Automated Liquid-Liquid Extraction via Conductivity-Guided Dynamic Suction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid-liquid extraction methods are time-consuming, error-prone, and lack reproducibility, especially for large-volume analyses and syntheses, and current automated systems face challenges with phase separation and require significant footprints.
Innovation Solution
An automated liquid-liquid extraction method using a device with a conductivity sensor to determine phase differences, allowing for controlled suction at varying speeds and distances to ensure gentle phase separation, suitable for larger volumes, and incorporating a computer program for optimized phase boundary determination and extraction aid addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual extraction methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption increases and reproducibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction device automatically performs phase separation and solvent removal without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates the extraction process through automated pumping, phase separation in the separation chamber, and solvent evaporation, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining consistency and reproducibility across multiple extractions.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional automated extraction systems are used, then automation is achieved, but they cannot handle large volumes and require large footprints
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from horizontal phase separation to vertical phase separation by orienting the separation chamber vertically. This dimensional change allows the system to handle larger volumes of liquid phases without proportionally increasing the device's horizontal footprint, as the separation occurs along the vertical axis rather than requiring extensive horizontal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction device is divided into distinct functional modules: a mixing chamber for phase mixing, a separation chamber for phase separation, and an evaporation chamber for solvent removal. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function and enables the system to process large volumes efficiently without requiring a uniformly large device footprint.
3Productivity
If fast suction is used to speed up extraction, then productivity increases, but phase boundary disruption occurs and extraction precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction speed is dynamically adjusted during the extraction process. The system initially applies higher suction speed to rapidly remove the upper phase and increase productivity, then automatically reduces the suction speed as the phase boundary approaches the suction inlet. This dynamic speed adjustment ensures complete phase separation while preventing disruption of the phase boundary, thereby maintaining both high productivity and precise phase separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control through conductivity sensors that continuously monitor the phase boundary position. Based on the sensor feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the suction speed to maintain optimal separation conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the suction speed is reduced when the phase boundary approaches, preventing mixing while maximizing extraction efficiency.
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
The method enables efficient, reproducible, and precise extraction of components from large volumes, reducing errors and operational time, while minimizing the risk of phase boundary disruption and allowing for multiple extractions with the same solution.
Implementation Method 1
determining a conductivity difference ΔList between the hydrophilic phase and the hydrophobic phase using a conductivity sensor
Implementation Method 2
The upper phase is extracted at at least two different speeds v1 to vn, wherein the last speed vn is slower than a previous speed vn−1
Implementation Method 3
The solvent should have a similar polarity to the component to be extracted and a sufficient difference in density to the substance mixture or extraction material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for automated liquid-liquid extraction. The method comprises the steps of:i) providing an extraction device,ii) providing a vessel with a hydrophilic phase and a hydrophobic phase, wherein at least one component to be extracted is contained in one of the two phases,iii) determining a conductivity difference ΔList between the hydrophilic phase and the hydrophobic phase using a conductivity sensor.The upper phase is extracted at at least two different speeds v1 to vn, wherein the last speed vn is slower than a previous speed vn−1, preferably slower than v1 to vn−1.