Online Sample Manager for Liquid Chromatography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual sampling in liquid chromatography systems is labor-intensive, prone to contamination, and wasteful, as it requires separate container handling and manual dilution, which can introduce uncertainty and inefficiency in the analysis process.
Innovation Solution
An online sample manager system that automatically acquires, dilutes, and injects process samples directly from a process source into a liquid chromatography system, eliminating the need for separate containers and minimizing sample usage by merging samples with a diluent stream within the system's plumbing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sampling is used, then flexibility in sample collection is maintained, but labor intensity increases and contamination risk worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service sampling where the liquid chromatography system automatically draws samples from the process line using an automated sampling valve and pump, eliminating the need for manual sample collection and handling while maintaining operational flexibility through computer-controlled sampling parameters
2Ease of operation
If manual dilution in separate containers is performed, then sample preparation flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sample dilution process with the injection process by using a fluidic tee to combine process sample with diluent directly in the chromatography system's fluid pathway, eliminating the need for separate dilution containers and steps while maintaining preparation flexibility through programmable dilution ratios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluidic tee as an intermediary component that enables automatic dilution by merging the process sample stream with a diluent stream in a controlled manner, allowing flexible sample preparation without manual container handling and reducing contamination risk
3Ease of operation
If manual sample handling is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but sample material is wasted and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service sample handling where the automated pump and valve system precisely controls sample withdrawal and dilution, eliminating manual handling that causes waste while maintaining operational simplicity through computer automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from manual to automated control, using programmable flow rates and volumes to precisely control sample handling, which reduces waste while maintaining ease of operation through software control rather than manual procedures
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate container handling is used for dilution, then sample preparation flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluidic tee as an intermediary device that enables flexible sample preparation by merging process sample with diluent in a closed, controlled fluid pathway, eliminating the need for separate containers that pose contamination risks while maintaining preparation adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service dilution where the automated system controls the mixing of sample and diluent through programmable flow control, maintaining preparation flexibility while eliminating contamination risks associated with manual container handling and transfer operations
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 reduces manual intervention, minimizes contamination risks, and conserves sample material while enabling real-time monitoring and analysis, improving the efficiency and accuracy of chromatographic processes.
Implementation Method 1
A diluent pump moves diluent from a diluent source to the first inlet port of the fluidic tee
Implementation Method 2
A pumping system moves the acquired process sample from the valve into the second inlet port of the fluidic tee
Implementation Method 3
the process sample merges with the diluent arriving at the first inlet port to produce a diluted process sample
Data Source
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AI summary
An online sample manager of a liquid chromatography system includes a fluidic tee having a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A diluent pump moves diluent from a diluent source to the first inlet port of the fluidic tee. A valve has a fluidic intake port connected to a process source for acquiring a process sample therefrom. A pumping system moves the acquired process sample from the valve into the second inlet port of the fluidic tee where the process sample merges with the diluent arriving at the first inlet port to produce a diluted process sample that flows out from the outlet port of the fluidic tee.