A needle-type online filtering device and method

Abstract

The application provides a needle type online filtering device and method, which comprises a filter core placing block, an upper end of which is provided with a first slot and a second slot arranged in a horizontal direction; a sample rack arranged on a horizontal side of the filter core placing block, which can place at least one row of test tubes arranged in a horizontal direction with openings upward; a vertical mechanical arm provided with a lifting seat arranged above and capable of lifting and a guide seat arranged below and fixed in position, the lifting seat being used for fixing an upper end of a sample needle, and the guide seat being capable of allowing a lower end of the sample needle to pass through; a filter core stacked in the first slot of the filter core placing block and capable of being tightly connected with the sample needle; and a horizontal longitudinal mechanical arm capable of driving the filter core placing block and the sample rack to move in a horizontal longitudinal direction. Thus, the sample needle can be used to pierce the filter core in the first slot of the filter core placing block, the sample can be filtered in the test tubes of the sample rack, and the filter cores can be arranged in the second slot of the filter core placing block.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument for pretreatment equipment, specifically to the automated extraction process of a fully automated solid-phase extraction instrument in the fields of food and water quality testing. It is used to meet the online filtration function of samples in the fields of food and water quality testing, and to achieve truly fully automated extraction. Background Technology

[0002] Fully automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) is a commonly used sample purification and pretreatment technique with a number of advantages:

[0003] A. Improved analytical efficiency: The fully automated solid phase extraction instrument can achieve high-throughput sample processing. Compared with manual operation, it can perform sample pretreatment in a fully automated manner.

[0004] B. Improve analytical quality: Through enrichment and purification, interfering substances can be effectively removed, improving the detection limit and accuracy of the target analyte. At the same time, it can also reduce the interference of the sample matrix and improve the reliability of the analytical results.

[0005] C. Diverse applications: Applicable to different types of samples, including water, soil, food, biological fluids, etc., with strong applicability.

[0006] D. Reduce human error: The fully automated operation process reduces interference and errors caused by human operation, and the repeatability and reproducibility of experiments are improved by precisely controlling the operating parameters.

[0007] E. Resource conservation: By optimizing the processing flow and precise control, the amount of reagents and solvents used is saved, reducing experimental costs and environmental pollution.

[0008] In the application of solid phase extraction in food and water sample testing, when processing samples containing impurities (in the field of water quality testing, samples are mainly divided into groundwater, surface water, and drinking water, among which surface water contains impurities such as silt, algae, and branches and leaves), impurities can cause blockage of the instrument or extraction column during sample loading, resulting in sample extraction failure. To avoid blockage, the sample needs to be filtered manually in advance, which affects experimental efficiency and also causes sample loss. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a needle-type online filtration device and method to effectively protect the valve body and pump body and prevent the extraction column from clogging. It can also filter online, realize the full automation of the solid phase extraction process, and effectively improve the efficiency of the experiment.

[0010] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0011] A needle-type online filtration device, characterized in that it comprises:

[0012] The filter element placement block has a row of first slots arranged horizontally at the top and a row of second slots arranged horizontally at the top, or a single second slot integrated horizontally. The first slots can hold stacked filter elements, and the second slots can collect discarded filter elements.

[0013] The sample rack is arranged on the horizontal side of the filter element placement block, allowing at least one row of test tubes arranged horizontally with their openings facing upwards to be placed.

[0014] The vertical robotic arm is equipped with a lifting seat that can be raised and lowered at the top and a guide seat that is fixed at the bottom. The lifting seat is used to fix the upper end of the sample feeding needle, and the guide seat allows the lower end of the sample feeding needle to pass through.

[0015] The filter elements are stacked in the first slot of the filter element placement block, with the inner hole of each filter element facing upwards, so that they can be tightly connected with the sample loading needle.

[0016] The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm can drive the filter placement block and the sample holder to move horizontally longitudinally, thereby allowing the sample needle to selectively align with the first slot, the second slot, or the test tube on the sample holder.

[0017] In the needle-type online filtration device, the horizontal longitudinal robotic arm is provided with a tray, on which the filter element placement block and the sample rack are arranged, so that the filter element placement block and the sample rack are moved synchronously.

