DE102023115211A1 - Fluid valve for providing fluid to an analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid valve (100) for an analyzer (10) is described, comprising: i) a stator component (110), comprising: a first port (150) at a first radius (111), and a plurality of second ports (114) along of a second radius (112); and ii) a rotor component (120) comprising: a groove (121) coupled to the first port (150), the groove (121) having: a tangential portion (122) extending along a segment of the second radius (112).a) the groove (121) also has a radial part (125) which extends from the first port (150) to the second radius (112), and/orb) the fluid valve (100) is set up to rotate the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) in such a way that mixing and/or proportioning of fluid, in particular solvent (113, 115), is made possible.

Description

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a fluid valve for an analysis device, such as a sample separator, which has a stator component and a rotor component. In this case, the rotor component has a groove which has a tangential and a radial part. Additionally or alternatively, the present invention relates to an analysis device for mixing and/or proportioning fluid, by means of moving the rotor component relative to the stator component, for the analysis device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for providing fluid for an analysis device. Furthermore, the invention relates to an analysis device and a specific use of a rotor component.

Analysis devices such as sample separation devices are provided for the analysis of a sample, in particular a fluidic sample, e.g. for carrying out a chromatographic separation of the sample.

For example, in a HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) analyzer, a liquid (mobile phase) is flown at a very precisely controlled flow rate (e.g. in the range of microliters to milliliters per minute) and at high pressure (typically 20 to 1000 bar and beyond, currently up to 2000 bar), at which the compressibility of the liquid can be felt, through a so-called stationary phase (e.g. in a chromatographic column) to separate individual fractions of a sample liquid introduced into the mobile phase separate. After passing through the stationary phase, the separated fractions of the fluidic sample are detected in a detector. Such an HPLC system is known for example from EP 0,309,596 B1 of the same applicant, Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Fluid valves, in particular rotary valves, for analytical devices, in particular HPLC, have a stator and a rotor. The stator is usually a stationary part, e.g., cylindrical in shape, having a first side with capillary connections (interface side) and a second, opposite (planar) side with cylindrical channel openings (port side). Here, the first side faces and is connected to a fluid source (e.g. solvent supply) while the second side is coupled to the analytical domain (e.g. sample separation column) of the analyzer via the rotor. The rotor is usually provided as a rotating disk between the stator and the analytical domain of the analyzer. The rotor is pressed (with a planar surface) against the (planar) port side with the channel openings of the stator. By rotating the rotor relative to the stator, individual channels can now be opened and closed based on the respective geometry.

The stator is usually milled from metal and coated with a hard material. A manufacturing process for this is, for example, in DE 10 2020 115 728 A1 described by the applicant. However, the limits of the inner channel geometry are linked to the possibilities of machining technology. Complex functionalities or channel geometries such as multiple branches, high aspect ratios, micro-slots or similar can therefore pose a technical challenge.

EPIPHANY

There may be a need to provide an efficient and reliable fluid valve for an analysis device, by means of which, in particular, complex functionalities (e.g. mixing/proportioning of fluids) are also made possible.

The object is solved by means of the independent claims. Further embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

• i) eine Statorkomponente (ein Stator oder ein Teil davon), aufweisend:
  • ia) einen ersten Port (bzw. Fluidöffnung/Fluidkanal) in einem ersten Radius (z.B. bezüglich eines Querschnitts durch eine Zylinderform des Stators), und
  • ib) eine Mehrzahl von zweiten Ports (angeordnet) entlang von einem zweiten Radius (welcher größer ist als der erste Radius oder mit diesem zumindest teilweise zusammenfällt); und
  • ii) eine Rotorkomponente (ein Rotor oder ein Teil davon), aufweisend:
    • eine Nut (groove, Vertiefung, Rille), welche mit dem ersten Port (fluidisch) gekoppelt (bzw. verbunden/verbindbar) ist, wobei die Nut aufweist:
      • a) einen tangentialen Teil (ausgerichtet entlang einem Kreisumfang), welcher sich entlang eines (Kreis-) Segments (bzw. Abschnitts) des zweiten Radius erstreckt, und
      • b) einen radialen Teil, welcher (mit dem tangentialen Teil gekoppelt ist und) sich von dem ersten Port (insbesondere zentriert) zu dem zweiten Radius hin erstreckt.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a fluid valve (rotary valve, in particular shear valve) for an analysis device (e.g. an HPLC) is described, the fluid valve having:

• i) a stator component (a stator or part thereof) comprising:
  • ia) a first port (or fluid opening/fluid channel) in a first radius (eg with respect to a cross section through a cylindrical shape of the stator), and
  • ib) a plurality of second ports (arranged) along a second radius (which is greater than or at least partially coincident with the first radius); and
  • ii) a rotor component (a rotor or part thereof) comprising:
    • a groove (groove, indentation, groove) which is (fluidically) coupled (or connected/connectable) to the first port, the groove having:
      • a) a tangential part (aligned along a circumference) which extends along a (circle) segment (or section) of the second radius, and
      • b) a radial part which (is coupled to the tangential part and) differs from the first Port extends (particularly centered) towards the second radius.

• i) eine Statorkomponente, aufweisend:
  • ia) einen ersten Port in einem ersten Radius, und
  • ib) eine Mehrzahl von zweiten Ports entlang von einem zweiten Radius; und
• ii) eine Rotorkomponente, aufweisend: eine Nut, welche mit dem ersten Port gekoppelt ist, wobei die Nut aufweist: einen tangentialen Teil, welcher sich entlang eines Segments des zweiten Radius erstreckt.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fluid valve for an analysis device is described, the fluid valve having:

• i) a stator component comprising:
  • ia) a first port at a first radius, and
  • ib) a plurality of second ports along a second radius; and
• ii) a rotor component comprising: a groove coupled to the first port, the groove having: a tangential portion extending along a segment of the second radius.

