Method and system for maintaining low-temperature state of fault cell low-temperature preservation equipment

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of low-temperature cell preservation equipment, and particularly relates to a method and a system for maintaining a low-temperature state of fault cell low-temperature preservation equipment. The method comprises the following steps: collecting the temperature in the cell low-temperature preservation equipment, and inputting liquid carbon dioxide into the cell low-temperature preservation equipment when the temperature in the cell low-temperature preservation equipment is greater than or equal to a set threshold value T1; and when the temperature in the cell low-temperature equipment is reduced to a set threshold value T2, stopping inputting the liquid carbon dioxide into the cell low-temperature preservation equipment, and discharging the gas in the cell low-temperature preservation equipment at the same time. When the low-temperature cell preservation equipment breaks down, the low-temperature state can be rapidly maintained, and loss of biological materials is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of low-temperature cell preservation equipment, and in particular relates to a method and a system for maintaining a low-temperature state of a faulty cell low-temperature preservation equipment. Background Art

[0002] Cryogenic preservation of cells and bioactive substances is an important technology in the biological field. Specifically, it refers to the use of extremely low temperatures to achieve long-term preservation of biological materials such as cells, tissues, organs, proteins, and nucleic acids. Under low-temperature conditions, the metabolism of cells and the degradation rate of bioactive substances are greatly reduced, which can enable cells and other bioactive substances to maintain their original state for a long time, thereby buying time for the implementation of emergency measures such as equipment repairs. Commonly used cryogenic preservation methods include liquid nitrogen storage or deep freezers.

[0003] During the operation of the cell cryopreservation equipment, equipment failures may occur due to insufficient cold source, circuit failure or other reasons, which may cause the storage temperature to rise, and the actual storage temperature cannot meet the storage requirements of biological materials. At this time, the cryopreservation equipment alarms to remind the maintenance personnel, who perform maintenance according to the alarm information, but this process takes a certain amount of time, and biological materials are easily lost due to the increase in temperature. If the fault cannot be corrected in time later, or the maintenance time is long, the loss of biological materials will be more serious.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a method and system for providing a temporary low-temperature state for a cell cryopreservation device in a fault state. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems existing in the prior art, the present invention provides a method and system for maintaining a low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] On the one hand, the present invention provides a method for maintaining a low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device, comprising: collecting the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device, and when the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to a set threshold value T1, inputting high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device; as the pressure decreases, a large amount of heat is absorbed in the process of carbon dioxide changing from liquid to gas, causing the temperature inside the cryopreservation device to decrease. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device decreases to a set threshold value T2, the input of liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device is stopped. In this process, it is necessary to ensure that the excess gas in the cell cryopreservation device is discharged, which can ensure that the liquid carbon dioxide in the cylinder can be continuously transported to the cryopreservation device, and at the same time prevent the cryopreservation device from exploding due to excessive pressure.

[0008] Furthermore, liquid carbon dioxide is stored in a steel cylinder, the pressure in the steel cylinder is P1, the pressure of the cell cryopreservation equipment is P2, and P1>15×P2.

[0009] Furthermore, the steel cylinder is connected to the cell cryopreservation device through a pipeline, and a solenoid valve is arranged on the pipeline, and the flow rate of the liquid carbon dioxide is controlled by the opening of the solenoid valve.

[0010] Furthermore, the cell cryopreservation device is provided with an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the temperature T 上 , when the temperature T 上 When it is greater than or equal to the set threshold value T1, the solenoid valve is opened and the pressure P3 below the cell cryopreservation device is collected at the same time. According to the pressure P3, P1 and temperature T 上 , determine the initial opening of the solenoid valve is W1; monitor the temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device, when the real-time temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device is T' 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the opening of the solenoid valve is reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, in the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device is continuously monitored. When the real-time temperature T' 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t2, the opening of the solenoid valve is maintained unchanged.

[0013] Furthermore, in the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature T 下 , when the temperature T 下 The real-time temperature T' above the cell cryopreservation device is equal to or lower than the set threshold value T2. 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the solenoid valve is closed.

[0014] Furthermore, during the opening of the solenoid valve, the pressure P above the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 , when the pressure P 上 When the difference with the pressure P2 reaches the exhaust threshold, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust.

[0015] Furthermore, the gas exhausted from the exhaust valve is transported to a liquid carbon dioxide preparation system.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a system for maintaining a low-temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device, which uses the above-mentioned method to maintain the low-temperature state. The system includes a cell cryopreservation device and a storage container connected to the cell cryopreservation device, wherein liquid carbon dioxide is stored in the storage container. The storage container is connected to the cell cryopreservation device through a connecting pipe, and a solenoid valve is arranged on the connecting pipe; a sensor is arranged in the cell cryopreservation device.

