Preparative Liquid Chromatograph Trap Column Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional preparative liquid chromatographs often capture target components in the wrong trap columns due to the switching operation of the column switching valve, leading to impurity issues in sample collection, particularly in the pharmaceutical field where high purity is demanded.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a passage switching means upstream of the column switching means to prevent eluate entry into the column switching mechanism during switching operations, and implementing a control system to manage this switching, ensuring that the passage switching means is set to a state where the eluate is discharged before performing the column switching, thereby preventing target components from entering the wrong trap column.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a column switching valve is used to direct eluate to different trap columns, then the chromatograph can capture different target components in different trap columns, but target components may enter the wrong trap column during valve switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
A passage switching valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the detector and the column switching valve. This intermediary valve controls the flow path to prevent eluate from entering the column switching valve during switching operations, thereby preventing target components from entering wrong trap columns while maintaining the ability to direct eluate to different trap columns
Solution Approach 2:
The passage switching valve performs preliminary flow path switching before the column switching valve operates. By预先 (in advance) redirecting the eluate flow away from the column switching valve inlet during switching periods, the system prevents contamination before it can occur, ensuring high purity of captured components
2Productivity
If the column switching valve switches connections during eluate flow, then the system can efficiently direct different components to appropriate trap columns, but eluate may be diverted into the wrong trap column during the switching transition
Solution Approach 1:
The passage switching valve serves as a mediator that manages the flow path transitions. It coordinates with the column switching valve to ensure that during switching operations, the eluate is temporarily redirected through a safe passage that does not lead to any trap columns, thus maintaining both efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control function is segmented into two independent valve systems: the passage switching valve for macro-level flow path management and the column switching valve for micro-level trap column selection. This segmentation allows each valve to perform its function independently without interfering with the other, preventing routing errors
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
This solution effectively prevents target components from entering the wrong trap column during switching, enhancing the purity of collected samples and ensuring accurate separation and capture of target components.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid chromatograph including a separating column configured to separate components in a sample
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of trap columns configured to capture respective target components in the eluate
Data Source
AI summary
A preparative liquid chromatograph that separates components in a sample in a separating column and captures a plurality of target components in an eluate from the separating column in individual trap columns, includes: a column switching means configured to switch passages to cause the eluate having been eluted from the separating column and passed through a detector to selectively flow into one of the trap columns, a passage switching means disposed in a passage between the detector and the column switching means and configured to switch between a first state in which the eluate flows to the column switching means and a second state in which the eluate is discharged without flowing to the column switching means. For the switching among the trap columns, the passage switching means and the column switching means are controlled to set the passage switching means in the second state (step S17) before performing the switching operation of the column switching means (step S18). This prevents entry of a target component into a wrong trap column during the switching among the trap columns.