Automated Analyte Extraction with Sorbent Purification and Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for extracting analytes from complex matrices, such as fat-soluble vitamins and total fat, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and costly due to manual processes and the formation of emulsions that hinder complete extraction, requiring additional steps like centrifugation or re-extraction.
Innovation Solution
An automated system comprising a reaction chamber, purification chamber, and evaporation chamber with a shuttle valve and selective sorbents for sequential processing, allowing for the automated release, extraction, purification, and concentration of analytes without manual intervention, using a combination of chemical reactions, filtration, and solvent evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual extraction processes are used, then extraction can be performed, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service extraction through programmed sequential operations. The extractor automatically performs saponification, filtration, solvent addition, and evaporation steps without manual intervention, allowing the process to serve itself through automated control systems that manage timing, temperature, and reagent delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced by an automated mechanical system with programmable control. The extractor uses automated pumps, valves, heaters, and stirrers controlled by a microprocessor to perform extraction steps that traditionally required manual manipulation of glassware and equipment, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time consumption.
2Reliability
If emulsions form during bi-phase separation, then extraction can proceed, but additional costly steps like centrifugation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system prevents emulsion formation by controlling critical parameters including temperature during phase separation, solvent ratios, and addition rates. The automated control system adjusts these parameters to maintain optimal conditions for clean phase separation, eliminating the need for centrifugation while ensuring complete extraction reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions to prevent emulsion formation before it occurs. This includes pre-conditioning the bi-phase system with anti-emulsifying agents, controlling the sequence of solvent addition, and maintaining optimal temperature conditions throughout the separation process, thereby avoiding the need for additional centrifugation steps.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple extraction steps are performed manually, then analyte recovery can be achieved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple extraction steps into a single integrated automated process. Saponification, filtration, solvent extraction, and evaporation are combined in one continuous automated sequence within the extractor, maintaining complete analyte recovery while eliminating the need for separate manual operations and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extractor is designed as a universal multi-functional device that performs saponification, filtration, solvent addition, heating, and evaporation all in one instrument. This multi-functionality achieves complete analyte recovery through integrated operations while greatly simplifying the ease of operation compared to using multiple separate manual procedures.
4Productivity
If automated systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated extractor is segmented into distinct functional modules: reaction chamber, filtration system, solvent delivery system, heating element, and evaporation chamber. Each module is independently controlled but integrated through automated sequencing, allowing high throughput productivity while managing system complexity through modular design that simplifies maintenance and operation.
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
The system enables efficient, automated extraction and purification of analytes, reducing labor and time while minimizing the need for additional steps, such as drying and centrifugation, thereby improving throughput and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heater for heating the evaporation chamber and evaporating a solvent from the purified analyte
Implementation Method 2
a selective sorbent disposed in the purification vessel for retaining contaminants from the soluble components from the reaction mixture
Implementation Method 3
a reaction vessel filter located at the bottom end of the reaction vessel for retaining insoluble components from a reaction mixture of the sample and the reaction solution
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for extracting an analyte from a sample. The system includes a reaction vessel for receiving the sample and a reaction solution, a mixer for mixing the sample with the reaction solution, a filter and a drain for passing soluble components from the reaction mixture, including the dissolved analyte, from the reaction vessel. A purification vessel is located below the reaction vessel. A selective sorbent is disposed in the purification vessel for retaining contaminants from the soluble components from the reaction mixture and passing a purified analyte. An evaporation container is located below the purification vessel. A heater heats the evaporation chamber and evaporates the solvents from the purified analyte, which can then be quantitatively measured.