Bipolar Membrane Ion Processing Device for Simultaneous Anion and Cation Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ion chromatographs face difficulties in simultaneously suppressing the background of both anions and cations using a single device, limiting their ability to measure both ion types effectively.
Innovation Solution
An ion processing device with a bipolar membrane, anion and cation exchange layers, and conductivity detectors is used to separate and detect anions and cations, allowing for simultaneous suppression and analysis of both ion types, and an eluent generator adjusts the electrolyte solution to optimal ion concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate suppressors are used for anion and cation analysis, then each ion type can be suppressed effectively, but the device complexity increases and cannot process both ion types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate anion and cation suppressor functions into a single integrated suppressor device. The suppressor contains both anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin in the same housing, allowing simultaneous processing of both ion types through a unified structure rather than requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppressor is designed with multi-functionality to handle both anion and cation analysis within a single device. By incorporating both anion exchange and cation exchange resins, the suppressor can perform multiple suppression functions simultaneously, making it universal for different ion types.
2Measurement precision
If conventional electrodialysis suppressor is used, then anion or cation suppression can be achieved, but background suppression for both anions and cations cannot be achieved simultaneously by one device
Solution Approach 1:
The suppressor merges anion exchange resin and cation exchange resin into a single device, enabling simultaneous background suppression for both anions and cations. This integrated approach allows the suppressor to remove both types of ions from the eluent background, improving measurement precision for both ion types.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppressor achieves universality by incorporating both anion and cation exchange capabilities in one device, allowing it to suppress backgrounds for both anion and cation analyses simultaneously, thereby enhancing adaptability for measuring different ion types.
3Reliability
If individual eluent generators are used for anion and cation analysis, then each eluent can be optimized, but the system complexity and running costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the eluent generation functions into a single integrated system that supplies eluent for both anion and cation analyses. This unified eluent supply mechanism reduces the number of separate generators while maintaining optimized eluent delivery for both ion types through a common control system.
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
Enables the simultaneous detection and suppression of anions and cations using a single device, reducing analysis time and running costs while improving measurement sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a bipolar membrane that is formed by stacking an anion exchange layer and a cation exchange layer
Implementation Method 2
an anode for moving anions from the anion-side channel to the anion removal channel through the anion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 3
moving anions from the anion-side channel to the anion removal channel through the anion exchange membrane
Implementation Method 4
a cathode for moving cations from the cation-side channel to the cation removal channel through the cation exchange membrane
Implementation Method 5
moving cations from the cation-side channel to the cation removal channel through the cation exchange membrane
Implementation Method 6
detecting the conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
An ion processing device includes, on the side of an anion exchange layer of a bipolar membrane which is formed by stacking an anion exchange layer and a cation exchange layer, an anion-side channel which is filled with an anion exchanger, and an anion removal channel provided via an anion exchange membrane, and also includes an anode for moving anions from the anion-side channel to the anion removal channel through the anion exchange membrane. Further, a cation-side channel which is filled with a cation exchanger and a cation removal channel provided via a cation exchange membrane are included on the side of the cation exchange layer of the bipolar membrane as well as a cathode for moving cations from the cation-side channel to the cation removal channel through the cation exchange membrane.