Chiral Separation Flow Device Using Rotating Fluid Flows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating enantiomers, such as column and crystallization chromatography, are laborious, expensive, and inefficient due to the need for optimized parameters and excess enantiomer addition, and are limited by thermal molecular movement in microflows, resulting in low purity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A flow device with right-hand and left-hand fluid flows, guided by flow guide elements to convert fluid flows into clockwise and counterclockwise rotations, using chiral carrier elements that bind selectively to enantiomers, and a series connection of flow devices to enhance separation efficiency and purity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If column chromatography is used to separate enantiomers, then separation can be achieved, but the method becomes very complex and expensive due to the need to optimize various parameters for each pair of chiral molecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex chemical chromatography methods with a physical flow-based separation system using clockwise and counterclockwise fluid flows. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive parameter optimization while achieving effective enantiomer separation through hydrodynamic forces and chiral recognition in rotating flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the separation approach from chemical parameter optimization to physical flow parameter control. By adjusting flow rate, rotation speed, and flow direction (clockwise/counterclockwise), the system achieves separation without the complex chemical parameter optimization required in column chromatography.
2Manufacturing precision
If crystallization chromatography is used to separate enantiomers, then separation can be achieved, but considerable time and energy are required due to gradual addition of excess enantiomer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous flow separation where enantiomers are continuously separated in rotating fluid flows without interruption. This eliminates the time-consuming stepwise process of gradual enantiomer addition in crystallization chromatography, enabling continuous operation and significantly reducing separation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention skips the lengthy crystallization and gradual addition process by directly separating enantiomers in flowing liquid phases. The rapid flow-based separation allows the system to rush through the separation process in a single continuous operation rather than requiring multiple slow steps.
3Manufacturing precision
If microflow separation is used to separate enantiomers, then separation can be achieved, but thermal molecular movement limits the efficiency and purity of separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic rotating flows (clockwise and counterclockwise) to counteract thermal molecular movement. The continuous rotation creates organized flow patterns that maintain separation despite thermal agitation, improving reliability by dynamically stabilizing the separation process against thermal disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary organization of molecular trajectories through controlled rotating flows before separation occurs. By pre-establishing ordered flow patterns and chiral recognition environments, the system prepares the conditions for efficient separation, reducing the disruptive effect of thermal motion on separation purity.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional separation methods are used, then enantiomers can be separated, but the process is laborious and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces laborious manual chromatography operations with an automated flow-based system using interdigital transducers to generate rotating flows. This mechanical substitution automates the separation process, reducing manual labor while maintaining high separation purity and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves self-service separation where the rotating fluid flows automatically separate enantiomers based on their chiral properties without requiring manual intervention for parameter optimization or process adjustment. The flow patterns self-organize to achieve separation, reducing operational complexity and improving efficiency.
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 flow device significantly improves the separation efficiency and purity of chiral molecules by reducing dead zones and thermal movement influence, allowing for high-purity separation of enantiomers with reduced costs and faster implementation.
Implementation Method 1
surface waves are induced on the surface of a piezoelectric support substrate by means of an interdigital transducer (IDT = Interdigital Transducer), which in turn cause a so-called quadrupole flow structure in the case of a liquid layer on the substrate surface
Implementation Method 2
surface waves are induced on the surface of a piezoelectric support substrate
Implementation Method 3
using chiral carrier elements that bind selectively to enantiomers
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 7~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow device (10) for fluid flows for separating chiral substances or chiral carrier elements (64), wherein the flow device comprises: at least one right-handed flow device (14) with right-handed fluid flow (R); at least one left-handed flow device (14) with left-handed fluid flow (L); and a fluid conveying device (20) configured to induce the left-handed flow (L) in the at least one left-handed flow device and to induce the right-handed flow (R) in the at least one right-handed flow device.The flow device (10) comprises at least one first flow guide element (22, 24, 26) to convert a portion of the fluid flow induced by the fluid conveying device into a clockwise fluid flow (R) in the at least one clockwise flow device; and comprises at least one second flow guide element (22, 24, 26) to convert a portion of the fluid flow induced by the fluid conveying device into a counterclockwise fluid flow (L) in the at least one counterclockwise flow device. The invention further relates to support elements for use in flow devices and a method for separating chiral substances or support elements.