Sample preparation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sample preparation device. A sample preparation device for analyzing a liquid sample, the sample preparation device comprising a container and a blender wherein the blender comprises a motor, a stirring rod and a blade for stirring a sample in a mixing chamber of the container and for crushing particulate matter in the sample wherein the motor drives the stirring rod and / or the blade to rotate, wherein the speed of the motor is adjustable, the motor, the stirring rod and / or the blades can move in the vertical direction, the container is provided with an inlet for inputting samples and at least one first outlet for outputting the samples, and a filtering device is arranged at the first outlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sample preparation apparatus for analyzing liquid samples, a method for preparing liquid samples, and a system for analyzing liquid samples. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid analysis involves measuring and evaluating various properties of liquids to ensure efficient process management. In the field of liquid analysis, the liquid samples to be analyzed often contain particulate matter; these samples can be water or wastewater. Excessive particulate matter in the sample can clog the internal pipes of the liquid analysis apparatus, hindering the normal flow of the sample within the system. If the sample is not adequately agitated, the particulate matter will precipitate, forming sediment. Poor homogenization caused by sediment can affect the repeatability and accuracy of the analytical measurements. Furthermore, these particulate matter may contain specific chemical factors that we want to detect and measure. Simply filtering out all particulate matter may result in degraded measurement values.

[0003] A common type of stirrer used in laboratories is the magnetic stirrer, a laboratory device that uses a rapidly rotating stirring rod to stir liquids. A magnetic stirrer consists of a magnetic rod / stirring rod placed in the liquid, which provides the stirring action. The movement of the stirring rod is driven by another rotating magnet or electromagnet assembly within the stirrer assembly, located below the container containing the liquid.

[0004] US Patent Application No. US1110534A discloses a magnetic stirrer in which the stirrer is represented by a freely movable and preferably unconnected element that responds to magnetic force.

[0005] A homogenizer is a laboratory or industrial mixer used to pulverize or homogenize various materials such as tissues, plants, food, and soil. Many different destructive models have been developed using various physical techniques. The most common homogenizers are probably the mortar and pestle, which have been used for thousands of years and remain standard tools even in modern laboratories. More modern solutions are based on mixers with an electric motor and stirring rods. Existing technology includes the PRO D-Series® homogenizer series from PROScientific Inc.

[0006] Similar to magnetic stirrers, homogenizers only function to simply pulverize or stir samples in a container; they cannot filter out particulate matter inside the sample. Furthermore, the particulate matter inside the sample is not effectively pulverized; most of the time, the particle size is reduced to a certain level and then cannot be reduced further. Additionally, the high-speed rotating stirring rod creates vortices, causing the liquid level in parts of the sample to rise, sometimes resulting in sample overflowing from the container.

[0007] Therefore, new methods are needed to prepare samples to make the liquid analysis process more reliable and efficient.

[0008] Purpose of the invention

[0009] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a sample preparation apparatus for analyzing liquid samples, a method for preparing liquid samples, and a system for analyzing liquid samples, which can effectively pulverize particulate matter in the sample and continuously stir the sample, and ensure that the size of the particulate matter in the sample entering the liquid analysis apparatus is within the range that the liquid analysis apparatus can safely handle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is achieved by the sample preparation apparatus and the method for preparing liquid samples according to claims 1 and 15.

[0011] According to these independent claims, the sample preparation apparatus includes a container and a stirrer, wherein the stirrer includes an electric motor, a stirring rod, and blades for stirring the sample in the mixing chamber of the container and pulverizing particulate matter in the sample, wherein the electric motor drives the stirring rod and / or the blades to rotate, wherein the speed of the electric motor is adjustable, and wherein the electric motor, the stirring rod, and / or the blades are movable in a vertical direction. The container is characterized in that it has an inlet for inputting the sample and at least one first outlet for outputting the sample. Because a filtration device is provided at the first outlet, larger particles cannot pass through the filtration device into the liquid analysis device, making safe sample handling possible.

[0012] Dependent claims 2 to 14 and 16 describe in detail other advantageous embodiments of the sample preparation apparatus and the method for preparing liquid samples according to the invention, and independent claim 17 further claims a system for analyzing liquid samples using the sample preparation apparatus according to the invention.

