Pretreatment system and pretreatment method for measuring active ingredients
By designing an automated pretreatment system, the inconsistencies and time consumption issues in the detection process of trace dioxins in waste were resolved, resulting in efficient and reliable analytical results.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202580003651.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-05-21
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, the detection and quantification of trace dioxins in waste relies on manual operation, which leads to inconsistent analytical results and excessive time consumption.
A pretreatment system was designed, including a reagent cartridge station, a pipetting device, a vial shaker, a drying chamber, and a storage unit. The system automates sample processing, including sample collection, elution, and drying, and utilizes a pipetting module, a reagent cartridge purification device, and a storage unit rotation device to achieve automated operation.
The process of detecting trace components in waste has been automated, reducing reliance on the skill level of analysts, shortening pretreatment time, and improving analytical efficiency and consistency of results.
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Figure CN121464352A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED TECHNOLOGY
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066013, filed May 21, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066014, filed May 21, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066015, filed May 21, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for measuring an active ingredient, and more particularly, to a pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for measuring an active ingredient in waste, which can minimize deviation of analysis results and improve analysis efficiency by automating a long and complex pretreatment process for detecting a trace active ingredient contained in waste. BACKGROUND
[0003] Dioxin can be generated when an organic compound containing chlorine is combusted, and is mainly generated at waste incineration. Due to the toxicity problem of dioxin contained in waste, the importance of regulation and management of dioxin emission has been increased. Therefore, a process for detecting and quantifying trace dioxin contained in waste is required.
[0004] Generally, in order to analyze dioxin compounds, an extraction step of extracting dioxin compounds from a sample, a purification step of removing interfering substances from the extract, and a concentration step of concentrating an eluent are sequentially performed. Among the three pretreatment steps, the purification step and the concentration step take a long time and are performed manually, and thus the purification step and the concentration step depend on the skill level of a worker. Therefore, analysis results can differ depending on an analyst.
[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present application, and therefore it can contain information that does not constitute prior art that is already known in this country to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY
[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pretreatment system and a pretreatment method for measuring an active ingredient in waste, which automate a long and complex pretreatment process for detecting a trace active ingredient contained in waste.
[0008] TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pre-processing system for measuring an active ingredient, the pre-processing system comprising: a reagent cartridge station on which at least one reagent cartridge is mounted; a pipetting device configured to inject a sample or a standard sample into an interior of the at least one reagent cartridge; a vial shaker on which at least one first vial containing a sample to be analyzed and a second vial containing a standard sample having known characteristics including an ingredient and a concentration are mounted, the vial shaker being configured to shake the mounted first and second vials; a drying chamber in which at least one reservoir is mounted, and the drying chamber being configured to dry a solution in the at least one reservoir; and a reservoir processing unit configured to selectively couple to the at least one reservoir to inject a solvent into the at least one reservoir, wherein an upper end portion of the at least one reservoir is selectively coupled to a lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge such that each reservoir is in fluid communication with a corresponding reagent cartridge, and a collection vial in fluid communication with the corresponding reservoir is detachably coupled to a lower end of each reservoir.
[0010] The pre-processing system can further include a pipetting device transport device configured to transport the pipetting device at least between the vial shaker and the reagent cartridge station.
[0011] The pipetting device can include: a pipettor module body; a pipettor piston relatively movable in a vertical direction with respect to the pipettor module body; and a pipettor push actuator configured to be movable in the vertical direction to press an upper end of the pipettor piston.
[0012] The pipettor push actuator can press the upper end of the pipettor piston two to three times to collect the sample while a pipettor tip mounted on a lower end portion of the pipettor piston is immersed in the sample in the first vial.
[0013] The pipettor piston can be elastically mounted on the pipettor module body.
[0014] The pre-processing system can further include a reagent cartridge purification device configured to selectively couple to an upper end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge to inject a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge.
[0015] The reagent cartridge purification device can be further configured to inject a gas into the at least one reagent cartridge.
[0016] The pre-processing system can further include an adjustment discharge unit configured to selectively couple to a lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge to discharge the solvent injected from the reagent cartridge purification device and flowing out from the reagent cartridge.
[0017] The pre-treatment system can further include a vial cap device configured to decouple a vial cap from at least one of the first vial and the second vial mounted on the vial shaker, or to couple the vial to at least one of the first vial and the second vial.
[0018] The vial cap device can include a vial cap gripper including a pair of jaws movable toward each other to grip a vial cap, or away from each other to release the vial cap, a pair of vial gripping jaws movable toward each other to grip a vial, or away from each other to release the vial, and a cap gripper conveyance actuator to move the cap gripper in a vertical direction.
[0019] The reagent cartridge can include beads that adsorb impurities.
[0020] The pre-treatment system can further include a reservoir rotation device configured to operatively connect to at least one reservoir mounted in the drying chamber to rotate the at least one reservoir.
[0021] The reservoir processing unit can be further configured to inject a gas into the at least one reservoir.
[0022] The pre-treatment system can further include a hot air source to supply hot air to the drying chamber.
[0023] The reservoir processing unit can be configured to inject a solvent toward a wall of the at least one reservoir.
[0024] The pre-treatment system can further include a liquid level sensor configured to measure a liquid level of a solution in the at least one reservoir.
[0025] The pre-treatment system can further include a controller configured to communicatively connect to the pipetting device, the vial shaker, the drying chamber, and the reservoir processing unit, and configured to control operations of the pipetting device, the vial shaker, the drying chamber, and the reservoir processing unit.
[0026] Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient, the pre-treatment method including: coupling at least one reservoir mounted in a drying chamber to a lower end portion of at least one reagent cartridge mounted in a reagent cartridge station; injecting a sample into the at least one reagent cartridge using a pipetting device; injecting a standard sample into the at least one reagent cartridge using the pipetting device; eluting the sample and the standard sample in the at least one reagent cartridge into the at least one reservoir; decoupling the at least one reservoir mounted in the drying chamber from the at least one reagent cartridge; and drying a solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber.
[0027] The reagent cartridge can include beads that adsorb impurities.
[0028] The pre-treatment method can further include collecting the sample with a pipetting device before injecting the sample into the at least one reagent cartridge, wherein collecting the sample with the pipetting device can include pressing an upper end portion of a pipette piston two to three times, the pipette piston being relatively movable in a vertical direction with respect to a pipette module body.
[0029] The pre-treatment method can further include coupling a reagent cartridge purification device to an upper end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge before coupling the at least one reservoir installed in the drying chamber to the lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge installed in the reagent cartridge station; and spraying a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
[0030] The pre-treatment method can further include coupling a conditioning discharge unit to a lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge before spraying a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
[0031] Eluting the sample and the standard sample in the at least one reagent cartridge into the at least one reservoir can include coupling a reagent cartridge purification device to an upper end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge; and spraying a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
[0032] The pre-treatment method can further include spraying a gas into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
[0033] Drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber can be performed by blowing hot air into the drying chamber.
[0034] Drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber can include rotating the at least one reservoir using a reservoir rotating device operatively connected to the reservoir.
[0035] Drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber can further include coupling a reservoir processing unit to the at least one reservoir; and spraying a solvent into the at least one reservoir using the reservoir processing unit.
[0036] Drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber can further include spraying a gas into the at least one reservoir using the reservoir processing unit.
[0037] In an aspect, the pre-treatment method can further include terminating the drying by the controller in response to a liquid level of the solution in the at least one reservoir reaching a set liquid level.
[0038] In another aspect, the pre-processing method can further include terminating the drying by the controller in response to a time at which the drying has been performed reaching a set time.
[0039] Advantageous Effects
[0040] According to the present disclosure, a long and complex pre-processing process can be automated to prevent analysis results from varying depending on skill levels of analysts.
[0041] In addition, by automating the pre-processing process, pre-processing time can be shortened and efficiency of analysis can be improved.
[0042] In addition, effects that can be obtained or expected from the embodiments of the present disclosure will be directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the present disclosure. That is, various effects expected from the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0043] The embodiments herein can be better understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like or functionally similar elements throughout the several figures that illustrate the embodiments and wherein:
[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pre-processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating components of a pre-processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the components being disposed in a housing.
[0046] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pipetting device and a vial capping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vial capping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] Figure 5 is a side view of a vial capping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a vial shaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0050] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a reagent cartridge station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0051] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a reagent cartridge purification unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0052] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first nozzle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] Figure 10 is a plan view of a reagent cartridge purification unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0054] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 10
[0055] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0056] Figure 13 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a reagent cartridge is shown in a state of being coupled with a reagent cartridge purification unit and a conditioning discharge unit.
