Liquid anti-coagulation system and method of liquid treatment
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611327139.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-08-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-30
AI Technical Summary
[0003]为了解决现有技术中液体在输送过程中易凝淀导致管路堵塞的技术问题,本申请提供了一种液体防凝淀系统及液体处理方法
[0014]由上可知,本申请提供的一种液体防凝淀系统及液体处理方法,液体防凝淀系统包括夹断单元、驱动单元、容样单元、膜滤单元、回收单元、第一管路、第二管路、第三管路与第四管路,驱动单元通过第一管路连接容样单元,容样单元通过第二管路连接膜滤单元,膜滤单元通过第三管路连接回收单元,回收单元通过第四管路连接驱动单元,夹断单元设置在第二管路上,夹断单元设置为常开状态,夹断单元上电后则第二管路进入闭合状态,通过夹断单元的开闭控制和驱动单元的正反向驱动,实现液体的动态循环处理,有效抑制凝淀形成,具有有效防止液体在输送过程中凝淀,避免管路堵塞,确保液体顺畅流动,提高自动化处理系统的可靠性和连续性。
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Figure CN122998973A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to biomedical analysis equipment technology, and more specifically, to a liquid anti-condensation system and a liquid processing method. Background Technology
[0002] In biomedical research and clinical diagnostics, processing various biological tissue extracts is a routine procedure, with protein suspensions being particularly common. After pretreatment steps such as centrifugation and filtration, these liquids undergo physicochemical changes, leading to the formation of large amounts of gel-like substances. These substances readily precipitate on the inner walls of pipes or at the bottom of containers during transport, accumulating over time and further solidifying into a semi-solid state. This phenomenon severely hinders normal liquid flow, causing pipe blockages, sample retention, or equipment interruptions, disrupting subsequent analysis, detection, or diagnostic processes. Especially in automated processing systems, precipitation not only increases the frequency of manual intervention but can also lead to cross-contamination of samples or distortion of experimental data, affecting the reliability of research results and the timeliness of clinical diagnosis. Current technologies, such as conventional stirring or heating, are insufficient to effectively suppress precipitation and cannot meet the dynamic processing requirements of complex liquids. Therefore, a solution that proactively prevents precipitation formation is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention
[0003] To address the technical problem of liquids easily condensing and causing pipeline blockage during transportation in the prior art, this application provides a liquid anti-condensation system and a liquid treatment method.
[0004] This application provides a liquid anti-condensation system, the technical solution of which is as follows: The liquid anti-condensation system includes a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, a recovery unit, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, and a fourth pipeline. The drive unit is connected to the sample container unit through the first pipeline. The sample holding unit is connected to the membrane filtration unit via a second pipeline. The membrane filtration unit is connected to the recovery unit via a third pipeline. The recycling unit is connected to the drive unit via a fourth pipeline. The pinch-off unit is installed on the second pipeline. The pinch-off unit is set to the normally open state. After the pinch-off unit is powered on, the second pipeline enters the closed state.
[0005] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the clamping capacity of the clamping unit is greater than the maximum driving capacity of the driving unit. And / or, the drive unit drives the liquid via gas, And / or, the liquid does not pass through the first and fourth pipelines.
[0006] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the volume of the sample-holding unit is greater than 10 times the sum of the volumes of the second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the membrane filtration unit. And / or, the volume of the recycling unit is less than or equal to the volume of the sample collection unit. And / or, the volume of the recycling unit is greater than or equal to half the volume of the sample storage unit.
[0007] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the inner diameter of the second pipeline is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. And / or, the inner diameter of the third pipe is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the second pipe. And / or, the inner diameter of the third pipe is less than or equal to 5 times the inner diameter of the second pipe. And / or, the length of the third pipe is less than or equal to the length of the second pipe. And / or, the third pipeline is installed inside the recycling unit and fixed to the wall. And / or, the aspect ratio of the recycling unit is less than 5. And / or, the aspect ratio of the sample unit is less than 5.
[0008] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the liquid anti-condensation system further includes a first liquid level detection unit and a second liquid level detection unit. Both the first liquid level detection unit and the second liquid level detection unit are non-contact detection units. The first liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the second pipeline. The second liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the third pipeline.
