Multiport Valve for Segmented Liquid Shuttle and Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample introduction systems for ICP spectrometry lack efficient methods for segmented shuttle and mixing of liquids into microtiter plates, which is crucial for precise elemental analysis.
Innovation Solution
A multiport valve assembly with a stator and rotor configuration that allows for the controlled introduction of pressurized gas to segment and mix the eluted sample fluid, ensuring precise delivery and mixing in microtiter plates by forming bubbles that separate and mix the fluid stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional sample introduction system is used for ICP spectrometry, then the system structure is simple, but the ability to perform segmented shuttle and mixing of liquids into microtiter plates is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid stream is segmented into discrete portions using gas injection, creating a segmented flow pattern that enables precise control of liquid delivery into microtiter plates. This segmentation allows individual sample portions to be delivered and mixed in separate wells, enhancing the system's adaptability for high-throughput analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions including liquid delivery, gas injection for segmentation, and mixing operations within a single integrated device. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid is delivered continuously into microtiter plates, then the delivery process is simple, but the mixing efficiency and uniformity of sample distribution are poor
Solution Approach 1:
Gas bubbles are introduced as an intermediary substance between the liquid sample and the mixing process. The gas segments the liquid stream and facilitates mixing by creating dispersion and turbulence, achieving uniform sample distribution without requiring complex mechanical mixing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic injection of gas through the liquid stream to achieve segmentation and mixing. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach replaces mechanical mixing mechanisms, improving sample distribution uniformity while avoiding the complexity of mechanical parts in the fluid path.
3Measurement precision
If gas is injected to segment the liquid stream, then the mixing and distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly merges the functions of liquid delivery, gas injection, and flow control into a single integrated component. By combining these functions, the system achieves precise elemental analysis accuracy through segmented delivery while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed with dynamic flow control capabilities, allowing adjustment of gas and liquid flow rates to optimize segmentation and mixing. This dynamic control enables precise adjustment of operational parameters to achieve high measurement precision while using a relatively simple valve 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
Enables precise and controlled delivery of segmented fluid streams into microtiter plates, enhancing the accuracy of elemental analysis in ICP spectrometry by ensuring thorough mixing and uniform distribution of samples.
Implementation Method 1
the second fluid is eluted from the column into a vial in a segmented stream via bubbles of pressurized gas
Implementation Method 2
Bubbles of gas automatically mix the eluted sample fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Valve assemblies are described that provide segmented shuttle of liquid into sample vessels and automatic mixing via bubbles in the segmented liquid. A valve assembly includes a first valve member having ports configured to receive a pressurized gas, a first fluid, and a second fluid. The valve assembly also includes a second valve member coupled adjacent to the first valve member. The second valve member comprises a plurality of channels configured to interface with the first valve member. In a first configuration, the first fluid is loaded into an external loop. In the second configuration, the second fluid is eluted from the column into a vial in a segmented stream via bubbles of pressurized gas. Bubbles of gas automatically mix the eluted sample fluid.