An automatic flow rate switching valve for biomolecular chromatography

Abstract

The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide an automatic flow rate switching valve for biomolecular chromatography. This automatic flow rate switching valve's dynamic response mechanism can precisely match the flow rate requirements of different stages after chromatography, ensuring sufficient injection of cleaning solution and timely discharge of high-salt solutions to avoid residue, effectively reducing manual intervention and operational errors. The device includes a main inlet pipe connected to the inlet pipe of the chromatography system, with six branch inlet pipes. Each of the six branch inlet pipes is equipped with an identical valve body control structure, including a stopcock valve and a flow rate switch control structure. The flow rate switch control structure opens or closes the corresponding stopcock valve according to the different flow rates of the main inlet pipe. Different cleaning solutions are injected through the six branch inlet pipes, and the corresponding stopcock valves can be opened or closed according to the different flow rates of the main inlet pipe, allowing different cleaning solutions to be injected at different cleaning stages for thorough cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chromatography system technology, specifically to an automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography. Background Technology

[0002] After the chromatography system has finished running, the traditional manual cleaning and preservation process requires manually switching valves to drain the high-salt solution and flush the pipeline. This method is prone to operational delays and human error, which can lead to the retention of high-salt solution inside the equipment, causing pipeline corrosion, salt crystal blockage, or reagent cross-contamination, seriously affecting the lifespan of the equipment and the reliability of experimental results. At the same time, the fixed valve design cannot adapt to different flow rate requirements, resulting in low cleaning efficiency or incomplete flushing, increasing the cost of repeated operations. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography. The dynamic response mechanism of this automatic flow rate switching valve can accurately match the flow rate requirements of different stages after chromatography, ensuring that the washing solution is fully injected and the high-salt solution is discharged in time to avoid residue, effectively reducing manual intervention and operational errors.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: an automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography, including a liquid inlet main pipe, which is connected to the liquid inlet pipe of the chromatography system, and six liquid inlet branch pipes are provided on the liquid inlet main pipe.

[0005] One end of each of the six liquid inlet pipes is connected to the main liquid inlet pipe and they are interconnected. The other end of each of the six liquid inlet pipes is connected to one of the six cleaning solutions.

[0006] Each of the six liquid inlet pipes is equipped with a valve body control structure with the same structure, which includes a plug valve and a flow rate switch control structure.

[0007] The stopcock valve is installed on the corresponding inlet pipe, and the flow rate switch control structure opens or closes the corresponding stopcock valve according to the different flow rates of the main inlet pipe.

[0008] Furthermore, the flow rate switch control structure includes a housing, which is mounted on the main liquid inlet pipe;

[0009] The box is equipped with a partition, and the front-to-back length of the partition is less than the front-to-back length of the box's internal cavity.

[0010] An elastic membrane is provided at the front end of the partition, and the partition and the elastic membrane divide the inner cavity of the box into two independent cavities: a circulating pressure cavity and a pressure regulating cavity.

[0011] The front end of the box is provided with a first circulation pipe, the rear end of the first circulation pipe is provided on the front side wall of the box and communicates with the circulation pressure chamber, and the front end of the first circulation pipe is provided with a trumpet-shaped drain nozzle, the large diameter end of the drain nozzle is provided on the side wall of the liquid inlet main pipe and the two are communicated with each other.

[0012] The rear end of the box is provided with a second circulation pipe, and the inner diameter of the second circulation pipe is smaller than the inner diameter of the first circulation pipe.

[0013] The front end of the second circulation pipe is located on the rear side wall of the housing and is connected to the circulation pressure chamber; the rear end of the second circulation pipe is located on the side wall of the liquid inlet main pipe and the two are connected to each other.

[0014] A slider is provided inside the pressure regulating chamber. The front end of the slider is in contact with the elastic membrane. An adjusting screw is provided on the rear side wall of the pressure regulating chamber and the two are threaded together. A compression spring is provided between the adjusting screw and the slider.

[0015] A groove is provided on the right side wall of the pressure regulating chamber, the right end of the slider extends outward through the groove, and a rack is provided on the right end face of the slider.

[0016] The valve stem of the plug valve is equipped with a gear that meshes with a rack.

[0017] Furthermore, a protective shell is provided on the right side wall of the enclosure;

[0018] The gear and rack are both located inside the protective housing, and the valve stem of the plug valve passes through the lower side wall of the protective housing and the two are connected when rotated.

[0019] Furthermore, the flow rates of the liquid in the corresponding inlet pipes when the six stopcocks are opened are 0 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 15 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 25 ml / min, and 30 ml / min, respectively.

[0020] Furthermore, the elastic membrane is made of perfluoroether rubber.

