Liquid Degassing via Negative Pressure Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional degassing technologies in liquid chromatography face challenges such as insufficient selectivity of membranes, solvent vapor removal leading to composition changes, and discontinuous degassing processes, which can result in re-saturation of solvents and flow instability.
Innovation Solution
A degasser that combines degassing with liquid circulation, using a movable body to generate negative pressure and separate gas from liquid, while maintaining solvent vapor within the system to prevent composition changes, and incorporating a filter to ensure purity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional degassing technologies are used, then gas removal is achieved, but solvent composition changes due to vapor removal and re-saturation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the degassing function from solvent removal by using a semi-permeable membrane that allows only gas molecules to pass through while retaining solvent molecules, thus achieving efficient degassing without composition changes
Solution Approach 2:
A semi-permeable membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid solvent and the gas phase, enabling selective gas removal while preventing solvent loss through the membrane's size-exclusion properties
2Reliability
If discontinuous degassing processes are used, then degassing is achieved, but flow instability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous degassing by maintaining constant circulation of the liquid phase through the membrane contactor, ensuring uninterrupted gas removal and stable flow conditions throughout the process
3Reliability
If membrane degassing is used, then gas removal is achieved, but selectivity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances selectivity by optimizing the membrane's local properties including pore size distribution, hydrophobicity, and surface charge to specifically target different gas molecules while excluding solvent molecules
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 enhances degassing efficiency, maintains solvent composition stability, and prevents re-saturation, ensuring a continuous supply of degassed solvent to the chromatography system without overfeeding or underfeeding the consumer unit.
Implementation Method 1
a movable body (in particular a movable piston or a movable membrane) configured for at least partially degassing the liquid by generating a negative pressure in the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a filter in the circulation path for filtering particles or debris out of the liquid, wherein the liquid is forced through the filter by the drive unit
Data Source
AI summary
A degasser for at least partially degassing a gas-containing liquid, in particular for a sample separation device, includes a circulation path along which the liquid can be circulated between a liquid accommodation volume and one of an inlet to a consumer unit consuming degassed liquid or a conduit leading to the inlet, a drive unit configured for circulating the liquid in the circulation path, and a filter in the circulation path for filtering particles or debris out of the liquid, wherein the liquid is forced through the filter by the drive unit. The drive unit includes a movable body, in particular a movable piston or a movable membrane, configured for at least partially degassing the liquid by generating a negative pressure in the liquid.