Rotatable Valve Assembly for Low-Volume Multi-Column Chromatography
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-column chromatography systems are complex, expensive, have large void volumes, and rely on remote sensors that cause delays in fluid processing, making them inefficient for smaller quantities and requiring costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A chromatography system with a panel featuring rotatable valves and integrated sensors for direct fluid communication, reducing complexity and void volume, and allowing for efficient, localized control of fluid flow between columns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate tubes with individual pinch valves are used to control fluid flow between columns, then fluid flow control is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pinch valves and tubes into a single integrated rotatable valve assembly. This single assembly contains multiple ports and internal passages that replace what would otherwise require numerous separate tubing connections and individual valve components, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining fluid flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow distributor, a valve mechanism, and a connection hub for multiple columns. By making the valve assembly multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate components that would otherwise be required to achieve the same control objectives.
2Productivity
If traditional multi-column chromatography systems are used, then continuous processing capability is achieved, but void volume increases leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is embedded within the panel structure itself, with the panel forming part of the fluid distribution system. This nesting eliminates separate external tubing and reduces the overall void volume in the system, while maintaining the continuous processing capability through the integrated flow paths.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If remote sensors are used to monitor fluid properties, then measurement capability is provided, but response time delays performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid channel that directly connects the chromatography column outlet to the sensor. This intermediary pathway eliminates the need for remote sensing through complex tubing routes, allowing rapid transmission of fluid samples to the sensor for immediate analysis and reducing response time delays.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional sensor placement is used, then monitoring is achieved, but system maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned at a distinct, accessible location within the panel structure, separated from the column assembly. This segmentation allows the sensor to be independently accessed, removed, and replaced without disturbing the column or other system components, thereby facilitating easier maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A chromatography system includes a first chromatography column and a panel having a top face and an opposing bottom face, a first cavity being formed on the panel so as to pass through the top face and be encircled by an inner surface. The panel bounds an inlet fluid channel having an end terminating at an inlet opening formed on the inner surface encircling the first cavity so that the inlet fluid channel communicates with the first cavity. The panel also bounds a plurality of first outlet fluid channels each having an end terminating at an outlet opening formed on the inner surface encircling the first cavity so that each of the plurality of first outlet fluid channels communicate with the first cavity, a first one of the plurality of first outlet fluid channels being in fluid communication with the first chromatography column. A first valve is rotatably disposed within the first cavity.