Low-cost automatic liquid supply system
By utilizing a low-cost automatic liquid supply system that combines pneumatic liquid supply and mechanical linkage with a gear pump, along with a simple relay circuit, the problem of manual monitoring in liquid reagent supply is solved, achieving automated, stable, and low-cost liquid reagent supply.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511399665.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-02
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the supply of liquid reagents relies on manual monitoring, which leads to a waste of human resources, discontinuous reactions, and pollution risks. In addition, traditional automatic liquid supply systems are costly and complex in structure.
A low-cost automatic liquid supply system is constructed by coordinating liquid storage components, valve components, power components, sensing components, and control modules. It utilizes pneumatic liquid supply and the mechanical linkage of a gear pump, combined with a simple relay circuit, to achieve automated liquid supply.
It enables a stable and automated supply of liquid reagents, reduces equipment costs, improves system reliability, and avoids the need for human error and complex control systems.
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of low-cost automatic liquid supply system technology, and more particularly to a low-cost automatic liquid supply system. Background Technology
[0002] In the production processes of synthetic biology, synthetic chemistry, and other fields, a continuous supply of large quantities of liquid reagents is required for the reaction apparatus. Currently, the supply of liquid reagents mainly relies on manual monitoring of liquid levels and manual replacement or addition. This method has the following drawbacks: 1. It consumes a lot of human resources and requires dedicated personnel to monitor it in real time; 2. Manual operation is prone to negligence, which can lead to insufficient liquid level and affect the continuity of the reaction; Frequent manual intervention may introduce contamination risks and reduce reaction stability. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In order to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a low-cost automatic liquid supply system, which overcomes the shortcomings of low efficiency and easy error in manual liquid supply and high cost and complex structure of traditional automatic liquid supply systems. The system provides a low-cost automatic liquid supply system that achieves stable and automated supply of liquid reagents without the need for a complex control system.
[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one of the objectives of this application is achieved through the following technical solution: A low-cost automatic liquid supply system includes a liquid storage component, a valve component, a power component, a sensing component, and a control module, wherein the liquid storage component, the valve component, the power component, the sensing component, and the control module are used in cooperation with each other.
[0005] Furthermore, the liquid storage component is a 4L capacity liquid storage bottle used to store liquid reagents to be supplied.
[0006] Furthermore, the valve assembly includes a three-way valve, a normally open valve, and a normally closed valve; the first port of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid storage bottle, the second port is connected to a high-pressure gas source (gas cylinder), and the third port is connected to the atmosphere, for selectively providing high-pressure gas to the liquid storage bottle or balancing with the atmosphere; the two ends of the normally open valve are respectively connected to the outlet of the liquid storage bottle and the external synthesizer, and are normally kept open to achieve continuous liquid supply; the two ends of the normally closed valve are respectively connected to the liquid storage bottle and the inlet of the gear pump, and are normally kept closed, only opening when liquid is added.
[0007] Furthermore, the power component is a gear pump, whose inlet is connected to an external liquid supply source, and whose outlet is connected to a storage bottle through a normally closed valve, for replenishing liquid to the storage bottle.
[0008] Furthermore, the sensing component includes an upper liquid level sensor and a lower liquid level sensor, which are respectively installed on the upper and lower parts of the inner wall of the storage bottle, and are used to monitor the upper and lower liquid levels of the liquid in the storage bottle.
[0009] Furthermore, the control module adopts a simple relay circuit and is electrically connected to the upper liquid level sensor, lower liquid level sensor, gear pump, normally open valve and normally closed valve to receive sensor signals and control the operation of each component.
[0010] Furthermore, the workflow of the system includes the following stages: Liquid supply phase: Under normal conditions, the normally open valve is open, and the three-way valve connects the high-pressure gas source and the liquid storage bottle. The liquid in the storage bottle is continuously delivered to the synthesizer through the normally open valve under the action of gas pressure. The upper and lower liquid level sensors monitor the liquid level in real time. If the liquid level is higher than the lower limit liquid level, the system maintains the liquid supply state. Liquid addition trigger phase: When the liquid level drops to the threshold of the lower liquid level sensor, the lower liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control module, and the control module performs the following operations: closes the normally open valve to cut off the liquid supply and prevents air from entering the synthesizer when the liquid supply is interrupted; switches the three-way valve to the state of being open to the atmosphere to balance the air pressure inside and outside the liquid storage bottle; opens the normally closed valve and starts the gear pump. Liquid addition stage: The gear pump pumps the liquid from the external replenishment source into the storage bottle through the normally closed valve, and the liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level; Liquid addition stop phase: When the liquid level rises to the threshold of the upper liquid level sensor, the upper liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control module. The control module closes the normally closed valve and stops the gear pump, switches the three-way valve back to the state of connecting to the high-pressure gas source, reopens the normally open valve, and the system returns to the liquid supply phase. Standby phase: If the synthesizer is turned off, the control module will receive the shutdown signal and automatically trigger the liquid addition phase until the liquid level reaches the upper limit. Then, all power components will be shut down and the system will enter standby mode.