[0017] Furthermore, the sensor includes a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor.

[0018] Furthermore, the temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor is arranged above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device, and the second temperature sensor is arranged below the inside of the cell cryopreservation device.

[0019] Furthermore, the pressure sensor is arranged above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device.

[0020] Furthermore, the connecting pipe is connected to the upper part of the cell cryopreservation device.

[0021] Furthermore, the top surface of the cell cryopreservation device is also connected to an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, the exhaust pipe is connected to a liquid carbon dioxide preparation system.

[0023] Furthermore, the storage container is a steel cylinder.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] The method and system for maintaining a low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device provided by the present invention connects the cell cryopreservation device with a liquid carbon dioxide storage container, monitors the internal temperature of the cell cryopreservation device, and inputs liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device when the temperature is higher than a set threshold. Since the liquid carbon dioxide is input from a high-pressure environment to a low-pressure environment, the liquid carbon dioxide rapidly expands and absorbs heat, causing part of the liquid carbon dioxide to cool and become solid, forming dry ice, and then the gas inside the device is discharged, so that the inside of the device relies on dry ice to maintain a low temperature state. Therefore, even if the cryopreservation device fails, the biological material will not be lost due to the increase in temperature.

[0026] The method and system provided by the present invention for maintaining a low-temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device utilize temperature sensors and pressure sensors to monitor temperature and pressure, determine the opening of the solenoid valve, and avoid waste of carbon dioxide. In addition, during the process of inputting liquid carbon dioxide, the internal temperature of the cell cryopreservation device is monitored, and the opening of the solenoid valve is adjusted in real time to avoid excessive input of carbon dioxide, thereby further saving the use of carbon dioxide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system provided by the present invention for maintaining a low-temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device.

[0028] Description of reference numerals:

[0029] 1-cell cryopreservation equipment, 2-storage container, 3-connecting pipe, 4-solenoid valve, 5-first temperature sensor, 6-second temperature sensor, 7-pressure sensor, 8-exhaust valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments of the present invention, and all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without making creative work are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, and numerical expressions set forth in these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0032] The following description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present invention and its application or use in any sense. Techniques, methods and devices known to ordinary technicians in the relevant field may not be discussed in detail here, but where applicable, these techniques, methods and devices should be considered as part of this specification.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] First, to facilitate understanding of the technical solution, the symbols appearing in this embodiment are summarized and explained as shown in Table 1.

[0035] Table 1

[0036]

[0037]

[0038] The present invention provides a method for maintaining a low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device. Under normal circumstances, the temperature of the cell cryopreservation device during operation is relatively low. When a fault occurs, the temperature rises. When the temperature rises to a certain value, the device alarms, and the device needs maintenance at this time. During a period of maintenance, the method provided by the present invention can temporarily maintain a low temperature state of the cell cryopreservation device. The specific method includes: collecting the temperature in the cell cryopreservation device, and when the temperature in the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to a set threshold value T1, inputting high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device; as the pressure decreases, a large amount of heat is absorbed in the process of carbon dioxide changing from liquid to gas, so that the temperature in the cryopreservation device decreases. When the temperature in the cell cryopreservation device decreases to the set threshold value T2, stop inputting liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device. In this process, it is necessary to ensure that the excessive gas in the cell cryopreservation device is discharged. On the one hand, it can ensure that the liquid carbon dioxide in the cylinder can be continuously transported to the cryopreservation device, and at the same time, it can also prevent the cryopreservation device from exploding due to excessive pressure.

[0039] Among them, the threshold value T1 is the warning temperature originally set by the cell cryopreservation device. For example, the operating temperature of the cell cryopreservation device is -80°C, and the threshold value T1 is -50°C. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device rises to -50°C or exceeds this temperature, the cell cryopreservation device starts to alarm. The alarm function is the original function of the cell cryopreservation device. At this time, liquid carbon dioxide is input into the cell cryopreservation device. The liquid carbon dioxide is stored in a storage container. The storage container is a high-pressure environment. The cell cryopreservation device is a normal pressure environment. Compared with liquid carbon dioxide, the inside of the cell cryopreservation device is a low-pressure environment. Therefore, when high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide is input into the cell cryopreservation device, the liquid carbon dioxide expands rapidly, and part of the liquid carbon dioxide is converted into gas. Then part of the carbon dioxide is cooled and condensed rapidly to form dry ice. The dry ice is concentrated at the bottom of the device, providing a low-temperature environment for the cell cryopreservation device, and realizing the function of maintaining a low-temperature state of the faulty cell cryopreservation device.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, the storage container is a steel cylinder, liquid carbon dioxide is stored in the steel cylinder, the pressure in the steel cylinder is P1, the operating pressure of the cell cryopreservation equipment is P2, and P1>15×P2.

