Multi-Apparatus Injector Valve for Sample Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The functionality of existing injectors in sample separation systems is limited, as they are not capable of selectively injecting fluidic samples into multiple sample separation apparatuses simultaneously or sequentially, which restricts flexibility and throughput in chromatography processes.
Innovation Solution
A compact injector system with a valve arrangement and a sample accommodation volume that allows selective injection of fluidic samples into one or more sample separation apparatuses, utilizing a single fluid valve with a stator and rotor configuration, enabling simultaneous or sequential operation with multiple apparatuses, and incorporating features like pre-compression and decompression to manage pressure differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single injector is used for one sample separation apparatus, then the system is simple and reliable, but the flexibility and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The injector is designed with a multi-position valve arrangement that enables it to serve multiple sample separation apparatuses (e.g., first and second apparatuses) with different separation methods and detectors. The valve can be switched to connect the sample accommodation volume to different apparatuses, making the injector universal and improving system flexibility without requiring separate injectors for each apparatus.
2Productivity
If multiple sample separation apparatuses are operated simultaneously with separate injectors, then the throughput is high, but the hardware and software effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple injection functions into a single injector unit with a shared sample accommodation volume and valve arrangement. This merging allows one injector to sequentially or simultaneously serve multiple sample separation apparatuses, reducing the total number of injectors needed and simplifying hardware configuration while maintaining high throughput capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The injector is designed as a universal unit that can interface with different types of sample separation apparatuses through its multi-position valve. This multi-functionality allows a single injector design to support various separation methods and detector configurations, reducing software complexity and hardware effort compared to having dedicated injectors for each apparatus.
3Speed
If pressure is increased for sample injection, then the injection speed is fast, but pressure shocks occur and component lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression of the sample in the sample accommodation volume before injection into the separation apparatus. This pre-compression prepares the sample at the required pressure level, enabling fast injection when the valve switches, while avoiding sudden pressure shocks that would damage components. The preliminary action ensures both high injection speed and component reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An injector, for injecting a fluidic sample in at least one selected one of a first sample separation apparatus and a second sample separation apparatus, includes a valve arrangement fluidically connectable to the first sample separation apparatus and the second sample separation apparatus, a sample accommodation volume for accommodating the fluidic sample, and a control unit configured for controlling the valve arrangement so that fluidic sample in the sample accommodation volume is selectively injectable into the selected first sample separation apparatus and/or second sample separation apparatus.