CN116379183A

CN116379183A - Rotary valve, chromatographic analysis system and protein purification system

Info

Publication number: CN116379183A
Application number: CN202310305306.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 邵可杰
Original assignee: Miyi Technology Beijing Co ltd
Current assignee: Miyi Technology Beijing Co ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-27
Filing date: 2023-03-27
Publication date: 2023-07-04

Abstract

The present application provides a rotary valve and chromatographic analysis system and protein purification system. On the contact surface of the stator of the rotary valve, a first common port is arranged at a first rotation center point, the inflow port and the outflow port are arranged in pairs, all the inflow port and the outflow port are arranged on a circle with the first rotation center point as a center and a first radius, and the linear distance between a second common port and the first common port is smaller than the first radius. Therefore, the structural layout of the grooves on the contact surface of the rotor is beneficial to being optimized under the condition that the rotary valve realizes various flow path communication logics, and therefore, the contact surface with a larger area is not required to be designed, the grooves on the rotor corresponding to the second common port can be separated from the outer contour edge of the contact surface by a sufficient distance, and the area of the contact surface of the rotor and the stator can be reduced while the fluid sealing performance between the rotor and the stator is ensured. The dead volume of a chromatography system or protein purification system comprising the rotary valve described above can also be reduced.

Description

Rotary valve, chromatographic analysis system and protein purification system

Technical Field

The present application relates to valve structures, and in particular to a rotary valve and chromatographic and protein purification systems including the rotary valve.

Background

Today, rotary valves (or column valves) are widely used for flow path control of liquids in, for example, chromatographic analysis systems and protein purification systems to implement automated process flows. The rotary valve is matched with the stator and the rotor, so that different flow paths can be selected, and the key of the design of the rotary valve is that.

In a typical rotary valve, both the stator and the rotor have contact surfaces that contact each other, the contact surfaces of the stator may form a plurality of holes, and the contact surfaces of the rotor may form a plurality of slots. Thus, the holes on the contact surface of the stator and the grooves on the contact surface of the rotor form different flow path communication logics in the event that the rotor rotates to different relative positions with respect to the stator.

However, the conventional rotary valve has the following problems. On one hand, the structural design and layout of the holes and the grooves are unreasonable, so that the contact surface area of the stator and the rotor is large. For example, in the conventional rotary valve design, an annular groove extending continuously over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction is used as the contact surface of the rotor. The length of such an annular groove is long and thus the flatness of the contact surface of the rotor is easily caused at the edge of the annular groove during processing, in which case if the distance of the annular groove from the outer contour edge of the contact surface of the rotor is too small, the fluid tightness of the contact surface of both the stator and the rotor will be adversely affected, so that the annular groove cannot be too small from the outer contour edge of the contact surface of the rotor, which will greatly increase the area of the contact surface of both the stator and the rotor. In this case, in order to satisfy the fluid sealing performance between the contact surfaces of both the stator and the rotor, high processing accuracy is required, resulting in a great processing difficulty. Moreover, the larger area of the contact surfaces of both the stator and the rotor will also result in a power source that requires a higher output power to overcome the friction between the contact surfaces. On the other hand, because of the unreasonable structural design and layout of the holes and slots, the flow path lengths of both the stator and the rotor in the different flow path communication logics are relatively long, so that the dead volume of the chromatographic analysis system or the protein purification system comprising the rotary valve is large.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application has been made in order to solve the above-described drawbacks of the prior art. An object of the present application is to provide a novel rotary valve that reduces the area of the contact surface of both the stator and the rotor in the case where a plurality of flow path communication logics can be realized, and also that can reduce the flow path length of both the stator and the rotor in different flow path communication logics. It is another object of the present application to provide a chromatography system comprising a rotary valve as described above. It is a further object of the present application to provide a protein purification system comprising a rotary valve as described above.

In order to achieve the purpose of the application, the following technical scheme is adopted.