[0009] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the pinch-off unit is disposed on the second pipeline, and located between the first liquid level detection unit and the sample holding unit. And / or, the liquid anti-condensation system also includes a replenishment pipeline, a replenishment valve, and a replenishment tank, with one end of the replenishment pipeline connected to one end of the replenishment valve, and the other end of the replenishment valve connected to the replenishment tank. And / or, the other end of the replenishment line is located inside the sample container unit. And / or, the replenishment tank contains replenishment solution.
[0010] Furthermore, this application also proposes a liquid treatment method for a liquid anti-condensation system, the treatment method including: In the forward filtration step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the drive unit drives the liquid in the sample holding unit to flow to the membrane filtration unit. In the reverse filtration step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the drive unit drives the liquid in the recovery unit to flow to the membrane filtration unit. During the pressurization step, the clamping unit is set to the off state, and the drive unit supplies positive pressure gas to the sample holding unit. In the recovery step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the liquid in the membrane filtration unit flows to the recovery unit.
[0011] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the processing method includes: If the first specific condition is met, the forward filtering step is terminated. And / or, if a first specific condition is met, the reverse filtering step is aborted. And / or, if the second specific condition is met, the pinch-off unit is first set to the closed state; otherwise, the forward filtering step or the reverse filtering step continues. And / or, if a third specific condition is met, the pinch-off unit is set from the closed state to the open state. And / or, if the fourth specific condition is met, determine whether the sample holding unit or the recovery unit is empty. And / or, the liquid treatment method may further include a pre-filling step, which is performed first before the pressurization step if a fifth specific condition is met.
[0012] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the first specific condition includes: during the forward filtration step, the first liquid level detection unit is triggered a second time. And / or, the first specific condition further includes: during the reverse filtration step, the second liquid level detection unit is triggered a second time. And / or, the second specific condition includes: the absolute value of the time difference between the moment when the first liquid level detection unit is first triggered and the moment when the second liquid level detection unit is first triggered is greater than the first specific duration; And / or, the third specific condition includes: the pressurization step has been running for a second specific duration, and / or the pressure in the sample storage unit has reached a first specific pressure, and / or the pressure difference between the sample storage unit and the recovery unit has reached a second specific pressure. And / or, the fourth specific condition includes: if the sample collection unit is under positive pressure and the recovery unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, and the first liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within the third specific time period, And / or, the fourth specific condition also includes: if the recovery unit is under positive pressure and the sample holding unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, and the second liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within the fourth specific time period, And / or, the fifth specific condition includes: the absolute value of the time difference between the moment when the first liquid level detection unit is first triggered and the moment when the second liquid level detection unit is first triggered is greater than the fifth specific duration.
[0013] Furthermore, this application proposes that, during the recycling step, after setting the clamping unit to the open state, the drive unit continues to provide positive pressure to the sample-carrying unit until a sixth specific condition is met, at which point the recycling step ends. The sixth specific condition is that the driving time for which the driving unit continues to provide positive pressure to the sample-capacitance unit exceeds the sixth specific duration. And / or, the amount of fluid added in the pre-infusion step is adjusted according to the magnitude of the time difference. And / or, the amount of fluid administered in the preceding fluid administration step does not exceed a first specific fluid administration volume. And / or, the liquid treatment method further includes a post-liquid replenishment step, wherein the amount of liquid replenished in the post-liquid replenishment step is a fixed value.
[0014] As can be seen from the above, the liquid anti-precipitation system and liquid treatment method provided in this application include a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, a recovery unit, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, and a fourth pipeline. The drive unit is connected to the sample holding unit through the first pipeline, the sample holding unit is connected to the membrane filtration unit through the second pipeline, the membrane filtration unit is connected to the recovery unit through the third pipeline, and the recovery unit is connected to the drive unit through the fourth pipeline. The pinch-off unit is located on the second pipeline and is set to a normally open state. When the pinch-off unit is powered on, the second pipeline enters a closed state. Through the opening and closing control of the pinch-off unit and the forward and reverse driving of the drive unit, dynamic circulation treatment of the liquid is realized, effectively inhibiting precipitation formation. It effectively prevents liquid from precipitating during transportation, avoids pipeline blockage, ensures smooth liquid flow, and improves the reliability and continuity of the automated treatment system. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a complete system framework provided for this application.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a complete machine provided for this application.
