Atomized-reflow bioaerosol sampler

Abstract

This invention provides an atomization-recirculation bioaerosol sampler, comprising: an aerosol mixing system, an aerosol separation system, an atomizing liquid replenishment system, a recirculation liquid collection system, an atomizing liquid level control system, a mist volume adjustment system, and an air intake flow rate adjustment system. The combined action of the aerosol mixing system and the aerosol separation system enables the capture of aerosols of different particle sizes in the air, while the aerosol separation system simultaneously recovers suspended droplets. The atomizing liquid replenishment system and the recirculation liquid collection system effectively ensure the stability of the sampling process. The atomizing liquid level control system allows the sampler to meet the requirements of long-term automatic sampling. The air intake flow rate adjustment system and the mist volume adjustment system allow for manual adjustment of key operating parameters of the sampler, meeting the adjustment needs of sampling conditions under special circumstances. This invention can reduce the damage to microbial cells caused by shear stress generated by impact during sampling, maintain the biological activity of the sample, and improve sampling efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of airborne bioaerosol sampling technology, specifically to an atomization-recirculation type bioaerosol sampler. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, traditional solid impactor samplers are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of nucleic acid detection, such as metagenomic sequencing, in addition to culture methods, for quantitative analysis of airborne microbial composition and related parameters. Examples include the Anderson VI sampler and the Sartorius AirPort MD8 sampler.

[0003] To meet the aforementioned technical requirements, membrane filter samplers, such as the TISCH TE-6070 and Qingdao Laoying-2031, have become mainstream products widely used in the field of microbial aerosol sample collection. These samplers capture airborne microbial aerosol particles through the microporous trapping effect of filter membranes made of materials such as glass fiber. While these samplers can guarantee a certain level of nucleic acid extraction from samples, their sampling time is excessively long, generally requiring more than 48 hours of continuous sampling to obtain a usable sample. This is because the impact shear stress generated by the high airflow during sampling can damage microbial cells, leading to their death and autolysis, thus resulting in sample loss. Furthermore, the rebound and breakdown effects on the filter membrane surface caused by high-speed airflow also reduce aerosol collection efficiency.

[0004] Besides membrane filter samplers, liquid impactor samplers, such as the SKC biosampler and CORIOLISμ, are also widely used in the field of microbial aerosol collection. They utilize the dispersion effect of a gas distributor or the cyclone effect to increase the contact area between airborne aerosols and the enrichment solution, thereby capturing airborne microbial aerosol particles. Due to the impact shear stress generated by the large airflow during sampling and the secondary entrainment effect of the high-speed airflow, their sampling efficiency is comparable to that of membrane filter samplers. However, these samplers struggle to guarantee high concentrations of nucleic acid extraction. This is because the sampling process causes the enrichment solution to evaporate, and the large airflow and small enrichment solution volume of commercially available products cannot meet the requirements for long-term sampling; their maximum sampling time is generally less than 12 hours.

[0005] A search of existing technologies revealed a Chinese invention patent (publication number CN110387318A) that discloses a large-volume aerosol sampler suitable for airborne microbial analysis. This patent makes improvements to a liquid impactor sampler similar to the SKC biosampler, including but not limited to reducing airflow and increasing the volume of enrichment liquid. While it can guarantee a certain level of nucleic acid extraction from the sample, its sampling time is excessively long, generally requiring approximately 48 hours of continuous sampling to obtain a valid sample.

[0006] The above two types of products are widely used as mainstream products for collecting microbial aerosol samples. There are also some commercially available samplers based on novel sampling principles that are not widely used, such as Aero Devices' Biospot-VIVAS sampler. Based on laminar water condensation technology, it controls the temperature of different areas in the sampling tube to cause aerosol particles to grow and then slowly settle. However, its sampling flow rate is extremely low, the sampling time is too long, and air humidity can significantly interfere with the collected samples, thus making the samples somewhat selective.

[0007] A search of existing technologies revealed no fully developed airborne microbial aerosol sampler based on the atomization principle.

[0008] A search of existing technologies revealed that among airborne microbial aerosol samplers containing atomization principles, patent document CN211553460U discloses a wet-wall cyclone bioaerosol sampler. This patent makes improvements to a liquid impactor sampler similar to CORIOLISμ, including but not limited to adding a low-pressure atomization module at the air inlet. However, this module, based on a pressure nozzle principle, cannot produce a fine and uniform spray. Furthermore, the repeated re-atomization of the enriched sample liquid within the low-pressure atomization module causes microbial cells to be damaged or die due to compression at the nozzle, resulting in decreased aerosol collection efficiency and sample loss. In addition, the sampler described in this patent can only be sterilized by replacing the sample liquid with a disinfectant, and cannot undergo high-pressure steam sterilization. This results in residual nucleic acid fragments inside the sampler, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy of samples obtained after repeated sampling.

[0009] A search of existing technologies revealed that, among airborne microbial aerosol samplers utilizing atomization principles, patent document CN114181815A discloses a high-flow-rate ambient air bioaerosol sampling device and method. This patent, based on the cyclone separator principle, uses negative pressure generated by a high-flow-rate fan to separate and collect droplets that have been ultrasonically atomized and come into contact with airborne particles. However, the impact shear stress generated by the large airflow can damage microbial cells, leading to their death and autolysis, thus resulting in sample loss. Furthermore, most of the tiny droplets entering the cyclone sampler are either evaporated or entrained by the high-speed airflow, causing a decrease in aerosol collection efficiency.

[0010] An aerosol sampler with high capture efficiency should be able to obtain samples that meet the requirements of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reactions), metagenomic sequencing, culture, screening and isolation of single bacteria in a short sampling time. However, the currently available aerosol sampling methods cannot meet this requirement. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide an atomization-recirculation bioaerosol sampler.

