Method and system for maintaining cryogenic state of a malfunctioning cell cryopreservation apparatus

Abstract

This invention belongs to the technical field of cryopreservation cell equipment, specifically relating to a method and system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a malfunctioning cell cryopreservation device. The method includes: acquiring the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device; when the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to a set threshold T1, introducing liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device; when the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device drops to a set threshold T2, stopping the introduction of liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device, and simultaneously venting the gas inside the cell cryopreservation device. This invention can rapidly maintain a cryogenic state when a cell cryopreservation device malfunctions, avoiding the loss of biological materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cryopreservation cell equipment technology, specifically relating to a method and system for maintaining the low-temperature state of a cryopreservation device for faulty cells. Background Technology

[0002] Cryopreservation technology for cells and bioactive substances is an important technology in the biological field. Specifically, it refers to the long-term preservation of biological materials such as cells, tissues, organs, proteins, and nucleic acids using extremely low temperatures. Under low-temperature conditions, the metabolic rate of cells and the degradation rate of bioactive substances are greatly reduced, thus allowing cells and other bioactive substances to maintain their original state for extended periods, buying time for emergency measures such as equipment repairs. Commonly used cryopreservation methods include liquid nitrogen storage or ultra-low temperature freezers.

[0003] During the operation of cell cryopreservation equipment, malfunctions may occur due to insufficient cold source, circuit failure, or other reasons, leading to an increase in the storage temperature, which may not meet the storage requirements of biological materials. In such cases, the cryopreservation equipment will alarm to alert maintenance personnel. Maintenance personnel will then perform maintenance based on the alarm information, but this process takes time, and biological materials are easily damaged by the increased temperature. If the fault cannot be resolved promptly, or if the maintenance time is prolonged, the loss of biological materials will be even more severe.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a method and system for providing temporary low-temperature conditions for cell cryopreservation equipment in the event of a malfunction. Summary of the Invention

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

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

[0007] On one hand, this invention provides a method for maintaining the low-temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device, comprising: collecting the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device; when the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to a set threshold T1, inputting high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device; as the pressure decreases, the carbon dioxide absorbs a large amount of heat during the process of changing from liquid to gas, causing the temperature inside the cryopreservation device to drop. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device drops to a set threshold T2, stopping the input of liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device. During this process, it is necessary to ensure the discharge of excess gas from the cell cryopreservation device, which on the one hand ensures that liquid carbon dioxide in the cylinder can be continuously supplied to the cryopreservation device, and on the other hand prevents the cryopreservation device from exploding due to excessive pressure.

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

[0009] Furthermore, the gas cylinder is connected to the cell cryopreservation equipment via a pipeline, and a solenoid valve is installed on the pipeline to control the flow rate of liquid carbon dioxide.

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

[0011] Furthermore, the temperature T inside the cell cryopreservation device... 上 When temperature T 上 When the temperature is greater than or equal to the set threshold T1, the solenoid valve is opened, and the pressure P3 inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected simultaneously. Based on the pressure P3, P1, and temperature T, the system is then activated. 上 Determine the initial opening degree of the solenoid valve as W1; monitor the temperature above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device, and when the real-time temperature above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device T' 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the opening degree of the solenoid valve is reduced.

[0012] Furthermore, during the process of reducing the opening degree of the solenoid valve, the temperature inside 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 remains unchanged.

[0013] Furthermore, during the process of reducing the opening degree of the solenoid valve, the temperature T inside the cell cryopreservation device at the bottom is collected. 下 When temperature T 下 The temperature is equal to or lower than the set threshold T2, and the real-time temperature T' inside the cell cryopreservation device is above the threshold. 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 inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 When pressure P 上 When the difference between the pressure and the pressure P2 reaches the exhaust threshold, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust the gas.

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

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a system for maintaining the low temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device. The system uses the above-described method to maintain the low temperature state. The system includes a cell cryopreservation device and a storage container connected to the cell cryopreservation device. The storage container stores liquid carbon dioxide. The storage container is connected to the cell cryopreservation device through a connecting pipe, and a solenoid valve is installed on the connecting pipe. A sensor is installed inside 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, with the first temperature sensor located at the top inside the cell cryopreservation device and the second temperature sensor located at the bottom inside the cell cryopreservation device.

