Techniques for checking the status of the analyzer

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an automated method for detecting and / or monitoring the state of an analyzer degasser, the degasser comprising a container configured to be evacuated. The method comprises obtaining a time series of values ​​indicative of a pressure inside the container. The time series covers a period of time when the container is evacuated or pressurized. The method further comprises determining a liquid level state of the degasser based on the time series, the liquid level state depending on the amount of liquid present in the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to automated methods for detecting and / or monitoring analyzer status. Background Art

[0002] Automated analyzers (e.g., in vitro analyzers) are widely used in today's laboratory and hospital environments. These devices tend to become increasingly complex due to added functionality, increased throughput, and the requirement to perform analytical tasks in an automated manner. As a result, errors and failures may occur in multiple components, which may result in reduced productivity of the analyzer or reduced reliability of measurement results. In some examples, it may take hours or even days for external service personnel to find and repair the error, during which time the analyzer or a portion of it cannot be used. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an automated method for detecting and / or monitoring the state of an analyzer degasser, the degasser comprising a container configured to be evacuated. The method comprises obtaining a time series indicating pressure values ​​inside the container. The time series covers a period during which the container is evacuated or pressurized. The method further comprises determining a liquid level state of the degasser based on the time series, depending on the amount of liquid present in the container.

[0004] On the other hand, the present invention relates to a computer system configured to execute the technical steps of the first aspect.

[0005] The technologies of the first and second aspects may have advantageous technical effects.

[0006] First, in some examples, the detection and / or monitoring techniques may be seamlessly integrated into existing analyzer workflows. For example, the detection and / or monitoring techniques may be performed as part of an analyzer initialization workflow. In some examples, the detection and / or monitoring techniques may use monitoring data (e.g., vacuum pressure of a pump arranged to evacuate a degasser vessel) that is already commonly available in the analyzer (e.g., for monitoring a pump). In these cases, additional hardware may not be required to perform the detection and / or monitoring techniques of the present disclosure.

[0007] Secondly, the technology can be used to automatically monitor the aging of the degasser. This can be used to predict the point in time when a degasser failure will occur and potentially trigger and schedule preventive maintenance measures. For example, a long enough time span can be considered to allow an external service person to reach the analyzer and deal with a specific problem. This in turn may reduce the downtime of the analyzer.

[0008] Third, the detection and / or monitoring techniques of the present disclosure can be used to distinguish between different states of the degasser (e.g., normal state, subcritical state, and critical state) and trigger specific responses. In this way, the detection and / or monitoring techniques of the present disclosure can make more efficient use of resources (e.g., operator time or external service personnel) by more accurately allocating these resources due to improved understanding of the degasser state. In some cases, downtime of the analyzer (or its modules) can also be reduced due to improved understanding of the degasser state, thereby enabling the selection of the most appropriate response.

[0009] Several terms with specific meanings are used in this disclosure.

[0010] In the present disclosure, the term "vacuum" is used to refer to a pressure level that is lower than the pressure level of the surrounding environment of a space containing a vacuum (e.g., a degasser vessel) (i.e., the term is a relative measure, not an absolute measure). The term "vacuum" is not limited to situations where the pressure level is lower than a specific proportion of the ambient pressure. It should be understood that the term may refer to different pressure levels, depending on the location of the analyzer and the resulting lower ambient pressure level (e.g., the pressure level is generally lower at higher altitudes and the pressure level is generally higher at lower altitudes). In some examples, the term "vacuum" may refer to a pressure level that is 20% lower than the ambient pressure level. In some examples, the term "vacuum" may refer to a pressure level that is less than 100 mBar (if the ambient pressure is above 100 mBar).

[0011] "Evacuating" and "pressurizing" an enclosure (e.g., a degasser vessel) refers to lowering and raising, respectively, the pressure inside the vessel compared to an initial pressure value. These terms are not limited to situations where the corresponding pressure is raised above or lowered below ambient pressure.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a "time series" refers to at least two values ​​of a specific parameter at two different time points. In some examples, a time series may contain (much) more than two values ​​at corresponding time points. In this example, a time series may include a (quasi-) continuous sequence of measurement values. The term "time point" shall not define and / or limit the measurement window used to obtain the measurement values ​​contained in the time series to a specific accuracy. For example, according to the present disclosure, the averaged measurement values ​​obtained by averaging multiple measurement values ​​of the parameter may also be included in the time series.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, an "analyzer" is a device dedicated to performing an analytical function, typically at least semi-automatically. In some examples, the analyzer may be configured to perform an analysis of a sample (e.g., a sample for in vitro diagnosis). For example, the analyzer may be a clinical diagnostic system for performing in vitro diagnosis.

[0014] Depending on the needs and / or the desired workflow, the analyzer of the present disclosure may have different configurations. Additional configurations may be obtained by coupling multiple devices and / or modules together. A "module" is a working unit with a dedicated function, usually smaller than the entire analyzer. This function may be an analytical function, but may also be a pre-analytical function or a post-analytical function, or may be an auxiliary function of any of the pre-analytical function, the analytical function, or the post-analytical function. Specifically, a module may be configured to cooperate with one or more other modules for performing a dedicated task of a sample processing workflow, for example, by performing one or more pre-analytical steps and / or analytical steps and / or post-analytical steps.

[0015] In particular, an analyzer may include one or more analysis devices designed to perform corresponding workflows optimized for certain types of analysis.

[0016] The analyzer may include analytical equipment for one or more of clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, coagulation, hematology, and the like.

[0017] Thus, the analyzer may comprise an analysis device or a combination of any such analysis devices with a corresponding workflow, wherein the pre-analysis module and / or the post-analysis module may be coupled to a separate analysis device or may be shared by a plurality of analysis devices. In an alternative, the pre-analysis function and / or the post-analysis function may be performed by a unit integrated in the analysis device. The analyzer may comprise functional units, such as a liquid handling unit for pipetting and / or pumping and / or mixing samples and / or reagents and / or system fluids, and functional units for sorting, storing, transporting, identifying, separating, detecting.

