A water microbial in situ sampler

Abstract

This invention discloses an in-situ water microbial sampler, relating to the field of deep-sea sampling technology. It includes: a device body with a sealed chamber at its lower end; a controller housed within the sealed chamber; a filter pump housed within the device body and electrically connected to the controller, with a pipe connector on the device body for communication with its output end; a rotary mechanism housed within the device body, on which a detachable rotary disc is mounted; and multi-layer filter membrane devices evenly distributed circumferentially on the rotary disc. The rotary mechanism drives the rotary disc to switch between the multi-layer filter membrane devices connected to the pipe connector. This invention, by incorporating multiple multi-layer filter membrane devices, effectively improves sampling efficiency, enabling the acquisition of multiple high-quality microbial samples in a single dive. The invention also features a disassembly mechanism, effectively shortening the time required for disassembling and assembling filter disc consumables, thus improving on-site operational efficiency. The multi-layer filter membrane device of this invention employs a multi-layer filter membrane structure, increasing the filtration area and significantly improving the sampling volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea sampling technology, specifically to an in-situ sampler for aquatic microorganisms. Background Technology

[0002] Due to technological limitations, the deep sea is considered a challenging area for marine scientific research and ecological surveys. Deep-sea organisms have long adapted to the extreme environment of the deep sea, and their species diversity, gene function, and ecological roles differ from those in shallow seas, urgently requiring in-depth research and development. However, the extreme environment of the deep sea, such as high pressure, low temperature, and darkness, poses significant challenges to the biological sampling process.

[0003] Traditional sampling methods involve bringing deep-sea water to a shipboard laboratory for filtration. During this process, changes in temperature, salinity, and hydrostatic pressure, coupled with prolonged experimental operations, can cause physiological damage to organisms, leading to the loss of in-situ expressed information. While products exist that can improve sample quality—such as the ISMIFF full-ocean-depth microbial in-situ enrichment and fixation sampler (patent: an automated in-situ enrichment and fixation device and method for microorganisms applied to full ocean depth)—their sampling efficiency is low, their application is limited, and they can only collect one sample at a time, lacking continuous sampling capabilities and failing to meet the needs of continuous ecological monitoring and research on change patterns.

[0004] Existing multi-sample sampling techniques have several shortcomings: first, they are bulky and require high standards for the mother ship or platform; second, they are complex and inefficient; and third, the sample size per unit is low, which significantly impacts subsequent analysis. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the aforementioned technologies by proposing an in-situ water microbial sampler, which aims to solve the problems mentioned above.

[0006] This invention provides an in-situ water microbial sampler, comprising:

[0007] The device body has a sealed chamber at its lower end;

[0008] The controller is located inside the sealed chamber;

[0009] The filter pump is located inside the device body and is electrically connected to the controller. The device body is equipped with a pipe connector for connecting to its output end.

[0010] A rotary mechanism is located inside the device body, and a rotary table is detachably mounted on it;

[0011] The multilayer filter membrane device is evenly distributed on the rotary table along the circumference. The rotary mechanism drives the rotary table to switch the multilayer filter membrane device connected to the pipeline connector, thereby enabling the filter discs in the multilayer filter membrane device to switch between multiple sequence sampling.

[0012] Preferably, the multilayer filter membrane device further includes a filter disc chamber, a diversion pipe, and a one-way valve. The filter disc chamber is fixedly mounted on a rotary table. The filter discs have a multilayer structure, and the multilayer filter discs are spaced vertically within the filter disc chamber. The diversion pipe is fixedly mounted in the middle of the filter disc chamber, and the one-way valve is fixedly mounted at the lower end of the filter disc chamber. The one-way valve is connected to the lower opening of the diversion pipe. The one-way valve is connected to the pipe connector by the rotation of the rotary table, so that the seawater flowing into the one-way valve through the pipe connector flows to the filter disc in layers through the diversion pipe.

[0013] The inner rings of each filter disc are vertically separated by gaskets, and the outer rings of each filter disc are vertically separated by annular components. Multiple liquid inlets are provided on the annular components along the circumference. The distribution pipe has multiple rings of distribution holes from bottom to top, and the distribution holes are horizontally connected to the filter discs.