[0057] Figure 14 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a reservoir handling unit, a second nozzle, and a drying chamber are shown in a state of being coupled with each other.
[0058] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 14
[0059] Figure 16 is a schematic view illustrating a process of concentrating an eluent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] Figure 17 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a drying chamber is shown in a state of being elevated.
[0061] Figure 18 is a top plan view of a drying chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0062] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 18
[0063] Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom of a drying chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0064] Figure 21 is a flowchart of a pretreatment method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0065] It is to be understood that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, so that the illustrations present a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features of the present disclosure. Specific design features of the present disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," and "including" and / or "includingly" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of the associated listed items.
[0067] Further, it is to be understood that one or more of the below methods or aspects thereof can be performed by at least one or more controllers. The term "controller" can refer to a hardware device that includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the processor is specifically programmed to execute the program instructions to perform one or more processes described in more detail below. The controller can control the operation of units, modules, components, devices, or the like as described herein. Further, it is to be understood that the following methods can be performed by a device including a controller and one or more other components, as recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0068] Further, the controller of the present disclosure can be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, which can include program instructions executed by a processor. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium can include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc (CD) ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, a flash drive, a smart card, and an optical data storage device, but the computer-readable recording medium is not limited thereto. The computer-readable recording medium can also be dispersed in a computer network to store and execute program instructions by a distributed method, such as a remote information processing server or a controller area network (CAN).
[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0070] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pre-processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2is a schematic perspective view illustrating components of a pretreatment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the components being disposed in a housing.
[0071] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a pretreatment system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is disposed within a housing 12 such that all processes of a pretreatment method can be automatically performed within the housing 10 without user intervention. A first door 14 is disposed at an upper portion of the housing 10, thereby allowing a user to open the first door 14 and access components disposed at an upper portion of the pretreatment system 10 (e.g., components arranged on a workbench 18). Similarly, a second door 16 is disposed at a lower portion of the housing 10, thereby allowing a user to open the second door 16 and access components disposed at a lower portion of the pretreatment system 10 (e.g., components arranged below the workbench 18). The first door 14 and the second door 16 can be closed when the pretreatment method is performed.
[0072] The pretreatment system 10 can include a controller 11 for controlling the pretreatment system 10 to perform the pretreatment method. The controller 11 can be communicatively connected to the pretreatment system 10 to control operations of the pretreatment system 10. The controller 11 can be disposed within the housing 12 or disposed outside of the housing 12 to remotely control the pretreatment system 10. The controller 11 can be implemented as one or more processors operating according to a predetermined program, and a memory of the controller 11 stores programmed instructions for performing each step of the pretreatment method for measuring an effective component in waste according to an embodiment of the present disclosure via the one or more processors. Further, the pretreatment system 10 can further include a user interface 13 having an input interface for operating the pretreatment system 10 or for inputting process conditions and an output interface for outputting an operating state of the pretreatment system 10.
[0073] As Figure 2 shown, the pretreatment system 10 includes a liquid supply device disposed at an upper side of the workbench 18 and a sample concentration device 210 disposed at a lower side of the workbench 18.
[0074] The liquid supply device is configured to inject a sample, a standard sample, a solvent, and / or a gas into the reagent cartridge 100 (refer to Figure 7 ). To this end, the liquid supply device includes a pipette delivery device 20, a pipette 30, a vial capping device 50, a pipette tip tray 70, a vial shaker 80, a reagent cartridge station 90, and a reagent cartridge purification device 110.
[0075] As Figure 2As shown, the pipette conveying device 20 is configured to convey the pipette 30 in the first direction (X). The pipette conveying device 20 includes a pair of support frames 24 installed on both sides of the workbench 18 in the first direction (X). Each of the support frames 24 extends upward in a vertical direction (Z) perpendicular to the first direction (X), thereby allowing the pipette 30 to be conveyed without colliding with other components.
[0076] The pipette conveying device 20 further includes a pipette conveying rail 22. The pipette conveying rail 22 extends in the first direction (X) and is installed on the upper portions of the pair of support frames 24, respectively. That is, one end portion of the pipette conveying rail 22 is installed on the upper portion of the support frame 24 installed on one side of the workbench 18, and the other end portion of the pipette conveying rail 22 is installed on the upper portion of the support frame 24 installed on the other side of the workbench 18.
[0077] The pipette conveying device 20 further includes a pipette conveying actuator 26. The pipette conveying actuator 26 is connected to the pipette 30 and conveys the pipette 30 along the pipette conveying rail 22 in the first direction (X) under the control of the controller 11. Here, the pipette conveying actuator 26 is illustrated as being installed at one end of the pipette conveying rail 22, but the installation position of the pipette conveying actuator 26 is not limited thereto. The pipette conveying actuator 26 can be installed at an appropriate position to convey the pipette 30 along the pipette conveying rail 22 in the first direction (X).
[0078] The pipette 30 is configured to inject a sample or a standard sample into the reagent cartridge 100 under the control of the controller 11, and the vial capping device 50 is configured to couple or decouple the vial cap 68 to / from the vial 66 under the control of the controller 11. The pipette 30 and the vial capping device 50 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. Figures 3 to 5 The pipette 30 and the vial capping device 50 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.
[0079] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a pipette and a vial capping device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a vial capping device according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 5 is a side view of a vial capping device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0080] As Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the pipetting device 30 is configured to collect a sample or a standard sample from a vial 66 mounted on a vial shaker 80 and inject the collected sample or standard sample into a reagent cartridge 100 mounted on a reagent cartridge station 90. The pipetting device 30 includes a pipettor guide frame 32, a pipettor slide 34, a pipettor vertical motion actuator 36, a pipettor module 38, and a pipettor push actuator 48.
[0081] The pipettor guide frame 32 is slidably mounted on the pipetting device transport track 22 and connected to the pipetting device transport actuator 26 to move along the pipetting device transport track 22 in the first direction (X). The pipettor guide frame 32 extends in the vertical direction (Z).
[0082] The pipettor slide 34 is slidably mounted on the pipettor guide frame 32. Since the pipettor guide frame 32 extends in the vertical direction (Z), the pipettor slide 34 is movable along the pipettor guide frame 32 in the vertical direction (Z).
[0083] The pipettor vertical motion actuator 36 is connected to the pipettor slide 34 and configured to move the pipettor slide 34 along the pipettor guide frame 32 in the vertical direction (Z) under the control of the controller 11.
[0084] The pipettor module 38 is mounted on the pipettor slide 34 and movable with the pipettor slide 34 in the vertical direction (Z). Since the pipettor slide 34 is mounted on the pipettor guide frame 32 and movable with the pipettor guide frame 32 along the pipetting device transport track 22 in the first direction (X), the pipettor module 38 is movable along the pipetting device transport track 22 in the first direction (X) and movable along the pipettor guide frame 32 in the vertical direction (Z). Thus, the pipettor module 38 is movable along the pipetting device transport track 22 in the first direction (X) to be positioned over the pipette tip tray 70, the vial shaker 80, or the reagent cartridge station 90 disposed on the worktable 18 and then movable along the pipettor guide frame 32 in the vertical direction (Z) to perform a predetermined operation. More specifically, the pipettor module 38 is lowerable at a position corresponding to the pipette tip tray 70 to mount the pipette tip 46, lowerable at a position corresponding to the vial shaker 80 to collect a sample or a standard sample in the vial 66, and lowerable at a position corresponding to the reagent cartridge station 90 to inject the collected sample or standard sample into the reagent cartridge 100.
[0085] The pipette module 38 includes a pipette module body 40, a pipette piston 42, and a mounting end portion 44. The pipette module body 40 is fixedly mounted on the pipette slide 34, and the pipette piston 42 is movable in a vertical direction (Z) with respect to the pipette module body 40. The pipette piston 42 is elastically mounted on the pipette module body 40. The mounting end portion 44 is formed at a lower end portion of the pipette piston 42, and a pipette tip 46 can be mounted on the mounting end portion 44. When the pipette slide 34 is moved downward while the pipette module 38 is positioned at a position corresponding to the pipette tip tray 70, the mounting end portion 44 of the pipette piston 42 is inserted into one of the pipette tips 46 mounted on the pipette tip tray 70, and the pipette tip 46 is mounted on the mounting end portion 44. Thereafter, the pipette slide 34 is raised to its original position with the pipette tip 46 mounted on the mounting end portion 44.
