Bypass-Controlled Analyte Separation for Precise Activation Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation systems suffer from contamination, inefficiency, and complexity, particularly in analytical instruments like spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electrochemical analysis, often discarding unacceptable amounts of analyte and requiring numerous detectors and complex control circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a separator, an analyser, and a bypass line with a controller that uses measurements from the analyser to control the separator's activation, allowing precise timing and automation of separation without additional detectors, ensuring minimal analyte loss and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods (solid phase extraction, liquid phase extraction) are used, then analyte separation is achieved, but the process requires multiple solvents, multiple steps, and extensive clean-up procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines extraction, separation, and concentration functions into a single membrane-based device. The membrane simultaneously performs analyte extraction from the sample, separates the analyte from the sample matrix, and concentrates the analyte in one integrated operation, eliminating the need for separate extraction and clean-up steps required by conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the disturbing sample matrix components from the system by allowing them to pass through the membrane while retaining the analyte. This extraction of interfering substances simplifies the overall process by eliminating the need for extensive clean-up procedures required in conventional extraction methods.
2Measurement precision
If conventional extraction methods are used, then analyte separation is achieved, but time-consuming clean-up procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is pre-designed with specific pore size and surface properties that automatically perform the clean-up function during the extraction process itself. The preliminary configuration of the membrane structure ensures that sample matrix components are filtered out before analyte detection, eliminating the need for subsequent time-consuming clean-up procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple extraction steps are used, then complete analyte recovery is achieved, but solvent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane system performs self-service by using its own structural properties (pore size, surface charge, hydrophobicity) to achieve both extraction and concentration in one step. The membrane automatically concentrates the analyte within its structure without requiring additional solvents or multiple extraction cycles, thereby minimizing solvent consumption while maintaining complete analyte recovery.
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
The system improves separation timing and accuracy, reduces manual optimization, and enhances automation, enabling cost-effective and reliable measurements in scenarios like isotope ratio mass spectrometry, particularly for N2, CO2, CO, SO2, and various gaseous mixtures, while minimizing contamination and sample waste.
Implementation Method 1
A membrane structure is provided which may be used to separate an analyte from a sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for separating an analyte from a sample comprises a separator configured to separate the analyte from the sample, an analyser configured to obtain measurements indicative of a quantity of the analyte in the sample, wherein the analyser is downstream of the separator, a bypass line configured to provide a first fraction of the sample to the analyser for measurement without passing through the separator and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a measurement obtained by the analyser on the first fraction of the sample received via the bypass line, the measurement indicating that the first fraction of the sample received via the bypass line comprises a threshold quantity of the analyte. The controller is configured to control activation of the separator based on the received measurement. The system is configured to provide a second fraction of the sample to the analyser without passing through the bypass line and is configured such that the first fraction of the sample arrives at the analyser before the second fraction of the sample arrives at the separator.