WO2021248985A1 - 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统 - Google Patents

确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统 Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2021248985A1
WO2021248985A1 PCT/CN2021/083669 CN2021083669W WO2021248985A1 WO 2021248985 A1 WO2021248985 A1 WO 2021248985A1 CN 2021083669 W CN2021083669 W CN 2021083669W WO 2021248985 A1 WO2021248985 A1 WO 2021248985A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sensor
liquid
fraction
valve
port
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/083669
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
王红芳
李纲
范坤
巩超
Original Assignee
赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司
赛默飞世尔(苏州)仪器有限公司
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司, 赛默飞世尔(苏州)仪器有限公司 filed Critical 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司
Priority to EP21821637.2A priority Critical patent/EP4160203A1/en
Priority to US18/009,946 priority patent/US20230341358A1/en
Publication of WO2021248985A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021248985A1/zh

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/80—Fraction collectors
    • G01N30/82—Automatic means therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/56—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects
    • G01F1/64—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using electric or magnetic effects by measuring electrical currents passing through the fluid flow; measuring electrical potential generated by the fluid flow, e.g. by electrochemical, contact or friction effects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
    • G01F1/704—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow using marked regions or existing inhomogeneities within the fluid stream, e.g. statistically occurring variations in a fluid parameter
    • G01F1/708—Measuring the time taken to traverse a fixed distance
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
    • G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
    • G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
    • G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
    • G01F23/2921—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet for discrete levels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/26—Conditioning of the fluid carrier; Flow patterns
    • G01N30/28—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier
    • G01N30/32—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/80—Fraction collectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • G01F23/0007—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm for discrete indicating and measuring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N2030/022—Column chromatography characterised by the kind of separation mechanism
    • G01N2030/027—Liquid chromatography
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/26—Conditioning of the fluid carrier; Flow patterns
    • G01N30/28—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier
    • G01N30/32—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed
    • G01N2030/324—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed speed, flow rate
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/26—Conditioning of the fluid carrier; Flow patterns
    • G01N30/28—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier
    • G01N30/32—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed
    • G01N2030/326—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed pumps
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/26—Conditioning of the fluid carrier; Flow patterns
    • G01N30/28—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier
    • G01N30/32—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed
    • G01N2030/328—Control of physical parameters of the fluid carrier of pressure or speed valves, e.g. check valves of pumps

