Parallel Accelerated Solvent Extraction Using Switching Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel accelerated solvent extraction systems face challenges with flow variations and increased costs due to the use of multiple pumps or flow splitters, leading to inconsistent analyte concentrations and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A parallel accelerated solvent extraction apparatus utilizing a single solvent pump and a switching valve to sequentially direct solvent flow to multiple extraction cells, maintaining consistent flow rates and reproducible extraction results through valve switching, thereby achieving true parallel processing at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump is used with flow splitters to form parallel flow paths, then device complexity is reduced, but flow variations occur between extraction cells leading to inconsistent analyte concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the extraction process into discrete time intervals, with each extraction cell receiving dedicated pump flow during its assigned time slot. The switching valve divides the single pump output into multiple temporal streams, directing solvent to one cell at a time in rapid succession, thereby eliminating flow split variations while maintaining parallel processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching of the valve to cyclically direct solvent flow through different extraction cells. This periodic action creates a sequence of dedicated flow periods for each cell, ensuring consistent flow rates and pressures during each extraction interval while achieving overall parallel processing across multiple cells
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple pumps are used with corresponding extraction cells to provide true parallel approach, then analyte concentration consistency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of multiple pumps into a single pump by using a switching valve to allocate the single pump's output to multiple extraction cells in sequence. This consolidation reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the precision benefits of dedicated flow control for each cell through temporal separation
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the single pump and multiple extraction cells. It dynamically connects the pump output to different cells in sequence, enabling one pump to serve multiple cells with dedicated flow control, thereby eliminating the need for multiple pumps while maintaining flow consistency
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to fill individual cells in static mode, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput is reduced to sequential processing levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic valve switching to cyclically direct solvent through different extraction cells in rapid succession. This creates overlapping extraction cycles where multiple cells are processed in sequence within what would traditionally be a single sequential cycle, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining single pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous solvent flow from the single pump through rapid sequential switching between cells. This continuous action eliminates idle time between extractions by immediately redirecting flow to the next cell, thereby achieving parallel processing throughput without the complexity of multiple pumps operating simultaneously
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 ensures reproducible analyte concentrations and increased throughput by maintaining consistent solvent flow and pressure across multiple extraction cells, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of parallel extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature controlled zone for maintaining the plurality of extraction cells at a desired temperature
Implementation Method 2
a flow restrictor configured to maintain a pressure
Implementation Method 3
Accelerated solvent extraction utilizes increased temperature and pressure with common solvents to increase the efficiency of the extraction process
Data Source
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AI summary
A parallel accelerated solvent extraction system includes a plurality of extraction cells, a temperature controlled zone for maintaining the plurality of extraction cells at a desired temperature, a plurality of collection vessels, each fluidly coupled to a respective extraction cell via a flow restrictor configured to maintain a pressure, a solvent pump for supplying extraction solvent to the plurality of extraction cells, and a switching valve for sequentially directing extraction solvent flowing from the solvent pump to respective ones of the plurality of extraction cells. A method of parallel accelerated solvent extraction is also disclosed.