Automated Sampling System for HPLC Reproducibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sampling and preparation for chromatography and detection systems are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and result in irreproducible samples due to handling and environmental stress, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
An automated sampling and reaction system that includes an external sampling valve, microreactor, priming valve, reagent valve, and injection valve, which allows for automated sample acquisition, reaction, and injection into a solvent composition stream, minimizing manual intervention and environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual sampling and preparation is used, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to handling errors and environmental stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sample preparation automatically without manual intervention. The automated sampling valve draws samples, the microreactor performs derivatization reactions, and the injection valve injects into the HPLC system, eliminating human handling errors and improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The microreactor serves as an intermediary device between sample collection and HPLC injection. It automatically performs the derivatization reaction that would otherwise require manual preparation, acting as a bridge that eliminates direct human contact with samples while ensuring proper preparation
2Productivity
If manual sample preparation is performed, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system enables continuous sampling and preparation operations. The sampling valve can draw multiple samples sequentially, the microreactor continuously performs derivatization, and the injection valve continuously injects into the HPLC system, eliminating idle time between preparation steps and significantly improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all sample preparation operations automatically without requiring operator intervention for each sample. The automated sequence of drawing, preparing, and injecting samples eliminates the time operators would spend on manual preparation, thereby increasing throughput and productivity
3Reliability
If manual handling of samples is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to contamination and sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system handles samples from collection through injection without human contact. The closed-loop automated process prevents contamination from manual handling and minimizes environmental exposure, ensuring sample integrity and improving reliability of measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The microreactor and automated valves act as intermediaries that eliminate direct human contact with samples. This intermediary system maintains a closed, controlled environment for samples throughout the preparation process, preventing contamination and degradation that would occur with manual handling
4Loss of time
If manual derivatization preparation is performed, then the device complexity is lower, but the loss of time increases due to lengthy preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs derivatization continuously as part of the sampling sequence. Multiple samples can be drawn and prepared in succession without idle time, and the microreactor maintains continuous operation, significantly reducing the total time required compared to sequential manual preparation of each sample
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs derivatization without operator intervention, eliminating the time operators would spend on manual mixing, heating, and monitoring of each sample. The automated control of the microreactor ensures consistent, rapid derivatization for all samples, reducing overall preparation time
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 enhances reproducibility, reduces variability, and minimizes sample loss and contamination, enabling continuous, online analysis with improved accuracy and reduced manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
The microreactor can be connected to a reagent valve. For example, the reagent valve can be configured to draw reagent from a reagent reservoir or to discharge reagent into the microreactor. In some exemplary embodiments, the reagent valve can be configured to discharge reagent to the microreactor and the external sampling valve can be configured to discharge sample to the microreactor to form a secondary sample
Implementation Method 2
In other aspects, a liquid chromatography system can include the automated sampling and reaction system. The injection valve can be configured to discharge the secondary sample into a solvent composition stream
Implementation Method 3
Most manufacturing industries use chromatography and other types of separation and detection systems to evaluate the process reactions or manufacturing process lines
Data Source
AI summary
Automated sampling and reaction systems and methods of using the same are provided. The automated sampling and reaction system has a microreactor in fluidic communication with an external sampling valve. The external sampling valve is connected to a priming valve and can be configured to draw sample from a reactor or a reactor stream. The microreactor is connected to a reagent valve and an injection valve. The reagent valve can be configured to draw reagent from a reagent reservoir and discharge reagent to the microreactor to react with sample. The priming valve can be configured to draw wash from a wash reservoir and discharge wash to the external sampling valve to move sample from the external sampling valve to the microreactor. The injection valve is in fluidic communication with a column or detector and discharges the secondary sample into a solvent composition stream.