Modular Capillary LC Layout for Compact Reconfigurable Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid chromatography systems are complex, bulky, and inflexible, requiring specialized operators, have high space requirements, and lack portability and rapid analysis capabilities, which limits their use in environments like fume hoods and restricts column selection, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system with a modular design, allowing users to substitute and reconfigure components such as solvent pumps, columns, and detectors within a compact base module, using industry-standard connectors and a user-friendly control system to meet specific analytical needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing liquid chromatography systems are used, then analytical performance is maintained, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid chromatography system is divided into separate functional modules (pump module, injector module, column module, detector module) that can be independently selected and combined. This segmentation allows users to configure only the necessary components for their specific analytical needs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining required performance capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal interface designs and standardized connectors that allow different module types to be combined in various configurations. A single base unit can support multiple pump types, detectors, and column configurations through modular attachments, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for different analytical tasks.
2Measurement precision
If high-performance liquid chromatography systems are used, then separation quality improves, but system size and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular modules are designed to nest within a compact base unit structure. The pump module, injector module, column module, and detector module can be arranged in a space-efficient configuration where smaller components are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones, maximizing the use of available space within the base unit footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal arrangement of large instruments to a vertical stacking configuration within the base unit. Modules are arranged in multiple levels, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate high-performance components without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby achieving compactness while maintaining analytical capability.
3Device complexity
If integrated column systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but column selection flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The column module is designed with dynamic interchangeability, allowing users to change column types based on specific analytical requirements. The standardized interface enables quick attachment and detachment of different column modules without requiring system reconfiguration or complex assembly procedures, maintaining simplicity while providing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation system is segmented into an interchangeable column module that can be independently selected from various options. This segmentation separates the column selection function from the rest of the system, allowing users to choose from multiple column types (reverse phase, normal phase, ion exchange) based on their specific needs without affecting other system components.
4Productivity
If UPLC systems with high flow rates are used, then analysis speed increases, but solvent storage requirements and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements localized solvent storage directly within the pump module housing, eliminating the need for large external solvent reservoirs. The pump module contains integrated solvent delivery components that use minimal solvent volume for high-speed UPLC analysis, concentrating the solvent management function in a compact, safe location within the base unit.
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 system provides a compact, portable, and flexible solution that maintains high performance, enabling rapid analysis and user-defined configurations without sacrificing resolution, turn-around time, and column selection flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
A reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system
Implementation Method 2
an optical detector module for liquid chromatography
Data Source
AI summary
A reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system includes a solvent delivery manager including a first solvent pump assembly including a first pump housing or mount. A base module is further provided including a base module housing which is user accessible, or a base module bracket, and an injection valve for sample injection to a liquid chromatography column. The injection valve has an inlet port for receiving a sample and the injection valve is mounted in or on the base module housing or the base module bracket. The solvent delivery manager is configured to deliver solvent to the injection valve. A reconfigurable control system is also provided for controlling the reconfigurable capillary liquid chromatography system.