Liquid Chromatography Column Filtration for Stable Flow Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid chromatography components face issues with increased liquid flow pressure due to filter clogging during repeated use, leading to reduced durability and increased time and cost for column replacement.

Innovation Solution

A liquid chromatography component with strategically positioned filters and controlled upstream spaces to manage liquid flow pressure, featuring specific filter sizes, porosities, and spacings to prevent clogging and maintain separation performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filtration efficiency of the filter is increased to more efficiently capture foreign substances, then the filtration performance is improved, but the filter becomes clogged with foreign substances and liquid flow pressure varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidliquid flow pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the single filter function into multiple filters with different pore sizes arranged in sequence. The first filter has larger pores to capture large foreign substances, while the second filter has smaller pores to capture finer particles. This segmentation prevents any single filter from becoming overwhelmed and clogged, maintaining stable liquid flow pressure while achieving comprehensive filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds the dimension of spatial arrangement by positioning filters at different locations in the flow path - the first filter upstream and the second filter downstream. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to handle different sizes of foreign substances at different stages, preventing premature clogging and maintaining pressure stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If multiple filters are used to prevent clogging, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolumn durabilityVSAvoidfilter configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by assigning different pore sizes to different filter positions based on their specific functions. The first filter upstream has larger pores optimized for capturing large particles, while the second filter downstream has smaller pores for finer filtration. This localized optimization protects the column from particle damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Stress or pressure

If the filtration area is increased to suppress pressure increase, then the liquid flow pressure stability is improved, but the filter becomes more prone to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flow pressure stabilityVSAvoidfilter clogging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large filtration area that would be prone to clogging, the invention segments the filtration function across multiple filters with smaller individual areas. The first filter with larger pores handles the bulk of particle capture, while the second filter with smaller pores provides additional filtration capacity. This segmentation distributes the clogging load and maintains pressure stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 component maintains low liquid flow pressure even after extensive use, enhancing durability and reducing the frequency of column replacements, thereby improving analysis efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a filter for filtering foreign substances may be disposed in a flow path from the sample injection port to the analytical column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Liquid chromatography is widely used for analyzing components in samples

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Data Source

PatentEP4130733B1Liquid chromatography component
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 SEKISUI MEDICAL CO LTD
  • EP4130733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4130733B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4130733B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a liquid chromatography component having improved durability. The liquid chromatography component includes an analytical column packed with a packing material, a liquid flow inlet, and a filter disposed upstream of the packing material and also downstream of the liquid flow inlet. An increase in liquid flow pressure caused by repeated use in the liquid chromatography component is suppressed by controlling, in a suitable range, the volume of the space upstream of the filter in the liquid chromatography component.