[0018] The term "sample" refers to a biological material suspected of containing one or more analytes of interest and whose detection, identification and / or quantification may be associated with a particular condition (eg, a clinical condition).

[0019] The sample may be from any biological source, such as physiological fluids, including blood, saliva, lens fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, sweat, urine, feces, milk, ascites, mucus, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, tissue, cells, etc. The sample may be pre-treated before use, such as preparing plasma from blood, diluting viscous liquids, lysing, etc.; the treatment method may involve filtration, centrifugation, distillation, concentration, inactivation of interfering components, and addition of reagents. In some cases, the sample may be used directly as obtained from the source or may be used following a pre-treatment and / or sample preparation workflow to modify the characteristics of the sample (e.g., after adding an internal standard, after dilution with another solution, or after mixing with a reagent), for example: to enable one or more in vitro diagnostic tests, or for enrichment (extraction / separation / concentration) of the target analyte and / or removal of matrix components that may interfere with the detection of the target analyte.

[0020] The term "sample" tends to be used to refer to a sample before sample preparation, while the term "prepared sample" is used to refer to a sample after sample preparation. In the absence of a specific description, the term "sample" may generally refer to a sample before sample preparation or a sample after sample preparation or both. In general, examples of analytes of interest are vitamin D, drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, hormones, and metabolites. However, this list is not exhaustive.

[0021] Specifically, the analyzer may include a sample preparation station for automatically preparing samples. A "sample preparation station" is a pre-analytical module coupled to one or more analytical devices or units in an analytical device, which is designed to perform a series of sample processing steps that are intended to remove or at least reduce interfering matrix components in the sample and / or enrich the target analyte in the sample. Such processing steps may include any one or more of the following processing operations performed sequentially or in parallel or staggered on one or more samples: pipetting (sucking and / or dispensing) fluid, pumping fluid, mixing with reagents, incubating at a certain temperature, heating or cooling, centrifuging, separating, filtering, screening, drying, washing, resuspending, aliquoting, transferring, storing ...).

[0022] For example, the sample can be provided in a sample container, such as a sample tube (including primary and secondary tubes), a multi-well plate, or any other sample carrying support. Reagents can be arranged, for example, in the form of containers or boxes containing individual reagents, reagent groups, and placed in a suitable receptacle or position in a storage compartment or conveyor. Other types of reagents or system fluids can be provided in bulk containers or via pipelines.

[0023] Unless otherwise specified in the respective context, the term "about" in relation to a parameter value means including a deviation of + / - 10% relative to the specified value in the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating the detection and / or monitoring technique of the present disclosure.

[0025] 2a and 2b show a container according to the present disclosure having two different liquid level states depending on two different amounts of liquid present in the container.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an example time series indicating pressure values ​​inside a container.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates determining the liquid level status of a degasser based on a time series according to the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a degasser status prediction technique using multiple levels according to the present disclosure.

[0029] 6 and 7 are flow charts illustrating example methods according to the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an analyzer according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] First, an overview of the detection and / or monitoring techniques of the present disclosure will be given in conjunction with Figures 1, 2a, and 2b. Other aspects of automatically determining the state of the degasser will be discussed in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4. Different aspects of embedding the detection and / or monitoring techniques of the present disclosure into a workflow will be discussed in conjunction with Figures 5 and 7. Finally, in the context of Figure 8, various aspects of an analyzer according to the present disclosure will be described in more depth.

[0032] General Overview

[0033] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a technique for detecting and / or monitoring analyzer degasser status according to the present disclosure.

[0034] The method comprises obtaining 101 a time series of values ​​indicative of pressure inside the container, the time series covering a period of evacuation or pressurization of the container, and determining 103 a liquid level state of the degasser based on the time series, depending on the amount of liquid present in the container.

[0035] These steps will be discussed in detail below.First, a brief description of a degasser that can be monitored using the techniques of the present disclosure will be given.

[0036] As can be seen in FIGS. 2a and 2b , the degasser 5 includes a container 1 configured to be evacuated, for example, as part of degasser startup (or during degasser operation). In the examples of FIGS. 2a and 2b , the degasser 5 includes a conduit 3 arranged inside the container (e.g., in a winding manner to increase the surface area of ​​the conduit inside the container 1 ). A liquid (e.g., water) including a gas to be removed by the degasser 5 is directed through the conduit 3. The vacuum inside the container 1 can transfer the unwanted gas from the liquid in the conduit 3 into the container 1 , thereby removing the unwanted gas from the liquid. For example, the conduit 3 can include a semi-permeable material that allows gas molecules in the unwanted gas to pass through, but blocks water (or other liquid) molecules.

[0037] As the degasser 5 ages (or due to a defect at some point in time), water or any other liquid transported inside the pipe 3 may leak into the container 1. For example, the semi-permeable material of the pipe 3 discussed above may tend to become porous. Over time, increasing amounts of liquid may accumulate inside the container 1. Figure 2b shows a situation where a large amount of liquid 4 has accumulated. This accumulation of liquid may impair the performance of the degasser 5 and may eventually lead to degasser errors or failures.

[0038] Now, the automatic detection and / or monitoring technology of the present disclosure can monitor the pressure change inside the container 1 to obtain a time series indicating the pressure value inside the container 1 (for example, when the container 1 is evacuated during the initialization or startup of the analyzer including the degasser). When the amount of liquid 4 inside the container 1 is large, the pressure change characteristics are different from when the amount of liquid is low. Therefore, the liquid level state for determining (i.e., indicating) the amount of liquid can be determined by the time series. All of these steps are performed in an automated manner.

