Chromatography Open Loop Shifting Injection Draw-off Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatographic processes, such as the Cyclojet and 2-zone SMB, are inefficient in terms of productivity and resource utilization, often requiring multiple columns and external recycling systems, which lead to increased operational costs and reduced separation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing an open separation loop with multiple chromatography columns, where the eluent injection and fraction draw-off points are shifted discontinuously, allowing for independent injection and collection stages, and enabling the use of a reduced number of columns while maximizing separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional chromatographic processes (Cyclojet, 2-zone SMB) are used, then separation can be achieved, but productivity is low and multiple columns are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic shifting of injection and draw-off points along the column sequence. The injection point moves from the first column to subsequent columns, and the draw-off point moves correspondingly. This dynamic reconfiguration allows a single column to perform multiple separation functions sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple static columns and thereby improving productivity without increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the chromatographic process into distinct temporal phases: injection phase, separation phase, and draw-off phase. By segmenting the operation time and spatial position, a single column can be reused for multiple separation cycles, effectively replacing the need for multiple columns in traditional simultaneous processing approaches.
2Loss of substance
If traditional chromatographic processes are used, then separation can be achieved, but eluent consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous eluent flow through the column while dynamically adjusting the injection and draw-off points. The eluent continuously carries compounds through the stationary phase, and by shifting the active zones along the column, the system maximizes the utilization of each eluent volume, reducing waste while maintaining separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of injection and draw-off points along the column length. By varying these positions dynamically, the system optimizes the interaction between eluent, stationary phase, and analytes, improving separation efficiency while reducing the total volume of eluent required compared to fixed-position traditional methods.
3Manufacturing precision
If batch process is used, then purification can be achieved, but productivity is low and products are very diluted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by cyclically shifting the injection and draw-off points along the column sequence. This periodic reconfiguration enables continuous operation where multiple separation cycles occur in sequence, maintaining high purification levels while significantly improving productivity compared to single-shot batch processes.
Solution Approach 2:
By dynamically adjusting the positions of injection and draw-off points during operation, the system transitions from static batch processing to dynamic continuous operation. This allows the column to be repeatedly utilized for multiple separation cycles, achieving both high purification and improved productivity without the dilution issues of traditional batch methods.
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 enhances productivity by fully exploiting the stationary phase, reducing eluent consumption, and achieving higher purity fractions with reduced column usage, compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
Chromatography is a separation method based on the difference in distribution of compounds of a mixture between a moving phase and a stationary phase. The compounds are separated by percolating a liquid, gaseous or supercritical solvent in a device (a column) filled with stationary phase.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for separating fractions of a mixture to be separated, in a device (1) comprising: several chromatography columns (21, 22, 23,) mounted in series; an open separation loop comprising in input a point for injecting (6) eluent in one of the columns and in output a point for drawing (8) a fraction of the mixture. The method includes the following steps: batch injection of the mixture to be separated in the open separation loop (4); collecting at least two fractions; offsetting at least one column of the eluent injecting and fraction drawing points (6, 8) of the separation loop (4). The invention also concerns a device for separating fractions of a mixture to be separated.