[0086] The pipette push actuator 48 is positioned above the pipette piston 42 and is vertically movably mounted on the pipette slide 34. When the pipette push actuator 48 is moved downward by the control of the controller 11 to press an upper end of the pipette piston 42, the pipette piston 42 is relatively moved downward with respect to the pipette module body 40, and pushes the pipette tip 46 mounted on the mounting end portion 44 in a downward direction. If a solution is contained in the pipette tip 46, the mounting end portion 44 pushes the pipette tip 46 downward to discharge the solution contained in the pipette tip 46. When the pipette push actuator 48 is moved upward by the control of the controller 11 and the pressing force of the pipette piston 42 is removed, the pipette piston 42 elastically mounted on the pipette module body 40 is moved upward, and pulls the pipette tip 46 mounted on the mounting end portion 44 in an upward direction. In order to collect a sample or a standard sample contained in the vial 66 using the pipette tip 46, the pipette slide 34 is moved downward so that a lower portion of the pipette tip 46 is immersed in a solution contained in the vial 66. In this state, when the upper end of the pipette piston 42 is pressed by the pipette push actuator 48 and then released, the pipette tip 46 mounted on the mounting end portion 44 is pushed downward and then pulled upward, thereby collecting the sample or the standard sample from inside the vial 66.
[0087] Meanwhile, although two pipette modules 38 and two pipette push actuators 48 are illustrated as being mounted on the pipette slide 34, the number of the pipette modules 38 and the number of the pipette push actuators 48 are not limited to two each. The number of the pipette modules 38 and the number of the pipette push actuators 48 can be the same, and one or more pipette modules 38 can be provided.
[0088] The vial capping device 50 is configured to separate the vial cap 68 from the vial 66 mounted on the vial shaker 80 or couple the vial cap 68 to the vial 66. The vial capping device 50 can be further configured to mount the vial 66 on the vial shaker 80 or retrieve the vial 66 from the vial shaker 80. The vial capping device 50 can be mounted on the pipette guide frame 32 or the pipette slide 34 and can move in the first direction (X) along the pipette device transport track 22. Alternatively, the vial capping device 50 can be provided at a position corresponding to the vial shaker 80.
[0089] The vial capping device 50 can include a vial capping frame 52, a vial capping device transport actuator 54, a cap gripper transport actuator 56, vial gripper jaws 58, a vial cap gripper 60, a vial gripper actuator 62, and a cap gripper actuator 64.
[0090] The vial capping device transport actuator 54 can be mounted on the pipette guide frame 32 or the pipette slide 34 and can move in the first direction (X) along the pipette device transport track 22. The vial capping device transport actuator 54 is provided at a different position from the pipette module 38 in the first direction (X) such that the vial capping device transport actuator 54 and the pipette module 38 do not collide with each other when the vial capping device transport actuator 54 and the pipette module 38 are moved relative to each other. The vial capping device transport actuator 54 transports the vial capping frame 52 in the vertical direction (Z) under the control of the controller 11.
[0091] The vial capping frame 52 is connected to the vial capping device transport actuator 54 and is movable in the vertical direction (Z). The cap gripper transport actuator 56, the vial gripper jaws 58, the vial cap gripper 60, the vial gripper actuator 62, and the cap gripper actuator 64 are mounted on the vial capping frame 52 and are movable together with the vial capping frame 52 in the vertical direction (Z). The vial capping frame 52 can include a vertical surface extending in the vertical direction (Z) and a horizontal surface extending from a lower end of the vertical surface in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z), and the vertical surface and the horizontal surface can be integrally formed.
[0092] The cap gripper transport actuator 56 is mounted on the vertical surface, and the cap gripper actuator 64 and the vial cap gripper 60 are mounted at a lower end of the cap gripper transport actuator 56. The cap gripper transport actuator 56 moves the cap gripper actuator 64 and the vial cap gripper 60 in the vertical direction (Z) under the control of the controller 11.
[0093] The cap gripper actuator 64 is mounted at a lower end of the cap gripper transport actuator 56 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z) by the cap gripper transport actuator 56. The cap gripper actuator 64 can move a pair of jaws of the vial cap gripper 60 toward each other to grip the vial cap 68 or away from each other to release the vial cap 68 under the control of the controller 11.
[0094] The vial cap gripper 60 is mounted at a lower end of the cap gripper actuator 64 and includes a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws of the vial cap gripper 60 is connected to the cap gripper actuator 64 and can be moved toward each other to grip the vial cap 68 or away from each other to release the vial cap 68. While the vial cap gripper 60 holds the vial cap 68, the cap gripper transport actuator 56 can move the vial cap gripper 60 downward to couple the vial cap 68 to the vial 66 or upward to decouple the vial cap 68 from the vial 66.
[0095] The vial gripper actuator 62 is mounted on the horizontal surface of the vial capping frame 52 and extends in the vertical direction (Z) to a lower position than the vial cap gripper 60. The pair of vial gripping jaws 58 is mounted at a lower end portion of the vial gripper actuator 62 and the vial gripper actuator 62 can move the pair of vial gripping jaws 58 toward each other to grip the vial 66 or away from each other to release the vial 66 under the control of the controller 11.
[0096] The pair of vial gripping jaws 58 is mounted at a lower end portion of the vial gripper actuator 62 and connected to the vial gripper actuator 62 to move toward each other to grip the vial 66 or away from each other to release the vial 66. The pair of vial gripping jaws 58 extends toward the central axis of the vial cap 68 and the vial 66 gripped by the pair of vial gripping jaws 58 can be positioned coaxially with the vial cap 68 gripped by the pair of jaws of the vial cap gripper 60.
[0097] Referring again to Figure 2 , the pipette tip tray 70, the vial shaker 80, and the reagent cartridge station 90 are spaced apart from each other on the worktable 18. The pipette tip tray 70, the vial shaker 80, and the reagent cartridge station 90 are arranged in the order of the pipette tip tray 70, the vial shaker 80, and the reagent cartridge station 90 according to the operation sequence of the pipetting device 30, but the arrangement order of the pipette tip tray 70, the vial shaker 80, and the reagent cartridge station 90 is not limited thereto. In addition, each of the pipette tip tray 70, the vial shaker 80, and the reagent cartridge station 90 is configured to be movable in the second direction (Y).
[0098] As Figure 2As shown, the pipette tip tray 70 is arranged on one side of the worktable 18 in a first direction (X). At least one unused pipette tip 46 is mounted on the pipette tip tray 70 and is movable in a second direction (Y) by a pipette tip tray actuator 72. For example, when the pipette tip 46 is mounted on the mounting end portion 44 of the pipette module 38, the pipette tip tray actuator 72, under the control of the controller 11, moves the pipette tip tray 70 in the second direction (Y) to a position corresponding to the movement path of the pipette module 38. Conversely, when the pipette tip 46 is not needed, the pipette tip tray actuator 72, under the control of the controller 11, moves the pipette tip tray 70 in the second direction (Y) to a standby position.
[0099] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a vial shaker according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0100] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the vial shaker 80 is positioned at the midpoint of the stage 18 in the first direction (X). The vial shaker 80 holds at least one first vial 66a and one second vial 66b, the first vial 66a containing the sample to be analyzed, and the second vial 66b containing a standard sample with known characteristics, such as composition and concentration. The vial shaker 80 shakes the held first vial 66a and second vial 66b to minimize the positional deviation of the characteristics of the sample and the standard sample.
[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, the vial shaker 80 includes a shaker plate 82, a vial tray 84, a shaker conveying actuator 86, a shaker actuator 88, and a tray fixing knob 89.
[0102] The oscillator plate 82 may have a generally rectangular plate shape. One surface of the oscillator plate 82 is connected to the oscillator delivery actuator 86 to be able to move in a second direction (Y); and the lower surface of the oscillator plate 82 is connected to the oscillation actuator 88 to oscillate repeatedly along a preset track.
[0103] The vial tray 84 can be detachably attached to the upper surface of the oscillator plate 82. The vial tray 84 is configured to hold the first vial 66a and the second vial 66b. The vial tray 84 is attached to the vial plate 82 so that it can move together with the vial plate 82 in a second direction (Y) and oscillate repeatedly along a preset track. Therefore, the first vial 66a and the second vial 66b mounted in the vial tray 84 also oscillate repeatedly along the preset track, and the characteristics of the sample in the first vial 66a and the standard sample in the second vial 66b remain uniform. Although Figure 6Six first vials 66a and one second vial 66b are shown to be provided, but the number of the first vials 66a and the second vial 66b is not limited thereto.