[0013] This invention relates to a sample preparation apparatus for analyzing liquid samples. The invention also relates to a method for preparing liquid samples and a system for analyzing liquid samples. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A side view of the implementation method in the text;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A;

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top view of the implementation method in the diagram;

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An enlarged image;

[0020] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Another enlarged view;

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Another side view of the implementation method.

[0022] In the picture:

[0023] 100 Sample Preparation Apparatus

[0024] 101 Container

[0025] 102 Mixer

[0026] 103 Electric Motor

[0027] 104 Stirring Rod

[0028] 105 blades

[0029] 106 Valves

[0030] 107 Peristaltic Pump

[0031] 108 Mixing Chamber

[0032] 110 Entrance

[0033] 111 First Exit

[0034] 112 Second Exit

[0035] 113 Third Exit

[0036] 120 Infusion catheter

[0037] 121 First output conduit

[0038] 122 Second output conduit

[0039] 123 Third output conduit

[0040] 131 Filter device

[0041] 132 First connecting device

[0042] 133 Second connecting device

[0043] 150 Mixing Chamber Wall

[0044] 151 Rounded corners

[0045] 152 Flow barrier structure

[0046] 153 Bottom of mixing chamber

[0047] 154 Mixing Chamber Top

[0048] d0 is the diameter of the mixing chamber.

[0049] d1 Width of the flow barrier structure

[0050] d2 Maximum diameter of the blade Detailed Implementation

[0051] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, including a sample preparation apparatus 100 for analyzing liquid samples, a container 101 for containing and processing samples, and a mixer 102 for stirring samples and crushing particulate matter in samples.

[0052] Sample processing refers to stirring the sample and / or crushing the particulate matter in the sample.

[0053] Container 101 has an inlet 110 for receiving samples and at least one first outlet 111 for discharging samples. Additionally, container 101 has a mixing chamber (not shown) for receiving and processing samples.

[0054] The mixer 102 includes a motor 103, a stirring rod 104, and blades 105 located at one end of the stirring rod 104. The other end of the stirring rod 104 is connected to the motor 103, which drives the stirring rod 104 and / or the blades 105 to rotate. In some embodiments, the stirring rod 104 does not rotate with the motor 103; in this case, the stirring rod 104 has an internal transmission device that drives the blades 105 located at one end of the stirring rod 105 to rotate. The blades 105 can be counter-rotating blades or any blades with good crushing and stirring functions. The mixer 102, including the motor 103, stirring rod 104, and blades 105, can move at least vertically as a whole or in parts thereof, facilitating adjustment of the blades 105's position during sample processing. During sample processing, the blades 105 should be kept in full contact with the sample; if necessary, the blades 105 should be immersed below the sample's liquid surface to fully stir the sample and crush particulate matter. In some embodiments, the stirring rod 104, along with the blades 105, can be detached from the mixer 102 for easy cleaning or replacement. In some embodiments, the stirring rod 104 and the motor 103 are integrated, with only the blades 105 being detachable. The speed of the motor 103 is adjustable. In some embodiments, the motor 103 first pulverizes the particulate matter in the sample at a first speed, and then stirs the sample at a second speed, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed. Typically, pulverizing the particulate matter in the sample requires high-speed rotation of the blades 105, while stirring the sample often only requires a slow speed. Continuing to stir the sample at a slow speed after pulverization prevents the particulate matter from forming sediment, allowing the pulverized particulate matter to be conveyed through the first outlet 111 to the liquid analysis device (not shown), improving the reliability of the analysis.

[0055] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 A side view of one embodiment of the container 101 includes an inlet 110. In some embodiments, the container 101 has a second outlet 112 for automatically discharging excess sample. The second outlet 112 is positioned higher than the first outlet 111. In some embodiments, the container 101 has a third outlet 113 at the bottom for completely discharging the sample.

[0056] like Figure 2As shown, the sample can be input via a peristaltic pump 107 and an input conduit 120, but other methods are also possible. The input conduit 120 is connected to the inlet 110. The sample can be output from container 101 via a first outlet 111 and a first output conduit 121, and then transported to the liquid analysis device. The sample output device 100 may have a second output conduit 122, which is connected to a second outlet 112 to ensure that excess sample can be discharged from the second outlet 112. A third outlet 113 may be connected to a third output conduit 123, and a valve 106, which can be a pinch valve, must be installed at the third output conduit 123. The third outlet 113, the third output conduit 123, and the valve 106 allow excess sample to be discharged from container 101.

