Corrugated Flow-Path Member with Insulating Cover for Liquid Chromatography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid chromatography, the use of corrugated pipes to reduce extra-column dispersion leads to increased sample temperature, degrading the retention properties of separation columns and interfering with analysis accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A flow-path member comprising a pipe with corrugated sections and a covering member that forms a space between the pipe and the covering member, reducing temperature increase and maintaining high analysis accuracy by averaging flow velocities and acting as a heat insulating layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a corrugated pipe is used to suppress extra-column dispersion, then dispersion performance is improved, but sample temperature increases causing degradation of retention property
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a covering member as an intermediary element that wraps around the corrugated pipe. This covering member acts as a thermal insulator, mediating between the heat source (column oven) and the sample flow path, thereby reducing heat transfer to the sample while preserving the dispersion-suppressing corrugated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure by combining the corrugated pipe (for dispersion control) with a covering member material (for thermal insulation). This composite design integrates two different functional materials to simultaneously achieve dispersion suppression and temperature control
2Use of energy by moving object
If the temperature of the sample increases in the corrugated column, then heat transfer is enhanced, but retention property of the sample in the separation column is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The covering member serves as a thermal barrier intermediary, selectively blocking excessive heat transfer to the sample while allowing the necessary thermal environment for the separation column to function. This mediator prevents the harmful overheating that degrades retention properties
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 effectively suppresses extra-column dispersion and maintains high separation performance by reducing temperature-related degradation, enhancing the durability of the flow-path member and improving peak retention and resolution in chromatograms.
Implementation Method 1
a space is formed between the covering member and the pipe at least in the first portion and the second portion
Implementation Method 2
In the corrugated pipe, it is possible to suppress a difference in flow velocity between a pipe wall-surface portion and a center portion and suppress the extra-column dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
A flow-path member through which a sample flows in an analysis device includes a pipe and a covering member that covers the pipe. The pipe has a first portion including a first direction, which is orthogonal to a direction in which the flow-path member extends as a whole, as at least an element of a local extending direction, a second portion including a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, as at least an element of a local extending direction, a first bent portion in which a local extending direction changes from the first portion to the second portion, and a second bent portion in which a local extending direction changes from the second portion to the first portion. A space is formed between the covering member and the pipe at least in the first portion and the second portion.