[0104] The shaker transport actuator 86 is connected to one surface of the shaker plate 82 to move the shaker plate 82 in the second direction (Y) under the control of the controller 11. For example, when the sample in the first vials 66a or the standard sample in the second vial 66b is collected, the shaker transport actuator 86 moves the shaker plate 82 in the second direction (Y) to a position corresponding to the movement path of the pipette module 38 under the control of the controller 11. Conversely, when the sample or the standard sample is not collected, the shaker transport actuator 86 moves the shaker plate 82 in the second direction (Y) to a standby position under the control of the controller 11.
[0105] The shaker actuator 88 is connected to the lower surface of the shaker plate 82 to repeatedly shake the shaker plate 82 along a preset track under the control of the controller 11. Accordingly, the characteristics of the sample in the first vials 66a and the standard sample in the second vial 66b installed in the vial tray 84 are maintained uniform. The shaker actuator 88 can continuously repeatedly shake the shaker plate 82 until the sample is collected from the first vials 66a or the standard sample is collected from the second vial 66b.
[0106] The tray fixing knob 89 is used to fix the vial tray 84 to the shaker plate 82 or separate the vial tray 84 from the shaker plate 82. When the tray fixing knob 89 is rotated in one direction, the vial tray 84 can be coupled to the vial plate 82; and when the tray fixing knob 89 is rotated in the opposite direction, the vial tray 84 can be separated from the vial plate 82. The type of the tray fixing knob 89 is not particularly limited, and one of various types of the tray fixing knob 89 known to those skilled in the art can be used.
[0107] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a reagent cartridge station according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0108] As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 , the reagent cartridge station 90 is provided on the workbench 18 in the first direction (X). At least one reagent cartridge 100 is installed on the reagent cartridge station 90. The reagent cartridge 100 can be fixedly or detachably fastened to the reagent cartridge station 90.
[0109] As shown in Figure 7 , the reagent cartridge station 90 can include a reagent cartridge station actuator 94, a reagent cartridge holding baffle 96, and a reagent cartridge holding hole 98.
[0110] The reagent cartridge holding baffle 96 is substantially in the shape of a rectangular plate or block, and at least one reagent cartridge holding hole 98 is formed in the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96. The number of the reagent cartridge holding holes 98 is the same as the number of the reagent cartridges 100. The reagent cartridges 100 pass through the corresponding reagent cartridge holding holes 98 and extend downward, and the upper end portions of the reagent cartridges 100 can be fixed to the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96.
[0111] The reagent cartridge station actuator 94 is connected to one side of the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96, and is configured to move the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96 in the second direction (Y) under the control of the controller 11. For example, when injecting a sample, a standard sample, or a solvent into the reagent cartridge 100, the reagent cartridge station actuator 94 moves the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96 above the worktable 18 in the second direction (Y) under the control of the controller 11 through the hole 92 formed in the worktable 18. Conversely, when an operation that does not require the use of the reagent cartridge 100 is performed, the reagent cartridge station actuator 94 moves the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96 in the second direction (Y) to a standby position under the control of the controller 11.
[0112] Here, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 11 , the reagent cartridge 100 has a hollow cylindrical shape. A flange is formed at the upper end of the reagent cartridge 100 for fastening the reagent cartridge 100 to the reagent cartridge holding baffle 96. The upper surface of the reagent cartridge 100 is open to form a reagent cartridge mounting hole 104; and the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 is provided as a reagent cartridge end portion 102 having a small diameter, and this reagent cartridge end portion 102 is also open in the vertical direction (Z). The diameter of the opening of the reagent cartridge end portion 102 is small enough that the sample, standard sample, or solvent in the reagent cartridge 100 is eluted through this reagent cartridge end portion 102. The reagent cartridge 100 contains a bead 106 for removing impurities for extraction of an interfering effective component. Generally, the bead 106 separates the impurities from the effective component (e.g., dioxin, etc.), and adsorbs the impurities to prevent them from passing through the reagent cartridge end portion 102.
[0113] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a reagent cartridge purification unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a perspective view of a first nozzle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is a plan view of a reagent cartridge purification unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Figure 10 A-A.
[0114] As Figure 1 and Figures 8 to 11As shown, the reagent cartridge purification device 110 can be configured to be coupled with the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 fixed to the reagent cartridge station 90 to supply a solvent or a gas into the reagent cartridge 100 to remove impurities or the like inside the reagent cartridge 100. Further, the reagent cartridge purification device 110 can supply a solvent or a gas into the reagent cartridge 100 containing a sample and / or a standard sample so that the sample and / or the standard sample inside the reagent cartridge 100 can be eluted into the reservoir 171 (see Figure 15 ). The reagent cartridge purification device 110 includes a purification device transport track 112, a purification device transport actuator 113, a purification device sliding frame 114, a nozzle transport actuator 116, a nozzle mounting frame 118, and a first nozzle 120. The reagent cartridge purification device 110 further includes a nozzle standby block 130.
[0115] The purification device transport track 112 extends in the first direction (X) above the worktable 18. Generally, a pair of frames spaced apart in the first direction (X) is installed on the worktable 18, and the purification device transport track 112 is installed on the upper portions of the pair of frames and disposed to extend in the first direction (X). The purification device transport track 112 can extend at least between the nozzle standby block 130 and the reagent cartridge station 90 so that the first nozzle 120 can be parked at the nozzle standby block 130 or the reagent cartridge station 90.
[0116] The purification device transport actuator 113 is installed at one end portion of the purification device transport track 112 and transports the purification device sliding frame 114 along the purification device transport track 112 in the first direction (X).
[0117] The purification device sliding frame 114 is movably installed on the purification device transport track 112 and connected to the purification device transport actuator 113 so as to be able to move along the purification device transport track 112 in the first direction (X). In other words, the purification device sliding frame 114 can move along the purification device transport track 112 in the first direction (X) at least between the nozzle standby block 130 and the reagent cartridge station 90.
[0118] The nozzle mounting frame 118 is movably installed on the purification device sliding frame 114 in the vertical direction (Z) and connected to the nozzle transport actuator 116. The nozzle transport actuator 116 moves the nozzle mounting frame 118 in the vertical direction (Z).
[0119] The first nozzle 120 is mounted on the nozzle mounting frame 118 and is movable along the vertical direction (Z) together with the nozzle mounting frame 118. That is, the first nozzle 120 is movable along the first direction (X) together with the purification device slide frame 114 between the nozzle standby block 130 and the reagent cartridge station 90 by the purification device transport actuator 113, and is movable along the vertical direction (Z) together with the nozzle mounting frame 118 by the nozzle transport actuator 116. Accordingly, the first nozzle 120 can be moved to the upper portion of the reagent cartridge station 90 or the nozzle standby block 130 by the purification device transport actuator 113, and can be lowered along the vertical direction (Z) to be coupled with the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the nozzle standby block 132 or the reagent cartridge station 90, or can be raised along the vertical direction (Z) to be separated from the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the nozzle standby block 132 or the reagent cartridge station 90. As shown in FIG. 2, the first nozzle 120 includes a solvent supply line 122, a nozzle body 124, a nozzle passage 125, a gas supply portion 126, and a reagent cartridge docking portion 128. Figure 9
[0120] The nozzle body 124 is in fluid communication with the solvent supply source through the solvent supply line 122. In addition, the nozzle body 124 is provided with the nozzle passage 125 extending in the downward direction. Accordingly, the solvent supplied from the solvent source through the solvent supply line 122 to the nozzle body 124 can be sprayed into the reagent cartridge 100 through the nozzle passage 125 to wash out the impurities in the reagent cartridge 100. The nozzle body 124, the solvent supply line 122, or the nozzle passage 125 can be equipped with a member for pressurizing the solvent to spray the solvent, and the member for pressurizing the solvent can control the amount or speed of the sprayed solvent under the control of the controller 11. The solvent can be a substance that can remove impurities that interfere with the detection of effective components such as dioxins, etc., such as methanol, toluene, etc.
[0121] One side portion of the nozzle body 124 is provided with the gas supply portion 126, and the nozzle body 124 is connected to the gas source through the gas supply portion 126. In addition, the reagent cartridge docking portion 128 is provided on the lower side portion of the nozzle body 124. Accordingly, a gas such as nitrogen gas can be introduced into the nozzle body 124 from the gas source through the gas supply portion 126, and can be sprayed into the reagent cartridge 100 through the reagent cartridge docking portion 128. The reagent cartridge docking portion 128 can be inserted into the reagent cartridge 100 through the reagent cartridge mounting hole 104. The reagent cartridge docking portion 128 can be provided with a seal 129 so that the reagent cartridge 100 coupled with the first nozzle 120 is sealed.
