Chromatograph Switching-Time Control for Retention Time Shifts
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In chromatograph devices, changes in the state of the stationary phase or mobile phase over time can cause retention time shifts, leading to incorrect measurement of target components, especially when multiple samples are analyzed consecutively.
Innovation Solution
A chromatograph device with a storage section for measurement parameters, a data accumulation section, a preceding-measurement-data determination section, and a measurement execution section that updates switching times based on recent measurement data to ensure accurate target component measurement, even if retention times change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If measurement parameter switching times are determined in advance based on standard sample measurement, then measurement efficiency is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when retention times change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of measurement parameter switching times based on actual retention times detected during measurement. The control unit calculates updated switching times using predetermined formulas and detected retention times, then adjusts the switching timing accordingly. This transforms the static switching time determination into a dynamic process that adapts to retention time variations, resolving the contradiction between measurement efficiency and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own measurement data (detected retention times) to automatically adjust its measurement parameters (switching times). The control unit performs self-correction by calculating updated switching times based on actual retention times and predetermined formulas, eliminating the need for external recalibration and maintaining both efficiency and precision.
2Productivity
If multiple samples are measured continuously, then productivity is improved, but retention time stability deteriorates due to device state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors detected retention times during continuous measurement and uses predetermined formulas to calculate updated switching times. This feedback loop compensates for retention time shifts caused by device state changes (column aging, mobile phase composition changes, flow velocity variations), maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling continuous high-productivity operation.
3Device complexity
If measurement parameter switching is performed based on predetermined timing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates when retention times shift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for switching timing from fixed predetermined values to dynamically calculated values based on detected retention times. The control unit uses predetermined formulas that incorporate actual retention times to calculate updated switching times, allowing the system to adapt to retention time shifts while maintaining relatively simple control logic through formula-based calculation.
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
Ensures correct measurement of target components by dynamically updating switching times based on recent data, reflecting changes in device states, thereby preventing incorrect elution timing during sequential component analysis.
Implementation Method 1
components separated in a column and eluted along with a mobile phase are sequentially ionized and mass-separated
Implementation Method 2
ions generated from components separated in a column and eluted along with a mobile phase are sequentially ionized and mass-separated
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of components contained in a sample are temporally separated in a column
Implementation Method 4
a chromatograph device provided with an absorptiometer as a detector, a specific wavelength is associated with each target component as a measurement parameter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Provided is a chromatograph device capable of correct measurement even if the retention times of target components change. This chromatograph device is provided with: a storage section 41 for storing measurement parameters for a plurality of target components, measurement conditions including measurement parameter switching times for each of two target components eluted in succession, and formulas for determining the switching times using retention times for the predetermined target components; a measurement data accumulation section 42; a preceding-measurement-data determination section 43 for determining, at the time of sample measurement, whether there is preceding measurement data for the same column 13 type, mobile phase type, and flow velocity; and a measurement execution section 44 for carrying out measurement on the basis of the measurement conditions if there is no preceding measurement data and, if there is preceding measurement data, determining the retention times of the target components on the basis of the most recent preceding measurement data, determining updated switching times on the basis of the retention times and formulas, and carrying out measurement with the switching times changed to the updated switching times.