[0039] In some examples, the technique includes (again, see FIG. 1 ) processing 107 the time series to estimate the amount of liquid in the container 1 and determining a level state of the degasser based on the estimated amount of liquid. However, it should be noted that an explicit estimate of the amount of liquid is not required when using the techniques of the present disclosure. In some examples, the amount of liquid can only be determined implicitly in certain circumstances. For example, the time series can be compared to one or more example time series associated with different level states (which in turn are determined by the amount of liquid inside the container 1).

[0040] In the subsequent subsections, water will be used as an example liquid according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that the techniques of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular liquid that can be processed in an analyzer degasser. Therefore, the techniques discussed below are equally applicable to situations where other liquids other than water are to be processed in a degasser.

[0041] Next, different aspects of the steps to obtain the time series and determine the degasser level status will be discussed.

[0042] Generally speaking, obtaining the time series may include measuring the pressure inside the container 1 at one or more different time points. In some examples, obtaining the time series includes measuring the pressure inside the container 1 multiple times (e.g., 5 or more measurement points or 10 or more measurement points). In these cases, the time series describes a pressure curve inside the container.

[0043] However, in some examples, it is sufficient to measure a single value indicating the pressure inside the container. In these examples, the time series includes this single measured value and at least one additional value indicating an unmeasured pressure inside the container. For example, the container may be at a defined pressure at a certain point in time (e.g., after venting). The defined pressure value (or pressure values) may be included in the time series even if it is not directly measured.

[0044] The value indicative of the pressure inside the container may be the result of a direct pressure measurement of the pressure in the container or at a location in fluid communication with the container (e.g., at a pump used to evacuate the container). In other examples, the value indicative of the pressure inside the container may be the result of a measurement of another parameter related to the pressure inside the container (e.g., a measured parameter x having a known functional relationship to the pressure inside the container, p – x = f(p)). In these examples, the other parameter related to the pressure inside the container may be processed to obtain a time series of values. However, in other examples, instead of the value of the pressure inside the container, the other parameter related to the pressure inside the container may be directly processed to determine the liquid level state.

[0045] Example of level status determination

[0046] FIG. 3 shows two sets of graphs of example time series according to the present disclosure. In this example, the pressure value in the container is measured every three seconds. In other examples, other measurement time intervals may also be used. The upper set of curves 301 shows different curves when there is a lower amount of water in the container (between 0 mL and 150 mL in this example). The lower set of curves 302 shows different curves when there is a lower amount of water in the container (between 400 mL and 500 mL in this example). In all examples, the container is evacuated using the same set of parameters (e.g., pump speed, timing, etc.) used for the vacuuming procedure. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the shape of the curve changes when there are different amounts of water in the container. The automation technology of the present disclosure can evaluate this change and determine the liquid level (water level) state of the degasser.

[0047] Other aspects of this determination process are discussed next.

[0048] In some examples, determining the degasser liquid level state based on the time series includes using a model of the pressurization or evacuation process of the container. In some examples, the model can be parameterized by the amount of liquid present in the container. In addition or alternatively, the step of determining the degasser liquid level state based on the time series can include analyzing the shape of the time series.

[0049] FIG4 shows an example. The points in the graph 401 indicate three different time series 41a-c of measured pressure values ​​inside the degasser vessel. The time series were measured when the vessel contained three different amounts of water (e.g., 0 mL, 150 mL, and 450 mL). In the graph of FIG4 , the measured pressure values ​​are normalized (by the maximum vacuum pressure p max In general, measured pressure values ​​(or other measured or inferred values ​​included in the time series) may be processed in any suitable manner prior to use in the determination procedures of the disclosed techniques.

[0050] The graph 401 also shows three theoretical pressure curves 42a-42c (indicated by dashed lines) for determining the corresponding amount of water (water level state) in the container using a model of the pressurization or vacuuming process of the container. It can be seen that the measured time series matches the theoretical curves relatively well. In other words, by fitting the model to the measured time series, the amount of water present inside the container can be estimated.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 4 , the interior of the container is modeled as a free volume filled with an ideal gas and an unknown amount of water. The model may use the free volume of the container (or the volume filled with water) as a free parameter. When more water is present, the pressure rises dramatically using a set of predetermined parameters for the vacuuming procedure (e.g., pump speed, timing, etc.). In the first case, the free volume is lower, which means that a lower pressure can be achieved more quickly using the same set of parameters for the vacuuming procedure. The disclosed technology may determine the water level state of the degasser based on this more rapid or slower rise in pressure inside the container during the vacuuming procedure.

[0052] In one example, a model of the internal pressure of a vessel may yield the following relationship:

[0053] (Equation 1).

[0054] In this equation, p 0 represents the initial pressure inside the container at time zero, p T is the time-related pressure, V T represents the free volume in the container, q is the volume flow rate of the pump connected to the vessel to evacuate the vessel. In this example, the volume flow rate of the pump is known (measured or inferred from a set of pump parameters). Now, get the initial pressure p 0 Pressure associated with one or more events p TAs a time series (as discussed above). Based on these input parameters, the free volume inside the container can be calculated V T The amount of water is thus determined (corresponding to the fill volume corresponding to the total volume inside the container minus the calculated free volume).

[0055] Equation 1 is only one example for calculating the free volume inside the container according to the present disclosure. Other models of the process of evacuating (or pressurizing) the container may follow other dependencies between the free volume inside the container and the pressure. In addition, in some examples (e.g., ambient pressure or ambient temperature), the known parameters shown in Equation 1 (the volume flow rate of the pump) may be considered. q ). Furthermore, even when using the same model, the exact form of the equation may differ. For example, an alternative formulation may use the volume of water inside the container as a free parameter instead of the free volume V T .

