Multipositional Selector Valve

Abstract

A valve adapted with a flow distributor enabling selection of one of a plurality of flow paths therethrough. The valve is adapted with means for attaching a plurality of chromatographic columns thereto such that flow can be directed into any of the columns, individually.

Description

This invention relates to a multipositional selector valve.

In one of its more specific aspects, this invention relates to a valve positionable in relation to a plurality of chromatographic analyzers for the purpose of directing a sample into a plurality of analyzing columns or into a plurality of retention or storage columns.

The use of chromatographic analysis as an analytical procedure is well known. Such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,972,246 to Reinecke et al. and 3,376,894 to Broerman describe the underlying principles of the procedures involved.

Frequently, in conducting such analyses, it is desirable to direct a plurality of portions of a sample into a plurality of analyzing columns or it may be desirable to direct a plurality of eluted portions of a sample being analyzed into a plurality of cumulating columns from which the portions can be subsequently recovered for further detailed analysis. The valve of the present invention provides a means for collecting such a plurality of samples.

According to the apparatus of this invention there is provided a valve comprising an inlet, a distributor, a conduit in open communication between said inlet and said distributor and a plurality of conduits in open communication between the distributor and a plurality of outlets opening from the valve.

The valve of the present invention is an improvement over multiport valves of the prior art because it embodies a first upper portion of comparatively small diameter to provide for the routing of the sample into any of a plurality of flow paths with a minimum opportunity of sample loss and it employs a second lower portion of a comparatively larger diameter to provide a sufficient area for the attachment of a plurality of columns to the plurality of conduits leading from the valve into the columns.

The apparatus of this invention will be more easily understood if explained in conjunction with the attached drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a view of the valve in elevation;

FIGS. 2 through 9 are views of several of the individual elements comprising the valve; and,

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating one flow pattern through the valve.

The apparatus of this invention will be described in terms of a preferred embodiment adapted for positioning in conjunction with a plurality of chromatographic columns, for example, six in number. Each element shown in the FIGURES will be described with reference to a vertical axis through a plan view of the element.

As shown in FIG. 1, the valve 1 is comprised of column plate 2, column gasket 3, mounting plate 4, stator gasket 5, stator 6, rotor 7 and rotor cap 8. These elements can be indexed relative to each other to form one or more flow paths through the valve. The valve also is adapted with rotor shaft 9, spring 10, spring plate 11, and microselector switches 12 and motor 13. The column plate, column gasket, mounting plate, stator gasket and stator are indexed in predetermined positions and maintained in fixed positions by means of suitable bolting. The rotor and rotor cap are positioned as a movable entity in relation to the aforementioned elements and held in leak-proof arrangement relative thereto by means of the spring and spring plate.

The sample takes the flow path shown schematically in FIG. 10.

The sample is introduced into an inlet in mounting plate and flows through the mounting plate into the column gasket which acts to channel the sample into the proper conduit.

The sample flows up through the mounting plate, stator and into a channel of the rotor. The rotor is positioned in a selected relationship to the stator so as to direct the sample through a preselected path down through the valve and from the column plate.

Affixed to the column plate and projecting downwardly is U-shaped column 100. The sample flows from the valve down one leg of the column, up the other leg of the column, and back up into the valve. The sample is directed into the rotor which preselects the outward path therefrom.

The sample then flows downwardly from the rotor, across the column gasket and up through the mounting plate and from the valve.

The apparatus will be described in detail with the elements being discussed in flow sequence. Each element is described in relation to a center line B'-B and point B' thereon with all positions being given therefrom in a clockwise direction. Unless otherwise stated, all holes in all members are to be considered as penetrating the depth of the member concerned.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a plan view of mounting plate 4. This plate can be fabricated of steel, can be about 6 inches in diameter and about five-eighths inch in thickness. It will be adapted with a plurality of bolts holes arranged as convenient.

On a circle 3 inches in diameter, as related to the center of the plate, at 45.degree. and 75.degree., respectively, from reference point B' there are positioned outlet hole 21 and inlet hole 20 penetrating the plate.

On a 1 3/8 inch diameter hole circle, there is positioned one hole 22a at a location 75.degree. clockwise from reference point B'.

On a 1 1/8 inch diameter hole circle, there are positioned six holes 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d, 23e, and 23f, these holes being positioned equally arcuately spaced and straddling the center line B.

On a 7/8 inch diameter hole circle, there are positioned six holes 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e and 24f, these being positioned equally arcuately spaced, two holes being intersected by center line B'-B.

On a 5/8 inch diameter hole circle, there is positioned one hole 25a at a location 45.degree. clockwise from reference point B'.

The mounting plate is also adapted with center hole 29 which can be 0.257 inch in diameter and penetrates the plate.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown column gasket 3. This gasket will be 6 inches in diameter and can be composed of one-eighth inch thick Teflon. This gasket will be penetrated by a center hole 39 which is five-sixteenths inch in diameter. It will be adapted with bolt holes in matching arrangement to those of the mounting plate. The after-described slots all are one thirty-second inch in width and penetrate the gasket.

