Device for measuring state of solution

Abstract

An apparatus for measuring the state of a solution is disclosed. The apparatus for measuring a state of a solution includes: a probe having a measurement unit, at least one surface of which is open to measure a characteristic of the solution; a holder fixable to an outer peripheral surface of the probe; and a baffle plate mounted to the bracket and configured to surround at least a portion of a periphery of the measurement unit and thereby block a flow of the solution around the measurement unit, in which the baffle plate is mounted to the bracket via a link mechanism, and a distance between the probe and the baffle plate is adjustable by the link mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0063109 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 16, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for measuring a solution state, and more particularly, to an apparatus for measuring a solution state having a baffle installed around a probe for measuring the solution state to stabilize the flow of a solution inside the probe, thereby preventing measurement deviation. Background Art

[0004] 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) is a platform compound that can be converted into many other useful chemicals including acrylic acid, and thus can be widely used in the production of pigments, paints, fibers, etc. This 3-HP is a representative biodegradable material that can be produced by fermentation of Escherichia coli.

[0005] E. coli is cultured and fermented in a culture medium in a reactor. A spectrometer is installed inside the reactor to measure the concentration of E. coli in the culture medium in real time. In addition, in order to predict the state of E. coli, various measuring devices can be installed inside the reactor to measure the state of the culture medium (concentration, capacitance, inductance, etc.). These measuring devices are usually configured to measure the state of the culture medium flowing through the measuring unit in real time.

[0006] A stirring device may also be installed inside the reactor for culturing E. coli. The stirring device is configured to stir the culture medium and supply oxygen to the E. coli in the culture medium. When the stirring device operates and stirs the culture medium, bubbles or the like may be generated in the culture medium, and the generated bubbles may flow into the measuring cell of the measuring device together with the culture medium. In addition, the flow velocity inside the measuring cell may be excessively increased due to stirring, and when the flow velocity inside the measuring cell is excessively increased, flow deviation may occur in the measuring cell.

[0007] In this way, when the flow rate inside the measuring cell is too fast, or when bubbles exist in or pass through the measuring cell, the state of the culture medium measured by the measuring device may be uneven. In other words, the state of the culture medium measured by the measuring device may be biased.

[0008] The above information disclosed in the Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this technology belongs. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present disclosure intends to provide an apparatus for measuring a state of a solution having a baffle installed around a probe for measuring the state of the solution to stabilize the flow of a solution around and inside the probe.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for measuring the state of a solution includes: a probe having a measuring unit, the measuring unit having at least one open surface for measuring the characteristics of the solution; a supporting member fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the probe; and a baffle, the baffle being configured to be mounted on the supporting member and surround at least a portion of the periphery of the measuring unit and prevent the flow of solution around the measuring unit, wherein the baffle is mounted on the supporting member via a linkage mechanism, and the distance between the probe and the baffle can be adjusted by the linkage mechanism.

[0013] The support member may include a first support member and a second support member connected to each other so as to be able to move relative to each other in a longitudinal direction thereof, the first support member may be detachably fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the probe, and the second support member may slide in the longitudinal direction relative to the first support member so that the baffle moves between a folded position and an unfolded position via a linkage mechanism.

[0014] The first supporting member may include: a supporting plate, the supporting plate being configured to define one end of the first supporting member and to support one end of the probe to prevent the probe from separating to one side; at least one fixing ring, the at least one fixing ring being configured to be arranged at the other side of the supporting plate at a distance from each other and to guide the sliding of the second supporting member; and a first supporting column, the first supporting column being connected to the supporting plate and the at least one fixing ring to connect the supporting plate and the at least one fixing ring to each other.

[0015] The at least one fixing ring may include: a first fixing ring arranged to be spaced apart from the support plate near the support plate; a second fixing ring defining the other end of the first support member; and a third fixing ring arranged between the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring.

[0016] A first column groove may be formed on the side surface of the support plate at a position different from the first support column in the circumferential direction, and a second column groove corresponding to the first column groove in the circumferential direction may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second fixing ring.

[0017] The side surface of the support plate may be formed as an inclined surface.

