Non-destructive Optical Liquid Sample Analysis via Bidirectional Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical particle counters for analyzing liquid pharmaceutical samples are destructive and require large sample volumes, leading to contamination and increased costs due to the need for high-quality assurance and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for performing optical measurements in liquid samples that allow for non-destructive analysis by flowing the sample through a flow path with an optical measuring device in two directions, minimizing contamination and sample volume, and enabling recovery of the sample in substantially the same condition as before analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known optical particle counters are used to analyze liquid samples, then particle detection is achieved, but the liquid sample is destroyed and cannot be used for further testing
Solution Approach 1:
The analysis process is divided into two separate flow paths: one for sample introduction and one for sample recovery. The sample flows through the measurement cell in a controlled manner, allowing optical detection while maintaining the ability to recover the sample in its original container without contamination from the flow path or carrier fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
A valve system acts as an intermediary mechanism to control sample flow direction and isolation. The valves enable the sample to be introduced into the flow path for measurement and then redirected back to the original container, preventing direct contact between the sample and the carrier fluid while maintaining flow control during measurement.
2Measurement precision
If known optical particle counters require large amounts of liquid sample for analysis, then sufficient signal for particle detection is obtained, but sample consumption increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The sample flows continuously through the measurement cell without interruption or dilution, maintaining its original concentration and properties throughout the measurement process. This continuous flow allows for adequate signal accumulation during particle detection while using minimal sample volume, as the sample is not consumed or wasted.
3Ease of operation
If known optical particle counters introduce carrier fluid during analysis, then particle ordering and confinement are achieved, but sample contamination occurs and sample properties change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful carrier fluid is completely removed from the system by directing the sample flow away from the carrier fluid reservoir and through a clean flow path. The sample is introduced separately and flows through the measurement cell without mixing with carrier fluid, extracting the contamination problem from the measurement process while maintaining particle ordering through alternative means.
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 allows for accurate and non-destructive analysis of liquid samples, reducing contamination and sample usage, while maintaining the sample's integrity for further testing or administration, thus addressing the challenges of sample destruction and high costs associated with current technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Optical particle counters may be used to measure the amount of subvisible particles if present in a liquid sample using light obscuration and scattering techniques. The particles interrupt the light emitted by the light source
Implementation Method 2
Optical particle counters may be used to measure the amount of subvisible particles if present in a liquid sample using light obscuration and scattering techniques
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides for methods and apparatuses for testing liquid samples using small amounts of the liquid sample in a non-destructive fashion. The methods and apparatuses perform optical measurements of liquid samples, the method comprising: (a) obtaining a first container filled with the liquid sample to be analyzed; (b) flowing the liquid sample along a first flow direction through a flow path comprising an optical measuring device; (c) flowing the liquid sample along a second flow direction opposite the first flow direction through the flow path comprising the optical measuring device; (d) performing the optical measurement of the liquid sample in the second flow direction or in both the first and second flow directions; and (e) flowing the liquid sample through the flow path into a second container; wherein the first container and the second container may be the same or different containers; and wherein the liquid sample in the second container is substantially the same as the liquid sample in the first container.