Liquid Delivery Device Segmentation for Gradient Delay Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid chromatography systems face issues with solvent replaceability and gradient analysis accuracy due to the presence of pressure sensors or dampers in the discharge channel, leading to delayed composition changes and prolonged analysis times, especially during gradient analysis and solvent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A liquid delivery device with a switching valve that selectively connects the main and branch channels to an output or drain port, allowing for efficient purging of the branch channel without flowing solvent into the analysis channel, thereby avoiding the use of high-capacity elements like pressure sensors or dampers in the main channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor or damper is disposed on the discharge channel to stabilize liquid delivery pressure, then liquid delivery stability is improved, but solvent replaceability deteriorates and gradient analysis accuracy is reduced due to internal capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge channel is divided into a main channel connected to the analysis channel and a branch channel connected to the pressure sensor or damper. This segmentation allows the pressure control element to be isolated from the main flow path, eliminating its internal capacity effect on gradient analysis while maintaining pressure stabilization function.
Solution Approach 2:
A switching valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the connection between the branch channel and the main channel. The switching valve enables selective isolation of the pressure sensor or damper from the main flow path during gradient analysis, preventing delay while maintaining pressure control capability when needed.
2Reliability
If a damper with large internal capacity is provided on the discharge channel to absorb pressure fluctuation, then liquid delivery stability is improved, but solvent replacement efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge channel is segmented into a main channel for solvent flow to the analysis channel and a branch channel containing the damper. This segmentation isolates the damper's large internal capacity from the main solvent path, allowing rapid solvent replacement in the main channel while the damper remains isolated and does not impede flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve acts as an intermediary to isolate the damper from the main channel during solvent replacement operations. By closing the switching valve, the damper is disconnected from the solvent path, eliminating its capacitive effect on solvent replacement speed while preserving its pressure stabilization function during normal operation.
3Reliability
If a pressure sensor is disposed on the discharge channel to monitor liquid delivery pressure, then liquid delivery stability is improved, but accuracy of mobile phase composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge channel is divided into a main channel that delivers mobile phase to the analysis channel and a branch channel that connects the pressure sensor to the main channel. This segmentation ensures that the pressure sensor's internal capacity does not mix with or delay the mobile phase composition reaching the analysis channel, maintaining composition accuracy while enabling pressure monitoring.
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 configuration enables high-efficiency purging of the branch channel, minimizing gradient delay and improving solvent replacement efficiency, while maintaining stable liquid delivery flow rates and enhancing the reproducibility of analysis results.
Implementation Method 1
a switching valve (12a) configured to be selectively switched to a first state and a second state... the switching valve is configured to be selectively switched to a first state and a second state
Implementation Method 2
there is another method in which a damper whose internal capacity changes according to an increase or decrease of the liquid delivery pressure by the liquid delivery pump is disposed on the discharge channel
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid delivery device includes at least one liquid delivery pump that delivers liquid, at least one main channel communicating with an outlet of the liquid delivery pump, at least one branch channel branched from the main channel, and a switching valve that has, as a port for connecting channels, at least a port to which the main channel is connected, a port to which the branch channel is connected, at least one output port for outputting liquid delivered by the liquid delivery pump through the main channel, and at least one drain port leading to a drain, and is configured to be selectively switched to a first state, in which the main channel is connected to the output port while the branch channel is not connected to any channel, and a second state in which the branch channel is connected to the drain port while the main channel is not connected to any channel.