Chromatography Column Plunger Leveling via Hydraulic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography column designs lack the ability to maintain the top flow adapter within a predetermined level tolerance and independently control hydraulic cylinders, leading to potential canted plunger movement and uneven media packing, which can result in poor quality pharmaceutical products.
Innovation Solution
A chromatography column with a hydraulic system and a controller that allows for precise movement and leveling of the top flow adapter, using separate valves for each hydraulic cylinder and sensors for feedback, enabling the plunger to be moved to predetermined positions and maintaining levelness, and automating the packing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual hydraulic control is used to move the plunger, then the operator can control the plunger movement, but the plunger cannot be positioned with precision at predetermined locations and may become canted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the plunger and provide feedback to a controller. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the hydraulic pressure and position the plunger at precise predetermined locations, eliminating the need for manual positioning while ensuring accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors and a controller to manage hydraulic pressure. This substitution eliminates human error in positioning and ensures consistent, precise plunger positioning at predetermined locations.
2Device complexity
If a single hydraulic pressure source is used for all three cylinders, then the system is simpler, but the plunger cannot be moved independently and may become canted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single hydraulic pressure source into three separate hydraulic pressure sources, one for each cylinder. This segmentation allows independent control of each cylinder, ensuring that the plunger moves level and can be positioned precisely at predetermined locations without becoming canted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different hydraulic pressure to each cylinder based on local requirements. By controlling each cylinder independently, the system can compensate for variations in resistance and ensure that the plunger remains level and positioned accurately at each predetermined location.
3Productivity
If the plunger is forced down manually until it stops, then the media can be packed, but the pack may be uneven if one cylinder encounters resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensors to monitor the position and resistance of each cylinder during the packing process. The controller receives feedback information and adjusts the hydraulic pressure to ensure that all cylinders move the plunger uniformly, preventing uneven packing while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts hydraulic pressure parameters during the packing process. By changing pressure levels based on real-time feedback from sensors, the system ensures uniform media packing even when resistance varies, maintaining both speed and quality.
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 uniform media packing and maintains the top flow adapter within a predetermined level tolerance, preventing canted movement and improving the quality of pharmaceutical products by allowing for precise control and automation of the packing process.
Implementation Method 1
A top flow adapter or plunger is operatively coupled to a hydraulic piston moveable through at least a portion of the cavity within the cylinder during operation
Implementation Method 2
The plunger may also be utilized to exert a force on the resin to 'pack' the resin in the column
Data Source
AI summary
A chromatography column is normally filled with a slurry of media for operation. A piston normally compacts the slurry in the column. The piston moves through a cavity in communication with both a slurry inlet and slurry ports which are in communication with the interior of the chromatography column. A controller receiving inputs from at least one of position sensors and a pressure sensor directs movement of the plunger in an operational step selected from the group of a selected movement and up to a selected pressure.