[0012] According to the present invention, a nebulizing-recirculating bioaerosol sampler includes: a mist mixing system, a mist separation system, a mist replenishment system, a recirculating liquid collection system, a mist level control system, a mist volume adjustment system, and an air intake flow rate adjustment system.

[0013] The aerosol mixing system is connected to the aerosol separation system, the atomizing liquid replenishment system is connected to the aerosol mixing system through the atomizing liquid level control system, and the reflux liquid collection system is connected to the aerosol separation system.

[0014] The mist volume adjustment system is connected to the aerosol mixing system, and the mist volume adjustment system is used to adjust the mist volume of the aerosol mixing system; the air intake flow adjustment system is connected to the aerosol separation system, and the air intake flow adjustment system is used to adjust the air intake volume of the aerosol separation system.

[0015] Preferably, the aerosol mixing system includes an impeller for aerosol mixing, an atomizing liquid storage chamber, a bottom cover for the atomizing liquid storage chamber, a sealing chamber for the ultrasonic atomizing plate, and a fixing seat for the atomizing liquid storage chamber;

[0016] The bottom cover of the atomizing liquid storage chamber is fixed to the gas-mist separation system by the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat; the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity is fixed at the center of the bottom cover of the atomizing liquid storage chamber, and the bottom cover of the atomizing liquid storage chamber and the atomizing liquid storage chamber are connected by a threaded seal.

[0017] The impeller for mixing aerosols is connected to the aerosol separation system and is located inside the atomizing liquid storage chamber.

[0018] Preferably, the aerosol separation system includes an outlet guide cover, a baffle grille, a sight glass, an outlet turbine, a return liquid storage chamber, an inlet, an outlet, an inlet impeller, and a planetary gearbox.

[0019] The air outlet guide cover, the sight glass, and the reflux liquid storage cavity are connected and configured to form a semi-closed cavity with an open top.

[0020] The deflector bar is installed inside the sight glass. The deflector bar has an outer wall slot and an inner wall. The upper end of the inner wall is an air inlet, and the upper end of the outer wall slot is an air outlet.

[0021] The planetary gearbox is fixed to the lower end of the turbulence grille cylinder by the planetary gearbox bracket. The upper part of the planetary gearbox is connected to the air intake blade, and the lower part of the planetary gearbox is connected to the air outlet turbine and the air-mist mixing impeller.

[0022] The bottom cover of the atomizing liquid storage chamber is fixed inside the reflux liquid storage chamber by the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat.

[0023] Preferably, the vent guide cover, the sight glass, and the reflux liquid storage chamber are connected by a sealing flange, a flange fixing rod, and a three-hole sealing cover.

[0024] Preferably, the atomizing liquid replenishment system includes a first sliding guide rail, a first gas sterilization filter, a first bottle cap, a first bottle support, and an atomizing liquid storage bottle;

[0025] The atomizing liquid storage bottle is connected to the atomizing liquid storage cavity through the atomizing liquid level control system. The atomizing liquid storage bottle is fixed on the first sliding guide rail by the first bottle bracket. The first bottle cap is located at the bottle mouth of the atomizing liquid storage bottle, and the first gas sterilization filter is installed at the opening of the bottle cap.

[0026] Preferably, the reflux liquid collection system includes a second sliding guide rail, a second gas sterilization filter, a second bottle cap, a second bottle support, and a reflux liquid storage bottle;

[0027] The reflux liquid storage bottle is connected to the reflux liquid storage cavity. The reflux liquid storage bottle is fixed on the second sliding guide rail by the second bottle bracket. The second bottle cap is located at the bottle mouth of the reflux liquid storage bottle, and the second gas sterilization filter is installed at the opening of the second bottle cap.

[0028] Preferably, the atomizing liquid level control system includes a level bottle, a level sensor, a silicone tube, and a level control module;

[0029] The liquid level bottle and the clamp-type pipe valve are fixed on the same bracket, and the liquid level sensor is fixed to the outside of the liquid level bottle;

[0030] The liquid level bottle and the atomizing liquid storage bottle are connected in a continuous manner. The bottom of the liquid level bottle is connected to the bottom of the reflux liquid storage chamber through the silicone tube. The liquid level sensor and the clamp-type tube valve are both electrically connected to the liquid level control module.

[0031] The clamp-type pipe valve is clamped onto the silicone tube.

[0032] Preferably, the mist volume adjustment system includes an ultrasonic atomizing plate and a mist volume adjustment module;

[0033] The ultrasonic atomizing plate is electrically connected to the mist volume adjustment module, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate is disposed inside the sealed cavity of the ultrasonic atomizing plate.

[0034] Preferably, the intake flow regulation system includes a stepper motor, a thermal gas flow sensor, a coupling, a coupling bracket, and a flow regulation module;

[0035] The flow regulation module is electrically connected to the thermal gas flow sensor, and the thermal gas flow sensor is fixed on the coupling bracket;

[0036] The coupling is movably connected to the stepper motor, and the stepper motor is connected to the air intake blade through the coupling; the coupling is fixed on the coupling bracket, and the coupling bracket is set on the air outlet guide cover.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] 1. The combined action of the aerosol mixing system and the circulating collection system in this invention enables aerosol particles in the air to be repeatedly mixed with the tiny droplets generated by the ultrasonic atomizing plate, effectively preventing the escape of tiny aerosols and maximizing the collection of aerosols of different particle sizes in the air.

[0039] 2. The polymerization and recovery system in this invention can cause the air discharged in a vortex state after being mixed with a large number of suspended droplets to form turbulence in the narrow groove on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder. The suspended droplets gather under the action of inertial impact and converge along the inner surface of the channel to form a liquid flow before dripping into the return liquid storage cavity, which greatly realizes the recovery of suspended droplets and effectively reduces sample loss.