[0056] As discussed above, in some examples, a single measured pressure value is sufficient to determine the level state of the degasser. In these examples, the initial pressure value (or final pressure value) can be known. For example, the container can be vented and reach an ambient pressure level (or another defined pressure level). This ambient pressure level (or other defined pressure level) can be known or inferred from other measurements. For example, the ambient pressure level can be set for a specific analyzer (e.g., depending on the altitude of the analyzer). The time series of the present disclosure can then consist of one or more defined pressure levels and a measured pressure level at certain times. It can be seen that based on this information, Equation 1 can be solved to obtain the free volume inside the container V T .

[0057] The evaluation of the time series for determining the level status can be performed in a number of different ways.

[0058] As discussed above, the equation may be solved using a time series of values ​​indicative of pressure values ​​inside the vessel (eg, including known, inferred and / or measured pressure values) (eg, derived based on a pressure model for different liquid level states inside the vessel).

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, determining the degasser liquid level state may include performing a curve fitting operation on the time series. One or more equations obtained by modeling the internal pressure of the container during evacuation or pressurization may be fitted to the time series. This curve fitting operation may be performed using any suitable numerical technique. For example, a numerical regression technique may be used to determine the free parameters of the one or more equations. In some examples, a model of how the internal pressure of the container behaves for different amounts of liquid present inside the container may be used to determine the free volume or water volume inside the container using numerical techniques.

[0060] The time series may be pre-processed before being used in the level state determination process. For example, the time series may be subjected to one or more smoothing or averaging operations, outlier removal operations, and preliminary curve fitting operations.

[0061] In some examples, the automated technique may compare a time series of pressure values ​​to two or more reference time series to determine a level state. For example, a set of multiple reference time series of water level states (e.g., in 50 mL increments) may be used to determine a most similar reference time series for the acquired time series.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, a digital classifier can be used to classify the time series into two or more liquid level states (e.g., the two or more states correspond to predetermined ranges of water volume inside the container, which will be discussed in detail below). In some examples, a machine learning technique can be used to train the classifier to classify the obtained time series into one of a plurality of levels corresponding to the liquid level state.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, determining the degasser level state based on a time series may include evaluating one or more pressure levels, pressure drop magnitudes, pressure rise magnitudes, pressure drop rates, and pressure rise rates at predetermined times. For example, the pressure drop magnitude after the vessel is initially evacuated may be sufficient to infer the free volume (or the volume of water inside the vessel). Again, from Equation 1, it can be seen that given Δp (For example p 0 – p T ) is sufficient to calculate V T .

[0064] In the previous section, the time series indicating pressure values ​​covered the evacuation process of the container (or a portion of the evacuation process). In other examples, the time series may cover the pressurization process of the container (or a portion thereof). For example, it can be seen that the model discussed above can also be used to determine the free volume inside the container when the volume flow rate in the container is known or measured (such as during the pressurization process). The techniques discussed above can be equally applicable to the pressurization process (such as during the exhaust process to release the vacuum inside the container).

[0065] In other examples, the time series may cover the pressurization period and the vacuum period of the container. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific process. It should be understood that, for example, based on a model that models the free volume or water volume inside the container, any time series of pressure values ​​can be processed to determine the free volume or water volume inside the container. However, in some examples, the vacuum process (e.g., during initialization of the degasser) may be particularly convenient.

[0066] Generally speaking, the pressure difference during the evacuation or pressurization process to obtain the time series can reach at least 100 mBar.

[0067] In some examples, determining the degasser fluid level status takes into account one or more parameters related to the environment surrounding the analyzer (including the degasser whose status is detected and / or monitored).

[0068] For example, the analyzers may be located at different altitudes. This may mean that the ambient pressures of the analyzers and the degasser are significantly different for two analyzers deployed at different locations (e.g., between a first analyzer located at sea level and a second analyzer located at an altitude of 3000 m). Therefore, the altitude of the analyzer may be considered when determining the degasser liquid level state. For example, the storage ambient pressure or altitude of the analyzer can be used. In other examples, the ambient pressure can be measured or inferred as part of the disclosed technology. In addition or alternatively, the model can be parameterized by the altitude or ambient pressure of the analyzer including the degasser.

[0069] Various aspects of automatically determining liquid level status have been discussed in considerable detail in the preceding subsections. In subsequent subsections, additional details on how to embed the automation techniques of the present disclosure into the analyzer workflow will be discussed.

[0070] Analyzer workflow including the disclosed technology

[0071] Generally speaking, as long as a time series of values ​​indicative of the internal pressure of a degasser vessel is available, the techniques of the present disclosure may be employed.

[0072] In some examples, the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the liquid level status are automatically performed at regular intervals. In addition or alternatively, the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the liquid level status may also be performed as a reaction to a predetermined trigger event.

[0073] For example, the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status may be automatically performed during a startup procedure or during a checkout procedure of the degasser or of an analyzer or analyzer module comprising the degasser.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status may be performed automatically at predetermined regular intervals (eg, once a day or once a week).

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the steps of obtaining a time series and determining a level state may be automatically performed as a reaction to a predetermined error state of the degasser or analyzer, or as a reaction to a predetermined degasser or analyzer parameter (e.g., a parameter monitored by the analyzer assuming a specific value). For example, a certain amount of gas in a liquid processed by a degasser may be detected, thereby triggering the steps of obtaining a time series and determining a level state according to the present disclosure.

[0076] In other examples, the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status are automatically performed continuously during operation of the degasser.

[0077] In some examples, the workflow of the degasser includes a vacuuming procedure at a predetermined time point (or multiple vacuuming procedures at multiple time points). As discussed above, these vacuuming procedures can be suitable for performing the techniques of the present disclosure because the degasser state can be better defined in these cases than in other cases.

