Parallel Extraction Vessels for Sustained Chromatography Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chromatography systems face challenges in maintaining consistent sample extraction and injection efficiency due to fluctuations in solvent concentration and pressure, leading to reduced output and increased downtime, particularly when using highly-compressible fluids like CO2 and pressurized solvent extractions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system that utilizes multiple extraction vessels in parallel or series configurations, with independent pressure and temperature control, and a detector to monitor and maintain a constant sample concentration, ensuring sustained delivery of a feed solution with a threshold concentration to a chromatography system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single extraction vessel is used in chromatography systems, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity decreases due to frequent downtime and user intervention for vessel replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the extraction function into multiple independent extraction vessels (first extraction vessel, second extraction vessel, etc.) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows one vessel to be preparing or regenerating while another is actively extracting, thereby maintaining continuous productivity without increasing overall system complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing the second extraction vessel (filling with solvent, pressurizing) while the first extraction vessel is still actively extracting. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the first vessel needs replacement, the second vessel is already ready to take over immediately, eliminating downtime and maintaining high productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple extraction vessels are used in parallel or series, then the productivity increases with sustained delivery, but the device complexity increases with additional vessels and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple extraction vessels are designed with identical structures and functions, each capable of performing the complete extraction cycle independently. This universality means that any vessel can replace any other vessel in the sequence, simplifying the control logic despite having multiple vessels. The system can switch between vessels without complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that while one extraction vessel is actively extracting sample, another vessel is simultaneously being prepared (filled with solvent, pressurized) or regenerated. This continuous parallel operation eliminates idle time and maintains sustained productivity without requiring complex coordination mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If extraction vessels are frequently replaced to maintain sample concentration, then the sample concentration consistency improves, but the loss of time increases due to replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preparation of the standby extraction vessel by filling it with solvent and pressurizing it while the active vessel is still delivering consistent sample concentration. This preliminary action ensures that when switching vessels, there is no interruption in sample concentration consistency and no time loss for preparation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
By having multiple extraction vessels operating in parallel or series, the system ensures continuous delivery of feed solution with consistent sample concentration. When one vessel reaches the end of its effective concentration range, another pre-prepared vessel immediately takes over, maintaining concentration stability without downtime for vessel replacement.
4Productivity
If pressurized solvent extraction is used to increase diffusivity and solubility, then the extraction efficiency improves, but the pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is segmented into independent control mechanisms for each extraction vessel. Each vessel can be pressurized and controlled independently, allowing simplified pressure management for each unit while achieving high extraction efficiency. This segmentation avoids the complexity of managing a single complex high-pressure system for multiple vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles to automatically control pressure in each extraction vessel through solenoid valves and pressure-regulated flow. This automated pressure control maintains the high diffusivity and solubility needed for efficient extraction without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
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 enhances the efficiency of sample extraction and injection by maintaining consistent sample concentration and reducing downtime, allowing for longer operation without user intervention and increased throughput.
Implementation Method 1
Certain samples may exhibit higher solubility in highly-compressible fluids, or in a mixture of a highly-compressible fluid and co-solvents, than in traditional liquid solvents. This increased solubility is applied to extractions in a range of settings
Implementation Method 2
PSE system operate at high pressures, typically greater than about 86.2 bar (1250 psi), and may operate near room temperature or at elevated temperatures. The use of high pressures and, optionally, high temperatures, increases diffusivity, solubility, and solvent penetration
Implementation Method 3
a detector to monitor and maintain a constant sample concentration
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
In a sample extraction system, providing within the system two or more extraction vessel assemblies, each of which receive an extraction vessel containing the sample to be extracted and is pressurized with an extraction solvent. Additionally, providing certain changeable fluid circuits such that the extraction system may provide a sustained delivery of feed solution above or about a threshold concentration.