Cleaning device for capillary tube of kinematic viscosity tester

Abstract

The invention discloses a cleaning device for a capillary tube of a kinematic viscosity determinator, the cleaning device comprises a connecting channel, a first cleaning channel, a second cleaning channel and a switching piece, the connecting channel can be communicated with the first cleaning channel or the second cleaning channel, the first cleaning channel is used for cleaning liquid to pass through, and the second cleaning channel is used for gas to pass through; the capillary tube is suitable for being communicated with the connecting channel, the switching piece is provided with a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, the first cleaning channel is communicated with the first opening, the second cleaning channel is communicated with the second opening, the connecting channel is communicated with the third opening, and the switching piece is used for switching the connecting channel to be communicated with the first cleaning channel or the second cleaning channel. According to the cleaning device for the capillary tube of the kinematic viscosity tester, secondary pollution caused by mixing of cleaning liquid and gas is avoided, the experiment cost is reduced, residual oil samples and solvents can be thoroughly removed, the accuracy of subsequent test results is guaranteed, the cleaning efficiency and the cleaning effect are improved, and operation is convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of analytical instrument technology, and in particular to a cleaning device for the capillary tube of a kinematic viscosity meter. Background Technology

[0002] Related technologies indicate that as industries such as power, petrochemicals, and lubricating oil quality inspection demand increasingly higher accuracy in measuring the kinematic viscosity of oils, cross-contamination and residues between samples have a more significant impact on test results. In traditional capillary viscosity measurements, the cleaning process is highly manual: operators repeatedly rinse, air-dry, or heat-dry using syringes or manual pumps. The entire process is time-consuming, has poor repeatability, and residual droplets caused by human operation are difficult to completely remove. Furthermore, the drying process can easily introduce foreign particles or cause cross-contamination between different samples. In addition, manual operation is labor-intensive and lacks standardization, making it difficult to meet the efficiency and traceability requirements of batch, automated testing laboratories. From an environmental and cost perspective, solvent consumption and waste disposal also become significant burdens on laboratory operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a cleaning device for the capillary of a kinematic viscometer, which effectively solves the problems of low efficiency, heavy contamination, and poor standardization in traditional capillary cleaning.

[0004] A cleaning device for a capillary tube in a kinematic viscosity meter according to the present invention includes: a connecting channel, a first cleaning channel, and a second cleaning channel, wherein the connecting channel is communicative to either the first or the second cleaning channel, the first cleaning channel is for the passage of cleaning liquid, the second cleaning channel is for the passage of gas, and the capillary tube is adapted to be communicative to the connecting channel; and a switching element having a first port, a second port, and a third port, wherein the first cleaning channel is communicative to the first port, the second cleaning channel is communicative to the second port, the connecting channel is communicative to the third port, and the switching element is used to switch the connection channel to be communicative to either the first or the second cleaning channel.

[0005] The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscometer according to the present invention effectively solves the problems of low efficiency, heavy pollution, and poor standardization in traditional capillary cleaning by setting a first cleaning channel and a second cleaning channel that can be switched and connected to the connecting channel. The cleaning liquid and the gas drying are separated to avoid secondary pollution caused by the mixing of the cleaning liquid and the gas, reduce experimental costs, thoroughly remove residual oil samples and solvents, ensure the accuracy of subsequent test results, improve cleaning efficiency and cleaning effect, and are easy to operate.

[0006] In some embodiments, the connection channel has a connection portion, and the capillary is disposed in the connection portion and communicates with the connection channel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the connection channel includes a first segment and a second segment, the first segment and the second segment defining the connection portion, one end of the capillary is adapted to communicate with one end of the first segment, the other end of the first segment is connected to the third port, and the other end of the capillary is adapted to communicate with one end of the second segment.

[0008] In some embodiments, the capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscometer further includes: a fixed support, the capillary being adapted to be disposed on the fixed support; a cleaning unit, the cleaning unit including a first cleaning tube and a liquid storage box, the first cleaning channel being formed inside the first cleaning tube, and the two ends of the first cleaning tube being connected to the liquid storage box and the switching element respectively; and a drying unit, the drying unit including a second cleaning tube, the second cleaning channel being formed inside the second cleaning tube, and the second cleaning tube being connected to the switching element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cleaning unit includes a first driving member for driving the flow of cleaning fluid; the drying unit includes a second driving member for driving the flow of gas.

