Solid Phase Synthesizer Variable Drainage Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid phase synthesis systems are inefficient due to the limited control over reagent flow rates in open-ended reaction vessels, leading to excessive reagent consumption and waste, as pressure equalization forces reagents through vessels too quickly, resulting in suboptimal reaction conditions.
Innovation Solution
A solid phase synthesizer system with a rotor-based design that includes sealed chambers and a dual drain system allowing variable flow rate control, using a passageway through the rotor for pressure equalization without direct flow through reaction vessels, and a motor-driven reagent dispensing mechanism to optimize reagent usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If gas pressure is used to force reagents through reaction vessels, then reagent flow is achieved, but reagents move too quickly through the vessels causing excessive reagent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the drainage rate of the lower chamber to control the pressure differential across reaction vessels. By making the drainage rate variable rather than fixed, the system can optimize reagent flow rates for different reaction conditions and vessel types, preventing excessive flow that wastes reagents while ensuring sufficient flow for effective reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of pressure differential control by introducing a variable drainage mechanism. Instead of maintaining constant pressure equalization through fixed drainage, the system varies the drainage rate to actively control reagent flow velocity, transforming the parameter from a passive consequence to an actively optimized variable.
2Stress or pressure
If pressure equalization is achieved by draining the lower chamber, then pressure balance is maintained, but flow rate control is limited to a single speed
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage mechanism is transformed from a static, single-speed system to a dynamic, variable-speed system. The controller adjusts the drainage rate based on reaction requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different reaction conditions, vessel configurations, and reagent properties, thereby significantly improving versatility and control capability.
3Productivity
If larger numbers of different molecules are synthesized, then production capacity increases, but reagent waste and process gas consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control where the controller monitors reaction progress and adjusts the drainage rate accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that reagent flow is optimized for each reaction stage, preventing waste even when processing large numbers of molecules. The system learns and adapts to maintain efficiency at scale.
Solution Approach 2:
By implementing variable-speed drainage control, the system can maintain optimal reagent flow rates regardless of the number of reaction vessels or throughput level. This dynamic adjustment capability allows high productivity while minimizing waste, as each reaction receives precisely the flow rate it needs rather than a fixed high flow rate that wastes reagents at scale.
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 system allows for precise control of reagent flow rates, reducing reagent waste and process gas consumption, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of solid phase synthesis reactions.
Implementation Method 1
Gas pressure is then introduced, but the enclosed area above the rotor must be equalized with the sealed camber within the rotor
Implementation Method 2
The only way to equalize the pressure between the first area and the second area is to migrate the liquid through the reaction container
Implementation Method 3
In between the open top and open bottom is a solid support material held in the solid support by a top filter and a bottom filter
Data Source
AI summary
A instrument for performing synthesis of small molecules such as Oligos and Peptides when using solid phase synthesis techniques to synthesize small molecules. The system and methods include a mechanism for controlling the pressure differential across the reaction vessels that contain the solid support used in solid phase synthesis. Reaction vessels are held in a holder that provides a sealable chamber at the outlet ends of the reaction vessels. The rotor containing the reaction vessels is placed within a sealable chamber. The sealable chamber is fitted with a means for engaging the rotor and draining the reaction vessels to waste. The sealable chamber is also fitted with a means for engaging the rotor to drain the reaction vessels at a slower, variable rate.