[0078] As discussed above, determining the degasser liquid level state may include determining whether the degasser is in one of two or more discrete states. Each state may be associated with a range of water present in the container (i.e., a range from a lower boundary of the water volume to an upper boundary of the water volume). For example, the discrete states may include two or more normal states (where the liquid level is within an acceptable range) and at least one critical state (where the liquid level is close to a critical level).

[0079] FIG5 shows an example where four discrete level states 72a-d are defined for a particular container of a degasser. In this example, the normal state 72d refers to the absence of water or a small amount of water in the container (e.g., between 0 mL and 100 mL). The subcritical state 72c refers to the presence of a higher amount of water in the container (e.g., between 100 mL and 200 mL). These amounts of water may still mean that the degasser is operating within the specification (and therefore acceptable). The critical state 72b refers to a higher amount of water (e.g., between 200 mL and 300 mL). These amounts of water may impair the operation of the degasser and require maintenance action. A higher amount of water inside the container (e.g., above 300 mL) may correspond to a fault state, where an immediate failure of the degasser is expected. As discussed below, if the degasser is found to be in one of these states, the analyzer can be configured to trigger a corresponding reaction.

[0080] It should be understood that the states in FIG. 5 are exemplary only. In other examples, the techniques of the present disclosure may determine a greater number of different liquid level states of the degasser (e.g., five or more or six or more). Furthermore, each liquid level state may be associated with any range of liquid amounts present within the container. For example, ranges corresponding to different states may have different sizes. Additionally or alternatively, in other examples, liquid level states may be associated with different states of the degasser.

[0081] In other examples, the liquid level state may refer to a specific amount of liquid present inside the container. As discussed above, the amount of liquid inside the container (or the free volume inside the container) can be automatically determined using the techniques of the present disclosure. In these examples, the liquid level state can form a state continuum, where each state corresponds to a specific amount of liquid.

[0082] The techniques of the present disclosure may include triggering responses in reaction to a determined analyzer level state. Various aspects of these responses will be discussed next.

[0083] In some examples, the degasser level state is one of a multi-polar discrete state that may require different types of responses. In some examples, the required response may be automatically triggered. In some examples, the response may include a specific intervention.

[0084] For example, the response may include one or more lists including a time series of recorded values, outputting information about the level status on a user interface of the automatic analyzer, outputting a warning, triggering a service or maintenance action,

[0085] Schedule service or maintenance operations and stop operation of the degasser and / or autoanalyzer.

[0086] Additionally or alternatively, the response may include increasing the frequency of the detection techniques of the present disclosure. For example, when the degasser enters a subcritical state, the frequency of detecting the degasser state may be increased compared to the frequency when the degasser is in a normal state.

[0087] Additionally or alternatively, the response may include automatically notifying one or more different receivers of the level status of the degasser. For example, a message may be displayed on a graphical user interface of the analyzer. In other examples, a message may be sent to a service person (e.g., located at a remote location) for the analyzer. A supplier or service provider may provide service personnel for the analyzer (including the degasser).

[0088] For example, the first discrete level state 72d may be associated with a liquid amount from zero to a specific first threshold amount. The automatic response to determining that the degasser is in this level state may include recording a time series of values ​​and / or outputting information about the level state on a user interface of the automatic analyzer. For example, the determined amount of liquid inside the container may be output on a (graphical) user interface and / or a symbolic representation of the level state may be displayed (e.g., "within the specified range" or a green traffic light symbol). Otherwise, operation of the degasser may be resumed. In some examples, the first level state may be a normal level state.

[0089] In addition or alternatively, the second discrete liquid level state 72c may be associated with a liquid amount ranging from a first threshold amount to a second threshold amount above the first threshold. The automatic response to determining that the degasser is in this liquid level state may include recording a time series of values ​​and / or outputting a warning about the liquid level state on a user interface of the automatic analyzer. In addition, if the determination step results in the degasser being in this second state (discussed in detail below), a preventive maintenance operation may be triggered. In other examples, an immediate maintenance operation may be triggered. In some examples, the maintenance operation in the present disclosure may be performed automatically (e.g., by triggering a predetermined maintenance routine of the analyzer). In other examples, the maintenance operation may be performed by an operator or service personnel. In these cases, triggering the maintenance operation may include instructing the operator or service personnel to perform the maintenance operation (e.g., by displaying a corresponding message such as "remove water from the degasser" or "check the degasser" on the user interface of the analyzer). The instruction operation may include providing instructions to the operator on how to perform the maintenance operation. In some examples, if the degasser is found to be in the second liquid level state, the analyzer may continue to use the degasser.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the third discrete level state 72b can be associated with a liquid amount ranging from the second threshold amount to a third threshold amount that is above the second threshold. In this case, the automatic response can include outputting a warning and / or triggering or scheduling a service or maintenance operation. In some examples, operation of the degasser can be stopped unless the maintenance operation is performed within a specified period of time after the degasser is found to be in the third level state. In some examples, the third level state can be a critical level state.

[0091] Additionally or alternatively, the fourth discrete level state 72a may be associated with a liquid amount exceeding the third threshold amount. In this case, the automatic response may include immediately stopping operation of the analyzer or degasser. Additionally or alternatively, the automatic response may trigger a service or maintenance operation. Operation may be resumed only after the service or maintenance operation is completed.

[0092] In other examples, the response may be limited to informing an operator of the liquid level status of the analyzer. For example, the response may include outputting information about the liquid level status on a user interface of the automatic analyzer. In addition or alternatively, the response may include outputting a warning if the amount of liquid exceeds one of one or more predetermined thresholds. As discussed above, the determining step may produce a certain amount of liquid inside the container. In some examples, this amount of liquid is output on a graphical user interface of the analyzer. In addition or alternatively, an indication of the liquid level status (e.g., color coding) may be output on a graphical user interface of the analyzer.