[0040] 3. The atomizing liquid replenishment system and the reflux liquid collection system in this invention effectively ensure the stability of the sampling process and make the sample recovery process after sampling easy to operate; the atomizing liquid level control system enables the sampler to achieve a certain degree of self-control, thereby meeting the needs of long-term automatic sampling; the air intake flow rate adjustment system and the mist volume adjustment system enable the key operating parameters of the sampler to be manually adjusted, thereby meeting the adjustment needs of sampling conditions under special conditions.

[0041] 4. In this invention, due to the lower airflow rate and the buffering effect of the suspended droplets, the damage to microbial cells caused by the shear stress generated by the impact during sampling can be reduced, the biological activity of the sample can be maintained, and the sampling efficiency can be improved.

[0042] 5. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler of this invention is stable in operation, compact and portable, and suitable for various sampling conditions; the whole device can be sterilized by high-pressure steam after the electronic components fixed to the outside of the sampler are removed, ensuring the accuracy of sampling. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a front view schematic diagram of the atomization-recirculation bioaerosol sampler of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the left cross-sectional structure of the atomizing-recirculating bioaerosol sampler of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a top view of the internal turbulence grid cylinder assembly of the atomizing-recirculating bioaerosol sampler of the present invention.

[0047] The diagram shows:

[0048] Stepper motor 1 First bottle cap 23

[0049] Thermal gas flow sensor 2 First bottle holder 24

[0050] Coupling 3, Atomizing liquid storage bottle 25

[0051] Coupling bracket 4, level bottle 26

[0052] 5 air outlet guide caps, 27 liquid level sensors

[0053] Sealed flange 6 silicone tube 28

[0054] Reflux liquid storage bottle 7, wire 29

[0055] 8 slots on the outer wall of the baffle grille cylinder; 30 controllers

[0056] Visual inspection cup 9 Liquid level control module 31

[0057] Flange fixing rod 10 Flow regulating module 32

[0058] Exhaust turbine 11, mist volume adjustment module 33

[0059] Reflux fluid reservoir 12, air inlet 34

[0060] Impeller 13 for aerosol mixing, air outlet 35

[0061] Atomizing liquid storage chamber 14; air intake blades 36

[0062] 15 Atomizing liquid reservoir bottom cover; 37 Inner wall of turbulence grid cylinder

[0063] Ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, planetary gearbox 38

[0064] Ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity 17 Planetary gearbox bracket 39

[0065] Atomizing liquid reservoir mounting base 18, cooling fan 40

[0066] Three-hole sealing cap 19 Second sliding guide rail 41

[0067] 20 clamp-type pipe valve; 42 second gas sterilization filter

[0068] First sliding guide rail 21 Second bottle cap 43

[0069] First gas sterilization filter 22; Second bottle holder 44 Detailed Implementation

[0070] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. These embodiments will help those skilled in the art to further understand the present invention, but do not limit the invention in any way. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several changes and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention. These all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0071] Example 1:

[0072] like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides an atomization-recirculation bioaerosol sampler, including: an aerosol mixing system, an aerosol separation system, an atomizing liquid replenishment system, a recirculation liquid collection system, an atomizing liquid level control system, a mist volume adjustment system, and an airflow adjustment system. The aerosol mixing system is connected to the aerosol separation system. The atomizing liquid replenishment system is connected to the aerosol mixing system via the atomizing liquid level control system. The recirculation liquid collection system is connected to the aerosol separation system. The mist volume adjustment system is connected to the aerosol mixing system and is used to adjust the mist volume of the aerosol mixing system. The airflow adjustment system is connected to the aerosol separation system and is used to adjust the airflow volume of the aerosol separation system.

[0073] The aerosol mixing system includes an aerosol mixing impeller 13, an atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, an atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover 15, an ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17, and an atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat 18. The atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover 15 is fixed to the aerosol separation system via the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat 18. The ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17 is fixed at the center of the atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover 15. The atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover 15 and the atomizing liquid storage chamber 14 are connected by a threaded seal. The aerosol mixing impeller 13 is connected and installed on the aerosol separation system and is located inside the atomizing liquid storage chamber 14.

[0074] The intake flow regulation system includes a stepper motor 1, a thermal gas flow sensor 2, a coupling 3, a coupling bracket 4, and a flow regulation module 32. The flow regulation module 32 is electrically connected to the thermal gas flow sensor 2, which is fixed on the coupling bracket 4. The coupling 3 is movably connected to the stepper motor 1, and the stepper motor 1 is connected to the intake blade 36 through the coupling 3. The coupling 3 is fixed on the coupling bracket 4, which is mounted on the outlet guide cover 5.

[0075] The aerosol separation system includes an outlet guide cover 5, a turbulence grille, a sight glass 9, an outlet turbine 11, a return liquid storage chamber 12, an inlet 34, an outlet 35, an inlet impeller 36, and a planetary gearbox 38. The air outlet guide cover 5, the sight glass 9, and the return liquid storage chamber 12 are connected to form a semi-closed cavity with an open top. The turbulence grille is installed inside the sight glass 9. The turbulence grille has an outer wall slot 8 and an inner wall 37. The upper end of the inner wall 37 is the air inlet 34, and the upper end of the outer wall slot 8 is the air outlet 35. The planetary gearbox 38 is fixed to the lower end of the turbulence grille by the planetary gearbox bracket 39. The upper part of the planetary gearbox 38 is connected to the air inlet blade 36, and the lower part of the planetary gearbox 38 is connected to the air outlet turbine 11 and the air-mist mixing impeller 13. The bottom cover 15 of the atomizing liquid storage chamber is fixed inside the return liquid storage chamber 12 by the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat 18. The air outlet guide cover 5, sight glass 9, and reflux liquid storage chamber 12 are connected by a sealing flange 6, a flange fixing rod 10, and a three-hole sealing cover 19.