The present application provides a rotary valve comprising a stator and a rotor, the rotor being rotatable relative to the stator and having an axis of rotation, the stator having a first contact surface, the rotor having a second contact surface, the second contact surface being in constant sealing contact with the first contact surface,

the stator is provided with a first common port, a second common port, at least one inflow port and at least one outflow port on the first contact surface, the first contact surface has a first rotation center point on the rotation axis, the first common port is arranged at the first rotation center point, the at least one inflow port and the at least one outflow port are arranged in pairs, all the inflow ports and the outflow ports are arranged on a circle with the first rotation center point as a center and having a first radius, a straight line distance between the second common port and the first common port is smaller than the first radius,

on the second contact surface, the rotor is provided with a first slot and a second slot which are separated from each other, and the rotor can rotate to different relative positions relative to the stator so as to realize the following communication logic: the first common port is capable of communicating with the at least one inflow port, the at least one outflow port, and the second common port via the first groove in an alternative manner, and the second common port communicates with one of the pair of inflow ports and the outflow port via the second groove while the first common port communicates with the other of the pair of inflow ports and the outflow port via the first groove.

In an alternative, the connectivity logic further comprises: the second slot is not in communication with the first common port, the second common port, the at least one inflow port, and the at least one outflow port while the first common port is in communication with the second common port via the first slot.

In another alternative, the second contact surface has a second center of rotation point located on the axis of rotation, the first groove extends from the second center of rotation point to a first outboard end, and a linear distance between the first outboard end and the second center of rotation point is equal to the first radius.

In another alternative, the second contact surface has a second center point of rotation on the axis of rotation, the second groove includes a short groove portion and a long groove portion that communicate with each other,

the short groove portion extends from a second outer end portion to the long groove portion, a straight line distance between the second outer end portion and the second rotation center point is equal to the first radius,

the long groove part extends along an arc taking the second rotation center point as a circle center and having a second radius, and the second radius is equal to the linear distance between the second common port and the first common port.

In another alternative, the elongated slot portion is formed in a C-shape, and the first slot extends through a notch of the elongated slot portion.

In another alternative, in each pair of the inflow port and the outflow port, the inflow port and the outflow port are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first rotation center point, the short groove portion is on the same line as the first groove, and the long groove portion is arranged symmetrically with respect to the short groove portion.

In another alternative, the method further comprises:

a first pressure sensor mounted to the stator, the stator being formed with a first communication passage communicating with the first common port and a flow path inlet of an external flow path, the first pressure sensor being capable of measuring a pressure at the first common port through the first communication passage; and

and a second pressure sensor mounted to the stator, the stator being formed with a second communication passage communicating with the second common port and a flow path outlet of an external flow path, the second pressure sensor being capable of measuring a pressure at the second common port through the second communication passage.

In another alternative, the stator is formed with a first mounting groove, the first pressure sensor is inserted and mounted in the first mounting groove, the first communication channel is formed with a first opening at the bottom of the first mounting groove, and the first pressure sensor is communicated with the first communication channel through the first opening; and is also provided with

The stator is formed with the second mounting groove, the second pressure sensor insert install in the second mounting groove, the second communication channel is in the bottom of second mounting groove is formed with the second opening, the second pressure sensor is via the second opening with the second communication channel intercommunication.

The present application also provides a chromatography system comprising:

the rotary valve according to any one of the above aspects; and

at least one chromatographic column, each of said chromatographic columns being in communication with a pair of said inflow and said outflow.

The present application also provides a protein purification system comprising:

the rotary valve according to any one of the above aspects; and

By adopting the technical scheme, the application provides a rotary valve, and a chromatographic analysis system and a protein purification system comprising the rotary valve. In the rotary valve, a stator and a rotor are included, the rotor being rotatable relative to the stator and having an axis of rotation. Further, the stator has a first contact surface and the rotor has a second contact surface, both contact surfaces being in constant contact for fluid sealing. In one aspect, the stator is provided with a first common port, a second common port, at least one inflow port and at least one outflow port on the first contact surface, which openings can be connected to other components outside the rotary valve via passages inside the stator. The first contact surface has a first rotation center point on the rotation axis, the first common port is disposed at the first rotation center point, the inflow port and the outflow port are disposed in pairs, all of the inflow port and the outflow port are disposed on a circle having a first radius centered on the first rotation center point, and a straight line distance between the second common port and the first common port is smaller than the first radius. On the other hand, on the second contact surface, the rotor is provided with a first slot and a second slot spaced apart from each other, the rotor being rotatable to different relative positions with respect to the stator to implement the following communication logic: the first common port is capable of communicating with the inflow port, the outflow port, and the second common port in an alternative manner via the first groove, and the second common port communicates with one of the pair of inflow port and outflow port via the second groove while the first common port communicates with the other of the pair of inflow port and outflow port via the first groove.

