Thin layer chromatography development device

Abstract

The thin layer chromatography developing device comprises a developing cylinder, the developing cylinder has an internal cavity containing a developing agent; a end cover closing the top opening of the developing cylinder; a heating base, the developing cylinder is arranged on the heating base, the heating base has a heating chamber containing a heat transfer medium, the heating chamber and the internal cavity of the developing cylinder are separated by a partition and are not communicated with each other; a temperature control assembly arranged on the heating base, the temperature control assembly is used for heating and temperature control of the heat transfer medium in the heating chamber; a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the pressure in the developing cylinder, the pressure regulating valve is connected with a vacuum pump; and a chromatographic plate clamping assembly for clamping a chromatographic plate in the developing cylinder. The temperature and pressure in the developing cylinder can be controlled, the developing agent can be accelerated to reach a stable pre-saturation state, the edge effect in the developing process can be eliminated, the consistency of experimental conditions of different batches of similar experiments can be ensured by adjusting and controlling the temperature and pressure, and the accuracy of experimental results is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of experimental equipment technology, specifically relating to a thin-layer chromatography developing device. Background Technology

[0002] Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) is a simple, rapid, and widely used chromatographic separation technique for substance separation and identification, content determination, and reaction monitoring. TLC experiments mainly involve spotting, development, and color development, with the development step being crucial for experimental results. Existing chromatographic developing apparatus primarily consists of single- or double-chamber developing tanks with a lid that seals the top opening. During the experiment, the prepared developing solvent is poured into the developing tank, and a strip of filter paper is attached to the inner wall to accelerate vapor pressure saturation. The lid is then closed, and the developing tank is allowed to stand at room temperature for 10–30 minutes to achieve solvent saturation. However, during the experiment, the long pre-saturation time leads to unstable vapor pressure within the developing tank, making it susceptible to environmental temperature and humidity fluctuations, thus affecting the experimental results. Furthermore, opening the lid when placing the spotted TLC plate disrupts the initial vapor pressure, resulting in poor development, edge effects, and poor reproducibility. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize existing chromatographic developing apparatuses to address these problems. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a thin-layer chromatography developing device that can control the temperature and pressure inside the developing cylinder and maintain a stable vapor pressure inside the cylinder, so as to overcome the defects of existing developing devices such as edge effect, poor consistency of experimental conditions, and poor developing effect.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus includes: a developing cylinder having an internal cavity for holding a developing solvent; an end cap sealing the top opening of the developing cylinder; a heating base on which the developing cylinder is mounted, the heating base having a heating chamber for holding a heat transfer medium, the heating chamber and the internal cavity of the developing cylinder being separated by a partition and not communicating with each other; a temperature control component mounted on the heating base for heating and temperature control of the heat transfer medium in the heating chamber; a pressure regulating valve for adjusting the pressure inside the developing cylinder, the pressure regulating valve being externally connected to a vacuum pump; and a chromatographic plate clamping component for clamping a chromatographic plate located inside the developing cylinder.

[0006] In some embodiments, the temperature control component includes a heater disposed in the heating chamber, a switch for controlling the on / off state of the temperature control component, a power interface for connecting to an external power source, and a temperature controller for controlling the operating state of the heater.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heater includes at least one immersion heating element.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pressure regulating valve is disposed on the end cap.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressure regulating valve is a three-way valve, with one passage connected to the atmosphere, one passage connected to the internal chamber of the unfolding cylinder, and one passage connected to an external vacuum pump.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bottom of the end cap is provided with a mounting boss that adapts to the opening of the unfolding cylinder, and a sealing ring is provided between the mounting boss and the inner wall of the opening of the unfolding cylinder.

[0011] In some embodiments, the chromatographic plate clamping assembly includes a height adjusting rod, a locking nut mounted on the end cap for locking the position of the height adjusting rod, and a sealing washer fitted around the height adjusting rod for sealing the gap between the height adjusting rod and the locking nut; the height adjusting rod extends through the locking nut and the end cap into the developing cylinder, and the depth of the height adjusting rod extending into the developing cylinder is adjustable, and the chromatographic plate is disposed at the bottom of the height adjusting rod.

