Monolithic Multi-Dimensional Chromatography for Reduced Dead Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-dimensional chromatography systems suffer from dead volumes and condensation issues due to the use of pipes, conduits, and tubing, which degrade performance and are difficult to maintain at appropriate temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A monolithically integrated chromatography system with integrated chromatography columns and a port on a common substrate, utilizing a flow control element to regulate fluid flow and a heating element to maintain temperature, minimizing dead volumes and preventing condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pipes, conduits, or tubing are used to move fluid analyte between chromatography columns, then fluid transport is achieved, but dead volumes are created that degrade chromatographic separation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chromatography columns and inter-column fluid transport pathways into a single monolithic integrated structure. The columns are formed in a common substrate with direct fluidic coupling, eliminating the need for separate pipes, conduits, or tubing that create dead volumes. This integration directly resolves the contradiction by combining the separation function with the transport function in one continuous structure.
2Reliability
If pipes, conduits, or tubing are used for fluid transport, then connectivity between columns is achieved, but temperature control becomes difficult leading to condensation of analyte and carrier gases
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic integrated structure merges all chromatography columns and fluid pathways into a single thermally coupled system. This integration allows uniform temperature control across the entire device, preventing condensation issues that arise in conventional systems with separate temperature zones. The unified structure eliminates the complexity of maintaining appropriate temperatures in multiple disconnected components.
3Ease of operation
If conventional piping systems are used, then fluid flow between columns is enabled, but system complexity increases due to multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple chromatography columns and inter-column fluid transport components into a single monolithic integrated device. This merging reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled, aligned, and maintained, thereby simplifying system operation while enabling fluid flow between columns through the integrated structure.
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 achieves improved performance by reducing dead volumes and preventing condensation, enhancing the separation efficiency of chemical species in multi-dimensional chromatography.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element to maintain temperature, minimizing dead volumes and preventing condensation
Implementation Method 2
the flow control element can be a valve that is modulated by positive pressure such that when the valve is in an open position the port is closed, and vice versa
Implementation Method 3
Chromatography is a technique used to separate different chemical species present in a fluid mixture
Implementation Method 4
The chromatography column includes a stationary phase of a substance that interacts differently with different species flowing through the column
Data Source
AI summary
A monolithically integrated chromatography device includes a first chromatography column and a second chromatography column formed in a common substrate. The first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are each in fluidic communication with a port formed on the same common substrate. When the port is open, the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are in fluidic communication with one another. When the port is closed, the first chromatography column and the second chromatography column are not in fluidic communication with one another. The monolithically integrated chromatography device can include a heating element formed on the same substrate as the chromatography columns.