The fluid valve is set up here to move/rotate the rotor component relative to the stator component in such a way that the groove fluidly couples the first port to one or more (in particular at least two or more) of the plurality of second ports in such a way that mixing and/or Proportioning of fluid, especially solvent, (thereby) is made possible.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is an analysis device for analyzing a fluid sample to be injected, in particular into a mobile phase, wherein the analysis device has at least one fluid valve as described above.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, using a rotor component with a groove having a tangential part and a radial part opposite a stator component with a plurality of ports to thereby mix and/or proportion fluid for an analysis device is described.

• i) Bereitstellen einer Statorkomponente, welche einen ersten Port in einem ersten Radius, und eine Mehrzahl von zweiten Ports entlang von einem zweiten Radius aufweist; ii) Bereitstellen einer Rotorkomponente, welche eine Nut aufweist, welche mit dem ersten Port gekoppelt ist, und wobei die Nut einen tangentialen Teil aufweist, welcher sich entlang eines Segments des zweiten Radius erstreckt (und insbesondere einen radialen Teil aufweist, welcher sich von dem ersten Port zu dem zweiten Radius hin erstreckt); und
• iii) Rotieren der Rotorkomponente gegenüber der Statorkomponente, so dass die Nut den ersten Port mit der Mehrzahl von zweiten Ports derart fluidisch koppelt, dass ein Mischen und/oder ein Proportionieren des Fluids, insbesondere Lösungsmittels, ermöglicht ist.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is described for providing fluid to an analysis device, the method having:

• i) providing a stator component having a first port at a first radius and a plurality of second ports along a second radius; ii) providing a rotor component having a groove coupled to the first port, and the groove having a tangential portion extending along a segment of the second radius (and in particular having a radial portion extending from the first port extends towards the second radius); and
• iii) rotating the rotor component relative to the stator component such that the groove fluidly couples the first port to the plurality of second ports in such a way that mixing and/or proportioning of the fluid, in particular solvent, is made possible.

In the context of the present application, the term “stator component” can refer in particular to a stator, or a part thereof, of an analysis device. A stator component can be a component which, in particular, is not moved during operation, but is arranged statically. As described above, a stator component may be cylindrical or similar in shape and have two opposite sides. While the first side can be connected to one or more fluid supplies, the second, opposite side can be coupled to the rotor component and is therefore preferably of planar design. The stator component can thus be used to provide one or more fluids, while the rotor component can switch between different modes of operation.

In the context of the present application, the term “rotor component” can refer in particular to a rotor, or a part thereof, of an analysis device. A rotor component can be a component which is moved in particular during operation, is arranged so that it can rotate (relative to the stator component). The rotor component can also be designed in the shape of a cylinder or similar (in particular in the shape of a disk), the side which contacts the stator component preferably being designed in a planar manner. The rotor component can switch (similar to a switch setting) by rotating between different fluid paths, with the fluids being provided by means of the stator component and in particular (after mixing/proportioning) also being discharged again through the stator component.

In the context of the present application, the term “radius” can refer in particular to a distance which, with respect to a circular shape, extends from the inside (in particular the center) to the outside. In other words, a radius can denote a distance between the center of a circle and a circular line (or a circular path). A particularly small radius can also end (substantially) in the center of the circular shape. A larger radius, on the other hand, can end in outer circular paths of the circular shape.

In the context of the present application, the term "mixing" can refer in particular to a process in which at least two Fluids (e.g. solvents) are mixed, in particular in a predetermined mixing ratio. This can be realized, for example, in that the groove of the rotor component fluidly couples the first port to a specific number of the plurality of second ports, in particular second ports, which are each connected to different fluid supplies.

In the context of the present application, the term "proportioning" can refer in particular to a process in which at least one fluid is metered, or a predetermined amount, a predetermined volume, etc. is provided. This can be realized, for example, in that the groove of the rotor component fluidly couples the first port to a specific number of the plurality of second ports. Due to a special geometry of the groove (e.g. with a crescent shape, reduced groove depth/width), even minimal proportions can be adjusted.

In the context of the present application, the term “first port” can refer in particular to an opening or a channel in the stator component, which is suitable for a fluid to flow through. In particular, the first port can be embodied as an outlet, which discharges fluid (particularly mixed/dosed) provided by the second ports out of the stator component after it has passed through the rotor slot. For example, the first port can be coupled to the analytical domain (e.g. sample separation column) of the analyzer.

In the context of the present application, the term “second port” can in particular also designate an opening or a channel in the stator component, which is suitable for a fluid to flow through. However, a second port in this context is used in particular as a (fluid) inlet (relating to the stator component), while the first port can represent an outlet. In one example, a second port has a smaller diameter than a first port.

In the context of the present application, the term “fluid” is understood to mean, in particular, a liquid and/or a gas, optionally having solid particles.

In the context of the present application, the term “fluidic sample” is understood to mean in particular a medium, more particularly a liquid, which contains the material to be analyzed (e.g. a biological sample), such as a protein solution, a pharmaceutical sample, etc

In the context of the present application, the term “mobile phase” means in particular a fluid, further in particular a liquid, which serves as a carrier medium for transporting the fluid sample between a fluid drive and a sample separation device. However, mobile phase can also be used in a fluid delivery device to influence the fluidic sample. For example, the mobile phase can be a solvent (e.g. organic and/or inorganic) or a solvent composition (e.g. water and ethanol).

In the context of the present application, the term “analysis device” can refer in particular to a device that is able and configured to examine a fluidic sample, in particular to separate it, further in particular to separate it into different fractions. For example, such a sample separation can take place by means of chromatography or electrophoresis. Preferably, the analysis device can be a liquid chromatography sample separation device.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the invention can be based on the idea that an efficient and reliable fluid valve can be provided for an analysis device, by means of which complex functionalities (e.g. mixing/proportioning of fluids) are also made possible if the fluid valve is provided with a stator component, which, in addition to a central (outlet) port, has a plurality of (inlet) ports, and a rotor component, which has a groove, such that switching of the fluid valve causes the rotor groove to open a predetermined number of inlet ports of the Stators fluidly coupled to the outlet port. Based on the angle of the groove (changed by switching or rotating the rotor), and in particular its shape, different interconnections of the inlet ports can be made possible. This in turn can allow for efficient and reliable mixing and/or proportioning of fluid, such as solvents.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the rotor groove has, in addition to a tangential part which can couple a certain number of inlet ports, a radial part which fluidly couples the tangential part (and thus the inlet ports) to the central outlet port can. This particular geometry enables a large number of fine adjustments (with regard to mixing and proportioning), which can advantageously be implemented using a single valve. In contrast to this, in the prior art essentially exclusively tangentially arranged grooves are used.

