Multi-lumen Mixing Device for Chromatography Gradient Elution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chromatography systems face challenges in achieving reproducible and predictable results due to mechanical failures in dynamic mixers used for gradient elution, which can contaminate downstream components and require scalable void volumes for adjustable time resolution and fast wash-through times, especially under high pressure.

Innovation Solution

A multi-lumen mixing device with an array of capillary channels of varying cross-sectional areas is used to homogenize heterogeneous solvent volumes from different mobile phase types, ensuring efficient mixing and handling of high pressures without mechanical parts, thereby eliminating contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a dynamic mixer with moving parts is used to homogenize mobile phase types, then mixing efficiency is improved, but mechanical failure risk increases and contamination of downstream components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical failure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the dynamic mixer with moving parts with a static mixer that has no moving components. The mixing function is achieved through the structural design of the mixing chamber and flow paths rather than mechanical agitation, eliminating mechanical failure risks while maintaining mixing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the problematic moving parts from the mixing system entirely, extracting only the essential mixing function and implementing it through static structural elements that cannot fail mechanically or generate wear fragments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a static mixer with fixed void volume is used, then mechanical reliability is improved, but adaptability for different gradient elution systems is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical reliabilityVSAvoidscalability for different systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a scalable static mixer design where the void volume can be adjusted or selected based on the specific gradient elution system requirements. This allows the static mixer to adapt to different flow rates and system configurations while maintaining mechanical reliability through the absence of moving parts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a mixer with large void volume is used, then mixing thoroughness is improved, but wash-through time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing thoroughnessVSAvoidwash-through time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the void volume parameter of the static mixer to achieve the right balance between mixing thoroughness and wash-through time. By carefully designing the mixing chamber dimensions and flow paths, the system achieves adequate mixing without excessive void volume that would delay system equilibration and increase wash-through time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If a static mixer is used to circumvent mechanical failure, then reliability is improved, but mixing efficiency may be reduced compared to dynamic mixers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical reliabilityVSAvoidmixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the static mixer with segmented flow paths and multiple mixing zones that progressively homogenize the mobile phase types. This segmented approach compensates for the lack of mechanical agitation by creating multiple opportunities for diffusion and mixing as the fluids progress through the device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides reproducible chromatographic results with improved mixing efficiency and faster wash-through times, reducing mechanical failure risks and maintaining system performance under high pressure conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The capillary channels of the array have at least three different cross-sectional areas... homogenize heterogeneous solvent volumes from different mobile phase types

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

pumping a first mobile phase type and a second mobile phase type with a pump to output the heterogeneous solvent volume... The heterogeneous solvent volume is then inputted into a multi-lumen mixing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdvection: Advection

Data Source

PatentUS10295512B2Multi-lumen mixing device for chromatography

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 DIONEX CORP

AI summary

A multi-lumen mixing device is described. The multi-lumen mixing device includes a mixer body having an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The multi-lumen mixing device also includes an array of capillary channels within the mixer body, in which each capillary channel has approximately a same length. An inlet for each of the capillaries is proximate to the inlet portion and an outlet for each of the capillaries is proximate to the outlet portion. The array of capillary channels has at least three different cross-sectional areas.