Air Trapping Nozzle Structure for Stable Fluid Gradient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air trapping devices in chromatography systems fail to maintain fluid gradient linearity and are prone to foam generation due to immediate fluid exit and air trapping issues, especially when fluid density changes.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle with a control element to reduce surface tension and a guiding element to manage fluid flow, coupled with a funnel-shaped design and a large tubular section to ensure even fluid distribution and minimize foam formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid flows directly through the air trapping device inlet to outlet, then air removal function is achieved, but fluid gradient linearity is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The air trapping device is divided into multiple functional sections: an inlet section, a foam generation section with upwardly extending walls, and an outlet section. This segmentation prevents direct flow path while maintaining air removal capability, allowing fluid to traverse the foam section where air rises to the surface before exiting, thus preserving gradient linearity.
Solution Approach 2:
Foam acts as an intermediary medium between the inlet and outlet fluid flow. The fluid enters the foam section where it generates foam, allowing trapped air to rise through the foam structure to the surface. This intermediary foam layer prevents direct inlet-to-outlet flow while enabling effective air removal, maintaining both air removal function and gradient linearity.
2Device complexity
If conventional air trapping device structure is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but foam generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air trapping device incorporates upwardly extending foam section walls that create a confined foam generation zone. These walls contain the foam within a specific region, preventing excessive foam overflow while maintaining the relatively simple overall device structure. The foam section acts as a controlled environment for air removal.
3Speed
If fluid immediately exits the air trapping device, then flow speed is maintained, but air trapping effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary air removal action in the foam section before fluid exits through the outlet. Fluid enters the foam section where air is extracted through foam formation and rising to the surface. This preliminary air removal occurs before the fluid reaches the outlet, ensuring effective air trapping while maintaining continuous flow speed through the device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Maintains fluid gradient linearity and reduces foam formation by ensuring a consistent fluid flow and allowing trapped air to return to the surface, thus improving chromatography system performance.
Implementation Method 1
the edge comprises a control element configured to reduce surface tension of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
allowing trapped air to return to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a nozzle for an air trapping device configured to remove air from a fluid, the nozzle comprising a body having an input opening configured to receive the fluid and an output opening configured to distribute the fluid along an edge of the output opening, wherein the edge comprises a control element configured to reduce surface tension of the fluid. The present invention further relates to an air trapping device configured to remove air from a fluid and comprising the nozzle.