Gas Separation Device with Reversible Flow for LC Bubble Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas bubbles introduced into liquid chromatography systems can disrupt the separation process, and existing technologies lack effective methods to minimize or remove these gas bubbles efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation device with a housing defining a fluid flow path, including an inlet and an outlet, is designed to exhibit an air trapping effectiveness ratio (ATER) between 0.001 mL−1 and 0.51 mL−1, allowing for efficient trapping and release of gas bubbles during fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas bubbles are introduced into the liquid chromatography system, then the system can handle fluid delivery, but the separation process is disrupted and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas bubbles into a beneficial separation mechanism by designing a flow path that utilizes gas-liquid density differences. The diffuser portion and recombination portion create conditions where gas bubbles naturally rise and separate from the liquid phase, transforming the disruption into an effective gas removal function that enhances operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas separation device as an intermediary component between the fluid source and chromatography device. This intermediary device with its specific flow path configuration (inlet portion, diffuser portion, recombination portion, outlet portion) mediates the fluid flow, allowing gas bubbles to be separated and removed while maintaining liquid chromatography function.
2Reliability
If existing gas removal methods are used, then some gas bubbles can be removed, but the methods lack effectiveness and efficiency in minimizing gas bubble disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into distinct functional portions: inlet portion, diffuser portion, recombination portion, and outlet portion. Each segment performs a specific function in the gas separation process, with the diffuser portion creating flow conditions for gas bubble separation and the recombination portion merging the separated phases. This segmentation provides effective gas removal through a relatively simple device structure.
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
The gas separation device effectively captures and removes gas bubbles, maintaining the ATER within the specified range, which enhances the operational efficiency of liquid chromatography systems by reducing disruptions caused by gas bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser portion arranged to receive fluid from the inlet portion during fluid flow in the forward direction through the housing
Implementation Method 2
the housing being operable to permit fluid flow in a forward direction from the inlet to the outlet and in a reverse direction from the outlet to the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separation device for use in combination with a liquid chromatography system is provided. The gas separation device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path between an outer surface and an inner surface. The fluid flow path includes an inlet portion, a diffuser portion, a recombination portion, and an outlet portion. Any gas bubbles contained within the fluid are trapped within the diffusor portion when fluid flow is in a forward direction. Fluid flow through the gas separation device is reversable so as to remove the trapped gas bubbles from within the gas separation device. In this operation state, the fluid is delivered from the gas separation device into the waste stream to ensure that gas bubbles leave the liquid chromatography system. The gas separation device may exhibit an air trapping effectiveness ratio (ATER) between 0.001 mb−1 and 0.51 mb−1 during forward direction fluid flow.