In a second embodiment, the fluid valve is used in a targeted manner to allow fluid to be mixed and/or proportioned. This can be implemented in particular by coupling a number of inlet ports in the stator, which are to be determined, to the (central) outlet port through the rotor groove. In contrast, known valves are essentially used to switch between different modes of operation, e.g. solvent to sample injection, solvent to waste, etc.

Due to the special architecture of the fluid valve described above, a so-called puncture during switching (rotation of the rotor) can be reduced compared to existing solutions. Furthermore, the proportion of dead volume in the valve can be reduced. The fluid valve described can be implemented in existing analysis devices (in particular HPLC) in a simple and yet very efficient manner.

Additional configurations of the fluid valves, the analysis device and the method are described below.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the fluid valve is set up to move/rotate the rotor component relative to the stator component in such a way that mixing and/or proportioning of fluid, in particular solvent, is made possible. As already described above, the fluid valve can be used in particular for mixing/proportioning; This is in contrast to known valves, which only switch between different fluid supplies (or operating modes). The mixing/proportioning (based on the geometry of the stator and rotor according to the invention) can be carried out simply by rotating the rotor component relative to the stator component in a simple and yet very efficient and reliable manner.

According to an embodiment, the groove of the rotor component further comprises: a radial part, which extends from the first port towards the second radius (and in particular is coupled/coupleable with the tangential part). As already described above, this refinement can enable a particularly efficient and robust fluidic coupling or flow of fluid. The radial part can act as an efficient connecting part between the first (inner, shorter) radius and the second (outer, longer) radius. In preferred embodiments (see 2 until 4 ) the first port may be located at the inner radius such that the radial portion may establish a direct connection (and fluidic coupling) between the first port and a selectable number of second ports.

According to one embodiment, one or more first fluid ports of the plurality of second ports are/can be coupled to a first fluid supply, in particular a supply of a first solvent, and/or one or more second fluid ports of the plurality of second ports are/can be coupled to a second fluid supply, in particular a supply of a second solvent. This can have the advantage of enabling highly efficient and accurate mixing of fluids in the fluid valve. A plurality of second ports can be arranged (along a circular path) along the second radius, these being connected (individually or in groups) to a corresponding fluid supply (e.g. via a capillary connection on the capillary/interface side (opposite the port side) ) of the stator component can be connected. For example, each second port can be coupled to its own supply or several second ports are jointly coupled to one supply.

In a preferred embodiment, a solvent is used as the fluid. However, other designs are also conceivable, e.g. a sample fluid, a saline solution, a dispersion or a cleaning fluid can also be used as the fluid and then mixed with a solvent, for example. If first fluid ports are connected to a first fluid and second fluid ports are connected to a second fluid (a higher number of fluid ports or fluids is also conceivable, e.g. third fluid ports connected to a third fluid), a fluid mixture can be provided in a simple and yet very precise manner by fluidically coupling a specific number of first fluid ports and a specific number of second fluid ports to one another. The fluid mixture can then be delivered to the analytical domain of an analyzer via the first port.

According to one embodiment, the fluidic valve is configured to move/rotate the rotor component relative to the stator component such that the first port is fluidically coupled and/or fluidly decoupled to one or more of the plurality of second ports along the second radius. This embodiment can implement efficient switching of the fluid valve between a first operating state in which mixing and/or proportioning of fluid takes place and a second operating mode in which mixing/proportioning of fluid is disabled.

According to one embodiment, the fluid valve is set up to move/rotate the rotor component relative to the stator component in such a way that the first port flows with at least one first fluid port and at least one second fluid port along the second radius is dicically coupled and/or fluidically decoupled. As described above, the fluid mixture (in particular with a predetermined mixing ratio) can then be fed to the first port (substantially) at the same time as the mixing. To put it figuratively, the different fluids which emerge from the second port in the tangential part of the groove and are mixed there can flow directly (still in the mixing process) through the radial part of the groove to the first port.

According to one embodiment, a mixing ratio (ratio) between the first fluid, in particular solvent, and the second fluid, in particular solvent, can be set by rotating the rotor component relative to the stator component (in particular, a mixing ratio with more than two fluids, in particular solvents, can also take place). . This allows a specific mixing ratio to be provided efficiently, quickly and yet extremely reliably. In order to change the ratio, it may be sufficient to change the number of second ports fluidically coupled to one another by rotating the rotor (and shifting the groove).

For example in the field of high pressure chromatography (HPLC) it can be particularly advantageous to obtain an accurate mixture of two or more fluids or solvents. Usually at least two solvents (e.g. water and acetonitrile) are mixed with each other, whereby the mixture can change in the course of the analytical measurement (so-called gradient). Accordingly, the fluid valve described can be used particularly efficiently (as a gradient valve) in this technical area.

According to one embodiment, the groove has at least one of the following features: a T-shape (see 2 and 4 ), an L-shape, a sickle-shape (see 2 ), a triangle shape (see 3 ). Depending on the desired mode of operation (fluid mixing, fluid proportioning, switching channels, switching between channels, etc.) and the application at hand, different architectures may be advantageous. In particular, the inventive concept described can be used in a particularly flexible manner and allow a large number of designs. In particular, the tangential part and the radial part of the groove can be combined in different ways.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the groove has: a first area with a first groove depth and a second area with a second groove depth, the first groove depth being greater than the second groove depth. This allows different depths to be realized within the groove. For example, a smaller groove depth can allow a smaller absorption (volume) of fluid and thus a targeted proportioning.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the groove has: a first area with a first groove width and a second area with a second groove width, the first groove width being larger than the second groove width. As a result, different widths of the groove can be realized. For example, a smaller groove width can allow a smaller absorption (volume) of fluid and thus a targeted proportioning.

