Isotope-Ratio Analysis via LC Eluate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for isotope ratio analysis of substances, particularly those containing large molecules like pharmaceuticals and food additives, face challenges due to the limited availability of ideal eluates suitable for conversion into gaseous substances for high-precision analyzers, such as IRMS, which are costly and technologically constrained.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow for the retention of established liquid chromatography (LC) methods while enabling isotope ratio analysis by adding process steps to excise components of interest from the eluate, using a second carrier fluid for processing, and generating gaseous conversion products through techniques like heating, evaporation, or electrolysis, allowing for broader applicability of LC-capable substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gas is generated from the eluate of a liquid chromatograph in the presence of the eluate, then isotope ratio analysis can be performed, but the method is limited to certain eluates and cannot be applied to all LC-capable substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second liquid carrier fluid as an intermediary medium. This second carrier fluid is used to transfer the analytes from the first carrier fluid (original eluate) to a form suitable for gas generation. The intermediary carrier fluid enables the conversion process to work with a broader range of eluates without requiring direct compatibility between the original eluate and the gas generation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the eluate by introducing a second carrier fluid with different properties. This allows the eluate to be transformed into a form that can be successfully converted to gas, expanding the range of applicable substances while maintaining the original LC method's integrity.
2Ease of operation
If established LC methods are retained, then user convenience is maintained, but isotope ratio analysis cannot be performed on all substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the eluate processing into distinct stages: the first carrier fluid maintains the original LC method, the second carrier fluid enables gas generation, and the gas generation step provides isotope analysis. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function while the overall system achieves both user convenience and expanded versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second liquid carrier fluid acts as a bridge that connects the established LC method with the isotope analysis requirement. It allows users to retain their preferred LC method while enabling broader substance analysis through the intermediary conversion process.
3Measurement precision
If gaseous substances are formed from certain eluates, then isotope analysis is possible, but cost and measurement technology constraints limit the options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical and physical parameters of the eluate through the second carrier fluid, transforming it into a form that can be efficiently converted to gas. This parameter change enables isotope analysis of a broader range of substances without requiring expensive or complex specialized equipment, as the conversion process becomes more straightforward.
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
Enables the isotope ratio analysis of almost all LC-capable substances, maintaining the user's established LC method, and facilitating the combination of processes to produce gaseous conversion products suitable for high-precision analyzers, thereby expanding the range of analyzable substances beyond those previously limited by cost and technological constraints.
Implementation Method 1
In the liquid chromatograph, the substances dissolved in the liquid are separated over time
Implementation Method 2
it is known from DE 10 2005 049 152 to subject the eluate of a liquid chromatograph to an electrolysis in order to form and provide a gaseous substance
Implementation Method 3
it is known to convert liquid or solid samples in a so-called element analyzer by pyrolysis or oxidation and thus to provide constituents of interest in gaseous form
Implementation Method 4
it is known to convert liquid or solid samples in a so-called element analyzer by pyrolysis or oxidation and thus to provide constituents of interest in gaseous form
Implementation Method 5
The partial eluates each contain an organic solvent which is removed. Traditionally, this is done by heating so that the organic solvent evaporates
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for the isotope-ratio analysis. The method comprises the following steps: - carrying out an LC method and thus providing a first eluate which contains at least one first liquid carrier fluid and one or more analytes, - collecting a portion of interest of the eluate, - preparing the partial eluate of interest by combining with a second liquid carrier fluid and separating out the first carrier fluid to form a prepared partial eluate, - preparing the prepared partial eluate to form one or more gaseous transformation products of the analytes, - supplying the gaseous transformation products with gaseous carrier fluid to an isotope analyzer and determining the isotope ratios.