Inlet slot 30 is positioned on a radius 75.degree. clockwise from reference point on a B'. It extends from a point 1 3/8 inch diameter circle centered on the gasket to a point on a 3 inch diameter circle centered on the gasket.

Outlet slot 31 is positioned on a radius 45.degree. clockwise from reference point B'. It extends from a point five-sixteenths inch from the center of the gasket to a point 1 1/2 inches from the center of the gasket.

The gasket will contain six slots 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e and 32f equally arcuately spaced and extending outwardly from loci 1 1/8 inches from the center of the gasket to loci on a 5 inch diameter circle centered on the gasket. Slot 32a will be positioned on a radii 30.degree. clockwise from reference point B'.

The gasket will contain six slots 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e and 33f equally arcuately spaced and extending outwardly from loci on a 7/8 inch diameter circle centered on the gasket to loci on a 5 inch diameter circle centered on the gasket. Slot 33a will be positioned on the center line B'-B.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown column plate 2. This plate can be formed of steel and will be 6 inches in diameter and five-eighths inch thick. It will be drilled and tapped for any suitable number of bolt holes by means of which the plate is adapted for holding the previously-described elements in matching relationship. It is also adapted with twelve holes, penetrating the plate, spaced equidistantly on a 5 inch diameter circle, one of these holes being positioned on plate center line B'-B. These holes are tapped in their lower portions to permit the attachment of threaded connections at the inlet to and the outlet from the column, a column thus assuming a U-shape when both of the column ends are fitted to the column plate.

The column plate is also adapted with center hole having a diameter of 0.257 inch and penetrated the plate to a depth of one-fourth inch at which point the hole is enlarged to 5/8 inch diameter.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown stator gasket 5 which can be made of one-eighth inch thick Teflon and which can be 1 5/8 inch in diameter. It is penetrated by a center hole 59 having a 5/16 inch diameter.

The stator gasket is penetrated by fourteen holes having a diameter of one thirty-second inch.

The stator is adapted with first hole 57a penetrating the stator and positioned 45.degree. clockwise from center line B'-B on a 5/8 inch diameter circle. The stator is adapted with a second hole 58a penetrating the stator and positioned 75.degree. clockwise from center line B'-B on a 1 3/8 inch diameter circle.

Six of these holes, 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, 51e and 51f, are positioned on a 1 1/8 diameter circle, the holes being equally arcuately spaced apart, and straddling center line B'-B.

A second series of six holes, 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52e and 52f, are positioned on a 7/8 inch diameter circle, being equidistantly spaced apart, hole 52a being positioned on center line B'-B.

The stator gasket is adapted with six slots one thirty-second inch in width, each penetrating the gasket. These slots, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 53e and 53f, each have a first terminus positioned on a 1 1/8 inch diameter circle and extend inwardly in a clockwise direction in a straight line such that the second terminus of each is positioned on a 7/8 inch diameter circle. Each slot extends from a first radius to a second radius positioned 30.degree. therefrom, the slots being so positioned on alternate 30.degree. segments of a circle, slot 53a having a first terminus positioned on center line B'-B on the 1 1/8 inch diameter circle and extending inwardly to the 7/8 inch diameter circle to a point 30.degree. in a clockwise direction from center line B'-B.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown stator 6. This element can be fabricated of steel and have a diameter of 1 5/8 inch O.D. and a thickness of one-half inch. It has a 5/16 inch diameter center hole.

The stator is adapted with first hole 61a penetrating the stator and positioned 45.degree. clockwise from center line B'-B on a 5/8inch diameter circle. The stator is adapted with a second hole 62a penetrating the stator and positioned 75.degree. clockwise from center line B'-B on a 1 3/8 inch diameter circle. The stator is adapted with a first series of twelve holes 63a, 63b, 63c, etc., each penetrating the plate, all positioned on a 7/8 inch diameter circle, equally arcuately spaced 30.degree. apart, hole 63a being positioned on the center line B'-B.

The stator is adapted with a second series of 12 holes 64a, 64b, 64c, etc., each penetrating the plate, all positioned on a 1 1/8 inch diameter circle, equally arcuately spaced 30.degree. apart, hole 64a being positioned on the center line B'-B.

Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown rotor 7, shown in a view of its underside. This element can be fabricated of steel and have a diameter of 1 5/8 inch and a thickness of one-fourth inch. It has a center hole 79a having a 3/8 inch diameter.

The motor is adapted with a first groove or channel 71a which lies on a 5/8 inch diameter circle. This groove is one thirty-second inch wide and one thirty-second inch deep and encircles the center hole. At a locus 240.degree. clockwise from reference point B', this groove extends outwardly from the center hole a distance of one-fourth inch.

