Single Pump Ion Chromatography System with Sample Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ion chromatography systems face issues with poor flow control and contamination due to external sample stream pumps, cumbersome loop size changes, pressure stability, baseline shifts, and the need for additional pumps, which increase costs and reduce detection sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An ion chromatography apparatus utilizing a single pump for fluid flow through a sample injection loop, ion concentrator, ion separator, and valving modes to minimize loop size changes and eliminate additional pumps, ensuring stable pressure and reduced contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sample stream pumps are used to dispense sample through concentrator column, then sample delivery is achieved, but flow control is poor resulting in peak response variance and poor quantitation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic external sample pump from the system and replaces it with an internal sample loop integrated into the ion chromatography system. The sample loop is filled manually or via autosampler, eliminating the need for external pumping of the sample stream, thereby removing the source of poor flow control while maintaining precise quantitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump in the ion chromatography system performs multiple functions: it delivers mobile phase through the concentrator column and analyte column, and also transports the sample from the sample loop through the valving system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate sample pump while maintaining system precision.
2Reliability
If external sample stream pumps are used, then sample delivery is achieved, but pump components deteriorate due to exposure to sample stream
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the external sample pump that was exposed to corrosive sample streams and replaces the sample delivery mechanism with an internal sample loop system. The sample loop is filled without requiring a pump to be in contact with the sample, thereby protecting pump components from deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample loop acts as an intermediary container that holds the sample before injection. Instead of using a pump to transport the sample through corrosive conditions, the sample is loaded into the loop and then injected into the chromatography system through valving, eliminating direct pump exposure to harmful sample components.
3Reliability
If external sample stream pumps are used, then sample delivery is achieved, but contamination occurs due to carry over when changing sample streams
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the external sample pump that caused carry over contamination and replaces it with an internal sample loop system. The sample loop can be easily emptied and refilled, and the valving system provides clean transitions between samples, eliminating the contamination issue associated with pump-based sample delivery.
4Measurement precision
If sample loop size is increased to detect low ppb level ions, then detection sensitivity is improved, but loop replacement becomes cumbersome and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a variable sample loop size capability where the system can dynamically switch between different loop configurations. The valving system allows for easy reconfiguration of the sample loop size without requiring manual replacement of physical loops, enabling the system to adapt to different detection requirements (ppm vs ppb levels) while maintaining ease of operation.
5Quantity of substance
If large volume loops are made for high pressure IC system, then sample volume capacity is increased, but pressure rating decreases when tubing diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the pressure-volume contradiction by changing the dimensional approach to sample loop design. Instead of simply increasing tube diameter to increase volume (which reduces pressure rating), the system uses a carefully engineered loop configuration with optimized dimensions that achieves the required sample volume capacity while maintaining adequate pressure rating for high-pressure IC operation.
6Adaptability or versatility
If additional DI water pump is used for neutralization and matrix ion removal applications, then sample preparation functionality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the single ion chromatography pump universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions: mobile phase delivery, sample injection, and sample preparation operations (neutralization, matrix ion removal). The pump can switch between different flow paths and functions through the valving system, eliminating the need for additional dedicated pumps and reducing overall system cost while maintaining full sample preparation versatility.
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 configuration enhances detection sensitivity, reduces baseline shifts, and lowers overall system costs by eliminating the need for additional pumps, while maintaining stable pressure and minimizing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an ion concentrator including ion concentration medium for retaining ionic species
Implementation Method 2
an ion separator comprising ion separation medium
Data Source
AI summary
An IC system including sample preparation. The system includes a liquid sample injection loop, an ion concentrator, an ion separator, and only a single pump for pumping fluid through the system.