[0014] The filter disc includes two filter membranes spaced apart, one above the other, and a perforated plate between the filter membranes. A diversion hole is located between the two filter membranes so that seawater can enter the perforated plate through the diversion hole and then enter the filter cavity formed by the gasket and the annular part through the filter membrane.

[0015] A drainage cavity is provided between the inner wall of the filter disc chamber and the outer wall of the multi-layer filter discs. The filter cavity is connected to the drainage cavity through a liquid inlet. The filter disc chamber includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber, which are connected and sealed at the connection point by a sealing ring.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the rotary mechanism includes a drive motor and a turntable. The drive motor is located inside the device body, and the turntable is connected to the output end of the drive motor. The rotary turntable is detachably connected to the turntable through a disassembly mechanism.

[0017] The disassembly mechanism includes a base block, a fixed sleeve, a locking block, a lever, a pull rod, and a spring. The base block is fixed on the turntable, which is connected to the fixed sleeve. The locking block and the lever are respectively hinged to the inside and outside of the fixed sleeve. One end of the pull rod is fixedly connected to the end of the locking block, and the other end of the pull rod is slidably connected to the end of the lever. The spring is fitted onto the pull rod and is located between the inner wall of the fixed sleeve and the locking block. The base block is provided with a limiting boss, and the locking block is provided with a limiting groove that engages with the limiting boss.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sampler further includes an elastic pre-tightening mechanism, which is disposed on the device body and located on the side of the pipeline connector. The elastic pre-tightening mechanism is rotatably connected to the rotary table. The elastic pre-tightening mechanism includes a pressure sleeve rotatably sleeved on the outer ring of the rotary table and a limiting pressure rod vertically connected to the device body. A second spring is sleeved on the upper end of the limiting pressure rod, and the second spring abuts against the pressure sleeve.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sampler further includes an injection pump and a pressure gauge for filtering seawater, the pressure gauge being connected to the pipeline of the filter pump, and the injection pump being connected to the pipeline connector.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. This invention effectively improves sampling efficiency by setting up multiple multi-layer filter membrane devices, enabling the acquisition of multiple high-quality microbial samples in a single dive operation.

[0022] 2. By setting up a disassembly mechanism, the present invention effectively shortens the time for disassembling and assembling filter disc consumables and improves on-site operation efficiency.

[0023] 3. By setting up a rotary mechanism, this invention provides a more convenient method for switching filter disc stations, which simplifies the structure, reduces system complexity, and increases efficiency.

[0024] 4. The multilayer filter membrane device of the present invention adopts a multilayer filter membrane structure, which increases the filtration area and significantly improves the sampling volume. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the multilayer filter membrane device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a plan view of an in-situ water microbial sampler according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of an in-situ water microbial sampler according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the multilayer filter membrane device and the pipeline connector;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly mechanism of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the internal water flow direction of the multilayer filter membrane device of the present invention.

[0032] In the diagram, 1 - the device body;

[0033] 2-Sealed compartment;

[0034] 3-Filter pump; 31-Pipeline connector; 32-Pressure gauge;

[0035] 4-Slewing mechanism;

[0036] 5-Multilayer membrane filter device; 51-Filter disc chamber; 52-Filter disc; 53-Diverter pipe; 54-One-way valve; 55-Gasket; 56-Filter membrane chamber; 57-Annular component; 58-Drainage chamber; 59-Sealing ring; 521-Filter membrane; 531-Diverter hole; 571-Liquid inlet;

[0037] 6-Turntable;

[0038] 7-Disassembly mechanism; 71-Base block; 72-Fixing sleeve; 73-Clocking block; 74-Toggle lever; 75-Pull rod; 76-Spring 1; 711-Limit boss; 731-Limit groove;

[0039] 8-Elastic preload mechanism; 81-Pressure sleeve; 82-Limiting pressure rod; 83-Spring 2;

[0040] 9-Injection pump. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To better understand the structure, functional features, and advantages of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention provides an in-situ water microbial sampler, comprising:

[0044] The device body 1 has a sealed chamber 2 at its lower end;

[0045] The controller is located inside the sealed compartment 2;

[0046] The filter pump 3 is located inside the device body 1 and is electrically connected to the controller. The device body 1 is provided with a pipe connector 31 for connecting to its output end.