Thus, on the contact surface of the stator, the first common port is provided at the first rotation center point, the inflow port and the outflow port are provided in pairs, all of the inflow port and the outflow port are provided on a circle having a first radius centered on the first rotation center point, and a straight line distance between the second common port and the first common port is smaller than the first radius. In this way, by the above-described opening layout, it is advantageous to optimize the structural layout of the grooves on the contact surface of the rotor in the case of implementing various flow path communication logics by the rotary valve, and thus the contact surface of the rotor does not have to be designed to have a large area, the grooves (for example, arc grooves) on the rotor corresponding to the second common port of the stator can be spaced a sufficient distance from the outer contour edge of the contact surface of the rotor, whereby the area of the contact surface of the rotor, that is, the area of the contact surface of both the rotor and the stator can be reduced while ensuring the fluid-tightness between the contact surfaces of both the stator and the rotor. In addition, by employing the above-described opening arrangement, it is also advantageous to reduce the length of at least a portion of the flow paths of both the stator and the rotor in forming different flow path communication logics, thereby enabling a reduction in dead volume of a chromatography system or a protein purification system comprising the above-described rotary valve.

Drawings

Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a stator of a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a rotor of a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 1C is a schematic perspective view illustrating a partial structure of a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application, wherein a stator and a pressure sensor are shown assembled together.

Fig. 1D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stator of a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application, which is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the single-dot chain line in fig. 1A.

Fig. 2A to 2K are schematic views showing different operation modes of a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application, in which a communication relationship between an opening of a stator and a slot of a rotor is shown in a perspective manner.

Description of the reference numerals

1, a stator; 1s first contact surface; o1 a first center point of rotation; 1a first common port; 1b a second common port; 1c 1a first inlet; 1c 2a first outflow port; 1d 1a second inflow port; 1d 2a second outlet; 1e1 third inflow port; 1e2 third outlet port; 1f 1a fourth inflow port; 1f2 fourth outflow port; 1g 1a fifth inflow port; 1g2 fifth outflow port; 1h 1a first mounting groove; 1h2 second mounting groove; 1i 1a first opening; 1i 2a second opening; 1j 1a first communication passage; 1j 2a second communication channel; 1k1 flow path inlet; 1k2 flow path outlet;

2, a rotor; 2s second contact surface; o2 second rotation center point; 2g1 first groove; 2g2 second tank; 2g21 short groove parts; 2g22 long groove parts;

31 a first pressure sensor; 32 second pressure sensor.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these specific descriptions are merely illustrative of how one skilled in the art may practice the present application and are not intended to be exhaustive of all of the possible ways of practicing the present application nor to limit the scope of the present application.

In this application, "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" refer to the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the rotor, respectively, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, "long" and "short" are relative terms appearing in pairs, and the size range thereof is not necessarily limited by quantification in this application.

The structure of a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application is first described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 1A to 1D, a rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application includes a stator 1, a rotor 2, a first pressure sensor 31 and a second pressure sensor 32 assembled together (in practice, the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 are not essential, and both

pressure sensors

31, 32 may be omitted in the alternative). The rotor 2 is rotatable relative to the stator 1 and has an axis of rotation. The stator 1 has a first contact surface 1s and the rotor 2 has a second contact surface 2s, the first contact surface 1s and the second contact surface 2s facing each other in the axial direction. The other portions of both the first contact surface 1s and the second contact surface 2s are always in contact to achieve fluid-tightness except for the portions that communicate with each other for achieving a flow path.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 1A and 1C, on the first contact surface 1s, the stator 1 is provided with a first common port 1A, a second common port 1b, five inflow ports 1C1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1, and five outflow ports 1C2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2. These openings may each be circular openings. The first contact surface 1s has a first rotation center point O1 located on the rotation axis.

Specifically, the first common port 1a and the second common port 1b may have the same size. The first common port 1a is provided at the first rotation center point O1. In the present embodiment, the geometric center (center of circle) of the first common port 1a coincides with the first rotation center point O1. The second common port 1b has a first linear distance L1 from the first common port 1 a. Here, the first linear distance L1 refers to a linear distance between the geometric center (center of a circle) of the second common port 1b and the geometric center (center of a circle) of the first common port 1 a.