[0010] In some embodiments, a one-way valve is provided on the first cleaning channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the liquid storage box is detachably connected to the first cleaning tube.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cleaning device for the capillary of the kinematic viscometer further includes: a housing, in which the cleaning unit and the drying unit are integrated; and a waste liquid box, which is connected to the other end of the second section to collect the cleaning liquid.

[0013] In some embodiments, the capillary cleaning device for the kinematic viscometer further includes a control module electrically connected to the switching element, the first driving element, and the second driving element.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first drive is a metering pump, and / or the second drive is a high-pressure hot air generator.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a fixed bracket.

[0017] Figure label: 100. A cleaning device for the capillary tube of a kinematic viscosity meter; 1. Cleaning unit; 11. Liquid storage box; 12. First cleaning channel; 13. First driving component; 2. Drying unit; 21. Air source; 22. Second cleaning channel; 23. Second drive unit; 3. Switching components; 4. Connecting channel; 41. First section; 42. Second section; 43. Connecting part; 5. Fixed bracket; 6. Waste liquid box; 7. One-way valve; 8. Box body; 200. Capillary. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0019] The following is for reference. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cleaning apparatus 100 for a capillary 200 of a kinematic viscosity meter is described according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, a cleaning device 100 for a capillary 200 of a kinematic viscosity meter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a connecting channel 4, a first cleaning channel 12, a second cleaning channel 22, and a switching element 3.

[0021] Specifically, the connecting channel 4 can be connected to either the first cleaning channel 12 or the second cleaning channel 22. The first cleaning channel 12 is used for the passage of cleaning fluid, and the second cleaning channel 22 is used for the passage of gas. The capillary tube 200 is adapted to be connected to the connecting channel 4. The switching element 3 has a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first cleaning channel 12 is connected to the first port, the second cleaning channel 22 is connected to the second port, and the connecting channel 4 is connected to the third port. The switching element 3 is used to switch the connection channel 4 to be connected to either the first cleaning channel 12 or the second cleaning channel 22.

[0022] Understandably, the connecting channel 4 is used to connect with the capillary tube 200 to be cleaned, serving as a common channel for the cleaning liquid or gas to enter / exit the capillary tube 200. The first cleaning channel 12 is used to deliver the cleaning liquid, which dissolves and flushes away residual oil samples. The second cleaning channel 22 is used to introduce drying gas. After cleaning with the cleaning liquid, the gas passes through the second cleaning channel 22 to purge the inner wall of the capillary tube 200, quickly removing residual solvent and moisture, thereby drying the environment inside the capillary tube 200. The switching element 3 is used to switch the connecting channel 4 to connect with either the first cleaning channel 12 or the second cleaning channel 22. This improves cleaning efficiency and effectiveness, removes residual oil samples and cleaning liquid, and ensures the accuracy of subsequent test results.

