Supercritical Fluid Chromatograph Dual-Loop Sampling for Faster Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The pull-injection method in supercritical fluid chromatography requires a long time to supply a new sample to the analysis flow path due to the need to fill the flow path with a rinse liquid before each sample suction, especially when multiple samples are supplied.
Innovation Solution
A supercritical fluid chromatograph with a suction discharger, first and second sample loops, and flow path switchers that allow direct connection of the second sample loop to the analysis flow path without pre-filling the first loop with rinse liquid, enabling simultaneous sample supply and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pull-injection method is used to supply samples successively, then sample supply accuracy is improved, but the time required to supply new samples increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-fills the first sample loop with rinse liquid before actual sample injection. This preliminary action ensures that when sample injection occurs, the flow path is already primed, eliminating the need to fill it during each injection cycle. The rinse liquid is supplied in advance through the first flow path switcher, preparing the system for rapid successive injections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the sample supply function into two independent sample loops (first and second sample loops) with separate flow paths. This segmentation allows one loop to be used for analysis while the other is prepared or regenerated simultaneously. The flow path switchers enable independent control of each loop, allowing parallel operations that reduce overall cycle time.
2Manufacturing precision
If the flow path is filled with rinse liquid before each sample suction, then sample amount control accuracy is improved, but the operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having the first sample loop continuously receive rinse liquid through the first flow path switcher, while the second sample loop simultaneously performs analysis. This continuous preparation eliminates idle time between injections, as the rinse liquid supply and sample analysis occur in parallel without interruption to the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The first flow path switcher acts as an intermediary that continuously supplies rinse liquid to the first sample loop independently of the analysis flow path. This intermediary function allows the system to maintain sample amount control accuracy through continuous rinsing while decoupling this function from the analysis timeline, enabling parallel operations that improve productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple samples are supplied for sorting, then comprehensive sample analysis is improved, but the total analysis time increases due to repeated flow path filling
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sorting function across multiple sample loops and flow paths, allowing different samples to be processed simultaneously in different loops. The first and second flow path switchers enable independent routing of multiple samples through the analysis flow path or to the collection container, facilitating comprehensive sorting analysis without sequential bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite flow path architecture combining multiple parallel paths (first flow path, second flow path, third flow path, fourth flow path) that can operate independently or in combination. This composite structure allows multiple samples to be handled concurrently through different paths, enabling comprehensive analysis while reducing total time compared to single-path sequential processing.
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 significantly reduces the time required to supply new samples to the analysis flow path, allowing for efficient and rapid sample processing.
Implementation Method 1
a suction discharger that sucks and discharges a sample
Implementation Method 2
The supercritical fluid has the properties of both liquid and gas and is characterized in having higher diffusibility and lower viscosity than liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A supercritical fluid chromatograph includes a suction discharger that sucks and discharges a sample, a first sample loop connected to the suction discharger through a first flow path, a first flow path switcher that is connected to the first sample loop through a second flow path, a sample container connected to the second flow path through a third flow path when the first flow path switcher is in a first switch state, and a second flow path switcher connected to the second flow path through a fourth flow path when the first flow path switcher is in a second switch state. The fourth flow path is connected to a second sample loop when the second flow path switcher is in a third switch state, and the second sample loop is connected to an analysis flow path to which a solvent is supplied as a supercritical fluid when the second flow path switcher is in a fourth switch state.