Filtration Endpoint Detection via Pressure Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtration methods lack the ability to determine the endpoint of the filtration process in real-time, leading to inefficiencies and the need for repeated procedures, especially when dealing with low concentrations of substances to be isolated, as they rely on predetermined time durations rather than substance quantity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that monitor pressure difference and volume flow through a filter, allowing for the determination of a termination criterion based on measured values, ensuring a minimum substance quantity is isolated, and enabling automatic termination of the filtration process when the filter becomes clogged, thereby optimizing time and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If filtration is performed based on predetermined time durations, then the process is simple to operate, but the endpoint cannot be determined in real-time leading to inefficiency and repeated procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time monitoring of pressure difference across the filter and volume flow rate during filtration. The system continuously feeds back these parameters to a control unit that compares them against reference values. When the monitored parameters indicate that a sufficient amount of substance has been isolated (detected by specific pressure/flow patterns), the system automatically terminates the filtration process, replacing predetermined time-based operation with intelligent feedback-controlled termination.
2Ease of operation
If filtration continues for a fixed predetermined time, then the procedure is easy to execute, but insufficient substance quantity may be obtained requiring repetition
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors pressure difference and volume flow rate parameters during filtration and compares them against stored reference values. The system detects when a sufficient quantity of substance has been isolated by recognizing specific patterns in the monitored data (such as pressure stabilization or flow rate changes). This feedback mechanism ensures that filtration stops precisely when adequate substance quantity is achieved, eliminating the need for repeated procedures while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing reference values for pressure difference and volume flow rate that correspond to successful filtration endpoints. These reference values are established beforehand based on the specific substance and filter characteristics. During actual filtration, the system compares real-time measurements against these pre-established criteria, enabling automatic determination of when sufficient substance quantity has been isolated without requiring manual assessment or fixed time durations.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of pressure and flow is implemented, then the endpoint can be determined accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control by continuously monitoring pressure difference and volume flow rate with sensors, comparing these measurements against pre-stored reference values in a control unit. When the monitored parameters match the reference patterns indicating sufficient substance isolation, the system automatically terminates filtration. This feedback mechanism provides accurate endpoint detection while managing device complexity through automated decision-making algorithms that interpret sensor data and control the filtration process without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
4Productivity
If automatic termination based on measured values is implemented, then time and resources are optimized, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements feedback control by continuously monitoring pressure difference and volume flow rate parameters, comparing them against pre-stored reference values, and automatically terminating filtration when the measured parameters indicate that a sufficient amount of substance has been isolated. This automated feedback mechanism optimizes productivity by eliminating both under-filtration (insufficient substance quantity) and over-filtration (wasted time and resources), while managing control system complexity through algorithmic decision-making that replaces manual judgment and fixed-time protocols with intelligent, adaptive termination criteria.
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 allows for the efficient isolation and quantification of substances by ensuring that a sufficient amount is obtained without waiting for a predetermined time, reducing the need for repeated processes and enabling automated operation.
Implementation Method 1
Passing the sample from the sample inlet through the filter and the sample outlet by applying a pressure difference between a side of the filter facing the sample inlet and a side of the filter facing away from the sample inlet
Implementation Method 2
the filter being set up to filter a first portion of the sample and passing a second portion of the sample
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a filtering method for isolating and/or quantifying, from a sample, at least one substance to be investigated, comprising: - introducing, via a sample inlet (3a), a first quantity of the sample into a filter module (2) which has a housing (3) with a first opening forming the sample inlet (3a) and a second opening which is covered by a filter (4) and forms a sample outlet (3b), wherein the filter (4) is designed to hold back a first portion of the sample and to allow a second portion of the sample to pass through; - conducting the sample from the sample inlet (3a) through the filter (4) and the sample outlet (3b) by applying a pressure difference between a side of the filter (4) facing the sample inlet (3a) and a side of the filter (4) facing away from the sample inlet (3a), wherein the second portion of the sample leaves the filter module (2) through the sample outlet (3b) as a filtrate; - while the sample is being conducted from the sample inlet (3A) through the filter (4) to the sample outlet (3b), detecting a series of temporally sequentially recorded measurement values of a measurement variable which represents the pressure difference and/or a volumetric flow through the filter (4); - comparing the measurement values to a predefined reference value of the measurement variable; and - ending the filtering method if successively detected measurement values of the measurement variable, over a predefined timespan, are equal to the reference value and/or lie within a predefined range of values around the reference value. The invention also relates to a device with which the method can be carried out.