Chromatography Separation Modules With Multilevel Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular chromatography systems face challenges in achieving high chromatographic resolution and uniform hydraulic resistance across modules, limiting their scalability and applicability in high-resolution processes.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a multilevel distribution network with isomikos and isochronous flow configurations, adjusting hydraulic resistance through controlled plugging or adjustable fluidic elements to ensure uniform flow distribution and narrow residence time distribution across modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If modules are assembled into parallel arrays to increase capacity, then processing volume increases, but achieving uniform hydraulic resistance and high resolution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the chromatographic separation into multiple identical modules that can be assembled in parallel arrays. Each module is pre-configured with its own distribution network and adsorptive bed, allowing independent optimization of hydraulic resistance while maintaining uniformity across the array through standardized design and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs isomikos distributors that modify flow parameters by creating converging or diverging flow paths, adjusting velocity profiles, and controlling residence time distributions. These parameter changes enable uniform flow distribution across parallel modules, achieving consistent hydraulic resistance and high resolution even as array size increases.
2Device complexity
If conventional distributors are used in modular systems, then device complexity is reduced, but flow distribution uniformity and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The isomikos distributors are designed to dynamically adapt flow patterns based on the specific module configuration and operating conditions. The distributors can be configured with varying numbers of outlets and different geometric arrangements, allowing optimization of flow distribution uniformity while maintaining reasonable device complexity through programmable or modular designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-level distribution networks that operate in three-dimensional space, with distributors arranged at different heights and depths within the module. This dimensional approach allows sophisticated flow control and uniform distribution without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the additional complexity is distributed across multiple spatial levels rather than requiring a single complex structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If bed depth is increased to improve resolution, then separation efficiency improves, but hydraulic permeability and feed rate capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single deep bed, the system segments the adsorptive volume into multiple shallower beds within each module. This segmentation allows the total adsorptive capacity to be maintained while reducing the depth of individual beds, thereby preserving hydraulic permeability and enabling higher feed rates. The modular architecture allows scaling of total capacity through parallel assembly rather than increasing individual bed depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single deep vertical bed to a multi-level distributed bed structure where adsorptive media are arranged across multiple horizontal planes. This dimensional reconfiguration increases the effective adsorptive volume without proportionally increasing the vertical depth, maintaining pore accessibility and hydraulic permeability while improving resolution through the distributed multi-level architecture.
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 enables high-resolution, linearly-scalable modular chromatography systems with uniform flow distribution, enhancing separation efficiency and scalability without additional external adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The system employs a multilevel distribution network with isomikos and isochronous flow configurations, adjusting hydraulic resistance through controlled plugging or adjustable fluidic elements to ensure uniform flow distribution and narrow residence time distribution across modules
Implementation Method 2
adjusting hydraulic resistance through controlled plugging or adjustable fluidic elements to ensure uniform flow distribution
Implementation Method 3
Adsorptive processes and devices are widely used in the analysis and purification of chemicals, including synthetic and naturally-derived pharmaceuticals, blood products and recombinant proteins
Implementation Method 4
the pore space within the beads, permeated by the mobile phase and accessible to the target solutes through diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are disclosed for a separation device. A separation device includes a plurality stacked modules and a distribution network including an inter-module LEVEL-1 distributor an intermediate LEVEL-2 distributor and a planar LEVEL-3 distributor. The distribution network enables streamline lengths which are approximately equal and induces uniform velocity fluid flow. These features provide a narrow residence time distribution providing improved chromatographic performance.