[0018] The needle-type online filtration device, wherein the filter element has a cylindrical body, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the first slot and smaller than the second slot.

[0019] The needle-type online filtration device wherein the end face of the inner hole of the filter element is provided with a chamfer structure, and / or the sample loading needle head has a conical structure or a beveled structure.

[0020] The needle-type online filtration device has an observation window arranged vertically on the side of the first slot, and the surface of the observation window has a scribed structure.

[0021] In the needle-type online filtration device, the end face of the single second slot, which is integrated horizontally, is oblong and has a chamfered structure.

[0022] The needle-type online filtration device does not have a sample rack, and the filter element placement block has at least three rows of slots, one row for placing unused filter elements, another row for placing discarded filter elements, and the remaining row for placing the test tubes.

[0023] The needle-type online filtration device, wherein the filter element placement block is made of PP, PEEK, POM or aluminum alloy materials.

[0024] The needle-type online filtration device, wherein the filter element is made of PP or PE material.

[0025] A needle-type online filtration method, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0026] Before running the solid phase extraction instrument, place the filter cartridge with the inner hole facing upwards into the first slot of the filter cartridge placement block;

[0027] After the solid phase extraction instrument is started, the horizontal longitudinal robotic arm operates to align the position of the first slot of the filter element placement block with the position of the sample loading needle; the vertical robotic arm is moved to control the sample loading needle to move downward to pick up the filter element; the vertical robotic arm is moved upward to move the sample loading needle with the filter element upward, so that the horizontal longitudinal movement of the filter element will not interfere.

[0028] The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm moves to align the test tubes on the sample holder with the sample loading needle; the vertical robotic arm inserts the sample loading needle with the filter element into the test tube for filtration and sample loading; after loading, the vertical robotic arm moves upward, and the sample loading needle moves upward with the filter element, so that the horizontal longitudinal movement of the filter element will not interfere.

[0029] The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm operates, aligning the second slot of the filter element placement block with the sample loading needle. The vertical robotic arm moves upward, causing the filter element to be blocked by the guide seat of the vertical robotic arm. The filter element separates from the sample loading needle and falls into the second slot of the filter element placement block, thus realizing the function of discarding the filter element.

[0030] The advantages of this invention are that it can effectively filter food or water samples without affecting the flow rate, and can fully automate the solid-phase extraction process. Compared with other product sample loading methods, this invention has advantages such as high experimental efficiency, less clogging of pipelines and precision components such as solenoid valves, simpler and more compact overall structure, simpler manufacturing process, better structural stability, and easier operation. It is also conducive to modular design and has good expandability and practicality. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the filter element.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a front view of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5This is a cross-sectional view of the sample loading needle.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the filter cartridge placement block.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the centrifuge tube with a cone-shaped head for loading the sample.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Filter cartridge placement block; 2-Filter cartridge; 3-Sample loading needle; 4-Vertical robotic arm; 5-Horizontal longitudinal robotic arm; 6-Sample loading rack; 7-Test tube; 8-Tip centrifuge tube. Detailed Implementation

[0039] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides a needle-type online filtration device, comprising:

[0040] The filter element placement block 1 has a row of first slots 101 arranged horizontally at its upper end, and a single second slot 102 integrated horizontally at its upper end (or a row of second slots 102 arranged horizontally can be used instead). The first slot 101 is a cylindrical inner hole, which can be used to place stacked filter elements 2, and the diameter of the cylindrical inner hole is larger than the outer diameter of the filter element. A vertically arranged observation window 104 is provided on the side of the first slot 101, and a scribing structure 105 is provided on the surface of the observation window 104 for accurately observing the position and remaining amount of filter element 2 in each first slot 101. The end face of the second slot 102 is oblong and has a chamfered structure 103. This structure can better increase the receiving range when collecting waste filter elements 2 and prevent filter elements 2 from being discharged outside.