[0017] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a sample holding unit or recycling unit provided in this application.
[0018] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a non-contact detection unit provided in this application.
[0019] Figure 5 This is another schematic diagram of the complete machine provided for this application.
[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a drive unit provided in this application.
[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing another specific configuration of the drive unit provided in this application.
[0022] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing another specific configuration of the drive unit provided in this application.
[0023] Figure 9 A flowchart of a liquid treatment method provided in this application.
[0024] In the diagram: 1. Pinch-off unit; 2. Drive unit; 3. Sample holding unit; 4. Membrane filtration unit; 5. Recovery unit; 6. First pipeline; 7. Second pipeline; 8. Third pipeline; 9. Fourth pipeline; 10. Replenishment pipeline; 11. Replenishment valve; 12. Replenishment tank. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0026] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, in the description of this application, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0027] In traditional biomedical research and clinical diagnostic practices, liquids such as biological tissue extracts often precipitate large amounts of gel-like substances after a period of pretreatment, and may even solidify into semi-solids, leading to blockage inside the processing device. Existing filters are mostly unidirectional flow, and the membrane surface is prone to forming a gel layer and lacks self-cleaning means, making subsequent processing impossible and seriously affecting experimental efficiency and the reliability of results.
[0028] In this regard, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application proposes a liquid anti-condensation system. The system includes a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, a recovery unit, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, and a fourth pipeline. The drive unit is connected to the sample holding unit via the first pipeline, the sample holding unit is connected to the membrane filtration unit via the second pipeline, the membrane filtration unit is connected to the recovery unit via the third pipeline, and the recovery unit is connected to the drive unit via the fourth pipeline. The pinch-off unit is located on the second pipeline and is normally open; when the pinch-off unit is powered on, the second pipeline enters a closed state.
[0029] For ease of understanding, the following explains some key terms in this embodiment: A pinch-off unit is a fluid control device whose main function is to control the opening and closing of a second pipeline as needed. When not powered, the pinch-off unit remains open, allowing liquid to flow freely. When powered on, its internal mechanism activates, closing the second pipeline and blocking liquid flow. This design allows the system to flexibly isolate or pressurize specific pipelines. More importantly, in subsequent pressurization and recovery steps, liquid flow is first blocked, and gas is supplied to the sample-holding unit via the drive unit, maximizing the gas pressure within the sample-holding unit. Then, the pinch-off unit is rapidly opened, allowing gas to flow through the pipeline, impacting residual material in the membrane filter unit with the highest pressure (which also means maximum shear force), thus recovering it to the recovery unit.
[0030] The drive unit is a device that provides the flow power for the liquid within the system. It is connected to the sample holding unit via a first pipeline and to the recovery unit via a fourth pipeline, forming a drive loop. The drive unit can generate positive or negative pressure to propel the liquid through circulation between the various units and pipelines, ensuring that the liquid remains dynamic during processing and preventing sedimentation.
[0031] The sample container is used to hold the liquid to be treated. It receives driving force from the drive unit through a first pipeline and delivers the liquid to the membrane filtration unit through a second pipeline. The sample container is designed to ensure stable liquid containment and efficient liquid delivery in conjunction with the drive unit. More importantly, as processing continues, the liquid level in the sample container decreases and the gas space expands, thus the sample container also functions as a gas storage tank, enabling a continuous and stable high-pressure gas output during subsequent pressurization and recovery steps.
[0032] The membrane filtration unit is the core component used for filtering and separating liquids. It receives liquid from the sample-holding unit via a second conduit and separates or removes specific components from the liquid. The liquid after membrane filtration flows to the recovery unit via a third conduit. The membrane structure of the membrane filtration unit effectively traps large-particle substances in the liquid while allowing the treated liquid to pass through. These large-particle substances, after a period of pretreatment, tend to gel and easily aggregate and precipitate on the filter membrane, requiring significant shear force to flow.
