A liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid chromatographic column vortex cleaning device, the utility model relates to the technical field of cleaning equipment. Including base, the utility model is equipped with spiral flow guide groove in conical mouth, makes the washing solvent produce vortex, increases flow path and shear force to improve the elution effect to the residue, and the effluent is discharged, and the effluent flows out from chromatographic column liquid outlet, falls into the drainage shell of arc structure, and then flows into the collection shell through the drainage shell one end alignment collection shell's opening, when the effluent flows in the collection shell, will pass through the filter screen support of sliding connection in the internal sliding groove, and the filter screen support filters the impurity in the effluent, and the filtered effluent remains in the bottom of collection shell, and the impurity remains on the filter screen support, and the drainage shell of arc structure can collect the effluent that flows out from chromatographic column liquid outlet to the maximum degree, avoids the effluent splashing, and the filter screen support filters the impurity in the effluent, and the subsequent classification treatment of effluent is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cleaning equipment technology, specifically to a liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid chromatography (LC) is a highly efficient separation and purification technique widely used in many fields, such as chemical engineering, biology, food, and pharmaceuticals. The chromatographic column is the core component of LC, serving as the primary site for substance separation and directly impacting separation and purification performance. It has always been a central and cutting-edge research area in LC technology.

[0003] Reference patent (publication number: CN208542657U; publication date: 2019-02-26) discloses a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column cleaning device, belonging to the field of testing instrument technology. It provides a simple, easy-to-use, automatically identifying and cleaning HPLC column with high cleaning efficiency. The technical solution adopted includes connecting joints on both the housing and the waste tank. Each column support is fitted with a chromatographic column, with both ends connected to the connecting joints. Multiple mobile phase storage bottles are installed on the top of the housing. Multiple liquid pumps and a controller are installed inside the housing. The waste tank contains a drain pipe and a collection tank. The drain pipe is connected to the connecting joints, and the collection tank is slidably inserted into the waste tank. RFID electronic tags are also installed on the chromatographic columns, and an RFID identification device is installed on the waste tank. A working indicator light, a selection indicator light, and a control switch are also installed on the housing.

[0004] Based on the aforementioned patents, when cleaning chromatographic columns, a water pump is typically used to deliver liquid into the equipment, and different solvents are used to elute the residues adsorbed in the packing material. However, the rinsing solvent enters the chromatographic column in a linear flow state, which is insufficient in terms of shearing and scouring force against stubborn residues in the gaps between the packing materials, resulting in a short flow path and low elution efficiency. Furthermore, during the cleaning process, especially at high flow rates, the chromatographic column needs to be stably fixed to prevent shaking or falling off. Also, the waste liquid after cleaning is prone to splashing when discharged from the outlet of the chromatographic column, making it inconvenient to filter and recover. Therefore, this utility model provides a liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device. This device solves the problems of insufficient shearing and scouring force of the rinsing solvent entering the column in a linear flow state, resulting in a short flow path and low elution efficiency. Furthermore, during the cleaning process, especially at high flow rates, the column needs to be stably fixed to prevent shaking or falling off. Additionally, the waste liquid after cleaning is prone to splashing when discharged from the column outlet, making filtration and recovery difficult.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device, comprising a base, wherein the base is provided with a mounting mechanism for cleaning the liquid chromatography column, the mounting mechanism comprising: The cleaning assembly includes a water tank body fixed to the upper end face of a base, a conduit connected to the lower end face of the water tank body via an output assembly, a conical nozzle fixed to one end of the conduit, a rubber layer on the outer wall of the conical nozzle, and a spiral guide groove inside the conical nozzle to generate a vortex in the rinsing solvent. The mounting components include a support frame fixed to the upper end of the base, a slide rail bracket fixed to the upper end of the support frame, a clamping block connected by a pushing component inside the slide rail bracket, the clamping block having a V-shaped structure inside, and a rubber pad fixed to the V-shaped surface of the clamping block. A waste liquid recovery collection shell is provided on the base, and a sliding groove is opened inside the collection shell, with a filter screen bracket slidably connected inside the sliding groove.

[0007] Preferably, the output component includes a pump body disposed on the lower end face of the water tank body, the conduit being located at the lower end of the pump body, and a multi-solvent switching valve disposed on one side of the pump body. The multi-solvent switching valve is disposed between the water tank body and the conduit and is used to switch cleaning solvents of different polarities.

[0008] Preferably, the surface of the conical nozzle is provided with a rubber layer for insertion of one end of the chromatographic column, and one end of the chromatographic column is in close contact with the surface of the rubber layer.

