Chromatography Solvent Supply With Tubing Arm For Positioning a Tubing End

Abstract

A solvent supply for a chromatography system includes a mobile phase drive and a separation unit. The mobile phase drive is configured for driving a mobile phase through the separation unit, and the separation unit is configured for chromatographically separating compounds of a sample fluid in the mobile phase. The solvent supply comprises a tubing having a tubing end configured to couple to a solvent container to supply solvent contained in the solvent container via the tubing to the chromatography system. The tubing is configured in a flexible manner to allow the tubing end to be movable. A tubing arm supports the tubing to allow positioning the tubing end into a first resting position, such that the tubing end is at least substantially held in position and distantly situated beyond a reference to prevent physical contact with the reference.

Claims

1. A solvent supply for a chromatographic separation system comprising a mobile phase drive and a separation unit, wherein the mobile phase drive is configured for driving a mobile phase through the separation unit, and the separation unit is configured for chromatographically separating compounds of a sample fluid in the mobile phase, the solvent supply comprising: a tubing having a tubing end configured to couple to a solvent container in order to supply solvent contained in the solvent container via the tubing to the chromatography system, wherein the tubing is configured in a flexible manner in order to allow the tubing end to be movable; and a tubing arm supporting the tubing in order to allow positioning the tubing end into a first resting position wherein the tubing end is at least substantially held in position and being distantly situated beyond a reference in order to prevent physical contact to the reference.

2. The solvent supply of claim 1, wherein the reference is at least one selected from the group consisting of: the solvent container; the tubing; a container base configured to support the solvent container when being positioned on the container base; and a waste sink configured to receive solvent dripping from the tubing end.

3. The solvent supply of claim 1, wherein the tubing arm is configured to at least substantially maintain a spatial position of the tubing end in the first resting position.

4. The solvent supply of claim 1, wherein in the first resting position, the tubing is distantly situated beyond the reference and prevented from physical contact thereto.

5. The solvent supply of claim 1, comprising at least one of: the tubing is spirally coiled; the tubing is flexible; the tubing end comprises a coupling head configured to removably couple to an opening of the solvent container in order to attach the coupling head to the opening of the solvent container; the tubing end comprises a tubing opening having an open end to be inserted into the solvent container in order to allow aspirating solvent contained in the solvent container into the tubing.

6. The solvent supply of claim 1, wherein: the tubing arm comprises an upright part extending upright and being configured to guide a first portion of the tubing; and wherein a second portion of the tubing comprising the tubing end is extending from and not being supported by the upright part, so that at least the second portion of the tubing is flexibly movable.

7. The solvent supply of claim 1, comprising an elastic member supporting and/or guiding at least a portion of the tubing in order to allow that portion of the tubing to be flexibly movable.

8. The solvent supply claim 7, wherein the elastic member is part of the tubing arm, and further comprising at least one of: the elastic member comprises at least one of: a spring element, a flexible outer tubing surrounding at least a portion of the tubing, a reinforcing element, a strip or a coil; the elastic member is attached to or surrounding at least a portion of the tubing; the elastic member is plastically deformable.

9. The solvent supply of claim 1, wherein the tubing arm is configured in a balanced manner allowing the tubing end to remain in a position within a range of arbitrary positions after the tubing and has been positioned into that position.

10. The solvent supply of claim 1, wherein the tubing arm is configured in an elastic manner allowing the tubing end to return into a given home position when being freely movable.

11. The solvent supply claim 10, comprising at least one of: a velocity of movement of the tubing arm for returning into the given home position is controlled and/or fixed to appropriate value; a path of movement of the tubing arm for returning into the given home position is predefined; the home position is situated beyond a waste sink in order to receive any dripping from the tubing end into the waste sink.

12. A chromatographic separation system for separating compounds of a sample fluid in a mobile phase, the chromatographic separation system comprising: the solvent supply of claim 1; a mobile phase drive configured to drive the mobile phase through the chromatographic separation system; and a separation unit configured for separating compounds of the sample fluid in the mobile phase.

13. The chromatographic separation system of claim 12, further comprising at least one of: a sample dispatcher configured to introduce the sample fluid into the mobile phase; a detector configured to detect separated compounds of the sample fluid; a collection unit configured to collect separated compounds of the sample fluid; a data processing unit configured to process data received from the chromatographic separation system; a degassing apparatus for degassing the mobile phase.

14. The chromatographic separation system of claim 12, wherein the chromatographic separation system is a liquid chromatography system, the sample fluid is a sample liquid, the mobile phase comprises one or more liquid solvents, and the separation unit is a chromatographic column configured for separating liquid compounds of the sample liquid in the mobile phase.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] 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 in connection with the accompanied drawings. Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to by the same reference signs.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a liquid chromatography system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a solvent supply 200 according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the tubing arm 280 which is embodied by a movable spring-loaded lever construction.

[0040] FIGS. 4-6 show alternative embodiments of the tubing arm 280.