[0076] The mist volume adjustment system includes an ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 and a mist volume adjustment module 33. The ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 is electrically connected to the mist volume adjustment module 33, and the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 is disposed in the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity 17.

[0077] The nebulizer replenishment system includes a first sliding guide rail 21, a first gas sterilization filter 22, a first bottle cap 23, a first bottle support 24, and a nebulizer storage bottle 25. The nebulizer storage bottle 25 is connected to the nebulizer storage chamber 14 through a nebulizer level control system. The nebulizer storage bottle 25 is fixed on the first sliding guide rail 21 by the first bottle support 24. The first bottle cap 23 is located at the mouth of the nebulizer storage bottle 25, and the first gas sterilization filter 22 is installed at the opening of the bottle cap 23.

[0078] The atomizing liquid level control system includes a level bottle 26, a level sensor 27, a silicone tube 28, and a level control module 31. The level bottle 26 and the clamp valve 20 are fixed on the same bracket. The level sensor 27 is fixed to the outside of the level bottle 26. The level bottle 26 and the atomizing liquid storage bottle 25 are connected. The bottom of the level bottle 26 is connected to the bottom of the return liquid storage chamber 14 through the silicone tube 28. The level sensor 27 and the clamp valve 20 are both electrically connected to the level control module 31. The clamp valve 20 is clamped on the silicone tube 28.

[0079] The reflux liquid collection system includes a second sliding guide rail 41, a second gas sterilization filter 42, a second bottle cap 43, a second bottle support 44, and a reflux liquid storage bottle 7. The reflux liquid storage bottle 7 is connected to the reflux liquid storage chamber 12. The reflux liquid storage bottle 7 is fixed on the second sliding guide rail 41 by the second bottle support 44. The second bottle cap 43 is located at the mouth of the reflux liquid storage bottle 7, and the second gas sterilization filter 42 is installed at the opening of the second bottle cap 43.

[0080] Example 2:

[0081] Those skilled in the art can understand this embodiment as a more specific description of Embodiment 1.

[0082] This embodiment provides an atomizing-recirculating bioaerosol sampler, including a stepper motor 1, a thermal gas flow sensor 2, a coupling 3, a coupling bracket 4, an outlet guide cover 5, a sealing flange 6, a reflux liquid storage bottle 7, a slit on the outer wall of a baffle grid cylinder 8, a sight glass 9, a flange fixing rod 10, an outlet turbine 11, a reflux liquid storage chamber 12, an impeller for aerosol mixing 13, an atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, an atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover 15, an ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, an ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17, and an atomizing liquid storage chamber solid... 18. Fixed seat, 19. Three-hole sealing cap, 20. Clamp-type pipe valve, 21. Sliding guide rail, 22. Gas sterilization filter, 23. Bottle cap, 24. Bottle bracket, 25. Atomizing liquid storage bottle, 26. Liquid level bottle, 27. Liquid level sensor, 28. Silicone tube, 29. Wire, 30. Controller, 31. Liquid level control module, 32. Flow regulation module, 33. Atomization volume regulation module, 34. Air inlet, 35. Air inlet blade, 36. Inner wall of the baffle grid cylinder, 37. Planetary gearbox, 38. Planetary gearbox bracket, 39. Cooling fan, 40.

[0083] The air outlet guide cover 5, sight glass 9, and reflux liquid storage cavity 12 are connected by a sealing flange 6, a flange fixing rod 10, and a three-hole sealing cover 19 to form a semi-closed cavity with an open top. The bottom cover 15 of the atomizing liquid storage cavity is fixed in this cavity by an atomizing liquid storage cavity fixing seat 18. At its center is an ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity 17 with an ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 inside, which can be connected to the atomizing liquid storage cavity 14 by a threaded seal.

[0084] The upper end of the inner wall 37 of the turbulence grille is the air inlet 34, and the upper end of the slot 8 on the outer wall of the turbulence grille is the air outlet 35. The planetary gearbox 38 is fixed to the lower end of the turbulence grille through the planetary gearbox bracket 39. The upper part of the turbulence grille is connected to the air inlet blade 36, and the lower part is connected to the air outlet turbine 11 and the air mist mixing impeller 13. The coupling 3 is movably connected to the stepper motor 1 and is fixed together with the thermal gas flow sensor 2 on the coupling bracket 4.

[0085] The liquid level bottle 26 and the clamp valve 20 are fixed on the same bracket, and a liquid level sensor 27 is fixed to the outside of the liquid level bottle.

[0086] The atomizing liquid storage bottle 25 and the reflux liquid storage bottle 7 are fixed on the sliding guide rail 21 by the bottle bracket 24. A gas sterilization filter 22 is installed at the opening of the bottle cap 23. Each container is connected to the cavity through a silicone tube 28.

[0087] The controller 30 contains a liquid level control module 31, a flow rate adjustment module 32, a mist volume adjustment module 33, and a cooling fan 40. Each module is connected to a different electrical appliance via a wire 29.

[0088] The impeller 13 for aerosol mixing, the atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, the bottom cover 15 of the atomizing liquid storage chamber, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17, and the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat 18 together form an aerosol mixing system. During sampling, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 stimulates the liquid surface in the atomizing liquid storage chamber 12 to break up and form a large number of nano-sized droplets. The suspended droplets are stirred by the impeller 13 for aerosol mixing and come into full contact with the bioaerosol inside the inhalation sampler, thus forming an aerosol mixing system of airborne particulate matter and atomized suspended droplets.

