Solute Trapping Column with Dual Solvent Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solute extraction methods face challenges in achieving high recovery rates and reliable analysis results due to incomplete separation of dioxins, particularly when using adsorption materials that require large amounts of solvent and may sacrifice overall recovery rates.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a solute trapping column with multiple trapping agent layers and a dual solvent supply system, allowing for sequential extraction and fractionation of solutes using developing and extraction solvents, which improves recovery rates and minimizes solvent usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an adsorption material with higher adsorption capability for dioxins is selected, then the adsorption efficiency is improved, but the recovery rate of dioxins decreases because the adsorbed dioxins are difficult to be removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption efficiencyVSAvoidrecovery rate of dioxins
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The solute trapping column is divided into multiple trapping agent layers (first trapping agent layer and second trapping agent layer) with different adsorption capabilities. The first layer uses a material with higher adsorption capability to ensure efficient trapping, while the second layer uses a material with lower adsorption capability that allows easier removal and higher recovery rate. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by distributing the adsorption function across layers with different characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a single type of adsorption material is used to trap all kinds of dioxins, then the adsorption capability is improved, but the analysis reliability decreases due to mutual interference between different dioxins in the extract

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption capabilityVSAvoidanalysis reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The trapping column is segmented into multiple layers with different adsorption materials that selectively trap different types of dioxins. This segmentation allows different dioxin groups to be separated into different layers, eliminating mutual interference during analysis while maintaining high adsorption capability for each dioxin type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different trapping agent layers are assigned different local qualities (adsorption characteristics) suited for specific dioxin groups. The first layer has high adsorption capability for certain dioxins, while the second layer has different adsorption characteristics for other dioxins, optimizing both adsorption efficiency and analysis reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If adsorption material with high adsorption capability is used, then the trapping efficiency is improved, but the solvent consumption increases and overall recovery rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrapping efficiencyVSAvoidsolvent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorption function is segmented across multiple layers with different materials. The first layer with high adsorption capability efficiently traps dioxins using minimal solvent, while the second layer with lower adsorption capability handles the remaining dioxins with easier desorption. This reduces overall solvent consumption while maintaining high trapping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 efficient fractionation and improved recovery rates of solutes, reducing solvent consumption and enhancing the accuracy of dioxin analysis by selectively extracting different dioxin groups, such as non-ortho PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs, while minimizing interference from mono-ortho PCBs.

Implementation Method 1

multiple trapping agent layers capable of trapping the solute packed with a space interposed therebetween

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a solvent for developing the solute within the solute trapping column

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

a solvent for extracting the solute

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtraction: Liquid-Liquid Extraction

Data Source

PatentEP2975376B1Solute extraction device
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 MIURA CO LTD
  • EP2975376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2975376B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2975376B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A solute trapping column (300) including a first trapping agent layer (340) and a second trapping agent layer (350) packed with a space interposed therebetween has a first branched pathway (320) extending from an upper part of a main body part (310) thereof, and a second branched pathway (330) extending from between the trapping agent layers, and with its upper part a purification column (200) is connected. Upon injection of a solution of dioxins into the purification column (200), followed by supply of a developing solvent, dioxins flow into the solute trapping column (300) from the purification column (200) and are trapped by the trapping agent layers. An extraction solvent supplied from the lower end side of the solute trapping column (300) while keeping both the purification column (200) and the first branched pathway (320) blocked to the atmosphere extracts the dioxins trapped by the second trapping agent layer (350) and flows into the second branched pathway (330). An extraction solvent supplied in a similar manner while keeping both the purification column (200) and the second branched pathway (330) blocked to the atmosphere extracts the dioxins trapped by the first trapping agent layer (340) and flows into the first branched pathway (320).