Definitions

  • the invention mainly relates to the field of liquid chromatography. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for determining a liquid flow rate in a liquid chromatography system, and also relates to a fraction collector and a liquid chromatography system including the fraction collector.
  • High performance liquid chromatography is a highly efficient and rapid analytical separation technology developed rapidly in the 1970s, and is an important means of modern separation and testing.
  • the separation principle of chromatography is: when the components dissolved in the mobile phase pass through the stationary phase, they stay in the stationary phase due to their interactions with the stationary phase (adsorption, distribution, exclusion, affinity). At different times, they flow out from the stationary phase one after another.
  • Liquid chromatographs manufactured based on the above-mentioned high performance liquid chromatography can be further divided into liquid-liquid chromatography (LLC) and liquid-solid chromatography (LSC) according to whether the stationary phase is liquid or solid.
  • LLC liquid-liquid chromatography
  • LSC liquid-solid chromatography
  • a modern liquid chromatograph may, for example, include a high-pressure infusion pump, a sampling system, a temperature control system, a chromatographic column, a detector, a signal recording system, and the like.
  • Fraction collector is a common auxiliary device of liquid chromatography system, mainly used in pharmaceutical, food safety, scientific research and other fields.
  • the fraction collector is mainly used to collect various target compounds separated by liquid chromatography. For example, when it is necessary to provide a standard pure sample or to further identify a component, a fraction collector is often used to collect the required components at the outlet of the chromatographic column, and the mobile phase in the fraction is removed to obtain the pure component.
  • the fraction collector can be cut manually or automatically according to the signal flowing out of the chromatographic peak.
  • the current development trend is to realize the automation of sample injection and fraction collection, so that continuous operation and repeated separation can be carried out.
  • the basic working principle of the fraction collector is: after the liquid stream (for example, the target compound in the liquid phase) is separated by liquid chromatography, it enters the fraction collector in chronological order.
  • the fraction collector switches the fraction valve according to the arrival time of the target compound, and collects the compound to be collected in the corresponding container.
  • a valve can be selected to switch the flow path to the waste liquid in the gap between the two fraction collections, thereby introducing unnecessary solvents or mobile phases into the waste liquid.
  • a fraction collector includes a fraction valve, a collection needle, various pipes or flow paths (as shown in FIG. 1) to meet various requirements for fraction collection.
  • fraction collectors have no flow rate measurement function. Therefore, the pump flow rate or flow rate (also called system flow rate or flow rate) of the liquid chromatography system can only be used indirectly as the flow rate or flow rate. The system flow rate or flow rate is usually inaccurate, which will lead to time errors in fraction collection, resulting in recovery rate and cross-contamination problems.
  • a fraction collector with a flow rate measurement function mainly includes the following methods: as shown in FIG. 2, a liquid chromatograph arranged before the fraction collector along the flow path is used to inject a specific substance. This substance can be detected by two sensors arranged on the waste liquid line of the fraction collector. The flow rate can be calculated using the time difference between the two sensors successively detecting the substance and the volume of the pipeline between the two fixed-position sensors.
  • this method requires a separate substance insertion device (for example, an autosampler) to be provided in the liquid chromatograph.
  • a separate substance insertion device for example, an autosampler
  • the fraction collector in the prior art may also have some other problems.
  • the needle washing method of the fraction collector is not flexible, and only needle washing liquid can be used for needle washing.
  • the distillate valve usually uses a solenoid valve, its internal structure may cause the liquid vortex effect, which may cause problems such as residual distillate.
  • the fraction collector there is always a demand for flexible provision of various functions, reduction of residues, and improvement of recovery rate. At the same time, it is also expected that the flow path of the fraction collector has a simple design and low cost.
  • the present invention provides a new method for determining the flow rate of a liquid stream and a new fraction collector, which does not use the above-mentioned existing method of inserting detectable substances in the liquid flow to measure the flow rate, but by passing through The liquid flow of the emptied liquid discharge pipe provides a liquid-gas interface to determine the flow rate of the liquid flow, so that the accuracy of flow measurement and the efficiency of fraction collection are greatly improved, and the flow path structure and control involved The methods are very simple.
  • a method for determining the flow rate of a liquid in a liquid chromatography system includes a fraction valve, a first sensor, and a second sensor in sequence along a direction of a flow path, the fraction valve including The liquid inlet, the liquid outlet and the air inlet, wherein the pipeline between the first sensor and the second sensor has a known volume of the pipeline between the sensors.
  • the method includes: step A: emptying the pipeline between the drain port of the fraction valve and the first sensor; step B: guiding the liquid flow from the drain port of the fraction valve to the first sensor And the pipeline where the second sensor is located; Step C: Based on the first moment when the first sensor detects the liquid-gas interface between the liquid flow and the gas and the second sensor detects the The time difference between the second moments of the liquid-gas interface and the pipeline volume between the sensors determine the flow rate of the liquid flow.
  • a fraction collector comprising: a fraction valve including a liquid inlet, a liquid outlet, and an air inlet; a first sensor, the first sensor being along the flow path The direction is arranged after the discharge port of the fraction valve; a second sensor, the second sensor is arranged after the first sensor in the direction of the flow path, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor
  • the pipeline between the sensors has a known volume between the sensor pipelines; the controller is used to control the position of the fraction valve.
  • the air inlet and the The discharge port is in fluid communication, so that gas can be introduced into the fraction valve from the inlet of the fraction valve and guided to the position of the first and second sensors via the discharge port of the fraction valve
  • the liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet, so that liquid flow can flow from the liquid inlet into the fraction valve and through the drain
  • the liquid port flows to the pipeline where the first and second sensors are located; and the controller can be based on the first moment when the first sensor detects the liquid-gas interface between the liquid flow and the gas.
  • the second sensor detects the time difference between the second moments of the liquid-gas interface and the pipe volume between the sensors to determine the flow rate of the liquid flow.
  • Figure 1 schematically shows various components and flow paths in a liquid chromatography system according to the prior art, wherein the fraction valve is shown as a three-way valve;
  • Figure 2 schematically shows the various components and flow paths in the liquid chromatography system according to the prior art, wherein the flow rate of the liquid flow is calculated by the method of the prior art;
  • Figure 3 schematically shows the various components and flow paths in the liquid chromatography system according to the present invention, in which the flow paths under various steps of determining the flow rate of the liquid flow by the method of the present invention are shown;
  • Fig. 4 schematically shows a flow path design of the fraction collector according to the present invention for realizing needle washing
  • Fig. 5 schematically shows another flow path design of the fraction collector according to the present invention for realizing needle washing.
  • the liquid chromatography system described in the present invention refers to a separation analysis system based on the separation principle of chromatography (including traditional and modern high-efficiency liquid chromatography), especially a highly integrated automatic control system.
  • the liquid chromatograph included in the liquid chromatography system may be various types of liquid chromatographs, and the fraction collector included in the liquid chromatography system may also include various conventional types of fraction valves.
  • the liquid chromatography system of the present invention is particularly suitable for applications such as pharmacy, food safety, laboratory research, etc., it is not limited to this.
  • the various components or devices of the liquid chromatography system can achieve fluid communication (especially selective communication) with each other.
  • various components or devices may be fluidly connected by means of pipelines, but not limited to conventional forms of pipelines, but may be fluidly connected by means of any connection structure with a certain volume.
  • the term "pipeline” under the meaning of the present invention can also be interpreted more broadly, that is, any fluid connection structure with a certain volume.
  • the volume will not be calculated in the pipe. Within the volume of the road.
  • the liquid flow will flow in the flow path of the liquid chromatography system.
  • the term "flow rate" of the liquid flow may refer to the volume flow rate.
  • the cross-section between the various pipes in the liquid chromatography system is constant, it can also be considered that the flow rate of the fluid in the liquid chromatography system is basically unchanged.
  • the liquid stream flowing in the flow path of the liquid chromatography system may include the to-be-separated objects, which are separated from each other by the liquid chromatograph (for example, separated into various target compounds), and then as needed Collected into fractions by fraction collector.
  • the detectors or sensors of different modules or devices in the liquid chromatography system of the present invention can communicate with each other, so that the controller can automatically control to calculate the required pipeline volume or other required information. .
  • serial numbers "first”, “second”, etc. do not necessarily refer to the sequence in time, but are only used to combine a variety of different components (for example, sensors, ports, signals, etc.) or events. Are distinguished, and their importance is not ranked.
  • the various ports of the fraction valve are directly represented by numbers, but other names (for example, the liquid inlet, the air inlet, etc.) are not excluded in the following. To express one or more of these ports.
  • numbers are also directly used to indicate the ports (for example, the first to third ports) of other valves of the fraction collector.
  • the term "flow path direction” mainly refers to the flow direction of liquid flow or other fluids in the pipeline.
  • the term “before” refers to a component or device located (relatively) upstream in the direction of the flow path in the liquid chromatography system
  • the term “after” refers to the component or device located (relatively) in the direction of the flow path in the liquid chromatography system. Downstream components or devices.
  • the terms “sensor” and “detector” are both devices or components that can detect markers, but other functional or structural differences between the two are not excluded.
  • sensor and “detector” are not fluid components per se, but the simplified expression of the pipeline or pipeline volume between them and other fluid components in the text refers to “sensor” and “detector” The pipe or pipe volume between the location of the pipeline and other fluid components, or from the point where the liquid flow or other fluid in the pipeline is detected by the "sensor” and “detector” The physical pipeline or pipeline volume between corresponding pipeline locations to other fluid components.
  • the liquid chromatography system may include a liquid chromatograph 100.
  • the liquid chromatograph 100 can be associated with a liquid delivery device not shown in the figure or integrated with a liquid delivery device, which can be used to deliver various substances (for example, samples, solvents, etc.) in a storage container To the liquid chromatograph 100.