[0089] The coupling 3, the outlet guide cover 5, the slot 8 on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder, the sight glass 9, the exhaust turbine 11, the inlet 34, the outlet 35, the inlet impeller 36, the inner wall 37 of the turbulence grid cylinder, and the planetary gearbox 38 together constitute an airborne bioaerosol circulation and collection system. During sampling, driven by the inlet impeller 36, the bioaerosols in the air enter the sampler from the inlet 34 in a vortex state along the inner wall 37 of the turbulence grid cylinder. After mixing with a large number of suspended droplets, driven by the exhaust turbine 11, they enter the vertical channel formed by the slot 8 on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder and the sight glass 9 and are discharged from the outlet 35. Under the action of the air outlet guide cover 5, the droplets mixed with the aerosol are carried down by the air inlet airflow and enter the sampler again in a vortex state along the inner wall of the turbulence grid cylinder, forming a circulating collection system in which the airflow reciprocates along the inner and outer wall slots of the turbulence grid cylinder.

[0090] The outer wall slot 8 of the turbulence grid cylinder, the sight glass 9, and the return liquid storage cavity 12 together form a bioaerosol polymerization and recovery system. After the droplets are mixed with bioaerosols in the air, they enter the sampler in a vortex state and are discharged. When the mixture of airborne particulate matter and suspended droplets passes through the vertical channel formed by the outer wall slot 8 of the turbulence grid cylinder and the sight glass 9, the horizontal acceleration causes it to form turbulence inside the channel. The suspended droplets gather under the inertial impact and converge along the inner surface of the channel to form a liquid flow. Finally, under the action of gravity, they drip into the return liquid storage cavity 14, thus forming a suspended droplet polymerization and recovery system.

[0091] The atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, clamp-type tube valve 20, sliding guide rail 21, gas sterilization filter 22, bottle cap 23, bottle support 24, atomizing liquid storage bottle 25, liquid level bottle 26, liquid level sensor 27, silicone tube 28, wire 29, and liquid level control module 31 together constitute the atomizing liquid replenishment and liquid level control system. The atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, sliding guide rail 21, gas sterilization filter 22, bottle cap 23, bottle support 24, atomizing liquid storage bottle 25, liquid level bottle 26, and silicone tube 28 together constitute the atomizing liquid replenishment system. Based on the principle of communicating vessels, the bottom of the liquid level bottle 26 is connected to the bottom of the atomizing liquid storage bottle 25 through the silicone tube 28, and both bottle caps 23 have gas sterilization filters 22 installed at their openings. Before sampling, the atomizing liquid storage bottle fixed on the bottle support 24 can be adjusted relative to the liquid level bottle via the sliding guide rail 21 to ensure sufficient atomizing liquid is replenished to the liquid level bottle during sampling. The bottom of the level bottle is connected to the bottom of the reflux liquid storage chamber 14 via a silicone tube to maintain the same liquid level in both chambers, thus forming an atomizing liquid replenishment system based on the principle of communicating vessels. During sampling, the level control module 31 automatically controls the clamp valve 20 to close or open in response to the electrical signal from the level sensor 27, ensuring that the liquid level in the atomizing liquid storage chamber is always at the optimal position for the ultrasonic atomizing plate during operation.

[0092] In the aerosol mixing system, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 is a consumable component. Therefore, the bottom cover 15 of the atomizing liquid storage chamber and the atomizing liquid storage chamber 14 are connected by a threaded seal to facilitate the replacement of the ultrasonic atomizing plate in the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17 after the atomizing liquid storage chamber is disassembled.

[0093] Except for the stepper motor 1, the thermal gas flow sensor 2, the clamp valve 20, the liquid level sensor 27, and the controller 30, which are located outside the sampler's gas path and are easy to disassemble, the remaining components are made of heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, glass, polypropylene, silicone, and rubber. The entire device can be easily disassembled after removing the electronic components fixed outside the sampler's gas path for high-pressure steam sterilization to ensure the accuracy of the obtained samples.

[0094] The reflux liquid storage bottle 7, reflux liquid storage chamber 12, sliding guide rail 21, gas sterilization filter 22, bottle cap 23, bottle support 24, and silicone tube 28 together constitute a reflux liquid collection system. Based on the principle of communicating vessels, the bottom of the reflux liquid storage chamber 12 is connected to the bottom of the reflux liquid storage bottle 7 through the silicone tube 28, and a gas sterilization filter 22 is provided at the opening of the reflux liquid storage bottle cap 23. Before sampling, the reflux liquid storage bottle fixed on the bottle support 24 can be adjusted in relative height to the reflux liquid storage chamber via the sliding guide rail 21 to ensure that all liquid in the reflux liquid storage chamber has flowed into the reflux liquid storage bottle at the end of sampling, thus forming a reflux liquid collection system based on the principle of communicating vessels.

[0095] The stepper motor 1, the thermal gas flow sensor 2, the wire 29, and the flow regulation module 32 together constitute the intake flow regulation system. During sampling, the speed of the stepper motor 1 can be adjusted by the flow regulation module 32 according to the real-time flow data indicated by the thermal gas flow sensor 2 to obtain the ideal sampling flow.

[0096] The ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, the wire 29, and the mist volume adjustment module 33 together constitute the mist volume adjustment system. During sampling, the input power of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 can be adjusted through the mist volume adjustment module 33 to obtain the ideal mist volume.