[0018] The second supporting component may include: a ring handle, which is arranged on the other side of the fixing ring on the other side of the at least one fixing ring; and a second supporting column, which is connected to the ring handle and extends to one side in the longitudinal direction to be guided by the at least one fixing ring, and the linkage mechanism can be configured to be mounted on the second supporting column and move the baffle between the folded position and the unfolded position.

[0019] The linkage mechanism may be mounted on the second support column so that when the ring handle is pushed to contact the othermost fixing ring, the baffle is positioned at the deployed position, and when the ring handle is pulled to separate from the othermost fixing ring, the baffle is positioned at the folded position.

[0020] The connecting rod mechanism may include: a first connecting rod, which is installed on the second supporting column so as to be able to rotate around a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second supporting column; a second connecting rod, which is rotatably installed on the first connecting rod and has a baffle installed thereon; and a third connecting rod, which is spaced apart from the first connecting rod and arranged adjacent to the supporting plate, and is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod and the second supporting column, respectively.

[0021] At least one of the first link and the third link may be captured by at least one of the at least one fixing ring to position the baffle at the deployed position.

[0022] The third link can position the baffle in the folded position via the support plate.

[0023] The probe can be installed in the reactor through the mounting hole with the support member mounted on its outer peripheral surface, and the probe can be inserted into the mounting hole with the baffle being folded, and the measuring unit is configured to measure the characteristics of the solution when the probe is installed in the reactor and the baffle is in the unfolded position.

[0024] Beneficial Effects

[0025] According to the present disclosure, by installing a baffle around a probe for measuring a solution state via a support member, the flow of the solution around and inside the probe can be stabilized and the flow rate can be reduced. Therefore, the measurement deviation of the solution state can be reduced.

[0026] Since the baffle can be folded relative to the probe, the device for measuring the state of the solution can be installed inside the reactor through the mounting hole without increasing the size of the mounting hole. In addition, since the baffle can be unfolded when the device for measuring the state of the solution is installed inside the reactor, the flow of the solution can be controlled in a wide area.

[0027] Other effects that can be obtained or predicted by the exemplary embodiments will be described explicitly or implicitly in the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. That is, various effects predicted according to the exemplary embodiments will be described in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The exemplary embodiments of the present specification may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a supporting member of an apparatus for measuring a state of a solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the first support member of the support member shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the second support member of the support member shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 5 It's a picture. Figure 2 ] A front view and a plan view of the unfolded state of the support component shown in FIG.

[0034] Figure 6 It's a picture. Figure 2 . A front view and a plan view of the folded state of the support member shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 7 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of an apparatus for measuring a state of a solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0036] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating that an apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a reactor.

[0037] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of portion "A".

[0038] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a flow velocity around a probe when an apparatus for measuring a solution state according to the related art is mounted on a reactor.

[0039] Fig.11is a diagram illustrating a flow rate around a probe when the apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment is mounted on a reactor and the baffle is folded.

[0040] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a flow rate around a probe when the apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a reactor and baffles are deployed.

[0041] It should be understood that the drawings referred to above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather present rather simplified representations of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of the present disclosure. For example, the specific design features of the present disclosure, including specific dimensions, directions, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is intended to also include the plural form. The terms "include" and / or "include" specify the existence of the referenced features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts when used in this article, but it will also be understood that these terms do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or their combinations. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or all combinations in the relevant listed items.

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for measuring the state of a solution includes: a probe having a measuring unit, at least one surface of which is open to measure the characteristics of the solution; a support member, the support member is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the probe; and a baffle, the baffle is mounted on the support member and surrounds at least a portion of the periphery of the measuring unit. The baffle can stabilize the flow of the solution around and inside the probe, and reduce the flow rate of the solution by reducing the influence of the flow outside the baffle on the flow inside the baffle. Therefore, the deviation of the solution state measured by the measuring unit can be reduced.

[0044] The baffle is mounted on the support member via a link mechanism, and the link mechanism allows the baffle to be fixed at any position between the folded position and the unfolded position, while enabling the baffle to move between the folded position and the unfolded position. When the device for measuring the state of the solution is mounted in the mounting hole of the reactor, the baffle can be folded, so that the device for measuring the state of the solution can be mounted inside the reactor through the mounting hole without increasing the size of the mounting hole. In addition, when measuring the characteristics of the solution with the device for measuring the state of the solution mounted inside the reactor, the baffle can be unfolded, thereby enabling the flow of the solution to be controlled in a wide area.

