Liquid Chromatograph Flow Channels for Column Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid chromatographs face difficulties in avoiding conflicts between separation column replacement processes and scheduled analytical operations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves performing steps of the separation column replacement process in parallel with analytical operations in flow channels not targeted for replacement, ensuring that the use of liquid feeding devices does not overlap with the use of flow channels not undergoing replacement, and scheduling these steps to avoid conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If separation column replacement is performed, then column maintenance and updates are achieved, but analytical operations must be stopped or conflicted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the chromatography system into multiple independent flow channels (first flow channel and second flow channel), each capable of independent operation. This allows replacement of separation columns in one channel without affecting analytical operations in other channels, thus maintaining overall system productivity while enabling necessary maintenance and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by making each flow channel具有独立的功能特性，使得局部的列更换操作不会影响整体系统的分析功能。通过局部更换而非整体停机，实现了维修便利性与生产连续性的平衡。
2Ease of operation
If liquid feeding device is used for column replacement, then column preparation is enabled, but overlap with flow channel usage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing the replacement separation column in advance using the liquid feeding device before it is needed. The control device schedules this preparation process to occur in time slots when the flow channel is not being used for analytical operations, thus avoiding scheduling conflicts while ensuring the column is ready for immediate installation when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic scheduling where the liquid feeding device's operation schedule is flexibly adjusted based on the usage status of flow channels. The control device dynamically allocates time resources, allowing the feeding device to operate during idle periods and avoid conflicts with active analytical operations, thereby maintaining both operational ease and scheduling reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a liquid chromatogram, a conflict between a separation column replacement process and a scheduled analytical operation is easily avoided. A method for controlling a liquid chromatograph includes a plurality of flow channels which shares a liquid feeding device and in which separation columns are respectively provided. The method for controlling a liquid chromatograph includes controlling the liquid chromatograph such that, in a process of replacing the separation columns, among steps after a separation column is connected to the flow channel, a step not using the liquid feeding device is performed in parallel with a process using a flow channel not targeted for separation column replacement or is performed so as not to overlap the process, and a step using the liquid feeding device is performed so as not to overlap the process using the flow channel not targeted for the separation column replacement.