  • the liquid delivery device may or may not include a mixing device for mixing multiple substances before entering the liquid chromatograph 100.
  • the liquid chromatograph 100 generally includes a column manager (not shown in the figure).
  • the column manager usually provides a controlled system for one or more chromatographic separation columns used to separate target compounds (eg, sample-solvent compositions). Temperature environment.
  • Each separation column is suitable for separating the various components (or analytes) of the sample from each other when the liquid flow passes, and eluting the analytes from the column (still carried by the liquid flow) at different times.
  • the separated various components arrive from the column manager to the liquid chromatography detector 130 of the liquid chromatograph 100, such as an ultraviolet-visible light detector (for example, a model of VWD or DAD) to analyze the various components.
  • the liquid chromatography detector 130 of the liquid chromatograph 100 such as an ultraviolet-visible light detector (for example, a model of VWD or DAD) to analyze the various components.
  • the liquid chromatograph 100 is in fluid communication with an inlet (also referred to as the “liquid inlet”) of the fraction valve 210 of the fraction collector described in detail below to recover the target compound produced by the separation.
  • the pipe between the liquid chromatography detector 130 and the inlet of the fraction valve 210 has a fixed pipe volume.
  • the time when the liquid-gas interface between the liquid flow and the gas "reaches" the liquid chromatography detector or other sensors can be recorded, preferably Send to the controller in the form of a specific signal. Since the sensor or detector detects the liquid-gas interface, the recorded time is theoretically accurate.
  • the liquid chromatograph 100 of the present invention may also include a first pump 110 for pumping liquid flow, so that the liquid flow in the liquid chromatography system can be at a substantially constant flow rate (when the pressure drop in the system flow path When it is smaller, it flows through the liquid chromatographic detector 130, the fraction valve 210 and the subsequent components.
  • the liquid chromatography system may include a fraction collector arranged after the aforementioned liquid chromatograph 100.
  • the fraction collector can switch its fraction valve 210 according to the arrival time of the liquid flow from the liquid chromatograph 100 (for example, desired various target compounds), so as to collect the fractions to be collected in corresponding containers.
  • the fraction collector of the present invention includes a fraction valve 210.
  • the fraction valve 210 is generally configured as a multi-port valve, and the fraction valve 210 may include a plurality of ports. According to the corresponding switching strategy of the fraction valve 210, one of these ports can be used as the inlet of the fraction valve 210 (for example, the liquid inlet, the gas inlet, etc.), so that the liquid flow from the liquid chromatograph 100 can pass through the liquid inlet
  • the ports flow into the fraction valve, and the other or other of these ports can be used as an outlet (for example, a liquid discharge port) of the fraction valve 210 to be in fluid communication with subsequent pipelines and components.
  • ports of the fraction valve 210 can also be connected to the collection needle 240 (kit), or can be connected to other valves or pumps (the various integrated functions of the fraction valve 210 will be further detailed below).
  • the liquid chromatography system may include a first sensor 220 arranged after the fraction valve 210.
  • the first sensor 220 is arranged on the flow path of the fraction collector leading to the waste liquid collector 260. It can be understood that a pipeline with a known volume is included between the first sensor 220 and the fraction valve 210.
  • the liquid chromatography system may further include a second sensor 230.
  • the second sensor 230 is arranged behind the first sensor 220 when viewed in the direction of the flow path.
  • the order of the first sensor and the second sensor is not limited to this, and the second sensor may also be located before the first sensor 220 (viewed in the direction of the flow path).
  • the second sensor 230 and the first sensor 220 should correspond to the same flow path, for example, the flow path leading to the waste liquid collector 260, as exemplarily shown in FIG. 3.
  • the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 may be any type of sensors that can detect a detectable liquid-gas interface in the liquid flow, including but not limited to UV sensors or refractive index sensors.
  • the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 may send out electrical signals when detecting the arrival of the liquid-gas interface. For example, when the detectable liquid-gas interface passes through the first sensor 220, a first signal is generated, and when it passes through the second sensor 230, a second signal is generated. These electrical signals can be sent to the controller of the liquid chromatography system, which will be detailed below, in order to determine the volume of the pipeline.
  • the sensor or detector detects the liquid-gas interface
  • the pipeline between the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 also generally includes a known volume, which may be referred to as the volume of the pipeline between the sensors.
  • FIG. 3 is only a schematic view, and does not represent that the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 are located in the pipeline, but shows the approximate positioning of the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 along the flow path.
  • the fraction valve 210 is advantageously configured as a switchable multi-way valve.
  • a traditional three-way valve is shown in FIG. 1, and there is also a four-way valve design in the prior art.
  • the multi-way valve is configured as a six-way valve, but this is not necessary.
  • a traditional three-way valve or a four-way valve can also achieve the purpose of the present invention.
  • this multi-port valve should have at least one port (liquid inlet) that can be in fluid communication with the (pipe) outlet of the liquid chromatograph 100, and can be connected to the first sensor 220. And another port (liquid discharge port) connected to the flow path where the second sensor 230 is located, and another port (intake port) of the fraction valve used for evacuating gas from the pipeline.
  • the fifth port 5 (liquid inlet) of the fraction valve 210 can be selectively fluidly connected with the (pipe) outlet of the liquid chromatograph 100, and the sixth port 6 of the fraction valve 210
  • the (liquid discharge port) can be selectively fluidly connected to the pipeline where the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 are located.
  • the fraction collector includes a controller (not shown in the figure), which is used to switch the communication between the ports of the fraction valve 210 on the one hand, and to accurately determine the flow rate of the liquid flow on the other hand.
  • the controller of the fraction collector when the controller of the fraction collector switches the fraction valve 210 to the first position where the first port 1 (intake port) and the sixth port 6 (discharge port) are connected, it may The gas is introduced from the inlet of the fraction valve 210 into the fraction valve 210 and guided to the pipeline where the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 are located via the drain port of the fraction valve 210.
  • the controller of the fraction collector switches the fraction valve 210 to the second position where the fifth port 5 and the sixth port 6 are connected, the liquid flow can flow from the outlet of the liquid chromatograph 100 to the fraction via the pipeline.
  • the inside of the valve 210 then flows to the pipeline where the first sensor 220 is located through the outlet of the fraction valve 210 (here, the sixth port 6 or the drain port).
  • the internal volume of the fraction valve 210 between the fifth port where the liquid flow enters and the sixth port (the drain port) where the liquid flow flows out is also generally known.
  • the fraction valve 210 may further include first to fourth ports to achieve various functions. For example, when the fraction valve 210 needs to collect fractions, the fraction valve 210 will switch to the collection position. In the collection position, the fifth port 5 and the fourth port 4 of the fraction valve 210 can be in fluid communication, so that the fraction can pass through the fifth port. The port 5 and the fourth port 4 and the collection needle 240 located outside the fraction valve 210 flow into the designated container.
  • the liquid flow from the liquid chromatograph 100 may also pass through the fifth port 5 (liquid inlet) and the sixth port 6 (liquid outlet). ) Discharge to the waste liquid collector 260.
  • the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210 may be connected to an external flushing pump 250 or other pumps to flush the collection needle (kit) (this function will be described in further detail below).
  • the method of the present invention includes: first, emptying the liquid discharge port (for example, the sixth port 6 shown in FIG. 3) of the fraction valve 210 and the first sensor Pipeline.
  • the term "emptying" refers to draining the liquid flow or other mobile phase substances in the pipeline between the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 and the first sensor 220, so that there is no liquid flow in the pipeline. .
  • the pipeline between the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 and the second sensor 230 (if the second sensor 230 is located behind the first sensor 220 in the direction of the flow path) can be emptied. More preferably, the entire pipeline from the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 to the waste liquid collector 260 can be emptied.
  • the evacuation step can be performed by introducing gas, especially air, into the pipeline between the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 and the first sensor 220, preferably the pipeline between the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 and the second sensor 230, More preferably, it is the entire pipeline from the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 to the waste liquid collector 260.
  • the gas for evacuating may be generated by placing the fraction valve 210 in the aforementioned first position, in which the inlet port of the fraction valve 210 is in fluid communication with the liquid discharge port.
  • the gas can be introduced from the inlet of the fraction valve 210 to the fraction valve 210 and then directed to at least the pipeline where the first sensor 220 is located via the discharge port of the fraction valve 210, preferably to the second sensor 230.
  • the location of the pipeline is more preferably directed to the entire pipeline to the waste liquid collector 260.
  • the advantage of emptying the entire drain pipe 270 is that it can avoid that there is still some liquid between the first sensor 220 and the end of the drain pipe 270, which may cause the subsequent liquid to flow through the first sensor 220 and the second sensor. There may be a certain amount of back pressure at 230 hours.
  • the fraction collector includes a second pump 290 which can be connected to the aforementioned first port 1 (intake port) of the fraction valve 210, and the second pump 290 is used to pump gas to the fraction valve 210, Figure 3 clearly shows. It is particularly advantageous to directly use the second pump 290 to send air into the fraction valve 210 and introduce it to the pipeline of the waste liquid collector 260 (at least to the A pipeline where the sensor 220 is located).
  • the method of the present invention further includes guiding the liquid flow from the liquid discharge port of the fraction valve 210 to the pipeline where the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 are located. Since the pipeline from the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 to the first sensor 220 has been emptied during the evacuation step, when the liquid flow flows from the discharge port of the fraction valve 210 to the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 When the pipeline is located, the liquid-gas interface between the liquid flow and the gas will pass through the positions of the first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 in sequence.
  • the liquid inlet (the fifth port 5 in FIG. 3) of the fraction valve 210 is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet (the sixth port 6).
  • the liquid flow can flow into the fraction valve 210 from the liquid inlet and flow out via the liquid outlet.
  • liquid flow can also be introduced from the outside from other ports of the fraction valve 210 (for example, other ports that are not connected to the liquid chromatograph) or a part of the fraction valve 210 is retained. Liquid flow.
  • the liquid flow from the liquid chromatograph 100 is introduced into the fraction valve 210 through the liquid inlet of the fraction valve 210, and then introduced into the drain line 270, but the liquid flow can also come from in addition to the liquid chromatograph Other fluid components in the liquid chromatography system other than the instrument.