[0122] The present disclosure illustrates that the reagent cartridge purification device 110 includes two first nozzles 120, but the number of the first nozzles 120 is not limited to two. The reagent cartridge purification device 110 can include one or more first nozzles 120 as needed.
[0123] Meanwhile, a gas valve 136 is provided on the purification device transport track 112, and the gas valve 136 is used to selectively connect or disconnect a gas source with the gas supply portion 126.
[0124] The nozzle standby block 130 is provided to correspond to one side of the purification device transport track 112, and the first nozzles 120 can be on standby in a state of being coupled with the nozzle standby block 130 when the purification step of the reagent cartridge 100 is not performed.
[0125] A nozzle standby hole 132 is formed in the nozzle standby block 130 in a vertical direction (Z), and the first nozzles 120 can be inserted into the nozzle standby hole 132. A nozzle discharge port 134 is provided at a lower portion of the nozzle standby hole 132, so that a solvent leaked from the first nozzles 120 inserted into the nozzle standby hole 132 can be discharged through the nozzle discharge port 134.
[0126] Hereinafter, a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 12 to 20 A sample concentration device is described in detail.
[0127] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 13 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a reagent cartridge is shown in a state of being coupled with a reagent cartridge purification unit and a conditioning discharge unit; Figure 14 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a reservoir processing unit, a second nozzle, and a drying chamber are shown in a state of being coupled with each other; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B line of Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the B-B line of Figure 16 is a schematic view illustrating a process of concentrating an eluent according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 17 is a schematic view illustrating an operation of a sample concentration device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a drying chamber is in a raised state, Figure 18 is a top plan view of a drying chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the C-C line of Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the C-C line of Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating a bottom of a drying chamber according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0128] As Figures 12 to 20As shown, the sample concentration device 210 is configured to selectively couple to a lower portion of a reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90, receive a sample and / or a standard sample from the reagent cartridge 100, and dry the sample and / or the standard sample to concentrate the sample and / or the standard sample. In addition, the sample concentration device 210 is also configured to selectively couple to the lower portion of the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90 to receive purified solvent from the reagent cartridge 100 and discharge the solvent. To this end, the sample concentration device 210 includes a conditioning discharge unit 140, a reservoir handling unit 150, a drying chamber 170, and a reservoir flush discharge unit 190.
[0129] As shown, the conditioning discharge unit 140 is configured to connect with a lower portion of the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90 and having an upper portion coupled to the first nozzle 120, receive the purified solvent by spraying the purified solvent from the first nozzle 120 into the reagent cartridge 100, and discharge the solvent. The conditioning discharge unit 140 includes a conditioning discharge body 141, a reagent cartridge discharge port 142, a first discharge tube 144, and a conditioning discharge unit moving actuator 146. Figures 12 to 15 Figure 17 As shown, the conditioning discharge unit 140 is configured to connect with a lower portion of the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90 and having an upper portion coupled to the first nozzle 120, receive the purified solvent by spraying the purified solvent from the first nozzle 120 into the reagent cartridge 100, and discharge the solvent. The conditioning discharge unit 140 includes a conditioning discharge body 141, a reagent cartridge discharge port 142, a first discharge tube 144, and a conditioning discharge unit moving actuator 146.
[0130] The reagent cartridge discharge port 142 is formed on an upper surface of the conditioning discharge body 141 in the vertical direction (Z). The lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 is inserted into the reagent cartridge discharge port 142. Thus, the solvent sprayed into the reagent cartridge 100 by the first nozzle 120 coupled to the upper portion of the reagent cartridge 100 flows into the reagent cartridge discharge port 142 through the reagent cartridge end portion 102.
[0131] The first discharge tube 144 is in fluid communication with the reagent cartridge discharge port 142, and the solvent in the reagent cartridge discharge port 142 is discharged to the outside of the sample concentration device 210 through the first discharge tube 144.
[0132] The adjustment discharge unit movement actuator 146 is connected to the adjustment discharge body 141 and can move the adjustment discharge unit 140 in the vertical direction Z or the second direction Y. For example, during the purification step, the first nozzle 120 of the reagent cartridge purification device 110 moves to the upper part of the reagent cartridge station 90 and moves downward in the vertical direction Z to be connected to the upper end of the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90. In addition, the adjustment discharge unit movement actuator 146 advances the adjustment discharge body 141 in the second direction (Y) to position the adjustment discharge body 141 below the corresponding reagent cartridge 100, and then moves the adjustment discharge body 141 upward in the vertical direction (Z) to connect the lower end of the corresponding reagent cartridge 100 to the reagent cartridge discharge outlet 142. In this state, the second nozzle 120 sprays solvent and / or gas into the reagent cartridge 100 to perform the purification step of the reagent cartridge 100, and the purified solvent flows through the reagent cartridge end portion 102 to the reagent cartridge outlet 142 and is then discharged to the outside through the first discharge pipe 144.
[0133] When the purification step is completed, the adjustment discharge unit movement actuator 146 moves the adjustment discharge body 141 downward in the vertical direction Z so that the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 is separated from the reagent cartridge discharge outlet 142, and then moves the adjustment discharge body 141 backward in the second direction Y so that the adjustment discharge unit 140 does not interfere with the operation of other components of the sample concentration device 210.
[0134] like Figures 12 to 17 As shown, during the concentration step, the reservoir processing unit 150 is connected to the upper portion of the reservoir 171 installed within the drying chamber 170 to spray solvent and gas into the reservoir 171. Furthermore, after or before the spraying of solvent and gas, the reservoir processing unit 150 is connected to the upper portion of the reservoir flushing and discharge unit 190. The reservoir processing unit 150 includes a processing unit body 151, a processing unit movement actuator 152, a second discharge pipe 154, and a second nozzle 160.
[0135] The processing unit movement actuator 152 is connected to the processing unit body 151 and causes the processing unit body 151 to move along the second direction Y. For example, the processing unit movement actuator 152 advances the processing unit body 151 along the second direction (Y) to connect to the storage container 171 installed in the drying chamber 170, and moves the processing unit body 151 backward along the second direction (Y) to connect to the storage container flushing and discharge unit 190.
[0136] The second discharge pipe 154 is connected to the processing unit body 151, and the solvent evaporated during the drying / concentration process of the solution is discharged to the outside of the sample concentration device 210 through the second discharge pipe 154.
[0137] The second nozzle 160 is mounted on the upper surface of the process unit body 151, and a lower portion of the second nozzle 160 extends into the process unit body 151. The lower surface of the process unit body 151 is open and is selectively closed by the reservoir flushing discharge unit 190 to selectively form a closed space within the process unit body 151. The lower portion of the second nozzle 160 can be inserted into the reservoir 171 mounted in the drying chamber 170, or can be positioned in the closed space within the process unit body 151.
[0138] The second nozzle 160 includes a solvent injection line 162 for injecting a solvent and a gas injection line 164 for injecting a gas. The solvent injection line 162 is in fluid communication with a solvent supply source, and a solvent from the solvent supply source can be injected through the solvent injection line 162. As Figure 16 shown, in a state in which the second nozzle 160 is coupled to the reservoir 171, a lower end portion of the solvent injection line 162 is bent toward a wall of the reservoir 171, such that the solvent from the solvent supply source can be injected toward the wall of the reservoir 171. Accordingly, the effective ingredient adhered to the wall of the reservoir 171 can be washed down by the solvent injected toward the wall, thereby accurately measuring the amount of the effective ingredient. The solvent can be methanol, toluene, or the like.
[0139] The gas injection line 164 is in fluid communication with a gas supply source, and a gas from the gas supply source can be injected through the gas injection line 164. The gas can help to dry the solvent to increase the degree and speed of concentration of the solution. As Figure 16 shown, in a state in which the second nozzle 160 is coupled to the reservoir 171, a lower end portion of the gas injection line 164 is bent toward a wall of the reservoir 171, such that the gas from the gas supply source can be injected toward the wall of the reservoir 171. The gas can be nitrogen.
[0140] The second nozzle 160 can inject a preset amount of solvent at a preset speed under the control of the controller 11. In addition, the number of the second nozzle 160 can be the same as the number of the reservoir 171 mounted in the drying chamber 170, but is not limited thereto.