[0057] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of section A, including the filter device 131. The filter device 131 is located at the first outlet 111 (see...). Figure 2 The filter device 131 can be a filter membrane. In some embodiments, the filter device 131 is replaceable. A first connecting device 132 and a second connecting device 133 are provided between the filter device 131 and the first output conduit 121, and the filter device 131 and the first output conduit 121 are connected together via the first connecting device 132 and the second connecting device 133. Similarly, the first connecting device 132 and the second connecting device 133 are replaceable. The presence of the filter device 131 ensures that particulate matter in the sample entering the liquid analysis device is within a size that the analysis device can safely handle.

[0058] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the invention includes a container 101 and blades 105. The container 101 has a mixing chamber 108 for containing and processing samples. In some embodiments, the outer contour of the container 101 is a cuboid, while the mixing chamber 108 is cylindrical. Figure 7 As shown, the two sides of the mixing chamber 108 are straight and parallel, forming a shape similar to a tube or a can, wherein the cross-section of this part of the mixing chamber 108 is a circle (see...). Figure 6 (The diameter of the dashed line at the junction of the top 154 ​​and the bottom 153 of the mixing chamber remains constant.)

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 4An enlarged view shows a container 101, blades 105, a mixing chamber 108, an inlet 110, a first outlet 111, a second outlet 112, a mixing chamber wall 150, and rounded corners 151. In some embodiments, the sample preparation apparatus 100 also has at least one flow barrier structure 152. The flow barrier structure 152 prevents the sample from rotating with the blades 105. During stirring or pulverizing, the sample in the mixing chamber 108 often rotates with the rotating blades 105 due to the inertia of the medium. The flow barrier structure 152 has a flow-blocking effect; its presence effectively prevents the sample pushed by the central blades 105 from rotating in the mixing chamber 108, promoting stirring, pulverizing, and mixing of the sample. The number of flow barrier structures 152 can be two, three, or four. Figure 5 As shown, four flow barrier structures 152 extend from the bottom to the top of the mixing chamber 108, arranged vertically and evenly within the mixing chamber 108. It can be seen that the flow barrier structures 152 are formed by protrusions from the mixing chamber wall 150 of the container 101, meaning the flow barrier structures 152 and the container 101 are integral. The mixing chamber wall 150, the flow barrier structures 152, and the bottom 153 of the mixing chamber (see...) Figure 7 A rounded corner 151 is created at the transition point. The rounded corner 151 prevents the sample and particulate matter in the sample from easily adhering to the mixing chamber 108. Of course, the flow barrier structure 152 is not necessarily integrated with the mixing chamber wall 150; it can be arranged / fixed on the mixing chamber wall 150. The flow barrier structure 152 can be any column with a flow-blocking function, preferably a column or a sheet-like cuboid with rounded corners 151.

[0060] The high-speed rotation of blade 105 generates vortices in mixing chamber 108, causing the free surface of the liquid sample to exhibit a parabolic shape. The liquid level at the vortex core decreases, while the liquid level further away from the vortex core increases, making sample overflow more likely. The presence of flow barrier structure 152 can prevent the formation of vortices in the center of mixing chamber 108 or reduce the liquid level rise caused by vortices, thus making sample overflow less likely. The height of flow barrier structure 152 affects the prevention of sample overflow due to the rotation of blade 105 and the prevention of liquid level rise in mixing chamber 108. In some embodiments, the maximum height of flow barrier structure 152 in mixing chamber 108 is higher than the height of the entire sample surface when stationary, especially the height of the sample free surface before sample processing. To achieve maximum flow interruption effect, the height of flow barrier structure 152 can be higher than the height of the entire sample free surface during sample processing.

[0061] In some embodiments, the width d1 of the flow barrier structure 152 is 0.07 to 0.15 times the diameter d0 of the mixing chamber, preferably 0.08 times (see...). Figure 6The maximum diameter d2 of blade 105 can be 0.3 to 0.6 times the diameter d0 of mixing chamber, preferably 0.5 times. The diameter d0 of mixing chamber refers to the diameter of the cylindrical portion of mixing chamber 108.

