Multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument which comprises a column temperature cabin and a power cabin which are arranged side by side, a temperature control module is arranged in the column temperature cabin, and a plurality of chromatographic columns are arranged on the temperature control module side by side; a pump valve assembly is arranged in the power cabin, the pump valve assembly comprises an infusion pump and a plurality of switching valves, the switching valves and the infusion pump are arranged up and down, and the infusion pump is connected with a plurality of chromatographic columns through the switching valves and pipelines and externally connected with a plurality of solvent bottles filled with washing solvents. And the influence of the outside on the temperature control device and the influence of the temperature control device on the pump valve assembly are avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of chromatographic column regeneration, especially relates to a multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument. BACKGROUND

[0002] High performance liquid chromatography is a new type of analysis separation technology developed in the late 60s and early 70s. It is widely used in biochemistry, drug analysis and production, environmental detection, and chemical industry, food hygiene, commodity detection and other fields with the characteristics of high separation efficiency, fast analysis speed and good detection sensitivity. The core of high performance liquid chromatograph is the chromatographic column, and its performance directly affects the accuracy of measurement. After long-term use or improper use, the chromatographic column may cause column efficiency to decrease or even completely fail. Regenerating the chromatographic column with poor performance to restore its performance as much as possible is an economical and effective way.

[0003] The general chromatographic column regeneration method is to use a chromatographic column flushing device. The existing chromatographic column flushing device is generally provided with a pump valve assembly and a plurality of pipelines. The pump valve assembly is connected with the chromatographic column and the flushing solvent through the pipelines to realize the flushing of the chromatographic column. In addition, the existing flushing device is also provided with a temperature control device for heating or cooling the chromatographic column to provide a stable flushing environment for the chromatographic column and improve the regeneration effect. If the temperature control device, the pump valve assembly and the plurality of pipelines cannot be arranged regularly, a large amount of space will be occupied, and the temperature control device may be affected by the external environment and difficult to maintain a stable flushing environment, and the operation of the pump valve assembly may also be affected by the temperature change of the temperature control device. UTILITY MODEL CONTENTS

[0004] The utility model aims at providing a multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument, which has regular layout, occupies small space, and avoids the influence of the external environment on the temperature control device and the influence of the temperature control device on the pump valve assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, the utility model provides a multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument, which comprises column temperature cabins and power cabins arranged side by side, a temperature control module is arranged in the column temperature cabin, a plurality of chromatographic columns are arranged side by side on the temperature control module, a pump valve assembly is arranged in the power cabin, the pump valve assembly comprises a liquid delivery pump and a plurality of switching valves, the switching valves and the liquid delivery pump are arranged in an up-down arrangement, the liquid delivery pump is connected with the plurality of chromatographic columns and a plurality of solvent bottles containing flushing solvents through the switching valves and pipelines.

[0006] Further, a box body is further included, a partition plate and a main frame are arranged inside the box body, the partition plate divides the inside of the box body into the column temperature cabin and the power cabin, the main frame is located at the back side of the partition plate, and the temperature control module, the switching valves and the liquid delivery pump are arranged on the main frame.

[0007] Further, the temperature control module is provided with a plurality of parallel installation positions, and the chromatographic column is fixed on the installation position.

[0008] Further, the switching valve comprises a switching valve A, a switching valve B, a switching valve C and a switching valve D, the switching valve A, the switching valve B and the switching valve C are multi-way selection valves, and each is provided with one common interface and a plurality of branch interfaces; the switching valve D is a two-position four-way switching valve, and is provided with a No. 1 port, a No. 2 port, a No. 3 port and a No. 4 port; the plurality of branch interfaces of the switching valve A are connected with a plurality of solvent bottles filled with flushing solvents respectively, the common interface of the switching valve A is connected with a liquid inlet of a liquid infusion pump, the liquid outlet of the liquid infusion pump is connected with the No. 1 port of the switching valve D, the common interface of the switching valve B is connected with the No. 2 port of the switching valve D, and the plurality of branch interfaces of the switching valve B are connected with one end of a plurality of chromatographic columns respectively; the other end of the plurality of chromatographic columns is connected with the plurality of branch interfaces of the switching valve C respectively, the common interface of the switching valve C is connected with the No. 4 port of the switching valve D, and the No. 3 port of the switching valve D is connected with a waste liquid bottle or a chromatographic detector through a pipeline.

