Suction Nozzle Solid-Liquid Separation Without Filters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-liquid separation methods, such as BF separation, require complex mechanisms and controls, leading to high production costs due to the need for intricate nozzle structures like filters in dispensing nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A solid-liquid separation method and apparatus that utilize a suction nozzle without a filter at the leading end, where particles are clogged to separate liquids, allowing the liquid to be ejected while the particles remain clogged, using a pipette tip with a minimum opening diameter greater than the particle diameter but less than six times larger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter or solid adsorbent is attached to the dispensing nozzle for solid-liquid separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and production cost increase due to complicated nozzle structure and detailed work required inside the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the filter component from the dispensing nozzle system entirely. Instead of attaching a filter to the nozzle, the method uses a separate suction nozzle where particles are allowed to sediment and be clogged naturally during the suction process. This removes the complex filter attachment requirement while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction nozzle performs self-service by utilizing its own geometric structure (opening diameter between 0.7-2.4mm) to automatically sediment and clog particles during the suction process. The nozzle structure itself provides the separation function without requiring additional filter components or complex internal work.
2Reliability
If a filter is attached to the dispensing nozzle to prevent particle passage, then particle separation is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complicated production steps and high production cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a simple, disposable suction nozzle made of inexpensive material (polyethylene or polypropylene) with a specific opening diameter. Instead of using expensive, complex filters that require precise manufacturing, the patent uses a simple geometric structure that achieves separation through controlled particle sedimentation and clogging, significantly reducing production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameter from filter pore size to suction nozzle opening diameter. By controlling the opening diameter to be between 0.7-2.4mm (specifically greater than particle diameter but less than six times larger), the system achieves effective particle separation through sedimentation and clogging without requiring complex filter manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If centrifugal sedimentation or magnetic separation is used for BF separation, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to complicated mechanisms and controls required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical separation systems (centrifugal sedimentation mechanisms or magnetic separation systems) with a simple suction-based system. By using a suction nozzle with controlled opening diameter and allowing natural particle sedimentation during suction, the patent eliminates the need for complicated mechanisms and controls while maintaining effective separation capability.
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 simplifies the separation process, reducing production costs and achieving high reproducibility in separating particles from liquids without the need for filters, enabling efficient separation of desired peptides or nucleic acids.
Implementation Method 1
allowing at least a part of the particles contained in the sucked suspension, to sediment to be clogged in the suction nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a solid-liquid separation method including: sucking a suspension containing particles, through an opening formed at a leading end of a suction nozzle, into the suction nozzle; allowing at least a part of the particles contained in the sucked suspension, to sediment to be clogged in the suction nozzle; and ejecting a liquid inside the suction nozzle, through the opening of the suction nozzle clogged with the particles.