  • the controller of the fraction collector of the present invention is also configured to be based on the first sensor
  • the time difference between the first moment when 220 detects the liquid-gas interface between the liquid flow and the gas and the second moment when the second sensor 230 detects the liquid-gas interface and the pipe volume between the sensors determine the flow rate of the liquid flow.
  • the volume flow rate can be obtained by dividing the volume of the pipeline between the sensors by the time difference (in units of milliliters per minute, for example).
  • first sensor 220 and the second sensor 230 need to be used to detect the liquid-gas interface between the liquid flow and the gas in the present invention, in order to further improve the first time when the first sensor 220 detects the liquid-gas interface and the second sensor The accuracy of the second moment when the liquid-gas interface is detected, there may be an independent voltage threshold determination step before the aforementioned method step for determining the liquid flow rate of the present invention.
  • the liquid stream can be made to flow through the pipelines where the first and second sensors are located in sequence (the specific liquid flow path can be realized by referring to the preceding paragraph or using a different method. This will not be repeated here).
  • gas preferably air
  • the specific gas path can be realized by referring to the foregoing or using a different method, which will not be repeated here.
  • the voltage value generated by the first sensor 220 when the liquid flow is detected is recorded as the high voltage of the first sensor 220, and the voltage value generated by the first sensor 220 when the gas is detected is recorded as the low voltage of the first sensor 220.
  • the voltage threshold of the first sensor 220 may be determined based on the high voltage and the low voltage of the first sensor 220.
  • the voltage value generated by the second sensor when the liquid flow is detected is recorded as the high voltage of the second sensor, and the voltage value generated by the second sensor when the gas is detected is recorded as the low voltage of the second sensor. Then, according to the present invention, the voltage threshold of the second sensor can be determined based on the high voltage and the low voltage of the second sensor.
  • the first sensor 220 will only record the moment when the voltage value of the first sensor 220 when it detects the liquid flow exceeds its voltage threshold. It is the first moment to reduce the misrecording of moments caused by the fluctuation of the gas or liquid in the fluid pipeline, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination of the liquid flow rate.
  • the second sensor will only be used at the moment when the voltage value when it detects the liquid flow exceeds its voltage threshold value. It is recorded as the second time to reduce the misrecording of the time caused by the fluctuation of the gas or liquid in the fluid pipeline, thereby improving the accuracy of the determination of the liquid flow rate.
  • the voltage threshold of the first sensor 220 and/or the voltage threshold of the second sensor can be calculated by the following formula:
  • V threshold (V high voltage- V low voltage ) * 60% + V low voltage .
  • the value "60%” in the above formula may also be “40%”, “50%”, “70%”, etc., but is preferably “60%".
  • the unit of voltage is generally volts.
  • distillate valve 210 configured as a two-position six-way switching valve of the present invention can also achieve additional functions.
  • the controller can switch to the collection position, where the fourth port 4 and the fifth port 5 of the fraction valve 210 are connected, so that the fraction can pass from the liquid chromatograph 100 through the fifth port. 5 flows into the fraction valve 210 and flows into the designated container via the fourth port 4 and the collection needle 240 connected to the fourth port 4 to complete the collection of the fraction.
  • the controller can switch to the drain position (ie, the second position described above), where the liquid from the liquid chromatograph 100 can pass through the fifth port 5 and the sixth port 6 communicating therewith are delivered to the waste liquid collector 260.
  • the fraction collector can be used to flush the collection needle 240 (kit).
  • the collection needle 240 (kit) is connected to one port of the fraction valve 210 (the fourth port 4 as shown in FIG. 4).
  • needle washing liquid or gas can be used for needle washing.
  • the fraction collector may include a washing pump 250 connected to the fraction valve 210.
  • a predetermined volume of the needle washing liquid is sucked into the washing pump 250 through the washing pump 250 and retained in the washing pump 250.
  • air is used for flushing, a predetermined volume of air is drawn into the flushing pump 250 through the flushing pump 250 and retained in the flushing pump 250.
  • the washing pump 250 can pump the needle washing liquid or air to the fraction valve 210, and then through the fraction valve 210 and the collection needle 240 (set )
  • the connected port sends needle washing liquid or air into the collection needle 240 for cleaning.
  • the needle washing liquid or air can be directly introduced into the flushing pump 250 from the outside of the fraction valve 210, and then introduced into the fraction valve 210 via the flushing pump 250.
  • the needle wash liquid or air may directly originate from the fraction valve 210 (for example, the needle wash liquid or air introduced into the fraction valve 210 through a port of the fraction valve 210 that is not related to the flushing pump 250).
  • the reason why the flushing pump 250 is still needed is that the flushing pump 250 can be used to meter the needle wash liquid or air, because the flushing pump 250 can accurately inhale a certain volume of needle wash liquid or air for better Control the needle washing effect.
  • the flushing pump 250 may not be directly connected to the fraction valve 210, but may be connected to a port of the fraction valve 210 via a switching valve 280 (the third port 3 is shown in the figure) .
  • the switching valve 280 has three ports, but it may have more ports. One of the ports of the switching valve 280 is connected to the corresponding port of the fraction valve 210, the other of the ports of the switching valve 280 is connected to the flushing pump 250, and the other of the ports of the switching valve 280 is connected to the needle washing liquid container or providing washing. Needle fluid line. Therefore, the switching valve 280 can be used to selectively communicate with the flushing pump 250 or the needle washing liquid container or the pipeline for providing the needle washing liquid.
  • other fluid components that can realize multi-channel flexible communication may also fall within the scope of the present invention.
  • the washing pump 250 when it is necessary to wash the needles with needle washing liquid, firstly connect the first port p1 of the switching valve 280 with the second port p2, so that the washing pump 250 can suck the needle washing liquid into it and retain it.
  • the flushing pump 250 for example, a plunger pump
  • the flushing pump 250 can accurately suck a certain volume of needle washing liquid and retain it in the pump body.
  • the switching valve 280 can be switched to a position where the first port p1 is connected to the third port p3, the third port p3 of the switching valve 280 is connected to the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210, and the The third port 3 and the fourth port 4 are also connected, so that the needle washing liquid in the washing pump 250 can be pushed into the collection needle 240 for washing.
  • the first port p1 and the third port p3 of the switching valve 280 are connected, and the third port p3 of the switching valve 280 is connected to the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210.
  • one port of the fraction valve 210 communicating with an external air source (for example, the second port 2 of the fraction valve 210 shown in FIG. 4) is in communication with the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210.
  • external air for example, an air source
  • the flushing pump 250 can suck in air through the second port 2 and the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210.
  • the flushing pump 250 (for example, a plunger pump) can accurately inhale a certain volume of air and retain it in the pump body. Then, the fraction valve 210 is switched so that its third port 3 only communicates with its fourth port 4, so that the air (with a predetermined volume) remaining in the flushing pump 250 can be pushed into the collection needle 240 through the fraction valve 210 for flushing. .
  • the flushing pump 250 is directly connected to one port of the fraction valve 210 (for example, the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210 shown in FIG. 5).
  • the other port of the fraction valve 210 (for example, the second port 2 of the fraction valve 210 shown in FIG. 5) may be connected to a switching valve 280.
  • the switching valve 280 has three ports, but it may have more ports.
  • One of the ports of the switching valve 280 is connected to the corresponding port of the fraction valve 210 (for example, the aforementioned second port), the other of the ports of the switching valve 280 (for example, the first port) is connected to an external air source, and the switching valve 280 Another one of the ports is connected to a needle washing liquid container or a pipe providing needle washing liquid. Therefore, the switching valve 280 can be used to selectively supply needle wash liquid or air to the fraction valve 210.
  • external air for example, an air source
  • the flushing pump 250 for example, a plunger pump
  • the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210 is switched to communicate only with the fourth port 4, so that the needle washing liquid in the washing pump 250 can be pushed into the collection needle 240 for washing.
  • the flushing pump 250 for example, a plunger pump
  • the third port 3 of the fraction valve 210 is switched to communicate only with the fourth port 4, so that the air in the flushing pump 250 can be pushed into the collection needle 240 for flushing.
  • the present invention provides a fraction collector, including: a fraction valve 210 configured as a multi-way valve; a collection needle 240, the collection needle 240 is configured to be connected to the fourth of the multi-way valve Port; flushing pump 250, the flushing pump 250 is configured to be connected to the third port of the multi-port valve, by means of the flushing pump 250 needle washing liquid or air can be pumped to the multi-port valve, wherein,
  • the fraction valve 210 includes a needle washing position. In the needle washing position, the third port is in fluid communication with the fourth port, so that the needle washing liquid or air is pumped to the needle through the multi-way valve.
  • the collecting needle 240 is used to clean the collecting needle 240.
  • the needle washing liquid or air can be quantitatively pumped to the collection needle 240 by the flushing pump 250.
  • the flushing pump 250 may be directly connected to the third port of the multi-way valve, but may also be connected to the third port via a switching valve 280 to selectively communicate with the multi-way valve.
  • the switching valve 280 may include at least three ports.
  • the needle washing liquid and/or air can be selectively sucked into the washing pump 250 via the switching valve 280.
  • the multi-way valve further includes a second port, the second port can be selectively communicated with the third port, the needle washing liquid or the air flows into the multi-way valve through the second port, and It can flow into the flushing pump 250 via the third port.
  • the switching valve 280 is in communication with the second port in the multi-way valve, and the switching valve 280 can selectively access the needle wash liquid or the air.
  • the flushing pump 250 is used to flush the collection needle (for example, its inner and outer walls), there is no need to add additional needle-washing pump components, and only the needle needs to be moved to the needle-washing position (that is, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4).
  • the needle washing liquid or gas preferably air
  • gas preferably air
  • needle washing liquid is used to flush the interior of the fraction collection needle 240, the residue can be reduced, the recovery rate can be improved, and the design is also very simple.
  • the work of the fraction collector is very flexible, and users can perform corresponding functions or modes according to different application requirements (including collecting fractions, discharging waste liquid, recovering residual fractions inside the fraction collection needle 240, The selection of cleaning the fraction collection needle 240, accurately measuring the liquid flow in the pipeline, etc.).