[0041] The steel cylinder is connected to the cell cryopreservation device through a pipeline, and a solenoid valve is provided on the pipeline to control the flow of liquid carbon dioxide by the opening of the solenoid valve. The cell cryopreservation device is connected to an exhaust pipeline, and an exhaust valve is provided on the exhaust pipeline to exhaust the gas in the cell cryopreservation device through the exhaust valve, thereby adjusting the pressure in the cell cryopreservation device.

[0042] By monitoring the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device, the opening of the solenoid valve is adjusted, and then the flow rate of liquid carbon dioxide is adjusted to avoid excessive use of carbon dioxide and insufficient liquid carbon dioxide filling to meet low temperature requirements. Specifically: collect the temperature T above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device 上 , when the temperature T 上 When it is greater than or equal to the set threshold value T1, the solenoid valve is opened and the pressure P3 below the cell cryopreservation device is collected at the same time. According to the pressure P3, P1 and temperature T 上 , determine the initial opening of the solenoid valve is W1; monitor the temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device, when the real-time temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device is T' 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the opening of the solenoid valve is reduced.

[0043] According to the pressure P3, P1 and temperature T 上 , determine the initial opening of the solenoid valve as W1, specifically: temperature T 上 When it is greater than or equal to the set threshold value T1, the solenoid valve is opened; this is the prerequisite for opening the solenoid valve, and then the initial opening W1 of the solenoid valve is determined according to the difference between the pressures P3 and P1. The larger the difference, the larger the initial opening, and the smaller the difference, the smaller the initial opening; the specific conditions shall be subject to actual needs.

[0044] The preset value t1 is determined according to the volume of the cell cryopreservation device, the threshold value T1 and the operating temperature. The determination method is as follows: when the cell cryopreservation device is in stable operation, the temperature T1 above the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 , when the temperature T 上 When the temperature is greater than or equal to the set threshold value T1, the solenoid valve is opened to input liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device. The solenoid valve opening is set to W1. Then, the temperature above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device is monitored at the set time interval. The time interval is as small as possible. After collecting a set of temperatures, the maximum temperature T is obtained. max , the temperature T max With T 上 The difference ΔT is obtained by subtracting, and the preset value t1 is 0.8-0.9 times of the difference ΔT.

[0045] In the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device is continuously monitored. When the real-time temperature T' 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t2, the opening of the solenoid valve is maintained unchanged.

[0046] The preset value t2 may be selected as 0.95-1.05 times of the difference ΔT.

[0047] During the process of lowering the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature T at the bottom of the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 下 , when the temperature T 下 The real-time temperature T' above the cell cryopreservation device is equal to or lower than the set threshold value T2. 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the solenoid valve is closed.

[0048] The condition for closing the solenoid valve takes precedence over the condition for lowering the solenoid valve, i.e., the temperature T 下 The real-time temperature T' above the cell cryopreservation device is equal to or lower than the set threshold value T2. 上 With temperature T 上 The difference is greater than the preset value t1, even if the real-time temperature T' 上 With temperature T 上 If the difference is greater than the preset value t2, the command to close the solenoid valve is also executed.

[0049] Among them, the threshold value T2 is determined according to the operating temperature and volume of the cell cryopreservation equipment. If the volume is large, the threshold value T2 is set to a lower value, and if the volume is small, the threshold value T2 is set to a larger value. For example, if the operating temperature is -80°C and the volume of the cell cryogenic container exceeds 500L, the threshold value T2 can be set to -75°C. If the volume of the cell cryogenic container is between 260L-500L, the threshold value T2 can be set to -70°C. If the volume of the cell cryogenic container is less than 260L, the threshold value T2 can be set to -66°C.

[0050] When the solenoid valve is open, the pressure P above the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 , when the pressure P 上 When the difference with the pressure P2 reaches the exhaust threshold, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust.

[0051] As a preferred embodiment, the gas exhausted from the exhaust valve is transported to a liquid carbon dioxide preparation system, and the exhausted gas is recovered by the liquid carbon dioxide preparation system and re-prepared into liquid carbon dioxide for repeated use.