[0047] Rotary mechanism 4 is located inside the device body 1, and a rotary table 6 is detachably mounted on it;

[0048] The multilayer filter membrane device 5 is evenly distributed on the rotary table 6 along the circumference. The rotary mechanism 4 drives the rotary table 6 to switch the multilayer filter membrane device 5 connected to the pipeline connector 31, thereby enabling the filter disc 52 in the multilayer filter membrane device 5 to switch the multi-sequence sampling, so as to realize the switching of the position of multiple multilayer filter membrane devices 5 on the rotary table 6 for sampling.

[0049] See Figure 1 and Figure 6The multilayer filter membrane device 5 of the present invention further includes a filter disc chamber 51, a diversion pipe 53, and a one-way valve 54. The filter disc chamber 51 is fixedly mounted on the rotary table 6. The filter discs 52 have a multilayer structure, and the multilayer filter discs 52 are arranged vertically at intervals within the filter disc chamber 51. The diversion pipe 53 is fixedly mounted in the middle of the filter disc chamber 51, and the one-way valve 54 is fixedly mounted at the lower end of the filter disc chamber 51. The one-way valve 54 is connected to the lower opening of the diversion pipe 53. The one-way valve 54 is connected to the pipe connector 31 by the rotation of the rotary table 6, so that the seawater flowing into the one-way valve 54 through the pipe connector 31 flows to the filter discs 52 in layers through the diversion pipe 53.

[0050] See Figure 1 In this invention, the inner rings of each filter disc 52 are vertically separated by gaskets 55, and the outer rings of each filter disc 52 are vertically separated by annular members 57. Multiple liquid inlets 571 are provided on the annular members 57 along the circumferential direction. The diversion pipe 53 is provided with multiple diversion holes 531 from bottom to top, and the diversion holes 531 are horizontally connected to the filter disc 52.

[0051] See Figure 1 The filter disc 52 of the present invention includes two filter membranes 521 spaced apart vertically, and a perforated plate disposed between the filter membranes 521. A diversion hole 531 is located between the vertically arranged filter membranes 521 and communicates with a filter membrane cavity 56 formed by the two vertically arranged filter membranes 521, allowing seawater to enter the perforated plate through the diversion hole 531 and then enter the filter cavity formed by the gasket 55 and the annular member 57 through the filter membranes 521. The multi-layer filter membrane device 5 employs a multi-layer filter membrane 521 structure with a unified filtration channel, allowing simultaneous filtration of multiple filter membranes 521 and increasing the filtration area. The filter membranes 521 can be completely removed after filtration.

[0052] See Figure 1 and Figure 6 A drainage cavity 58 is provided between the inner wall of the filter disc chamber 51 and the outer wall of the multi-layer filter disc 52. The filter cavity is connected to the drainage cavity 58 through a liquid inlet 571. The filter disc chamber 51 is designed with multiple layers of filter membranes 521 installed inside the filter disc 52. The multi-layer filter membrane 521 structure can accommodate up to 6 layers of filter membranes 521 simultaneously, with gaskets 55 separating the filter membranes 521. The same method can increase the internal space and accommodate more layers. The multi-layer filter membrane device 5 is designed with multiple flow channels. Each layer of filter membrane 521 is simultaneously connected to the inlet of the filter disc chamber 51, allowing for multi-layer filtration. The filtered liquid flows through the liquid inlet 571 to the outlet of the drainage cavity 58 for external discharge. A one-way valve 54 is used to prevent seawater from entering the filter disc 52 during the equipment's descent, which could introduce microorganisms from other water layers. After sampling, the filter disc 52 is disassembled, and all filter membranes 521 can be completely removed.

[0053] See Figure 2The rotary mechanism 4 of this invention includes a drive motor and a turntable. The drive motor is located inside the device body 1, and the turntable is connected to the output end of the drive motor. The rotary turntable 6 is detachably connected to the turntable via a disassembly mechanism 7. Switching between multiple samples is mainly achieved through the rotary mechanism 4 and the pipeline connector 31. The rotary mechanism 4 has precise angle control, driving the multilayer filter membrane device 5 equipped with multiple filter discs 52 to rotate, thereby switching the filtration station. The inlet of the filter disc 52 automatically switches the liquid inlet and outlet as the rotary turntable 6 rotates, enabling docking of different multilayer filter membrane devices 5.