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Electrochemistry (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Liquids With Adsorbents In General (AREA)

Abstract

一种在液相色谱系统中确定液流流量的方法，液相色谱系统沿流路方向依次包括馏分阀（210）、第一传感器（220）和第二传感器（230），第一传感器（220）与第二传感器（230）之间的管路具有已知的传感器间管路体积。该方法包括：步骤A：排空馏分阀（210）的排液口与第一传感器（220）之间的管路；步骤B：引导液流从馏分阀（210）的排液口流向第一传感器（220）和第二传感器（230）所在位置的管路；步骤C：基于第一传感器（220）检测到液流与气体之间交界的液气界面的第一时刻与第二传感器（230）检测到液气界面的第二时刻之间的时间差以及传感器间管路体积来确定液流的流量。还提供馏分收集器。通过流经排空的排液管路的液流所提供的液气界面，能使流量测量的准确度以及馏分收集的效率大幅提高。

Description

确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统 技术领域
本发明主要涉及液相色谱领域。具体来说，本发明涉及一种在液相色谱系统中确定液流流量的方法，并且还涉及一种馏分收集器以及一种包含该馏分收集器的液相色谱系统。
背景技术
高效液相色谱法(HPLC)是上个世纪七十年代迅速发展起来的一项高效、快速的分析分离技术，是现代分离测试的重要手段。色谱法的分离原理是：溶于流动相中的各组分经过固定相时，由于与固定相发生作用(吸附、分配、排阻、亲和)的大小、强弱不同，在固定相中滞留时间不同，从而先后从固定相中流出。
基于上述高效液相色谱法制造的液相色谱仪根据固定相是液体或是固体又可以进一步分为液-液色谱(LLC)及液-固色谱(LSC)。现代液相色谱仪可以例如包括高压输液泵、进样系统、温度控制系统、色谱柱、检测器、信号记录系统等部分。
馏分收集器是液相色谱系统的一种常见的辅助装置，主要用于制药、食品安全、科研等领域。馏分收集器主要用来收集经过液相色谱分离后的各种目标化合物。例如，当需要提供标准纯样或对某组分做进一步鉴定时，常会用到馏分收集器在色谱柱出口处收集所需组分，除去馏分中的流动相即得到纯组分。馏分收集器可按色谱峰流出的信号，以手工或自动控制方式进行切割。目前的发展趋势是实现进样与馏分收集的自动化，这样可进行连续的操作及反复的分离。
馏分收集器的基本工作原理是：液流(例如，液相的目标化合物)经过液相色谱分离后，按照时间先后顺序进入馏分收集器。馏分收集器依据目标化合物到达的时间切换馏分阀，将待收集的化合物收集在相应的容器 中。此外，可以在两种馏分收集之间的间隙时选择阀将流路切换至废液，从而将不需要的溶剂或者流动相导入废液。
通常，馏分收集器包括馏分阀、收集针、各种管路或流路(如图1中所示)，以满足馏分收集的各种需求。
现有的大多数馏分收集器存在的问题主要在于没有流速测量功能，因此只能间接地将液相色谱系统的泵流速或流量(也称系统流速或流量)作为流速或流量。而系统流速或流量通常并不准确，这会导致馏分收集的时间误差，从而导致回收率和交叉污染的问题出现。
目前，具有流速测量功能的馏分收集器主要包括如下方式：如图2中所示，利用沿流路方向布置在馏分收集器之前的液相色谱仪来进样一种特定的物质。该物质可由布置在馏分收集器的废液管路上的两个传感器检测到。利用两个传感器先后检测到该物质的时间差和两个固定位置的传感器之间的管路体积可计算出流速。
但该方法需要在液相色谱仪中设置有单独的物质插入装置(例如，自动进样器)。
因此，在液相色谱系统中始终存在能够准确地确定液流的流量从而提高了馏分收集时间点的精确性的需求。
除此之外，现有技术中的馏分收集器还可能会存在其它一些问题。例如，馏分收集器的洗针方式不灵活，只能使用洗针液进行洗针。再例如，由于馏分阀通常使用电磁阀，其内部结构可能会导致液体涡流效应，从而引起馏分残留等问题。
因此，对于馏分收集器来说，还始终存在对灵活提供各项功能、减少残留、提高回收率的需求，同时也期望馏分收集器的流路本身设计简单，成本较低。
发明内容
本发明提供了一种新的确定液流流量的方法和新的馏分收集器，其并不使用上述现有的在液流中插入可检测到的物质的方法来测量流量，而是通过流经排空的排液管路的液流来提供液气界面，以确定液流的流量，从 而使得流量测量的准确度以及由此馏分收集的效率大幅提高，同时其所涉及的流路结构和控制方式均很简单。
根据本发明的一方面，一种在液相色谱系统中确定液流流量的方法，所述液相色谱系统沿流路方向依次包括馏分阀、第一传感器和第二传感器，所述馏分阀包括进液口、排液口和进气口，其中，所述第一传感器与所述第二传感器之间的管路具有已知的传感器间管路体积。该方法包括：步骤A：排空所述馏分阀的排液口与所述第一传感器之间的管路；步骤B：引导液流从所述馏分阀的排液口流向所述第一传感器和所述第二传感器所在位置的管路；步骤C：基于所述第一传感器检测到所述液流与气体之间交界的液气界面的第一时刻与所述第二传感器检测到所述液气界面的第二时刻之间的时间差以及所述传感器间管路体积来确定所述液流的流量。
根据本发明的另一方面，提供一种馏分收集器，所述馏分收集器包括：馏分阀，包括进液口、排液口和进气口；第一传感器，所述第一传感器沿流路方向布置在所述馏分阀的所述排液口之后；第二传感器，所述第二传感器沿流路方向布置在所述第一传感器之后，其中，所述第一传感器与所述第二传感器之间的管路具有已知的传感器管路间体积；控制器，所述控制器用于控制所述馏分阀的位置，当所述馏分阀处于第一位置时，所述进气口与所述排液口流体连通，以使气体能从所述馏分阀的所述进气口导入所述馏分阀并且经由所述馏分阀的所述排液口引导到所述第一和第二传感器所在位置的管路；当所述馏分阀处于第二位置时，所述进液口与所述排液口流体连通，以使液流能从所述进液口流入所述馏分阀并且经由所述排液口流向所述第一和第二传感器所在位置的管路；并且所述控制器能基于所述第一传感器检测到所述液流与气体之间交界的液气界面的第一时刻与所述第二传感器检测到所述液气界面的第二时刻之间的时间差以及所述传感器间管路体积来确定所述液流的流量。
附图说明
通过以下结合附图的详细描述，本发明的其他特征和优点将变得显而易见，其中：
图1示意性地示出根据现有技术的液相色谱系统中的各个部件和流路，其中，馏分阀示出为三通阀；
图2示意性地示出根据现有技术的液相色谱系统中的各个部件和流路，其中，通过现有技术的方法来计算出液流的流量；
图3示意性地示出根据本发明的液相色谱系统中的各个部件和流路，其中，示出通过本发明的方法来确定液流流量的各个步骤下的流路；
图4示意性地示出根据本发明的馏分收集器的用于实现洗针的一种流路设计；以及
图5示意性地示出根据本发明的馏分收集器的用于实现洗针的另一种流路设计。
应注意参考的附图并非都按比例绘制，而是可扩大来说明本发明的各方面，且在这方面，附图不应被解释为限制性的。
附图标记列表：
100     液相色谱仪；
110     第一泵；
130     液相色谱检测器；
210     馏分阀；
220     第一传感器；
230     第二传感器；
240     收集针；
250     冲洗泵；
260     废液收集器；
270     排液管路；
280     切换阀；
290     第二泵；
1       馏分阀的第一端口；
2       馏分阀的第二端口；
3       馏分阀的第三端口；
4       馏分阀的第四端口；
5       馏分阀的第五端口；
6       馏分阀的第六端口；
p1      切换阀的第一端口；
p2      切换阀的第一端口；
p3      切换阀的第三端口。
具体实施方式
本发明中所描述的液相色谱系统是指基于色谱法的分离原理(包括基于传统的和现代高效的液相色谱法)进行分离分析的系统、尤其可以是高度集成的自动控制系统。在本发明中，液相色谱系统中所包括的液相色谱仪可以是各种类型的液相色谱仪，且液相色谱系统中所包括的馏分收集器也可以包括各种常规类型的馏分阀。本发明的液相色谱系统尽管特别适用于制药、食品安全、实验室科研等应用场合，但却也不限于此。
在本发明中，液相色谱系统的各个部件或装置之间可以实现彼此之间的流体连通(尤其是选择性地连通)。例如，各个部件或装置之间可以借助管路来进行流体连接，但不限于常规形式的管路，而是可以借助具有一定体积的任何连接结构来进行流体连接。换言之，本发明涵义下的术语“管路”也可以作更宽泛的解释，即具有一定体积的任何流体连接结构。此外，在下文中，当涉及某一部件或装置的“入口”、“出口”、“端口”或“口”时，通常由于端口本身所包含的体积极小，因此该体积将不被计算在管路体积之内。
在本发明中，液流会在液相色谱系统的流路中流动。然而，由于流体的物理流动以及环境温度或压力可能沿流动路径存在变化，流体在本发明的液相色谱系统中的各点之间的实际流量可能存在微小变化。在此，术语液流的“流量”可以是指体积流量。此外，如果液相色谱系统中的各个管路之间的横截面恒定不变，则也可以认为流体在液相色谱系统中保持液流的流速基本不变。
在本发明中，在液相色谱系统的流路中流动的液流可以包括待分离物，这些待分离物经过液相色谱仪彼此分离(例如，分离成各种目标化合物)，并且随后根据需要被馏分收集器收集成各馏分。
有利的是，本发明的液相色谱系统中不同模块或装置的各个检测器或传感器之间可以彼此通信，从而便于控制器进行自动控制，以计算出所需的管路体积或者其它所需信息。
在本发明中，序号“第一”、“第二”等并不一定是指时间上的先后顺序，而是仅用于将多种不同的部件(例如，传感器、端口、信号等)或者事件区分开，且其重要性并未作排序。
在本发明的附图中，直接用数字来表示馏分阀的各个端口(例如，第一到第六端口)，但也不排除在下文中用其它名称(例如，进液口、进气口等)来表述这些端口中的一个或多个。此外，在附图中，也直接用数字来表示馏分收集器的其它阀的各个端口(例如，第一到第三端口)。
在本发明中，术语“流路方向”主要是指液流或其它流体在管路中的流动方向。此外，术语“之前”表示在液相色谱系统中沿流路方向看位于(相对)上游的部件或装置，而术语“之后”则表示在液相色谱系统中沿流路方向看位于(相对)下游的部件或装置。
另外，在本发明中，术语“传感器”和“检测器”均为能检测到标记物的装置或部件，但不排除二者之间存在其它功能或结构上的差异。
此外，在本发明中，“传感器”和“检测器”本身并不是流体部件，但文中简化表述它们与其它流体部件之间的管路或管路体积则是指“传感器”和“检测器”所在位置的管路位点与其它流体部件之间的管路或管路体积，或者说从管路中的液流或其它流体被“传感器”和“检测器”检测到的这个位点开始计算的、到其它流体部件的对应管路位点之间的物理管路或管路体积。