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

[0020] Furthermore, the connecting tube is connected to the top 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 installed 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 present invention provides a method and system for maintaining the low-temperature state of a malfunctioning cell cryopreservation device. The cell cryopreservation device is connected to a liquid carbon dioxide storage container. The internal temperature of the cell cryopreservation device is monitored. When the temperature exceeds a set threshold, liquid carbon dioxide is introduced into the cell cryopreservation device. Because the liquid carbon dioxide is introduced from a high-pressure environment to a low-pressure environment, it rapidly expands and absorbs heat, causing some of the liquid carbon dioxide to cool and solidify, forming dry ice. The gas inside the device is then discharged, and the device relies on the dry ice to maintain the low-temperature state. Therefore, even if the cryopreservation device malfunctions, the loss of biological materials will not occur due to an increase in temperature.

[0026] The present invention provides a method and system for maintaining the low-temperature state of a cell cryopreservation device. It utilizes temperature and pressure sensors to monitor temperature and pressure, determine the opening degree of the solenoid valve, and avoid waste of carbon dioxide. In addition, during the input of liquid carbon dioxide, the internal temperature of the cell cryopreservation device is monitored, and the opening degree of the solenoid valve is adjusted in real time to avoid excessive input of carbon dioxide, thereby further saving the amount of carbon dioxide used. Attached Figure Description

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

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 1-Cell cryopreservation equipment, 2-Storage container, 3-Connecting tube, 4-Solenoid valve, 5-First temperature sensor, 6-Second temperature sensor, 7-Pressure sensor, 8-Exhaust valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present invention.

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

[0032] The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention or its application or use in any way. Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail herein, but where applicable, such techniques, methods, and apparatus should be considered part of this specification.

[0033] Example 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] This invention provides a method for maintaining the low-temperature state of a malfunctioning cell cryopreservation device. Normally, the cell cryopreservation device operates at a low temperature. When a malfunction occurs, the temperature rises. When the temperature rises to a certain value, the device alarms, requiring maintenance. During the maintenance period, the method provided by this invention can temporarily maintain the cell cryopreservation device at a low temperature. The specific method includes: collecting the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device; when the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to a set threshold T1, high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide is introduced into the cell cryopreservation device; as the pressure decreases, the carbon dioxide absorbs a large amount of heat during its transformation from liquid to gas, causing the temperature inside the cryopreservation device to drop. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device drops to a set threshold T2, the introduction of liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device is stopped. During this process, it is necessary to ensure the discharge of excess gas from the cell cryopreservation device. This ensures a continuous supply of liquid carbon dioxide from the cylinder to the cryopreservation device and prevents excessive pressure from causing an explosion.

[0039] The threshold T1 is the pre-set warning temperature of the cell cryopreservation equipment. For example, if the operating temperature of the cell cryopreservation equipment is -80℃, the threshold T1 is -50℃. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation equipment rises to -50℃ or exceeds this temperature, the cell cryopreservation equipment will trigger an alarm. This alarm function is a standard feature of the cell cryopreservation equipment. At this time, liquid carbon dioxide is introduced into the cell cryopreservation equipment. The liquid carbon dioxide is stored in a high-pressure environment, while the cell cryopreservation equipment is at normal pressure. Therefore, relative to the liquid carbon dioxide, the inside of the cell cryopreservation equipment is at low pressure. Thus, when the high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide is introduced into the cell cryopreservation equipment, the liquid carbon dioxide expands rapidly, some of it converts to gas, and then some of it condenses rapidly upon cooling, forming dry ice. The dry ice accumulates at the bottom of the equipment, providing a low-temperature environment for the cell cryopreservation equipment and enabling the malfunctioning cell cryopreservation equipment to maintain its low-temperature state.

