Fraction Collector Segmentation for Waste Liquid Concentration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing preparative liquid chromatography systems face challenges in efficiently reusing waste liquid due to high dilution of target components and increased complexity and cost of equipment configurations, such as multiport valves, which also lead to higher defect rates.
Innovation Solution
A preparative liquid chromatograph is designed with a fraction collector that includes separate peak collection containers and waste liquid collection containers, controlled by a controller that efficiently directs the eluate from the separation column into these containers, allowing for targeted collection of peak portions and waste liquid portions without significant dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If waste liquid is stored in a large container downstream of the fraction collector, then the system is simple in configuration, but the collection target components are highly diluted and it takes a long time to concentrate them
Solution Approach 1:
The waste liquid collection system is segmented into multiple separate waste liquid bottles (first waste liquid bottle and second waste liquid bottle) instead of using a single large container. This segmentation allows waste liquid to be divided into different portions, preventing excessive dilution of collection target components while maintaining system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multiport valve is provided downstream of the fraction collector to select waste liquid bottles, then the number of waste liquid bottles can be increased, but the equipment configuration becomes complicated and the equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fraction collector is given multiple functions: it not only collects peak portions in peak collection containers but also collects waste liquid portions in waste liquid collection containers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate multiport valves while achieving the capability to manage multiple waste liquid bottles.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste liquid collection function is merged with the peak collection function in a single fraction collector device. By integrating both functions, the system avoids adding complex multiport valve mechanisms while achieving versatile waste liquid management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multiport valve is provided downstream of the fraction collector, then more waste liquid bottles can be connected, but the occurrence rate of defects increases and other elements may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic multiport valve component is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using a multiport valve to manage multiple waste liquid bottles, the fraction collector itself is modified to directly perform waste liquid collection, eliminating the source of defects and potential damage to other elements.
4Productivity
If waste liquid is reused after being stored in a large container, then resource efficiency improves, but the concentration of collection target components decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Waste liquid is segmented into multiple separate bottles rather than being mixed in a single large container. This segmentation preserves the concentration of collection target components in each separate waste liquid portion, enabling efficient reuse without significant dilution.
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 configuration enables high-efficiency reuse of waste liquid without complicating the equipment configuration, thereby reducing the risk of defects and maintaining the integrity of the target components.
Implementation Method 1
a separation column for separating the components in a sample injected into the mobile phase
Implementation Method 2
a detector for detecting peaks of the components separated by the separation column
Data Source
AI summary
A preparative liquid chromatograph for separating and extracting components in a sample, the preparative liquid chromatograph including a separation channel (2) through which a mobile phase flows, an injector (6) that injects the sample into the mobile phase, a separation column (8) for separating components in the sample injected into the mobile phase, the separation column (8) being provided downstream of the injector (6) on the separation channel (2), a detector (10) for detecting peaks of the components separated by the separation column (8), a fraction collector (12) configured to collect an eluate from the separation column (8) into a plurality of collection containers (20:22) at a downstream of the detector (10) while fractionating the eluate, and a controller (14) for controlling operation of the fraction collector (12), wherein the fraction collector (12) is provided with peak collection containers (20) and waste liquid collection containers (22), each peak collection container (20) is used for collecting a peak portion including a collection target peak detected by the detector (10) in the eluate, and each waste liquid collection container (22) is used for collecting a waste liquid portion not including the collection target peak in the eluate, and the controller (14) is configured to collect the peak portion including the collection target peak detected by the detector (10) in the eluate in the peak collection container (20), and to collect at least a part of the waste liquid portion in the waste liquid collection container (22).