[0093] As discussed above, the technology of the present disclosure may allow for prediction of critical degasser states based on multiple determinations of liquid level states. In these cases, the response may include scheduling a service or maintenance operation before the degasser enters a critical degasser state or a fault state as discussed above. For example, the service or maintenance operation may involve external service personnel (e.g., who have received the necessary training to perform the service or maintenance operation) and / or spare parts that may not be available on site. In these cases, predictions based on multiple liquid level state determinations may reserve sufficient time for these time-consuming tasks to avoid prolonged downtime of the analyzer or degasser (which may be the result of detecting a critical degasser state shortly before or after a degasser failure). In addition or alternatively, being able to predict the time of a critical degasser state may allow for scheduling service or maintenance operations on demand. If the predicted time of the critical degasser state is still far enough from now, the degasser can resume its normal operation without interruption by service or maintenance operations.

[0094] FIG. 5 illustrates a degasser status prediction according to the present disclosure.

[0095] It can be seen that the level state of the degasser is determined repeatedly over a predetermined period of time (approximately one year in the example of FIG. 5 ). It can be seen that the amount of liquid inside the vessel increases steadily over the predetermined period of time (as discussed above, the level state of the degasser can be classified into a number of discrete levels over this period of time). Now, based on the multiple determinations of the level state, it is possible to predict the future development of the liquid level in the vessel, in particular the critical state of the degasser.

[0096] For example, extrapolation techniques can be used to predict future liquid level states based on multiple determinations of liquid level states. For example, a certain linear or nonlinear development of the amount of liquid inside a container can be assumed, and the future amount of liquid can be determined by extrapolating data obtained from multiple determinations of liquid level states.

[0097] In the example of Figure 5, based on the extrapolation of the determination results up to, for example, day 200, it may be concluded that a critical state can be expected around day 250. Based on this information, an appropriate response can be triggered. For example, a service or maintenance operation may be scheduled around day 220 to ensure that the degasser does not enter a critical state (while maximizing the interval between subsequent maintenance operations).

[0098] The future development of the level state can be predicted continuously or at a specific trigger event (e.g. a specific minimum surge in the amount of liquid inside the container). In addition or alternatively, the prediction can include taking into account all determinations of the level state after a previous maintenance operation service, or only a part of the determinations.

[0099] Specific example of analyzer workflow

[0100] In some examples, obtaining the time series of the present disclosure may include opening a valve to compensate for the vacuum in the container, closing the valve, turning on a vacuum pump to evacuate the container, and measuring the values ​​in the time series while evacuating the container. In some examples, the switching of the valve may improve the safety and reliability of the process (e.g., "initializing" the pressure inside the container to a predetermined pressure value). However, in other examples, a specific "initialization" may not be required or needed. Therefore, the switching of the valve for compensating for the vacuum inside the container may be omitted. The technology of the present disclosure may still be performed without these initial steps. For example, the technology of the present disclosure may still be performed in the presence of a residual vacuum in the container (e.g., after the container has been idle for a period of time). In other examples, the technology of the present disclosure may be performed starting from another unknown pressure state of the container.

[0101] As discussed above, the time series may also be measured during pressurization operation of the vessel.

[0102] 6 and 7 are flow charts illustrating example methods according to the present disclosure.

[0103] FIG. 6 illustrates an example automated procedure that may be performed during initialization of an analyzer that includes a degasser (eg, performed each morning when the analyzer is turned on).

[0104] The process begins by turning on 501 the analyzer, which triggers the automatic initialization process. In a subsequent step, a valve 503 in a fluid channel connecting the interior of the container to the surrounding environment is opened. As a result, the pressure inside the degasser container is set to ambient pressure (i.e., the remaining vacuum in the container is compensated). In some examples, the pressure inside the container may not be fully known or predictable (e.g., because the development of pressure during the analyzer shutdown is not fully predictable). Therefore, bringing the pressure to ambient pressure can establish a defined pressure value inside the container. As discussed above, this defined pressure value may vary depending on factors such as the analyzer altitude.

[0105] In a subsequent step, the valve is closed and the vacuum pump is turned on 507. As a result, the degasser container is evacuated. During this evacuation process, the pressure inside the container is monitored 507 to obtain a time series indicating the pressure value inside the container.

[0106] Based on this obtained time series, as discussed in the present disclosure, a liquid level state is determined 509. In the example of FIG6, four discrete liquid level state levels are expected, each level corresponding to a specific amount of water inside the container (i.e., a "low" level, a "normal" level, a "high" level, and an "excessive" level).

[0107] As also shown in FIG6 , an automatic response is defined for each discrete level of liquid level status. If the degasser is found to be at a low level, operation of the analyzer can be stopped 517. In addition, an error message can be output on a graphical user interface of the analyzer. If the degasser is found to be at a normal level, information about the pressure is recorded and the initialization process is resumed 511. If the degasser is found to be at a high level, a customer service department (e.g., a service person) is notified 513. For example, a message can be sent to a customer service department (e.g., a service person). In addition, the initialization process can be resumed. Finally, if the degasser is found to be at an excessively high level, a user or service person can be notified 515 for direct intervention.

[0108] As discussed above, different or additional responses may be triggered in other examples.

[0109] A second workflow according to the present disclosure is shown in Figure 7. This workflow is performed during a service operation of an analyzer or a degasser.

[0110] First, the analyzer is switched to service mode 601. The service person then selects "Degasser Test" 603. Subsequently, during the evacuation process 605-609, the time series of pressure values ​​is automatically monitored in the same manner as the steps in FIG. 6 discussed above (i.e., steps 605-609 in FIG. 7, corresponding to steps 503-507 in FIG. 6).