[0009] Further, the box is provided with a plurality of through holes in one side wall of the power cabin, the pipeline connected with the branch interfaces of the switching valve A passes through the through holes and is connected with solvent bottles outside the box, and the pipeline connected with the No. 3 port of the switching valve D passes through the through holes and is connected with a waste liquid bottle or a chromatographic detector outside the box.

[0010] Further, the switching valve A and the switching valve B are arranged side by side above the liquid infusion pump, the switching valve C and the switching valve D are arranged side by side above the switching valve A and the switching valve B, and the switching valve B and the switching valve C are arranged close to one side of the column temperature cabin.

[0011] Further, the bottom of the column temperature cabin and the bottom of the power cabin are each provided with a liquid leakage groove, the liquid leakage groove is provided with a liquid leakage sensor, and the side wall of the box is provided with a waste discharge port communicated with the liquid leakage groove.

[0012] Further, the front side of the box is provided with a cabin door provided with a switch, and the cabin door is provided with a control screen and a key.

[0013] Further, the valve head of the switching valve and the pump head of the liquid infusion pump are made of SUS, PEEK or Teflon.

[0014] After the above scheme is adopted, the beneficial effects of the present application are as follows:

[0015] This invention features a column temperature chamber and a power chamber. The temperature control module is housed within the column temperature chamber, while the pump and valve assembly is located within the power chamber. This separation ensures the temperature control module and pump / valve assembly operate independently, preventing them from interfering with each other. Furthermore, the temperature control module remains unaffected by external factors, providing a stable rinsing environment for the chromatographic column. The column temperature chamber and power chamber can be arranged side-by-side, with multiple columns mounted side-by-side on the temperature control module. The switching valves and infusion pumps are arranged vertically, facilitating connection between the columns and the pump / valve assembly. The overall layout is neat and efficient, significantly reducing space requirements. Moreover, this invention allows for the simultaneous installation of multiple columns and solvent bottles. Multiple switching valves enable the switching of different columns and rinsing solvents, eliminating the need for manual switching, saving labor costs, and improving regeneration efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the concealed hatch of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention with the hatch open;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the system principle of the present invention, which uses solvent 1 to forward wash the chromatographic column 1.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the system principle of using solvent 1 to backwash the chromatographic column 1 in this invention.

[0022] Label Explanation:

[0023] 1. Column temperature chamber; 11. Temperature control module; 111. Snap-fit; 12. Chromatographic column; 2. Power chamber; 21. Switching valve A; 22. Switching valve B; 23. Switching valve C; 24. Switching valve D; 25. Infusion pump; 3. Solvent bottle; 4. Waste bottle; 5. Cabinet; 51. Through hole; 52. Partition; 53. Main frame; 54. Leakage tank; 55. Leakage sensor; 56. Waste outlet; 57. Door; 571. Left door; 572. Right door; 573. Control panel; 574. Buttons; 58. Waste discharge channel; 59. Rear panel. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figures 1-6As shown, this utility model provides a multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument, including a temperature chamber 1 and a power chamber 2 with columns arranged side by side. The temperature chamber 1 is equipped with a temperature control module 11, which has multiple mounting positions for installing chromatographic columns 12. The multiple mounting positions are arranged side by side, and each mounting position has a buckle 111 for fastening and fixing the chromatographic column 12. When the chromatographic column 12 needs to be heated or cooled, the temperature control module 11 will start heating or cooling through program control, and conduct the temperature to the chromatographic column 12 to achieve precise temperature control of the chromatographic column 12, ensuring that the chromatographic column 12 has a stable rinsing environment and improving the regeneration effect. The power chamber 2 contains an infusion pump 25 (preferably a high-pressure horizontal flow pump) and multiple switching valves. The switching valves and the infusion pump 25 are arranged vertically. The infusion pump 25 is connected to multiple chromatographic columns 12 and multiple solvent bottles 3 containing rinsing solvent through the switching valves and pipelines, so that the infusion pump 25 can pump the rinsing solvent into the chromatographic column 12 for rinsing. This invention separates the temperature control module 11, the chromatographic column 12, and the pump and valve assembly, so that the heating or cooling of the chromatographic column 12 is not affected by external factors or the switching valve and the infusion pump 25, ensuring precise temperature control, making the rinsing environment of the chromatographic column 12 more stable, and improving the regeneration effect; while the power devices such as the switching valve and the infusion pump 25 are also unaffected by temperature, making their operation smoother, and the overall layout is neat, greatly reducing the space occupied.

