Regenerant Recycle Loop for Ion Chromatography Suppressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion chromatography systems face challenges with high water and regenerant consumption in electrolytically-regenerated and chemically-regenerated suppressors, leading to logistical issues such as waste disposal and increased operating costs, especially in continuous operations where large amounts of high-purity water and regenerant solutions are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a regenerant recycle loop in ion chromatography systems, which recycles water or acid/base regenerants, reducing consumption by utilizing a perpetual process of consuming and recycling ions and regenerants, and incorporating catalytic gas elimination columns to form water from hydrogen and oxygen gases, thereby minimizing waste and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrolytically-regenerated membrane suppressors are operated in external water mode, then suppression capacity and chromatographic efficiency are improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recycles the water regenerant after it has been used to regenerate the suppressor membrane. The recycled water is returned to the water source, reducing the need for continuous fresh water supply while maintaining the suppressor's regeneration capability and suppression capacity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If chemically-regenerated membrane suppressors are used, then suppressor lifetime and compatibility with organic solvents are improved, but regenerant consumption and disposal costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recycling system for the chemical regenerant (acid or base solution). The used regenerant is collected and returned to the regenerant source, reducing the continuous consumption of fresh regenerant and minimizing waste disposal requirements while maintaining suppressor lifetime and performance.
3Productivity
If large flow rates of water or acid/base regenerant are used, then suppressor regeneration efficiency is improved, but operating costs and waste disposal challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recycles the regenerant stream after it has passed through the suppressor, capturing and returning the regenerant to the system. This reduces the volume of regenerant that must be continuously supplied and disposed of, lowering operating costs and waste disposal challenges while maintaining regeneration efficiency.
4Productivity
If continuous operation of ion chromatography system is maintained, then productivity is improved, but regenerant and water consumption accumulate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous recycling system that operates alongside the continuous ion chromatography analysis. The regenerant and water streams are continuously recycled back to their sources, enabling sustained continuous operation without the cumulative consumption and waste disposal issues that would otherwise arise.
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 consumption of regenerants and water, minimizing waste disposal challenges and operating costs, while maintaining high chromatographic efficiency and separation quality, as demonstrated by the reliable separation of anionic analytes over extended periods without noticeable loss of regenerant solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane suppressor comprising a sample stream flow channel, having an inlet and an outlet, a regenerant flow channel, having an inlet and an outlet, and an ion exchange membrane separating the sample stream flow channel and regenerant flow channel
Implementation Method 2
an electrolytic regenerant recycle device comprising a suppressor effluent inlet, a suppressor effluent outlet, a water inlet, a hydronium ion source, and means for consuming and recycling ions in the suppressor effluent to regenerate the suppressor
Implementation Method 3
incorporating catalytic gas elimination columns to form water from hydrogen and oxygen gases
Data Source
AI summary
A suppressed ion chromatographic apparatus using a regenerant recycle loop, comprising (a) an ion separation device, (b) a membrane suppressor, (c) a detector, (d) a container for regenerant solution, (e) a first conduit between the ion separation device and the suppressor, (f) a second conduit between the regenerant solution container and the suppressor, (g) a third conduit between the suppressor and the regenerant solution container, and (h) a regenerant solution recycle loop out of fluid communication with the detector outlet.