Chromatographic Run Simulation Using Differential Equations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chromatographic simulation methods are limited in accurately predicting the separation of compounds and optimizing chromatographic runs, particularly for polar chromatography, as they require extensive input parameters and can only model a small class of chromatographic systems, leading to suboptimal results and high costs due to the need for multiple measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method using a set of differential equations to simulate chromatographic runs, allowing for more general conditions and parameters, enabling real-time adjustment of peak positions and eluent profiles, and reducing the need for precise initial input values, thus providing greater flexibility and accuracy in simulating chromatographic processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If analytical models with fixed equations are used for chromatographic simulation, then calculation speed is improved, but the ability to model general chromatographic systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation speedVSAvoidability to model general chromatographic systems
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed analytical equations into a flexible parameter-based numerical model. Instead of being constrained to specific chromatographic systems with predetermined equations, the invention allows users to define custom parameters including retention factor models, gradient profiles, flow rates, and column characteristics. This parameterization enables the same simulation framework to adapt to diverse chromatographic configurations while maintaining computational efficiency through structured numerical solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If multiple precise input parameters are required for accurate simulation, then prediction accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidease of supplying input values
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for extensive experimental measurements with a simplified input approach. Instead of requiring multiple precise retention factor measurements under different conditions, the invention accepts basic system parameters and uses numerical integration to predict chromatographic behavior. This reduces the burden on users to perform costly and time-consuming measurements while still achieving accurate predictions through the flexibility of the numerical model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary computational layer that bridges simple user inputs and complex chromatographic predictions. The numerical integration algorithm acts as a mediator, translating basic parameter inputs into detailed elution profiles and peak predictions without requiring users to directly measure or calculate complex intermediate values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If fixed analytical equations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the quality of optimization results deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel complexityVSAvoidquality of optimization results
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static analytical equations with a dynamic numerical integration framework. The model can adapt to changing conditions during the chromatographic run, such as gradient elution profiles and varying flow rates, by continuously integrating the governing differential equations. This dynamic approach captures the true behavior of complex chromatographic systems more accurately than fixed equations, enabling better optimization of separation conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2828653B2Simulation of a chromatographic run
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 BIOTAGE INC
  • EP2828653B2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2828653B2 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2828653B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for simulating a chromatographic run on a chromatograph (5) with a computation device (3) comprising at least one processor (7) and an associated digital memory (9), wherein the chromatographic run uses a mobile phase (31) comprising a mixture of at least two eluent constituents having different chromatographic properties and forming an eluent profile (33). The invention also relates to a computer program for performing the method, and an apparatus comprising a computation device and a chromatograph for performing the method.