[0141] At least one reservoir 171 is installed in the drying chamber 170, and the drying chamber 170 can be moved in the vertical direction (Z) to be coupled to or separated from the lower end of the reagent cartridge station 90. When the drying chamber 170 is coupled to the lower end of the reagent cartridge station 90, the upper end of the reservoir 171 installed in the drying chamber 170 is coupled to the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 installed in the reagent cartridge station 90, so that the sample and / or standard sample in the reagent cartridge 100 can be eluted into the reservoir 171. Also, the drying chamber 170 can be moved in the vertical direction (Z) to be coupled to or separated from the lower end of the reservoir processing unit 150. When the drying chamber 170 is coupled to the lower end of the reservoir processing unit 150, the upper end of the reservoir 171 installed in the drying chamber 170 is coupled to the second nozzle 160, so that the second nozzle 160 can spray a solvent and a gas into the reservoir 171.
[0142] Here, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the reagent cartridge 100 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The upper end of the reagent cartridge 100 is open, and the lower end portion of the second nozzle 160 or the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 can be inserted into the reagent cartridge 100 through the open upper end thereof. The lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 is coupled to the upper end of the reagent cartridge station 90. The reagent cartridge 100 is in fluid communication with the reagent cartridge station 90, so that a sample and / or a standard sample can flow from the reagent cartridge 100 to the reagent cartridge station 90. Figure 15 and Figure 16 The reservoir 171 has a hollow cylindrical shape. The upper surface of the reservoir 171 is open, and the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 or the lower end portion of the second nozzle 160 can be inserted into the reservoir 171 through the open upper surface thereof. The collection vial 173 is detachably coupled to the lower end of the reservoir 171 via the connector 172. The collection vial 173 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 171, so that the sample and / or standard sample in the reservoir 171 can flow into the collection vial 173. When the sample and / or standard sample is finally concentrated, the collection vial 173 is separated from the reservoir 171, and the pre-treatment process is completed. The solution in the collection vial 173 separated from the reservoir 171 can be analyzed by an analysis device.
[0143] The drying chamber 170 includes a drying chamber moving actuator 174, a drying chamber body 175, a hot air source 176, a reservoir holder 178, and a reservoir rotating device 180.
[0144] The drying chamber moving actuator 174 is connected to the drying chamber body 175 and can move the drying chamber body 175 in the vertical direction (Z). For example, when the drying chamber moving actuator 174 moves the drying chamber body 175 upward in the vertical direction (Z), the upper end of the reservoir 171 installed in the drying chamber 170 can be coupled to the reagent cartridge 100 installed in the reagent cartridge station 90 or to the second nozzle 160. When the drying chamber moving actuator 174 moves the drying chamber body 175 downward in the vertical direction (Z), the reservoir 171 installed in the drying chamber 170 can be separated from the reagent cartridge 100 installed in the reagent cartridge station 90 or from the second nozzle 160.
[0145] The drying chamber body 175 has a hollow shape. The reservoir 171 is positioned in the drying chamber body 175 while being mounted on the reservoir holder 178, and an upper end of the reservoir 171 protrudes upward through an upper surface of the drying chamber body 175. The reservoir rotating device 180 is mounted on a lower surface of the drying chamber body 175, and the reservoir holder 178 protrudes downward through the lower surface of the drying chamber body 175 to be connected with the reservoir rotating device 180, and can be rotated by the reservoir rotating device 180. Accordingly, the reservoir 171 as well as the collection vial 173 mounted on the reservoir holder 178 are rotated together with the reservoir holder 178.
[0146] The hot air source 176 is mounted on one side of the drying chamber body 175. The hot air source 176 can blow hot air 200 into the drying chamber body 175 to dry and concentrate the solution in the reservoir 171 and the collection vial 173. In the present specification, the hot air source is disclosed as a solution concentration member for drying and concentrating the solution in the reservoir 171 and the collection vial 173, but the solution concentration member is not limited thereto, and a suitable solution concentration member known to those skilled in the art can be used instead or additionally.
[0147] A liquid level sensor 179 can be mounted in the drying chamber body 175. The liquid level sensor 179 can detect the liquid level of the solution in the reservoir 171, and transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 11. The controller 11 can terminate the concentration of the solution when the liquid level of the solution in the reservoir 171 reaches a set liquid level. Alternatively, the controller 11 can terminate the concentration of the solution when the time of performing the concentration reaches a set time.
[0148] The reservoir rotating device 180 is configured to rotate the reservoir 171 in the drying chamber body 175 by the reservoir holder 178. The reservoir rotating device 180 can include a housing 181, a reservoir rotating motor 182, a drive gear 184, and at least one driven gear 186.
[0149] The housing 181 is coupled to the lower surface of the drying chamber body 175, and protects the at least one driven gear 186 therein.
[0150] The reservoir rotating motor 182 is configured to rotate a motor shaft, and the drive gear 184 is mounted on the motor shaft and rotates together with the motor shaft.
[0151] The at least one driven gear 186 are engaged with each other and arranged in a line in the housing 181. A lower end portion of the reservoir holder 178 is coupled to the center of each driven gear 186, and the reservoir holder 178 rotates together with each driven gear 186. Also, since the reservoir 171 (and the collection vial 173 coupled with the reservoir 171) is mounted on the reservoir holder 178, the reservoir 171 is rotated by the driven gears 186, and the solution in the reservoir 171 is dried and concentrated. One of the at least one driven gear 186 is engaged with the driving gear 184 to receive the rotational force from the reservoir rotation motor 182.
[0152] The reservoir flushing discharge unit 190 is positioned at the rear of the drying chamber 170 and moves in the vertical direction (Z), and is coupled to or separated from the lower end portion of the reservoir processing body 151. The reservoir flushing discharge unit 190 includes a reservoir flushing discharge actuator 192 for moving the reservoir flushing discharge unit 190 in the vertical direction (Z). When the reservoir flushing discharge actuator 192 raises the reservoir flushing discharge unit 190 in the vertical direction (Z) and couples it to the lower end portion of the reservoir processing body 151, the solvent leaked from the second nozzle 160 is leaked into the enclosed space within the processing unit body 151, and is then discharged to the outside of the sample concentration apparatus 210 through the second discharge tube 154. Conversely, when the reservoir flushing discharge actuator 192 lowers the reservoir flushing discharge unit 190 in the vertical direction (Z) and separates it from the lower end portion of the reservoir processing body 151, the reservoir processing unit 150 becomes capable of moving in the second direction (Y).
[0153] A pre-treatment method of another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below.
[0154] Figure 21 is a flowchart of a pre-treatment method of another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0155] As Figure 21 shown, a pre-treatment method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure starts with preparing a pre-treatment system 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The pre-treatment system 10 includes a liquid supply device and a sample concentration apparatus 210 positioned below the liquid supply device. The liquid supply device comprises a pipette device delivery device 20, a pipette device 30, a vial capping device 50, a pipette tip tray 70, a vial shaker 80, a reagent cartridge station 90, and a reagent cartridge purification device 110; and the sample concentration apparatus 210 comprises a conditioning discharge unit 140, a reservoir processing unit 150, a drying chamber 170, and a reservoir flushing discharge unit 190.
[0156] When the pretreatment system 10 is ready, the controller 11 operates the pretreatment system 10. More specifically, the controller 11 controls the reagent cartridge purification device 110 to couple the first nozzle 120 to the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90 (S300). That is, the first nozzle 120 is moved above the reagent cartridge station 90 by the purification device transport actuator 113, and then lowered along the vertical direction (Z) by the nozzle transport actuator 116 to be coupled to the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100.
[0157] Further, the controller 11 controls the conditioning discharge unit 140 to couple the conditioning discharge unit 14 to the lower end portion of the corresponding reagent cartridge 100 (S310). That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the conditioning discharge unit 140 is moved forward along the second direction (Y) by the conditioning discharge unit moving actuator 146, and then raised again along the vertical direction (Z) to couple the lower end portion of the corresponding reagent cartridge 100 to the reagent cartridge discharge port 142. In this state, the reservoir processing unit 150 is positioned at the rear portion in the second direction (Y), and the reservoir flush discharge unit 190 is raised along the vertical direction (Z) to be coupled to the reservoir processing unit 150. That is, the reservoir processing unit 150 is in a standby state. Figure 13
[0158] Here, the step S300 and the step S310 are not limited to the order shown in FIG. 3. That is, the step S300 can be executed after the step S310, or the step S300 and the step S310 can be executed simultaneously. Figure 21
[0159] When the first nozzle 120 is coupled to the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 and the conditioning discharge unit 140 is coupled to the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100, the controller 11 injects the solvent into the reagent cartridge 100 through the first nozzle 120 (S320). That is, the purification step of the reagent cartridge 100 is executed. More specifically, by injecting the solvent into the reagent cartridge 100 through the first nozzle 120, the impurities in the reagent cartridge are removed and the beads 106 in the reagent cartridge are wetted. Further, the solvent from which the impurities have been removed flows through the reagent cartridge end portion 102 to the reagent cartridge discharge port 142, and is then discharged to the outside through the first discharge pipe 144. If necessary, a gas (for example, nitrogen gas or the like) can be injected into the reagent cartridge 100 through the first nozzle 120.