[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Low cost: No complex PLC control system is required; relay circuits are used in conjunction with mechanical valves, significantly reducing equipment costs. High stability: The mechanical linkage between pneumatic liquid supply and gear pump liquid addition reduces the risk of electronic component failure and improves system reliability; High degree of automation: No manual intervention is required throughout the process. The liquid level sensor automatically triggers the switching between liquid addition and supply, avoiding human error. Simple structure: The core components include only a liquid storage bottle, 3 valves, 1 gear pump and 2 sensors, making it easy to install and maintain. Detailed Implementation
[0015] Example 1: The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, such as low efficiency and easy error in manual liquid supply, and high cost and complex structure of traditional automatic liquid supply systems, and provides a low-cost automatic liquid supply system that achieves stable and automated supply of liquid reagents without the need for a complex control system.
[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An automatic liquid supply system, comprising: Liquid storage assembly: A 4L capacity liquid storage bottle used to store liquid reagents to be supplied; Valve assembly: includes a three-way valve, a normally open valve, and a normally closed valve; the first port of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid storage bottle, the second port is connected to a high-pressure gas source (gas cylinder), and the third port is connected to the atmosphere, used to selectively provide high-pressure gas to the liquid storage bottle or to balance with the atmosphere; the two ends of the normally open valve are connected to the outlet of the liquid storage bottle and the external synthesizer, respectively, and are normally kept open to achieve continuous liquid supply; the two ends of the normally closed valve are connected to the liquid storage bottle and the inlet of the gear pump, respectively, and are normally kept closed, only opening when liquid is added; Power component: a gear pump, whose inlet is connected to an external liquid supply source and whose outlet is connected to a storage bottle through a normally closed valve, used to replenish the liquid in the storage bottle; Sensing components: including an upper liquid level sensor and a lower liquid level sensor, which are installed on the upper and lower parts of the inner wall of the liquid storage bottle, respectively, to monitor the upper and lower liquid levels of the liquid in the liquid storage bottle; Control module: It adopts a simple relay circuit and is electrically connected to the upper liquid level sensor, lower liquid level sensor, gear pump, normally open valve and normally closed valve. It receives sensor signals and controls the operation of each component.
[0017] The system's workflow includes the following stages: 1. Liquid supply stage: Under normal conditions, the normally open valve is open, and the three-way valve connects the high-pressure gas source and the liquid storage bottle. The liquid in the storage bottle is continuously delivered to the synthesizer through the normally open valve under the action of gas pressure. The upper and lower liquid level sensors monitor the liquid level in real time. If the liquid level is higher than the lower limit liquid level, the system maintains the liquid supply state. 2. Liquid addition triggering stage: When the liquid level drops to the threshold of the lower liquid level sensor, the lower liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control module, and the control module performs the following operations: closes the normally open valve to cut off the liquid supply and prevents air from entering the synthesizer when the liquid supply is interrupted; switches the three-way valve to the state of being open to the atmosphere to balance the air pressure inside and outside the liquid storage bottle; opens the normally closed valve and starts the gear pump. 3. Liquid addition stage: The gear pump pumps the liquid from the external replenishment source into the storage bottle through the normally closed valve, and the liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level; 4. Liquid addition stop stage: When the liquid level rises to the threshold of the upper liquid level sensor, the upper liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control module. The control module closes the normally closed valve and stops the gear pump, switches the three-way valve back to the state of connecting to the high-pressure gas source, reopens the normally open valve, and the system returns to the liquid supply stage. 5. Standby phase: If the synthesizer is turned off, the control module will receive the shutdown signal and automatically trigger the liquid addition phase until the liquid level reaches the upper limit. Then, all power components will be shut down and the system will enter standby mode.
[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. Low cost: No complex PLC control system is required; relay circuits are used in conjunction with mechanical valves, significantly reducing equipment costs. 2. High stability: The mechanical linkage between pneumatic liquid supply and gear pump liquid addition reduces the risk of electronic component failure and improves system reliability; 3. High degree of automation: No manual intervention is required throughout the process. The liquid level sensor automatically triggers the switching between liquid addition and supply, avoiding human error. 4. Simple structure: The core components include only a liquid storage bottle, 3 valves, 1 gear pump and 2 sensors, which are easy to install and maintain.
[0019] Component selection and connection Storage bottle: 4L chemically resistant plastic bottle, with a multi-port sealing cap at the bottle mouth, which can be connected to a three-way valve, a normally open valve and a normally closed valve respectively; Three-way valve: It adopts a manually switchable pneumatic three-way valve with a pressure resistance range of 0.1-0.5MPa and an interface diameter of 8mm; Normally open / normally closed valve: Select a two-position two-way solenoid valve, operating voltage 24V DC, response time ≤0.5s; Gear pump: Flow rate 1-5L / min, head 5m, suitable for liquids with viscosity ≤100cP; Liquid level sensor: adopts a non-contact infrared liquid level switch with a detection accuracy of ±1mm and outputs a switching signal.
