Preparative Separation System for Rapid Solvent Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional preparative separation/purification systems require a long time for vaporizing and drying solutes due to the presence of water in the eluate, which slows down the process and reduces collection efficiency when using a second solvent to remove the first solvent from the trap column.
Innovation Solution
A preparative separation/purification system that computes a predetermined time for the second solvent to push out the first solvent from the trap column, allowing for efficient collection and vaporization of the target compound by initiating collection when the second solvent begins to exit, and adjusting flow rates to minimize emulsion formation and deposition, while using a gas flow to accelerate solvent vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water is included in the mobile phase to capture target components in the trap column, then the target component can be assuredly captured, but the vaporizing and drying process takes a considerably longer period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the solvent removal process into two stages: first removing the organic solvent quickly, then removing the water slowly. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from the high volatility of organic solvents while accepting that water removal takes longer, overall reducing the total time compared to trying to remove all solvents at once at low heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically during the vaporizing and drying process. It starts with a higher temperature to rapidly evaporate the organic solvent, then reduces the temperature for the slower water evaporation stage. This parameter change optimizes the overall drying time while preventing loss of the target compound.
2Reliability
If a large amount of water is present in the trap column, then the target component can be captured, but the organic solvent cannot evaporate efficiently as water overlies it as a cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary removal of the organic solvent before attempting to remove water. By first evaporating the organic solvent layer that would otherwise block water evaporation, the system prepares the system state for efficient subsequent water removal, preventing the water cover effect from developing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous solvent removal action throughout the process, transitioning smoothly from organic solvent evaporation to water evaporation without interruption. This continuous action prevents the formation of a water barrier that would stop further evaporation, keeping the evaporation process productive throughout.
3Loss of time
If the second solvent is supplied to push out the first solvent from the trap column, then the vaporizing and drying time is reduced, but emulsion formation and deposition may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the flow rate of the second solvent during the elution process. By controlling the flow rate to be neither too high nor too low, the system prevents excessive mixing that would create emulsion while ensuring effective displacement of the first solvent. This dynamic control eliminates the harmful emulsion effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow rate parameter of the second solvent to optimize the elution process. By carefully selecting and adjusting the flow rate, the system achieves effective solvent displacement while minimizing emulsion formation and deposition of target compounds on column walls.
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 significantly reduces the time required for vaporization and drying, enhances collection efficiency by ensuring the target compound is collected in a water-free solvent, and prevents clogging by managing flow rates and solvent interactions.
Implementation Method 1
The second solvent has a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of a first solvent (water or an aqueous solvent) remaining in the trap column
Implementation Method 2
a gas supplier for forming a flow of gas to scatter the discharged solution which is dripped or flowed into the collection container
Implementation Method 3
a heater for heating the collection container
Implementation Method 4
a liquid chromatograph for separating a target component from a solution containing miscellaneous components
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~5
AI summary
The present invention aims at providing a preparative separation/purification system for vaporizing an eluate in a short period of time, while enhancing the efficiency of collecting the target substance by accelerating the initiation of collecting the eluate. The preparative separation/purification system in which water containing a target component is passed through a column 8 to capture the target component in the column 8 and then a solvent is passed through it to collect the target compounds, includes: a liquid supply means 7 for supplying a solvent to the column 8, with the target component captured in the column 8, while the column 8 is vertically held with the inlet end thereof directed downwards and the discharge end thereof directed upwards, the solvent having a low solubility to water and having a specific gravity greater than that of water; a passage selection means 12 for changing the passage configuration so that a solution exiting from the column 8 is selectively sent to either a collection passage 13 or a disposal passage 14; a passage control means 30 for controlling the passage selection means 12 so that, when water exits from the column 8, the water is sent to the disposal passage 14, and when solution containing solvent exits from the column 8, the solution is sent to the collection passage 13; and a flow rate control means 30 for controlling so that the water is supplied at a first flow rate to the disposal passage 14, and the solution containing solvent is supplied to the collection passage 13 at a flow rate lower than the first flow rate.