Multi-Capillary Lining via Preform Ablation and Layered Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chromatography column technologies face challenges in producing multi-capillary packings with efficient fluid convection due to the fineness of channels required and variable thickness of the stationary phase, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a multi-capillary packing by coating preforms with alternating layers of polyelectrolyte and nanoparticles, bonding them to form a porous monolith, and ablating to create channels, ensuring precise control over channel thickness and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to produce multi-capillary packings, then production is simpler, but manufacturing precision of channel dimensions and stationary phase thickness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first forming a porous coating layer on the preforms before assembling them into the final multi-capillary packing. This pre-coating step ensures that the stationary phase is already in place with controlled thickness and uniformity before the channels are created, thereby achieving precise channel dimensions and consistent stationary phase coating without requiring complex post-processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical deposition methods with a chemical/coating approach. Instead of mechanically applying the stationary phase to the capillary walls, the invention uses a porous coating layer formed through chemical processes, which provides more precise and uniform thickness control. This substitution of mechanical systems with chemical/coating processes resolves the contradiction between manufacturing precision and process complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fineness of channels is increased for certain applications, then separation efficiency is improved, but production difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the preforms with porous layers before assembly. This allows fine channels to be formed more easily because the coating is applied to larger preform structures first, avoiding the difficulty of directly creating and coating ultra-fine channels. The pre-coating step simplifies the manufacturing of fine-channeled packings while maintaining high separation efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If stationary phase thickness is increased, then retention capability is improved, but uniformity of coating deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses porous materials as the stationary phase coating layer. The porous structure allows for increased surface area and retention capability while maintaining thin and uniform coating thickness. The porosity provides the necessary quantity of stationary phase material without requiring thick coatings, thereby achieving both high retention capability and uniform coating distribution simultaneously.
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
This approach enhances the efficiency of chromatography by allowing precise control over channel dimensions and uniform coating, improving fluid convection and separation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
coating each preform with a plurality of porous layers by depositing alternating layers of a polyelectrolyte and nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
depositing alternating layers of a polyelectrolyte and nanoparticles or colloidal nanoparticles
Implementation Method 3
the ablation of the preforms comprises at least one of following techniques: dissolving, chemical reaction, oxidation, pyrolysis, hydrolysis
Implementation Method 4
the ablation of the preforms comprises at least one of following techniques: dissolving, chemical reaction, oxidation, pyrolysis, hydrolysis
Implementation Method 5
the ablation of the preforms comprises at least one of following techniques: dissolving, chemical reaction, oxidation, pyrolysis, hydrolysis
Implementation Method 6
the bonding of the coated preforms is produced by sintering
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a multi-capillary lining comprising a plurality of channels suitable for convection of a fluid between an inlet face and an outlet face of said lining, said method comprising the steps of: —providing at least one preform (1) suitable for forming, after ablation, a capillary channel (3) of the lining; —assembling said preforms into a bundle; —coating each preform (1) with a plurality of porous layers (2) by depositing alternating layers of a polyelectrolyte and nanoparticles or colloidal nanoparticles or by depositing alternating layers of said nanoparticles and a polymer glue; —bonding the coated preforms to form a porous monolith; and—ablating the preforms to form the channels in said porous monolith.