[0041] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a general schematic of a liquid separation system 10. A mobile phase drive 20 (such as a pump) receives a mobile phase from a solvent supply 25, typically via a degasser 27, which degases the mobile phase and thus reduces the amount of dissolved gases in it. The mobile phase drive 20 drives the mobile phase through a separating device 30 (such as a chromatographic column). A sample injector 40 (also referred to as sample introduction apparatus, sample dispatcher, etc.) is provided between the mobile phase drive 20 and the separating device 30 in order to subject or add (often referred to as sample introduction) portions of one or more sample fluids into the flow of a mobile phase. The separating device 30 is adapted for separating compounds of the sample fluid, e.g. a liquid. A detector 50 is provided for detecting separated compounds of the sample fluid. A fractionating unit 60 can be provided for outputting separated compounds of sample fluid. In one embodiment, at least parts of the sample injector 40 and the fractionating unit 60 can be combined, e.g. in the sense that some common hardware is used as applied by both of the sample injector 40 and the fractionating unit 60.

[0042] The separating device 30 may comprise a stationary phase configured for separating compounds of the sample fluid. Alternatively, the separating device 30 may be based on a different separation principle (e.g. field flow fractionation).

[0043] While the mobile phase can be comprised of one solvent only, it may also be mixed of plurality of solvents. Such mixing might be a low pressure mixing and provided upstream of the mobile phase drive 20, so that the mobile phase drive 20 already receives and pumps the mixed solvents as the mobile phase. Alternatively, the mobile phase drive 20 might be comprised of plural individual pumping units, with plural of the pumping units each receiving and pumping a different solvent or mixture, so that the mixing of the mobile phase (as received by the separating device 30) occurs at high pressure and downstream of the mobile phase drive 20 (or as part thereof). The composition (mixture) of the mobile phase may be kept constant over time, the so-called isocratic mode, or varied over time, the so-called gradient mode.

[0044] A data processing unit 70, which can be a conventional PC or workstation, might be coupled (as indicated by the dotted arrows) to one or more of the devices in the liquid separation system 10 in order to receive information and/or control operation.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a solvent supply 200 according to the present invention. The solvent supply 200 comprises a solvent cabinet 210 into which one or more solvent bottles 220 can be placed (with a single solvent bottle 220 exemplary represented in FIG. 2). In the shown embodiment, the solvent cabinet 210 has a base plate 230, onto which the one or more solvent bottles 220 can be placed, and a lateral bordering 240 to maintain the solvent bottles 220 within the solvent cabinet 210. It is clear that the lateral bordering 240 needs not be provided on all lateral sides to the base plate 230, for example if one or more sides to the base plate 230 are otherwise secured against an unwanted falling down of solvent bottles 220. It is also clear that in addition to or instead of the lateral bordering 240, other measures for securing one or more of the solvent bottles 220 within the solvent cabinet 210 may be provided, such as individual bottle holders for individually securing and holding in place a respective solvent bottle 220, as readily known in the art.

[0046] In order to supply solvent contained in the solvent bottle 220 to the liquid separation system 10, e.g. towards the mobile phase drive 20, a tubing 250 is provided. The tubing 250 has a tubing end 260 configured to couple to a respective solvent bottle 220. In the shown embodiment, the tubing end 260 has a filter element 265 which can be inserted into the solvent bottle 220, thus allowing to aspirate solvent contained from within the solvent bottle 220, as readily known in the art. It is clear that the tubing end 260, e.g. the filter element 265, may be positioned within the solvent bottle 220 as close as possible to a bottom of the solvent bottle 220 in order to allow removal of as much as possible solvent.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the solvent supply 200 shall comprise two tubings 250 and 250′ allowing to couple two different solvent bottles 220 (with only one solvent bottle 220 being shown in FIG. 2). The two tubings 250 and 250′ can be embodied substantially identical but may also be provided with different features, e.g. different types of caps 270 allowing to couple to different types of solvent bottles 220. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the tubing arm 280 holds the two tubings 250 and 250′ slightly distanced but in parallel neighbouring each other. It is clear that a respective tubing arm 280 may be provided to support each respective tubing 250 and/or that more than two tubings 250 may be provided dependent on the respective application. Further, it is clear that only a single tubing 250 (together with a single tubing arm 280) or more than two tubings 250 (with respective and/or common tubing arms 280) may be applied accordingly dependent on the respective requirements and application.

[0048] The tubing 250 may further comprise a cap 270 which can be affixed to the solvent bottle 220, e.g. in order to close the solvent bottle 220 and/or to avoid evaporation of solvent from the solvent bottle 220. Such cap 270 may be screwed on or otherwise suffixed to an opening of the solvent bottle 220, typically at the solvent head.

[0049] A tubing arm 280 is further provided and supporting at least a portion of the tubing 250, in the embodiment of FIG. 2 a portion 250A. A remaining portion 250B of the tubing 250 extending beyond the portion 250A is substantially freely movable. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, portion 250B of the tubing 250 is further surrounded by a spiral coil 285 to flexibly support the tubing 250.