[0045] The baffle can be folded by pulling the second support member toward one side of the support member in the longitudinal direction relative to the first support member, and the baffle can be unfolded by pushing the second support member toward the other side of the support member in the longitudinal direction relative to the first support member. Therefore, it is easy to fold or unfold the baffle and fix the position of the baffle.

[0046] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a supporting member of an apparatus for measuring a state of a solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a first supporting member of the supporting member shown in FIG. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a second supporting member of the supporting member shown in FIG. Figure 5 It's a picture. Figure 2 A front view and a plan view of the unfolded state of the support member shown in FIG. Figure 6 It's a picture. Figure 2 A front view and a plan view of the folded state of the support member shown in FIG. 1 , and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a portion of an apparatus for measuring a state of a solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in , the apparatus for measuring the state of a solution according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a probe 10 , a supporting member 20 , and a baffle 48 .

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the probe 10 is configured to measure the state of the solution (eg, concentration, capacitance, inductance, etc.). The probe 10 has a cylindrical shape, and one end portion of the probe 10 is configured to be immersed in the reactor 60 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 ) inside the measuring cell 12. For example, the measuring cell 12 may be provided at one end portion of the probe 10 to measure the state of the solution present in or passing through the measuring cell 12. For this purpose, one end portion of the probe 10, in particular at least the measuring cell 12, is arranged to be immersed in the solution. In addition, at least one surface of the measuring cell 12 is open to serve as an inlet for the solution to flow into the measuring cell 12 or an outlet for the solution to flow out of the measuring cell 12. In the present specification, the probe 10 is exemplified as having a cylindrical shape, but the probe 10 is not limited to the cylindrical shape.

[0050] When the probe 10 is mounted on the reactor 60, the other end portion of the probe 10 may extend to the outside of the reactor 60 and be wirelessly or wiredly connected to a controller (not shown). Therefore, the state of the solution measured by the measuring unit 12 may be wirelessly or wiredly transmitted to the controller.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the support member 20 is used to arrange the baffle 48 around the measuring unit 12, and can be detachably mounted on the probe 10. For example, by mounting a screw (not shown) on a set portion of the support member 20 and engaging the screw on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10, the support member 20 can be detachably mounted on the probe 10.

[0052] The support member 20 is substantially arranged to surround the probe 10 and may be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10 by a predetermined interval. The support member 20 includes a first support member 30 and a second support member 40 coupled to be movable relative to each other.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown in , the first support member 30 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10 and is detachably mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10 and is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10 by a predetermined interval. The first support member 30 includes a support plate 31, a first fixing ring 32, a second fixing ring 36, and a third fixing ring 38 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the support member 20, and at least one first support column 34 simultaneously connected to the support plate 31 and the first fixing ring 32, the second fixing ring 36, and the third fixing ring 38 to connect the support plate 31 with the first fixing ring 32, the second fixing ring 36, and the third fixing ring 38 to each other.

[0054] The support plate 31 is generally disc-shaped and defines one end of the first support member 30. When the probe 10 is inserted and installed in the support member 20, the support plate 31 supports one end of the probe 10 to prevent the probe 10 from being disengaged from the support member 20 to one side. The support plate 31 is connected to one end of the first support column 34, and a first column groove 33 is formed on the side surface of the support plate 31 at a position different from the first support column 34 in the circumferential direction. The side surface of the support plate 31 can be formed as an inclined surface for positioning the baffle 48 at the folded position. For example, the diameter of the side surface of the support plate 31 can increase toward one side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] The first fixing ring 32 is arranged to be spaced apart from the supporting plate 31 near the supporting plate 31. The first fixing ring 32 is annular, and the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing ring 32 may be slightly larger, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm larger, than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10, so that the probe 10 is arranged inside the first fixing ring 32. The first fixing ring 32 may be coupled to the first supporting column 34 so that the position in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 20 is fixed. For example, the first supporting column 34 may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the first fixing ring 32.

