Rotor Stator Assembly Parallel Chromatography Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Chromatographic separation processes are inefficient due to the need for multiple sequential steps, which limits the continuous flow of samples to detectors and suboptimizes the use of expensive detection equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotor assembly and stator assembly that allows multiple steps of a multi-step process to be performed in parallel during a single step period, enabling continuous sample flow to a detector by rotating vessels through different work positions, thereby maximizing detector utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple steps of a multi-step process are performed sequentially, then each step can be completed with dedicated equipment, but the total process time increases and detector utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multi-step process into separate work stations (loading, washing, eluting, reconditioning) that operate in parallel. Each work station performs a specific step simultaneously on different vessels, eliminating sequential delays and reducing total process time while maintaining complete process execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly continuously rotates to advance vessels through different work positions, ensuring that at least one vessel is always in the elution position with the detector. This continuous rotation eliminates idle time between steps and maintains constant detector utilization, thereby reducing overall process time.
2Device complexity
If multiple steps are performed sequentially, then equipment design is simpler, but detector utilization is suboptimized and process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly serves multiple functions: it holds multiple vessels, transports them through different work stations, positions them for detection, and enables parallel processing. This single multi-functional component achieves both simplified overall structure and high detector utilization by coordinating all process steps through one rotating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic rotation of the rotor assembly to continuously reposition vessels between work stations. This dynamic movement allows the same physical equipment to serve multiple process steps at different times and enables parallel processing, thereby improving detector utilization without requiring separate static equipment for each step.
3Loss of time
If steps are performed in parallel using rotor assembly, then total process time is reduced and detector utilization is optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly is nested within the stator assembly, with the rotor rotating inside the stationary stator. This nested configuration allows multiple vessels to be compactly arranged on the rotor while the stator provides the fixed work station interfaces, achieving parallel processing capability in a space-efficient manner that minimizes overall system complexity.
4Productivity
If vessels are rotated through work positions, then continuous sample flow to detector is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor assembly's rotation automatically advances vessels through the sequence of work stations and positions them for detection without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates the timing and positioning of vessels through continuous rotation, achieving continuous sample flow to the detector while minimizing the need for additional control mechanisms.
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 enables a steady flow of samples to be continuously eluted from the chromatography medium to a detector, optimizing the utilization of detectors and reducing the total process time by performing all steps in a staggered manner within a single step period.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor assembly having an axis of rotation, at least one rotor valve surface
Implementation Method 2
Chromatographic separations use differences in the affinity of compounds to different media to pull one compound from others
Implementation Method 3
The conduit means has a rotor inlet port and rotor exit port on the at least one rotor valve surface for each vessel station
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention feature a device (1) and method for performing steps of a multi-step process in parallel. The device (1) and method feature a rotor assembly (13) having vessel stations (33) and stator assembly (15) having work positions. The rotor assembly (13) rotates the vessels (17) to the work stations to perform steps of a multi-step process at the same time.