According to one embodiment, the tangential portion has a segment of a circle shape (e.g., a quarter/third of a circle). This allows a specific segment to be covered with second ports.

According to one embodiment, the radial part is (substantially) straight. As a result, a particularly short and efficient fluid connection can be provided between the ports or radii.

According to one embodiment, the stator component further includes: a stator slot (particularly along the first radius or a circular path with the first radius), wherein the stator slot is coupled to the first port, particularly wherein the first port is at least partially connected / is arranged in the stator slot. A stator slot can thus also be provided as a complement to the rotor slot, as a result of which the flexibility of the applications and architecture can again be significantly increased. For example, the stator slot may be formed (at least in part) along the first radius (thereby coupling to the first port (see Fig 5 )). In another example, the rotor slot and stator slot can also be arranged on the same radius (see 6 ). The grooves can be identical (congruent) or different in shape and size.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the slot (in particular the radial part) is or can be fluidically coupled to the stator slot. According to another embodiment, the fluidic valve is configured to rotate the rotor component relative to the stator component such that the slot is positioned relative to the stator slot such that the first port fluidly couples and/or fluidly couples to one or more of the plurality of second ports decoupled. This means, for example, that a particularly large radius segment can be covered (see 6C ).

According to one embodiment, the first radius and the second radius are on the same Radius (of the same circular path) arranged (see e.g 1 until 3 ). According to a further embodiment, the first radius and the second radius are arranged on different radii (see e.g 5 and 6 ). According to one embodiment, the first radius is smaller than the second radius.

According to one embodiment, the fluid valve is designed as a shear valve and/or rotary valve. Corresponding valves are established in the field of analytical devices, in particular HPLC, and can therefore be used directly. Advantageously, in the case of the shear valve, a sliding layer can be provided between the (planar) rotor and stator surfaces which are in contact.

According to one embodiment, at least one port of the plurality of second ports is circular or slot-shaped.

According to one embodiment, the first port has a larger diameter than at least one second port, in particular every second port.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the slot width of the slot and/or the stator slot is constant or variable, in particular tapering, more particularly tapered.

According to one embodiment, a first radial part and a second radial part are connected to the tangential part in the shape of a triangle.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the mixing includes: fluidly coupling at least two of the second ports, which are each connected to a different fluid supply, in particular a solvent supply, to the first port in order to thereby provide a predetermined mixing ratio.

According to one embodiment, the proportioning includes: fluidly coupling at least a second port to the first port to provide a predetermined volume.

According to one embodiment, the stator component and/or the rotor component is/are manufactured by means of diffusion bonding. The term "diffusion bonding" can refer in particular to a joining technique for joining stacked sheets or layers, in particular made of metallic material, by a combination of the application of heat and high pressure. More specifically, diffusion bonding can be referred to as solid state bonding, which is capable of joining similar and dissimilar materials, including metals. It works according to the materials science principle of solid-state diffusion, in which the atoms of two solid surfaces mix over time at elevated temperatures (e.g. in a range between 800 °C and 1200 °C, e.g. 1100 °C). Diffusion bonding can be realized by applying both high pressure and high temperature to the materials to be bonded.

According to one embodiment, the stator component and/or the rotor component comprises a metal and/or a ceramic.

According to an exemplary embodiment, at least two fluid channels, which are each fluidically coupled to one of the second ports, are fluidically coupled to one another within the stator component (mixing in the stator). As a result, two or more of the second ports (in particular fluid ports) can be connected to the same fluid supply.

According to one embodiment, the first port is located at the center of the stator component. According to an embodiment, the first port is arranged at or in the first radius. According to an embodiment, the first port is arranged at or in the second radius. According to one embodiment, the rotor component has a rotor port which is/can be coupled to the first port.

According to one embodiment, port openings are made directly in the channel structure, and the channel structure surface may be coated with a hard material, e.g., diamond-like carbon.

According to one embodiment, the analysis device is designed as a sample separation device. According to one embodiment, the analysis device has a fluid drive for driving a mobile phase and a fluidic sample injected into the mobile phase. According to one embodiment, the analysis device has a sample separation device for separating the fluidic sample injected into the mobile phase. According to one embodiment, the analyzer is configured to analyze at least one physical, chemical, and/or biological parameter of the fluidic sample. According to one embodiment, the analysis device is configured as a sample separation device for separating the fluidic sample.

In the context of the present application, the term “sample separation device” can in particular mean a device for analyzing a fluidic sample, in particular into different factions, to be understood. For this purpose, components of the fluidic sample can first be adsorbed on the sample separation device and then desorbed separately (in particular in fractions). For example, such a sample separation device can be designed as a chromatographic separation column.

According to one embodiment, the analysis device is a chromatography device, in particular a liquid chromatography device, a gas chromatography device, an SFC (supercritical fluid chromatography) device or an HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) device;

According to one embodiment, the analysis device is configured as a microfluidic device. According to one embodiment, the analysis device is configured as a nanofluidic device;

According to one exemplary embodiment, the sample separation device is designed as a chromatographic separation device, in particular as a chromatography separation column.

According to one embodiment, the fluid driver is configured to drive the mobile phase and the fluidic sample under high pressure.

According to one embodiment, the fluid drive is configured to drive the mobile phase and the fluidic sample with a pressure of at least 500 bar, in particular at least 1000 bar, more particularly at least 1200 bar, more particularly at least 1500 bar.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the analysis device has a detector for detecting the analyzed, in particular separated, fluidic sample.

According to one embodiment, the analysis device has a fractionator for fractionating separated fractions of the fluidic sample.

The analysis device can be a microfluidic measuring device, a life science device, a liquid chromatography device, a gas chromatography device, an HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), a UHPLC system or an SFC (supercritical liquid chromatography) device. However, many other applications are possible.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the sample separation device can be designed as a chromatographic separation device, in particular as a chromatography separation column. In the case of a chromatographic separation, the chromatographic separation column can be provided with an adsorption medium. The fluidic sample can be stopped at this and only subsequently be detached again in fractions when a specific solvent composition is present, with which the separation of the sample into its fractions is accomplished.