[0056] The second fixing ring 36 is spaced apart from the first fixing ring 32 on the other side along the longitudinal direction of the support member 20, and defines the other end of the first support member 30. The distance between the support plate 31 and the second fixing ring 36 is substantially equal to the length of the probe 10. For example, the distance between the support plate 31 and the second fixing ring 36, that is, the length of the first support member 30 can be about 200mm to 300mm, but is not limited thereto. The second fixing ring 36 is annular, and the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the second fixing ring 36 can be similar to or slightly larger than the diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the probe 10 (for example, 0.5mm to 5mm larger) so that the probe 10 can pass through the second fixing ring 36 and be inserted into the support member 20. The other end of the first support column 34 is connected to the second fixing ring 36, and a second column groove 37 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second fixing ring 36, and the second column groove 37 is different from the first support column 34 in the circumferential direction. The second column groove 37 is positioned to correspond to the first column groove 33 in the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the support member 20 may be detachably mounted on the probe 10 by coupling a screw passing through the second fixing ring 36 to the outer circumferential surface of the probe 10 , but is not limited thereto.

[0057] At least one third fixing ring 38 is arranged between the first fixing ring 32 and the second fixing ring 36. The third fixing ring 38 is annular, and the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the third fixing ring 38 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the probe 10, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm, so that the probe 10 is arranged in the third fixing ring 38. In one example, the diameter of the third fixing ring 38 may be the same as the diameter of the first fixing ring 32. The third fixing ring 38 may be coupled to the first supporting column 34 so that the position in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 20 may be fixed, and the connection between the first fixing ring 32 and the second fixing ring 36 may be strengthened by the first supporting column 34. For example, the first supporting column 34 may be attached to the inner peripheral surface of the third fixing ring 38.

[0058] By connecting the support plate 31 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the support member 20 with the first fixing ring 32, the second fixing ring 36, and the third fixing ring 38 by means of the first supporting column 34, the first supporting member 30 is formed into a substantially cylindrical bracket, and the probe 10 is installed in the first supporting member 30, that is, in a space formed by the first fixing ring 32, the second fixing ring 36, the third fixing ring 38 and the first supporting column 34. By forming the first supporting member 30 into a cylindrical bracket, the probe 10 is stably held, and at the same time, the flow of the solution around the probe 10 is not hindered. That is, the first supporting member 30 hardly hinders the solution from flowing into and out of the measuring unit 12 of the probe 10.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , the second support member 40 is coupled to the first support member 30 and is slidable relative to the first support member 30 in the longitudinal direction of the support member 20 . The second support member 40 includes a ring handle 42 , at least one second support column 44 , and a link mechanism 46 .

[0060] The ring handle 42 is formed in an annular shape and is arranged on the other side of the second fixing ring 36 in the longitudinal direction of the support member 20. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the baffle 48 is deployed, the ring handle 42 can contact the second fixing ring 36 and Figure 6 As shown in , when the baffle 48 is folded, the ring handle 42 can be separated from the second fixing ring 36. The user can push the ring handle 42 toward the second fixing ring 36 to unfold the baffle 48, and can pull the ring handle 42 away from the second fixing ring 36 to fold the baffle 48. The shape and size of the ring handle 42 can be the same as those of the second fixing ring 36, but it is not limited thereto.

[0061] At least one second support column 44 is coupled to the ring handle 42 and extends in the longitudinal direction of the support member 20. One end of the second support column 44 passes through the second column groove 37 of the second fixing ring 36 to be seated in the first column groove 33 of the support plate 31. In one example, the second support column 44 can pass through the second column groove 37 and contact the inner circumferential surfaces of the first fixing ring 32 and the third fixing ring 38. In this case, the first fixing ring 32 and the third fixing ring 38 guide the second support column 44 to slide on their inner circumferential surfaces. The other end of the second support column 44 is coupled to the ring handle 42.

[0062] The link mechanism 46 is configured to be mounted on one end portion of the second support column 44 and to move the baffle 48 between a folded state and an unfolded state. That is, the link mechanism 46 can adjust the size of the flow-controlled region by folding or unfolding the baffle 48 surrounding the measurement unit 12 of the probe 10. In addition, the link mechanism 46 is configured to fix the baffle 48 at any position between the folded position and the unfolded position. Therefore, the distance between the baffle 48 and the probe 10 can be adjusted between the distance between the baffle 48 and the probe 10 in the folded position and the distance between the baffle 48 and the probe 10 in the unfolded position.