[0012] In some embodiments, the end cap is provided with a mounting hole through which the height adjustment rod passes. The upper half of the mounting hole is a threaded hole that mates with the locking nut, and the lower half is a communicating hole with a diameter adapted to the outer diameter of the height adjustment rod. The sealing washer is located at the bottom of the threaded hole. After the locking nut is tightened, the sealing washer is located between the bottom of the locking nut and the bottom wall of the threaded hole. The lower part of the locking nut is an assembly part with external threads, which is inserted into the threaded hole and mates with the internal threads of the threaded hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom of the height adjustment rod is provided with an assembly groove, the chromatographic plate can be inserted into the assembly groove, a screw hole is provided on one wall of the assembly groove, and the end of a locking screw passes through the screw hole and extends into the assembly groove, abutting against the chromatographic plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer wall of the height adjustment rod is marked with graduations.

[0015] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, this utility model, by setting a heating base, heats and controls the temperature of the developing solvent, reducing pre-saturation time, ensuring consistent developing temperature, and avoiding temperature interference with experimental results that could lead to poor experimental stability. Simultaneously, by setting a pressure regulating valve, the internal pressure of the developing cylinder is controlled, increasing the saturated vapor pressure of the developing solvent and reducing edge effects. By setting a chromatographic plate clamping assembly, the thin-layer chromatographic plate can be immersed in and removed from the developing solvent without disrupting its saturation state, which helps improve the accuracy of experimental results. This utility model can regulate the same temperature and pressure, ensuring consistency of experimental conditions for different batches of similar experiments and improving the accuracy of experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is an assembly diagram of the chromatography plate clamping assembly and end cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the lifting adjustment rod and the end cap in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, for ease of explanation, the drawings illustrating the device structure will be partially enlarged without adhering to the general scale. Furthermore, the schematic diagrams are merely examples and should not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that the drawings are in a simplified form and use non-precise scales, solely for the purpose of conveniently and clearly illustrating the embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, in the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Terms such as "positive," "negative," "bottom," "upper," and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element 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 the present invention.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can also refer to the internal connection of two components; and they can refer to a wireless connection or a wired connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus of this embodiment includes: a developing cylinder 1, an end cap 2, a pressure regulating valve 3, a chromatographic plate clamping assembly 4, a heating base 5, and a temperature control assembly. The internal cavity of the developing cylinder 1 is used to hold the developing solvent. The top of the developing cylinder 1 is open, and the end cap 2 is located on the top of the developing cylinder 1 to close the opening at the top of the developing cylinder 1, thereby creating a sealed environment inside the developing cylinder 1. In this embodiment, both the developing cylinder 1 and the end cap 2 are made of transparent plexiglass for easy observation of the experimental process.

[0025] The unfolding cylinder 1 is mounted on the heating base 5. In this embodiment, the unfolding cylinder 1 and the heating base 5 are an integral structure, and the heating base 5 contains a heating chamber 5a. The internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1 and the heating chamber 5a of the heating base 5 are separated by a partition 7, and the two chambers are not interconnected. A temperature control component is mounted on the heating base 5. In this embodiment, the temperature control component includes a heater 6-1, a temperature controller 6-2, a switch 6-3, and a power interface 6-4. The power interface 6-4 is used to connect to an external power source to power the temperature control component. The switch 6-3 is used to control the on / off state of the temperature control component. The heater 6-1 is located in the heating chamber 5a of the heating base 5. In this embodiment, the heater 6-1 is an immersion heating tube. At least one immersion heating tube is installed in the heating chamber 5a. The heating chamber 5a contains a heat transfer medium such as silicone oil. The heater 6-1 heats the heat transfer medium, and the heat is then transferred to the unfolding cylinder 1 by the heat transfer medium, thus achieving heat transfer. The temperature controller 6-2 includes a temperature sensor and a temperature regulation module. The temperature controller 6-2 allows setting a target temperature and controlling the operating state of the heater 6-1 according to the set target temperature. Once the target temperature is reached, the heater 6-1 stops heating. The temperature controller 6-2 can also display the temperature. In this embodiment, a heating chamber 5a is formed within the heating base 5. A heat transfer medium is placed within the heating chamber 5a. The heater 6-1 does not directly heat the developing agent within the developing cylinder 1. Instead, it indirectly heats the developing agent by heating the heat transfer medium within the heating chamber 5a, which then transfers heat to the developing agent. This is because the developing agent is an organic solvent, which generally has flammable, explosive, and highly corrosive properties. Direct heating poses a high safety risk. Indirect heating effectively reduces this safety risk and also helps extend the lifespan of the heater.