A pumping system for conveying fluid can, for example, be set up to convey the fluid or the mobile phase through the system at a high pressure, for example a few 100 bar up to 1000 bar and more.

The analyzer can have a sample injector for introducing the sample into the fluidic separation path. Such a sample injector can have a sample or injection needle that can be coupled to a needle seat in a corresponding liquid path, with the sample needle being able to be moved out of this needle seat in order to take up a sample. After reinserting the sample needle into the needle seat, the sample can be in a fluid path which can be switched into the separation path of the system, for example by switching a valve. In another embodiment of the invention, a sample injector or sampler can be used with a sample needle that is operated without a needle seat.

The analyzer may include a fraction collector for collecting the separated components. Such a fraction collector can lead the different components of the separated sample into different liquid containers, for example. However, the analyzed sample can also be fed to an outflow container.

The analysis device can preferably have a detector for detecting the separated components. Such a detector can generate a signal which can be observed and/or recorded and which is indicative of the presence and quantity of the sample components in the fluid flowing through the system.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a stator for a (HPLC) rotary valve is described, which essentially has diffusion-bonded metal structures that can have a complex channel structure. Known and established capillary connections can be connected to this metal structure in a simple and direct manner or attached by means of diffusion bonding.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the channel openings at the port Side can be realized in many different shapes and sizes, directly in the diffusion bonding part or in an additional part with hard material (see 7A until 7D ) such as ceramics (e.g. sapphire) or tungsten. This additional hard part can be connected to the metal structure via diffusion bonding, eg via a sealing layer (as an interface) via a pressure connection. Furthermore, an intermediate layer made of polymer, glass or metal can also enable a fusion connection.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the prior art may have the following disadvantages: the complexity of the fluid channels of the stator is limited by the possibilities of machine production; the same applies to screw connections for capillaries; moreover, the shapes of channel openings are usually limited to a round or elongated hole structure up to about 100 μm.

According to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the complexity of the fluid channels can be less limited; this allows screw connections for capillaries to be placed independently of the channel openings; the channel openings can have other geometries, e.g. slit, drop-shaped, etc., up to about 20 µm; additional hard parts with channel openings can be connected to channel-generating parts in one (single) step.

character list

• 1 zeigt ein Analysegerät, gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 2 zeigt ein Fluidventil zum Mischen mit einer T-förmigen Nut und einer Mehrzahl von Fluid-Ports, gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 3 zeigt ein Fluidventil zum Proportionieren mit einer Sichel-förmigen Nut, gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 4 zeigt ein Fluidventil mit einer dreieckigen Nut, gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 5 zeigt ein Fluidventil mit einem inneren und einem äußeren Radius, gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung.
• 6A bis 6C zeigen ein Fluidventil, wobei der erste und der zweite Radius zusammenfallen, gemäß einem exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung.
• 7A bis 7D zeigen ein Herstellungsverfahren des Fluidventils, gemäß exemplarischen Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. Features that are essentially or functionally the same or similar are provided with the same reference numbers.

• 1 shows an analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• 2 FIG. 12 shows a fluid mixing valve having a T-shaped groove and a plurality of fluid ports, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• 3 FIG. 12 shows a fluid valve for proportioning with a crescent-shaped groove, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• 4 FIG. 12 shows a fluid valve with a triangular groove, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• 5 12 shows a fluid valve with an inner and an outer radius, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
• 6A until 6C show a fluid valve wherein the first and second radii coincide according to an example embodiments of the invention.
• 7A until 7D show a manufacturing method of the fluid valve, according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

The representation in the drawing is schematic.

1 shows the basic structure of an HPLC system as an example of an analysis device 10 designed as a sample separation device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, as it can be used for liquid chromatography, for example. A fluid driver 20, supplied with solvents from a supply 25, drives a mobile phase through a sample separation device 30 (such as a chromatographic column) containing a stationary phase. The feed device 25 comprises a first fluid component source for providing a first fluid or a first solvent component A 103 (for example water) and a second fluid component source for providing another second fluid or a second solvent component B 105 (for example an organic solvent). An optional degasser 27 can degas the solvents 103 , 105 provided by means of the first source of fluid components and by means of the second source of fluid components before they are fed to the fluid drive 20 . Optionally, the solvents 103, 105 can be mixed at a mixing point 101. A sample application unit, which can also be referred to as an injector 40, is arranged between the fluid drive 20 and the sample separation device 30 in order to initially take up a sample liquid or a fluidic sample from a sample container into a sample receiving volume in an injector path and subsequently by switching an injection valve of the Introduce injector 40 into a fluidic separation path between fluid drive 20 and sample separation device 30 . The fluidic sample can be taken up from the sample container in particular by a sample needle being moved out of a sample seat and into the sample container, by means of a fluid delivery device configured as a dosing device being sucked in the fluidic sample from the sample container through the sample needle into the sample receiving volume, and the sample needle then moved back into the needle seat.

The stationary phase of the sample separation device 30 is intended to separate components of the sample. A detector 50, which may include a flow cell, detects separated components of the sample. A fractionation device or fractionator 60 may be provided to dispense separated components of the sample into designated containers. Liquids that are no longer required can be discharged into a drain container or waste pipe.

While a liquid path between the fluid drive 20 and the sample separation device 30 is typically under high pressure, the sample liquid is first introduced under normal pressure into an area separate from the liquid path, namely the sample loop or the sample receiving volume, of the sample application unit or the injector 40. After that, the sample liquid is introduced into the separation path, which is under high pressure. A sample loop as a sample receiving volume (also referred to as a sample loop) can be understood to mean a section of a fluid line which is designed to receive or temporarily store a predetermined quantity of fluidic sample. Preferably, before the sample liquid, which is initially under normal pressure, is switched on in the sample receiving volume in the high-pressure separation path, the content of the sample receiving volume is brought to the system pressure of the analysis device 10 designed as an HPLC by means of a dosing device in the form of the fluid delivery device. A control device 70 controls the individual components 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, etc. of the analysis device 10.