[0041] Filter element 2 is stacked in the first slot 101 of filter element placement block 1; each filter element 2 has a cylindrical body 201, the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 201 is smaller than the first slot 101 and smaller than the second slot 102, the filter element 2 is provided with an inner hole structure 202, which can be tightly connected with the sample needle 3 to ensure that the sample needle 3 can lift the filter element 2 upward when it is pierced; the end face of the inner hole 202 of the filter element 2 is provided with a chamfer structure 203, which can play a good guiding role when it is pierced and installed with the conical structure 301 of the head of the sample needle 3, so as to avoid the sample needle 3 from being pierced off-center.

[0042] The sample rack 6 is arranged on the horizontal side of the filter element placement block 1, which can accommodate at least one row of test tubes 7 arranged horizontally with their openings facing upwards.

[0043] A vertical robotic arm 4, fixed to a base plate, can drive a row of horizontally arranged sample needles 3 to move vertically. Specifically, the vertical robotic arm 4 has a lifting seat 401 located above and a guide seat 402 fixed below. The lifting seat 401 is used to fix the upper end of the sample needle 3, and the guide seat 402 allows the lower end of the sample needle 3 to pass through. The lifting seat 401 can move vertically under the drive of a motor at the top, thereby driving the sample needle 3 to perform vertical lifting and lowering movements. In addition to controlling the verticality of the sample needle 3, the guide seat 402 can also block the filter element 2 downwards. When the sample needle 3 rises, the filter element 2 is blocked at the lower end of the guide seat 402, so that the filter element 2 is separated from the sample needle 3.

[0044] A horizontal longitudinal robotic arm 5, mounted on a base plate, is capable of driving the filter element placement block 1 and the sample holder 6 to move horizontally and longitudinally, thereby allowing the sample needle 3 to selectively align with the first slot 101, the second slot 102, or the test tube 7 on the sample holder 6; more specifically, the horizontal longitudinal robotic arm 5 is provided with a tray 501, on which the filter element placement block 1 and the sample holder 6 are arranged, so that the filter element placement block 1 and the sample holder 6 move synchronously.

[0045] Using the above structure, the sample needle 3 can pierce the filter element 2 at the first slot 101 position of the filter element placement block 1, filter and sample in the test tube 7 of the sample holder 6, and discharge the filter element at the second slot 102 position of the filter element placement block 1.

[0046] That is, the present invention provides a needle-type online filtration method:

[0047] Before running the solid phase extraction instrument, place the filter element 2 with its inner hole facing upward into the first slot 101 of the filter element placement block 1, filling all the channels;

[0048] After the solid phase extraction instrument is started, the horizontal longitudinal robotic arm 5 operates to align the position of the first slot 101 of the filter element placement block 1 with the position of the sample loading needle 3; the vertical robotic arm 4 is moved to control the sample loading needle 3 to move downward to pick up the filter element 2; the vertical robotic arm 4 is moved upward to move the sample loading needle 3 with the filter element 2 upward, so that the horizontal longitudinal movement of the filter element 2 will not interfere.

[0049] The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm 5 operates to align the test tube 7 of the sample holder 6 with the sample needle 3; the vertical robotic arm 4 moves to insert the sample needle 3 with the filter element 2 into the test tube 7 for filtration and sample loading; after loading, the vertical robotic arm 4 moves upward, and the sample needle 3 moves upward with the filter element 2, so that the horizontal longitudinal movement of the filter element 2 will not interfere.

[0050] The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm 5 operates, aligning the second slot 102 of the filter element placement block 1 with the sample needle 3. The vertical robotic arm 4 moves upward, causing the filter element 2 to be blocked by the guide seat 402 of the vertical robotic arm 4. The filter element 2 separates from the sample needle 3 and falls into the second slot 102 of the filter element placement block 1, thus realizing the function of discarding the filter element.

[0051] Repeat the previous steps until all samples in all test tubes 7 of the sample rack 6 have been filtered and loaded; after completing the entire experimental procedure, remove the filter element placement block 1 and take out the discarded filter element 2.

[0052] In the above embodiments, the filter element placement block 1 can actually adopt a three-row slot structure in addition to a two-row slot structure. One row is used to place test tubes 7, another row is used to place filter elements 2, and the third row is used to place discarded filter elements 2. In this case, the sample rack 6 is no longer required.

