Hydrostatic Pressure Volume Measurement for HPLC Solvent Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for volume measurement in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems, such as hydrostatic level measurement, are inefficient due to the need for user-inputted solvent density and container cross-sectional area, leading to inaccurate and inconvenient solvent volume determination.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure hydrostatic pressure changes over time to calculate the current volume of a liquid in a container, independent of solvent density and container geometry, using a pressure sensor, measurement hose, and control device, allowing for automatic volume determination without user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If hydrostatic level measurement is used to determine solvent volume, then the measurement can be performed, but the system requires user input of solvent density and container cross-sectional area, increasing operational complexity and reducing automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of solvent volume using only pressure sensor data without requiring user input of density or container geometry parameters. The evaluation unit automatically calculates volume based on pressure changes detected by the pressure sensor, eliminating the need for manual parameter entry while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If hydrostatic level measurement is used, then volume can be measured, but the measurement precision is reduced due to unknown solvent density and container cross-sectional area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional hydrostatic level measurement method (which requires knowledge of density and container geometry) with a pressure-based measurement system. The pressure sensor directly measures pressure changes that correspond to liquid level changes, eliminating the need for additional physical parameters and improving measurement precision through direct pressure-volume correlation.
3Device complexity
If traditional volume measurement methods are used, then solvent volume can be determined, but the system complexity increases due to multiple required parameters and user inputs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary parameters (solvent density, container cross-sectional area) from the measurement system. By using only pressure sensor data, the system reduces the number of required inputs and simplifies the measurement process, thereby improving productivity while reducing system complexity.
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 approach provides accurate and reliable solvent volume measurement, enabling timely detection of insufficient solvent levels and preventing analysis interruptions, while reducing system complexity and avoiding gassing issues in HPLC systems.
Implementation Method 1
Respective hydrostatic pressures can be detected before and after the volume change of the liquid in the container
Implementation Method 2
The liquid can be drawn from the container over a period of time
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of volume measurement of a liquid are described. During extraction or feed of the liquid, at least two time points of the altered volume of the liquid is measured. Respective hydrostatic pressures are measured at these time points. The pressure difference is determined and the current volume of the liquid present in the container is determined.