Chromatography Channel Bubble Reduction via Air Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatography devices face challenges in effectively reducing bubbles adhering to their piping, even with degassing devices, as existing methods are not sufficient and require varying flow rates or intermittent flow, which can be cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A channel bubble reduction device that forms an air layer in the channel and tube portions, using a rod-operated liquid supply apparatus to move the air layer and capture bubbles, allowing for their discharge outside the system, thereby reducing bubble presence effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a degassing device is used to reduce bubbles in the channel, then dissolved oxygen is removed from the eluent, but bubbles adhering to the interior of piping are not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An air layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the liquid supply apparatus and the liquid accommodation portion. This air layer acts as a mediator that captures and transports adhering bubbles from the channel walls, enabling effective bubble removal that degassing devices alone cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts bubbles from the liquid flow by introducing an air layer that selectively interacts with and removes adhering bubbles. The air layer pulls bubbles off the channel interior surfaces and transports them to the liquid accommodation portion, separating the harmful bubbles from the liquid stream
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flow rates are varied or liquids flow intermittently to reduce bubbles, then bubble reduction effectiveness improves, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air layer automatically performs bubble reduction functions without requiring complex flow rate variations or intermittent liquid flow. The air layer self-generates the bubble removal effect through its presence and movement, simplifying the overall system control while maintaining effective bubble reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the channel by introducing an air layer, transforming it from a purely liquid-filled channel to a two-phase (liquid-air) channel. This parameter change enables continuous bubble removal without requiring variations in flow rates or intermittent operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an air layer is formed and moved through the channel to capture bubbles, then bubble reduction effectiveness improves, but the presence of air layer may interfere with liquid usage
Solution Approach 1:
The air layer is periodically introduced and moved through the channel at specific intervals. This periodic action allows the air layer to perform bubble reduction functions during designated periods, then be completely removed from the channel, ensuring the channel is ready for normal liquid operation without air layer interference
Solution Approach 2:
The air layer is temporarily introduced for bubble reduction, performs its function, and then is completely discharged from the channel. The air layer is discarded after use, and the channel is recovered to a bubble-free state ready for normal liquid operation, ensuring no residual air layer interferes with subsequent liquid usage
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 device efficiently reduces bubbles in the channel by incorporating an air layer that travels and captures adhering bubbles, ensuring no air layer remains when liquid is used, simplifying the process with a straightforward rod operation, and potentially reducing the size of the chromatography device.
Implementation Method 1
an air layer formation apparatus that forms an air layer in at least one of the first channel and the tube portion
Implementation Method 2
an air layer is formed by the air layer formation apparatus in the first channel and/or the tube portion. The air layer is caused to travel in the first channel by an operation of pushing of the rod. Hence, by the air layer traveling in the first channel, a portion (and preferably all) of bubbles adhering to an inner wall of the channel are taken into the air layer
Data Source
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AI summary
A channel bubble reduction device (80) includes a liquid accommodation portion (12a) that accommodates a liquid, a liquid supply apparatus (63) that, with a pushing operation of a rod (66), discharges the liquid through an aperture portion (65B)of a tube portion (65), a first channel (14) that connects the aperture portion of the liquid supply apparatus with the liquid accommodation portion, and an air layer formation apparatus (72) that forms an air layer in at least one of the first channel or the tube portion.