Electromembrane Extraction Device with Flat Membrane and Conductive Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for isolating and purifying organic or biochemical compounds through electromembrane extraction are time-consuming, generate waste, and have low yields, with a need for improved recovery in high purity and faster automation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a device with a flat membrane and custom-made disk-shaped electrodes with through-holes, along with electrically conductive resin compartments functioning as electrodes and vials, to enhance ion transport and facilitate integration with automated systems, allowing for faster and more efficient electromembrane extraction in a 3-phase system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If classical extraction methods (2-phase or 3-phase extraction) are used, then the process can be automated, but the extraction is time-consuming and generates waste of organic solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical diffusion-based extraction system with an electromembrane extraction system that uses electrical fields to drive ion transport across membranes. This substitution of mechanical/physical diffusion with electrokinetic migration significantly reduces extraction time while maintaining automation capability through integrated electrode designs and automated sample handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental extraction parameter from passive diffusion to active electrokinetic migration by applying electrical fields. This parameter change enables faster mass transfer rates while the system can be automated through integrated power supply controls and automated sample processing, resolving the contradiction between automation and extraction time.
2Extent of automation
If classical extraction methods are used, then the process can be automated, but the yield is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive diffusion-based extraction with electrokinetic migration driven by electrical fields, creating an active transport mechanism that significantly improves extraction yield. The automated system integrates power supply controls and membrane electrode assemblies that work together to maximize compound recovery while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the extraction mechanism from passive diffusion to active electrokinetic migration through applied electrical fields, the system achieves much higher extraction yields. The automated control of electrical parameters and sample handling ensures consistent high yields while maintaining automation capability.
3Productivity
If hollow fiber membrane devices are used for electromembrane extraction, then the extraction can be performed, but the device is difficult to handle and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction system into modular components including separate electrode compartments, membrane sections, and connection interfaces. This segmentation makes the device easier to assemble, disassemble, and handle while maintaining full extraction capability. The modular design allows for simplified operation without compromising productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the device with multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes - for example, electrodes that also act as compartment boundaries, and connection interfaces that combine sealing and electrical connection functions. This universality simplifies device handling and reduces the number of separate components needed, improving ease of operation while maintaining extraction capability.
4Productivity
If more complex electrode designs are used to improve extraction, then the extraction efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrode function with the compartment boundary function, creating integrated electrode-compartment assemblies. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining high extraction efficiency through the electrokinetic migration mechanism. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate electrode holders and connection systems.
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 approach results in improved recovery and purity of bioorganic compounds, enabling faster and more automated analysis, with reduced mechanical components and easier integration with robotic instruments, enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
ionized chemical and biochemical substances migrate in solution under the application of an electrical field. This type of transport, which is called electrokinetic migration
Implementation Method 2
isolation based on electromembrane extraction is carried out in an aqueous one-phase system... ionized chemical substances are transferred from an aqueous donor/sample compartment, through the pores of an ion-exchange membrane
Implementation Method 3
ionized chemical substances are transferred from an aqueous donor/sample compartment, through the pores of an ion-exchange membrane
Implementation Method 4
migration selectivity, which is responsible for isolation, is obtained by the presence of small pores in the polymeric membrane, preventing larger molecules from entering the acceptor compartment
Implementation Method 5
The through-holes are another feature to reduce the difference in ion transport distances between the back- and front side of the electrode(s) and facilitate and improve the liquid convection in the compartment(s) when in use
Implementation Method 6
providing a supported liquid membrane (SLM) whose thickness is in the range of 10-1000 μm comprising an immobilized organic liquid, which is substantially immiscible with water
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromembrane extraction (EME) device including a union connector, an acceptor compartment with a connector end and a donor compartment with a connector end wherein both connector ends are connectable to the union connector, wherein the union connector includes a flat membrane with a seal on each side thereof, wherein the seals when the acceptor compartment and the donor compartment are connected to the union connector are arranged respectively between the acceptor compartment connector end and the flat membrane and the donor compartment connector end and the flat membrane.