1 FIG. 1 also shows a fluid valve 100 (see below) by means of which fluids, eg different solvents, fluidic samples, salt solutions or dispersions can be mixed with one another. The fluid valve 100 can be arranged, for example, before (mixing of the solvents) and/or after the fluid drive 20 (mixing of solvent and fluidic sample).

The 2 12 shows a fluid mixing valve 100 having a T-shaped groove 121 and a plurality of fluid/solvent ports 114, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 2 12 shows a top view of the planar port side of a cylindrical stator component 110. With respect to the stator 110, a planar surface can thus be seen which has a plurality of ports 114, 150 (port side, see above). The fluid valve 100 also has a rotor component 120, of which only the groove 121 is shown for reasons of clarity. The surface of the rotor component 120 is essentially in close contact (in particular fluid-tight) with the surface of the stator component 110 . An exception, however, is the groove 121, which enables fluidic coupling and thus switching between different operating states in which different ports are coupled or decoupled to one another.

The stator component 110 has a first port 150 arranged at a first radius 111 . In the example shown, the first port 150 is arranged centrally with respect to the circular shape of the port side of the stator component 110 in the plan view. The first radius 111 is therefore a very small, inner radius. The first port 150 can serve as a central outlet channel and enable a fluidic connection into an analytical domain of the analysis device 10 .

The stator component 110 further includes a plurality of second ports 114 arranged along a second radius 112 . In this example, the second radius 112 is an outer radius (outer circular path) and is significantly larger than the first radius 111 . As a result, the groove 121 enables a fluidic coupling between the first port 150 and any number of second ports 114 to be established. In the example shown, the groove 121 of the rotor component 120 fluidly couples the first port 150 and two second ports 114 (or fluid ports) of the stator component 110 . Thus, fluid flowing (e.g., from a solvent supply) to the second ports 114 can flow through the groove 121 and then be directed through the first port 150 into the analytical domain of the analyzer 10.

In the example shown, the groove 121 has two parts: i) a tangential part 122 which extends along an (annular) segment (or a circular path) of the second radius 112 . This tangential portion 122 conforms to the bend of the second radius 112 and can thereby be arranged at a plurality of the second ports 114 at the same time and fluidly couple them to one another. In the example shown, the groove 121 also has ii) a radial part 125 which extends from the first port 150 to the second radius 112, the radial part 125 being coupled to the tangential part 122 at the second radius 112, or with connected to this. In the example of 2 the groove 121 thus forms a T-shape between the radial part 125 and the tangential part 122, the tangential part 122 being bent according to the curvature of the second radius 112.

The plurality of second ports 114 can be divided into a first plurality of fluid ports 114 of the plurality of second ports 114 which coupled to a first supply of a first solvent 103, and a second plurality of second fluid ports 115 from the plurality of second ports 114 coupled to a second supply of a second solvent 105. Rotation of the rotor component 120 relative to the stator component 110 may now position the groove 121 such that the first port 150 fluidly couples and/or fluidly decouples the first port 150 with one or more of the fluid ports 114, 115 along the second radius 112. In the example shown, the groove 121 is fluidically coupled to two second solvent ports 115 such that solvent B 105 flows into the first port 150 .

By means of the rotation of the rotor component 120 relative to the stator component 110, however, the groove 121 can also be positioned in such a way that the first port 150 is fluidic with one or more first fluid ports 114 and one or more second fluid ports 115 along the second radius 112 can be coupled. In this way, a desired mixing ratio between the first solvent 103 and the second solvent 105 can be set (and made available to the first port 150) by means of the rotation. In the example shown, the tangential part 122 is set up to fluidly couple up to eight second ports 114 to one another. Thus, for example, a mixing ratio of 1:1 can be realized in that the tangential part 122 couples four of the first solvent ports 114 and four of the second solvent ports 115 to one another. In another example, a 1:2 mix ratio may be achieved by the tangential portion 122 coupling two of the first solvent ports 114 and six of the second solvent ports 115 together. A large number of other possible combinations can be seen.

In other words, complex port structures with (particularly) small port channels arranged along a ring can be enabled and thus provide a mixing gradient valve. Many small channels can be supplied via a (common) supply (supply line), for example designed as three segments, each with a 120° extension. One of the segments (e.g., 120°) can be oriented as an unported turn-off area in which the groove can be "parked" when no fluid is to be provided to the central channel 150.

3 12 shows a fluid valve 100 for proportioning with a crescent-shaped groove 121, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The example shown is that of 2 similar in principle, with the fluid valve 100 of 3 is preferably used for proportioning instead of mixing. A plurality of second ports 114 are arranged along the second radius 112 and are connected to the same solvent supply and thus provide the same solvent 103 . In contrast to the second ports of the 2 the second ports 114 are not circular but slot-shaped 116. The groove 121 consists of a tangential part 122 which tapers at the right end (and tapers) and at the left end (without taper) with the same width at the radial part 125, the latter being fluidically coupled to the first port 150.

A crescent shape 123 was thus selected for the groove 121, which can fluidly couple one or more of the second ports 114 to one another. As a result, particularly precise proportioning can be permitted, which in principle can extend from 0-100%. By coupling the crescent tip (the tapered end) to a second port 114, a minimal volume of fluid can be delivered. If, on the other hand, the entire “sickle” is pushed along the second radius 112 over all the second ports 114 (or couples them to one another), a maximum fluid volume can be pumped.

In other words, the rotor has a sickle-shaped groove which is moved over the stator. This embodiment also enables fluid to be guided or sucked in (suction) from the multiplicity of ports/channels into a central channel. The mixture or amount of fluid in the central channel can be adjusted very precisely, in particular with a suitable timing with regard to changing/switching between the ports. The crescent shape can allow for an increasing flow rate (during movement/rotation) depending on the angular position. The fluid valve can also only be set up for proportioning and mixing can be implemented by providing at least two of the fluid valves described.