[0023] The capillary cleaning device 100 for a kinematic viscometer according to an embodiment of the present invention effectively solves the problems of low efficiency, heavy contamination, and poor standardization in traditional capillary cleaning by setting a first cleaning channel 12 and a second cleaning channel 22 that can be switched and connected to the connecting channel 4. The cleaning liquid and gas drying are separated, avoiding secondary contamination caused by the mixing of cleaning liquid and gas, thoroughly removing residual oil and solvent, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent test results, improving cleaning efficiency and effect, and facilitating operation.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the connecting channel 4 has a connecting part 43, and the capillary tube 200 is disposed in the connecting part 43 and communicates with the connecting channel 4. It can be understood that the connecting part 43 is used to fix and seal the capillary tube 200. By setting the connecting part 43, it is easy to disassemble and assemble the capillary tube 200 with the connecting channel 4, reducing the difficulty of disassembly and assembly and increasing the speed of disassembly and assembly.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the connecting channel 4 includes a first section 41 and a second section 42. The first section 41 and the second section 42 define a connecting portion 43. One end of the capillary tube 200 is adapted to communicate with one end of the first section 41, and the other end of the first section 41 is connected to a third port. The other end of the capillary tube 200 is adapted to communicate with one end of the second section 42. It can be understood that the first section 41 is connected between the capillary tube 200 and the switching element 3, and the second section 42 is connected between the capillary tube 200 and the waste liquid box 6. The connecting portion 43 defined between the first section 41 and the second section 42 provides a placement space for the capillary tube 200. In this way, the cleaning fluid or gas enters the first section 41 from the third port, then enters the capillary tube 200 from the first section 41, then enters the second section 42 from the capillary tube 200, and finally flows from the second section 42 to the waste liquid box 6. This achieves continuous cleaning, improves cleaning efficiency, ensures uniform cleaning and drying of the entire inner wall of capillary 200, and reduces the risk of oil and cleaning fluid residue inside capillary 200.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the capillary cleaning device 100 for a kinematic viscometer further includes: a fixed support 5, a cleaning unit 1, and a drying unit 2. The capillary 200 is adapted to be mounted on the fixed support 5. The cleaning unit 1 includes a first cleaning tube and a storage box 11. A first cleaning channel 12 is formed inside the first cleaning tube. Both ends of the first cleaning tube are connected to the storage box 11 and the switching element 3, respectively. The drying unit 2 includes a second cleaning tube. A second cleaning channel 22 is formed inside the second cleaning tube. The second cleaning tube is connected to the switching element 3. It is understood that the storage box 11 is used to store cleaning fluid. The storage box 11 is connected to one end of the first cleaning tube, and the other end of the first cleaning tube is connected to the first port of the switching element 3. One end of the second cleaning tube is connected to the second driving element 23, and the other end of the second cleaning tube is connected to the second port of the switching element 3. The fixed support 5 is used to stably support the capillary 200, ensuring that the capillary 200 is fixed in position during the cleaning process, and avoiding leakage or incomplete rinsing due to displacement.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning unit 1 includes a first driving element 13, which drives the flow of cleaning fluid; the drying unit 2 includes a second driving element 23, which drives the flow of gas. It can be understood that the first driving element 13 draws the cleaning fluid from the storage box 11 and sequentially delivers it to the first cleaning tube, the switching element 3, and the capillary tube 200; the second driving element 23 drives gas from the gas source 21 into the second cleaning tube, the switching element 3, and the capillary tube 200 sequentially. In this way, the rinsing speed and rinsing pressure of the cleaning fluid can be adjusted by the first driving element 13, reducing energy consumption while ensuring rinsing effectiveness. The flow rate and pressure of the gas used for drying can also be adjusted by the second driving element 23, ensuring both drying effect and efficiency.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, a one-way valve 7 is provided on the first cleaning channel 12. Therefore, the one-way valve 7 ensures that the cleaning fluid flows in a predetermined direction, preventing backflow and contamination of the cleaning fluid.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the reservoir 11 is detachably connected to the first cleaning tube. This allows for quick replacement of the reservoir 11, facilitating the filling and replacement of the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the reservoir 11 can be removed separately for thorough cleaning, drying, or sterilization, preventing residue accumulation from affecting subsequent cleaning results and reducing the maintenance and cleaning difficulty of the capillary cleaning device 100 used in the kinematic viscosity meter.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the capillary cleaning device 100 for a kinematic viscosity meter further includes a housing 8 and a waste liquid box 6. The cleaning unit 1 and the drying unit 2 are integrated within the housing 8, and the waste liquid box 6 is connected to the other end of the second section 42 to collect the cleaning liquid. It is understood that the cleaning device 100 for a kinematic viscosity meter integrates and encapsulates the cleaning unit 1 and the drying unit 2 within the housing 8, resulting in a compact structure and high safety. The switching component 3, the first driving component 13, and the second driving component 23 are all housed within the housing 8. The waste liquid box 6 collects the waste liquid discharged during the cleaning process, preventing leakage of the cleaning liquid that could pollute the environment or endanger operators. This achieves closed-loop management of the waste liquid and also enables its recycling, reducing cleaning costs.

[0031] In some embodiments, a one-way valve 7 may be provided between the waste liquid box 6 and the capillary tube 200 to prevent waste liquid from flowing back and contaminating the capillary tube 200 or the connecting channel 4.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the capillary cleaning device 100 for a kinematic viscometer further includes a control module electrically connected to a switching element 3, a first drive element 13, and a second drive element 23. It is understood that the electrical connection between the control module and the switching element 3 controls the switching between the connecting channel 4 and the first cleaning channel 12 and the second cleaning channel 22; the electrical connection between the control module and the first drive element 13 controls the start / stop, flow rate, and running time of the cleaning fluid; and the electrical connection between the control module and the second drive element 23 controls the start / stop, flow rate, and purging duration of the drying gas. This improves the automation level of the capillary cleaning device 100 for the kinematic viscometer and enhances the controllability and reliability of the cleaning process.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first driving component 13 is a metering pump, which enables on-demand quantitative liquid supply, avoids excessive rinsing causing solvent waste, and also prevents insufficient cleaning due to insufficient dosage. This reduces the consumption of high-purity organic solvents, reduces the burden of waste liquid treatment and operating costs, and allows the same volume and flow rate of cleaning liquid to be used for each cleaning, ensuring highly consistent experimental conditions and improving the repeatability of viscosity measurement.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second driving component 23 is a high-pressure hot air generator. In this way, hot air can significantly reduce the surface tension of the solvent and accelerate evaporation, shorten the drying time, and evaporate high-boiling-point solvents (such as toluene and isopropanol) or trace amounts of moisture at high temperatures, avoiding condensation residues from affecting subsequent viscosity tests. Compared with room temperature gas purging, hot air avoids the formation of a solvent condensate film on the inner wall of the capillary 200, thus preventing secondary pollution.

