Quick-Connect Columns for Pressurized Liquid Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample analysis and pharmaceutical production systems face challenges in detecting and purifying toxic compounds like chlorinated and brominated substances at sub-ppt and ppqt levels due to interference from the environment, requiring costly clean room facilities and limiting the capabilities of laboratories.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized liquid extraction system with disposable, quick-connect columns for holding solid samples, which performs high-pressure, high-temperature extraction and purification, reducing exposure to interfering compounds and enabling efficient detection of toxic substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional extraction systems are used to detect toxic compounds at sub-ppt and ppqt levels, then detection sensitivity can be achieved, but interference from environmental contaminants (air, surrounding environment) prevents accurate testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the extraction and purification process into separate modular components (extraction cell, purification columns, fractionation modules) that can be independently sealed and controlled. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for minimizing environmental interference while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sealed extraction cells and purification modules that create controlled, inert environments isolated from ambient air and surrounding contaminants. This inert atmosphere prevents introduction of environmental interferents while enabling detection of toxic compounds at sub-ppt and ppqt levels.
2Measurement precision
If clean room facilities are constructed to eliminate environmental interference, then accurate testing of toxic compounds can be performed, but the cost and complexity of the facility increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the critical purification function from the facility environment and concentrates it into portable, self-contained purification modules and columns. This allows accurate testing to be performed in ordinary laboratories by bringing the clean environment to the sample rather than requiring the sample to be in a clean room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes disposable purification columns and extraction cartridges that are pre-packaged and sealed. These single-use components eliminate the need for complex clean room facilities by providing built-in protection against environmental contamination at a fraction of the cost of constructing and maintaining clean room infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If manual sample handling procedures are used, then sample processing can be performed, but throughput is limited and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal, standardized columns and cartridges that can be used across multiple extraction and purification modules. This standardization enables automated sample processing where a single operator can handle multiple samples simultaneously, dramatically increasing throughput while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous automated processing where samples are automatically transferred through extraction, purification, and fractionation stages without manual intervention. The disposable columns are pre-loaded and can be processed continuously through the system, eliminating downtime between samples and maximizing productivity.
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 allows for rapid detection of hundreds of toxic compounds at low concentration levels, reduces the need for clean room facilities, and simplifies sample handling, enhancing laboratory efficiency and throughput.
Implementation Method 1
The PLE module continuously performs high-pressure, high-temperature extraction on the solid sample to yield a liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
The cooling coil conditions the temperature of the extract and transfers the cooled extract to the input of a purification module
Data Source
AI summary
A system for pressurized liquid extraction of solid samples including quick-connect, threadless columns for holding the solid sample is disclosed. A pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) module continuously performs extraction on the solid sample to yield liquid sample. The quick-connect columns include a threadless, cylindrical tube and end cap assemblies, which are structured and arranged to provide a tight interference fit with the inner surface of the annulus of the column portion and with top and bottom cup rings.