Compact Modular Capillary Liquid Chromatography for Flexible Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid chromatography systems are complex, bulky, and inflexible, requiring specialized operators, lack portability, and are not suitable for co-location with reactors due to space and size constraints, with high flow rates leading to solvent volume and storage hazards, and limited column flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system with a solvent delivery manager and base module that allows user-substitutable components, including pumps and detectors, within a compact envelope, enabling modular configuration and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing liquid chromatography systems are used, then separation performance is achieved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid chromatography system is divided into modular components including a base unit, optional pump modules, and optional detector modules that can be selectively combined. This segmentation allows users to achieve required separation performance while minimizing system complexity by only including necessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal interfaces and control capabilities that can support multiple optional modules (pump modules, detector modules). This multi-functionality allows a single base unit to provide comprehensive chromatography capabilities while maintaining simpler overall system architecture compared to dedicated high-end systems.
2Productivity
If high-flow rate UPLC systems are used, then analysis speed is improved, but solvent volume requirements and storage hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates variable flow rate capability allowing dynamic adjustment during analysis. The optional pump modules can provide high flow rates when needed for rapid analysis while the system can operate at lower flow rates during solvent consumption periods, optimizing both speed and solvent usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in flow rate and solvent composition through the optional pump modules and controller. Users can optimize flow rates for specific analyses to achieve required productivity while minimizing total solvent consumption and associated storage hazards.
3Device complexity
If integrated column systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but column flexibility and research adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the column component from the main instrument architecture, allowing independent selection and replacement of columns. This segmentation maintains operational simplicity through standardized interfaces while enabling extensive column flexibility for different research applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system supports parameter changes in column characteristics (length, diameter, packing material) through the optional module configurations. Users can adapt column parameters to specific research needs while maintaining a relatively simple base system architecture.
4Productivity
If high-pressure UPLC operation is used, then analysis speed is improved, but operational complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic pressure control through optional pump modules that can operate at different pressure levels. Users can select high-pressure operation for rapid analysis when needed while avoiding high-pressure complexity during routine work, optimizing both productivity and operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in operating pressure through the optional module configurations and controller. Users can adjust pressure parameters to match specific analytical requirements, achieving high productivity when necessary while maintaining simpler operational modes for常规 work.
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 system provides a compact, portable, and flexible solution that maintains performance, allowing rapid analytical results and user-defined configurations without the need for large solvent volumes, reducing space requirements and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
capillary liquid chromatography system
Implementation Method 2
separation of that API from its impurities
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system includes a solvent delivery manager including a first solvent pump assembly including a first pump housing or mount. A base module is further provided including a base module housing which is user accessible, or a base module bracket, and an injection valve for sample injection to a liquid chromatography column. The injection valve has an inlet port for receiving a sample and the injection valve is mounted in or on the base module housing or the base module bracket. The solvent delivery manager is configured to deliver solvent to the injection valve. A reconfigurable control system is also provided for controlling the reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system.