Curved Multi-Bore Valve Block for High-Pressure Diaphragm Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve designs for simulated moving bed chromatography face reliability issues due to fluid and solute mixtures affecting moving parts, over-stretching of flexible diaphragms, and unacceptably high pressure and fluid linear velocity, limiting their performance in scaled-down applications.
Innovation Solution
A valve block design featuring a fluid-transfer plate with inlet and outlet channels and bores arranged in a curved shape, sandwiched between a pressure plate with recesses and a diaphragm, which controls fluid flow by adjusting pressure in the recesses to prevent or allow fluid flow between bores, accommodating higher flow rates and pressures than existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve designs are used in simulated moving bed chromatography, then the system can control fluid flow between columns, but the moving parts are affected by fluid and solute mixtures causing reliability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the moving parts from the fluid path by using a diaphragm valve design where the diaphragm seals against a stationary seat. The fluid and solute mixtures no longer contact moving parts directly, as the diaphragm moves within a sealed chamber rather than having traditional moving components exposed to the process fluid. This separation eliminates the harmful effects of fluid-solute mixtures on valve mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm acts as an intermediary between the actuation mechanism and the fluid flow control. By using the diaphragm as a flexible barrier that transmits force from the actuator to seal against the valve seat, the design mediates between the need for moving parts to control flow and the need to protect moving parts from harmful fluid-solute mixtures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible diaphragms are used to control fluid flow, then the valve can adapt to flow control requirements, but the diaphragms experience over-stretching that limits performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or domed diaphragm design rather than a flat diaphragm. This curvature provides structural reinforcement that distributes stress more evenly across the diaphragm surface during actuation, preventing localized over-stretching and tearing while maintaining the flexibility needed for effective flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the diaphragm including its thickness, material composition, and geometric shape (curvature radius). By optimizing these parameters, the diaphragm achieves the right balance between flexibility for flow control and structural strength to prevent over-stretching during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If valve systems are designed for traditional flow rates, then they can maintain stable operation, but they exhibit unacceptably high pressure and fluid linear velocity that limit scaled-down applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-bore valve designs to a multi-bore configuration where multiple smaller bores work in parallel. This dimensional change in the flow path architecture allows the system to maintain stable operation through distributed flow control while reducing the pressure and velocity in each individual bore, enabling scaled-down applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is segmented into multiple bores rather than using a single large bore. This segmentation distributes the total flow across multiple pathways, reducing the fluid linear velocity and pressure in each segment while maintaining overall operational stability through coordinated control of multiple diaphragms.
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 design enhances the reliability and performance of valve systems by enabling flow rates up to 2.5 liters per minute and pressures up to 290 pounds per square inch, suitable for applications like monoclonal antibody capture, while minimizing deformation and maintaining fluid integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is configured to prevent fluid flow from at least one of the plurality of inlet bores to at least one of the plurality of outlet bores when the recess is filled with the material
Implementation Method 2
enabling flow rates up to 2.5 liters per minute and pressures up to 290 pounds per square inch
Data Source
AI summary
A valve block includes a fluid-transfer plate with multiple inlet bores connecting to a common inlet channel, and multiple outlet bores connecting to a common outlet channel. The inlet bores and the outlet bores are arranged in a curved shape. The valve block also includes a pressure plate and diaphragm aligned and connected to the fluid-transfer plate in a way that allows pressurized material in the pressure plate to control the state of the channels formed by the inlet and outlet bores.