[0063] In one example, the link mechanism 46 may be implemented as a four-bar link, but is not limited thereto. More specifically, the link mechanism 46 includes a first link 52, a second link 54, and a third link 56. The first link 52 and the third link 56 are installed to be spaced apart from each other on one end of the second support column 44.

[0064] The first link 52 is installed on the second support column 44 to be adjacent to the third fixing ring 38, and is installed to be rotatable on one side of the third fixing ring 38 about a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second support column 44. Therefore, when the second support column 44 moves toward the other side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction, the first link 52 is caught by the third fixing ring 38 and rotates clockwise.

[0065] The third link 56 is mounted on the second support column 44 so as to be rotatable between the support plate 31 and the first fixing ring 32 in a similar manner to the first link 52 (i.e., rotatable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second support column 44). Therefore, when the second support column 44 moves toward the other side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction, the first link 56 is caught by the first fixing ring 32 and rotates clockwise. In this case, the third link 56 can be seated in the first column groove 33 formed on the side surface of the support plate 31. In one example, when the second support member 40 slides relative to the first support member 30 in the longitudinal direction of the support member 20, the first link 52 and the third link 56 can rotate by the same angle.

[0066] The second link 54 is rotatably mounted on each of the first link 52 and the third link 56 so that the first link 52 and the third link 56 are connected to each other so as to rotate in a similar manner. The second link 54 is mounted with a baffle 48, and the baffle 48 moves together with the second link 54. The second link 54 can be connected to the first link 52 and the third link 56 so that when the first link 52 and the third link 56 rotate, the second link 54 is always parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support member 20. Therefore, the baffle 48 can change its position while always being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the support member 20 (that is, the distance between the baffle 48 and the probe 10 can be changed).

[0067] The baffle 48 is mounted on the support member 20, in particular, on one end portion of the second support member 40, through the link mechanism 46. The baffle 48 surrounds at least a portion of the probe 10, in particular, the measuring cell 12, to hinder the flow of the solution around the measuring cell 12. That is, the baffle 48 reduces the influence of the flow outside the baffle 48, which is directly affected by the operation of the stirring device, on the flow around the measuring cell 12 inside the baffle 48, thereby stabilizing the flow of the solution around the measuring cell 12 or inside the measuring cell 12, and reducing the flow rate of the solution. For this purpose, the baffle 48 may be a plate bent into a substantially rectangular shape surrounding the probe 10. For example, the baffle 48 may have a width of 25 mm to 35 mm and a height of 35 mm to 45 mm.

[0068] In one example, a pair of baffles 48 facing each other may be arranged around the probe 10. In addition, the space between the pair of baffles 48 is open so that the solution in the reactor 60 can flow between the inside and the outside of the baffles 48 through the space. Each of the pair of baffles 48 is attached to the second connecting rod 54. To this end, the device for measuring the state of the solution includes a pair of second supporting columns 44 and a pair of connecting rod mechanisms 46. Here, each supporting mechanism 46 is installed on the corresponding second supporting column 44.

[0069] like Figure 5 A and Figure 7 As shown in a of , when the user pushes the second support member 40 toward one side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction, one end of the pair of second support columns 44 contacts the support plate 31, and the first link 52 and the third link 56 are arranged radially. Therefore, the second link 54 connected to the first link 52 and the third link 56 is positioned farthest from the probe 10, and the baffle 48 attached to the second link 54 is positioned at the deployed position. In this case, the distance L1 between the pair of baffles 48 becomes the largest, and therefore, the flow of the solution can be controlled in as wide an area as possible. For example, the distance L1 between the pair of baffles 48 in the deployed state can be 35mm to 45mm.

[0070] like Figure 6 b and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 2 , when the user pulls the second support member 40 toward the other side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction, the pair of second support columns 44 moves toward the other side in the longitudinal direction, but the first link 52 is caught by the third fixing ring 38 to rotate clockwise, and the third link 56 is caught by the first fixing ring 32 to rotate clockwise and sit in the first column groove 33 of the support plate 31. When the third link 56 is completely seated in the first column groove 33, the second support member 40 no longer moves toward the other side in the longitudinal direction, the second link 54 is positioned closest to the probe 10, and the baffle 48 attached to the second link 54 is positioned at the folded position. In this case, the distance L2 between the pair of baffles 48 becomes the smallest. When the baffle 48 is folded, the device for measuring the state of the solution can be installed inside the reactor 60 through the mounting hole 62 having a limited size. For example, the distance L2 between the pair of baffles 48 in the folded state can be 15 mm to 25 mm.

