A water sample storage management method

Abstract

The application discloses a water sample storage management method, comprising the following steps: determining the type of a sample to be stored, inputting detection items required by the sample into a sample storage management system, determining a storage environment of the sample by the sample storage management system according to a pre-established detection item storage environment database, selecting a corresponding inner cabinet body in a storage cabinet body according to the storage environment by the sample storage management system, placing a sample bottle into the corresponding inner cabinet body, recording the storage position and time of the sample by the sample storage management system, and setting a storage period according to the detection items. The application completely solves the core pain points of classification confusion, storage violation and difficult searching in manual management of water environment detection samples, and realizes standardization and high efficiency of sample storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water sample preservation technology, and more specifically, to a method for storing and managing water samples. Background Technology

[0002] Water environment monitoring is a core part of environmental protection and water resource management. The accuracy of its results depends on the preservation and management of samples in accordance with standards such as HJ493-2009 and GB / T5750.2-2023. Currently, most laboratories use ordinary sample preservation cabinets that only have basic temperature control functions and lack intelligent management capabilities. The entire process relies on manual operation, which has many pain points.

[0003] Firstly, manual labeling and recording are inefficient and prone to errors, as paper labels are easily damp and fall off, making samples unidentifiable. Secondly, the standards for manual sorting and placement are inconsistent, with different types of samples and those with different storage requirements often mixed together, leading to improper storage. Thirdly, haphazardly stacked samples cause cross-contamination, expired samples are difficult to remove in a timely manner, and storage space utilization is low. Furthermore, sample retrieval is time-consuming and laborious, easily delaying testing and even causing samples to expire, seriously affecting work efficiency and testing quality. Therefore, a technical solution is needed to address these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, make sample preservation more standardized, and make placement and retrieval more convenient, thereby providing a method for water sample storage and management.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention discloses a method for storing and managing water samples, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1. Determine the type of sample to be stored;

[0008] S2. Enter the required testing items for the sample in the sample storage management system;

[0009] S3. The sample storage management system determines the storage environment of the sample based on the pre-established database of storage environments for testing items.

[0010] S4. The sample storage management system selects and opens the corresponding inner cabinet in the storage cabinet according to the storage environment, and places the sample bottle into the corresponding inner cabinet.

[0011] S5. The sample storage management system records the storage location and time of the sample, and sets the storage period according to the testing items.

[0012] Furthermore, the storage environment database for each test item contains pre-entered storage environment requirements for samples. By inputting the sample type and test item, the corresponding storage environment requirements can be obtained.

[0013] Furthermore, the sample types include drinking water, surface sewage, and other water samples. For drinking water and surface sewage, the testing items can be directly selected, while for other water samples, the storage environment requirements need to be customized.

[0014] Furthermore, in step S4, the basic environment and cabinet type for sample preservation are determined based on the storage environment input, with priority given to determining the basic environment and then the cabinet type.

[0015] Furthermore, the basic environment includes normal temperature environment, low temperature environment, normal temperature dark environment, and low temperature dark environment, and the cabinet type includes single-type cabinet and multi-type cabinet.

[0016] Furthermore, when selecting multiple cabinets, it is necessary to analyze the multiple cabinets corresponding to the storage environment of the sample, and give priority to selecting inner cabinets that store the same sample type.

[0017] Furthermore, the storage cabinet includes an outer cabinet and multiple inner cabinets, with the multiple inner cabinets arranged in an array within the outer shell. Each inner cabinet includes a housing, a door, and a temperature control component. The door and the temperature control component are installed on opposite sides of the housing. A vent is provided on the top of the housing, and a temperature sensor is installed on the housing. The terminal of the temperature sensor is located below the vent.

[0018] Furthermore, a sample rack is installed inside the inner cabinet. The sample rack is equipped with multiple placement slots, each slot opening upwards. Each placement slot can hold one sample bottle. The sample rack is equipped with multiple contact sensors, one of which is installed at the bottom of each placement slot. The sample rack is also equipped with multiple indicator lights, one of which corresponds to each placement slot.