[0021] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the main inlet pipe is the same as the inner diameter of the six branch inlet pipes.

[0022] Furthermore, the enclosure and partitions are both made of borosilicate glass.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] The six inlet manifolds allow for the injection of different cleaning solutions, ensuring thorough cleaning of the chromatography system's inlet lines and effectively preventing residue buildup. Each inlet manifold is equipped with a stopcock valve and a flow rate switch control structure, allowing the corresponding stopcock valve to be opened or closed according to the different flow rates of the main inlet pipe. This enables the injection of different cleaning solutions at different cleaning stages to achieve thorough cleaning. The switching process between different cleaning solutions requires no manual intervention; it can be achieved by setting different flow rates in the chromatography system, effectively reducing manual intervention and operational errors. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography as described in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of an inlet manifold, a valve body control structure, part of the main inlet manifold, and a protective shell as described in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a side view of a valve body control structure and a partial liquid inlet main pipe assembly structure according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the liquid inlet manifold, valve body control structure, and part of the main liquid inlet pipe described in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the box structure described in this utility model;

[0030] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Main inlet pipe; 2. Inlet branch pipe; 3. Stop valve; 4. Valve stem; 5. Flow rate switch control structure; 501. Housing; 502. Baffle plate; 503. Elastic membrane; 504. First circulation pipe; 505. Drain nozzle; 506. Second circulation pipe; 507. Slider; 508. Adjusting screw; 509. Compression spring; 510. Slide groove; 511. Rack; 512. Gear; 513. Circulation pressure chamber; 514. Pressure regulating chamber; 6. Protective housing. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0032] It should be noted that all directional indicator terms such as "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" in the embodiments of this application indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. They are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0033] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0035] like Figure 1-5 As shown, an automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography includes a main inlet pipe 1. The rear end of the main inlet pipe 1 is connected to the inlet pipeline of the chromatography system. It should be noted that the front end of the main inlet pipe 1 is sealed. The main inlet pipe 1 is provided with six branch inlet pipes 2, which are evenly distributed along the length of the main inlet pipe 1.

[0036] One end of each of the six liquid inlet pipes 2 is connected to the main liquid inlet pipe 1 and they are interconnected. The other end of each of the six liquid inlet pipes 2 is connected to a different type of cleaning solution, that is, connected to a container of cleaning solution. The cleaning solution enters the main liquid inlet pipe 1 through the liquid inlet pipe 2 and then enters the liquid inlet pipeline of the chromatography system to achieve cleaning and then is discharged.

[0037] Each of the six liquid inlet pipes 2 is equipped with a valve body control structure with the same structure. The valve body control structure includes a plug valve 3 and a flow rate switch control structure 5. The plug valve 3 is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0038] The stopcock valve 3 is installed on the corresponding liquid inlet pipe 2. The flow rate switch control structure 5 opens or closes the corresponding stopcock valve 3 according to the different flow rates of the liquid in the main liquid inlet pipe 1. The flow rate of the liquid in the main liquid inlet pipe 1 is set and changed by the chromatography system. That is, a flow rate corresponds to a certain period of time. The flow rate, in conjunction with the flow rate switch control structure 5, opens the stopcock valve 3 corresponding to the flow rate and keeps the other stopcock valves 3 closed, thus realizing the cleaning of the cleaning solution. The switching method between the other cleaning solutions is the same. The entire process can be achieved by pre-setting the chromatography system. No manual intervention is required during the cleaning process.

[0039] like Figure 1-5 As shown, in the above embodiment, preferably, the flow rate switch control structure 5 includes a housing 501, which is disposed on the liquid inlet main pipe 1;

[0040] The box 501 is provided with a partition 502. The front-to-back length of the partition 502 is less than the front-to-back length of the inner cavity of the box 501, and the vertical width of the partition 502 is equal to the vertical width of the inner cavity of the box 501. The rear end of the partition 502 is fixedly installed on the rear side wall of the box 501.

[0041] An elastic membrane 503 is provided at the front end of the partition 502. The partition 502 and the elastic membrane 503 divide the inner cavity of the box 501 into two independent cavities: a circulating pressure cavity 513 and a pressure regulating cavity 514. That is, the circulating pressure cavity 513 is L-shaped. The partition 502 is located on the left side of the inner cavity of the box 501, so that the left side of the circulating pressure cavity 513 is relatively smaller, making it easier to increase the pressure in the circulating pressure cavity.

