High-Flow Valve Block Layout to Prevent Diaphragm Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current valve designs for simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography face issues such as reliability due to fluid and solute mixture effects on moving parts, over-stretching of flexible diaphragms, and unacceptably high pressure and fluid linear velocity, particularly in scaled-down applications for fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals requiring higher flow rates and pressures.
Innovation Solution
A valve block system featuring a diaphragm sandwiched between a fluid-transfer plate and a pressure plate, with strategically sized and positioned inlet and outlet bores, and recesses to control fluid flow by pressure application, allowing for higher flow rates up to 2.5 liters per minute and pressures up to 290 pounds per square inch, while preventing deleterious deformation of the diaphragm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve designs are used in SMB chromatography, then the system can operate with standard flow rates and pressures, but the flexible diaphragms experience over-stretching and deformation, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the valve system by providing multiple inlet bores (four or more) with smaller diameters (0.07 inches or less) instead of fewer larger bores. This parameter change distributes the fluid flow across multiple pathways, reducing the pressure and stretch on any single diaphragm region while maintaining the required flow rates up to 2.5 liters per minute and pressures up to 290 psi.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the number of inlet bores is increased to reduce deformation, then the fluid flow distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inlet bores into a single valve block structure, where all bores are integrated into one unified component with a common diaphragm. This combining approach distributes fluid flow across multiple pathways (improving flow distribution and reducing localized stress) while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate valve assemblies, maintaining a compact and integrated design.
3Productivity
If higher flow rates are required for scaled-down applications, then the productivity increases, but the fluid linear velocity becomes unacceptably high causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow path by providing multiple inlet bores (four or more) that distribute the total flow rate across parallel pathways. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall productivity (up to 2.5 liters per minute) while keeping the linear velocity in each individual bore at acceptable levels, preventing fluid velocity-related damage to the diaphragm and other components.
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 solution enables reliable operation at higher flow rates and pressures, reducing the risk of diaphragm deformation and maintaining fluid flow control, thus addressing the limitations of existing valve systems in SMB chromatography for scaled-down applications.
Implementation Method 1
Pressure applied to recesses on the plate selectively opens or closes via the diaphragm the inlet channels formed through the fluid-transfer plate
Implementation Method 2
The diaphragm is further configured to allow flow of the fluid from the plurality of inlet bores to the plurality of outlet bores if the recess is filled with a material having a pressure less than a pressure of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An illustrative valve block includes a plate, a fluid transfer block, and a diaphragm. The plate includes a channel configured to receive a first fluid and a recess connected to the channel. The fluid transfer block includes an inlet connection configured to receive a second fluid and an outlet connection. The fluid transfer block also includes a plurality of valve inlet bores connected to the inlet connection. The plurality of valve inlet bores are distributed along at least part of a first curved shape. The fluid transfer block further includes a plurality of valve outlet bores each fluidly connected to the outlet connection. The plurality of valve outlet bores are distributed along at least part of a second curved shape. The diaphragm is between the pressure plate and the fluid transfer block. The plurality of valve inlet bores and the plurality of valve outlet bores adjoin the recess.