Bubble Reduction Device Using Air Layer Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography devices are unable to thoroughly remove bubbles produced by temperature changes from solutions, which can affect analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A bubble reduction device that uses a liquid supply apparatus with a tube and rod system to form an air layer within the tube, allowing bubbles to be absorbed and evacuated, reducing bubble presence in the liquid before analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a degassing device is used to remove bubbles from eluent, then dissolved oxygen can be removed, but bubbles produced by temperature changes cannot be thoroughly removed
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble removal process is divided into two distinct phases: (1) a suction phase where liquid is drawn into the cylinder through the upward-facing aperture, and (2) a pressure application phase where the piston is reversed to apply downward pressure and force bubbles out through the same aperture. This segmentation allows the same structural component to perform multiple functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is designed to move dynamically between two positions: an upward position for suction and a downward position for pressure application. This dynamic reversal of the piston enables the system to adapt its function based on the operational phase, allowing effective removal of temperature-induced bubbles without requiring additional static components.
2Reliability
If an air layer is formed in the tube portion to absorb bubbles, then bubble presence decreases, but the device requires additional components for air layer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the eluent liquid itself to form the air layer. During the suction phase, the upward movement of the piston creates negative pressure that draws air through the upward-facing aperture into the tube portion, forming an air layer automatically. The eluent then contacts this air layer, allowing bubbles to be absorbed or coalesced without requiring external air supply systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The upward-facing aperture serves multiple functions: it allows liquid to be sucked in during the suction phase, enables air to enter and form an air layer during the same phase, and subsequently allows the air layer to contact bubbles for removal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate air introduction mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the rod is pushed up or pulled down to suck or discharge liquid, then liquid flow is controlled, but bubbles are not effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The piston performs periodic reciprocating motion: upward stroke for suction and downward stroke for pressure application and bubble discharge. This periodic action creates alternating phases of liquid intake and bubble removal, ensuring that bubbles are systematically eliminated with each cycle while maintaining continuous liquid supply to the chromatography column.
Solution Approach 2:
The bubble removal process is integrated into the continuous liquid supply operation. During each suction stroke, air is drawn in to form an air layer that contacts bubbles. During each pressure stroke, bubbles are forced out through the upward-facing aperture. This continuous cycling ensures uninterrupted liquid flow while systematically removing bubbles, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
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
Effectively decreases bubble presence in liquids, improving analysis accuracy by ensuring bubble-free eluents are supplied to chromatography columns, thereby enhancing the reliability of analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
an air layer formation apparatus that forms an air layer in the tube portion... bubbles in the liquid sucked into the liquid supply apparatus come into contact with the air layer and are taken into the air layer
Implementation Method 2
an evacuation portion that is connected to the first channel via a first switching valve and that evacuates the air layer through the first channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A bubble reduction device, chromatography device, bubble reduction method and bubble reduction program capable of reducing bubbles in an eluent. Included are a liquid accommodation portion (12A), a liquid supply apparatus (63), an air layer formation apparatus (72), a first channel (14) and an evacuation portion (76). The liquid accommodation portion (12A) accommodates a liquid that is to elute an analysis component from a specimen adsorbed to an adsorption portion. The liquid supply apparatus (63), by operation of a rod (66) pushing up and pulling down, sucks and discharges the liquid through an aperture portion of a tube portion (65), the aperture portion being oriented upward. The air layer formation apparatus (72) forms an air layer in the tube portion (65). The first channel (14) connects the liquid supply apparatus (63) with the liquid accommodation portion (12A). The evacuation portion (76) is connected to the first channel (14) via a first switching valve (74) and evacuates the air layer through the first channel (14).