[0042] The front end of the housing 501 is provided with a first circulation pipe 504. The rear end of the first circulation pipe 504 is provided on the front side wall of the housing 501 and is connected to the circulation pressure chamber 513. The front end of the first circulation pipe 504 is provided with a trumpet-shaped drain nozzle 505. The large diameter end of the drain nozzle 505 is provided on the side wall of the liquid inlet main pipe 1 and the two are connected to each other.

[0043] The rear end of the housing 501 is provided with a second circulation pipe 506, and the inner diameter of the second circulation pipe 506 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first circulation pipe 504.

[0044] The front end of the second circulation pipe 506 is located on the rear side wall of the housing 501 and is connected to the circulation pressure chamber 513. The rear end of the second circulation pipe 506 is located on the side wall of the liquid inlet pipe 1 and the two are connected to each other. The liquid in the liquid inlet pipe 1 is guided to the circulation pressure chamber 513 through the first circulation pipe 504 via the drainage nozzle 505, and then circulated back into the liquid inlet pipe 1 through the second circulation pipe 506. Since the inner diameter of the second circulation pipe 506 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first circulation pipe 504, the liquid in the circulation pressure chamber 513 can generate pressure and act on the elastic membrane 503, causing the elastic membrane 503 to deform. The pressure generated by different flow rates of the liquid in the liquid inlet pipe 1 is also different, which causes the elastic membrane 503 to deform to different degrees. The greater the flow rate, the greater the force acting on the elastic membrane 503, and the greater the deformation of the elastic membrane 503. The flow direction of the liquid in the liquid inlet pipe 1 is the same as the flow direction of the liquid in the circulation pressure chamber 513, both flowing from front to back.

[0045] A slider 507 is provided inside the pressure regulating cavity 514. The front end of the slider 507 is in contact with the elastic membrane 503. An adjusting screw 508 is provided on the rear side wall of the pressure regulating cavity 514 and the two are threadedly connected. That is, there is a free threaded hole on the rear side wall of the pressure regulating cavity 514 that is adapted to the adjusting screw 508. A compression spring 509 is provided between the adjusting screw 508 and the slider 507.

[0046] A groove 510 is provided on the right side wall of the pressure regulating chamber 514, and the right end of the slider 507 extends outward through the groove 510. A rack 511 is provided on the right end face of the slider 507.

[0047] The valve stem 4 of the stopcock valve 3 is equipped with a gear 512 that meshes with a rack 511. The deformation of the elastic diaphragm 503 pushes the slider 507 backward along the groove 510, causing the rack 511 to move backward and rotate the corresponding gear 512, thus opening and closing the stopcock valve 3. Furthermore, rotating the adjusting screw 508 changes the length of the adjusting screw 508 extending into the pressure regulating chamber 514, placing the compression spring 509 in different compression states. This results in different pressures required for the elastic diaphragm 503 to deform and push the slider 507. The longer the adjusting screw 508 extends into the pressure regulating chamber 514, the greater the compression of the spring 509. The greater the force required for the elastic diaphragm 503 to deform and push the slider 507, the faster the flow rate in the inlet pipe 1. The shorter the angle, the smaller the compression amplitude of the compression spring 509. At this time, the force required for the elastic membrane 503 to deform and push the slider 507 is also relatively smaller, and the flow rate in the liquid inlet pipe 1 is relatively slower. This can change the flow rate of the liquid in the liquid inlet pipe 1 to open the stop valve 3 with the corresponding flow rate, thereby allowing the corresponding cleaning fluid to be injected to achieve the cleaning purpose. It should be noted that the opening of the stop valve 3 requires the force generated by the corresponding flow rate to act on the elastic membrane 503. Too large or too small a force will not be able to open the stop valve 3 correctly. It should be noted that too small a force will not be able to push the corresponding slider 507 to move, and too large a force will cause the slider 507 to move beyond the stroke that just opens the corresponding stop valve 3, so that the stop valve 3 will still be closed and will not be opened. This avoids the stop valve 3 with a lower flow rate not opening when the flow rate is high.

[0048] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, in order to avoid the impact caused by the exposed gear 512 and rack 511, a protective shell 6 is provided on the right side wall of the housing 501;

[0049] The gear 512 and rack 511 are both located inside the protective housing 6. The valve stem 4 of the plug valve 3 passes through the lower side wall of the protective housing 6 and the two are connected. That is, the valve stem 4 and the lower side wall of the protective housing 6 are connected by a bearing. The gear 512 and rack 511 are covered by the protective housing 6, which effectively avoids the impact caused by exposure.