[0026] Key references Figure 5 and Figure 6 The switching valve includes switching valve A21, switching valve B22, switching valve C23, and switching valve D24. Switching valves A21, B22, and C23 are multi-port selector valves, each with a common interface and multiple branch interfaces. Switching valve D24 is a two-position four-way switching valve with ports 1, 2, 3, and 4. The multiple branch interfaces of switching valve A21 are connected to multiple solvent bottles 3 containing rinsing solvents via pipelines. The types of rinsing solvents in each solvent bottle 3 can be different or the same, depending on the needs. The common interface of switching valve A21 is connected to the inlet of infusion pump 25 via pipeline. By controlling switching valve A21, different rinsing solvents can be switched to be connected to infusion pump 25. Specifically, the switching is achieved by rotating the switching disc device on the switching valve A21. The common interface on the switching valve A21 is located in the center, and multiple branch interfaces are arranged in a circle around the common interface. The switching disc device has a strip-shaped hole extending radially outward from the center. This strip-shaped hole allows any branch interface to connect with the common interface. Rotating the switching disc device allows different branch interfaces to connect with the common interface. Moreover, the switching disc device can be controlled by a set program to achieve automatic switching of the rinsing solvent.

[0027] The outlet of the infusion pump 25 is connected to port 1 of the switching valve D24. The common interface of the switching valve B22 is connected to port 2 of the switching valve D24. Multiple branch interfaces of the switching valve B22 are connected to one end of multiple chromatographic columns 12, and the other end of the multiple chromatographic columns 12 are connected to multiple branch interfaces of the switching valve C23. The common interface of the switching valve C23 is connected to port 4 of the switching valve D24. Port 3 of the switching valve D24 is connected to the waste liquid bottle 4 or the chromatographic detector via a pipeline. All the above connections use pipeline connections, which is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0028] Different chromatographic columns 12 can be switched by controlling switching valves B22 and C23. The arrangement of the branch interfaces of switching valves B22 and C23 and the switching method are the same as those of switching valve A21, that is, switching different branch interfaces to connect with the common interface to realize automatic switching of different chromatographic columns 12. Thus, this utility model can install multiple chromatographic columns 12 at one time. After the previous chromatographic column 12 is flushed, the next chromatographic column 12 can be replaced without interruption, eliminating the need for frequent replacement of chromatographic columns 12 and greatly improving the regeneration efficiency of chromatographic columns 12. In addition, it should be noted that the branch interfaces of switching valves B22 and C23 connected to the common interface are connected to one chromatographic column 12, otherwise the flushing wastewater cannot be discharged.

[0029] The flushing direction can be selected by controlling the switching valve D24. Specifically, this is achieved by rotating the switching disc on the switching valve D24. Ports 1, 2, 3, and 4 are arranged in a circle. The switching disc of the switching valve D24 has two arc-shaped holes. Rotating this switching disc allows the two arc-shaped holes to connect port 1 with port 2, port 3, and port 4 respectively, or to connect port 1 with port 4 and port 2 with port 3. This is existing technology and will not be described in detail here. (Refer to...) Figure 5 and Figure 6Taking the example of multiple branch interfaces of switching valve C23 connected to the top of multiple chromatographic columns 12 respectively, and multiple branch interfaces of switching valve B22 connected to the bottom of multiple chromatographic columns 12 respectively, the switching valve D24 is controlled to connect ports 1 and 4, and ports 2 and 3 respectively. After the flushing solvent flows out from the outlet of the infusion pump 25, it flows into the flushing column 12 from the top of the column 12 through ports 1 and 4 of switching valve D24 and switching valve C23 in sequence, and then flows out from the bottom of the column 12, and then flows into the switching valve B22 and switching valve D2 in sequence. Ports 2 and 3 of column 4 enter waste bottle 4 or the chromatographic detector for forward cleaning. If switching valve D24 is controlled to connect ports 1 and 2, and ports 3 and 4, the rinsing solvent, after flowing from the outlet of pump 25, will sequentially pass through ports 1 and 2 of switching valve D24 and switching valve B22, flowing from the bottom of column 12 to rinse column 12, then flowing out from the top of column 12, and then sequentially passing through switching valve C23, ports 4 and 3 of switching valve D24 into waste bottle 4 or the chromatographic detector for reverse cleaning. The switching disc device of switching valve D24 can also be controlled by a set program, thus automatically selecting the rinsing direction without manual switching. This simplifies operation, greatly reduces labor costs, and is highly economical.