4 shows a fluid valve 100 with a triangular groove 121, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. This fluid valve 100 can be used both for mixing and for proportioning, also depending on the fluid supply to the second ports 114. Only four second ports 114 are shown as an example, but a higher number can be used. In contrast to the examples of 2 and 3 two radial parts 125a, 125b are used instead of just one. Each of the radial parts 125a, 125b fluidly couples the first port 150 to one end of the tangential part 122. This results in a triangular shape for the groove 121, with which dead volume can be efficiently avoided. In one embodiment, the rotor component 120 can also meh rere grooves 121, for example, two or more triangles.

5 12 shows a fluid valve 100 having an inner radius 111 and an outer radius 112, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. while in the 2 until 4 the first port 150 is centrally located and thus the first port 150 and the first radius 111 essentially coincide at the center of the circle, the first radius 111 is at 5 a larger inner radius (but still smaller than the second radius 112) and a stator slot 118 is formed along the first radius 111 (or orbit) in the stator. The groove 121 is set up similarly as in 2 (T-shaped), but the radial part 125 is significantly shortened because it still couples the second ports 114 of the second radius 112 to the first port 150 of the first radius 111, but the first radius 111 is significantly larger, see above that the radial part 125 is correspondingly shortened. The second ports 114 can be fluidically coupled to the first port 150 via the tangential part 122 , the radial part 125 and the stator slot 118 .

6A until 6C 12 show a fluid valve 100, wherein the first radius 111 and the second radius 112 locally coincide, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

6A FIG. 1: This top view of the port side of the stator component 110 shows that the second, outer radius 112 includes the plurality of second ports 114, but the first port 150 is also located in the second radius 112. FIG. In this example, first radius 111 and second radius 112 essentially coincide (or are identical).

6B : this top view shows the port side of the stator component 110 according to FIG 6A , wherein the groove 121 of the rotor component 120 is also shown. In this embodiment, the groove 121 has the tangential part 122, but not the radial part 125, since this is not required without the first radius 111. The groove 121 has a tapered, pointed end as in 3 . In addition, it can be seen that the tapered end has not only a reduced groove width but also a reduced groove depth 126 . An even more precise (minimal) proportioning can be achieved in this area. In the example shown, the groove 121 enables a fluidic coupling of the first port 150 to three second ports 114 and a corresponding proportioning/dosing.

6C : this embodiment is that of 6B relatively similar, with the stator 110 additionally also having a stator slot 118 here. The stator slot 118 has the same dimensions as the slot 121, so that both slots 118, 121 can be arranged congruently. The stator slot 118 is fluidly coupled to the first port 150 . As a result, the groove 121 no longer necessarily has to be directly coupled to the first port 150 , but can achieve a fluidic coupling to the first port 150 via a fluidic coupling to the stator slot 118 . In the example shown, the slot 121 only couples a second port 114 to the stator slot 118 and thus also to the first port 150.

7A until 7D 12 show a manufacturing method of the fluid valve 100 (in particular the stator component 110) according to exemplary embodiments of the invention.

7A : An interface 160 is provided, in which there are mechanical elements that enable a pressure-tight connection to the outside world (eg fluid/solvent supply) (shown here as a thread for cone-clamp fittings). This interface component 160 is produced by diffusion bonding (or another suitable connection technique) and is connected to a microfluidic metal layer structure 161 which contains fluidic channels in any arrangement.

7B : in this example, a hard part 163 (eg ceramic such as sapphire) is provided, which is connected to a sealing layer 162 (eg a stable polymer or gold) as an intermediate layer. The hard part 163 with the sealing layer 162 on top is inserted into a suitable opening (channel structure) of a pressure plate 164.

7C : here the hard part 163 (with openings) is connected to the channel structure of the metal layer structure 161 via a subsequent connection process (diffusion, fusion, soldering), whereby an intermediate layer 162 (eg high-stability polymer) can be provided.

7D : in this case, the hard part 163 is introduced into openings provided in the metal layered structure 161 . A connection can be made, for example, via diffusion bonding.

It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements and that the "a" does not exclude a plural. Elements that are described in connection with different exemplary embodiments can also be combined. It should also be noted that any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Reference List

10

analyzer

20

fluid drive

25

feeding device

27

degasser

30

sample separator

40

injector

50

detector

60

fractionator

70

control device

100

fluid valve

103

First Solvent

105

Second Solvent

110

stator component

111

First (inner) radius

112

Second (outer) radius

114

Second port, first fluid port

115

Second port, second fluid port

116

Slot-shaped second port

118

stator slot

120

rotor component

121

groove

122

tangential part

125

radial part

126

Part with shallow groove depth

150

First port

160

interface

161

layered structure

162

Protection/Sealing Layer

163

Hard part, ceramic plate

164

printing plate

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• EP 0309596 B1 [0003]
• DE 102020115728 A1 [0005]

Claims (20)