[0111] However, the level state determination includes displaying the time series or information derived from the time series on a graphical user interface of the analyzer 611. In this example, a more experienced user or service personnel can interpret the results and initiate an appropriate response. In contrast, the workflow of FIG6 includes processing the level state determination results with a higher degree of automation in a manner that takes into account that the level of expertise of an operator in the daily operation of the analyzer may not be sufficient to interpret the level state determination results.

[0112] Aspects of the Analyzer

[0113] In some examples, an analyzer including a degasser of the present disclosure also includes a mass spectrometer. Additionally or alternatively, a degasser may be used in a water supply system of the analyzer.

[0114] For example, water (or a different liquid) may be used in a sample preparation process for an analyzer (optionally including a mass spectrometer). This may include diluting a sample before scrutinizing it in a mass spectrometer process.

[0115] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an analyzer according to the present disclosure.

[0116] The degasser 5 is arranged in a first module 81 of the analyzer. In some examples, the first module 81 can be a sample preparation module. For example, water or another liquid can be used for sample preparation in this sample preparation module. In some examples, the sample preparation module can include a pipetting device. Other components that can be included in the sample preparation module are described above. The degasser 5 can be arranged to remove gas from water or another liquid used in this process. A pump 83 connected to the degasser 5 is arranged in a second module 82 (a sample buffer module "MSB" for buffering the sample in the example of Figure 8).

[0117] In general, a degasser monitored using the techniques of the present disclosure may be arranged anywhere in an analyzer or a module including an analyzer.Example analyzers or analyzer modules are discussed in the "Summary" section above.

[0118] Computer Implementation

[0119] The present disclosure also relates to computer systems configured to perform techniques for detecting and / or monitoring analyzer degasser status.

[0120] In some examples, the computer system may be a controller of the analyzer (or a portion thereof). However, in other examples, the computer system may only be connected to the analyzer via a network and may not be part of the controller of the analyzer. For example, the computer system may be a hospital or laboratory management system, or a computer system of a supplier or service provider of the analyzer.

[0121] The computer system is only required to obtain a time series indicating the pressure values ​​inside the degasser vessel. This may mean that the computing system receives this information over a network. However, in other examples, as discussed above, the computing system also controls the functions of the analyzer (e.g., measuring pressure or triggering a response), which means that the computing system is the controller of the analyzer.

[0122] The computing system of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific software or hardware configuration. As long as the software or hardware configuration can perform the technical steps for detecting and / or monitoring the state of the analyzer degasser according to the present disclosure, the computing system may have the software or hardware configuration.

[0123] The present disclosure also relates to a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer system, prompt the computer system to perform the steps of the technique for detecting and / or monitoring the status of an analyzer degasser according to the present disclosure.

[0124] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer program comprising computer executable instructions, which, when executed on a computer or a computer network, are used to perform the method according to the present disclosure in one or more embodiments attached hereto. In particular, the computer program can be stored on a computer readable data carrier. Therefore, in particular, one, more than one or even all method steps as disclosed herein can be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.

[0125] A computer program product with program code is further disclosed and proposed, so that when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network, the method according to the present disclosure is performed in one or more embodiments attached hereto. Specifically, the program code can be stored on a computer-readable data carrier.

[0126] Further disclosed and proposed is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which after being loaded into a computer or a computer network, such as after being loaded into a working memory or a main memory of the computer or the computer network, can execute a method according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0127] Further disclosed and proposed is a computer program product having program code stored on a machine-readable carrier, so that when the program is executed on a computer or a computer network, a method according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein is performed. As used herein, a computer program product refers to a program that is a tradable product. The product can generally exist in any format (such as paper format) or on a computer-readable data carrier. In particular, the computer program product can be distributed on a data network.

[0128] Further disclosed and proposed is a modulated data signal containing instructions readable by a computer system or a computer network for executing a method according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

[0129] With reference to the computer-implemented aspects of the present disclosure, one or more method steps or even all method steps of the method according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein may be performed using a computer or a computer network. Thus, generally speaking, any method step including providing and / or processing data may be performed using a computer or a computer network. Generally speaking, these method steps may include any method steps other than method steps that typically require manual work (such as providing samples and / or performing certain aspects of measurements).

[0130] A computer or a computer network is further disclosed and proposed, the computer or the computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to execute the method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification.

[0131] A computer-loadable data structure is further disclosed and proposed, which is suitable for executing a method according to one of the embodiments described in this specification when the data structure is executed on a computer.

[0132] A storage medium is further disclosed and proposed, wherein a data structure is stored on the storage medium and wherein the data structure, after being loaded into a main storage device and / or a working storage device of a computer or a computer network, is suitable for executing a method according to one of the embodiments described in the present specification.

[0133] Other aspects

[0134] In the previous sections, various aspects of the disclosed technology for detecting and / or monitoring the state of an analyzer degasser have been discussed. In addition, the disclosed technology for detecting and / or monitoring the state of an analyzer degasser may also be performed according to the following aspects:

[0135] 1. An automated method for detecting and / or monitoring the status of an analyzer degasser,

[0136] wherein the degasser comprises a container configured to evacuate a vacuum,

[0137] The method comprises:

[0138] Obtain a time series indicating the pressure values ​​inside the container,

[0139] wherein the time series covers a period during which the container is evacuated or pressurized; and

[0140] The liquid level status of the degasser is determined based on a time series, depending on the amount of liquid present in the container.

[0141] 2. The method according to aspect 1, further comprising:

[0142] Processing the time series to estimate the amount of liquid in a container; and

[0143] A liquid level status of the degasser is determined based on the estimated liquid quantity.

[0144] 3. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, wherein determining the liquid level status of the degasser based on the time series includes using a pressurization or evacuation process model of the container, which is parameterized by the amount of liquid present in the container.

