Modular Ion Chromatography System with Integrated Electrolytic Suppressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion chromatography systems face challenges in ease of use and reliability due to complex fluid connections and the need for suitable instrumentation and consumables for capillary-scale separations, which can lead to contamination and irreproducible results.
Innovation Solution
A modular ion chromatography system with a miniaturized housing and regenerant flow manifold plate that simplifies fluid connections using quick connect/disconnect connectors and reduces the number of manual connections, allowing for capillary-scale and conventional-scale separations to be performed simultaneously, and enabling two-dimensional ion chromatography.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional ion chromatography systems use multiple manual fluid connections for capillary-scale separations, then separation precision can be maintained, but system complexity and risk of contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid connection functions into a single integrated cartridge assembly that includes the separation column, suppressor, and regeneration components. This merging eliminates the need for multiple manual connections while maintaining separation precision through integrated flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cartridge system that acts as a self-contained module between the bulk eluent reservoir and the detection system. This cartridge includes pre-packed ion-exchange media and integrated flow channels that eliminate manual connections while preserving chromatographic separation quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional systems require off-line preparation of eluents, then eluent purity can be controlled, but operator error and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service eluent generation through an integrated electrolytic cell within the cartridge that automatically generates high-purity eluents from water and CO2-free sources. This eliminates manual eluent preparation while maintaining purity through automated electrochemical generation and on-line suppression.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If membrane suppressors use external acid or base regenerant solutions, then continuous regeneration is achieved, but system complexity and contamination risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service suppressor regeneration through an integrated electrolytic cell that uses the suppressed eluent itself as the regenerant source. The cell electrolytically generates acid or base in situ to regenerate the ion-exchange media, eliminating external regenerant storage and delivery systems while maintaining continuous regeneration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the suppressed eluent serve dual functions: as the mobile phase for chromatographic separation and as the source material for suppressor regeneration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate regenerant solutions while maintaining continuous suppressor performance.
4Productivity
If dilute NaOH eluents are prepared off-line, then chromatographic separation can be performed, but carbonate contamination compromises performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service generation of carbonate-free NaOH eluents through an integrated electrolytic cell that electrolytically generates hydroxide ions from water. This on-line generation eliminates carbonate contamination from off-line preparation while maintaining separation performance and retention time reproducibility.
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 enhances the ease of use and reliability of ion chromatography by minimizing fluid connections, improving chromatographic performance, and enabling high-sensitivity detection of trace analytes at parts-per-trillion levels in complex samples.
Implementation Method 1
Over the years, various designs of electrolytically-regenerated membrane suppressors have been developed to overcome the limitations associated with the chemically-regenerated membrane suppressors
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0132163 and 2008/0173587 describe trap columns that are regenerated electrolytically for removing contaminant ions from eluents and purifying the eluent stream
Implementation Method 3
several approaches that utilize the electrolysis of water and charge-selective electromigration of ions through ion-exchange media have been investigated by researchers to generate high-purity ion chromatographic eluents
Data Source
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AI summary
An ion chromatography housing for easy insertion and removal of a plurality of component cartridges is disclosed. Various components of the IC system are provided in the separate component cartridges. The IC housing includes a capillary separation column and may be connected to conventional-scale components of an IC system. A plurality of IC housings may be provided in a compartment with one or more separation columns. The columns may be capillary columns or conventional-scale columns. A method of using the ion chromatography system is also disclosed. The IC system may be utilized to perform two-dimensional ion chromatographic separation.