Fluidic Switch for Chromatography Eluate Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatograph systems do not allow operators to safely experience eluted compounds during sensory analysis and fail to identify both collected and eliminated substances simultaneously, posing risks due to uncontrolled toxic compound distribution.
Innovation Solution
An installation with a gas phase chromatograph, mass spectrometer, flow divider, and fluidic switch with a control device that selectively routes the eluate to either the mass spectrometer or olfactometric port, enabling safe operator exposure and simultaneous identification of collected and eliminated compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the eluate is directed to the olfactometric port for sensory analysis, then the operator can perceive the smell of separated compounds, but the operator is exposed to toxic compounds without safety control
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer acts as an intermediary device that analyzes the eluate before it reaches the olfactometric port. The control device uses mass spectrometer data to control the fluidic switch, ensuring that toxic compounds are identified and prevented from reaching the operator while allowing safe compounds to proceed to sensory analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the mass spectrometer continuously monitors the eluate composition and provides real-time data to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device adjusts the fluidic switch to route toxic compounds away from the olfactometric port while allowing safe compounds to reach the operator for sensory analysis.
2Measurement precision
If the eluate is analyzed by the mass spectrometer, then compound identification is achieved, but the operator cannot simultaneously perform sensory analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The eluate flow is segmented into multiple paths using the fluidic switch. One path directs the eluate to the mass spectrometer for identification, while another path directs it to the olfactometric port for sensory analysis. The fluidic switch enables simultaneous operation of both paths based on real-time mass spectrometer data.
3Reliability
If a fluidic switch is added to control eluate routing, then selective evacuation of toxic compounds is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it receives and processes mass spectrometer data, controls the fluidic switch to route toxic compounds away from the olfactometric port, and enables selective evacuation of harmful substances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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
Enables secure and uninterrupted sensory analysis by allowing selective evacuation or collection of toxic compounds, correlating mass spectrometer results with compounds reaching the olfactometric port or analysis devices, ensuring operator safety and accurate identification.
Implementation Method 1
at least one divider flow comprising two inlets and at least two fluid outlets... the one of the outputs of the flow divider being coupled to the input of the mass spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
switch control device adapted to allow selective supply of fluid to said fluid outlets by said fluid inlet, this switch control device comprising at least one flow circuit fluid comprising at least two circulation paths connectable at the inlet to a pressurized gas source
Implementation Method 3
a mass spectrometer able to output data representative of the result of the spectrometric analysis of at least a portion of the eluate, at least one fluidic switch... the one of the outputs of the flow divider being coupled to the input of the mass spectrometer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Equipment for analysing a chromatograph eluate (1), comprising: - a chromatograph (1); - a mass spectrometer (2); - at least one flow splitter (3) comprising two fluid inlets (31, 32) and at least two fluid outlets (33, 34, 35), one (31) of said inlets (31, 32) being couplable to a pressurized gas source, the other (32), referred to as eluate inlet, coupled to the eluate outlet (13) of the chromatograph (1), one (33) of the outlets (33, 34, 35) of the flow splitter (3) being coupled to the inlet (31) of the mass spectrometer (2); and - at least one fluid switch (4) comprising at least one fluid inlet (41) and two fluid outlets (42, 43) respectively in fluid communication with said fluid inlet (41) via a fluid duct (44, 45), and a control device (5) for the switch (4) suitable for selectively supplying said fluid outlets (42, 43) with fluid via said fluid inlet (41). The fluid inlet (41) of the or of at least one of the fluid switches (4) is connected to a fluid outlet (34, 35) of the flow splitter (3) different from the flow outlet (33) of the flow splitter (3) coupled to the mass spectrometer (2).