Further, all of the inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 may have the same size. All the inflow openings 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow openings 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are arranged on a circle (see circle shown in broken line in fig. 1A) centered on the first rotation center point O1 and having the first radius R1, that is, the geometric centers of all the inflow openings 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow openings 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are located on a circle centered on the first rotation center point O1 and having the first radius R1. In addition, the first radius R1 is larger than the first straight-line distance L1, so that the second common port 1b is located within a circle having the first radius R1 with the first rotation center point O1 as the center. Further, with the line between the geometric center (center of the circle) of the first common port 1A and the geometric center (center of the circle) of the second common port 1b as a reference line, all the inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 are located on one side (upper side in fig. 1A) of the reference line, and all the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are located on the other side (lower side in fig. 1A) of the reference line. In this embodiment, all the inflow openings 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow openings 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are arranged in pairs. Preferably, in the respective convection inlets 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and outflow openings 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2, the inflow openings 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow openings 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are arranged in point symmetry with respect to the first rotation center point O1, that is, the geometric centers (center) of the paired inflow openings 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the geometric centers (center) of the outflow openings 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are spaced apart by a center angle of 180 degrees. In the present embodiment, moreover, the entirety of all the inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the entirety of all the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are symmetrically arranged about the above-described reference line.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 1B, on the second contact surface 2s, the rotor 2 is provided with a first groove 2g1 and a second groove 2g2 spaced apart from each other, and the second contact surface 2s has a second rotation center point O2 on the rotation axis of the rotor 2.

Specifically, the first groove 2g1 extends linearly, and the first groove 2g1 extends from the second rotation center point O2 to the first outer side end portion (i.e., the first radially outer side end portion). The linear distance between the first outer end portion and the second rotation center point O2 is a second linear distance L2, and the second linear distance L2 may be equal to the first radius R1. In the present embodiment, the equality here includes approximately equality, for example, in order to enable the end portion of the first groove 2g1 located at the second rotation center point O2 to sufficiently overlap and communicate with the first common port 1a, and to enable the first outer end portion of the first groove 2g1 to sufficiently overlap and communicate with the respective inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2, the actual length of the first groove 2g1 may be slightly larger than the first radius R1, that is, the second straight-line distance L2 may be slightly larger than the first radius R1.

The second groove 2g2 includes a short groove portion 2g21 and a long groove portion 2g22 communicating with each other. The short groove portion 2g21 is on the same straight line as the first groove 2g1, the short groove portion 2g21 extends linearly from the second outer end portion (i.e., the second radially outer end portion) to the long groove portion 2g22, the linear distance between the second outer end portion and the second rotation center point O2 is a third linear distance L3, and the third linear distance L3 may be equal to the first radius R1. In the present embodiment, the equality here includes approximately equality, for example, in order to enable the second outer end portion of the short groove portion 2g21 to sufficiently overlap and communicate with the respective inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2, the third straight-line distance L3 may be slightly larger than the first radius R1. The long groove portion 2g22 extends along an arc having a second radius R2 around the second rotation center point O2, and the second radius R2 is a linear distance from the second rotation center point O2 to any point on the center line of the long groove portion 2g22 in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, the long groove portion 2g22 is formed in an arc shape, more specifically, in a "C" shape, and the second radius R2 is equal to the first straight-line distance L1 between the second common port 1b and the first common port 1a, and the first groove 2g1 passes through the notch of the long groove portion 2g22. In addition, the long groove portions 2g22 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the short groove portions 2g 21.

Since the second common port 1b is provided in the first contact surface 1s of the stator 1 in the circle in which the inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 are arranged, the long groove portion 2g22 corresponding to the second common port 1b is formed in the second contact surface 2s of the rotor 2 at a position distant from the outer contour edge of the second contact surface 2s of the rotor 2, and therefore the rotor 2 does not have to be designed to have a large area of the second contact surface 2s, the long groove portion 2g22 on the rotor 2 can be spaced from the outer contour edge of the second contact surface 2s of the rotor 2 by a sufficient distance, whereby the processing of the long groove portion 2g22 does not affect the fluid-tightness between the rotor 2 and the stator 1, and further, compared with the prior art, the contact area of the second contact surface 2s of the rotor 2 can be reduced while ensuring the fluid-tightness between the second contact surface 2s of the rotor 2 and the first contact surface 1s of the stator 1 can be reduced, namely the contact area 2s and the stator 1. Further, since the long groove portion 2g22 corresponding to the second common port 1b is formed in a C-shape instead of an annular shape extending over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction, the second contact surface 2s is easily made uneven when the groove is machined due to the excessively long length of the long groove portion 2g22, thereby adversely affecting the fluid-tightness of the

contact surfaces

1s, 2 s.