[0054] See Figure 5 The disassembly mechanism 7 of the present invention includes a base block 71, a fixed sleeve 72, a locking block 73, a lever 74, a pull rod 75, and a spring 76. The base block 71 is fixed on the turntable, and the turntable 6 is connected to the fixed sleeve 72. The locking block 73 and the lever 74 are respectively hinged to the inside and outside of the fixed sleeve 72. One end of the pull rod 75 is fixedly connected to the end of the locking block 73, and the other end of the pull rod 75 is slidably connected to the end of the lever 74. The spring 76 is sleeved on the pull rod 75 and located between the inner wall of the fixed sleeve 72 and the locking block 73. A limiting boss 711 is provided on the base block 71, and a limiting groove 731 is provided on the locking block 73 to engage with the limiting boss 711. There are two sets of disassembly mechanisms 7, and the two sets of disassembly mechanisms 7 are arranged symmetrically. During installation, the fixing sleeve 72 is inserted into the base block 71, and the locking block 73 will be pushed open. After being inserted to the bottom, the locking block 73 completes the limiting installation through the limiting groove 731. During removal, press the lever 74, the locking block 73 rotates outward, disengages from the limiting boss 711 on the base block 71, and is pulled upward to complete the removal of the multilayer filter membrane device 5.

[0055] Example 2:

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention also includes an elastic pre-tightening mechanism 8, which is disposed on the device body 1 and located on one side of the pipe connector 31. The elastic pre-tightening mechanism 8 is rotatably connected to the rotary table 6. The elastic pre-tightening mechanism 8 includes a pressure sleeve 81 rotatably sleeved on the outer ring of the rotary table 6 and a limiting pressure rod 82 vertically connected to the device body 1. A second spring 83 is sleeved on the upper end of the limiting pressure rod 82, and the second spring 83 abuts against the pressure sleeve 81 to ensure the clamping force between the pipe connector 31 and the rotary table 6.

[0057] Example 3:

[0058] like Figure 2As shown, the present invention also includes an injection pump 9 and a pressure gauge 32 for filtering seawater. The pressure gauge 32 is connected to the pipeline of the filter pump 3, and the injection pump 9 is connected to the pipeline connector 31. The pipeline connector 31 has a chamfered edge design to facilitate the rotation and insertion of the filter disc 52. Simultaneously, the end face of the pipeline connector 31 is sealed to the water inlet below the filter disc 52. Sample acquisition involves filtering a large volume of seawater to concentrate microorganisms in a filter membrane 521 chamber. After filtration, the injection pump 9 precisely injects buffer / fixative solution into the filter disc 52 to coat the filter membrane 521, completing the in-situ fixation and sampling of microorganisms. During the filtration process, the pressure gauge 32 monitors the changes in fluid pressure in the pipeline, which are collected in real time by the controller. The flow rate of the filter pump 3 can also be adjusted, and the internal pressure of the pipeline can be adjusted as well.

[0059] Working principle of the invention:

[0060] 1. Cleaning the pipeline: Filter pump 3 is running to clean the pipeline with seawater;

[0061] 2. Workstation transfer: The rotary mechanism 4 operates to transfer the filter disc 52 to be filtered to the workstation position;

[0062] 3. Filter disc 52 docking: Pipeline connector 31 automatically aligns with the inlet of filter disc 52, completing the docking of filter disc 52 and filter pipeline;

[0063] 4. Seawater filtration: The pump rotates, and microorganisms are enriched and filtered through the multi-layer filter membrane structure of the filter disc 52 and the filter disc 52.

[0064] 5. In situ fixation: The syringe is used to inject the set buffer / fixative solution into the filter membrane cavity 56 to perform in situ fixation of microorganisms, thus completing one sampling at one station;

[0065] 6. Cleaning the pipeline: Rotary mechanism 4 operates to disconnect the pipeline connection between the pipeline interface and the inlet of filter disc 52. Filter pump 3 operates to clean the pipeline with seawater.

[0066] 7. Switch to the next work station: The rotary mechanism 4 operates to transfer to the next work station. Repeat steps 2 to 6 to complete the enrichment and fixation of individual filter discs 52 until all filter discs 52 have completed the enrichment and fixation of microorganisms.