[0145] 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the model uses the free volume of the container as a free parameter.

[0146] 5. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein determining the liquid level status of the degasser based on the time series comprises analyzing the shape of the time series.

[0147] 6. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein determining the liquid level status of the degasser based on the time series comprises evaluating one or more of the following:

[0148] stress levels at scheduled times;

[0149] Pressure drop;

[0150] Pressure rise;

[0151] rate of pressure drop; and

[0152] Rate of pressure rise.

[0153] 7. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the pressure difference of the evacuation or pressurization process is at least 100 mBar.

[0154] 8. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status are performed automatically at predetermined regular intervals and / or as a reaction to a predetermined trigger event.

[0155] 9. The method according to aspect 8, wherein the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status are automatically performed during a startup procedure or an inspection procedure.

[0156] 10. The method of any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein determining the degasser liquid level state comprises determining whether the degasser is in one of two or more discrete states.

[0157] 11. The method according to aspect 10, wherein the discrete states include two or more normal states (where the liquid level is within an allowable range) and at least one critical state (where the liquid level is close to a critical level).

[0158] 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the discrete states include a plurality of critical states requiring different types of intervention.

[0159] 13. The method of aspect 12, further comprising automatically triggering the required intervention.

[0160] 14. The method of any one of aspects 10 to 13, wherein each discrete state corresponds to a particular range of liquid levels in the container.

[0161] 15. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising:

[0162] Based on the determined degasser level status, a response from the automatic analyzer is automatically triggered.

[0163] 16. The method of clause 15, wherein the response comprises one or more of:

[0164] A time series of recorded values,

[0165] Output information about the level status on the user interface of the automatic analyzer,

[0166] Output warning,

[0167] triggering service or maintenance actions,

[0168] Schedule service or maintenance operations, and

[0169] Stop the degasser and / or autoanalyzer.

[0170] 17. The method according to any of the preceding aspects, further comprising automatically notifying one or more different receivers of the liquid level status of the degasser.

[0171] 18. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects, further comprising:

[0172] Based on multiple determinations of liquid level conditions, critical degasser conditions are predicted.

[0173] 19. The method of aspect 18, further comprising scheduling a service or maintenance operation prior to a critical degasser condition.

[0174] 20. The method of aspect 18 or 19, wherein predicting a critical degasser state based on a plurality of determinations of the liquid level state comprises extrapolating the liquid level state based on the plurality of determinations to predict a future development of the liquid level in the vessel.

[0175] 21. The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein obtaining the time series comprises:

[0176] Open the valve to compensate for the vacuum in the container;

[0177] Shut-off valve;

[0178] Turning on the vacuum pump to evacuate the container; and

[0179] The values ​​in the time series are measured while the container is evacuated.

[0180] 22. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 21, wherein the analyzer comprises a mass spectrometer.

[0181] 23. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 22, wherein the degasser comprises a pipe comprising a semi-permeable material.

[0182] 24. The method according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 23, wherein the degasser is used in a water supply system of the analyzer.

[0183] 25. A computer system configured to perform the steps of the method of any one of aspects 1 to 24.

[0184] 26. The computer system of aspect 25 is a controller of the analyzer.

[0185] 27. A computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer system, prompt the computer system to perform the steps of any one of aspects 1 to 24.

Claims

1. An automated method for detecting and / or monitoring the status of a degasser of an analyzer, The degasser comprises a container configured to be evacuated and a pipe arranged inside the container, through which the liquid to be degassed is guided, wherein The pipe is made of a semi-permeable material through which the gas contained in the liquid can be removed by the effect of evacuating the container. The method comprises: obtain a time series of values ​​indicating the pressure inside the container, wherein the time series covers a period of time when the container is evacuated or pressurized; and processing the time series to estimate the amount of liquid in the container that has passed through the pipe; and A liquid level status of the degasser is determined based on the estimated liquid amount, thereby determining a status of the degasser.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the liquid level status of the degasser based on the time series comprises using a model of the pressurization or evacuation process of the container, the model being parameterized by the amount of liquid present in the container, optionally wherein the model uses the free volume of the container as a free parameter.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Determining a liquid level status of the degasser based on the time series includes analyzing a shape of the time series.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Determining the level status of the degasser based on the time series includes evaluating one or more of the following: stress levels at scheduled times; The magnitude of the pressure drop; The magnitude of the pressure rise; How quickly the pressure drops; and The rate at which pressure rises.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status are automatically performed at regular intervals and / or in response to a predetermined trigger event, optionally wherein the steps of obtaining the time series and determining the level status are automatically performed during a startup procedure or an inspection procedure.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Determining the liquid level status of the degasser includes determining whether the degasser is in one of two or more discrete states, optionally, wherein the discrete states include two or more normal states and at least one critical state, in which the liquid level is within an allowable range and in which the liquid level is close to a critical level.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The discrete states include multiple critical states requiring different types of intervention.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Each discrete state corresponds to a specific range of liquid levels in the container.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: Depending on the determined filling level status of the degasser, a response of the automatic analyzer is automatically triggered.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The response includes one or more of the following: A time series of recorded values, Output information about the level status on the user interface of the automatic analyzer, Output warning, triggering service or maintenance actions, Schedule service or maintenance operations, and Stop the degasser and / or autoanalyzer.

11. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising automatically notifying one or more of the different receivers of the liquid level status of the degasser.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A critical degasser state is predicted based on a plurality of determinations of the liquid level state, optionally wherein predicting a critical degasser state based on a plurality of determinations of the liquid level state comprises extrapolating the liquid level state based on the plurality of determinations to predict a future development of the liquid level in the container.

13. A computer system configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, optionally wherein the computer system is a controller of an analyser.

14. A computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a computer system, prompt the computer system to perform the steps of any one of claims 1 to 12.

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