4-Port 2-Way Valves for Fluid Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fluid separation, such as isocratic HPLC, require long chromatographic columns or series of standard analytical columns, leading to low flow-rates and high pressure needs, and often necessitate the use of pumps that are incompatible with certain fluids, especially corrosive ones, which complicates and prolongs the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop fluid recirculation apparatus using 4-port 2-way valves and tubing, where the pressurizing means is external, allowing fluid recirculation without passing through a pump, with valves configured to maintain zero dead-volume and control flow rates to optimize chromatographic separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long chromatographic columns or series of standard analytical columns are used to achieve sufficient resolution, then separation quality is improved, but flow-rate decreases and pressure increases, resulting in prolonged separation time and need for more complex and costly equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously recirculates the mobile phase through the chromatographic column multiple times, allowing the same column to be used repeatedly for separation. This continuous recirculation enables sufficient resolution to be achieved over multiple passes without requiring long columns or high pressure, thus maintaining separation quality while reducing separation time and equipment complexity
2Ease of operation
If a pump is used for fluid recirculation, then fluid circulation is achieved, but the fluid may be incompatible with pump materials, especially for corrosive fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is completely removed from the recirculation loop and placed outside it. The mobile phase is pressurized by an external pump and then circulated through the system using pressure-driven flow without passing through any pump internal components. This extraction of the pump from the fluid path eliminates compatibility issues between corrosive fluids and pump materials while maintaining reliable fluid circulation
3Measurement precision
If standard analytical columns are used for separation, then adequate separation is achieved, but the equipment becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
A single standard analytical column is made to serve multiple functions by recirculating the mobile phase through it repeatedly. The same column performs separation duties that would otherwise require multiple columns or a long column, reducing equipment complexity and cost while maintaining separation quality through multiple recirculation passes
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
Enables efficient recirculation of fluids, reducing the need for long columns and costly equipment, improving chromatographic separation by maintaining fluid integrity and avoiding pump incompatibilities, while allowing for repeated separation and analysis without fluid mixing.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure inlet connecting said pressurizing means and a first port position of a first 4-port 2-way valve
Implementation Method 2
a first 4-port 2-way valve, wherein a second port position of the first valve is connected with a first end of a first tubing, a fourth port position of the first valve is connected with a first end of a second tubing
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(B)
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for recirculation of fluids, said apparatus comprising a pressure inlet connected with a first 4-port 2-way valve (2, 20) in a first port position (21, 201) of the valve (2, 20), a second port position (22, 202) of the first valve (2, 20) is connected with a first end of a first tubing (3, 30), a fourth port position (24, 204) of the first valve (2, 20) is connected with a first end of a second tubing (5, 50); the first tubing (3, 30) is on its second end connected with a second 4-port 2-way valve (4, 40) in a second port position (42, 402) of the valve (4, 40), the second tubing (5, 50) is on its second end connected to the second valve (4, 40) in a fourth port position (44, 404) of the valve (4, 40); and a first port position (41, 401) of the second valve (4, 40) is connected with a fluid-treating element (6, 60, 7, 70), and the fluid-treating element (6, 60, 7, 70) is connected with the first (2, 20) or the second valve (4, 40). The present invention further provides a method of recirculation of fluids using the novel apparatus. The apparatus and method can be used for recirculation of fluids useful in chromatographic separation methods or purification methods.