[0009] Preferably, the pushing assembly includes a horizontal plate fixed to one side wall of the collecting housing, an electric push rod fixed through the interior of the horizontal plate, a lifting block fixed to the lower end of the electric push rod, movable rods rotatably connected to both sides of the lifting block via a rotating shaft, a clamping block slidably connected to the slide rail bracket, and the other end of the movable rod rotatably connected to the clamping block via a rotating shaft.

[0010] Preferably, the two side walls of the collecting shell are provided with guide grooves, and a guide rod is slidably connected inside the guide groove. One end of the guide rod is fixed to the drain shell, the washing outlet of the chromatographic column is located inside the drain shell, the drain shell has an arc-shaped structure, and one end of the drain shell is aligned with the collecting shell.

[0011] Preferably, a screw is rotatably connected to one side of the drainage shell, and a fixing block is fixed to the upper end face of the collection shell, with the screw and the fixing block being threadedly connected.

[0012] Beneficial effects This invention provides a liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages: Firstly, this invention features a spiral guide groove inside the conical nozzle, which generates a vortex in the rinsing solvent, increasing the flow path and shear force, thereby improving the elution effect on residues and discharging waste liquid. The waste liquid flows out from the column outlet and falls into the arc-shaped guide shell, then flows into the collection shell through one end of the guide shell aligned with the opening. As the waste liquid flows within the collection shell, it passes through a filter support slidably connected in an internal groove. The filter support filters impurities in the waste liquid, leaving the filtered waste liquid at the bottom of the collection shell while the impurities remain on the filter support. The arc-shaped guide shell maximizes the collection of waste liquid flowing from the column outlet, preventing splashing. Simultaneously, its alignment with the collection shell ensures smooth flow of waste liquid into the collection shell, further preventing waste liquid from contaminating the working environment. The filter support's filtration of impurities in the waste liquid facilitates subsequent waste liquid classification and treatment.

[0013] Secondly, the electric push rod of this utility model drives the lifting block fixed at its lower end to move up and down. The movable rods on both sides of the lifting block, which are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft, will rotate with the movement of the lifting block. This, in turn, drives the clamping block, which is rotatably connected to the other end of the movable rod by a rotating shaft, to slide inside the slide rail bracket. The V-shaped structure and rubber pad of the clamping block clamp and fix the chromatographic column. The V-shaped structure inside the clamping block and the fixed rubber pad can better adapt to the shape of the chromatographic column, increase friction, and make the chromatographic column more firmly fixed, avoiding shaking or falling off during the cleaning process. In addition, the V-shaped structure of the clamping block can adapt to chromatographic columns of different diameters, increasing the versatility and flexibility of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conical nozzle structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping block connection structure of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage shell connection structure of this utility model.

[0015] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Water tank body; 201. Pump body; 202. Pipe; 203. Conical nozzle; 3. Support frame; 301. Slide rail bracket; 302. Clamping block; 303. Rubber pad; 4. Horizontal plate; 401. Electric push rod; 402. Lifting block; 403. Movable rod; 5. Collection shell; 501. Drainage shell; 502. Fixing block; 503. Screw; 6. Guide rod; 601. Guide groove; 7. Slide groove; 701. Filter screen bracket; 8. Multi-solvent switching valve; 9. Spiral guide groove. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0017] Please see Figure 1-4 This utility model provides a technical solution: a liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device, including a base 1, on which a mounting mechanism for cleaning the liquid chromatography column is provided, the mounting mechanism including: The cleaning assembly includes a water tank body 2 fixed to the upper end face of a base 1. A conduit 202 connected to the lower end face of the water tank body 2 via an output assembly is provided. A conical nozzle 203 is fixed to one end of the conduit 202. A rubber layer is provided on the outer wall of the conical nozzle 203. A spiral guide groove 9 is provided inside the conical nozzle 203 to generate vortex in the rinsing solvent, increase the flow path and shear force, thereby improving the rinsing effect on residues. Specifically, the spiral guide channel (9) is configured to convert the pumped cleaning liquid from axial flow to rotating vortex and then introduce it into the column inlet, no longer limited to the laminar flow state of flat push flow, but generating strong three-dimensional vortex motion.

[0018] The installation components include a support frame 3 fixed to the upper end of the base 1, a slide rail bracket 301 fixed to the upper end of the support frame 3, a clamping block 302 connected by a push assembly inside the slide rail bracket 301, the clamping block 302 has a V-shaped structure inside, and a rubber pad 303 is fixed to the V-shaped surface of the clamping block 302. A waste liquid recovery collection shell 5 is provided on the base 1, and a slide groove 7 is opened inside the collection shell 5. A filter screen bracket 701 is slidably connected inside the slide groove 7.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the output component includes a pump body 201 disposed on the lower end face of the water tank body 2, a conduit 202 located at the lower end of the pump body 201, and a multi-solvent switching valve 8 disposed on one side of the pump body 201. The multi-solvent switching valve 8 is disposed between the water tank body 2 and the conduit 202 and can be connected to multiple solvent sources of different polarities. The valve selects different solvents to enter the pump body 201 by rotating the valve core or changing the passage. After the solvent selected by the multi-solvent switching valve 8 enters the pump body 201, it forms a vortex through the conduit 202 and the conical nozzle 203, and performs stepwise cleaning of the chromatographic column in a set sequence. The other end of the chromatographic column is sealed by a standardized connector, and the residues adsorbed in the packing are eluted with different solvents.

