Chromatographic Membrane Receptacle Sealing to Prevent Liquid Bypass

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chromatographic purification processes face issues with low binding capacity and processing throughput due to liquid bypassing the chromatographic membrane, especially with newer materials like cellulosic nanofibers, leading to reduced efficiency and material losses.

Innovation Solution

A chromatographic purification receptacle with a seat and chromatographic media assembly that includes a chromatographic membrane, a retaining member, and compression spacer elements to compress the membrane against the seat, preventing liquid bypass and enhancing binding capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional chromatographic membranes are used, then the processing throughput is limited, but the binding capacity is also low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidbinding capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs nanofibrous membranes with controlled porosity to achieve high binding capacity while maintaining fast flow rates. The nanofibrous structure provides extensive internal surface area within the membrane pores, enabling increased target component binding without reducing processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite chromatographic media combining nanofibrous materials with functional ligands or coatings. This composite structure provides both the high surface area needed for binding capacity and the functional properties required for selective target component interaction, resolving the contradiction between binding capacity and processing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Area of stationary object

If newer chromatographic materials like cellulosic nanofibers are used, then binding surface area increases, but sealing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding surface areaVSAvoidsealing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes flexible nanofibrous membranes that can be conformally sealed to the receptacle surface. The flexible nature of these thin film structures allows them to adapt to the receptacle geometry and form effective seals, overcoming the sealing difficulties associated with rigid conventional membranes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sealing members or gaskets as intermediary elements between the nanofibrous membrane and the receptacle. These intermediaries facilitate the sealing process by providing a compliant interface that accommodates the unique properties of nanofibrous materials while ensuring liquid-tight sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If liquid flows around the periphery of the membrane, then processing speed is maintained, but target component recovery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rateVSAvoidtarget component recovery

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized compression or sealing at the periphery of the membrane to eliminate bypass flow paths. By applying local quality changes (compression forces or sealing structures) at specific locations, the patent ensures all liquid is forced through the membrane surface, maximizing target component recovery without reducing overall flow rate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of periphery bypass flow into a benefit by using the flow distribution characteristics to enhance membrane contact. The design ensures that even flows near the periphery are redirected through the membrane, transforming what would be wasted bypass flow into productive binding opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution significantly increases the binding surface area and flow rate, improving process efficiency and reducing material losses by ensuring all liquid interacts with the membrane, thereby enhancing the recovery of target components.

Implementation Method 1

a retaining member configured to compress a portion of the chromatographic membrane between the retaining member and the seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

Chromatography relies on a chromatographic media or adsorbent that adsorbs certain components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20260001010A1A purification receptacle

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 ASTREA UK SERVICES LTD

AI summary

A purification receptacle for the chromatographic purification of a liquid. The purification receptacle comprises a seat and a chromatographic media assembly including a chromatographic membrane to which target components contained in a liquid supplied to the receptacle and which passes through the chromatographic membrane bind, and a retaining member configured to compress the chromatographic membrane against the seat. Also disclosed is a chromatographic purification system, a method of separating target components from a liquid sample containing target and non-target components prior to purifying and eluting steps in a chromatographic system, and a chromatographic purification method to isolate a specific target component from a sample liquid.