Porous Monolith for Stable Fluid Flow in Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Porous monolith materials used in chromatography, filtration, and electrokinetic pumps are prone to fragility, shrinkage, and the formation of internal channels, which lead to unpredictable fluid flow and poor performance in separation and catalysis processes.
Innovation Solution
Development of a monolith with a substantially homogeneous polymeric composition of organic silane monomers, featuring a pore size distribution with predominantly macropores and minimal mesopores, and a skeletal core that minimizes shrinkage and internal channel formation, ensuring stable wall interfaces and consistent fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If porous monolith materials are used in chromatography and filtration, then separation and filtration functions are achieved, but the materials are fragile and form internal channels leading to unpredictable fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymeric composition parameters by incorporating specific amounts of porogenic agents and using controlled polymerization conditions to create a homogeneous pore structure. This changes the physical parameters of the monolith to reduce internal channel formation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite porous structure by combining organic silane monomers with inorganic fillers or crosslinking agents. This composite approach enhances mechanical strength while maintaining the porous architecture necessary for fluid flow and separation functions
2Manufacturing precision
If porous monolith materials are used for separations and catalysis, then separation and catalytic functions are achieved, but shrinkage occurs leading to poor wall interfaces and channel formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-treating the wall surfaces with coupling agents or adhesion promoters before inserting the monolith. This preliminary surface modification ensures strong bonding and prevents detachment during subsequent shrinkage, maintaining stable wall interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the polymerization parameters including temperature, pressure, and monomer composition to minimize volumetric shrinkage during curing. By optimizing these parameters, the monolith maintains dimensional stability and forms reliable wall interfaces without excessive contraction
3Productivity
If internal channels form in the monolith, then fluid flow paths are created, but the flow becomes unpredictable and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneity by using uniform pore-forming agents and controlled polymerization conditions that create evenly distributed pores throughout the monolith structure. This homogeneous pore distribution ensures consistent fluid flow paths and predictable performance in separation and filtration applications
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 stable and efficient fluid flow through the monolith, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of separation, filtration, and catalysis processes, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing the formation of internal channels.
Implementation Method 1
EK pumps comprise a charged porous medium normally contained in a conduit. A voltage is applied across the porous media to induce electro-osmosis.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a porous monolith polymeric composition having utility in catalysis, chromatography, filtration, and electro-kinetic pumps, devices incorporating such composition and methods or making and using such monoliths. The monoliths are characterized by a substantially homogeneous skeletal core with little shrinkage, few voids and few channels.