图2示出了根据本发明的一个实施例的液相色谱系统的总体布局。首先，该液相色谱系统可以包括液相色谱仪100。该液相色谱仪100可以与未在图中示出的液体输送设备相关联或者集成有液体输送设备，液体输送设 备可以用于将储存容器中的各种物质(例如，样品、溶剂等)输送到液相色谱仪100。此外，液体输送设备可以包含或者可以不包含用于使多种物质在进入液相色谱仪100之前混合的混合装置。
液相色谱仪100一般包括柱管理器(图中未示出)，该柱管理器通常为用于分离目标化合物(例如，样品-溶剂组合物)的一个或多个色谱分离柱提供受控的温度环境。每个分离柱适用于在液流通过时将样品的各种成分(或分析物)彼此分离，并在不同时间从柱中洗脱出分析物(仍由液流携带)。
随后，分离的各种成分从柱管理器到达液相色谱仪100的液相色谱检测器130，例如紫外可见光检测器(型号例如为VWD或DAD)，以分析各种成分。
液相色谱仪100与下文将会详述的馏分收集器的馏分阀210的一个入口(也可称“进液口”)流体连通，以回收由分离产生的目标化合物。通常，液相色谱检测器130和馏分阀210的入口之间的管道具有固定的管路体积。
在本发明中，可以将液流与气体之间交界的液气界面“到达”液相色谱检测器或其它传感器(例如，下文将详述的第一和第二传感器)的时刻记录下来，优选以特定信号的形式发送给控制器。由于传感器或检测器检测到的是液气交界面，因此记录的时刻理论上是准确的。
另外，本发明的液相色谱仪100还可以包括用于泵送液流的第一泵110，从而使液流在液相色谱系统中能以大致恒定的流量(当系统流路中的压降较小时)流经液相色谱检测器130、馏分阀210和后续各个部件。
沿流路方向看，液相色谱系统可以包括布置在前述液相色谱仪100之后的馏分收集器。馏分收集器可以根据来自液相色谱仪100的液流(例如，期望的各种目标化合物)到达的时间切换其馏分阀210，从而将待收集的馏分收集在相应的各容器中。
为此，本发明的馏分收集器包括馏分阀210。馏分阀210通常构造成多通阀，该馏分阀210可包括多个端口。根据馏分阀210的相应切换策略， 这些端口中的一个可以作为馏分阀210的入口(例如，进液口、进气口等)，因而，来自液相色谱仪100的液流能经由该进液口流入馏分阀，而这些端口中的另一个或另一些则可以作为馏分阀210的出口(例如，排液口)，以与后续管路和部件流体连通。
此外，馏分阀210的其它端口还可以连接到收集针240(套件)，也可以连接到其它阀或泵(下文将进一步详述馏分阀210的各种集成的功能)。
沿流路方向看，液相色谱系统可以包括布置在馏分阀210之后的第一传感器220。优选的是，该第一传感器220设置在馏分收集器的通往废液收集器260的流动路径上。可以理解到，该第一传感器220与馏分阀210之间包括体积已知的管路。
此外，在本发明中，液相色谱系统还可以包括第二传感器230。优选的是，沿流路方向看，第二传感器230布置在第一传感器220之后。但第一传感器和第二传感器的前后次序不限于此，也可以是第二传感器位于第一传感器220之前(沿流路方向看)。但该第二传感器230与第一传感器220应对应于同一条流动路径上，例如通往废液收集器260的流动路径上，如图3中示例性所示。
在本发明中，第一传感器220和第二传感器230可以是能在液流中检测到可检测到的液气界面的任何类型的传感器，包括但不限于是UV传感器或折射率传感器。可选的是，第一传感器220和第二传感器230可以在检测到液气界面到达时发出电信号。例如，可检测到的液气界面通过第一传感器220时会产生第一信号，而通过第二传感器230时会产生第二信号。这些电信号将可以发送给下文将详述的液相色谱系统的控制器，以便于确定管路的体积。
但可以理解到，在传感器或检测器检测到液气界面时可以并不发出专门的电信号，而是通过其监测时电信号发生变化来确定传感器或检测器监测到液气界面的相应时刻(例如，第一传感器220检测到液气界面的第一时刻、第二传感器检测到液气界面的第二时刻等)。
此外，可以理解到，第一传感器220和第二传感器230之间的管路也通常包括已知的体积，该体积可称为传感器间管路体积。
如前已述，尽管在图3中第一传感器220和第二传感器230被示出为处于管路之中，但实际上仅表示第一传感器220和第二传感器230在该位置处，能检测到液气界面流经该位置而已，并没有物理上存在于流路之内。例如，第一传感器220和第二传感器230可以定位成它们能不受阻碍地对通过管路的液气界面进行检测。换言之，图3仅为示意性视图，并不代表第一传感器220和第二传感器230位于管路之内，而是示出第一传感器220和第二传感器230沿流动路径的大致定位。
为了实现切换以收集不同的馏分或者导出废液，馏分阀210有利地构造成可切换的多通阀。在图1中示出传统的三通阀，在现有技术中也存在四通阀的设计。在图3中所示的本发明的一个实施例中，多通阀构造成六通阀，但这不是必须的，例如传统的三通阀或者四通阀也能实现本发明的目的。更具体来说，对于本发明来说，这种多通阀应至少要具有能与液相色谱仪100的(管路)出口流体连通的一个端口(进液口)、能与第一传感器220以及第二传感器230所在的流动路径连通的另一个端口(排液口)以及用于排空管路的气体进入馏分阀的再一个端口(进气口)。
如图3中示例性所示，馏分阀210的第五端口5(进液口)可以选择性地与液相色谱仪100的(管路)出口流体连通，而馏分阀210的第六端口6(排液口)则可以选择性地与第一传感器220和第二传感器230所在位置的管路流体连通。
馏分收集器包括控制器(未在图中示出)，该控制器一方面用于切换馏分阀210的各个端口之间的连通与否，另一方面用于准确确定液流的流量。
例如，在该实施例中，当馏分收集器的控制器将馏分阀210切换到使其第一端口1(进气口)和第六端口6(排液口)连通的第一位置时，可以将气体从馏分阀210的该进气口导入馏分阀210并且经由馏分阀210的排液口引导到第一传感器220和第二传感器230所在位置的管路。
而当馏分收集器的控制器将馏分阀210切换到使其第五端口5和第六端口6连通的第二位置时，液流就能从液相色谱仪100的出口经由管路流 到馏分阀210内，然后再经由馏分阀210的出口(在此为第六端口6或称排液口)流向第一传感器220所在的管路。可以理解到，液流流入的第五端口和液流流出的第六端口(排液口)之间的馏分阀210内部体积通常也是已知的。
如图3-5所示，馏分阀210还可以包括第一到第四端口，以实现各种不同的功能。例如，当馏分阀210需要收集馏分时，馏分阀210会切换至收集位，在收集位时，馏分阀210的第五端口5和第四端口4能够流体连通，由此，馏分可以通过第五端口5和第四端口4以及位于馏分阀210外的收集针240流入指定的容器中。
又例如，在该第二位置，除了用于确定液流的流量之外，来自液相色谱仪100的液流也可以通过第五端口5(进液口)和第六端口6(排液口)排出至废液收集器260。
还例如，馏分阀210的第三端口3可以连接到外部的冲洗泵250或者其它泵，从而对收集针(套件)进行冲洗(该功能下文将进一步详述)。
但可以理解到，尽管在图3所示的实施例中，显示出在馏分阀的第一位置(参见图3的步骤A)，第一端口1(进气口)和第六端口6(排液口)流体连通，在馏分阀210的第二位置(参见图3的步骤B)，第五端口5(进液口)和第六端口6(排液口)流体连通，但在第一位置下，除了第一和第六端口之外的其它端口之间的连通只是示例性的、可选的，不是必须如此设置的。但仍应确保其余端口在馏分阀210的该第一位置下均不与第一端口1和第六端口6流体连通，从而不影响既定流路的实现。同理，在第二位置下，除了第五端口5和第六端口6之外的其它端口之间的连通只是示例性的、可选的，不是必须如此设置的。但仍应确保其余端口在馏分阀210的该第二位置下均不与第五端口5和第六端口6流体连通，从而不影响既定流路的实现。
为了在液相色谱系统中确定液流流量，本发明的方法包括：首先，排空馏分阀210的排液口(例如，图3中所示的第六端口6)与第一传感器之间的管路。
在此，术语“排空”是指排去馏分阀210的排液口与第一传感器220之间的管路内的液流或者其它流动相物质，以使该段管路内不存在液流。优选的是，可以排空馏分阀210的排液口与第二传感器230(如果第二传感器230沿流路方向位于第一传感器220之后)之间的管路。更优选的是，可以排空从馏分阀210的排液口至废液收集器260的整个管路。
排空步骤可以通过将气体、尤其是空气导入馏分阀210的排液口与第一传感器220之间的管路、优选为馏分阀210的排液口与第二传感器230之间的管路、更优选为从馏分阀210的排液口至废液收集器260的整个管路内。
在一些实施例中，用于排空的气体可以通过如下方式来产生：使馏分阀210处于前述第一位置，在该第一位置，馏分阀210的进气口与排液口流体连通。由此，可以将气体从馏分阀210的进气口导入馏分阀210并且经由馏分阀210的排液口再引导到至少第一传感器220所在位置的管路、优选再引导到第二传感器230所在位置的管路、更优选再引导到至废液收集器260的整个管路。排空整个排液管路270的优势在于，可以避免由于在第一传感器220与排液管路270的末端之间仍有一些液体而导致在后续液流流过第一传感器220和第二传感器230时可能会存在的一定背压。
有利地，馏分收集器包括第二泵290，该第二泵290可以与馏分阀210的前述第一端口1(进气口)连接，借助该第二泵290来向馏分阀210泵送气体，如图3清楚所示。特别有利的是，直接利用该第二泵290将空气送入馏分阀210，并且经由馏分阀210的第六端口6(排液口)导入至废液收集器260的管路(至少引导到第一传感器220所在位置的管路)。
在该排空步骤之后，本发明的方法还包括引导液流从馏分阀210的排液口流向第一传感器220和第二传感器230所在位置的管路。由于在排空步骤中从馏分阀210的排液口到第一传感器220的管路已经被排空，因此，当液流从馏分阀210的排液口流向第一传感器220和第二传感器230所在位置的管路时，会使得液流与气体之间交界的液气界面依次经过第一传感器220和第二传感器230所在位置。
可以理解到，在馏分阀210的前述第二位置，馏分阀210的进液口(图 3中的第五端口5)与排液口(第六端口6)流体连通。因而，液流能从进液口流入馏分阀210并且经由排液口流出。
但该流路设计是优选的，替代地，也可以从馏分阀210的其它端口来从外部引入液流(例如，不与液相色谱仪相连的其它端口)或者在馏分阀210内部留存有一部分液流。
优选的是，将来自液相色谱仪100的液流经由馏分阀210的进液口而导入馏分阀210内，随后再导入排液管路270中，但液流也可以来自于除了液相色谱仪之外的液相色谱系统中的其它流体部件。
