Chromatography Valve Assembly for Continuous Multi-Column Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous chromatography processes are cumbersome, complex, and time-consuming due to the need for frequent reconnection of fluid couplings and column operations, which complicates the packing and cleaning processes, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in maintaining column similarity.
Innovation Solution
A valve unit with a coupling valve assembly and control circuitry that directs fluid flow between multiple columns using membrane valves, ensuring direct and continuous fluid channels to minimize stagnant areas, and operates in various modes to streamline chromatography operations, including single-column and dual-column flow, bypass, waste, and packing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional continuous chromatography operations are performed with multiple columns, then chromatography efficiency is improved, but operational complexity increases due to frequent reconnection of fluid couplings and column operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple column operations into a single integrated valve unit that can switch between columns without requiring external reconnection of fluid couplings. The valve unit integrates fluid inlet, fluid outlet, and multiple column connections in one device, eliminating the need for separate coupling operations for each column transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve unit serves multiple functions: it can direct fluid to different columns, switch between single-column and dual-column modes, handle bypass operations, and manage waste removal. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate devices and manual operations.
2Productivity
If conventional continuous chromatography operations are performed with multiple columns, then chromatography efficiency is improved, but time consumption increases due to frequent reconnection and column operations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit is pre-configured with all necessary fluid pathways and connections to multiple columns. The direct fluid channels are built into the valve structure beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming reconnection operations during column switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve unit maintains continuous fluid flow throughout the operation, allowing seamless transitions between columns without interrupting the chromatography process. The direct fluid channels ensure continuous flow paths, eliminating downtime associated with reconnection operations.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional packing operations are performed on multiple columns, then chromatography capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to difficulty in obtaining repeatable packing results
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit provides identical connection interfaces and fluid pathways for each column, creating a standardized template that can be replicated. This standardization ensures that packing operations can be performed consistently across multiple columns, improving repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve unit treats all columns uniformly through identical connection ports and fluid channel configurations. This homogeneity in the valve design ensures that each column receives the same packing conditions and fluid dynamics, leading to more consistent and repeatable packing results.
4Speed
If direct fluid channels are used in the valve unit, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to minimized stagnant areas
Solution Approach 1:
The valve unit divides the fluid distribution system into separate, dedicated channels for each column connection. This segmentation creates direct, dedicated pathways that eliminate stagnant areas while maintaining a manageable structural organization that can be manufactured and controlled.
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 solution simplifies and accelerates continuous chromatography by reducing the complexity and time required for column operations, enhancing process efficiency and maintaining column consistency, thereby improving the reliability and economy of continuous chromatography processes.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling valve assembly comprises a plurality of membrane valves configured to open and close fluid passages between a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a plurality of columns in response to a control signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve unit for a chromatography apparatus, the valve unit comprising a fluid inlet configured to receive an input fluid, a fluid outlet configured to provide an output fluid, a first pair of fluid ports configured to be coupled to a first column, a second pair of fluid ports configured to be coupled to a second column, a coupling valve assembly configured to direct fluid between a selection of the fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, the first pair of fluid ports and the second pair of fluid ports in response to one or more control signals, wherein the coupling valve assembly is configured to direct fluid using a selection of membrane valves coupled by fluid channels comprised in a body of the coupling valve assembly. The invention further relates to a chromatography apparatus comprising the valve unit and a membrane valve comprised in the valve unit.