[0026] The pressure regulating valve 3 is used to regulate the pressure inside the unfolding cylinder 1. The pressure regulating valve 3 is connected to the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating valve 3 is a three-way valve, which is mounted on the end cap 2. One passage of the three-way valve is connected to the atmosphere, one passage is connected to the inside of the unfolding cylinder 1, and the other passage is connected to an external vacuum pump (not shown) through a connecting pipe (not shown). The rotary switch 3-1 on the valve opens the pipe connecting the three-way valve to the atmosphere and the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1, thus connecting the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1 to the atmosphere. Alternatively, the rotary switch 3-1 can open the pipe connecting the three-way valve to the vacuum pump and the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1, allowing the vacuum pump to regulate the pressure inside the unfolding cylinder 1. In other embodiments, the pressure regulating valve 3 can be a two-way valve, with two passages connected to the inside of the unfolding cylinder 1 and the vacuum pump, respectively. The rotary switch 3-1 on the valve opens the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1 and the vacuum pump, and opening the end cap 2 allows the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder 1 to be connected to the atmosphere. Compared to a two-way valve, a three-way valve can connect to the atmosphere without opening the cover, making it more convenient to operate and helping to maintain the stability of the environment inside the expansion cylinder.

[0027] In this embodiment, the bottom of the end cap 2 is provided with a downwardly protruding mounting boss 2-1. The shape and external dimensions of the mounting boss 2-1 are adapted to the shape and internal dimensions of the opening of the unfolding cylinder 1. The mounting boss 2-1 can fit tightly with the inner wall of the unfolding cylinder 1, ensuring the sealing of the unfolding cylinder 1 and preventing the evaporation of the unfolding agent. To further ensure the sealing effect, a sealing ring 2-2 is provided between the mounting boss 2-1 and the inner wall of the unfolding cylinder 1. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 2-2 is a silicone sealing ring, which is disposed on the outer wall of the mounting boss 2-1. In other embodiments, the sealing ring 2-2 can also be disposed on the inner wall of the unfolding cylinder 1.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The chromatographic plate clamping assembly 4 in this embodiment includes a height adjusting rod 4-1, a locking nut 4-2, and a sealing washer 4-3. The end cap 2 has a mounting hole 2a for the height adjusting rod 4-1 to pass through. The height adjusting rod 4-1 passes through the mounting hole 2a on the end cap 2 and extends into the developing cylinder 1, with its top protruding outside the end cap 2. The chromatographic plate 8 is positioned at the bottom of the height adjusting rod 4-1. The height adjusting rod 4-1 can adjust its depth within the developing cylinder 1, thereby adjusting the height position of the chromatographic plate 8 within the developing cylinder 1. The locking nut 4-2 is used to lock the height adjusting rod 4-1, preventing it from being adjusted vertically.