[0019] Furthermore, when the sample bottle is placed in the placement slot, the contact sensor is triggered, and the indicator light turns green. When the sample in the sample bottle exceeds its shelf life, the indicator light turns red.

[0020] Furthermore, the upper surface of the sample rack is stepped, and the upper surface of each step is provided with the placement groove. The indicator light is located on the side of the step facing the cabinet door. A partition is installed inside the inner cabinet. The partition is located between the temperature control component and the sample rack. The lower end of the partition is spaced apart from the inner bottom surface of the inner cabinet.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0022] 1. The system of this invention has a built-in database of storage environments for testing items that fully comply with national standards. It can automatically match the most stringent storage requirements according to the input sample type and testing item, and prioritize the allocation of cabinets for storing the same sample type. This avoids improper storage caused by manual classification errors and cross-contamination between different types of samples. When a sample is put into storage, the system automatically allocates an empty space and opens the corresponding cabinet door. When the sample is taken out, it can be located with one click by number. With the flashing indicator light of the placement slot guiding the way, the sample can be found quickly. At the same time, the contact sensor automatically triggers the storage status record, replacing the tedious operation of manual registration and significantly reducing the workload of laboratory personnel and greatly improving the efficiency of sample management.

[0023] 2. This invention establishes a fully automated monitoring system for samples from entry into storage to expiration. By optimizing the cabinet structure, it further improves the quality of sample preservation and space utilization. The system automatically sets the preservation period according to the testing items and adopts a three-level indicator light reminder mechanism to remind samples to be tested in advance before they expire. After the expiration date, the system automatically locks the samples, avoiding the risk of mis-testing and misuse of expired samples. The independent inner cabinet array structure ensures that samples with different storage conditions do not interfere with each other. The airflow guide baffle between the temperature control components and the sample racks, together with the top ventilation opening, forms a uniform circulating airflow, improving the uniformity of temperature distribution inside the cabinet and avoiding the impact of local temperature anomalies on sample stability. The stepped sample rack design makes all labels and indicator lights clearly visible, and the standardized placement slot layout improves the utilization rate of storage space, comprehensively enhancing the standardization and intelligent management level of the environmental monitoring laboratory. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a process for determining the storage environment for detection items in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the storage cabinet in this embodiment.

[0027] Reference numerals: 1. Outer cabinet; 2. Inner cabinet; 21. Shell; 22. Cabinet door; 23. Partition; 24. Ventilation opening; 25. Temperature sensor; 3. Temperature control component; 31. Fan; 32. Cooling module; 4. Sample rack; 41. Placement slot; 42. Contact sensor; 43. Indicator light; 101. Sample bottle. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions in this embodiment will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment discloses a water sample storage and management method based on a dedicated sample storage and management system. The sample storage and management system includes a storage cabinet and a control host electrically connected to the storage cabinet. The storage cabinet includes an outer cabinet 1 and multiple inner cabinets 2 arranged in an array inside the outer cabinet 1. Each inner cabinet 2 can independently control the opening and closing of the cabinet door 22 and the internal environmental parameters. The control host has a built-in database of storage environment for detection items, and pre-enters the storage environment requirements corresponding to all detection items in HJ493-2009 "Technical Regulations for the Preservation and Management of Water Quality Sampling Samples" and GB / T5750.2-2023 "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water Part 2: Collection and Preservation of Water Samples".

[0030] The specific storage environment requirements are as follows:

[0031] Surface water and wastewater (HJ493-2009)

[0032]

[0033] Drinking water quality (GB / T5750.2-2023)

[0034]

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner cabinet 2 includes a shell 21, a cabinet door 22, a temperature control component 3, a partition 23, a vent 24, and a temperature sensor 25. The cabinet door 22 is installed on the side of the shell 21 facing the operator. The shell 21 adopts a double-layer insulation structure. The cabinet door 22 is controlled by an electromagnetic lock. The glass of the cabinet door 22 adopts a double-layer insulation structure. The cabinet door 22 is hinged to the shell 21, and a torsion spring is installed at the connection. When the electromagnetic lock is released, the cabinet door 22 can be opened to a certain angle. The temperature control component 3 is installed on the opposite side of the shell 21 and the cabinet door 22. It includes a cooling module 32 and a fan 31, which can achieve precise temperature control within the range of 0~40℃, with a temperature control accuracy of ±0.5℃.

