Vial Cap Filter Plug for Low-Pressure Matrix Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solid phase extraction methods require high pressure or have low capacity, making them unsuitable for automated sample pre-treatment and chromatographic analysis, especially when dealing with high matrix component concentrations that interfere with analyte detection.
Innovation Solution
A vial cap with a filter plug containing polyethylene resin and ion exchange or reversed-phase materials that can bind and remove matrix components at low pressure, allowing for efficient sample pre-treatment and chromatographic analysis without the need for cleaning or reusing the extraction material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If solid phase extraction devices require significant pressure to pass liquid sample through, then matrix component removal capacity is improved, but suitability for automated sample pre-treatment with auto-samplers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous graphitized carbon filter plug that provides high surface area and pore structure for effective matrix component adsorption. The porous structure enables high removal capacity while maintaining low flow resistance, allowing the device to operate at low pressures compatible with automated sampling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter plug material is graphitized to change its physical and chemical properties, creating a structure with enhanced adsorption capacity for matrix components while maintaining low backpressure. This parameter change in the material structure resolves the contradiction between high removal capacity and low operating pressure.
2Ease of operation
If solid phase extraction devices do not require significant pressure, then compatibility with automated systems is improved, but matrix component binding capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The porous graphitized carbon structure provides extensive surface area and pore volume for matrix component adsorption. The porous architecture enables high binding capacity without requiring high pressure to force sample through, maintaining compatibility with automated low-pressure systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter plug combines graphitized carbon material with porous structure to create a composite that exhibits both high adsorption capacity and low flow resistance. This composite material simultaneously achieves high matrix component removal and low operating pressure requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If extraction material has high capacity per unit volume, then sample pre-treatment effectiveness is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The porous structure of the graphitized carbon filter plug provides high surface area within a compact volume. The three-dimensional pore network enables high extraction capacity per unit volume while keeping the overall device size small and suitable for automated sampling instruments.
4Ease of operation
If extraction material is disposable and low cost, then single use convenience is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter plug is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. The use of graphitized carbon material provides sufficient extraction capacity for single-use applications, and the simple filter plug design enables cost-effective manufacturing despite the specialized material.
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
The vial cap effectively removes a substantial portion of matrix components, enabling accurate analyte detection and separation in chromatography by reducing interference and accommodating high matrix concentrations, while being compatible with automated systems and disposable for cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The filter plug includes a polyethylene resin and a material selected from the group consisting of an ion exchange material and a reversed-phase material
Implementation Method 2
The filter plug includes a polyethylene resin and a material selected from the group consisting of an ion exchange material and a reversed-phase material
Data Source
AI summary
A vial cap for removing a matrix component from a liquid sample is described. The vial cap includes a cap body, an inlet portion, and an outlet portion. The cap body is configured to have a slidable gas and liquid seal with a side wall of a sample vial. The inlet portion includes a counterbore section that holds a filter plug. The filter plug includes a polyethylene resin and a material selected from the group consisting of an ion exchange material and a reversed-phase material. The vial cap is adapted for solid phase extraction for use in an autosampler with a plurality of sample vials.