In the present embodiment, the first pressure sensor 31 is used to measure the pressure at the first common port 1a, and the second pressure sensor 32 is used to measure the pressure at the second common port 1 b. In the case where the first common port 1a communicates with the flow path inlet 1k1 of the external flow path and the second common port 1b communicates with the flow path outlet 1k2 of the external flow path, the first pressure sensor 31 is used to measure the inlet pressure (so-called pre-column pressure) and the second pressure sensor 32 is used to measure the outlet pressure (so-called post-column pressure). As shown in fig. 1A and 1C, the stator 1 is formed with a first mounting groove 1h1, and the first pressure sensor 31 is inserted into and mounted to the first mounting groove 1h1. As shown in fig. 1D, a first communication passage 1j1 that communicates the flow path inlet 1k1 with the first common port 1a is formed inside the stator 1, the first communication passage 1j1 is formed with a first opening 1i1 at the bottom of the first mounting groove 1h1, and the first pressure sensor 31 communicates with the first communication passage 1j1 via the first opening 1i1, whereby the first pressure sensor 31 can measure the pressure of the fluid flowing through the first opening 1i1 to measure the inlet pressure. As shown in fig. 1A and 1C, the stator 1 is formed with a second mounting groove 1h2, and the second pressure sensor 32 is inserted and mounted in the second mounting groove 1h2. As shown in fig. 1D, the inside of the stator 1 is formed with a second communication passage 1j2 that communicates the flow path outlet 1k2 with the second common port 1b, the second communication passage 1j2 is formed with a second opening 1i2 at the bottom of the second mounting groove 1h2, and the second pressure sensor 32 communicates with the first communication passage 1j2 via the second opening 1i2, whereby the second pressure sensor 32 can measure the pressure of the fluid flowing through the second opening 1i2 to measure the outlet pressure. In this way, in the case where the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure can be effectively measured, such a structure realizes a smaller flow path length without unnecessary flow path portions (curved loops), thereby reducing dead volume. Further, the resistance of the fluid flowing in the flow path is smaller, so that the pressure of the fluid in the whole flow path is smaller, and the system performance is optimized.

By adopting the above-described structure, in the rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application, by rotating the rotor 2 to different relative positions with respect to the stator 1, the following flow path communication logic can be realized.

The first common port 1a is capable of communicating with the inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1, the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2, and the second common port 1b in an alternative manner via the first groove 2g 1;

while the first common port 1a communicates with one of the pair of inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 via the first groove 2g1, the second common port 1b communicates with the other of the pair of inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 via the second groove 2g 2; and

the first common port 1a communicates with the second common port 1b via the first groove 2g1, and the second groove 2g2 does not communicate with the first common port 1a, the second common port 1b, the inflow ports 1c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1, and the outflow ports 1c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2.

Specifically, based on the flow path communication logic as above, the rotary valve according to an embodiment of the present application has the following operation modes.

In the first mode of operation, as shown in fig. 2A, the rotor 2 rotates into position relative to the stator 1. At this time, on the one hand, one end of the first groove 2g1 of the rotor 2 communicates with the first common port 1a and the other end communicates with the first inflow port 1c1. In this way, when the first common port 1a communicates with the external flow path, the fluid can flow to the first inflow port 1c1 via the first common port 1a and the first groove 2g 1. On the other hand, the end of the short groove portion 2g21 of the second groove 2g2 distant from the long groove portion 2g22 (i.e., the radially outer end) communicates with the first outflow port 1c2, and the long groove portion 2g22 of the second groove 2g2 communicates with the second common port 1 b. In this way, when the second common port 1b communicates with the external flow path, the fluid from the first outlet port 1c2 can return to the external flow path via the second groove 2g2 and the second common port 1 b. In addition, in the chromatographic analysis system including the rotary valve, the rotary valve may be externally connected to a corresponding chromatographic column, and the chromatographic column may be communicated with the first inflow port 1c1 and the first outflow port 1c2 via a flow path inside the stator 1, whereby fluid may flow into the rotary valve from the first common port 1a, flow into the chromatographic column via the first inflow port 1c1, flow through the chromatographic column, and then flow out of the rotary valve via the first outflow port 1c2 and the second common port 1b, thereby realizing a forward flow of fluid in the chromatographic column.