[0020] Operating steps 1. System initialization: The liquid storage bottle is pre-filled to the middle level, the three-way valve is connected to the high-pressure gas source (the gas pressure is adjusted to 0.2MPa), the normally open valve is opened, the normally closed valve is closed, and the gear pump is de-energized; 2. Liquid supply process: High-pressure gas drives the liquid to flow into the synthesizer through the open valve. The lower liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level in real time. When the liquid level is below 10cm (lower limit), the sensor outputs a low-level signal. 3. Liquid addition start: After the control module receives a low-level signal, it immediately closes the normally open valve, switches the three-way valve to atmospheric connection, energizes and opens the normally closed valve, and starts the gear pump; 4. Liquid replenishment process: The gear pump pumps the liquid in the external reagent tank into the storage bottle. When the liquid level rises to 30cm (upper limit), the upper liquid level sensor outputs a high-level signal. 5. System Reset: After the control module receives a high-level signal, it closes the normally closed valve, de-energizes the gear pump, switches the three-way valve back to high-pressure gas connection, opens the normally open valve, and resumes liquid supply. 6. The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Any non-substantial changes and substitutions made by those skilled in the art based on this application shall fall within the scope of protection claimed by this application.
Claims
1. A low-cost automatic liquid supply system, characterized in that: It includes a liquid storage component, a valve component, a power component, a sensing component, and a control module, which are used in conjunction with each other.
2. The low-cost automatic liquid supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid storage component is a 4L capacity liquid storage bottle used to store liquid reagents to be supplied.
3. The low-cost automatic liquid supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The valve assembly includes a three-way valve, a normally open valve, and a normally closed valve. The first port of the three-way valve is connected to the liquid storage bottle, the second port is connected to a high-pressure gas source (gas cylinder), and the third port is connected to the atmosphere, used to selectively provide high-pressure gas to the liquid storage bottle or to balance with the atmosphere. The two ends of the normally open valve are connected to the outlet of the liquid storage bottle and an external synthesizer, respectively, and are kept open under normal conditions to achieve continuous liquid supply. The two ends of the normally closed valve are connected to the liquid storage bottle and the inlet of the gear pump, respectively, and are kept closed under normal conditions, only opening when liquid is added.
4. The low-cost automatic liquid supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The power unit is a gear pump, whose inlet is connected to an external liquid supply source, and whose outlet is connected to a storage bottle through a normally closed valve, for replenishing the storage bottle with liquid.
5. A low-cost automatic liquid supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sensing component includes an upper liquid level sensor and a lower liquid level sensor, which are respectively installed on the upper and lower parts of the inner wall of the liquid storage bottle, and are used to monitor the upper and lower limits of the liquid level in the liquid storage bottle.
6. The low-cost automatic liquid supply system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control module uses a simple relay circuit and is electrically connected to the upper liquid level sensor, lower liquid level sensor, gear pump, normally open valve and normally closed valve. It receives sensor signals and controls the operation of each component.
7. A low-cost automatic liquid supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The system's workflow includes the following stages: Liquid supply stage: Under normal conditions, the normally open valve is open, and the three-way valve connects the high-pressure gas source and the liquid storage bottle. The liquid in the liquid storage bottle is continuously delivered to the synthesizer through the normally open valve under the action of gas pressure. The upper and lower liquid level sensors monitor the liquid level in real time. If the liquid level is higher than the lower limit, the system maintains the liquid supply state. Liquid addition trigger phase: When the liquid level drops to the threshold of the lower liquid level sensor, the lower liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control module, and the control module performs the following operations: closes the normally open valve to cut off the liquid supply and prevents air from entering the synthesizer when the liquid supply is interrupted; switches the three-way valve to the state of being open to the atmosphere to balance the air pressure inside and outside the liquid storage bottle; opens the normally closed valve and starts the gear pump. Liquid addition stage: The gear pump pumps the liquid from the external replenishment source into the storage bottle through the normally closed valve, and the liquid level sensor monitors the liquid level; Liquid addition stop phase: When the liquid level rises to the threshold of the upper liquid level sensor, the upper liquid level sensor sends a signal to the control module. The control module closes the normally closed valve and stops the gear pump, switches the three-way valve back to the state of connecting to the high-pressure gas source, reopens the normally open valve, and the system returns to the liquid supply phase. Standby phase: If the synthesizer is turned off, the control module will receive the shutdown signal and automatically trigger the liquid addition phase until the liquid level reaches the upper limit. Then, all power components will be shut down and the system will enter standby mode.