Chromatography Column Recirculation Layout With Shared Flow Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simulated moving bed chromatography systems require numerous and complex valves and tubes, leading to increased complexity and cost, with a need for improved connectivity and reduced hardware in the system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a chromatography system with a feed recirculation mechanism that combines outlet flows from primary load columns into a single feed recirculation flow path, which then directs the flow to secondary load columns, reducing the number of valves and tubes needed, and incorporating a feed recirculation detector to monitor the composition of the flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple valves and tubes are used to connect outlets of primary load columns to inlets of secondary load columns, then the system can achieve proper flow direction control, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate flow paths into a single shared feed recirculation flow path. Instead of having separate tubes and valves for each column connection, the system merges all feed recirculation flows into one common path that serves multiple columns, thereby reducing the total number of tubes and valves while maintaining proper flow direction control through a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The shared feed recirculation flow path serves multiple functions simultaneously - it recirculates feed to multiple secondary load columns, monitors system composition through a single detector, and provides a common return path to the feed pump. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated paths for each column, reducing overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are installed to monitor composition at different points in the system, then measurement coverage is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single detector installed in the shared feed recirculation flow path performs multiple monitoring functions simultaneously. It detects the composition of feed recirculation flowing to all secondary load columns, provides system-wide composition information, and enables process control for the entire chromatography system, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate detectors at different locations
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate flow paths are provided for each column connection, then flow control flexibility is maintained, but the number of tubes and valves increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains flow control flexibility through dynamic valve positioning within the shared feed recirculation path. The valve can be positioned to direct flow to different secondary load columns as needed, providing adaptability without requiring separate dedicated paths for each column. The single valve dynamically adjusts flow distribution based on which columns require feed recirculation at any given time
Data Source
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AI summary
A chromatography system (10) comprising at least two chromatography columns(11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), where a feed recirculation of outflow from a primary load column to the inlet of a secondary load column is combined such that the feed recirculation outflow from all columns that will be used as primary load columns in the system will pass through one and the same feed recirculation flow path (36). The aim of the invention is to improve a chromatography system, which comprises at least two chromatography columns, such as a "simulated moving bed " (SMB) system.