[0033] The recovery unit is a container used to collect the liquid treated by the membrane filtration unit. It receives the liquid (or gel-like substance) from the membrane filtration unit through a third line and connects to the drive unit through a fourth line, forming a closed-loop circuit. The recovery unit is designed to ensure the effective collection of the treated liquid and can work with the drive unit to achieve reverse flow or circulation of the liquid.
[0034] The first conduit connects the drive unit and the sample container unit, serving as the channel for liquid to flow from the drive unit to the sample container unit or vice versa. The second conduit connects the sample container unit and the membrane filtration unit, forming the main channel for liquid to flow from the sample container unit to the membrane filtration unit, and is equipped with a pinch-off unit to control its flow. The third conduit connects the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit, serving as the channel for liquid to flow from the membrane filtration unit to the recovery unit. The fourth conduit connects the recovery unit and the drive unit, serving as the channel for liquid to flow from the recovery unit to the drive unit, together forming the closed-loop circulation path of the system.
[0035] Specifically, the liquid anti-condensation system of this application includes a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, a recovery unit, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, and a fourth pipeline. These units and pipelines can be implemented using various materials and structures. For example, the pipelines can be made of flexible or rigid materials, such as silicone tubing, polytetrafluoroethylene tubing, or stainless steel tubing. Each unit can be made of injection-molded plastic parts or precision-machined metal parts. The connections between the units can be made using snap-fit, threaded connections, or welding methods.
[0036] The drive unit is connected to the sample container unit via a first conduit. The connection between the drive unit and the sample container unit can be varied. For example, the first conduit can be directly inserted into the inlet of the sample container unit and secured with a sealing ring or adhesive. Alternatively, the sample container unit can be designed with a dedicated interface, to which the first conduit connects via a standard connector. The drive unit can be a peristaltic pump, a syringe pump, or a pneumatic pump, transmitting driving force to the liquid within the sample container via the first conduit.
[0037] The sample holding unit is connected to the membrane filtration unit via a second conduit. The connection between the sample holding unit and the membrane filtration unit is achieved through this second conduit. This second conduit can be a simple tubing that connects the outlet of the sample holding unit to the inlet of the membrane filtration unit. The connection method can be a direct plug-in connection, a threaded connection, or the use of standard connectors such as Luer fittings.
[0038] The membrane filtration unit is connected to the recovery unit via a third conduit. The connection between the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit is achieved through this third conduit. This third conduit connects the filtrate outlet of the membrane filtration unit to the inlet of the recovery unit. The connection method can be similar to the second conduit, such as a plug-in, threaded, or snap-fit connection.
[0039] The recovery unit is connected to the drive unit via a fourth conduit. This fourth conduit connects the liquid outlet or gas port of the recovery unit to the corresponding port of the drive unit. This connection allows the drive unit to extract liquid from or apply pressure to the recovery unit, completing circulation or reverse drive.
[0040] The pinch-off unit is located on the second pipeline and is set to a normally open state. When the pinch-off unit is energized, the second pipeline enters a closed state. The pinch-off unit can take various forms, such as a solenoid valve, a pinch valve, or a microfluidic valve. When a solenoid valve is used, its internal structure keeps the valve open when not energized, allowing liquid to flow; when energized, the solenoid coil generates magnetic force, driving the valve core to move and close the valve, thus blocking the second pipeline. A pinch valve, on the other hand, uses external mechanical force (such as electromagnetic drive) to squeeze the pipeline and close it. This normally open design ensures that the liquid can flow normally in the system under default conditions, intervening only when specific control is required. Moreover, since the pinch-off unit is set to a normally open state, the closed portion of the pipeline remains unobstructed under normal conditions, preventing the pipeline from aging and sticking together due to long-term closure, and also ensuring easy maintenance of the pipeline.
[0041] Therefore, the liquid anti-precipitation system of this application achieves precise fluid control for easily precipitating liquids such as biological tissue extracts by constructing a closed-loop pipeline including a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, and a recovery unit. The drive unit continuously promotes liquid circulation, and in conjunction with the on / off control of the pinch-off unit, effectively prevents the precipitation and aggregation of gel-like substances inside the processing device, ensuring smooth subsequent processing and improving the reliability of biomedical experiments.