[0062] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Another side view of the embodiment includes a mixing chamber 108, an inlet 110, a first outlet 111, a third outlet 113, a filter device 131, a mixing chamber wall 150, a mixing chamber bottom 153, and a mixing chamber top 154. Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the bottom 153 of the mixing chamber is conical, wherein this portion of the mixing chamber 108 tapers smoothly downwards to a point from the junction of the top 154 ​​and the bottom 153, forming a shape similar to an ice cream cone. A rounded corner 151 is formed at the transition between the mixing chamber wall 150 and the bottom 153, which helps prevent particulate matter from adhering to the mixing chamber 108. The third outlet 113 may be located at the tip of the cone-shaped bottom 153 of the mixing chamber, which facilitates the discharge of the sample and the particulate matter therein, preventing them from adhering to the bottom 153 of the mixing chamber.

Claims

1. A sample preparation apparatus (100) for analyzing liquid samples, said sample preparation apparatus (100) comprising: Container (101), and Mixer (102) The mixer (102) includes an electric motor (103), a stirring rod (104), and blades (105) for stirring the sample in the mixing chamber (108) of the container (101) and crushing particles in the sample. The electric motor (103) drives the stirring rod (104) and / or the blades (105) to rotate. The speed of the motor (103) is adjustable. The electric motor (103), the stirring rod (104), and / or the blade (105) are movable in the vertical direction, characterized in that... The container (101) has an inlet (110) for receiving samples and at least one first outlet (111) for receiving samples. A filter device (131) is provided at the first outlet (111).

2. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter device (131) is replaceable.

3. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sample preparation apparatus (100) further includes at least one flow barrier structure (152) which prevents the sample from rotating with the blade (105).

4. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flow barrier structure (152) extends from the bottom (153) of the mixing chamber to the top (154) of the mixing chamber and is arranged vertically within the mixing chamber (108).

5. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The highest height of the flow barrier structure (152) within the mixing chamber (108) is higher than the height of the entire free surface of the sample when at rest, wherein the height of the entire free surface of the sample when at rest is the height of the sample surface before processing the sample, wherein processing the sample refers to stirring the sample and / or crushing the particulate matter in the sample.

6. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The maximum height of the flow barrier structure (152) within the mixing chamber (108) is higher than the height of the entire free surface of the sample when it is being processed.

7. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The mixing chamber wall (150) of the container (101) protrudes to form the flow barrier structure (152). The flow barrier structure (152) and the mixing chamber wall (150) are connected by a rounded corner (151).

8. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The width (d1) of the flow barrier structure (152) is 0.07 to 0.15 times the diameter (d0) of the mixing chamber, preferably 0.08 times. The maximum diameter (d2) of the blade (105) is 0.3 to 0.6 times the diameter (d0) of the mixing chamber, preferably 0.5 times.

9. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to claim 3 or 8, characterized in that, There are two to four flow barrier structures (152), which are evenly arranged along the wall (150) of the mixing chamber.

10. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The container (101) has a second outlet (112) for automatically discharging excess sample. The second exit (112) is located higher than the first exit (111). The second outlet (112) is connected to the second output conduit (122).

11. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The container (101) has a third outlet (113) at the bottom for complete sample discharge. The third outlet (113) is connected to the third output conduit (123). A valve (106) is provided at the third-year output conduit (123).

12. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The bottom (153) of the mixing chamber of the container (101) is conical. The bottom (153) of the mixing chamber and the wall (150) of the mixing chamber are rounded (151).

13. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, The stirring rod (104) and / or the blade (105) are detachable.

14. The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The sample preparation apparatus (100) also includes a peristaltic pump (107) and an inlet conduit (120) for transporting the sample. The inlet conduit (120) is connected to the inlet (110).

15. A method for preparing a liquid sample, the method comprising the following steps: a) Provides a sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14; b) The sample is conveyed through the inlet (110) into the container (101); c) Ensure that the blade (105) is in contact with the sample; and d) Using the mixer (102) to crush particulate matter in the sample and stir the sample in the container (101).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The mixer (102) crushes the particulate matter in the sample at a first speed and then continues to stir the sample at a second speed, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed.

17. A system for analyzing liquid samples, the system comprising: The sample preparation apparatus (100) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14. Liquid analysis device, and A first output conduit (121) connects the sample preparation device (100) and the liquid analysis device. The first output conduit (121) is connected to the first outlet (111).

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