[0160] When the purification step of reagent cartridge 100 is completed, controller 11 separates the first nozzle 120 and the regulating discharge unit 140 from reagent cartridge 100 (S330). The first nozzle 120 rises in the vertical direction (Z), moves in the first direction (X) along the purification device conveying track 112 to a position above the nozzle standby block 130, and then lowers in the vertical direction (Z) to wait at the nozzle standby block 130. Alternatively, the first nozzle 120 may rise in the vertical direction (Z) and then move in the first direction (X) along the purification device conveying track 112 to a position away from reagent cartridge station 90. Alternatively, the regulating discharge unit 140 may move backward in the second direction (Y).
[0161] Subsequently, the drying chamber 170 is raised vertically (Z), and the reservoir 171 installed inside the drying chamber 170 is connected to the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 (S340). In this case, the collection vial 173 is connected to the lower end of the reservoir 171 via the connector 172. More specifically, as Figure 17 As shown, when the regulating discharge unit 140 is in a state of moving backward along the second direction (Y) and the storage processing unit 150 is in a standby state connected to the storage flush discharge unit 190, the drying chamber 170 is raised in the vertical direction (Z) to the reagent cartridge station 90 by the drying chamber movement actuator 174. In this case, the storage cartridge 171 installed in the drying chamber 170 is connected to the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100.
[0162] With the reservoir 171 connected to the lower end portion of the reagent cartridge 100, the controller 11 controls the pipetting device 30 to inject the sample into the reagent cartridge 100 (S350) and inject the standard sample into the reagent cartridge 100 (S360). For this purpose, at least one first vial 66a containing the sample to be analyzed and a second vial 66b containing a standard sample having known characteristics, such as composition and concentration, are mounted on the vial tray 84 of the vial shaker 80, and the vial shaker 80 causes the first vial 66a and the second vial 66b mounted on the vial tray 84 to repeatedly oscillate along a preset path to keep the characteristics of the sample in the first vial 66a and the standard sample in the second vial 66b uniform until the sample and / or standard sample are collected.
[0163] Furthermore, if the sample and the standard sample are injected into the same reservoir 171 and concentrated together, the characteristics of the active ingredient in the sample, such as its concentration, can be deduced from the measured values of the sample using the measured values of the standard sample, which has known characteristics, such as its composition and concentration. Therefore, it is preferable that the sample and the standard sample are injected into the same reservoir 171 and concentrated together.
[0164] Alternatively, the order of injection of the sample and the standard sample is not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the standard sample be injected after the sample.
[0165] To collect the sample or the standard sample, the pipette module 38 is moved in the first direction (X) along the pipette conveyance track 22 to a position above the pipette tip tray 70 provided on the worktable 18, and the pipette module 38 is then lowered in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 to mount the pipette tip 46 mounted on the pipette tip tray 70 on the mounting end portion 44. Subsequently, the pipette module 38 is raised in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32.
[0166] The pipette module 38 is moved in the first direction (X) along the pipette conveyance track 22. In this state, the vial shaker 80 stops oscillating the first vial 66a and the second vial 66b. Then, the pipette module 38 is moved to a position above the first vial 66a of the vial shaker 80 provided on the worktable 18, and is lowered in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 to immerse the lower end portion of the pipette tip 46 in the sample in the first vial 66a. In this state, when the upper end of the pipette plunger 42 is pressed and then released by the pipette push actuator 48, the pipette tip 46 mounted on the mounting end portion 44 is pushed down and then pulled up, thereby collecting the sample in the first vial 66a. In one example, the controller 11 can control the pipette push actuator 48 to press and then release the upper end of the pipette plunger 42 two to three times. By this, it is possible to prevent the phenomenon that the effective component 206 (e.g., dioxin, etc.) in the sample settles due to a difference in density, and it is possible to collect the sample as uniformly as possible. Subsequently, the pipette module 38 is raised in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32, and the vial shaker 80 starts oscillating the first vial 66a and the second vial 66b mounted on the vial tray 84 again along the preset path.
[0167] The pipette module 38 is moved in the first direction (X) along the pipette conveyance track 22 to a position above the reagent cartridge station 90 provided on the worktable 18, and is lowered in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 to insert the lower end portion of the pipette tip 46 into the reagent cartridge 100 mounted on the reagent cartridge station 90. In this state, when the upper end of the pipette plunger 42 is pressed by the pipette push actuator 48, the sample collected in the pipette tip 46 is injected into the reagent cartridge 100. Subsequently, the pipette module 38 is raised in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32.
[0168] The pipette module 38 moves in the first direction (X) along the pipette device transport track 22 to a position above the reagent cartridge station 90 provided on the worktable 18 and is lowered in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 to insert the lower end portion of the pipette tip 46 into the reagent cartridge 100 into which the sample is introduced. In this state, when the upper end portion of the pipette piston 42 is pressed by the pipette push actuator 48, the sample collected in the pipette tip 46 is injected into the reagent cartridge 100. Subsequently, the pipette module 38 is raised in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 and moved in the first direction (X) along the pipette device transport track 22 to move away above the reagent cartridge station 90.
[0169] The pipette module 38 moves in the first direction (X) along the pipette device transport track 22 to a position above the reagent cartridge station 90 provided on the worktable 18 and is lowered in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 to insert the lower end portion of the pipette tip 46 into the reagent cartridge 100 into which the sample is introduced. In this state, when the upper end portion of the pipette piston 42 is pressed by the pipette push actuator 48, the sample collected in the pipette tip 46 is injected into the reagent cartridge 100. Subsequently, the pipette module 38 is raised in the vertical direction (Z) along the pipette guide frame 32 and moved in the first direction (X) along the pipette device transport track 22 to move away above the reagent cartridge station 90.
[0170] The controller 11 controls the reagent cartridge purification device 110 to couple the first nozzle 120 to the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 into which the sample and the standard sample have been introduced again (S370). That is, the first nozzle 120 is moved above the reagent cartridge station 90 by the purification device transport actuator 113 and then lowered in the vertical direction (Z) by the nozzle transport actuator 116 to be coupled to the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 into which the sample and the standard sample have been introduced.
[0171] When the first nozzle 120 is coupled to the upper end portion of the reagent cartridge 100 again, the controller 11 injects a solvent into the reagent cartridge 100 again through the first nozzle 120 (S380). Accordingly, the solution (including the sample and the standard sample) in the reagent cartridge 100 is eluted into the reservoir 171. If necessary, a gas (for example, nitrogen gas or the like) can be sparged into the reagent cartridge 100 through the first nozzle 120.
[0172] When the solution in reagent cartridge 100 has been eluted into reservoir 171, controller 11 separates the first nozzle 120 and reservoir 171, which is installed in drying chamber 170, from reagent cartridge 100 (S390). More specifically, the first nozzle 120 rises in the vertical direction (Z), moves in the first direction (X) along purification device transport track 112 to a position above nozzle standby block 130, and then lowers in the vertical direction (Z) to wait at nozzle standby block 130. Alternatively, the first nozzle 120 may rise in the vertical direction (Z) and then move in the first direction (X) along purification device transport track 112 to a position away from reagent cartridge station 90. Additionally, drying chamber 170 is lowered in the vertical direction (Z) by drying chamber movement actuator 174.
[0173] Subsequently, a sample concentration step is performed. For this purpose, controller 11 connects the second nozzle 160 to the upper end of the reservoir 171 in the drying chamber 170 (S400). More specifically, as... Figure 14 As shown, the reservoir flushing and discharge unit 190 is lowered in the vertical direction (Z) to separate from the reservoir processing unit 150, and the reservoir processing unit 150 moves forward in the second direction (Y), while the drying chamber 170 is raised again in the vertical direction (Z) to connect to the reservoir processing unit 150. Therefore, the second nozzle 160 of the reservoir processing unit 150 is connected to the upper end of the drying chamber 170.
