Liquid Chromatograph Bubble Removal Using Circulation Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid chromatograph techniques struggle to reliably and efficiently remove bubbles from the mobile phase, leading to inaccurate measurement results due to operator skill variability and the inability to determine if degassing is sufficient.
Innovation Solution
A liquid chromatograph system with a liquid supply device that includes a liquid storage container, supply and circulation pipes, a flow passage switching valve, a bubble detection device, and a circulation liquid delivery device, allowing for controlled circulation and delivery states to ensure bubble removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a liquid chromatograph is not used, then operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness are improved, but separation and purification capabilities are insufficient for complex mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable pre-columns and cartridges that are discarded after a single use or limited number of uses. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and regeneration procedures, maintaining operational simplicity while providing effective separation and purification capabilities for the intended application lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules including a pre-column for initial filtration, a main chromatography column for separation, and a cartridge for final purification. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies operation by allowing selective replacement of only the contaminated pre-column rather than the entire system.
2Reliability
If cleaning procedures are implemented, then contamination is reduced, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the contamination-prone pre-column as a separate, removable component that can be easily detached and replaced. This allows the main chromatography system to remain clean and functional while the disposable pre-column absorbs the contamination burden, eliminating the need for cleaning the main system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-column is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use rather than cleaned and reused. This approach prioritizes contamination control through replacement rather than cleaning, significantly reducing operational time and complexity while maintaining reliable separation performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple columns are used in series, then purification effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple purification functions (filtration, separation, and final purification) into an integrated system where a pre-column is connected in series with a main chromatography column. This merging of functions into a single operational workflow achieves high purification effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple operation through automated or streamlined manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-column is designed to perform multiple functions including initial filtration, protection of the main column, and preliminary concentration of analytes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high purification effectiveness.
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 enables easy and reliable bubble removal in the mobile phase, independent of operator skill, ensuring accurate analysis results and improving throughput by allowing continuous operation without waiting for liquid replacement.
Implementation Method 1
liquid chromatograph capable of separating and purifying chemical compounds
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide a liquid chromatograph and a liquid delivery method capable of more easily and reliably removing bubbles mixed during mobile phase installation or replacement operation. The liquid chromatograph includes: supply pipes configured to connect a liquid delivery device and a liquid storage container; a circulation pipe configured to connect an intermediate portion of the supply pipe and the liquid storage container; a flow passage switching valve provided on a connection portion between the supply pipe and the circulation pipe and configured to selectively switch between a liquid delivery state in which the supply pipe on the liquid storage container side and the supply pipe on the liquid delivery device side communicate with each other and a circulation state in which the supply pipe and the circulation pipe on the liquid storage container side communicate with each other; a bubble detection device provided on the supply pipe between the liquid storage container and the flow passage switching valve; and a circulation liquid delivery device provided on the circulation pipe. A control device is configured to switch the flow passage switching valve to the circulation state to perform a circulation liquid delivery by the circulation liquid delivery device, and switch the flow passage switching valve to the liquid delivery state when the bubbles are not detected by the bubble detection device.