Optical Pressure Determination for HPLC Fluidic Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems face challenges in accurately measuring pressure within the fluidic path due to limited and costly pressure detectors, which can lead to inaccurate separation and identification of compounds, especially at high pressures where compressibility becomes noticeable.
Innovation Solution
A pressure determining unit with a 'slim' geometry fluidic path and deformation detector configuration that enhances signal-to-noise ratio by primarily deforming in the second dimension, and a reference body structure to reduce non-linearity and error from thickness variations, allowing for improved pressure measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure detectors are used in HPLC systems, then pressure measurement is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates at high pressures due to compressibility effects and detector limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure detectors with an optical measurement system. A laser beam is directed through the fluid sample, and the refraction angle is measured to determine pressure. This optical substitution eliminates the compressibility issues and mechanical limitations of traditional pressure sensors, providing accurate measurements even at high pressures up to 200 MPa.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct mechanical pressure detection to optical refraction angle measurement. By measuring the refraction angle of a laser beam passing through the fluid, the system indirectly determines pressure with high precision. This parameter transformation allows accurate pressure measurement in the high-pressure range where traditional detectors fail.
2Measurement precision
If multiple pressure detectors are placed throughout the flow path, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal pressure measurement method that can be applied at any position in the HPLC flow path using the same optical principle. Instead of requiring different types or multiple specialized detectors, a single optical measurement system can be positioned anywhere to measure pressure, making the system versatile and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple optical beam path that can be replicated or positioned at multiple locations without requiring complex detector assemblies. The laser refraction measurement approach can be copied to different positions in the flow path using identical, simple optical components rather than requiring multiple different detector types.
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 enhanced accuracy and linearity in pressure detection, even at high pressures beyond 200 bar, improving the separation and identification of compounds in HPLC systems by minimizing errors from fluid compressibility and detector limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation detector is configured for responding to an elongation into the second dimension of the first surface of the body structure... generates in response to such elongation a signal indicative of a value of the pressure of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
Each first channel segment has a height in the third dimension which is at least twice of the width of such first channel segment into the second dimension... primarily deforming in the second dimension
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
Disclosed is a pressure determining unit (200) configured for determining a pressure of a fluid. The pressure determining unit (200) comprises a body structure (210) and a deformation detector (220).The body structure (210) has a fluidic path (240) configured for conducting the fluid, wherein the body structure (210) has a first surface (230) in a first dimension (1st) and in a second dimension (2nd), and a thickness (H) in a third dimension (3rd). The deformation detector (220) is configured for responding to an elongation into the second dimension (2nd) of the first surface (230) of the body structure (210) by generating a signal (SIG) indicative of a value of the pressure of the fluid in the body structure (210). The fluidic path (240) of the body structure (210) comprises one or more first channel segments (250), each first channel segment (250) having a height (h) into the third dimension (3rd) being at least twice of its width (w) into the second dimension (2nd).