[0020] Furthermore, the other end of the chromatographic column is sealed using a common liquid chromatography sealing connector, such as a compression fitting or a Swagelok connector, to ensure that the cleaning process is carried out in a closed system. This is existing technology and will not be elaborated further.

[0021] The inlet of the multi-solvent switching valve 8 is connected to multiple different solvent sources via pipelines, and its outlet is connected to the inlet of the pump body 201.

[0022] Specifically, when it is necessary to deliver the rinsing solvent, the pump 201 located on the lower end of the water tank body 2 is activated. The pump 201 generates power to extract the rinsing solvent from the water tank body 2, and then delivers the rinsing solvent to the conical nozzle 203 through the conduit 202 connected to the lower end of the pump 201. Since the rubber layer on the surface of the conical nozzle 203 is used for the insertion of one end of the chromatographic column, and the one end of the chromatographic column is in close contact with the surface of the rubber layer, the rinsing solvent flows smoothly into the chromatographic column through the conical nozzle 203.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the push assembly includes a horizontal plate 4 fixed to one side wall of the collecting housing 5. An electric push rod 401 is fixed through the interior of the horizontal plate 4. A lifting block 402 is fixed to the lower end of the electric push rod 401. Movable rods 403 are rotatably connected to the lifting block 402 on both sides via a rotating shaft. A clamping block 302 is slidably connected inside the slide rail bracket 301. The other end of the movable rod 403 is rotatably connected to the clamping block 302 via a rotating shaft. After the chromatographic column is inserted and then clamped and fixed, and after the conical nozzle 203 is inserted into one end of the chromatographic column to complete the docking, the electric push rod 401 fixed through the interior of the horizontal plate 4 fixed to one side wall of the collecting housing 5 is activated. The electric push rod 401 drives the lifting block 402 fixed at its lower end to move up and down. The movable rods 403 on both sides of the lifting block 402, which are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft, will rotate as the lifting block 402 moves. This will cause the clamping block 302, which is rotatably connected to the other end of the movable rod 403 by a rotating shaft, to slide inside the slide rail bracket 301. The V-shaped structure and the rubber pad 303 clamp and fix the chromatographic column. The clamping block 302 has a V-shaped structure inside and is fixed with a rubber pad 303, which can better adapt to the shape of the chromatographic column, increase friction, and make the chromatographic column more firmly fixed, avoiding shaking or falling off during the cleaning process.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, guide grooves 601 are provided on both side walls of the collecting shell 5. A guide rod 6 is slidably connected inside the guide groove 601. One end of the guide rod 6 is fixed to the draining shell 501. The washing outlet of the chromatographic column is located inside the draining shell 501. The draining shell 501 has an arc-shaped structure, and one end of the draining shell 501 is aligned with the collecting shell 5. A screw 503 is rotatably connected to one side of the draining shell 501. A fixing block 502 is fixed to the upper end face of the collecting shell 5. The screw 503 and the fixing block 502 are threadedly connected. According to the position of the column cleaning outlet, rotate the screw 503 connected to one side of the guide shell 501. Since the screw 503 is threadedly connected to the fixing block 502 fixed on the upper end face of the collection shell 5, the rotation of the screw 503 will drive the guide shell 501 to move. The guide rods 6 connected to both sides of the guide shell 501 will slide in the guide grooves 601 opened on both sides of the collection shell 5, which will guide the movement of the guide shell 501. Finally, the guide shell 501 will be adjusted to a suitable position so that the column cleaning outlet is inside the guide shell 501. After cleaning, the waste liquid is discharged from the outlet of the chromatography column and falls into the arc-shaped guide shell 501. Then, it flows into the collection shell 5 through the opening of the collection shell 5 at one end. When the waste liquid flows in the collection shell 5, it passes through the filter support 701 slidably connected in the internal groove 7. The filter support 701 filters the impurities in the waste liquid. The filtered waste liquid remains at the bottom of the collection shell 5, while the impurities remain on the filter support 701. The arc-shaped guide shell 501 can collect the waste liquid flowing out of the outlet of the chromatography column to the greatest extent and avoid splashing. At the same time, its one end is aligned with the collection shell 5 to ensure that the waste liquid can flow smoothly into the collection shell 5, further preventing the waste liquid from polluting the working environment. The filter support 701 filters the impurities in the waste liquid, which facilitates the subsequent classification and treatment of the waste liquid.

