the chromatographic column is to be monitored, the sensor can monitor whether the bellows has been unfolded to a specific height, thereby indirectly identifying whether a chromatographic column is inserted into the fixed groove 101 and waiting to be cleaned.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are intended to help readers understand the principles of the present invention, and should be understood that the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to such specific statements and embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various other specific variations and combinations based on the technical inspirations disclosed in the present invention without departing from the essence of the present invention, and these variations and combinations are still within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A chromatographic column cleaning device, characterized in that: The device comprises a control system, a chromatographic column fixing frame, a water outlet, a liquid delivery pipe with a pump, and at least two liquid storage tanks for storing different cleaning agents; The chromatographic column is installed on the chromatographic column fixing frame, and the water outlet is butted against one end of the chromatographic column; The at least two liquid storage tanks are connected to the water outlet via different liquid delivery pipes; The control system is electrically connected to the pump of the liquid delivery pipe.

2. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device also includes a liquid mixer; a liquid mixing pipe with a pump is connected to the liquid storage tank, at least two different liquid storage tanks are connected to one liquid mixer through the liquid mixing pipe, and the outlet end of the liquid mixer is connected to the water outlet.

3. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid mixer is a flow-through liquid mixer.

4. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are multiple water outlets, and the multiple water outlets are connected to different liquid storage tanks. Marks corresponding to the liquid storage tanks are arranged next to the water outlets.

5. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection mode between the liquid storage tank and the liquid delivery pipe is one of threaded connection, clamp connection and flange connection.

6. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chromatographic column fixing frame comprises a fixing groove, the water outlet is arranged in the middle of the bottom of the fixing groove, and after the chromatographic column is inserted into the fixing groove, the water outlet is butted against the port of the chromatographic column.

7. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chromatographic column fixing frame is provided with a sensor for monitoring the placement position of the chromatographic column, and the sensor is electrically connected to the control system.

8. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sensor is a distance measuring sensor.

9. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The chromatographic column fixing frame comprises a plurality of fixing grooves, and the depths of the plurality of fixing grooves are different.

10. A chromatography column cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that: A drainage hole is provided on the bottom surface of the fixing groove.

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