Optical Fiber Housing for High-Pressure HPLC Flow Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems face challenges in securing optical fibers and preventing stray light due to mechanical stresses and the need for materials that resist solvents, especially at ultra-high pressures, which complicates the design of optical-fiber based flow cells and requires effective sealing and light management.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a housing with optical fiber and capillary bores, secured with potting material and a gasket with a low refractive index to prevent light leakage and ensure even sample exposure, utilizing materials like polyarylketone and amorphous fluorocarbon polymers for secure and efficient light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fiber is used for light transmission in high-pressure HPLC systems, then light detection capability is improved, but securing the optical fiber against mechanical stresses and preventing stray light becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is nested within a bore of a capillary holder, which is itself nested within the flow cell housing. This nested structure provides mechanical protection and secure positioning of the optical fiber against high-pressure mechanical stresses while maintaining light transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
A capillary holder serves as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the high-pressure environment. The holder with its bore provides a protected pathway for the optical fiber, isolating it from direct mechanical stress while enabling light transmission for detection
2Manufacturing precision
If high pressure is applied for sharper separations, then separation quality is improved, but mechanical stresses on equipment and sealing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible gasket with a bore is used to seal the capillary holder in the flow cell housing. The flexible nature of the gasket allows it to withstand and seal against ultra-high pressures (4,000-15,000 psi) while accommodating mechanical stresses, enabling sharp separations without equipment failure
3Measurement precision
If small scale devices are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but difficulty of manufacture and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is segmented into distinct functional components: housing, gasket with bore, capillary holder with bore, and optical fiber. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the small scale needed for sensitive detection
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 effectively secures optical fibers and capillaries under high pressures, prevents stray light, and ensures uniform sample exposure, enhancing detection sensitivity and equipment durability in HPLC systems.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket with a low refractive index to prevent light leakage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatus and devices (11) for placing light with samples for analysis and method of making and using such apparatus and device.