[0097] This embodiment provides an atomization-recirculation bioaerosol sampler in the field of bioaerosol sampling technology, including an aerosol mixing system, a circulation collection system, a polymerization and recovery system, an atomizing liquid replenishment system, a recirculation liquid collection system, an atomizing liquid level control system, a mist volume adjustment system, and an air intake flow rate adjustment system. The combined action of the aerosol mixing system and the circulating collection system allows aerosol particles in the air to repeatedly mix with the tiny droplets generated by the ultrasonic atomizing plate, effectively preventing the escape of tiny aerosols and maximizing the collection of bioaerosols of different particle sizes in the air. The aggregation and recovery system causes the bioaerosols, after being mixed with a large number of suspended droplets and discharged in a vortex state, to form turbulence in the narrow groove on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder. Under the action of inertial impact, the suspended droplets gather and converge along the inner surface of the channel to form a liquid flow before dripping into the return liquid storage chamber, maximizing the recovery of suspended droplets. The atomizing liquid replenishment system and the return liquid collection system effectively ensure the stability of the sampling process and make the sample recovery process easy to operate. The atomizing liquid level control system enables the sampler to achieve a certain degree of self-control, thereby meeting the needs of long-term automatic sampling. The air intake flow rate adjustment system and the mist volume adjustment system allow the key operating parameters of the sampler to be manually adjusted, thereby meeting the adjustment needs of sampling conditions under special circumstances.

[0098] Example 3:

[0099] Those skilled in the art can understand this embodiment as a more specific description of Embodiment 1.

[0100] This embodiment provides an atomizing-recirculating bioaerosol sampler, including a stepper motor 1, a thermal gas flow sensor 2, a coupling 3, a coupling bracket 4, an outlet guide cover 5, a sealing flange 6, a reflux liquid storage bottle 7, a slit on the outer wall of a baffle grid cylinder 8, a sight glass 9, a flange fixing rod 10, an outlet turbine 11, a reflux liquid storage chamber 12, an impeller for aerosol mixing 13, an atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, an atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover 15, an ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, an ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17, and an atomizing liquid storage chamber solid... 18. Fixed seat, 19. Three-hole sealing cap, 20. Clamp-type pipe valve, 21. Sliding guide rail, 22. Gas sterilization filter, 23. Bottle cap, 24. Bottle bracket, 25. Atomizing liquid storage bottle, 26. Liquid level bottle, 27. Liquid level sensor, 28. Silicone tube, 29. Wire, 30. Controller, 31. Liquid level control module, 32. Flow regulation module, 33. Atomization volume regulation module, 34. Air inlet, 35. Air inlet blade, 36. Inner wall of the baffle grid cylinder, 37. Planetary gearbox, 38. Planetary gearbox bracket, 39. Cooling fan, 40.

[0101] The air outlet guide cover 5, sight glass 9, and reflux liquid storage cavity 12 are connected by a sealing flange 6, a flange fixing rod 10, and a three-hole sealing cover 19 to form a semi-closed cavity with an open top. The bottom cover 15 of the atomizing liquid storage cavity is fixed in this cavity by an atomizing liquid storage cavity fixing seat 18. At its center is an ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity 17 with an ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 inside, which can be connected to the atomizing liquid storage cavity 14 by a threaded seal.

[0102] The upper end of the inner wall 37 of the turbulence grille is the air inlet 34, and the upper end of the slot 8 on the outer wall of the turbulence grille is the air outlet 35. The planetary gearbox 38 is fixed to the lower end of the turbulence grille through the planetary gearbox bracket 39. The upper part of the turbulence grille is connected to the air inlet blade 36, and the lower part is connected to the air outlet turbine 11 and the air mist mixing impeller 13. The coupling 3 is movably connected to the stepper motor 1 and is fixed together with the thermal gas flow sensor 2 on the coupling bracket 4.

[0103] The liquid level bottle 26 and the clamp valve 20 are fixed on the same bracket, and a liquid level sensor 27 is fixed to the outside of the liquid level bottle.

[0104] The atomizing liquid storage bottle 25 and the reflux liquid storage bottle 7 are fixed on the sliding guide rail 21 by the bottle bracket 24. A gas sterilization filter 22 is installed at the opening of the bottle cap 23. Each container is connected to the cavity through a silicone tube 28.

[0105] The controller 30 contains a liquid level control module 31, a flow rate adjustment module 32, a mist volume adjustment module 33, and a cooling fan 40. Each module is connected to a different electrical appliance via a wire 29.

[0106] Furthermore, the impeller 13 for aerosol mixing, the atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, the bottom cover 15 of the atomizing liquid storage chamber, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing chamber 17, and the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat 18 together form an aerosol mixing system. During sampling, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 stimulates the liquid surface in the atomizing liquid storage chamber 12 to break up and form a large number of nano-sized droplets. The suspended droplets are stirred by the impeller 13 for aerosol mixing and come into full contact with the bioaerosol inside the inhalation sampler, thus forming an aerosol mixing system of airborne particulate matter and atomized suspended droplets.

[0107] Furthermore, the coupling 3, the air outlet guide cover 5, the slot 8 on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder, the sight glass 9, the air outlet turbine 11, the air inlet 34, the air outlet 35, the air inlet blade 36, the inner wall of the turbulence grid cylinder 37, and the planetary gearbox 38 together constitute a bioaerosol circulation and collection system. During sampling, driven by the air intake blades 36, bioaerosols in the air enter the sampler from the air intake 34 in a vortex state along the inner wall 37 of the turbulence grid cylinder. After mixing with a large number of suspended droplets, they are driven upward by the exhaust turbine 11 and enter the vertical channel formed by the slot 8 on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder and the sight glass 9, and are discharged from the exhaust port 35. Under the action of the exhaust port guide cover 5, the droplets are mixed with the aerosols and then enter the sampler again in a vortex state along the inner wall of the turbulence grid cylinder due to the entrainment effect of the airflow from the air intake. This forms a circulating collection system in which the airflow reciprocates along the inner wall and the slot on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder.

[0108] Furthermore, the outer wall slot 8 of the turbulence grid cylinder, the sight glass 9, and the return liquid storage cavity 12 together constitute an aggregation and recovery system. As the droplets, after mixing with bioaerosols in the air, enter the sampler in a vortex state and are then discharged, the mixture of airborne particles and suspended droplets, when passing through the vertical channel formed by the outer wall slot 8 of the turbulence grid cylinder and the sight glass 9, experiences horizontal acceleration, causing turbulence to form inside the channel. Under inertial impact, the suspended droplets aggregate and converge along the inner surface of the channel to form a liquid flow, ultimately dripping into the return liquid storage cavity 14 under gravity, thus forming the aggregation and recovery system for suspended droplets.

