Parallel Chromatography Column Assembly With Balanced Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of multiple chromatography columns in parallel configuration leads to increased space requirements, higher costs, and complex fluid manifolds, which complicates installation and increases pressure loss, making it less efficient than using a single large column.
Innovation Solution
A parallel assembly of chromatography column modules with integrated fluid connections and adjustable flow restrictors, ensuring synchronized hydraulic resistance and eliminating the need for extra fluid manifolds, while allowing for a compact design and flexible system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography columns are used in parallel configuration, then system capacity and flexibility are improved, but space requirements and overall footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple chromatography columns into a single integrated module where multiple columns are housed together with common fluid distribution and collection systems. This combining approach maintains the parallel configuration benefits for capacity while reducing the overall footprint by eliminating the need for separate fluid manifolds and support structures for each individual column.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid distribution and collection systems serve multiple columns simultaneously, providing universal functionality. The common inlet and outlet manifolds distribute fluid to and collect fluid from multiple columns in parallel, reducing the total number of fluid pathways and components needed compared to separate column assemblies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography columns are used in parallel configuration, then system capacity is improved, but overall cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple columns into a single module with shared fluid distribution systems, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and installed. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the capacity benefits of parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal fluid distribution and collection systems serve multiple columns, reducing the total component count and simplifying manufacturing processes. The common manifolds and support structures eliminate the need for duplicate components that would be required if each column had separate fluid pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography columns are used in parallel configuration, then system capacity is improved, but fluid manifold complexity and pressure loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid distribution and collection functions into common manifolds that serve multiple columns simultaneously. This reduces the number of separate fluid pathways, valves, and connectors needed, thereby simplifying the overall fluid manifold complexity while maintaining the ability to operate multiple columns in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal fluid distribution and collection systems provide multi-functional capability by serving multiple columns with a single set of manifolds. This reduces the total length of fluid pathways and the number of connection points, thereby reducing pressure loss and simplifying the fluid management system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chromatography columns are used in parallel configuration, then system capacity is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple columns into a single integrated module, the patent reduces the number of separate installation units that need to be positioned, connected, and configured. This consolidation simplifies installation while maintaining the parallel capacity benefits, as the module can be installed as a single unit rather than requiring complex assembly of individual columns and fluid manifolds.
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 the overall footprint, lowers costs, and maintains chromatographic efficiency by ensuring uniform residence time across all modules, facilitating a scalable and flexible chromatography system.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable flow restrictor is provided in each chromatography column module. Hereby a good performance is achieved by synchronised hydraulic resistance (i.e. same residence time over all modules)
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel assembly of chromatography column modules, the assembly having one common assembly inlet and one common assembly outlet, each column module comprising a bed space filled with chromatography medium and each column module comprises integrated fluid conduits which when the column module is connected with other column modules are adapted to connect the bed space of the column module with the assembly inlet and the assembly outlet, wherein the total length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the assembly inlet to one bed space together with the length and/or volume of the fluid conduit from the same bed space to the assembly outlet is substantially the same for all bed spaces and modules installed in the parallel assembly.