[0174] In this state, the controller 11 dries the solution in the storage tank 171 (S410). Figure 16 As shown, the solution inside the reservoir 171 can be dried by rotating the reservoir 171 and using hot air 200. More specifically, under the control of the controller 11, the reservoir rotation motor 182 rotates to transmit rotational force to the reservoir holder 178 via a drive gear 184 and at least one driven gear 186, thereby causing the reservoir 171 mounted on the reservoir holder 178 to rotate. In this state, the hot air source 176 blows hot air 200 into the drying chamber body 175 to dry and concentrate the solution inside the reservoir 171.
[0175] Additionally, the solvent injection line 162 of the second nozzle 160 injects a preset amount of solvent 202 into the reservoir 171 at a preset flow rate, and the gas injection line 164 of the second nozzle 160 injects gas 204 into the reservoir 171. Figure 16As shown, in the state in which the second nozzle 160 is coupled to the reservoir 171, the lower end portion of the solvent ejection line 162 is bent toward the wall of the reservoir 171, so that the solvent 202 from the solvent supply source can be sprayed toward the wall of the reservoir 171. Accordingly, the active ingredient 206 adhered to the wall of the reservoir 171 can be washed down the wall by the solvent 202 sprayed toward the wall, thereby accurately measuring the amount of the active ingredient. In addition, in the state in which the second nozzle 160 is coupled to the reservoir 171, the lower end portion of the gas ejection line 164 is bent toward the wall of the reservoir 171, so that the gas 204 from the gas supply source can be sprayed toward the wall of the reservoir 171. The gas 204 can assist in the drying of the solvent 202 to increase the concentration and concentration speed of the solution.
[0176] During the concentration step of the sample, the liquid level sensor 179 can detect the liquid level of the solution in the reservoir 171 and transmit a signal corresponding thereto to the controller 11. The controller 11 can terminate the concentration of the solution when the liquid level of the solution in the reservoir 171 reaches a set liquid level. Alternatively, the controller 11 can terminate the concentration of the solution when the time of performing the concentration reaches a set time.
[0177] When the solution in the reservoir 171 is finally concentrated, the collection vial 173 is separated from the reservoir 171, the pretreatment process is completed, and the solution in the collection vial 173 separated from the reservoir 171 can be analyzed by an analysis device.
[0178] Meanwhile, after the concentration of the solution is terminated, the controller 11 can return to step S340 if necessary. In this case, steps S340 to S410 can be repeated several times to obtain a solution that is sufficiently concentrated.
[0179] While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients, the pre-processing system comprising: a reagent cartridge station on which at least one reagent cartridge is mounted; a pipetting device configured to inject a sample or a standard sample into an interior of the at least one reagent cartridge; a vial shaker on which at least one first vial containing a sample to be analyzed and a second vial containing a standard sample having known characteristics including ingredients and concentrations are mounted, the vial shaker being configured to shake the mounted first and second vials; a drying chamber in which at least one reservoir is mounted and configured to dry a solution in the at least one reservoir; and a reservoir handling unit configured to selectively couple to the at least one reservoir to inject a solvent into the at least one reservoir, wherein an upper end portion of the at least one reservoir is selectively coupled to a lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge such that each reservoir is in fluid communication with a corresponding reagent cartridge, and a collection vial in fluid communication with a corresponding reservoir is detachably coupled to a lower end of each reservoir.
2. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, further comprising: a pipetting device transport device configured to transport the pipetting device at least between the vial shaker and the reagent cartridge station.
3. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, wherein the pipetting device comprises: a pipettor module body; a pipettor piston relatively movable in a vertical direction with respect to the pipettor module body; and a pipettor push actuator configured to be movable in the vertical direction to press an upper end of the pipettor piston.
4. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 3, wherein the pipettor push actuator presses the upper end of the pipettor piston two to three times to collect a sample while a pipettor tip mounted on a lower end portion of the pipettor piston is immersed in the sample in the first vial.
5. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 3, wherein the pipettor piston is elastically mounted on the pipettor module body.
6. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, further comprising: a reagent cartridge purging device configured to selectively couple to an upper end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge to inject a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge.
7. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 6, wherein the reagent cartridge purging device is further configured to inject a gas into the at least one reagent cartridge.
8. The pre-processing system for measuring active ingredients of claim 6, further comprising: A conditioning and venting unit configured to selectively couple to a lower end portion of at least one reagent cartridge to vent solvent ejected from the reagent cartridge purification device and outflowing from the reagent cartridge.
9. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, further comprising: A vial capping device configured to decouple a vial cap from at least one of the first vial and the second vial mounted on the vial shaker or couple a vial to at least one of the first vial and the second vial.
10. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 9, wherein, The vial capping device comprises: A vial cap gripper comprising a pair of jaws movable toward each other to grip the vial cap or away from each other to release the vial cap; A pair of vial gripping jaws movable toward each other to grip the vial or away from each other to release the vial; and A cap gripper transport actuator to move the cap gripper in a vertical direction.
11. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, wherein, The reagent cartridge contains beads that adsorb impurities.
12. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, further comprising: A reservoir rotating device configured to operatively connect to at least one reservoir mounted in the drying chamber to rotate the at least one reservoir.
13. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, wherein, The reservoir processing unit is further configured to eject a gas into at least one reservoir.
14. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, further comprising: A source of hot air to supply hot air to the drying chamber.
15. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, wherein, The reservoir processing unit is configured to eject solvent toward a wall of at least one reservoir.
16. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 1, further comprising: A liquid level sensor configured to measure a level of a solution in at least one reservoir.
17. The pre-treatment system for measuring active ingredients of claim 16, further comprising: A controller configured to communicatively connect to the pipetting device, the vial shaker, the drying chamber, and the reservoir processing unit and control operation of the pipetting device, the vial shaker, the drying chamber, and the reservoir processing unit.
18. A pre-treatment method for measuring active ingredients, the pre-treatment method comprising: Coupling at least one reservoir mounted in a drying chamber to a lower end portion of at least one reagent cartridge mounted in a reagent cartridge station; Injecting a sample into the at least one reagent cartridge using a pipetting device; injecting a standard sample into the at least one reagent cartridge using the pipetting device; eluting the sample and the standard sample in the at least one reagent cartridge to at least one reservoir; decoupling the at least one reservoir installed in the drying chamber from the at least one reagent cartridge; and drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber.
19. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 18, wherein, the reagent cartridge contains a bead that adsorbs impurities.
20. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 18, further comprising: collecting a sample with the pipetting device before injecting the sample into the at least one reagent cartridge, wherein collecting the sample with the pipetting device includes pressing an upper end portion of a pipette piston two to three times, the pipette piston being relatively movable in a vertical direction with respect to a pipette module body.
21. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 18, further comprising: before coupling the at least one reservoir installed in the drying chamber to the lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge installed in the reagent cartridge station, coupling a reagent cartridge purification device to an upper end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge; and injecting a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
22. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 21, further comprising: before injecting the solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device, coupling a conditioning discharge unit to a lower end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge.
23. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 18, wherein, eluting the sample and the standard sample in the at least one reagent cartridge to the at least one reservoir includes: coupling a reagent cartridge purification device to an upper end portion of the at least one reagent cartridge; and injecting a solvent into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
24. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 21 or claim 23, further comprising: injecting a gas into the at least one reagent cartridge using the reagent cartridge purification device.
25. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 18, wherein, drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber is performed by blowing hot air into the drying chamber.
26. The pre-treatment method for measuring an active ingredient according to claim 18, wherein, drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber includes rotating the at least one reservoir using a reservoir rotation device operatively connected to the reservoir.
27. The pre-treatment method according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein: drying the solution in the at least one reservoir using the drying chamber further includes: coupling a reservoir treatment unit to the at least one reservoir; and using the reservoir handling unit to sparge a gas into the at least one reservoir.
28. The pre-treatment method for measuring active ingredients of claim 27, wherein, using the drying chamber to dry the solution in the at least one reservoir further comprises using the reservoir handling unit to sparge a gas into the at least one reservoir.
29. The pre-treatment method for measuring active ingredients of claim 18, further comprising: terminating, by the controller, the drying in response to a time at which the drying has been performed reaching a set time.
30. The pre-treatment method for measuring active ingredients of claim 18, further comprising: terminating, by the controller, the drying in response to a time at which the drying has been performed reaching a set time.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Dry shower mixer
KR1020240066015A