Parallel Solvent Extraction Valve Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parallel accelerated solvent extraction systems face issues 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 at a lower cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple pumps are used with corresponding extraction cells to provide true parallel processing, then throughput is improved, but device complexity and cost increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the single pump between multiple extraction cells using a valve assembly, allowing the pump to serve different cells at different times. This dynamic allocation enables parallel processing capability without requiring multiple simultaneous pumps, thereby maintaining high throughput while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump operates in periodic cycles, sequentially directing solvent to different extraction cells through valve switching. Each cell receives solvent in alternating periods, creating a staggered parallel processing effect that achieves increased throughput from a single pump source without requiring all pumps to operate simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a single pump is used with flow splitters to form parallel flow paths, then device complexity is reduced, but flow variations between extraction cells occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of static flow splitters that divide flow simultaneously to multiple cells, the system uses dynamic valve switching to direct the single pump's output to one cell at a time. This dynamic sequential allocation ensures that each cell receives the full, consistent pump flow rate during its active period, eliminating the flow variation problems inherent in static splitter configurations.
3Device complexity
If a single pump is used to fill individual cells in static mode, then device complexity is reduced, but actual throughput resembles sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between multiple extraction cells using a valve assembly controlled by a controller. While a single pump is used, it alternates between supplying solvent to different cells in rapid succession, creating overlapping processing cycles that achieve true parallel throughput rather than simple sequential operation. Multiple cells are actively being processed simultaneously through this periodic allocation.
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 enables reproducible analyte concentrations and increased throughput in parallel extraction processes while reducing costs by using a single pump and valve switching, achieving consistent solvent volumes and efficient extraction across multiple channels.
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
a solvent pump for supplying extraction solvent to the plurality of extraction cells... a high pressure pump continues to fill the extraction cell with solvent until a target pressure is achieved
Data Source
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.