Binary Pump Switching Valve for Backflow-Free Gradient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gradient analyses using binary pumps, backward flow of solvents can occur due to system pressure increases, leading to delays in liquid delivery and poor mixing precision of the mobile phase, which affects separation and analysis reproducibility.
Innovation Solution
A switching valve is introduced that can be configured to connect either the first or second pump unit directly to the output port, preventing backward flow by maintaining system pressure equilibrium through pre-pressurization and allowing continuous liquid delivery without interrupting flow paths, and includes a drain port for purging and leakage detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a normal 6-way valve is used in a binary pump, then backward flow can be prevented in one direction, but backward flow cannot be prevented when switching from 0% flow rate of the first pump unit to 100% flow rate of the second pump unit
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independent sealing elements (first sealing element and second sealing element) that can independently control flow paths to different pump units. This segmentation allows each sealing element to prevent backward flow in its respective direction while maintaining overall system versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs a rotary rotor with multiple positions that dynamically switches connection states. The rotor can be positioned to connect only the first pump unit, only the second pump unit, or both pump units to the output port, enabling adaptive control for different gradient analysis scenarios including preventing backward flow in both directions.
2Reliability
If the connection between pump unit and output port is interrupted during switching, then backward flow is prevented, but continuous liquid delivery cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design enables continuous liquid delivery by providing multiple active connection states. The third state allows both pump units to be connected to the output port simultaneously, eliminating flow interruption during switching operations while maintaining backward flow prevention through the selective engagement of sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve serves multiple functions: it can connect only the first pump unit, only the second pump unit, or both pump units to the output port. This multi-functionality allows the valve to prevent backward flow while maintaining continuous liquid delivery by selecting the appropriate connection state for each operating condition.
3Manufacturing precision
If a switching valve with multiple connection states is used, then liquid delivery accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow control functions are merged into a single rotary valve structure. The valve integrates backward flow prevention, continuous liquid delivery, and multi-pump unit switching capabilities in one compact component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high liquid delivery accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed as a universal component that handles all switching requirements for binary pump operation. By consolidating multiple connection states and control functions into one valve, the design achieves high liquid delivery accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A switching valve is used in a binary pump. The switching valve is provided with a first liquid delivery port to which a first pump unit is connected, a second liquid delivery port to which a second pump unit is connected, and an output port leading to an output unit that outputs a liquid to be delivered. The switching valve is configured so as to be switched to any one of the following states: a first state in which the first liquid delivery port is connected to the output port and the second liquid delivery port is not connected to any port; a second state in which the second liquid delivery port is connected to the output port and the first liquid delivery port is not connected to any port; and a third state in which both the first liquid delivery port and the second liquid delivery port are connected to the output port.