Automatic Chromatographic Column Exchange System for HPLC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Routine LC/MS analysis and HPLC techniques face challenges in maintaining stable chromatography columns, which are costly and require specialized knowledge, often leading to clogging and reduced efficiency, limiting the wide availability and automation of these systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of short, frit-free fused silica columns with a polymer coating for the stationary phase, combined with an automatic exchange system, allows for fully automated LC/MS systems that can perform semi-quantitative or quantitative analyses without the need for qualified personnel, using a magazine with actuators and a control unit for seamless column replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional chromatography columns are used in HPLC systems, then separation performance is maintained, but column clogging and reduced efficiency occur over time, requiring specialized knowledge and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable chromatography columns that are discarded after a single use or limited number of runs. These columns are designed to be inexpensive enough to replace routinely, eliminating the need for cleaning, maintenance, and specialized knowledge about column care. The disposable nature ensures consistent performance without degradation from previous uses, while the low cost makes frequent replacement economically viable.
2Extent of automation
If manual column replacement is used, then system complexity is reduced, but automated analysis cannot be achieved and skilled personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automatic column replacement mechanism that performs the entire column change process without human intervention. The device includes a magazine holding multiple columns, an automated selection system, and a replacement mechanism that detaches used columns and installs fresh ones based on pre-programmed criteria such as run count or analysis type. This self-service capability enables fully automated analysis sequences while reducing the need for skilled operator intervention.
3Measurement precision
If costly chromatography columns are used, then analysis quality is maintained, but operational costs increase and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes inexpensive disposable columns that can be manufactured at low cost using simplified construction methods. These columns accept a single-use approach where the low per-column cost enables high-volume replacement without significant operational expense. The design prioritizes ease of manufacture and low material cost over reusability, making the system economically viable for routine analysis in resource-limited settings while maintaining acceptable analysis quality.
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
This solution enables continuous, automated analysis without requiring skilled personnel, reducing column maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of chromatography columns, thereby enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of LC/MS systems in routine laboratory assays, such as newborn screening.
Implementation Method 1
a mixture of compounds is first separated in a chromatographic column; then the ions generated in the ionization process are separated on the basis of the m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) by a mass analyzer
Implementation Method 2
then the ions generated in the ionization process are separated on the basis of the m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) by a mass analyzer
Implementation Method 3
the ions generated in the ionization process are separated on the basis of the m/z (mass-to-charge ratio) by a mass analyzer or by set of analyzers
Implementation Method 4
The first mass analyzer passes the selected parent ion to the collision cell, the fragmentation occurs in the collision cell, and the second mass analyzer passes only the selected fragmentation ion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
System for the automatic exchange of chromatographic columns (1), which are made of a frit less fused silica capillary for keeping the stationary phase (2) inside the column (1), the quartz capillary being coated with a polymeric (4), preferably polyimide, shell, the system comprising a magazine (8) containing at least one column (1) placed in a cylindrical or similar to a cylinder mounting holder (5) equipped at both ends with sealing ferrules (6). The column (1) being placed along the axis of the mounting holder (5) in the thru-hole for the column (7); the socket (12) in which the column (1) is placed in the working position, fixed in the holder (5). The socket (12) is located in lower part of the magazine (8), to which from the upper part of the magazine (8) the column (1) is fed by gravity in the holder (5) during column replacement. The socket (12) is mounted on the base (11) between actuators (10) attached to the base (11) lying in one axis with the column (1) in the working position. Additionally in the socket (12), at the height of the column (1) in the axis of the actuators (10), there are openings ensuring access to the column; to each actuator (10) from the side of the socket (12). The sealing union (14) is attached, lying in one axis with the column (1), which has a coned receiving ports with tubing pocket (16) from the side of the column (1) and a coned receiving ports with tubing pocket with mounting thread (15) on the opposite side.