[0030] The chromatographic column 12 typically requires multiple rinsings. The waste liquid from the first few rinsings is generally discharged into waste liquid bottle 4, while the waste liquid from the subsequent rinsings can be discharged into the chromatographic detector (not shown in the figure) to monitor the regeneration status of the chromatographic column 12. If the detection is satisfactory, regeneration is complete. Furthermore, the number and type of the switching valves are not limited to this and can be set as needed. Different numbers or types of switching valves can provide different rinsing schemes.

[0031] Key references Figure 5 The switching valve D24 has ports 2 and 4 symmetrically arranged, both adjacent to ports 1 and 3. That is, ports 2 and 4, and ports 1 and 3 are not adjacent. Rotating the rotating disc of the switching valve D24 can only connect ports 1 and 4, or ports 2 and 3 to achieve forward flushing, or connect ports 1 and 2, or ports 3 and 4 to achieve reverse flushing, to prevent ports 2 and 4, or ports 1 and 3 from being connected and thus failing to achieve the flushing effect.

[0032] Key references Figures 1-4 The present invention also includes a housing 5, in which the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2 are arranged side by side. The adjacent arrangement of the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2 facilitates the connection of the switching valve B22 and the switching valve C23 with the chromatographic column 12. Furthermore, the mounting positions on the temperature control module 11 can be arranged side by side, meaning that multiple chromatographic columns 12 can be installed side by side. The layout is reasonable, allowing for the installation of more chromatographic columns 12 while reducing the space occupied.

[0033] Key references Figure 1and Figure 3 The solvent bottle 3, waste liquid bottle 4, and chromatographic detector are located outside the housing. The housing 5 has multiple through holes 51 on one side wall of the power compartment 2. The pipe connected to the branch interface of the switching valve A21 can pass through the through holes 51 to connect to the solvent bottle 3 outside the housing 5. The pipe connected to port 3 of the switching valve D24 can also optionally pass through one of the through holes 51 to connect to the waste liquid bottle 4 or the chromatographic detector outside the housing 5. Air inlets and outlets for ventilation are also provided on the left and right sides of the housing 5.

[0034] Key references Figure 1 and Figure 2 Furthermore, the infusion pump 25 is large in size and mass. Switching valves A21 and B22 are preferably arranged side-by-side above the infusion pump 25, and switching valves C23 and D24 are preferably arranged side-by-side above switching valves A21 and B22. Switching valves B22 and C23 are preferably located on the side closer to the column temperature chamber 1, facilitating their connection to the chromatographic column 12. Switching valves A21 and D24 are located on the other side, near the through-hole 51 on the housing 5, facilitating their connection to the solvent bottle 3 and the waste liquid bottle 4 or the chromatographic detector. Switching valve A21 is also close to the infusion pump 25, facilitating its connection. Switching valve D24 is adjacent to the other three switching valves, facilitating its connection to all three. In addition, all switching valves and infusion pumps 25 are arranged vertically in a regular pattern to reduce space occupation; and it should be added that the positions of all switching valves and infusion pumps 25 are not fixed and can be adjusted as needed.

[0035] In summary, the arrangement of all structures within the housing 5 of this utility model is reasonable, which not only facilitates the connection between various components and reduces the space occupied, but also minimizes the mutual influence between the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2, enabling the regeneration instrument to operate stably.

[0036] Key references Figure 4 The enclosure 5 is equipped with a partition 52 and a main frame 53. The partition 52 divides the interior of the enclosure 5 into a column temperature chamber 1 and a power chamber 2. The main frame 53 is located behind the partition 52. The temperature control module 11, switching valve A21, switching valve B22, switching valve C23, switching valve D24 and infusion pump 25 are mounted on the main frame 53. The rear panel 59 of the enclosure 5 is detachable. The components in the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2 can be installed on the main frame 53 first, and then the rear panel 59 can be removed and the main frame 53 can be installed into the enclosure 5. This allows all the components in the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2 to be installed into the enclosure 5 at once, making the installation convenient and quick.