[0050] In this embodiment, preferably, the flow rates of the six stopcocks 3 when they are open are 0 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 15 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 25 ml / min, and 30 ml / min, respectively. The flow rate of the stopcock 3 at the front is 0 ml / min, and the flow rate of the stopcock 3 at the back is 30 ml / min, corresponding sequentially from front to back. It should be noted that in the initial expansion state, the stopcock 3 at the front is open, that is, the corresponding flow rate is 0 ml / min. The inlet branch pipe 2 at the front is generally connected to purified water or clean water. The purpose is to ensure that the inlet main pipe 1 is full of liquid so that the chromatography system can realize the change of liquid flow rate and thus smoothly open the stopcock 3 with the corresponding flow rate of 10 ml / min.

[0051] In this embodiment, preferably, the elastic membrane 503 is made of perfluoroether rubber (FFKM).

[0052] In this embodiment, preferably, the inner diameter of the main inlet pipe 1 is the same as the inner diameter of the six inlet branch pipes 2, to ensure that the liquid in the main inlet pipe 1 is always full.

[0053] In this embodiment, in order to avoid the corrosion caused by the cleaning fluid from shortening its service life, the box body 501 and the partition 502 are both made of borosilicate glass, which has corrosion-resistant properties and can effectively extend its service life.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and do not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An automatic flow rate switching valve for biomolecular chromatography, comprising a main inlet pipe (1), wherein the main inlet pipe (1) is connected to the inlet pipeline of the chromatography system, characterized in that: The main inlet pipe (1) is equipped with six inlet branch pipes (2); One end of each of the six liquid inlet pipes (2) is connected to the main liquid inlet pipe (1) and they are interconnected. The other end of each of the six liquid inlet pipes (2) is connected to one of the six cleaning solutions. Each of the six liquid inlet pipes (2) is equipped with a valve body control structure with the same structure, which includes a plug valve (3) and a flow rate switch control structure (5). The stopcock valve (3) is installed on the corresponding liquid inlet pipe (2), and the flow rate switch control structure (5) opens or closes the corresponding stopcock valve (3) according to the different flow rates of the liquid in the main liquid inlet pipe (1).

2. The automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow rate switch control structure (5) includes a housing (501), which is mounted on the liquid inlet main pipe (1); The box (501) is provided with a partition (502), and the front-to-back length of the partition (502) is less than the front-to-back length of the inner cavity of the box (501). An elastic membrane (503) is provided at the front end of the partition (502). The partition (502) and the elastic membrane (503) divide the inner cavity of the box (501) into two independent cavities: a circulating pressure cavity (513) and a pressure regulating cavity (514). The front end of the housing (501) is provided with a first circulation pipe (504), the rear end of the first circulation pipe (504) is provided on the front side wall of the housing (501) and communicates with the circulation pressure chamber (513), the front end of the first circulation pipe (504) is provided with a trumpet-shaped drainage nozzle (505), the large diameter end of the drainage nozzle (505) is provided on the side wall of the liquid inlet main pipe (1) and the two are in communication with each other. The rear end of the box (501) is provided with a second circulation pipe (506) and the inner diameter of the second circulation pipe (506) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first circulation pipe (504); The front end of the second circulation pipe (506) is located on the rear side wall of the box (501) and communicates with the circulation pressure chamber (513). The rear end of the second circulation pipe (506) is located on the side wall of the liquid inlet main pipe (1) and the two communicate with each other. A slider (507) is provided inside the pressure regulating cavity (514). The front end of the slider (507) is in contact with the elastic membrane (503). An adjusting screw (508) is provided on the rear side wall of the pressure regulating cavity (514) and the two are threadedly connected. A compression spring (509) is provided between the adjusting screw (508) and the slider (507). A groove (510) is provided on the right side wall of the pressure regulating chamber (514), and the right end of the slider (507) extends outward through the groove (510). A rack (511) is provided on the right end face of the slider (507). The valve stem (4) of the plug valve (3) is provided with a gear (512) that meshes with a rack (511).

3. The automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography according to claim 2, characterized in that: A protective shell (6) is provided on the right side wall of the box (501); The gear (512) and rack (511) are both located inside the protective housing (6), and the valve stem (4) of the plug valve (3) passes through the lower side wall of the protective housing (6) and the two are connected.

4. An automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the six stopcocks (3) are opened, the flow rates of the liquid in the corresponding inlet pipes (1) are 0 ml / min, 10 ml / min, 15 ml / min, 20 ml / min, 25 ml / min, and 30 ml / min, respectively.

5. An automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography according to claim 4, characterized in that: The elastic membrane (503) is made of perfluoroether rubber.

6. An automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the main inlet pipe (1) is the same as the inner diameter of the six inlet branch pipes (2).

7. An automatic flow rate switching valve for biomacromolecule chromatography according to claim 6, characterized in that: The box body (501) and partition (502) are both made of borosilicate glass.

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