[0109] Furthermore, the atomizing liquid storage chamber 14, the sliding guide rail 21, the gas sterilization filter 22, the bottle cap 23, the bottle support 24, the atomizing liquid storage bottle 25, the level bottle 26, and the silicone tube 28 together constitute an atomizing liquid replenishment system. Based on the principle of communicating vessels, the bottom of the level bottle 26 is connected to the bottom of the atomizing liquid storage bottle 25 through the silicone tube 28, and both bottle caps 23 are equipped with gas sterilization filters 22. Before sampling, the atomizing liquid storage bottle fixed on the bottle support 24 can be adjusted relative to the level bottle via the sliding guide rail 21 to ensure that sufficient atomizing liquid can be replenished to the level bottle during sampling. The bottom of the level bottle is connected to the bottom of the return liquid storage chamber 14 through the silicone tube to keep the liquid levels of both at the same level, thus forming an atomizing liquid replenishment system based on the principle of communicating vessels.

[0110] Furthermore, the reflux liquid storage bottle 7, reflux liquid storage cavity 12, sliding guide rail 21, gas sterilization filter 22, bottle cap 23, bottle support 24, and silicone tube 28 together constitute a reflux liquid collection system. Based on the principle of communicating vessels, the bottom of the reflux liquid storage cavity 12 is connected to the bottom of the reflux liquid storage bottle 7 through the silicone tube 28, and a gas sterilization filter 22 is provided at the opening of the reflux liquid storage bottle cap 23. Before sampling, the reflux liquid storage bottle fixed on the bottle support 24 can be adjusted in relative height to the reflux liquid storage cavity via the sliding guide rail 21 to ensure that all liquid in the reflux liquid storage cavity has flowed into the reflux liquid storage bottle at the end of sampling, thus forming a reflux liquid collection system based on the principle of communicating vessels.

[0111] Furthermore, the clamp-type pipe valve 20, the liquid level sensor 27, the wire 29, and the liquid level control module 31 together constitute the atomizing liquid level control system. During sampling, the liquid level control module 31 responds to the electrical signal from the liquid level sensor 27 to automatically control the clamp-type pipe valve 20 to close or open, so as to keep the liquid level in the atomizing liquid storage chamber at the optimal position when the ultrasonic atomizing plate is working.

[0112] Furthermore, the stepper motor 1, the thermal gas flow sensor 2, the wire 29, and the flow regulation module 32 together constitute an intake flow regulation system. During sampling, the speed of the stepper motor 1 can be adjusted by the flow regulation module 32 according to the real-time flow data indicated by the thermal gas flow sensor 2 to obtain the ideal sampling flow.

[0113] Furthermore, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16, the wire 29, and the mist volume adjustment module 33 together constitute a mist volume adjustment system. During sampling, the input power of the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 can be adjusted through the mist volume adjustment module 33 to obtain the ideal mist volume.

[0114] An embodiment of an atomizing-recirculating bioaerosol sampler includes the following steps:

[0115] Step 1: Before sampling begins, remove easily detachable electronic components such as the stepper motor 1, thermal gas flow sensor 2, clamp valve 20, level sensor 27, and controller 30, which are located outside the sampler's gas path. Place the sampler in a sterilizer for high-pressure steam sterilization. After sterilization, reinstall the electronic components in their original positions outside the sampler's gas path. For the nebulizer replenishment system, inject a certain amount of pre-sterilized PBS buffer into the nebulizer reservoir 25 and adjust its relative height to the level bottle 26 using the sliding guide rail 21 to ensure sufficient nebulizer solution is replenished from the nebulizer reservoir to the level bottle during sampling. For the reflux collection system, adjust the relative height between the reflux reservoir 25 and the reflux chamber 12 to ensure that all liquid in the reflux chamber has flowed into the reflux reservoir at the end of sampling.

[0116] Step 2: At the start of sampling, power is switched on and the controller controls the normal operation of the atomizing liquid level control system, air intake flow regulation system, and mist volume regulation system. For the aerosol mixing system, the ultrasonic atomizing plate 16 stimulates the liquid surface in the atomizing liquid storage chamber 12 to break up and form a large number of nano-sized droplets. The suspended droplets are stirred by the impeller 13 for aerosol mixing and come into full contact with the air aerosol entering the sampler. For the circulating collection system, under the push of the air intake blade 36, the bioaerosol in the air enters the sampler from the air intake 34 in a vortex state along the inner wall 37 of the turbulence grid cylinder. After mixing with a large number of suspended droplets, it enters the vertical channel formed by the slot 8 and sight glass 9 on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder under the push of the exhaust turbine 11 and is discharged from the exhaust port 35. Under the action of the flow cover 5, the droplets mixed with aerosol are carried down by the airflow at the inlet and enter the sampler in a vortex state along the inner wall of the turbulence grid cylinder. For the polymerization and recovery system, after the droplets mixed with bioaerosol in the air enter the sampler in a vortex state and are discharged, the mixture of airborne particulate matter and suspended droplets passes through the vertical channel formed by the slot 8 and the sight glass 9 on the outer wall of the turbulence grid cylinder. The horizontal acceleration causes it to form turbulence inside the channel. The suspended droplets gather under the action of inertial impact and converge along the inner surface of the channel to form a liquid flow. Finally, under the action of gravity, they drip into the return liquid storage cavity 14.

[0117] Step 3: After sampling, the liquid in the reflux storage bottle 7 is used for subsequent testing and analysis.