[0029] In this embodiment, the upper part of the mounting hole 2a on the end cap 2 is a threaded hole 2a-1 with internal threads machined on its wall, used to mate with the locking nut 4-2. The lower part is a connecting hole with a diameter that matches the outer diameter of the height adjustment rod 4-1. The lower part of the locking nut 4-2 is an assembly part 4-2a, with external threads machined on its outer wall. The assembly part 4-2a can be inserted into the threaded hole 2a-1 and mate with the internal threads on the inner wall of the threaded hole 2a-1 to achieve locking. The locking nut 4-2 has a through hole that runs along its own axis. The height adjustment rod 4-1 can pass through the through hole of the locking nut 4-2 and the mounting hole 2a on the end cap 2 and extend into the unfolding cylinder 1.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, the sealing washer 4-3 is located at the bottom of the threaded hole 2a-1. When the locking nut 4-2 is tightened, the sealing washer 4-3 is located between the bottom of the locking nut 4-2 and the bottom wall of the threaded hole 2a-1. The sealing washer 4-3 is fitted around the height adjusting rod 4-1, which can seal the gap between the height adjusting rod 4-1 and the locking nut 4-2 to prevent the evaporating agent. The outer diameter of the height adjusting rod 4-1 is compatible with the inner diameter of the through hole of the locking nut 4-2 and the inner diameter of the connecting hole on the end cap 2. The outer wall of the height adjusting rod 4-1 and the inner wall of the through hole of the locking nut 4-2 fit tightly, and there is friction. This allows the height adjusting rod 4-1, which has the chromatographic plate installed, to maintain a basically unchanged position relative to the locking nut 4-2 without any other external force. Furthermore, when the locking nut 4-2 is tightened, it presses downwards against the sealing washer 4-3, causing the sealing washer 4-3 to deform. This creates an interaction force between the sealing washer 4-3 and the outer wall of the height adjusting rod 4-1, thus fixing the height adjusting rod 4-1 in place. In this embodiment, a scale 4-1a is marked on the outer wall of the height adjusting rod 4-1, allowing experimenters to better control the depth to which the height adjusting rod 4-1 extends into the unfolding cylinder 1.

[0031] The chromatographic plate 8 is connected to the bottom of the height adjustment lever 4-1. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, an assembly groove 4-1b is provided at the bottom of the height adjustment rod 4-1, forming a clamping part. The chromatographic plate 8 can be inserted into the assembly groove 4-1b and connected to the height adjustment rod 4-1. To ensure that the chromatographic plate 8 is stably connected to the height adjustment rod 4-1, a screw hole 4-1c is machined on one wall of the assembly groove 4-1b. The locking screw 4-1d can be threaded into the screw hole 4-1c. The end of the locking screw 4-1d can pass through the screw hole 4-1c and extend into the assembly groove 4-1b, abutting against the chromatographic plate 8. Tightening the locking screw 4-1d can fix the chromatographic plate 8 and prevent it from falling off.

[0032] The following describes how to use the thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus of this embodiment.

[0033] In use, first add the developing solvent to the developing tank 1, then place the chromatographic plate 8 to be developed at the bottom of the height adjusting rod 4-1 and fix it in place; in this embodiment, the chromatographic plate 8 can be fixed by tightening the locking screw 4-1d to prevent the chromatographic plate 8 from falling off;

[0034] Then, the height adjustment rod 4-1 is passed upward through the mounting hole 2a and the locking nut 4-2 on the end cap 2, the end cap 2 is placed on the developing cylinder 1, and the height adjustment rod 4-1 is adjusted to the initial height and the locking nut 4-2 is tightened. At the initial height, the chromatographic plate 8 will not come into contact with the developing solvent in the developing cylinder 1.

[0035] Turn on switch 6-3 of temperature control component 6 and set the target temperature. Heater 6-1 heats the heat transfer medium. If pressure regulation is required, connect vacuum pump through pressure regulating valve 3 to perform vacuuming. When the set vacuum level is reached, turn off vacuum pump and disconnect pressure regulating valve 3 from vacuum pump. By controlling the temperature and pressure of the internal chamber of developing cylinder 1, the developing solvent can be accelerated to reach a stable pre-saturated state, which is beneficial to the full wetting of thin-layer chromatography plate and eliminates edge effects during the development process.

