Pressurized Solvent Flow for Automated Chromatography Priming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatography systems face inefficiencies in solvent delivery due to the lack of automated priming with pressurized solvents, leading to time-consuming manual processes and potential air bubble entrapment, which can cause flow fluctuations and solvent outgassing.
Innovation Solution
A system with pressurized solvent sources, divert valves, and vent valves that allow for automated solvent priming, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing air bubbles, using sensors and controllers for efficient solvent management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual priming is used to remove air bubbles and prepare solvent lines, then air bubbles can be removed, but significant time is lost and operator intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary priming action automatically by using the pump to draw solvent through the lines before actual chromatography runs begin. The divert valve is pre-configured to route solvent through the priming path, and the system automatically detects when priming is complete, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing downtime between runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to prime itself automatically without operator intervention. The pump, divert valve, and sensor work together in an automated feedback loop where the sensor detects air bubbles or flow conditions and the divert valve automatically adjusts to complete priming, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual labor.
2Device complexity
If solvent reservoirs are not held under pressure, then the system is simpler, but the pump requires frequent priming and re-priming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic pressure control where solvent reservoirs are pressurized only when needed for automated priming operations. During normal operation, pressure is maintained at optimal levels, but during priming cycles, the pressure is dynamically adjusted to force solvent through the lines. This dynamic approach balances simplicity with productivity, avoiding continuous complex pressurization while enabling efficient automated priming when required.
3Extent of automation
If automated priming with pressurized solvents is implemented, then priming time is reduced and automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The divert valve serves multiple functions: it routes solvent during normal chromatography operation, directs solvent through priming paths during automated priming, and can divert to waste for cleaning cycles. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves automated priming capability without adding dedicated separate priming hardware, thus reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from full automation.
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 system significantly reduces priming time, minimizes air bubble entrapment, and ensures consistent solvent delivery, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of chromatography systems.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant ball disposed within and able to freely move up and down within a main body
Implementation Method 2
The solvent can be pressurized to assist in system operation and solvent delivery
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for providing pressurized solvent flow in chromatography systems. In one embodiment at least one divert valve is in fluid communication with at least one solvent source (Container); and a pump (LC Pump) is in fluid communication with the at least one divert valve, wherein the at least one divert valve is located in between the at least one solvent source and the pump, and wherein the at least one divert valve is adapted for diverting at least one solvent flow stream to the pump or to an auxiliary flow path.