Patent ID: 9683975
Date: 2017-06-20
CPC Classifications: B01D,G01N

Claim:
1. A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system, comprising: a first dimension analysis system including a first separation column for chromatographically separating a liquid mobile phase into a first dimension outflow having a first dimension outflow rate; a flow splitter for separating said first dimension outflow into a first split outlet flow and a second split outlet flow having a first pressure; a second dimension analysis system including a second separation column for chromatographically separating said second split outlet flow into a second dimension outflow, and an injection valve for directing samples from said second split outlet flow into said second separation column, said injection valve having an inlet port for receiving said second split outlet flow, an outlet port, and first and second discrete sample loops comprising flow channels alternately positionable into fluid communication with said second split outlet flow or said second separation column; and a flow metering device for receiving said second split outlet flow from said outlet port of said injection valve along an outlet flow path, said flow metering device comprising a valve for selectively closing or opening said outlet flow path in response to a control signal from a metering controller that is programmed to permit said second split outlet flow from said flow splitter at a predetermined second split outlet flow rate, as determined by a volume of said second split outlet flow permitted through said flow metering device along said outlet flow path within a designated period of time, said valve having: (i) a stator having a stator face, a first inlet stator passage extending along said outlet flow path through said stator and opening to said stator face through a first stator port, a first discharge passage extending along said outlet flow path through said stator and opening to said stator face through a second stator port that is spaced from said first stator port, and a second discharge passage extending along a discharge path through said stator and opening to said stator face through a third stator port; and (ii) a rotor having a rotor face in fluid-tight contact with said stator face at an interface, said rotor face including a shuttle configured to receive a liquid aliquot in fluid communication with said interface, wherein said rotor is rotatable with respect to said stator about an axis of rotation to sequentially move said shuttle into a plurality of circumaxially spaced stations, a first station aligning said shuttle in fluid communication with said outlet flow path at said first stator port, and a second station aligning said shuttle in fluid communication with said outlet flow path at said second stator port wherein said second and third stator ports are in fluid communication with each other at least when said shuttle is positioned at said second station.