A fluid valve (100) for an analyzer (10) comprising: a stator component (110) comprising: a first port (150) at a first radius (111), and a plurality of second ports (114) along a second radius (112); and a rotor component (120) comprising: a groove (121) coupled to the first port (150), the groove (121) having: a tangential portion (122) extending along a segment of the second radius (112), and a radial portion (125) extending from the first port (150) toward the second radius (112). The fluid valve (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the fluid valve (100) is set up to move the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) in such a way that the groove (121) connects the first port (150) to one or more of the plurality of second ports (114) fluidly coupled in such a way that mixing and/or proportioning of fluid, in particular solvent (113, 115), is made possible. A fluid valve (100) for an analyzer (10) comprising: a stator component (110) comprising: a first port (150) at a first radius (111), and a plurality of second ports (114) along a second radius (112); and a rotor component (114) comprising: a groove (121) coupled to the first port (150), the groove (121) having: a tangential portion (122) extending along a segment of the second radius (112); wherein the fluid valve (100) is set up to move the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) in such a way that the groove (121) connects the first port (150) to one or more of the plurality of second ports (114) in such a way fluidly coupled that mixing and / or proportioning of fluid, in particular solvent (113, 115), is made possible. The fluid valve (100) according to claim 3 , wherein the groove (121) further comprises: a radial part (125) which extends from the first port (150) towards the second radius (112), in particular with the tangential part (122) is coupled. The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more first fluid ports (114) of the plurality of second ports (114) are coupled to a first fluid supply, in particular a supply of a first solvent (103), and wherein one or more second fluid ports (115) of the plurality of second ports (114) are coupled to a second fluid supply, in particular a supply of a second solvent (105). The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid valve (100) is configured to rotate the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) such that the first port (150) is connected to one or more of the plurality of second ports (114) along the second radius (112) is fluidly coupled and/or fluidly decoupled. The fluid valve (100) according to claim 5 or 6 , wherein the fluid valve (100) is set up to rotate the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) in such a way that the first port (150) is connected to at least one first fluid port (114) and at least one second fluid port ( 115) is fluidically coupled and/or fluidly decoupled along the second radius (112). The fluid valve (100) according to claim 7 , wherein a predetermined mixing ratio between the first fluid, in particular the first solvent (103), and the second fluid, in particular the second solvent (105), can be adjusted by means of the rotation of the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110). The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following features: wherein the groove (121) has at least one of the following features: a T-shape, an L-shape, a sickle-shape, a triangle-shape; the groove (121) having: a first region having a first groove depth and a second region (126) having a second groove depth, the first groove depth being greater than the second groove depth; the groove (121) comprising: a first region having a first groove width and a second region having a second groove width, the first groove width being greater than the second groove width. The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 or 3 until 9 wherein the tangential portion (122) has a segment of a circle shape; and/or wherein the radial portion (125) is substantially rectilinear. The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Statorkompo component (110) further comprises: a stator slot (118), in particular along the first radius (111), the stator slot (118) being coupled to the first port (150), in particular the first port (150 ) is at least partially arranged in the stator slot (118). The fluid valve (100) according to claim 11 , The slot (121), in particular the radial part (125), being fluidically coupled or capable of being coupled to the stator slot (118). The fluid valve (100) according to claim 11 or 12 , wherein the fluid valve (100) is set up to rotate the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) in such a way that the groove (121) is positioned relative to the stator groove (118) in such a way that the first port (150) fluidly coupled and/or fluidly decoupled to one or more of the plurality of second ports (114). The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first radius (111) and the second radius (112) are substantially identical; or wherein the first radius (111) and the second radius (112) are different, in particular wherein the first radius (111) is smaller than the second radius (112). The fluid valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following features: wherein the fluid valve (100) is designed as a shear valve and/or rotary valve; wherein at least one port of the plurality of second ports (114) is circular or slot-shaped; wherein the first port (150) has a larger diameter than at least one second port (114), in particular every second port (114, 115); the slot width of the slot (121) and/or the stator slot (118) being constant or variable, in particular tapering, further in particular tapered; a first radial part (125a) and a second radial part (125b) being connected to the tangential part (122) in the shape of a triangle; wherein the mixing comprises: fluidically coupling at least two of the second ports (114, 115), which are each connected to a different fluid supply, in particular solvent supply, to the first port (150) in order to thereby provide a predetermined mixing ratio; wherein the proportioning comprises: fluidly coupling at least a second port (114) to the first port (150) to provide a predetermined volume; the rotor component (120) comprising: a rotor port coupled or couplable to the first port (150); wherein the stator component (110) and/or the rotor component (120) is manufactured by means of diffusion bonding; wherein the stator component (110) and/or the rotor component (120) comprises a metal and/or a ceramic; wherein at least two fluid passages, each fluidly coupled to one of the second ports (114), are fluidly coupled to each other within the stator component (110); wherein the first port (150) is located at the center of the stator component (110), or wherein the first port (150) is located at or in the first radius (111), or wherein the first port (150) is located at or in the second Radius (112) is arranged. An analysis device (10) for analyzing a fluid sample to be injected, in particular into a mobile phase, wherein the analysis device (10) has at least one fluid valve (100) according to one of the preceding claims. The analyzer (10) after Claim 16 , further having at least one of the following features: the analysis device (10) is designed as a sample separation device; the analyzer (10) has a fluid driver (20) for driving a mobile phase and a fluidic sample injected into the mobile phase; the analysis device (10) has a sample separation device (30) for separating the fluidic sample injected into the mobile phase; the analyzer (10) is configured to analyze at least one physical, chemical and/or biological parameter of the fluidic sample; the analysis device (10) is configured as a sample separation device for separating the fluidic sample; the analysis device (10) is a chromatography device, in particular a liquid chromatography device, a gas chromatography device, an SFC (supercritical liquid chromatography) device or an HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) device; the analysis device (10) is configured as a microfluidic device; the analysis device (10) is configured as a nanofluidic device; the sample separation device (30) is designed as a chromatographic separation device, in particular as a chromatography separation column; the fluid driver (20) is configured to drive the mobile phase and the fluidic sample under high pressure; the fluid drive (20) is for driving the mobile phase and the fluidic sample with a pressure of at least 500 bar, in particular at least at least 1000 bar, more particularly at least 1200 bar; the analysis device (10) has a detector (50) for detecting the analyzed, in particular separated, fluidic sample; the analysis device (10) has a fractionator (60) for fractionating separated fractions of the fluidic sample. Using a rotor component (120) having a groove (121) having a tangential portion (122) and a radial portion (125) opposite a stator component (110) having a plurality of ports (114) to deliver fluid to an analyzer ( 10) to mix and/or proportion. A method for providing fluid, in particular solvent (103, 105), to an analysis device (10), the method having: providing a stator component (110) having a first port (150) at a first radius (111) and a plurality of second ports (114) along a second radius (112), and Providing a rotor component (120) having a groove (121) coupled to the first port (150), the groove (121) having a tangential portion (122) extending along a segment of the second radius (112 ) and in particular having a radial portion (125) extending from the first port (150) towards the second radius (112); and rotating the rotor component (120) relative to the stator component (110) such that the groove (121) fluidly couples the first port (150) to one or more of the plurality of second ports (114) such that mixing and/or proportioning of the fluid, in particular solvent (103, 105), is made possible. The procedure according to claim 19 , further comprising: providing fluid, in particular solvent (103, 105), with a predetermined mixing ratio and/or a predetermined proportioning to the analysis device (10).

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