The rotor is adapted with a second groove or channel 73a which lies on a 13/8 inch diameter circle. This groove is one thirty-second inch wide and one thirty-second inch deep and encircles the center hole. At a locus 270.degree. clockwise from reference point B', this groove extends inwardly towards the center hole a distance of one-fourth inch and terminates at terminus 74a.

The grooved surface of the rotor and the adjacent stator face will preferably be lapped to facilitate rotation of the rotor relative to the stator positioned therebeneath.

Referring now to FIG. 8 there is shown rotor cap 8 in a view of its underside. This element can be fabricated of steel and have a diameter of 1 5/8 inch and a thickness of one-fourth inch. The rotor cap has a center hole 89a having a 0.257 inch diameter with two seven sixty-fourths inch wide slots extending outwardly about one-fourth inch from the center of the circle and also has a circular section nineteen thirty-seconds inch in diameter extending one-sixteenth inch above its upper surface.

Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown rotor shaft 9. It will be a circular, stainless steel member having a length of about 4 3/4 inch and a diameter of one-fourth inch. It will be penetrated by a first 3/32 inch aperture 9a at five-eighths inch from its first end and a second aperture 9b 2 1/8 from its first end. Its second end 9c will be threaded for a distance of one-half inch from its end.

This rotor shaft extends down through the previously-described elements, extending through the column plate into a nut positioned therebeneath in aperture 49 of the column plate. A pin is positioned through aperture 9b of rotor shaft 9 to lock into slot 89a of the rotor cap and to effect rotation of the rotor cap operating as a movable entity relative to the elements therebeneath.

The spring and spring plate are positioned in bearing relation to the rotor cap and maintained in position by a pin positioned through aperture 9a.

The rotor shaft is coupled to a motor shaft affixed to a motor. The rotation of the motor is controlled by suitable microselector switches and cam arrangement which form no part of the invention.

Rotation is effected through the motor to turn the rotor shaft which turns the rotor cap and rotor to any preselected position such that material flowing upwardly through the valve can be caused to flow in a preselected path down through the valve and into a preselected column affixed to the column plate.

It will also be seen that not only can a plurality of samples be introduced into a plurality of columns but a plurality of samples can be stored in the stator-stator gasket section of the apparatus upon suitable indexing, these samples being recovered from various cuts separated in any of the plurality of chromatographic columns or being introduced into the selector valve and stored therein for subsequent usage.

Simultaneously therewith, there can be contained within the valve, between the rotor and the mounting plate, in any selected channel 68, as shown in FIG. 10, another sample which, after entrapment therein, can be introduced into any of the plurality of columns affixed to the base of the column plate.

It will be appreciated that the various parts described can be adapted with one or more apertures to facilitate assembly and subsequent indexing of the various parts in sequential flow arrangement, any flow arrangement being selectable upon integration of the movements of the various parts as effected by the turning of the motor shaft in relation to the cams and micro-selector switches.

For example, in one embodiment of the invention the valve described has been used as a 12 port-12 position rotary switching valve, the valve being constructed to switch any or none of six chromatographic columns into a system. Six of the valve positions are available to switch the column into the system with the six alternate valve positions being employable to bypass all columns. In this operation the valve can collect, store and introduce samples into the columns and can similarly collect, store and reintroduce component cuts from original samples.

It will be evident from the foregoing that various modifications can be made to the method of this invention. Such are considered, however, to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a. an inlet;

b. a movably-positionable distributor comprising a first circular grooved channel in a rotatable plate, said first circular grooved channel in direct contact with a channel from said inlet, said first circular grooved channel having a second channel extending therefrom whereby by rotation of said plate registry can be maintained with any one of a plurality of openings located at the same direction in the same direction away from this first circular grooved channel;

c. a first plurality of openings, each of said openings connected to a conduit leading from said distributor; and

d. a first plurality of conduits each connected to one of said openings.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said plurality of conduits are individually adapted for the insertion thereinto of a chromatographic column.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said distributor is positionable by motor means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which said motor means is controlled by selector switches.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said apparatus comprises a mounting plate and a column plate.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 in which said inlet is positioned in said mounting plate and said first plurality of conduits open from said column plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which a second plurality of conduits provide open communication through said mounting plate and opens from said mounting plate.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 comprising:

a. an outlet;

b. said movably-positionable distributor comprising a second circular grooved channel in said rotatable plate, said second circular grooved channel in direct contact with a channel to an outlet, said second circular grooved channel having a second channel extending therefrom whereby by rotation of said plate registry can be maintained with any one of a second plurality of openings located at the same distance in the same direction away from the second circular grooved channel; and

c. a second plurality of openings, each of said openings connected to one of said second plurality of conduits.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 in which chromatographic columns are positionable between said plurality of conduits opening from said valve and said second plurality of conduits opening from said mounting plate.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said apparatus is adapted with storage conduits.