Mobile Phase Controller for Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Method Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supercritical fluid chromatography and carbon dioxide-based chromatography systems lack a method to efficiently transfer chromatographic methods between different system and column configurations, resulting in time-consuming and costly re-development for maintaining successful separations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and methodology that regulates and maintains average mobile phase density or pressure in carbon dioxide-based separation systems using sensors and a controller, allowing for precise adjustment of system components to achieve predetermined solvent properties across different systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If chromatographic methods are transferred between different SFC systems without re-development, then time and cost are reduced, but separation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts critical parameters including mobile phase flow rate, system pressure, and temperature to maintain consistent average mobile phase density across different SFC systems. By controlling these parameters, the system ensures that analyte retention factors and selectivity remain consistent, enabling reliable method transfer without re-development while preserving separation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor mobile phase density, pressure, and flow rate, feeding this information back to a control system. The control system automatically adjusts pump speed, back pressure regulator settings, and temperature control to maintain target density values, ensuring consistent chromatographic performance across different systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If mobile phase density is not controlled, then system complexity is reduced, but method transferability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal control approach where average mobile phase density serves as a common parameter for method transfer across different SFC systems. By using density as the unifying controlled variable rather than system-specific parameters, the system achieves broad adaptability and versatility for method transfer while managing complexity through a focused control strategy
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces mobile phase density as an intermediary parameter that mediates between different system configurations. Rather than directly controlling multiple system variables, the system uses density as an intermediate target that automatically coordinates adjustments across flow rate, pressure, and temperature subsystems, simplifying the overall control architecture
3Reliability
If average mobile phase density is maintained across systems, then chromatographic integrity is preserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control function into distinct modules: density sensing, signal processing, and actuator control. By dividing the complex control task into separate functional segments, the system maintains chromatographic integrity through precise density control while managing device complexity through modular architecture that allows independent optimization of each component
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
Enables efficient transfer of chromatographic methods between systems, preserving chromatographic integrity by maintaining consistent analyte retention factors and selectivity, reducing the need for extensive re-optimization and resource expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor capable of measuring a first mobile phase density or pressure in the system and a second sensor capable of measuring a second mobile phase density or pressure in the system
Implementation Method 2
The controller is capable of averaging the first and the second mobile phase density or pressure measurements to determine an average mobile phase density or pressure value
Implementation Method 3
a pump... capable of pumping a compressible fluid through the column at a controlled flow rate
Implementation Method 4
at least one back pressure regulator located downstream of the column
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for regulating the average mobile phase density or pressure in a carbon dioxide based separation system. The apparatus includes a controller, a set of pressure or density sensors and a set of instructions capable of determining the pressure drop across a column and adjusting at least one system component or parameter to achieve a pre-determined average mobile phase density or pressure in the system.