[0025] The filter support 701 is designed to be detachably installed on the collection housing 5 by means of bolts.

[0026] The pump body model used above is WT3001-1JB, and the electric actuator model is XTL100.

[0027] Furthermore, any content not described in detail in this specification is existing technology known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] When cleaning the liquid chromatography column during operation, first insert one end of the column into the conical nozzle 203. The rubber layer on the outer wall of the conical nozzle 203 ensures a tight fit with the column interface, achieving a good seal. Then, the electric push rod 401 is activated, driving the lifting block 402 to move up and down, causing the movable rods 403 on both sides to rotate, pushing the clamping block 302 to slide within the slide rail bracket 301. The chromatographic column is firmly clamped by the V-shaped structure and the rubber pad 303. According to the position of the chromatographic column outlet, the screw 503 is rotated to adjust the position of the guide shell 501 so that it is accurately aligned with the outlet. The pump body 201 is activated, and the appropriate cleaning solvent is selected as needed through the multi-solvent switching valve 8. The solvent is delivered to the conical nozzle 203 through the conduit 202. Under the action of the spiral guide groove 9, a vortex is formed to enhance the elution effect. After the rinsing solvent flows through the chromatographic column, it enters the guide shell 501 from the outlet and then flows into the collection shell 5. After being filtered by the filter support 701, the impurities remain on the filter screen, and the waste liquid is collected at the bottom. After cleaning, the filter support 701 can be removed for cleaning. The whole process is efficient, automated, and environmentally friendly.

[0029] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0030] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A liquid chromatography column vortex washing device comprising a base (1), characterized in that: The base (1) is provided with a mounting mechanism for cleaning the liquid chromatography column, the mounting mechanism including: The cleaning assembly includes a water tank body (2) fixed on the upper surface of a base (1). The lower surface of the water tank body (2) is provided with a conduit (202) connected by an output assembly. One end of the conduit (202) is fixed with a conical nozzle (203). The outer wall of the conical nozzle (203) is provided with a rubber layer. The conical nozzle (203) is provided with a spiral guide groove (9) inside to generate a vortex for the rinsing solvent. The mounting components include a support frame (3) fixed at the upper end of the base (1), a slide rail bracket (301) fixed at the upper end of the support frame (3), a clamping block (302) connected by a push assembly is provided inside the slide rail bracket (301), the clamping block (302) has a V-shaped structure inside, and a rubber pad (303) is fixed on the V-shaped surface of the clamping block (302). A waste liquid recovery collection shell (5) is provided on the base (1), a sliding groove (7) is opened inside the collection shell (5), and a filter screen bracket (701) is slidably connected inside the sliding groove (7).

2. The liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The output component includes a pump body (201) disposed on the lower end face of the water tank body (2), and a conduit (202) located at the lower end of the pump body (201). A multi-solvent switching valve (8) is disposed on one side of the pump body (201). The multi-solvent switching valve (8) is disposed between the water tank body (2) and the conduit (202) and is used to switch cleaning solvents of different polarities.

3. The vortex cleaning device for a liquid chromatography column according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conical nozzle (203) has a rubber layer on its surface for insertion into one end of the chromatographic column, and the one end of the chromatographic column is in close contact with the surface of the rubber layer.

4. The liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The push assembly includes a horizontal plate (4) fixed to one side wall of the collection housing (5). An electric push rod (401) is fixed through the interior of the horizontal plate (4). A lifting block (402) is fixed to the lower end of the electric push rod (401). Movable rods (403) are provided on both sides of the lifting block (402) and are rotatably connected by a rotating shaft. The clamping block (302) is located inside the slide rail bracket (301) and is slidably connected. The other end of the movable rod (403) is rotatably connected to the clamping block (302) by a rotating shaft.

5. The liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two side walls of the collection shell (5) are provided with guide grooves (601), and a guide rod (6) is slidably connected inside the guide groove (601). One end of the guide rod (6) is fixed with a flow-guiding shell (501). The cleaning outlet of the chromatographic column is located inside the flow-guiding shell (501). The flow-guiding shell (501) has an arc-shaped structure, and one end of the flow-guiding shell (501) is aligned with the collection shell (5).

6. The liquid chromatography column vortex cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A screw (503) is rotatably connected to one side of the drainage shell (501), and a fixing block (502) is fixed to the upper end face of the collection shell (5). The screw (503) and the fixing block (502) are threadedly connected.

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