[0036] When pre-saturation is sufficient, loosen the locking nut 4-2 and press down the height adjusting rod 4-1 until the chromatographic plate 8 is immersed in the developing solvent. Adjust to a suitable height according to the scale 4-1a on the height adjusting rod 4-1, and tighten the locking nut 4-2 to complete the fixation. Thanks to the sealing effect of the sealing gasket 4-3, the adjustment process will not cause drastic changes in the vapor pressure inside the developing cylinder 1. After completing the development experiment, turn off the switch 6-3 of the temperature control component 6, open the pressure regulating valve 3 to release the vacuum inside the developing cylinder 1, and remove the developed chromatographic plate 8 for subsequent display and observation. Before each experiment, the depth to which the height adjusting rod 4-1 extends into the developing cylinder 1 can be controlled consistently according to the scale 4-1a displayed below the end cap 2. After adding a quantitative volume of developing solvent, the same temperature and pressure can be controlled to ensure consistency of experimental conditions for different batches of similar experiments, thus improving the accuracy of experimental results.

[0037] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A developing cylinder having an internal cavity for holding a developing agent; The end cap that closes the top opening of the unfolding cylinder; A heating base, wherein the unfolding cylinder is disposed on the heating base, the heating base has a heating chamber for holding a heat transfer medium, and the heating chamber and the internal cavity of the unfolding cylinder are separated by a partition and are not in communication with each other; A temperature control component is disposed on the heating base, and the temperature control component is used to heat and control the temperature of the heat transfer medium in the heating chamber; A pressure regulating valve is used to adjust the pressure inside the deployment cylinder, and the pressure regulating valve is externally connected to a vacuum pump. Chromatography plate clamping assembly for holding the chromatographic plate located inside the development cylinder.

2. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature control component includes a heater disposed in the heating chamber, a switch for controlling the on / off state of the temperature control component, a power interface for connecting to an external power source, and a temperature controller for controlling the working state of the heater.

3. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The heater includes at least one immersion heating element.

4. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure regulating valve is located on the end cap.

5. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure regulating valve is a three-way valve, with one passage connected to the atmosphere, one passage connected to the internal chamber of the unfolding cylinder, and one passage connected to an external vacuum pump.

6. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the end cap is provided with an assembly boss that is adapted to the opening of the unfolding cylinder, and a sealing ring is provided between the assembly boss and the inner wall of the opening of the unfolding cylinder.

7. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The chromatographic plate clamping assembly includes a height adjustment rod, a locking nut mounted on the end cap for locking the position of the height adjustment rod, and a sealing washer fitted around the height adjustment rod to seal the gap between the height adjustment rod and the locking nut; the height adjustment rod extends through the locking nut and the end cap into the development cylinder, and the depth of the height adjustment rod extending into the development cylinder is adjustable, and the chromatographic plate is disposed at the bottom of the height adjustment rod.

8. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The end cap is provided with a mounting hole for the height adjustment rod to pass through. The upper part of the mounting hole is a threaded hole that mates with the locking nut, and the lower part is a connecting hole with a diameter that matches the outer diameter of the height adjustment rod. The sealing washer is located at the bottom of the threaded hole. After the locking nut is tightened, the sealing washer is located between the bottom of the locking nut and the bottom wall of the threaded hole. The lower part of the locking nut is an assembly part with external threads, which is inserted into the threaded hole and engages with the internal threads of the threaded hole.

9. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The bottom of the height adjustment rod is provided with an assembly groove, into which the chromatographic plate can be inserted. A screw hole is provided on one wall of the assembly groove, and the end of a locking screw passes through the screw hole and extends into the assembly groove, abutting against the chromatographic plate.

10. The thin-layer chromatography developing apparatus as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The height adjustment rod has markings on its outer wall.

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