[0036] The top of the housing 21 is provided with a vent 24. A temperature sensor 25 is installed on the housing 21, and the terminals of the temperature sensor 25 extend to the bottom of the vent 24 for real-time monitoring of the temperature inside the inner cabinet 2. A partition 23 is vertically installed between the temperature control component 3 and the sample rack 4. A 5cm gap is left between the lower end of the partition 23 and the inner bottom surface of the inner cabinet 2, so that the airflow generated by the temperature control component 3 can enter the sample storage area from the bottom, forming a uniform airflow from bottom to top, avoiding uneven local temperature, and preventing the cooling air from blowing directly onto the sample bottle 101. The vent 24 is located at the top so that the inside of the cabinet can have a certain degree of air permeability, thereby preventing the accumulation of volatile gases inside and ensuring the ventilation of the internal environment.

[0037] Depending on their function, the inner cabinet 2 is divided into four basic types: normal temperature type (15-25℃, transparent cabinet door), low temperature type (0-4℃, transparent cabinet door), normal temperature light-proof type (15-25℃, brown cabinet door), and low temperature light-proof type (0-4℃, brown cabinet door). Each type is further divided into single-sample cabinet (can only store 1 sample bottle) and multi-sample cabinet (can store multiple sample bottles) to meet the storage needs of different samples.

[0038] The inner cabinet 2 of the multi-functional cabinet is equipped with a stepped sample rack 4. The upper surface of the sample rack 4 is divided into three steps. Multiple placement slots 41 are evenly arranged horizontally on the upper surface of each step. The placement slots 41 are circular grooves with diameters suitable for common 50mL, 100mL, 250mL and 500mL sample bottles 101. A contact sensor 42 is installed at the bottom of each placement slot 41 to detect whether the sample bottle 101 is placed. An LED indicator 43 is installed on the side of each step facing the cabinet door 22. The indicator 43 can display three colors: green, red and yellow. The contact sensor 42 is electrically connected to the LED indicator 43.

[0039] The specific implementation steps of the management method are as follows:

[0040] S1. After the sample collection is completed, the operator first determines the sample type. The sample types are divided into three categories: drinking water, surface sewage and other water samples. For drinking water and surface sewage, proceed directly to step S2.

[0041] For other water samples such as industrial wastewater and seawater, operators can select the corresponding water sample type preset by the system, or input custom storage environment requirements.

[0042] S2. The operator inputs the test items to be performed on the sample on the touch screen of the control host. One or more test items can be selected. When multiple test items are selected, the system automatically extracts the most stringent storage environment requirements as the final storage conditions for the sample. For example, when a sample needs to be tested for ammonia nitrogen and volatile phenols at the same time, the system automatically selects "low temperature and light protection environment" as the storage conditions.

[0043] S3. The system retrieves the pre-established database of storage environments for testing items based on the input sample type and testing items or the user-defined storage environment requirements, and automatically matches the corresponding storage environment requirements, including basic environment type (normal temperature, normal temperature, normal temperature, normal temperature, and low temperature), storage period, and whether single-sample storage is required.

[0044] S4. Based on the determined storage environment, the system prioritizes selecting available cabinets 2 that meet the basic environmental requirements, and then selects the cabinet type based on whether individual items need to be stored:

[0045] If the testing item requires single-sample storage (such as microbial samples), the system will automatically open an empty single-sample cabinet door 22 corresponding to the basic environmental type;

[0046] If the testing items allow for diverse storage, the system analyzes all diverse cabinets that meet the basic environmental requirements, prioritizing the inner cabinet 2 that already stores the same sample type. If not, it selects diverse cabinets of other sample types, filling the sample racks of the inner cabinet 2 that meets the composite requirements, and opening its cabinet door 22 to ensure energy utilization.