[0035] The following will refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A capillary cleaning apparatus 100 for a kinematic viscosity meter is described according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] During the cleaning phase, the control module issues a start command, and either the first drive unit 13 or the second drive unit 23 begins operation. First, the switching unit 3 connects the connecting channel 4 to the first cleaning channel 12. The cleaning fluid in the storage box 11 is drawn into the first cleaning channel 12 under the positive pressure of the first drive unit 13, and then enters the capillary tube 200 through the connecting channel 4. The cleaning fluid flows continuously at a certain flow rate and pressure, effectively dissolving and flushing away residual oil or impurities adhering to the inner wall of the capillary tube 200. The cleaned fluid flows into the waste liquid box 6, and after multi-stage filtration, it can be recycled or centrally treated. The entire rinsing process can be automatically repeated multiple times according to a set program to ensure that the cleanliness of the tube meets the requirements.

[0037] When the system detects that the cleaning stage is over, the control module issues a switching command, and the switching component 3 switches the connection channel 4 to the second cleaning channel 22. High-pressure air or high-purity nitrogen is heated to the set temperature and then introduced into the capillary 200 in a pulsed or continuous manner. The scouring effect of the hot airflow carries away the residual solvent molecules and water vapor, achieving rapid drying. The temperature and airflow pressure during the drying process are monitored in real time by the sensor to ensure stable drying effect and prevent thermal deformation of the capillary 200.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for the capillary tube of a kinematic viscometer, characterized in that, include: The connection channel (4), the first cleaning channel (12), and the second cleaning channel (22) are connected to the first cleaning channel (12) or the second cleaning channel (22). The first cleaning channel (12) is used for the passage of cleaning liquid, and the second cleaning channel (22) is used for the passage of gas. The capillary tube (200) is adapted to be connected to the connection channel (4). The switching component (3) has a first port, a second port and a third port. The first cleaning channel (12) is connected to the first port, the second cleaning channel (22) is connected to the second port, and the connecting channel (4) is connected to the third port. The switching component (3) is used to switch the connecting channel (4) to be connected to the first cleaning channel (12) or the second cleaning channel (22).

2. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting channel (4) has a connecting part (43), and the capillary (200) is disposed in the connecting part (43) and communicates with the connecting channel (4).

3. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting channel (4) includes a first segment (41) and a second segment (42), the first segment (41) and the second segment (42) defining the connecting portion (43), one end of the capillary (200) is adapted to communicate with one end of the first segment (41), the other end of the first segment (41) is connected to the third port, and the other end of the capillary (200) is adapted to communicate with one end of the second segment (42).

4. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixed bracket (5), wherein the capillary tube (200) is adapted to be disposed on the fixed bracket (5); The cleaning unit (1) includes a first cleaning tube and a liquid storage box (11). The first cleaning channel (12) is formed in the first cleaning tube. The two ends of the first cleaning tube are respectively connected to the liquid storage box (11) and the switching component (3). The drying unit (2) includes a second cleaning tube, a second cleaning channel (22) formed inside the second cleaning tube, and the second cleaning tube is connected to the switching member (3).

5. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cleaning unit (1) includes a first driving member (13) for driving the cleaning fluid to flow; the drying unit (2) includes a second driving member (23) for driving the gas to flow.

6. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first cleaning channel (12) is equipped with a one-way valve (7).

7. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscometer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid storage box (11) is detachably connected to the first cleaning tube.

8. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: The cleaning unit (1) and the drying unit (2) are integrated inside the housing (8); Waste liquid box (6), which is connected to the other end of the second section (42) to collect cleaning liquid.

9. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The control module is electrically connected to the switching element (3), the first driving element (13), and the second driving element (23).

10. The capillary cleaning device for a kinematic viscosity meter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first drive unit (13) is a metering pump, and / or the second drive unit (23) is a high-pressure hot air generator.

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