Gas liquid separator and associated methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas liquid separators are prone to becoming unbalanced during varying system flow conditions, leading to inadequate separation of fluid mixtures and loss of samples due to fixed restrictions, which result in either solvent or gas being discharged through the wrong outlet.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors to monitor solvent and gas levels within the chamber, coupled with a pressure regulator or on/off valve to adjust pressures and flows, ensuring balanced separation by preventing gas from being discharged through the solvent outlet and solvent from being discharged through the gas outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed restrictions are used in conventional gas liquid separators, then the device structure is simple, but the separator becomes unbalanced during varying system flow conditions leading to inadequate separation and sample loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed restrictions with adjustable flow control valves that can dynamically adapt to varying system flow conditions. This allows the separator to maintain balance between gas and solvent outlets regardless of changes in mobile phase flow rate, preventing solvent discharge through the gas outlet and ensuring reliable separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates level sensors that continuously monitor the separation chamber and provide feedback to the flow control valves. This closed-loop control system automatically adjusts valve positions to maintain proper liquid level and phase separation, ensuring consistent separation integrity under varying operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual regulation is used in conventional gas liquid separators, then the device complexity is low, but the separator cannot automatically adapt to changing flow conditions resulting in sample loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where level sensors automatically detect liquid level changes and trigger corresponding adjustments in flow control valves without external intervention. This enables the separator to autonomously adapt to varying flow conditions, preventing sample loss while minimizing operator involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical regulation with an automated control system combining electronic sensors and motorized valves. This substitution enables real-time adaptation to flow conditions while reducing reliance on manual operation, though it increases device complexity.
3Reliability
If fixed outlet configurations are used, then the device structure is simple, but gas or solvent may be discharged through the wrong outlet leading to sample loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs independently controllable flow control valves at each outlet that can dynamically adjust their opening positions based on real-time level sensor feedback. This dynamic control ensures that gas and solvent are always discharged through the correct outlets regardless of fluctuations in mobile phase composition or flow rate, maintaining reliable phase separation.
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
Maintains appropriate separation of fluid mixtures and prevents sample loss by regulating solvent and gas levels, ensuring the integrity of the separation process even under changing flow conditions, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of chromatographic processes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors for sensing at least one of a solvent level or a gas level within the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pressure regulator for regulating a pressure within the chamber
Implementation Method 3
receive a fluid mixture for separation into a gas and a liquid solvent
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a gas liquid separator that includes a chamber for receiving a fluid mixture, a fluid mixture inlet, a solvent outlet, and a gas outlet. The gas liquid separator can include a sensor disposed around or within the chamber for sensing at least one of a solvent level or a gas level. The gas liquid separator can include a regulator connected to at least one of the solvent outlet or the gas outlet for regulating at least one of the solvent level or the gas level within the chamber. Exemplary methods of regulating at least one of the solvent level or the gas level within a gas liquid separator of a CO2-based chromatography flow system are also provided.