Micro Device Solid Phase Extraction Using Rotational Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micro devices for solid phase extraction suffer from non-uniform fluid flow distribution due to differential pressure generated by packed beads, leading to inefficient extraction processes.

Innovation Solution

A micro device design with a dam-forming portion that allows only solvent to flow through, while beads are retained, and the device is rotated at a specific angular velocity to ensure uniform fluid flow and filler distribution, preventing bead accumulation and optimizing extraction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dam is installed in the conventional micro device to retain beads, then the beads can be retained and only fluid flows through, but non-uniform flow distribution is generated due to differential pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebead retentionVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The micro device is rotated at a specific angular velocity during the extraction process. This dynamic rotation creates centrifugal force that distributes the fluid flow uniformly through the bead bed, preventing the non-uniform flow distribution that occurs in static devices. The rotation transforms the static differential pressure problem into a dynamic flow distribution solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by introducing rotational motion at a specifically defined angular velocity (ω). This parameter change affects the fluid dynamics within the device, creating a balance between the differential pressure generated by the bead packing and the centrifugal force from rotation, thereby achieving uniform flow distribution while maintaining effective bead retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If the filling distance of beads is reduced to allow more fluid flow, then solvent consumption is reduced, but non-uniform flow distribution is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolvent consumptionVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rotation of the micro device at a controlled angular velocity creates dynamic flow patterns that ensure uniform distribution of fluid through the bead bed. This dynamic approach allows for reduced bead filling distance while maintaining flow uniformity, as the rotation compensates for the shorter packing length by creating consistent radial flow patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the operational parameter of rotation speed, the invention optimizes the balance between solvent consumption and flow distribution. The specific angular velocity defined in the patent creates optimal flow conditions that allow reduced filler amounts while maintaining uniform extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a micro device is used to increase recovery rate and shorten pretreatment time, then extraction efficiency is improved, but non-uniform flow distribution reduces effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction efficiencyVSAvoidflow distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation of the micro device at a defined angular velocity creates dynamic flow conditions that enhance mass transfer between the fluid and filler phases. This dynamic motion prevents channeling and dead zones, ensuring uniform flow distribution throughout the bead bed, thereby maximizing extraction efficiency and recovery rate while maintaining short pretreatment times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes extraction efficiency by controlling the rotational angular velocity parameter. This parameter change creates optimal flow dynamics that enhance contact between solvent and analyte, improving recovery rate and extraction efficiency while maintaining the advantages of micro-scale operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design achieves uniform fluid flow along the central axis, ensuring unbiased flow of solvent and filler, thereby enhancing the efficiency of solid phase extraction by maintaining consistent flow distribution and maximizing extraction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the rotation of the micro device is performed at an angular velocity defined by Equation 1 below: ω=(sqrt(3)×g)/(2×r×cosφ)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

a dam-forming portion including a dam adjusted to allow only the solvent to flow through but the filler not to pass through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

thereby adsorbing a material to be separated onto the filler in the dam-forming portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3695890B1Solid phase extraction method using micro device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3695890B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3695890B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2
  • EP3695890B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4a

AI summary

The present invention provides a solid phase extraction method using a micro device having a dam forming portion including a dam, the solid phase extraction method comprising the steps of: (i) injecting a solvent and a filler into the micro device, moving the solvent to a dam forming portion including a dam designed to allow the solvent to flow therethrough and prevent the filler from passing therethrough, and adsorbing a material to be separated to the filler in the dam forming portion; and (ii) extracting, from the filler, the adsorbed material to be separated, wherein the micro device is rotated with respect to the central axis in one of steps (i) and (ii), and the rotation of the micro device is performed at an angular velocity defined by equation 1.