In the second mode of operation, as shown in fig. 2B, the rotor 2 rotates into position relative to the stator 1. Referring to fig. 2A and 2B, from the first operation mode, the rotor 2 is rotated 180 degrees, and the second operation mode can be realized. At this time, on the one hand, one end of the first groove 2g1 of the rotor 2 communicates with the first common port 1a and the other end communicates with the first outflow port 1c2. In this way, when the first common port 1a communicates with the external flow path, the fluid can flow to the first outflow port 1c2 via the first common port 1a and the first groove 2g 1. On the other hand, the end of the short groove portion 2g21 of the second groove 2g2 distant from the long groove portion 2g22 (i.e., the radially outer end) communicates with the first inflow port 1c1, and the long groove portion 2g22 of the second groove 2g2 communicates with the second common port 1 b. In this way, when the second common port 1b communicates with the external flow path, the fluid from the first inflow port 1c1 can return to the external flow path via the second groove 2g2 and the second common port 1 b. In addition, in the chromatographic analysis system including the rotary valve, the rotary valve may be externally connected to a corresponding chromatographic column, and the chromatographic column may be communicated with the first inflow port 1c1 and the first outflow port 1c2 via a flow path inside the stator 1, whereby fluid may flow into the rotary valve from the first common port 1a, flow into the chromatographic column via the first outflow port 1c2, flow through the chromatographic column, and then flow out of the rotary valve via the first inflow port 1c1 and the second common port 1b, thereby realizing reverse flow of fluid in the chromatographic column.

In the third operation mode (fig. 2C), the fifth operation mode (fig. 2E), the seventh operation mode (fig. 2G), and the ninth operation mode (fig. 2I), similarly to the first operation mode, on the one hand, one end of the first groove 2G1 of the rotor 2 communicates with the first common port 1a and the other end communicates with the different inflow ports 1d1, 1E1, 1f1, 1G1. In this way, when the first common port 1a communicates with the external flow path, the fluid can flow to the different inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 via the first common port 1a and the first groove 2g 1. On the other hand, the end of the short groove portion 2g21 of the second groove 2g2 remote from the long groove portion 2g22 (i.e., the radially outer end) communicates with the different outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2, and the long groove portion 2g22 of the second groove 2g2 communicates with the second common port 1 b. In this way, when the second common port 1b communicates with the external flow path, the fluid from the different outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 can return to the external flow path via the second groove 2g2 and the second common port 1 b. In addition, in the chromatography system including the rotary valve, the rotary valve may be externally connected to a corresponding column, and the column may be in communication with the paired inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 via the flow path inside the stator 1, whereby fluid may flow into the rotary valve from the first common port 1a, into the column via the inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1, flow through the column, and then flow out of the rotary valve via the outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 and the second common port 1b, thereby achieving forward flow of fluid in the column.

In the fourth operation mode (fig. 2D), the sixth operation mode (fig. 2F), the eighth operation mode (fig. 2H), the tenth operation mode (fig. 2J), similarly to the second operation mode, on the one hand, one end of the first groove 2g1 of the rotor 2 communicates with the first common port 1a and the other end communicates with the different outflow ports 1D2, 1e2, 1F2, 1g2. In this way, when the first common port 1a communicates with the external flow path, the fluid can flow to the different outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 via the first common port 1a and the first groove 2g 1. On the other hand, the end of the short groove portion 2g21 of the second groove 2g2 distant from the long groove portion 2g22 (i.e., the radially outer end) communicates with the different inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1, and the long groove portion 2g22 of the second groove 2g2 communicates with the second common port 1 b. In this way, when the second common port 1b communicates with the external flow path, the fluid from the different inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 can return to the external flow path via the second groove 2g2 and the second common port 1 b. In addition, in the chromatography system including the rotary valve, the rotary valve may be externally connected to a corresponding column, and the column may be communicated with the paired inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2 via the flow path inside the stator 1, whereby fluid may flow into the rotary valve from the first common port 1a, flow into the column via the outflow ports 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g2, flow through the column, and then flow out of the rotary valve via the inflow ports 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g1 and the second common port 1b, thereby realizing reverse flow of fluid in the column.