[0047] The operator places the sample bottle 101, which is labeled with a unique identifier, into any empty slot 41 in the open inner cabinet 2 and closes the cabinet door 22. When the sample bottle 101 is placed into the slot 41, the contact sensor 42 at the bottom is triggered, and the system records the specific storage location of the sample (inner cabinet number and slot number). The numbers are automatically combined to form the sample number that was placed, and at the same time, the indicator light 43 corresponding to the slot 41 turns green.

[0048] S5. The system automatically records the start time of sample storage and sets the expiration time of the sample according to the storage period corresponding to the test item. During the last 1 / 4 of the sample storage period, indicator light 43 turns yellow to remind the operator that the sample is about to expire. When the sample exceeds the storage period, indicator light 43 automatically turns red, and at the same time, it is marked as expired in the control host and a reminder is given in the system.

[0049] When a sample needs to be taken out for testing, the operator enters the sample number on the control host. The system automatically locates the sample storage location and automatically opens the corresponding inner cabinet 2 door 22. At the same time, the indicator light 43 of the sample placement slot 41 flashes to guide the operator to quickly find the sample. After the sample is taken out, the contact sensor 42 detects that the placement slot 41 is empty. The system automatically clears the sample information at that location, the indicator light 43 goes out, and the location is marked as vacant.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for storing and managing water samples, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Determine the type of sample to be stored; S2. Enter the required testing items for the sample in the sample storage management system; S3. The sample storage management system determines the storage environment of the sample based on the pre-established database of storage environments for testing items. S4. The sample storage management system selects and opens the corresponding inner cabinet in the storage cabinet according to the storage environment, and places the sample bottle into the corresponding inner cabinet. S5. The sample storage management system records the storage location and time of the sample, and sets the storage period according to the testing items.

2. The method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, The database for the storage environment of the testing items contains pre-entered storage environment requirements for samples of each testing item. By inputting the sample type and the testing item, the corresponding storage environment requirements can be obtained.

3. The method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample types include drinking water, surface sewage, and other water samples. For drinking water and surface sewage, the testing items can be directly selected. For other water samples, the storage environment requirements need to be customized.

4. The method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the basic environment and cabinet type for sample preservation are determined based on the storage environment input. The basic environment is determined first, followed by the cabinet type.

5. The method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 4, characterized in that, The basic environment includes normal temperature environment, low temperature environment, normal temperature dark environment, and low temperature dark environment. The cabinet types include single-type cabinets and multi-type cabinets.

6. The method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 5, characterized in that, When selecting multiple cabinets, it is necessary to analyze the multiple cabinets corresponding to the storage environment of the sample, and give priority to selecting inner cabinets that store the same sample type.

7. The method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage cabinet includes an outer cabinet (1) and multiple inner cabinets (2). The multiple inner cabinets (2) are arranged in an array inside the outer shell (21). Each inner cabinet (2) includes a shell (21), a door (22), and a temperature control component (3). The door (22) and the temperature control component (3) are installed on opposite sides of the shell (21). The top of the shell (21) is provided with a vent (24). A temperature sensor (25) is installed on the shell (21). The terminal of the temperature sensor (25) is located below the vent (24).

8. A method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner cabinet (2) is equipped with a sample rack (4). The sample rack (4) is provided with multiple placement slots (41). The placement slots (41) are open to the top. Each placement slot (41) can hold a sample bottle (101). The sample rack (4) is equipped with multiple contact sensors (42). Each placement slot (41) is equipped with a contact sensor (42) at the bottom. The sample rack (4) is equipped with multiple indicator lights (43). Each placement slot (41) corresponds to one indicator light (43).

9. A method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the placement slot (41) is placed into the sample bottle (101), the contact sensor (42) is triggered, and the indicator light (43) displays a green light. When the sample in the sample bottle (101) exceeds the storage period, the indicator light (43) displays a red light.

10. A method for storing and managing water samples according to claim 8, characterized in that, The upper surface of the sample rack (4) is stepped, and the upper surface of each step is provided with the placement slot (41). The indicator light (43) is located on the side of the step facing the cabinet door (22). The inner cabinet (2) is equipped with a partition (23). The partition (23) is located between the temperature control component (3) and the sample rack (4). The lower end of the partition (23) is spaced apart from the inner bottom surface of the inner cabinet (2).

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