[0050] As apparent from FIG. 2, the tubing arm 280 is extending upwardly (e.g. with respect to the solvent cabinet 210), and also the spiral coil 285 is providing a flexible but sufficient mechanical support, so that the tubing 250 and in particular the tubing end 260 will be securely held beyond the solvent cabinet 210 if the tubing 250 is not coupled to a respective solvent container 220 and “left alone”, e.g. into a resting position 290′ as indicated for the second tubing 250′. In the embodiment shown, the tubing end 260′ of the second tubing 250′ is held in position in the resting position 290′ distantly situated beyond a waste sink 295, so that any liquid spilling off from the tubing end 260′ will drip down into the waste sink 295.

[0051] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, when the tubing 250 will be displaced from coupling to the solvent bottle 220, e.g. by unscrewing cap 270, the tubing arm 280 together with the spiral coil 285 will provide a “return force” to return the tubing end 260′ into the resting position 290′ situated beyond the waste sink 295. In other words, the tubing 250 together with the tubing arm 280 is configured to force the tubing 250 (or respective tubing 250′) and in particular the tubing end 260 (or respective tubing end 260′) into the resting position 290 (or respective resting position 290′) unless the tubing 250/250′ is not (e.g. manually or driven by motor) forced into another position (e.g. to couple to a respective solvent bottle 220). The resting position 290/290′ represents a “safe position” wherein in particular the tubing end 260/260′ is securely distanced from touching any other component, such as the base plate 230, so that contamination as resulting from such contact/touching with other components can be avoided when being in the resting position 290/290′. Also, e.g. by situating the resting position 290/290′ beyond the waste sink 295, it can be assured that any droplets dripping from the respective tubing 250/250′ can be securely removed and may not contaminate other components. This may increase safety and usability and may prevent contamination of the solvents as well as the surrounding area.

[0052] It is clear that the tubing arm 280 can be configured to assume any other resting position 290/290′ than as exemplary illustrated in FIG. 2, as long as contamination resulting from physical contact e.g. by the tubing end 260 with any other component is avoided. Also, the tubing arm 280 may be configured to allow a plurality of such resting positions 290, each being distantly situated beyond a respective reference (e.g. the solvent cabinet 210, the tubing 250 itself, or any other part of the HPLC system 10 or its environment) in order to prevent physical contact to such reference.

[0053] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the tubing arm 280 which is embodied by a movable spring-loaded lever construction. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the tubing arm 280 can be affixed via a plate 300 e.g. to the base plate 230 of the solvent cabinet 210 or wherever appropriate. One or more hinges 310 (three hinges 310A, 310B, 310C in the embodiment of FIG. 3) together with one or more arms 320 (two double arms 320A and 320B in the embodiment of FIG. 3) provide a flexibly movable support allowing to position the tubing 250. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the tubing arm 280 coupled to and holds the tubing 250 by a grapping element 330 which again may be rotatably coupled to hinge 310C. The various directions of movement of the tubing arm 280 are indicated by respective arrows. Spring elements 340 may be applied coupling between respective arms 320 and hinges 310 in order to support mobility of the tubing arm 280.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the tubing arm 280. The tubing arm 280 is configured as a tubing surrounding and holding the portion 250A to extend in an upwards direction. The tubing arm 280 may be affixed to a side component, e.g. the lateral boarding 240, as indicated by holding element 400. Similar to the spiral coil 285 in FIG. 2, at least a portion of the tubing 250 is surrounded by a spiral coil 410 providing flexible mechanical support to the tubing 250. The tubing end 260 is provided with a lever supported closing mechanism to support a fast coupling to a respective solvent container 220 (not shown in FIG. 4).

[0055] FIG. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of the tubing arm 280. A pivotable arm 500 is grapping and holding the tubing 250. The pivotable arm 500 is coupled to an extension arm 510 via a hinge 520. The extension arm 510 can be moved in Z-direction (i.e. in a direction upwards with respect e.g. the base plate 230) by means of spring-loaded mechanism 530 allowing to move the extension arm 510 along a rod 540.

[0056] FIG. 6 shows another alternative embodiment of the tubing arm 280 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5. The tubing arm 280 couples to and holds the tubing 250 by an arm 600 configured to extend and being movable substantially perpendicular to the rod 540.

[0057] The different directions of movement are indicated by respective arrows in the FIGS. 2-6.

[0058] In the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the tubing arm 280 allows assuming a plurality and virtually arbitrarily many resting positions for the tubing 250 and/or tubing end 260, in contrast to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 4 where the resting position 290 is substantially defined by the return forces provided e.g. by spring coils 285 and 410. This allows a user of the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 5, 6 to deliberately position the tubing 250 and/or the tubing end 260 to wherever appropriate but distantly apart from and avoiding physical contact to other components thus avoiding or at least reducing potential contamination.

[0059] Further, the embodiments of FIGS. 3, 5, 6 allow providing the tubing arm 280 in a balanced manner, so that the tubing end 260 will remain in each arbitrary position (of course within a certain range of positions defined by the mechanical construction). In other words, in such balanced configuration the tubing arm 280 will maintain the tubing end 260 to remain in an (e.g. user-) selected spatial position without applying a force to deviate from such selected spatial position.