In the eleventh mode of operation, as shown in fig. 2K, the rotor 2 rotates into position relative to the stator 1. At this time, on the one hand, one end of the first groove 2g1 of the rotor 2 communicates with the first common port 1a and the intermediate portion of the first groove 2g1 communicates with the second common port 1 b. In this way, when the first common port 1a and the second common port 1b are both in communication with the external flow path, the fluid from the external flow path can return to the external flow path via the first common port 1a, the first groove 2g1, and the second common port 1 b. On the other hand, the second groove 2g2 does not communicate with all the openings. In this operation mode, since the fluid from the external flow path can be returned to the external flow path again via the first common port 1a, the first groove 2g1, and the second common port 1b, the rotary valve realizes the bypass function with the shortest path among the paths that can be selected, and thus the flow path length that realizes the bypass function can be effectively reduced, thereby reducing the dead volume.

The specific embodiments of the present application are explained in detail in the above, and supplementary explanation is made below.

i. The present application also provides a chromatography system comprising a rotary valve according to the present application and at least one chromatography column, each chromatography column being in communication with a pair of flow inlets and flow outlets. The present application also provides a protein purification system comprising a rotary valve according to the present application and at least one chromatographic column, each chromatographic column being in communication with a pair of flow inlet and flow outlet.

in the above specific embodiment, the rotary valve includes a plurality of inflow ports and a plurality of outflow ports, but the present application is not limited thereto. In an alternative, the rotary valve may comprise only one inflow port and only one outflow port. That is, the number of inflow and outflow ports of the rotary valve can be flexibly selected according to actual needs.

in the above embodiments, the first and

second pressure sensors

31, 32 are capable of detecting the pressure at the first and second

common ports

1a, 1b in all modes of operation, such that the pressure of the fluid flowing into and out of the different chromatographic columns is measured in the first to tenth modes of operation to meet the acquisition of the corresponding parameters. It will be appreciated that the first pressure sensor 31 and the second pressure sensor 32 are optional, but not necessary, for the solution of the present application.

in the technical solution of the present application, due to the corresponding layout of the openings of the stator 1 and the slots of the rotor 2, the size (diameter) of the rotor 2 can be designed smaller in the case of implementing various flow path communication logics, so that the contact surface between the rotor 2 and the stator 1 is smaller, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the contact surface and reducing the cost. Moreover, in the technical solution of the present application, the size of the flow path in the rotary valve is shorter in case the rotary valve realizes the bypass function, reducing dead volume and optimizing the performance of the various systems comprising the rotary valve.

v. it will be appreciated that different slot configurations may be employed on the second contact surface 2s of the rotor 2, without having to employ the slot configurations described in the specific embodiments above, so long as the flow path communication logic set forth herein is satisfied. For example, the short groove portion 2g21 and the first groove 2g1 do not necessarily have to extend linearly, and may extend in a curved shape; even if the short groove portion 2g21 and the first groove 2g1 extend linearly, the short groove portion 2g21 and the first groove 2g1 do not have to be aligned.

Claims

1. Rotary valve, characterized by comprising a stator (1) and a rotor (2), the rotor (2) being rotatable with respect to the stator (1) and having an axis of rotation, the stator (1) having a first contact surface (1 s), the rotor (2) having a second contact surface (2 s), the second contact surface (2 s) being in constant sealing contact with the first contact surface (1 s),

on the first contact surface (1 s), the stator (1) is provided with a first common opening (1 a), a second common opening (1 b), at least one inflow opening (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and at least one outflow opening (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2), the first contact surface (1 s) having a first rotational center point (O1) lying on the rotational axis, the first common opening (1 a) being arranged at the first rotational center point (O1), the at least one inflow opening (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the at least one outflow opening (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2) are arranged in pairs, all of the inflow openings (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the outflow openings (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2) are arranged on a circle centered on the first rotational center point (O1) and having a first radius (R1), a straight line distance (L1) between the second common opening (1 b) and the first common opening (1 a) is smaller than the first radius (R1),