[0118] This invention can reduce the damage to microbial cells caused by shear stress generated by impact during sampling, maintain the biological activity of the sample, and improve sampling efficiency.

[0119] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0120] Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications within the scope of the claims, which do not affect the essence of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other.

Claims

1. An atomization-backflow biological aerosol sampler, characterized by, include: The system includes an aerosol mixing system, an aerosol separation system, an atomizing liquid replenishment system, a reflux liquid collection system, an atomizing liquid level control system, a mist volume regulation system, and an air intake flow regulation system. The aerosol mixing system is connected to the aerosol separation system, the atomizing liquid replenishment system is connected to the aerosol mixing system through the atomizing liquid level control system, and the reflux liquid collection system is connected to the aerosol separation system. The mist volume adjustment system is connected to the aerosol mixing system, and the mist volume adjustment system is used to adjust the mist volume of the aerosol mixing system; the air intake flow adjustment system is connected to the aerosol separation system, and the air intake flow adjustment system is used to adjust the air intake volume of the aerosol separation system. The aerosol mixing system includes an impeller (13) for aerosol mixing, an atomizing liquid storage chamber (14), an atomizing liquid storage chamber bottom cover (15), an ultrasonic atomizing sheet sealing chamber (17), and an atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat (18). The bottom cover (15) of the atomizing liquid storage chamber is fixed in the gas-mist separation system by the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat (18); the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity (17) is fixed at the center of the bottom cover (15) of the atomizing liquid storage chamber, and the bottom cover (15) of the atomizing liquid storage chamber and the atomizing liquid storage chamber (14) are connected by threaded sealing. The impeller (13) for mixing aerosols is connected to the aerosol separation system and is located inside the atomizing liquid storage chamber (14). The aerosol separation system includes an outlet guide cover (5), a turbulence grille, a sight glass (9), an outlet turbine (11), a return liquid storage chamber (12), an inlet (34), an outlet (35), an inlet blade (36), and a planetary gearbox (38). The air outlet guide cover (5), the sight glass (9), and the reflux liquid storage chamber (12) are connected to form a semi-closed cavity with an open top. The turbulence grille is installed inside the sight glass (9). The turbulence grille has an outer wall slot (8) and an inner wall (37). The upper end of the inner wall (37) is an air inlet (34), and the upper end of the outer wall slot (8) is an air outlet (35). The planetary gearbox (38) is fixed to the lower end of the turbulence grille cylinder by a planetary gearbox bracket (39). The upper part of the planetary gearbox (38) is connected to the air intake blade (36), and the lower part of the planetary gearbox (38) is connected to the air outlet turbine (11) and the air-mist mixing impeller (13). The bottom cover (15) of the atomizing liquid storage chamber is fixed inside the reflux liquid storage chamber (12) by the atomizing liquid storage chamber fixing seat (18).

2. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet guide cover (5), the sight glass (9), and the reflux liquid storage chamber (12) are connected by a sealing flange (6), a flange fixing rod (10), and a three-hole sealing cover (19).

3. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The atomizing liquid replenishment system includes a first sliding guide rail (21), a first gas sterilization filter (22), a first bottle cap (23), a first bottle support (24), and an atomizing liquid storage bottle (25). The atomizing liquid storage bottle (25) is connected to the atomizing liquid storage chamber (14) through the atomizing liquid level control system. The atomizing liquid storage bottle (25) is fixed on the first sliding guide rail (21) through the first bottle bracket (24). The first bottle cap (23) is located at the bottle mouth of the atomizing liquid storage bottle (25). The first gas sterilization filter (22) is installed at the opening of the bottle cap (23).

4. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflux liquid collection system includes a second sliding guide rail (41), a second gas sterilization filter (42), a second bottle cap (43), a second bottle support (44), and a reflux liquid storage bottle (7). The reflux liquid storage bottle (7) is connected to the reflux liquid storage cavity (12). The reflux liquid storage bottle (7) is fixed on the second sliding guide rail (41) by the second bottle bracket (44). The second bottle cap (43) is located at the bottle mouth of the reflux liquid storage bottle (7). The second gas sterilization filter (42) is installed at the opening of the second bottle cap (43).

5. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler according to claim 3, characterized in that, The atomizing liquid level control system includes a level bottle (26), a level sensor (27), a silicone tube (28), and a level control module (31). The liquid level bottle (26) and the clamp valve (20) are fixed on the same bracket, and the liquid level sensor (27) is fixed to the outside of the liquid level bottle (26). The liquid level bottle (26) and the atomizing liquid storage bottle (25) are connected in a continuous manner. The bottom of the liquid level bottle (26) is connected to the bottom of the reflux liquid storage chamber (12) through the silicone tube (28). The liquid level sensor (27) and the clamp valve (20) are both electrically connected to the liquid level control module (31). The clamp valve (20) is clamped onto the silicone tube (28).

6. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mist volume adjustment system includes an ultrasonic atomizing plate (16) and a mist volume adjustment module (33). The ultrasonic atomizing plate (16) is electrically connected to the mist volume adjustment module (33), and the ultrasonic atomizing plate (16) is disposed in the ultrasonic atomizing plate sealing cavity (17).

7. The atomizing-reflux bioaerosol sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intake flow regulation system includes a stepper motor (1), a thermal gas flow sensor (2), a coupling (3), a coupling bracket (4), and a flow regulation module (32). The flow regulation module (32) is electrically connected to the thermal gas flow sensor (2), and the thermal gas flow sensor (2) is fixed on the coupling bracket (4); The coupling (3) is movably connected to the stepper motor (1), and the stepper motor (1) is connected to the air intake blade (36) through the coupling (3); the coupling (3) is fixed on the coupling bracket (4), and the coupling bracket (4) is set on the air outlet guide cover (5).

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