[0071] Hereinafter, a process of installing the apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure on the reactor 60 will be briefly described.

[0072] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating that an apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is installed on a reactor. Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of portion "A".

[0073] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in , the reactor 60 has a hollow cylindrical shape, and the Escherichia coli is cultured and fermented in the culture medium inside the reactor 60. A stirring device 70 is installed in the center of the reactor 60, and the stirring device 70 can supply oxygen to the Escherichia coli in the culture medium by stirring the culture medium. A mounting hole 62 is formed at a lower portion of the side surface of the reactor 60, and a device for measuring the state of the solution is installed inside the reactor 60 through the mounting hole 62.

[0074] In order to install a device for measuring the state of the solution inside the reactor 60, such as Figure 6 As shown in , the user holds the ring handle 42 and pulls the second support member 40 toward the other side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction to fold the baffle 48. Thereafter, while the baffle 48 is folded, the device for measuring the state of the solution is inserted into the mounting hole 62. Because the distance L2 between the pair of baffles 48 is the smallest when the baffle 48 is folded, the device for measuring the state of the solution can be installed inside the reactor 60 through the mounting hole 62 having a limited size.

[0075] In this case, the installation depth L3 of the measuring unit 12 in the horizontal direction is the depth at which the entire baffle 48 passes through the installation hole 62 and is positioned inside the reactor 60. For example, the installation depth L3 of the measuring unit 12 in the horizontal direction may be, but is not limited to, about 50 mm to 200 mm. In addition, the device for measuring the state of the solution may be installed to be tilted downward at a set angle θ relative to the horizontal direction. Here, the set angle θ may be about 5° to 15°, but is not limited thereto. By installing the device for measuring the state of the solution to be tilted downward at about 5° to 15° relative to the horizontal direction, the device for measuring the state of the solution can be easily installed through the installation hole 62, the solution can be smoothly introduced into and out of the measuring unit 12, and the influence of the stirring device 70 on the flow can be reduced.

[0076] After the device for measuring the solution state is installed inside the reactor 60, as Figure 6 As shown in , the user holds the ring handle 42 and pulls the second support member 40 toward the other side of the support member 20 in the longitudinal direction to unfold the baffles 48. Therefore, the distance L1 between the pair of baffles 48 becomes maximum, and therefore, the flow of the solution can be controlled in as wide an area as possible. Therefore, the flow of the solution around or in the measurement cell 12 can be stabilized and the flow rate of the solution can be reduced.

[0077] Hereinafter, the effects of the apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0078] In order to confirm the effect of the device for measuring the state of the solution, flow analysis was performed in a 300L laboratory-scale reactor. A 3-stage Rushton turbine for stirring the culture medium was installed in the 300L reactor, and the device for measuring the state of the solution was installed at a position corresponding to the 1-stage turbine at the bottom. The installation depth L3 of the measuring unit 12 was about 100mm, and the device for measuring the state of the solution was installed to be tilted downward by about 10° relative to the horizontal direction. In addition, the stirring speed of the stirring device 70 was set to 300RPM.

[0079] Fig.10 is a diagram illustrating a flow velocity around a probe when an apparatus for measuring a solution state according to the related art is mounted on a reactor. Fig.11 is a diagram illustrating a flow rate around a probe when the apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment is mounted on a reactor and the baffle is folded. Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a flow rate around a probe when an apparatus for measuring a solution state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is mounted on a reactor and baffles are deployed; Fig.10 a to Fig.12 a shows the flow velocity around the probe in plan view, and Fig.10 b to Fig.12 b illustrates the flow velocity around the probe in a side view.

[0080] like Fig.10 As shown in , when only the probe is installed inside the reactor without a supporting member, the maximum flow velocity inside the measuring cell is 1.17 m / s, and the average flow velocity inside the measuring cell is 0.56 m / s.

