Direct Eluent Delivery to Adsorbent Layers for Gradient Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering eluent to the adsorbent layer in chromatography are inefficient, requiring constant supervision, high solvent consumption, and are not suitable for gradient development, especially in conventional chambers, while methods like using a wick or porous block are limited to isocratic development and have long separation times.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a three-dimensional machine to deliver eluent components directly to the adsorbent layer, allowing for gradient development with controlled speed and composition changes, minimizing solvent consumption and enabling automated chromatogram development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional chambers with eluent reservoir are used for chromatogram development, then simple operation is achieved, but high solvent consumption and constant supervision are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the eluent delivery function from the conventional reservoir system and implements it through a controlled delivery device that applies eluent directly to the adsorbent layer, eliminating the need for large eluent volumes in reservoirs and reducing solvent consumption while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The chromatogram development system is designed to automatically control eluent delivery parameters including flow rate, composition changes, and application position, enabling the system to self-regulate the development process without constant human supervision while minimizing solvent use
2Loss of substance
If wick or porous block methods are used for eluent delivery, then solvent consumption is reduced, but only isocratic development is possible and separation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements dynamic control of eluent delivery parameters, allowing real-time adjustment of flow rate, composition, and application position during chromatogram development. This enables both isocratic and gradient development modes, providing versatility while maintaining low solvent consumption through precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables changes in eluent composition and delivery parameters during the development process by controlling the delivery device to adjust flow rate and composition dynamically, facilitating gradient development and optimizing separation conditions without increasing solvent consumption
3Productivity
If automated eluent delivery with controlled composition changes is implemented, then gradient development and reduced solvent consumption are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is designed with multi-functionality, combining eluent storage, composition control, flow rate regulation, and position control in a single integrated system. This universal device performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while enabling automated gradient development and reducing solvent consumption
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
This method achieves precise gradient chromatogram development with minimal solvent use, facilitating automated separation and sample preparation for analytical and preparative techniques, reducing solvent consumption compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The eluent is absorbed with capillary forces into the adsorbent layer and the chromatogram development occurs automatically
Data Source
AI summary
To develop the chromatogram, a prepared plate is placed in a chromatographic chamber where a tip, connected to multiple supply lines for different eluent components, enters from below. Each line includes a reservoir, pump, and tubing system. The tip is moved along a set path by a three-dimensional machine while the eluents are pumped with varying flow rates, controlled by a computer to produce a changing eluent composition over time. A digital camera tracks the position of the eluent front, and this data is used by the computer to adjust pump operations in real-time. Once the eluent front reaches its final position, pumping stops. The plate is then removed and dried, resulting in a developed chromatogram.