[0037] Key references Figure 1Both the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2 are equipped with leakage channels 54 at their bottoms to receive leaked liquid. Each leakage channel 54 is equipped with a leakage sensor 55. When the waste liquid level is higher than the leakage sensor 55, an alarm will sound, alerting personnel to perform maintenance. The bottom side wall of the housing 5 has a waste discharge port 56 communicating with the leakage channels 54, through which waste liquid can be discharged from the housing 5. Specifically, two leakage channels 54 are preferably provided, respectively located at the bottom of the column temperature chamber 1 and the power chamber 2, with one leakage channel 54 being higher than the other. A waste discharge channel 58 is opened at the bottom of the partition 52 to connect the two leakage channels 54. Waste liquid in the higher leakage channel is discharged into the lower leakage channel, and waste liquid in the lower leakage channel is discharged through the waste discharge port 56. In addition to the leakage sensor 55, this invention can also be equipped with a temperature alarm and a pressure detection alarm to monitor temperature and pressure, respectively, ensuring the safety and reliability of the regeneration instrument and enabling it to operate without manual supervision.

[0038] Key references Figure 2 and Figure 3 The front of the housing 5 is equipped with a switchable hatch 57, specifically two hatches 57, one on the left and one on the right, for easy opening and closing. The two hatches 57 are designed with one larger than the other, with the left hatch 571 larger than the right hatch 572. A control panel 573 and buttons 574 can be installed on the left hatch 571. The control panel 573 can be an electronic touchscreen. On the control panel 573, the type of rinsing solvent, rinsing direction, rinsing time, column temperature chamber 1 temperature, and infusion pump 25 flow rate can be set. Pressing the button 574 will start the regeneration instrument to automatically rinse the chromatographic column 12. Furthermore, when the liquid level in the leakage tank 54 is higher than the leakage sensor 55, a warning will be displayed on the control panel 573.

[0039] As a preferred option, all pipelines in this device, as well as the valve heads of switching valves A21, B22, C23, and D24, and the pump head of infusion pump 25, can be made of SUS, PEEK, or Teflon, which have strong corrosion resistance and long service life.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not a limitation on the design of this case. All equivalent changes made based on the key design of this case shall fall within the protection scope of this case.

Claims

1. A multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument, characterized in that: The system includes a column temperature chamber and a power chamber arranged side by side. The column temperature chamber is equipped with a temperature control module, on which multiple chromatographic columns are mounted side by side. The power chamber is equipped with a pump and valve assembly, which includes an infusion pump and multiple switching valves. The switching valves and the infusion pump are arranged vertically. The infusion pump is connected to multiple chromatographic columns and multiple solvent bottles containing rinsing solvents via switching valves and pipelines.

2. The multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a housing, which has a partition and a main frame inside. The partition divides the interior of the housing into a temperature chamber and a power chamber. The main frame is located behind the partition, and the temperature control module, switching valve and infusion pump are installed on the main frame.

3. The multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The switching valves include switching valve A, switching valve B, switching valve C, and switching valve D. Switching valves A, B, and C are multi-port selector valves, each with a common interface and multiple branch interfaces. Switching valve D is a two-position four-way switching valve with ports 1, 2, 3, and 4. The multiple branch interfaces of switching valve A are connected to multiple solvent bottles containing rinsing solvent. The common interface of switching valve A is connected to the inlet of an infusion pump. The outlet of the infusion pump is connected to port 1 of switching valve D. The common interface of switching valve B is connected to port 2 of switching valve D. The multiple branch interfaces of switching valve B are connected to one end of multiple chromatographic columns. The other ends of the multiple chromatographic columns are connected to the multiple branch interfaces of switching valve C. The common interface of switching valve C is connected to port 4 of switching valve D. Port 3 of switching valve D is connected to a waste bottle or a chromatographic detector via a pipeline.

4. The multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The housing has multiple through holes on one side wall of the power compartment. The pipe connected to the branch interface of the switching valve A passes through the through holes and connects to the solvent bottle outside the housing. The pipe connected to port 3 of the switching valve D passes through the through holes and connects to the waste liquid bottle or chromatography detector outside the housing.

5. A multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Switching valves A and B are arranged side by side above the infusion pump, and switching valves C and D are arranged side by side above switching valves A and B. Switching valves B and C are located on one side closer to the column temperature chamber.

6. A multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both the bottom of the temperature chamber and the power compartment are equipped with a leakage tank, and a leakage sensor is installed on the leakage tank. The bottom of the side wall of the box is equipped with a waste discharge port that communicates with the leakage tank.

7. A multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The front of the enclosure is equipped with a switchable hatch, and the hatch is equipped with a control panel and buttons.

8. The multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control module has multiple side-by-side mounting positions, and the chromatographic column is fixed in the mounting positions.

9. A multifunctional chromatographic column regeneration instrument as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve head of the switching valve and the pump head of the infusion pump are made of SUS, PEEK or Teflon.

Images