LC Flow Rate Correction via System Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid chromatography (LC) systems, the actual flow rate can deviate from the set-point flow rate due to dynamic conditions, leading to inaccurate flow rate measurements, especially under fast-changing conditions, which affects the accuracy of chromatographic results.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that measure pressure or flow rate in real-time and apply a model of the LC system, including capacitive and resistive elements, to determine a corrected flow rate value, accounting for system and solvent properties and dynamic conditions, allowing for accurate flow rate data correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow measurement device is used to monitor flow rate in real-time, then the ability to detect actual flow rate is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates under dynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a model-based correction mechanism as an intermediary between the raw flow measurement device and the final flow rate value. The model, which incorporates system topology, capacitive elements, and resistive elements, processes the measured data to compensate for measurement errors under dynamic conditions, thereby improving reliability while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the model to continuously correct flow rate measurements based on system state information. The correction process feeds back into the measurement system, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain accurate flow rate reporting even during rapid transitions
2Productivity
If the LC system operates under fast-changing dynamic conditions, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-characterizing the LC system topology and storing model parameters (capacitive and resistive elements) before operation. This allows the system to quickly apply corrections during fast-changing dynamic conditions without requiring time-consuming real-time analysis of system characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow rate correction adaptive to changing system conditions. The model dynamically adjusts the correction based on real-time system state, allowing accurate flow rate measurement whether the system is in steady state or undergoing rapid transitions, thus enabling both high productivity and measurement precision
3Device complexity
If set-point flow rate values are used without correction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical LC system in the form of a computational model. This model copy includes representations of system topology, capacitive elements, and resistive elements, allowing the system to simulate and correct flow rate behavior without adding complex physical measurement devices to the actual chromatography system
Data Source
AI summary
To determine a corrected flow rate value of a mobile phase flowing in a liquid chromatography (LC) system, a flow rate of the mobile phase at a selected reference position in the LC system is measured to produce one or more flow rate values. A model of the LC system is applied to the flow rate value(s) to determine the corrected flow rate value(s). The model includes a distribution of capacitive elements and resistive elements arranged according to a topology of the LC system. The capacitive and resistive elements are representative of system and solvent properties affecting flow rate while operating the LC system. The system and solvent properties may be properties affecting the flow rate while operating the LC system under dynamic conditions.