Radial Flow Filter Apparatus for Automated Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional filter devices for automated sample preparation in chemical analysis are prone to clogging and fail to ensure a high-throughput, fluid-tight filtration process, as they have limited filtration membrane surface area and are not compatible with high-throughput autosamplers, leading to potential contamination of analysis machinery.
Innovation Solution
A filter apparatus with a larger filter chamber and a filter layer that extends across the intermediate portion, allowing for a greater surface area and uniform fluid distribution, preventing clogging and ensuring complete filtration of samples, and is designed for use with an automated system that includes an injection head for efficient sample processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional syringe filter assembly is used, then filtration is achieved, but the filtration membrane surface area is limited and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear syringe filter design to a radial flow filtration system where the filter membrane is arranged in a circular pattern around a central axis. This dimensional change allows the filtrate to flow radially outward from the center to the periphery, dramatically increasing the effective filtration surface area while maintaining a compact structure. The radial configuration enables multiple filter membranes to be stacked or arranged concentrically, further expanding the total filtration area without proportionally increasing the device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration system is divided into multiple independent filter membrane segments that can be arranged in series or parallel configurations. Each segment contributes to the total filtration capacity, and the segmented design allows the filtrate to be distributed across multiple filtration surfaces simultaneously. This segmentation prevents any single membrane from becoming overwhelmed and clogged, as the flow is distributed across numerous smaller filtration areas.
2Productivity
If a plunger-based filtration device is used, then filtration is achieved, but automation compatibility is poor and throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration device is designed with self-priming and self-regulating features that eliminate the need for manual plunger operation. The radial flow configuration creates natural pressure gradients that drive the filtration process without mechanical intervention. The system automatically maintains optimal flow rates through its geometric design, allowing it to be integrated into automated liquid handling systems where samples are introduced and processed without human interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical plunger-based pressure application system with a passive radial flow system driven by pressure differentials created through the filtration process itself. This eliminates complex mechanical components that are difficult to automate, allowing the device to be controlled through simple fluidic connections compatible with robotic liquid handlers and automated sampling systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filtration is performed with limited membrane area, then device complexity is reduced, but particulate removal is insufficient and contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple layers of porous filter membranes with different pore sizes arranged in the radial configuration. The stacked or concentric arrangement of porous materials creates a multi-stage filtration system where larger particles are captured by outer layers with larger pores, while finer particles are removed by inner layers with smaller pores. This layered porous structure maximizes particulate removal efficiency across a wide size range while maintaining high flow rates through the cumulative surface area.
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 filter apparatus effectively processes high volumes of samples at a compatible flow rate, ensuring a clean, particulate-free filtrate and preventing contamination of analysis machinery, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of automated sample preparation systems.
Implementation Method 1
a filter layer (10) extending through the filter chamber (9) such that the unfiltered sample is separated from the filtered sample by the filter layer (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The present invention relates to a filter apparatus (1) for use in an automated system (100) for the preparation of a fluid sample for a chemical or composition analysis. The filter apparatus (1) comprises an inlet portion (2) with a conduit (3) ending in an entry port (4) for receiving the sample in an unfiltered state; a septum (5) held at and closing the entry port (4) of the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2); an outlet portion (6) with a channel (7) for dispensing the filtered sample to a receptacle (70); and an intermediate portion (8) having a filter chamber (9) in fluid connection with the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2) and with the channel (7) of the outlet portion (6) and a filter layer (10). The filter chamber (9) of the intermediate portion (8) has a diameter larger than a diameter of the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2) and than a diameter of the channel (7) of the outlet portion (6). The filter layer (10) extends through the filter chamber (9) such that the conduit (3) of the inlet portion (2) is separated from the channel (7) of the outlet portion (6) by the filter layer (10). The present invention also deals with an automated system (100) for the preparation of a sample for a chemical or composition analysis and with a correlated method of preparing such a sample. The automated system (100) comprises an injection head (50) for the injection of an amount of sample in a receptacle (70) and a filter apparatus (1) as above introduced. The injection head (50) is equipped with a needle (51) adapted to be affixed to the filter apparatus (1) by piercing a septum (5) of the filter apparatus (1).