[0052] Embodiment 2

[0053] This embodiment provides a system for maintaining a low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device, and the method for maintaining a low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device provided in the first embodiment is used to maintain the low temperature state, such as Figure 1 As shown, the system includes a cell cryopreservation device 1 and a storage container 2 connected to the cell cryopreservation device 1, wherein liquid carbon dioxide is stored in the storage container 2, and the storage container 2 is connected to the cell cryopreservation device 1 via a connecting pipe 3, on which a solenoid valve 4 is disposed; and a sensor is disposed in the cell cryopreservation device 1.

[0054] Wherein, the storage container 2 is a steel cylinder, and the steel cylinder has a high-pressure environment.

[0055] The sensor includes a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor 7. The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor 5 and a second temperature sensor 6, wherein the first temperature sensor 5 is disposed above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device 1, and the second temperature sensor 6 is disposed below the interior of the cell cryopreservation device 1. The pressure sensor 7 is disposed above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device 1.

[0056] The connecting pipe 3 is connected to the top of the cell cryopreservation device 1. Liquid carbon dioxide is injected from the top of the cell cryopreservation device 1, which can contact an environment with a lower pressure and promote the expansion of the liquid carbon dioxide. In addition, after being injected, the liquid carbon dioxide falls to the bottom by gravity. The liquid carbon dioxide runs through the entire cell cryopreservation device 1 and can quickly reduce the temperature inside the device.

[0057] The top surface of the cell cryopreservation device 1 is also connected to an exhaust pipe, on which an exhaust valve 8 is arranged. The exhaust pipe is connected to a liquid carbon dioxide preparation system.

[0058] The above specific implementation methods are only used to illustrate the technical solution of the present invention rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, a person skilled in the art should understand that the technical solution of the present invention can be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, which should be included in the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device, characterized in that: include: The temperature in the cell cryopreservation device is collected, and when the temperature in the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to a set threshold value T1, liquid carbon dioxide is input into the cell cryopreservation device; When the temperature in the cell cryopreservation device drops to a set threshold value T2, the input of liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device is stopped, and the gas in the cell cryopreservation device is discharged at the same time.

2. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Liquid carbon dioxide is stored in a cylinder, the pressure inside the cylinder is P1, the pressure of the cell cryopreservation equipment is P2, P1>15×P2.

3. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The steel cylinder is connected to the cell cryopreservation device through a pipeline, and a solenoid valve is arranged on the pipeline to control the flow of liquid carbon dioxide by the opening of the solenoid valve.

4. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cell cryopreservation device is connected to an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve is arranged on the exhaust pipe.

5. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Collect the temperature T above the internal part of the cell cryopreservation device 上 , when the temperature T 上 When it is greater than or equal to the set threshold value T1, the solenoid valve is opened and the pressure P3 below the cell cryopreservation device is collected at the same time. According to the pressure P3, P1 and temperature T 上 , determine the initial opening of the solenoid valve to be W1; Monitor the temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device. When the real-time temperature T above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device is 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the opening of the solenoid valve is reduced.

6. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: In the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device is continuously monitored. When the real-time temperature T 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t2, the opening of the solenoid valve is maintained unchanged.

7. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: During the process of lowering the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature T at the bottom of the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 下 , when the temperature T 下 is equal to or lower than the set threshold value T2, and the real-time temperature T above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device, 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the solenoid valve is closed.

8. The method for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: When the solenoid valve is open, the pressure P above the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 , when the pressure P 上 When the difference with the pressure P2 reaches the exhaust threshold, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust.

9. A system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device, using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 to maintain the low temperature state, characterized in that: The system includes a cell cryopreservation device and a storage container connected to the cell cryopreservation device. Liquid carbon dioxide is stored in the storage container. The storage container is connected to the cell cryopreservation device via a connecting pipe, and a solenoid valve is arranged on the connecting pipe. A sensor is arranged in the cell cryopreservation device.

10. The system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The sensors include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor.

11. The system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, wherein the first temperature sensor is arranged above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device, and the second temperature sensor is arranged below the interior of the cell cryopreservation device.

12. The system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 10, characterized in that: The pressure sensor is arranged above the interior of the cell cryopreservation device.

13. The system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The connecting pipe is connected to the upper part of the cell cryopreservation device.

14. The system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The top surface of the cell cryopreservation device is also connected to an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve is arranged on the exhaust pipe.

15. The system for maintaining a low temperature state of a failed cell cryopreservation device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The storage container is a steel cylinder.

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