[0081] like Fig.11 As shown in , when the device for measuring the state of a solution is installed inside the reactor 60 and the baffle 48 is folded, the maximum flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is 1.00 m / s, and the average flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is 0.33 m / s. That is, compared with when the conventional device for measuring the state of a solution is installed inside the reactor, even when the baffle 48 of the device for measuring the state of a solution installed inside the reactor 60 is folded, the maximum flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is reduced by about 15%, and the average flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is reduced by about 41%. That is, even when the baffle 48 is folded, the flow of the solution around and inside the measurement cell 12 can be stabilized and the flow velocity can be reduced.

[0082] like Fig.12 As shown in , when the device for measuring the state of a solution is installed inside the reactor 60 and the baffle 48 is deployed, the maximum flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is 0.94 m / s, and the average flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is 0.3 m / s. That is, compared with when the conventional device for measuring the state of a solution is installed inside the reactor, even when the baffle 48 of the device for measuring the state of a solution installed inside the reactor 60 is deployed, the maximum flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is reduced by about 20%, and the average flow velocity inside the measurement cell 12 is reduced by about 46%. That is, when the baffle 48 is deployed, the flow of the solution around and inside the measurement cell 12 can be as stable as possible, and the flow velocity can be reduced as much as possible.

[0083] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what is presently considered to be practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the state of a solution, comprising: a probe having a measuring cell having at least one open surface for measuring a property of a solution; a supporting member fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the probe; as well as a baffle configured to be mounted on the support member and to surround at least a portion of a periphery of the measurement cell and to prevent a flow of a solution around the measurement cell, Wherein, the baffle is mounted on the supporting component via a connecting rod mechanism, and The distance between the probe and the baffle can be adjusted by the linkage mechanism.

2. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting member includes a first supporting member and a second supporting member coupled to each other so as to be relatively movable in a longitudinal direction thereof, The first supporting member is detachably fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the probe, and The second supporting member slides relative to the first supporting member in the longitudinal direction to move the shutter between a folded position and an unfolded position via the link mechanism.

3. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 2, wherein: The first supporting member comprises: a support plate configured to define one end of the first support member and support one end of the probe to prevent the probe from being separated to one side; at least one fixing ring configured to be arranged at the other side of the support plate at a distance from each other and to guide the sliding of the second support member; and A first support post is connected to the support plate and the at least one fixing ring to connect the support plate and the at least one fixing ring to each other.

4. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one fixing ring comprises: a first fixing ring arranged adjacent to the support plate and spaced apart from the support plate; a second fixing ring defining the other end of the first supporting member; and A third fixing ring is arranged between the first fixing ring and the second fixing ring.

5. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 4, wherein: A first column groove is formed on the side surface of the support plate at a position different from the first support column in the circumferential direction, and A second column groove corresponding to the first column groove in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second fixing ring.

6. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 5, wherein: The side surface of the support plate is formed as an inclined surface.

7. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 3, wherein: The second supporting member comprises: a ring handle disposed on the other side of the othermost fixing ring among the at least one fixing ring; and a second supporting column coupled to the ring handle and extending to one side along the longitudinal direction to be guided by the at least one fixing ring, and The linkage mechanism is configured to be mounted on the second support column and to move the baffle between the folded position and the deployed position.

8. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 7, wherein: The connecting rod mechanism is installed on the second supporting column. so that when the ring handle is pushed to contact the fixing ring on the other side, the baffle is positioned at the deployed position, and When the ring handle is pulled to be separated from the fixing ring on the other side, the baffle is positioned at the folded position.

9. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 8, wherein: The connecting rod mechanism comprises: a first connecting rod, the first connecting rod being mounted on the second supporting column so as to be rotatable about a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the second supporting column; a second link rotatably mounted on the first link and having a baffle mounted thereon; and A third link is spaced apart from the first link and disposed adjacent to the support plate, and the third link is rotatably connected to the second link and the second support column, respectively.

10. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the first link and the third link is captured by at least one of the at least one fixing ring to position the baffle at the deployed position.

11. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 9, wherein: The third link positions the baffle at the folded position via the support plate.

12. The device for measuring the state of a solution according to claim 2, wherein: The probe is installed in the reactor through the installation hole with the support member installed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and The probe is inserted into the mounting hole in a state where the baffle is folded, and the measurement unit is configured to measure a characteristic of a solution when the probe is mounted in the reactor and the baffle is located in the unfolded position.

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