Chromatography Eluent Delivery Tip for Gradient Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for developing chromatograms, particularly isocratic and gradient thin-layer chromatograms, face challenges such as high solvent consumption, inability to modify eluent composition during development, and inefficient solvent delivery, limiting their applicability and precision in analytical and preparative separations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for delivering a liquid eluent to the adsorbent layer of a chromatographic plate, allowing for controlled and efficient delivery of eluent components along a predetermined path, enabling isocratic and gradient chromatogram development with minimal solvent consumption by varying the composition of the eluent over time and optimizing the delivery efficiency to match the absorption rate of the adsorbent layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional methods are used to develop chromatograms by simple contact of eluent with adsorbent layer, then the process is simple and easy to operate, but solvent consumption is high and the ability to modify eluent composition during development is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The eluent delivery system is segmented into multiple independent channels, each capable of delivering eluent components separately. This allows precise control over solvent delivery to different regions of the adsorbent layer, reducing overall solvent consumption while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static eluent delivery (simple contact) to dynamic delivery where the eluent application point moves along a predetermined path across the adsorbent layer. This dynamic approach reduces solvent consumption by targeting only the necessary areas while maintaining ease of operation through automated positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gradient chromatogram development is performed by changing mobile phase solution during development, then eluent composition can be modified, but the process becomes troublesome requiring constant supervision and has delayed response
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple eluent components are prepared in advance in separate reservoirs and delivered through dedicated channels. The system pre-configures the gradient profile, eliminating the need for constant supervision during development. The automated control unit manages the complex sequence of component delivery, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining gradient capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated control unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex gradient delivery system. This intermediary manages the coordination of multiple eluent channels, timing sequences, and composition changes, making the complex process transparent and easy to operate without constant supervision.
3Device complexity
If eluent is delivered by simple contact method, then the delivery mechanism is simple, but the precision of eluent application and control over delivery efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device combines multiple functions in a single integrated system: precise positioning of the eluent application point, controlled delivery rate adjustment, gradient composition management, and path programming. This multi-functional approach achieves high precision without proportionally increasing complexity, as all functions are coordinated through a single automated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor eluent delivery rate and composition, automatically adjusting parameters to maintain precision. The control unit receives information about delivery efficiency and eluent front position, making real-time corrections to achieve precise application without requiring complex manual adjustments.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional chromatogram development is performed in large chambers, then sufficient space is provided for plate immersion, but solvent consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the eluent delivery function from the large chamber environment and concentrates it into a focused application system. Instead of immersing the plate in a large volume of eluent, the system delivers eluent directly to the adsorbent layer through a controlled application point, taking out only the necessary amount of solvent and eliminating the need for large chamber spaces.
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 approach enables precise and efficient chromatogram development with reduced solvent consumption, facilitating accurate gradient chromatogram development and minimizing delays in component mixing, thus improving the separation efficiency and reducing solvent usage compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the eluent is absorbed with capillary forces into the adsorbent layer and the chromatogram development occurs automatically
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
In order to develop the chromatogram, the previously prepared plate (18) is placed in the chromatographic chamber (3), to which the tip (11) enters from below. The tip (11) serves as the end of separate supply lines (5a, 5b, 5c... 5x), and each supply line (5a, 5b, 5c... 5x) is intended to deliver a separate eluent component. The first supply line (5a) consists of the first reservoir (6a) connected to the first pump (7a), to the outlet of which the first flexible tube (8a) is connected terminated with the rigid tube (9a). The tip (11) is then positioned at the first turning point (21) and then, with the use of the three-dimensional machine (2), it is passed along the straight line path to the second turning point (22) and back again, while the individual eluent components are pumped with variable efficiency controlled by the computer (20). This results in achieving the eluent that has a variable quantitative and qualitative composition in time. At the same time, the position of the moving eluent front is registered with the digital camera (19), and the signals of the eluent front migration distance are registered by the computer (20), and based on this information, the pumps (7a, 7b... 7x) that deliver individual components of the eluent are controlled accordingly. After reaching the final migration distance of the eluent front, the delivery of the eluent components is stopped, and then the plate (18) is removed from the chromatographic chamber (3) and dried under the hood. As a result, the developed chromatogram is obtained.