[0067] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technology of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An in-situ sampler for microorganisms in water, characterized in that, include: The device body (1) has a sealed chamber (2) at its lower end. The controller is located inside the sealed chamber (2); A filter pump (3) is located inside the device body (1) and electrically connected to the controller. The device body (1) is provided with a pipe connector (31) for communicating with its output end. A rotary mechanism (4) is located inside the device body (1), and a rotary disk (6) is detachably mounted on it. The multilayer filter membrane device (5) is evenly distributed on the rotary table (6) along the circumference. The rotary mechanism (4) drives the rotary table (6) to switch the multilayer filter membrane device (5) connected to the pipeline connector (31), thereby enabling the filter disc (52) in the multilayer filter membrane device (5) to switch between multiple sequence sampling. The multi-layer filter membrane device (5) further includes a filter disc chamber (51), a diversion pipe (53), and a one-way valve (54). The filter disc chamber (51) is fixedly mounted on the rotary table (6). The filter disc (52) has a multi-layer structure, and the multi-layer filter discs (52) are spaced vertically within the filter disc chamber (51). The diversion pipe (53) is fixedly mounted in the middle of the filter disc chamber (51), and the one-way valve (54) is fixedly mounted at the lower end of the filter disc chamber (51). The one-way valve (54) is connected to the lower opening of the diversion pipe (53). The one-way valve (54) is connected to the pipe connector (31) by the rotation of the rotary table (6), so that the seawater flowing into the one-way valve (54) through the pipe connector (31) flows to the filter disc (52) in layers through the diversion pipe (53). The inner rings of each filter disc (52) are vertically separated by gaskets (55), and the outer rings of each filter disc (52) are vertically separated by annular parts (57). The annular parts (57) are provided with multiple liquid inlets (571) along the circumferential direction. The diversion pipe (53) is provided with multiple diversion holes (531) from bottom to top. The diversion holes (531) are horizontally connected to the filter discs (52). The rotary mechanism (4) includes a drive motor and a turntable. The drive motor is located inside the device body (1). The turntable is connected to the output end of the drive motor. The rotary turntable (6) is detachably connected to the turntable through a disassembly mechanism (7). The disassembly mechanism (7) includes a base block (71), a fixed sleeve (72), a locking block (73), a lever (74), a pull rod (75), and a spring (76). The base block (71) is fixed on the turntable, and the turntable (6) is connected to the fixed sleeve (72). The locking block (73) and the lever (74) are respectively hinged to the inside and outside of the fixed sleeve (72). One end of the pull rod (75) is fixedly connected to the end of the locking block (73), and the other end of the pull rod (75) is slidably connected to the end of the lever (74). The spring (76) is sleeved on the pull rod (75) and located between the inner wall of the fixed sleeve (72) and the locking block (73). The base block (71) is provided with a limiting boss (711), and the locking block (73) is provided with a limiting groove (731) that engages with the limiting boss (711).

2. The in-situ water microbial sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter disc (52) includes two filter membranes (521) spaced apart, and a perforated plate disposed between the filter membranes (521). The diversion hole (531) is located between the filter membranes (521) arranged above and below, so that seawater enters the perforated plate through the diversion hole (531) and enters the filter cavity formed by the gasket (55) and the annular member (57) from the filter membrane (521).

3. The in-situ water microbial sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that, A drainage cavity (58) is provided between the inner wall of the filter disc chamber (51) and the outer wall of the multi-layer filter discs (52), and the filter cavity is connected to the drainage cavity (58) through the liquid inlet (571).

4. The in-situ water microbial sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic pre-tightening mechanism (8), which is located on the device body (1) and on one side of the pipeline connector (31). The elastic pre-tightening mechanism (8) is rotatably connected to the rotary table (6).

5. The in-situ water microbial sampler according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic pre-tightening mechanism (8) includes a pressure sleeve (81) rotatably sleeved on the outer ring of the rotary disk (6) and a limiting pressure rod (82) vertically connected to the device body (1). A second spring (83) is sleeved on the upper end of the limiting pressure rod (82), and the second spring (83) abuts against the pressure sleeve (81).

6. The in-situ water microbial sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an injection pump (9) and a pressure gauge (32) for filtering seawater, the pressure gauge (32) being connected to the pipeline of the filter pump (3), and the injection pump (9) being connected to the pipeline connector (31).

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