本发明的馏分收集器的控制器除了前述用于控制馏分阀210的位置(例如，在馏分阀210的第一位置和第二位置之间切换)的功能外，还构造成能基于第一传感器220检测到液流与气体之间交界的液气界面的第一时刻与第二传感器230检测到液气界面的第二时刻之间的时间差以及传感器间管路体积来确定液流的流量。例如，将传感器间管路体积除以时间差可以得到体积流量(单位例如为毫升/分钟)。
由于在本发明中需要利用第一传感器220和第二传感器230来检测到液流与气体之间的液气界面，为了进一步提高第一传感器220检测到液气界面的第一时刻和第二传感器检测到液气界面的第二时刻的精度，可以在本发明的前述用于确定液流流量的方法步骤之前存在一个独立的电压阈值确定步骤。
具体来说，可选地，在前述方法步骤之前，可以使液流先依次流经第一和第二传感器所在位置的管路(具体液流路径的实现可以参照前文或者利用不同的方法，在此不再赘述)。此外，在前述方法步骤之前，可以使气体、优选为空气依次通过第一和第二传感器所在位置的管路(具体气体路径的实现可以参照前文或者利用不同的方法，在此不再赘述)。这两个步骤可以根据需要分别进行，且其先后次序可以根据需要来安排。换言之，可以先使液流、再使气体流经第一和第二传感器所在位置的管路，但也可以是反过来的顺序。
将第一传感器220在检测到液流时产生的电压值记为第一传感器220 的高电压，并将第一传感器220在检测到气体时产生的电压值记为第一传感器220的低电压。然后，根据本发明，可以基于第一传感器220的高电压和低电压来确定第一传感器220的电压阈值。
将第二传感器在检测到液流时产生的电压值记为第二传感器的高电压，并将第二传感器在检测到气体时产生的电压值记为第二传感器的低电压。然后，根据本发明，可以基于第二传感器的高电压和低电压来确定第二传感器的电压阈值。
可以理解到，可以只确定第一传感器220的电压阈值和第二传感器的电压阈值中的一者，但优选是确定二者。
如果确定了第一传感器220的电压阈值，则在本发明的前述用于确定液流流量的方法中，将第一传感器220在其检测到液流时的电压值超过其电压阈值的时刻才记为第一时刻，以降低因流体管路中的气体或液体波动而导致的时刻误记录，进而提高液流流量确定的准确度。
类似地，如果确定了第二传感器的电压阈值，则在本发明的前述用于确定液流流量的方法中，将第二传感器在其检测到液流时的电压值超过其电压阈值的时刻才记为第二时刻，以降低因流体管路中的气体或液体波动而导致的时刻误记录，进而提高液流流量确定的准确度。
在一个特定的实施例中，可以通过如下公式来计算第一传感器220的电压阈值和/或第二传感器的电压阈值：
V 阈值＝(V 高电压–V 低电压)*60％+V 低电压。
上述公式中的数值“60％”也可以为“40％”、“50％”和“70％”等，但优选为“60％”。在此，电压的单位一般为伏特。
除了上述用于确定液流流量时需要切换馏分阀210之外，本发明的构造成两位六通切换阀的馏分阀210还可以实现附加功能。
例如，当需要收集馏分时，控制器可以切换到收集位置，在该收集位置，馏分阀210的第四端口4和第五端口5连通，以使得馏分能从液相色谱仪100经由第五端口5流入馏分阀210并且经由第四端口4以及与第四端口4相连的收集针240流入指定容器内，完成馏分的收集。
又例如，当需要排除废液时，控制器可以切换到排液位置(即，上文所述的第二位置)，在该排液位置，来自液相色谱仪100的液体能经由第五端口5和与其连通的第六端口6被传送到废液收集器260。
根据本发明，馏分收集器可以用于对收集针240(套件)进行冲洗。具体来说，收集针240(套件)与馏分阀210的一个端口(如图4中所示的第四端口4)相连。
在本发明中，可以用洗针液或者气体(优选是空气)来进行洗针。为了实现洗针，馏分收集器可包括冲洗泵250，该冲洗泵250与馏分阀210相连。当使用洗针液进行冲洗时，通过冲洗泵250将预定体积的洗针液吸入冲洗泵250并且保留在冲洗泵250内。当使用空气进行冲洗时，通过冲洗泵250将预定体积的空气吸入冲洗泵250并且保留在冲洗泵250内。在冲洗泵250内包含洗针液或用于洗针的空气时，借助该冲洗泵250可以将洗针液或者空气泵送到馏分阀210，然后经由该馏分阀210的与收集针240(套件)相连的端口将洗针液或空气送入收集针240内，以进行清洗。
可以理解到，洗针液或者空气可以从馏分阀210的外部直接导入冲洗泵250内，然后经由冲洗泵250再导入馏分阀210内。但替代地，洗针液或者空气可以直接来源于馏分阀210(例如，经由馏分阀210的与冲洗泵250不相关的端口导入馏分阀210的洗针液或空气)。在此情况下，仍需要使用冲洗泵250的原因在于冲洗泵250可以用来起到计量洗针液或空气的作用，因为冲洗泵250可以精确吸入一定体积的洗针液或空气，以更好地控制洗针效果。
在图4中所示的实施例中，冲洗泵250可以并不与馏分阀210直接相连，而是经由一个切换阀280连接到馏分阀210的一个端口(图中示出为第三端口3)。该切换阀280具有三个端口，但也可以具有更多个端口。切换阀280的端口中的一个连接到馏分阀210的相应端口，切换阀280的端口中的另一个连接到冲洗泵250，切换阀280的端口中的再一个连接到洗针液容器或提供洗针液的管路。因此，该切换阀280可以用于选择性地与冲洗泵250或者洗针液容器或提供洗针液的管路连通。但可以理解到，除了切换阀外的其它能实现多路灵活连通的流体部件也可以在本发明的范围内。
在该实施例中，当需要用洗针液进行洗针时，先将切换阀280的第一端口p1与其第二端口p2相连通，以使冲洗泵250能将洗针液吸入其内并保留在其中。例如，冲洗泵250(例如，柱塞泵)可以精确地吸入一定体积的洗针液并保留在泵体中。然后，切换阀280可切换到使其第一端口p1与其第三端口p3相连通的位置，切换阀280的第三端口p3连接到馏分阀210的第三端口3，且此时馏分阀210的第三端口3与其第四端口4也连通，因而能将冲洗泵250内的洗针液推入收集针240内进行冲洗。
在该实施例中，当需要用空气进行洗针时，切换阀280的第一端口p1和第三端口p3相连通，而切换阀280的该第三端口p3与馏分阀210的第三端口3相连通。此时，馏分阀210的与外部空气源连通的一个端口(例如，图4中所示的馏分阀210的第二端口2)与馏分阀210的第三端口3相连通。例如，外部气体(例如，空气源)可以借助前述第二泵290来泵送到馏分阀210内。由此，冲洗泵250能通过馏分阀210的第二端口2、第三端口3吸入空气。冲洗泵250(例如，柱塞泵)可以精确吸入一定体积的空气并保留在泵体中。然后，馏分阀210切换成使其第三端口3仅与其第四端口4连通，因而能将冲洗泵250内保留的空气(具有预定的体积)再经由馏分阀210推入收集针240内进行冲洗。
在图5中所示的另一实施例中，冲洗泵250与馏分阀210的一个端口(例如，图5中所示的馏分阀210的第三端口3)直接相连。馏分阀210的另一端口(例如，图5中所示的馏分阀210的第二端口2)可以与一切换阀280相连。该切换阀280具有三个端口，但也可以具有更多个端口。切换阀280的端口中的一个连接到馏分阀210的相应端口(例如，前述第二端口)，切换阀280的端口中的另一个(例如，第一端口)连接到外部空气源，切换阀280的端口中的再一个连接到洗针液容器或提供洗针液的管路。因此，该切换阀280可以用于选择性地向馏分阀210提供洗针液或者空气。例如，外部气体(例如，空气源)可以借助前述第二泵290来泵送到馏分阀210内。
在该实施例中，当需要用洗针液进行洗针时，先将切换阀280的第三端口p3与其第二端口p2相连通，同时使馏分阀210的第三端口3(与冲洗 泵250连接的端口)与其第二端口(与切换阀280相连的端口)也连通。由此，冲洗泵250(例如，柱塞泵)可以精确地吸入一定体积的洗针液并保留在泵体中。然后，将馏分阀210的第三端口3切换成仅与其第四端口4连通，因而能将冲洗泵250内的洗针液推入收集针240内进行冲洗。
在该实施例中，当需要用空气进行洗针时，先将切换阀280的第三端口p3与其第一端口p1相连通，同时使馏分阀210的第三端口3(与冲洗泵250连接的端口)与其第二端口(与切换阀280相连的端口)也连通。由此，冲洗泵250(例如，柱塞泵)可以精确地吸入一定体积的空气并保留在泵体中。然后，将馏分阀210的第三端口3切换成仅与其第四端口4连通，因而能将冲洗泵250内的空气推入收集针240内进行冲洗。
至此，本发明提供一种馏分收集器，包括：馏分阀210，所述馏分阀210构造成多通阀；收集针240，所述收集针240构造成连接到所述多通阀中的第四端口；冲洗泵250，所述冲洗泵250构造成连接到所述多通阀的第三端口，借助所述冲洗泵250能将洗针液或者空气泵送到所述多通阀中，其中，所述馏分阀210包括洗针位置，在所述洗针位置，所述第三端口与所述第四端口流体连通，以使得所述洗针液或者空气经由所述多通阀泵送到所述收集针240，以对所述收集针240进行清洗。
优选的是，所述洗针液或者空气能借助所述冲洗泵250被定量地泵送到所述收集针240。
所述冲洗泵250可以直接连接到所述多通阀的所述第三端口，但也可以经由切换阀280连接到所述第三端口，以选择性地与所述多通阀连通。
所述切换阀280可以包括至少三个端口。所述洗针液和/或空气可以借助所述切换阀280选择性地吸入所述冲洗泵250。
所述多通阀还包括第二端口，所述第二端口能与所述第三端口选择性连通，所述洗针液或者所述空气经由所述第二端口流入所述多通阀，并且能经由所述第三端口流入所述冲洗泵250内。
所述切换阀280与所述多通阀中的所述第二端口连通，所述切换阀280能选择性接入所述洗针液或者所述空气。
可以理解到，由于使用冲洗泵250冲洗收集针(例如，其内壁和外壁)， 无需额外增加洗针泵部件，只需将针移至洗针位置(即，图4的实施例中所示的馏分阀210的第三端口3和第四端口4连通的位置)，利用冲洗泵250注入洗针液或气体(优选是空气)至洗针槽即可冲洗针内壁和外壁。由于使用了气体(优选是空气)或者洗针液对馏分收集针240内部进行冲刷，可以减少残留，提高回收率，且设计也很简单。
此外还可以看出，在本发明中，馏分收集器的工作十分灵活，用户可以按照不同的应用需求进行相应功能或模式(包括收集馏分、排出废液、回收馏分收集针240内部的残留馏分、清洗馏分收集针240、精确测定管路中的液流流量等)的选择。
尽管在各附图中参照了在液相色谱系统中确定液流流量的实例来描述了本发明的各种实施例，但应当理解到，本发明的范围内的实施例可应用至具有相似结构和/或功能的其它需要标定管路体积的应用场合上，例如用于其它生物学、化学、试验等领域的管路体积标定。
前面的描述已经给出了许多特征和优点，包括各种替代的实施方式，以及装置和方法的结构和功能的细节。本文的意图是示例性的，并不是穷尽性的或限制性的。
对于本领域的技术人员来说显然可对由所附权利要求所表达的术语的宽泛上位含义所指示的全部范围内做出各种改型，尤其是在结构、材料、元素、部件、形状、尺寸和部件的布置方面，包括这些方面在此处所描述的原理范围内的结合。在这些各种改型未偏离所附权利要求的精神和范围的程度内，意味着它们也包含于此。