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

[0041] The gas cylinder is connected to the cell cryopreservation equipment via a pipeline. A solenoid valve is installed on the pipeline, and its opening degree controls the flow rate of liquid carbon dioxide. The cell cryopreservation equipment is connected to an exhaust pipe, which is equipped with an exhaust valve. The exhaust valve releases gas from the cell cryopreservation equipment, thereby adjusting the pressure within the equipment.

[0042] By monitoring the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device, the opening of the solenoid valve is adjusted, thereby regulating the flow rate of liquid carbon dioxide. This prevents both excessive carbon dioxide usage and insufficient liquid carbon dioxide supply to achieve the required low temperature. Specifically, the temperature Tc at the top of the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 When temperature T 上 When the temperature is greater than or equal to the set threshold T1, the solenoid valve is opened, and the pressure P3 inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected simultaneously. Based on the pressure P3, P1, and temperature T, the system is then activated. 上 Determine the initial opening degree of the solenoid valve as W1; monitor the temperature above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device, and when the real-time temperature above the inside of the cell cryopreservation device T' 上 With temperature T 上 When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the opening degree of the solenoid valve is reduced.

[0043] Based on pressure P3, P1 and temperature T 上 The initial opening degree of the solenoid valve is determined to be W1, specifically: temperature T 上 When the pressure is greater than or equal to the set threshold T1, the solenoid valve is opened; this is a prerequisite for opening the solenoid valve. Then, based on the difference between pressures P3 and P1, the initial opening degree W1 of the solenoid valve is determined. The larger the difference, the larger the initial opening degree, and the smaller the difference, the smaller the initial opening degree; the specific degree depends on the actual requirements.

[0044] The preset value t1 is determined based on the volume of the cell cryopreservation equipment, the threshold T1, and the operating temperature. The determination method is as follows: during the stable operation of the cell cryopreservation equipment, the temperature T at the top inside the cell cryopreservation equipment is collected. 上 When temperature T 上 When the temperature is greater than or equal to the set threshold T1, the solenoid valve is opened to introduce liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device. The opening degree of the solenoid valve is set to W1. Then, the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is monitored at set time intervals, with the time intervals being as short as possible. After collecting a set of temperatures, the maximum temperature T is obtained. max Temperature T max With T 上 The difference is calculated to obtain the difference value ΔT. The preset value t1 is 0.8-0.9 times the difference value ΔT.

[0045] During the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature inside 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 remains unchanged.

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

[0047] During the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature T inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 下 When temperature T 下 The temperature is equal to or lower than the set threshold T2, and the real-time temperature T' inside the cell cryopreservation device is above the threshold. 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 closing the solenoid valve, i.e., temperature T. 下 The temperature is equal to or lower than the set threshold T2, and the real-time temperature T' inside the cell cryopreservation device is above the threshold. 上 With temperature T 上 The difference is greater than the preset value t1, even if the real-time temperature T' is met. 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] The threshold T2 is determined based on the operating temperature and volume of the cell cryopreservation equipment. If the volume is large, the threshold T2 is set to a lower value; if the volume is small, the threshold T2 is set to a larger value. For example, if the operating temperature is -80℃ and the volume of the cell cryopreservation container exceeds 500L, the threshold T2 can be set to -75℃; if the volume of the cell cryopreservation container is between 260L and 500L, the threshold T2 can be set to -70℃; and if the volume of the cell cryopreservation container is less than 260L, the threshold T2 can be set to -66℃.

[0050] During the opening of the solenoid valve, the pressure P inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected. 上 When pressure P 上 When the difference between the pressure and the pressure P2 reaches the exhaust threshold, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust the gas.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the gas discharged from the exhaust valve is transported to a liquid carbon dioxide preparation system, where the discharged gas is recovered and reprocessed into liquid carbon dioxide for reuse.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] This embodiment provides a system for maintaining the low-temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device, using the method for maintaining the low-temperature state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device provided in Embodiment 1, 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. The storage container 2 stores liquid carbon dioxide. The storage container 2 is connected to the cell cryopreservation device 1 through a connecting pipe 3. A solenoid valve 4 is installed on the connecting pipe 3. A sensor is installed inside the cell cryopreservation device 1.