on the second contact surface (2 s), the rotor (2) is provided with a first groove (2 g 1) and a second groove (2 g 2) spaced apart from each other, the rotor (2) being rotatable to different relative positions with respect to the stator (1) to achieve the following communication logic: the first common port (1 a) is capable of communicating with one of the at least one inflow port (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1), the at least one outflow port (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2) and the second common port (1 b) via the first groove (2 g 1), while the first common port (1 a) communicates with one of the pair of inflow ports (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the outflow port (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2) via the second groove (2 g 2) and the other of the pair of inflow ports (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1g 1) and the outflow port (1 c2, 1e2, 1g 2).

2. The rotary valve of claim 1 wherein the communication logic further comprises: the second groove (2 g 2) is not in communication with the first common port (1 a), the second common port (1 b), the at least one inflow port (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the at least one outflow port (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2) while the first common port (1 a) is in communication with the second common port (1 b) via the first groove (2 g 1).

3. A rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second contact surface (2 s) has a second centre of rotation point (O2) on the axis of rotation, the first groove (2 g 1) extending from the second centre of rotation point (O2) to a first outer end, the linear distance (L2) between the first outer end and the second centre of rotation point (O2) being equal to the first radius (R1).

4. Rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second contact surface (2 s) has a second centre of rotation point (O2) on the axis of rotation, the second groove (2 g 2) comprising a short groove portion (2 g 21) and a long groove portion (2 g 22) communicating with each other,

the short groove portion (2 g 21) extends from a second outer end portion to the long groove portion (2 g 22), a straight line distance (L3) between the second outer end portion and the second rotation center point (O2) is equal to the first radius (R1),

the long groove (2 g 22) extends along an arc which takes the second rotation center point (O2) as a center and has a second radius (R2), and the second radius (R2) is equal to a straight line distance (L1) between the second common port (1 b) and the first common port (1 a).

5. Rotary valve according to claim 4, characterized in that the elongated slot (2 g 22) is formed in a C-shape, the first slot (2 g 1) extending through a notch of the elongated slot (2 g 22).

6. Rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in each pair of the inflow opening (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the outflow opening (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2), the inflow opening (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the outflow opening (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the first centre of rotation point (O1), the short groove portion (2 g 21) being on the same line as the first groove (2 g 1), the long groove portion (2 g 22) being arranged symmetrically with respect to the short groove portion (2 g 21).

7. A rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

a first pressure sensor (31) mounted to the stator (1), the stator (1) being formed with a first communication passage (1 j 1) communicating with the first common port (1 a) and a flow path inlet (1 k 1) of an external flow path, the first pressure sensor (31) being capable of measuring a pressure at the first common port (1 a) through the first communication passage (1 j 1); and

a second pressure sensor (32) mounted to the stator (1), the stator (1) being formed with a second communication passage (1 j 2) communicating with the second common port (1 b) and a flow path outlet (1 k 2) of an external flow path, the second pressure sensor (32) being capable of measuring a pressure at the second common port (1 b) through the second communication passage (1 j 2).

8. A rotary valve according to claim 7, wherein,

the stator (1) is provided with a first mounting groove (1 h 1), the first pressure sensor (31) is inserted and mounted in the first mounting groove (1 h 1), the first communication channel (1 j 1) is provided with a first opening (1 i 1) at the bottom of the first mounting groove (1 h 1), and the first pressure sensor (31) is communicated with the first communication channel (1 j 1) through the first opening (1 i 1); and is also provided with

The stator (1) is provided with a second mounting groove (1 h 2), the second pressure sensor (32) is inserted and mounted in the second mounting groove (1 h 2), the second communication channel (1 j 2) is provided with a second opening (1 i 2) at the bottom of the second mounting groove (1 h 2), and the second pressure sensor (32) is communicated with the second communication channel (1 j 2) through the second opening (1 i 2).

9. A chromatography system, comprising:

the rotary valve of any one of claims 1 to 8; and

at least one chromatographic column, each of which communicates with a pair of the inflow ports (1 c1, 1d1, 1e1, 1f1, 1g 1) and the outflow ports (1 c2, 1d2, 1e2, 1f2, 1g 2).

10. A protein purification system, comprising:

the rotary valve of any one of claims 1 to 8; and