Claims (11)

  1. 一种在液相色谱系统中确定液流流量的方法，所述液相色谱系统沿流路方向依次包括馏分阀(210)、第一传感器(220)和第二传感器(230)，所述馏分阀(210)包括进液口、排液口和进气口，其中，所述第一传感器(220)与所述第二传感器(230)之间的管路具有已知的传感器间管路体积，
    其特征在于，所述方法包括：
    步骤A：排空所述馏分阀(210)的排液口与所述第一传感器(220)之间的管路；
    步骤B：引导液流从所述馏分阀(210)的排液口流向所述第一传感器(220)和所述第二传感器(230)所在位置的管路；
    步骤C：基于所述第一传感器(220)检测到所述液流与气体之间交界的液气界面的第一时刻与所述第二传感器(230)检测到所述液气界面的第二时刻之间的时间差以及所述传感器间管路体积来确定所述液流的流量。
  2. 如权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，在所述步骤A中，所述馏分阀(210)处于其第一位置，在所述第一位置，所述馏分阀(210)的进气口与所述排液口流体连通，所述步骤A包括将气体从所述馏分阀(210)的所述进气口导入所述馏分阀(210)并且经由所述馏分阀(210)的排液口引导到所述第一传感器(220)和第二传感器(230)所在位置的管路。
  3. 如权利要求2所述的方法，其特征在于，在所述步骤B中，将所述馏分阀(210)从所述第一位置切换到第二位置，在所述第二位置，所述馏分阀(210)的进液口与所述排液口流体连通，所述步骤B包括使所述液流从所述进液口流入所述馏分阀(210)并且经由所述排液口流出。
  4. 如权利要求1-3中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述液相色谱系统还包括液相色谱仪(100)，所述液相色谱仪(100)沿流路方向布置在 所述馏分阀(210)之前，其中，步骤B包括引导来自所述液相色谱仪(100)的所述液流经由所述进液口流入所述馏分阀(210)。
  5. 如权利要求2或3所述的方法，其特征在于，所述步骤A包括借助与所述馏分阀(210)的所述进气口相连的第二泵(290)来向所述馏分阀(210)泵送气体。
  6. 如权利要求1-3中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，所述气体是空气。
  7. 如权利要求1-3中任一项所述的方法，其特征在于，在步骤A之前还包括电压阈值确定步骤：
    将所述第一传感器(220)在检测到所述液流时产生的电压值记为所述第一传感器(220)的高电压，并将所述第一传感器(220)在检测到气体时产生的电压值记为所述第一传感器(220)的低电压，基于所述第一传感器(220)的高电压和低电压来确定所述第一传感器(220)的电压阈值，其中，在所述步骤C中，将所述第一传感器(220)在其检测到所述液流时的电压值超过其电压阈值的时刻才记为第一时刻；并且/或者
    将所述第二传感器(230)在检测到所述液流时产生的电压值记为所述第二传感器(230)的高电压，并将所述第二传感器(230)在检测到气体时产生的电压值记为所述第二传感器(230)的低电压，基于所述第二传感器(230)的高电压和低电压来确定所述第二传感器(230)的电压阈值，其中，在所述步骤C中，将所述第二传感器(230)在其检测到所述液流时的电压值超过其电压阈值的时刻才记为第二时刻。
  8. 如权利要求7所述的方法，其特征在于，通过如下公式来计算出所述第一传感器(220)的电压阈值和/或所述第二传感器(230)的电压阈值：
    V 阈值＝(V 高电压–V 低电压)*60％+V 低电压。
  9. 一种馏分收集器，所述馏分收集器包括：
    馏分阀(210)，包括进液口、排液口和进气口；
    第一传感器(220)，所述第一传感器(220)沿流路方向布置在所述馏分阀(210)的所述排液口之后；
    第二传感器(230)，所述第二传感器(230)沿流路方向布置在所述第一传感器(220)之后，其中，所述第一传感器(220)与所述第二传感器(230)之间的管路具有已知的传感器管路间体积；
    控制器，所述控制器用于控制所述馏分阀(210)的位置，当所述馏分阀(210)处于第一位置时，所述进气口与所述排液口流体连通，以使气体能从所述馏分阀(210)的所述进气口导入所述馏分阀(210)并且经由所述馏分阀(210)的所述排液口引导到所述第一传感器(220)和第二传感器(230)所在位置的管路；当所述馏分阀(210)处于第二位置时，所述进液口与所述排液口流体连通，以使液流能从所述进液口流入所述馏分阀(210)并且经由所述排液口流向所述第一传感器(220)和第二传感器(230)所在位置的管路；并且所述控制器能基于所述第一传感器(220)检测到所述液流与气体之间交界的液气界面的第一时刻与所述第二传感器(230)检测到所述液气界面的第二时刻之间的时间差以及所述传感器间管路体积来确定所述液流的流量。
  10. 如权利要求9所述的馏分收集器，其特征在于，还包括第二泵(290)，所述第二泵设置成与所述馏分阀(210)的所述进气口相连，以能向所述馏分阀(210)泵入气体。
  11. 一种液相色谱系统，包括：
    如权利要求9-10中任一项所述的馏分收集器；以及
    液相色谱仪(100)，所述液相色谱仪(100)沿流路方向布置在所述馏分阀(210)之前。
PCT/CN2021/083669 2020-06-12 2021-03-29 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统 WO2021248985A1 (zh)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21821637.2A EP4160203A1 (en) 2020-06-12 2021-03-29 Method for determining liquid flow rate, fraction collector and liquid chromatography system
US18/009,946 US20230341358A1 (en) 2020-06-12 2021-03-29 Method for determining liquid flow rate, fraction collector and liquid chromatography system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202010533076.6 2020-06-12
CN202010533076.6A CN111505173B (zh) 2020-06-12 2020-06-12 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2021248985A1 true WO2021248985A1 (zh) 2021-12-16

Family

ID=71870540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CN2021/083669 WO2021248985A1 (zh) 2020-06-12 2021-03-29 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20230341358A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP4160203A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN111505173B (zh)
WO (1) WO2021248985A1 (zh)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116514198A (zh) * 2023-05-11 2023-08-01 杭州科华实验设备有限公司 用于环保安全型高效液相色谱流动相的废液分离系统

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111505173B (zh) * 2020-06-12 2020-12-08 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统
CN113848266A (zh) * 2021-09-22 2021-12-28 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司 流体系统、操作流体系统的方法及计算机程序产品
CN113848265A (zh) * 2021-09-22 2021-12-28 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司 流体系统及用于操作流体系统的方法
CN115583370A (zh) * 2022-09-19 2023-01-10 深圳赛桥生物创新技术有限公司 生物制剂定量分装装置及分装方法

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02150768A (ja) * 1988-11-30 1990-06-11 Fuji Chem Kk 液体クロマトグラフ分析装置
JP2014102164A (ja) * 2012-11-20 2014-06-05 Tosoh Corp 流量計を備えた液体クロマトグラフ装置および前記装置における流量補正方法
US20160069720A1 (en) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-10 Serge Njamfa Inline Flow Rate Meter With Auxiliary Fluid Injection And Detection
US20160131617A1 (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-05-12 Waters Technologies Corporation Liquid flow rate measurement device
CN109765334A (zh) * 2018-12-11 2019-05-17 西安交通大学 一种颗粒堆积床内气液两相流含气率测量装置及方法
CN111505173A (zh) * 2020-06-12 2020-08-07 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2931232B1 (fr) * 2008-05-16 2010-05-28 Rhodia Operations Procede et installation de determination d'une valeur de debit d'un fluide
CN103185808A (zh) * 2012-03-30 2013-07-03 嘉兴学院 一种基于光电技术的气泡测速系统
CN108027310B (zh) * 2015-07-14 2020-12-22 芯易诊有限公司 流体盒中的体积感测

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH02150768A (ja) * 1988-11-30 1990-06-11 Fuji Chem Kk 液体クロマトグラフ分析装置
JP2014102164A (ja) * 2012-11-20 2014-06-05 Tosoh Corp 流量計を備えた液体クロマトグラフ装置および前記装置における流量補正方法
US20160069720A1 (en) * 2014-09-10 2016-03-10 Serge Njamfa Inline Flow Rate Meter With Auxiliary Fluid Injection And Detection
US20160131617A1 (en) * 2014-11-06 2016-05-12 Waters Technologies Corporation Liquid flow rate measurement device
CN109765334A (zh) * 2018-12-11 2019-05-17 西安交通大学 一种颗粒堆积床内气液两相流含气率测量装置及方法
CN111505173A (zh) * 2020-06-12 2020-08-07 赛默飞世尔（上海）仪器有限公司 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN116514198A (zh) * 2023-05-11 2023-08-01 杭州科华实验设备有限公司 用于环保安全型高效液相色谱流动相的废液分离系统
CN116514198B (zh) * 2023-05-11 2023-10-24 杭州科华实验设备有限公司 用于环保安全型高效液相色谱流动相的废液分离系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP4160203A1 (en) 2023-04-05
CN111505173A (zh) 2020-08-07
CN111505173B (zh) 2020-12-08
US20230341358A1 (en) 2023-10-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2021248985A1 (zh) 确定液流流量的方法、馏分收集器及液相色谱系统
CN105891391B (zh) 一种自动进样装置
JP4985851B2 (ja) 分取液体クロマトグラフ装置
CN202153220U (zh) 一种非甲烷总烃测定气相色谱仪
JP5802353B2 (ja) リキッド・サンプリング・バルブ
CN104870993B (zh) 试料导入装置
US8343774B2 (en) Chromatography-based monitoring and control of multiple process streams
US10175209B2 (en) Liquid flow rate measurement device
CN103238066A (zh) 液体色谱仪、液体色谱仪用试样导入装置以及液体色谱仪用试样导入装置的清洗方法
WO2021248984A1 (zh) 确定管路体积的方法、液相色谱系统及管路体积确定装置
CN104730216B (zh) 一种分析计量装置及液体分析系统
WO2016098169A1 (ja) 液体クロマトグラフ
CN201034987Y (zh) 一种气相色谱仪气体分析两次进样装置
CN201133904Y (zh) 负压液相色谱仪
CN2443376Y (zh) 一种填充毛细管液相色谱－高温气相色谱在线联用接口
CN104764860B (zh) 一种分析计量装置及液体分析系统
CN103293253A (zh) 生物技术药物高效纯化分析系统及其药物分离检测方法
CN111033254A (zh) 样本检测装置、样本分析仪及样本检测方法
JP6130788B2 (ja) 生化学分析用の試料注入装置、フロー式生化学分析装置、及び、ヘモグロビン成分の計測方法
JP2000249694A (ja) 液体クロマトグラフ分取装置
CN201757748U (zh) 一种气油比检测装置
CN110286173A (zh) 一种血药浓度检测用液相色谱装置
CN102243217A (zh) 糖化血红蛋白分析仪反冲洗流路系统
CN217820203U (zh) 一种气体自动取样分析装置
CN209542535U (zh) 一种可以实现精确定量取样的voc监测装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 21821637

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2021821637

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20221229