[0054] The storage container 2 is a steel cylinder, which is located in a high-pressure environment.

[0055] The sensors include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor 7. The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor 5 and a second temperature sensor 6. The first temperature sensor 5 is disposed at the top inside the cell cryopreservation device 1, and the second temperature sensor 6 is disposed at the bottom inside the cell cryopreservation device 1. The pressure sensor 7 is disposed at the top inside 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 come into contact with a lower pressure environment and promote the expansion of liquid carbon dioxide. In addition, after being injected, the liquid carbon dioxide falls to the bottom by gravity. Liquid carbon dioxide runs through the entire cell cryopreservation device 1, which can quickly reduce the internal temperature of the device.

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

[0058] The above specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to examples, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for maintaining the cryogenic state of a cryopreservation device for faulty cells, characterized in that, include: The temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is greater than or equal to the set threshold T1, liquid carbon dioxide is introduced into the cell cryopreservation device. When the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device drops to the set threshold T2, stop feeding liquid carbon dioxide into the cell cryopreservation device and at the same time vent the gas inside the cell cryopreservation device. Liquid carbon dioxide is stored in a steel cylinder with a pressure of P1, and the pressure of the cell cryopreservation equipment is P2, where P1 > 15 × P2; The gas cylinder is connected to the cell cryopreservation equipment via a pipeline, and a solenoid valve is installed on the pipeline to control the flow rate of liquid carbon dioxide by the opening degree of the solenoid valve. The temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device When the temperature When the temperature is greater than or equal to the set threshold T1, the solenoid valve is opened, and the pressure P3 inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected simultaneously. Based on the pressure P3, P1, and temperature... The initial opening degree of the solenoid valve is determined to be W1; Monitor the temperature at the top inside the cell cryopreservation device. When the real-time temperature at the top inside the cell cryopreservation device... With temperature When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the opening degree of the solenoid valve is reduced.

2. The method for maintaining the low-temperature state of a cryopreservation device for faulty cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cell cryopreservation equipment is connected to an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve is installed on the exhaust pipe.

3. The method for maintaining the low-temperature state of a cryopreservation device for faulty cells according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device is continuously monitored. With temperature When the difference is greater than the preset value t2, the opening of the solenoid valve remains unchanged.

4. The method for maintaining the low-temperature state of a cryopreservation device for faulty cells according to claim 3, characterized in that, During the process of reducing the opening of the solenoid valve, the temperature inside the cell cryopreservation device at the bottom is collected. When the temperature The real-time temperature at the top of the cell cryopreservation device is equal to or lower than the set threshold T2. With temperature When the difference is greater than the preset value t1, the solenoid valve is closed.

5. The method for maintaining the cryogenic state of a cryopreservation device for faulty cells according to any one of claims 1, 3, or 4, characterized in that, During the opening of the solenoid valve, the pressure inside the cell cryopreservation device is collected. When pressure When the difference between the pressure and the pressure P2 reaches the exhaust threshold, the exhaust valve is opened to exhaust the gas.

6. A system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device, comprising maintaining the cryogenic state using the method described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The system includes a cell cryopreservation device and a storage container connected to the cell cryopreservation device. The storage container stores liquid carbon dioxide. The storage container is connected to the cell cryopreservation device via a connecting pipe, and a solenoid valve is installed on the connecting pipe. A sensor is installed inside the cell cryopreservation device.

7. The system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sensors include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor.

8. The system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature sensor includes a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is located at the top inside the cell cryopreservation device, and the second temperature sensor is located at the bottom inside the cell cryopreservation device.

9. The system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pressure sensor is located inside the cell cryopreservation device at the top.

10. The system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting tube is connected to the top of the cell cryopreservation device.

11. The system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top surface of the cell cryopreservation device is also connected to an exhaust pipe, and an exhaust valve is installed on the exhaust pipe.

12. The system for maintaining the cryogenic state of a faulty cell cryopreservation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The storage container is a steel cylinder.

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