SFC Collector Module Vertical Capillary Motion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional preparative SFC systems face limitations in automating the collection of a large number of fractions due to back-mixing of samples in long capillaries and inefficient solvent management, leading to contamination and increased solvent consumption.
Innovation Solution
A collector module with a gas-liquid separator, multi-port valve, and capillary that can move vertically to immerse directly into fractionation vessels, minimizing transfer volume and solvent addition, and a fractionation vessel holder that allows for sequential positioning of vessels, enabling automated collection of multiple fractions without contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a long capillary is used to connect the gas-liquid separator to the fraction collector, then the system can operate continuously, but the transfer volume increases causing back-mixing and contamination of fractions
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic fraction collector with an XY robot arm that can move between different fraction vessels, replacing the static multi-way valve approach. This dynamic positioning allows the capillary to be kept short while still enabling continuous fraction collection by moving the collection point rather than routing through a long fixed capillary network
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-way valve is removed from the system entirely, extracting the source of capillary complexity and back-mixing. The fraction collector directly receives the eluate from the gas-liquid separator through a short capillary, eliminating the need for multiple capillary branches that cause diffusion and contamination
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gas-liquid separators are installed to increase the number of fractions, then more fractions can be collected, but the device complexity and solvent consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single gas-liquid separator serves multiple fraction vessels through the dynamic fraction collector. The XY robot arm enables one separator to sequentially fill multiple vessels, replacing the need for multiple parallel separators. This universal approach maintains high fraction capacity while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic fraction collector with programmable XY movement allows one gas-liquid separator to serve multiple fraction vessels sequentially. The robot arm moves between vessels based on detected peaks, enabling a single separator to handle what would otherwise require multiple simultaneous separators
3Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-way valve is used to divert the product stream to multiple separators, then fractionation is possible, but the capillary length increases causing diffusion and remixing
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-way valve is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a valve to divert flow through multiple capillaries, the system uses a single short capillary connected to a dynamic fraction collector that moves to different vessels, eliminating the source of capillary-induced diffusion and remixing
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical multi-way valve switching system is replaced with a robotic positioning system. The XY robot arm mechanically positions the fraction collector beneath the single capillary outlet, achieving fractionation through spatial positioning rather than valve-based flow diversion
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 solution reduces solvent consumption, prevents fraction contamination, and allows for a greater number of fractions to be collected efficiently, with optional sorting modules for increased capacity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the gas and liquid components of the mobile phase must be separated. This is achieved by gas-liquid separators installed in the product stream, which allow the gas to be separated from the mobile phase
Implementation Method 2
Gases such as CO2, N2O, C2F6, etc., in their supercritical state can be used as the mobile phase
Implementation Method 3
a long capillary that runs from the outlet of the gas-liquid separator to a robotic arm... A disadvantage is that a long capillary results in a high transfer volume, which can lead to remixing of the separated sample by diffusion within the capillary
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a collector module for a preparative SFC system that enables the automated collection of a multitude of fractions. The collector module according to the invention comprises: a gas-liquid separator arranged downstream of a backpressure regulator in the flow path; a multi-way valve mounted directly downstream at an outlet of the gas-liquid separator and designed to direct the incoming sample stream either via a capillary into a fractionation vessel positioned below the gas-liquid separator or into a waste vessel; wherein (i) the gas-liquid separator, the multi-way valve, and the capillary are designed to perform a common vertical movement such that a tip of the capillary enters an opening of the fractionation vessel and retracts;or (ii) the gas-liquid separator is fixedly mounted and the multi-way valve and the capillary are designed to perform a common vertical movement such that a tip of the capillary enters and exits an opening of the fractionating vessel; or (iii) the gas-liquid separator and the multi-way valve are fixedly mounted and the capillary is designed to perform a vertical movement such that a tip of the capillary enters and exits an opening of the fractionating vessel; and a fractionating vessel holder for a plurality of fractionating vessels which can be positioned electrically or pneumatically sequentially under the tip of the capillary.;