Binary Pump Backflow Prevention via Switching Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gradient analysis using a binary pump, backflow occurs when one pump part stops or operates at a lower flow rate, leading to delays and poor mixing accuracy of the mobile phase, affecting separation and analysis reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A binary pump with a switching valve, pressure sensors, backflow calculation, and backflow prevention parts that switch the valve state to prevent backflow by comparing the backflow rate with set flow rates, and includes pre-compression operations to maintain system pressure balance and pulsation determination to avoid unnecessary switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a binary pump is used for gradient analysis, then two solvents can be delivered with different flow rates, but backflow occurs when one pump part stops or operates at lower flow rate, causing delay and poor mixing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A third pump part is introduced as an intermediary to receive backflow from the first and second pump parts. This mediator pump prevents direct backflow between pump parts by providing a dedicated receptacle, thereby maintaining mixing accuracy while preserving gradient analysis capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pump system is segmented into functionally independent pump parts (first, second, and third pump parts), each with dedicated liquid delivery channels and switching valves. This segmentation isolates backflow to specific segments and prevents cross-contamination between solvent streams, improving mixing accuracy
2Productivity
If system pressure increases during gradient analysis, then liquid delivery continues, but backflow occurs to the stopped pump part, causing delay in liquid delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The third pump part is pre-configured as a backflow receptacle that is always available to receive backflow. By having this preliminary arrangement in place, the system prevents backflow-related delays without requiring real-time detection or reactive adjustments, maintaining continuous liquid delivery
3Manufacturing precision
If a switching valve is added to prevent backflow, then liquid delivery accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching valve is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a flow direction controller and as a backflow prevention mechanism. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent achieves improved liquid delivery accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A binary pump includes a switching valve that can be switched to a state (first state or second state) in which only one of a first pump part and a second pump part is connected to an output part, and a state (third state) in which both the first pump part and the second pump part are connected to the output part, and has a function of preventing a backflow of liquid by switching a state of the switching valve, in particular, a function of preventing a backflow of liquid when liquid delivery is performed by using both the first pump and the second pump.