[0053] The filter element placement block 1 is preferably made of PP material, which has good corrosion resistance and low material cost. It can also be made of PEEK, POM, aluminum alloy and other materials.

[0054] The filter element 2 preferably adopts a perforated cylindrical structure, but it can also adopt a head-conical structure. This is used when loading the sample into the centrifuge tube 8 (replacing the ordinary test tube 7) (e.g.) Figure 7 This also ensures complete sample loading and avoids sample waste.

[0055] The inner hole of the filter element 2 is preferably a cylindrical hole structure, but a polygonal hole structure can also be used.

[0056] The head of the sample loading needle 3 can be either conical or beveled, which can also provide a good guiding function.

[0057] The sample needle 3 is preferably made of 316L material, but it can also be made of stainless steel with Teflon coating.

[0058] The filter element 2 is preferably made of PP material or PE material.

Claims

1. A needle-type online filter device, characterized by, include: The filter element placement block has a row of first slots arranged horizontally at the top and a row of second slots arranged horizontally at the top, or a single second slot integrated horizontally. The first slots can hold stacked filter elements, and the second slots can collect discarded filter elements. The sample rack is arranged on the horizontal side of the filter element placement block, allowing at least one row of test tubes arranged horizontally with their openings facing upwards to be placed. The vertical robotic arm is equipped with a lifting seat that can be raised and lowered at the top and a guide seat that is fixed at the bottom. The lifting seat is used to fix the upper end of the sample feeding needle, and the guide seat allows the lower end of the sample feeding needle to pass through. The filter elements are stacked in the first slot of the filter element placement block, with the inner hole of each filter element facing upwards, so that it can be tightly connected with the sample loading needle. The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm can drive the filter placement block and the sample holder to move horizontally longitudinally, thereby allowing the sample needle to selectively align with the first slot, the second slot, or the test tube on the sample holder.

2. The needle-type online filter device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm is equipped with a tray, on which the filter element placement block and the sample rack are arranged, so that the filter element placement block and the sample rack are moved synchronously.

3. The needle-type online filter device according to claim 1, wherein The filter element has a cylindrical body, the outer diameter of which is smaller than the first slot and smaller than the second slot.

4. The needle-type online filter device according to claim 1, wherein The end face of the inner hole of the filter element is provided with a chamfered structure, and / or the sample feeding needle head has a conical structure or a beveled structure.

5. The needle-type online filter device according to claim 1, wherein The first slot has a vertically arranged observation window on its side, and the surface of the observation window has a scribed line structure.

6. The needle-type online filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end face of the single second slot, which is integrated horizontally, is oblong and has a chamfered structure.

7. The needle-type online filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, No sample rack is provided, and the filter element placement block has at least three rows of slots, one row for unused filter elements, another row for discarded filter elements, and the remaining row for test tubes.

8. The needle-type online filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element placement block is made of PP, PEEK, POM or aluminum alloy materials.

9. The needle-type online filtration device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter element is made of PP or PE material.

10. A needle-type online filtration method, employing the needle-type online filtration device as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Before running the solid phase extraction instrument, place the filter cartridge with the inner hole facing upwards into the first slot of the filter cartridge placement block; After the solid phase extraction instrument is started, the horizontal and vertical robotic arms move to align the position of the first slot of the filter element placement block with the position of the sample loading needle. Move the vertical robotic arm to control the downward movement of the sampling needle to pick up the filter element; The vertical robotic arm moves upward, and the sample needle moves upward with the filter element, so that the horizontal and longitudinal movement of the filter element will not interfere. The horizontal robotic arm moves to align the test tubes on the sample holder with the sample loading needle; the vertical robotic arm inserts the sample loading needle with the filter element into the test tube for filtration and sample loading. After the sample is loaded, the vertical robotic arm moves upward, and the loading needle moves upward with the filter element, so that the horizontal and longitudinal movement of the filter element will not interfere. The horizontal longitudinal robotic arm operates, aligning the second slot of the filter element placement block with the sample loading needle. The vertical robotic arm moves upward, causing the filter element to be blocked by the guide seat of the vertical robotic arm. The filter element separates from the sample loading needle and falls into the second slot of the filter element placement block, thus realizing the function of discarding the filter element.

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