[0042] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a liquid anti-condensation system composed of a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, and a recovery unit is proposed. However, in actual operation, if the control capability of the pinch-off unit is insufficient to counteract the pressure generated by the drive unit, or if the drive medium is not properly selected, the liquid may flow in unexpected pipelines or leak, thereby affecting the anti-condensation effect and causing system contamination.
[0043] In response, this application further proposes a liquid anti-condensation system, wherein the clamping capacity of the clamping unit is greater than the maximum driving capacity of the driving unit, and / or the driving unit drives the liquid through gas, and / or the liquid does not pass through the first pipeline and the fourth pipeline.
[0044] Specifically, the clamping capacity of the clamping unit is greater than the maximum driving capacity of the drive unit. This is designed to ensure that, in specific operations requiring the interruption of liquid flow, the clamping unit can reliably withstand and resist the maximum pressure generated by the drive unit, thereby preventing liquid from flowing along unintended paths. This can be achieved, but is not limited to: selecting a clamping unit with a high rated pressure resistance, for example, using a solenoid valve or pneumatic clamp valve with a pressure resistance rating far exceeding the maximum output pressure of the drive unit; or, during system design, using a pressure sensor to monitor the output pressure of the drive unit in real time, and combining this with a control algorithm to limit the maximum output pressure of the drive unit to a range below the safe pressure resistance value of the clamping unit.
[0045] The core principle of a gas-driven liquid actuation unit lies in utilizing the compressibility and fluidity of gas to indirectly propel or draw in the liquid, rather than directly contacting it. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, the actuation unit can be an air pump or compressed gas source, controlling the positive or negative pressure of the gas applied to the space above the liquid surface in the sample holding or recovery unit to drive the liquid flow in the pipeline. Alternatively, the actuation unit can be a precision gas flow controller, accurately adjusting the gas flow rate and pressure entering the sample holding or recovery unit to achieve precise control over the liquid flow rate and direction.
[0046] The purpose of preventing the liquid from passing through the first and fourth pipelines is to physically isolate the flow path of the liquid to be treated from that of the driving medium (gas), preventing the liquid from entering the drive unit or contaminating the drive pipelines. This can be achieved by designing the first and fourth pipelines to connect only to the top space (i.e., above the liquid surface) of the sample holding unit and the recovery unit, ensuring that the gas applies sufficient pressure without contacting the liquid; or by installing level sensors or hydrophobic filter membranes at the connections of the first and fourth pipelines to the sample holding unit and the recovery unit, which immediately trigger protection mechanisms, such as closing relevant valves or stopping the drive, once liquid is detected approaching or attempting to enter.
[0047] Through the above technical solutions, this application effectively solves the problems that may be encountered in the actual operation of the liquid anti-condensation system. First, by limiting the clamping capacity of the clamping unit to be greater than the maximum driving capacity of the driving unit, it ensures that when the second pipeline needs to be closed for a specific processing step, the clamping unit can completely block the fluid passage, preventing the liquid from forcibly passing through due to excessive driving pressure, thereby ensuring the system's accuracy and operational reliability under pressure control. Second, by limiting the driving unit to use gas to drive the liquid, the compressibility and fluid dynamics characteristics of gas enable flexible control of liquid flow rate and pressure, avoiding excessive shear force or contamination problems that may result from direct contact between the mechanical pump and the liquid. This helps maintain the stability of suspended matter in the liquid and reduces the probability of condensation. Furthermore, by limiting the liquid to not passing through the first and fourth pipelines, the fluid circulation path is clearly defined. Using the first and fourth pipelines as transmission channels for the driving medium achieves effective physical isolation between the driving medium and the liquid to be treated, preventing liquid from entering the driving unit and causing equipment damage or cross-contamination, ensuring the long-term stability of the system and the purity of the liquid. In summary, these improvements collectively enhance the reliability, accuracy, and safety of the liquid anti-caking system, enabling it to more effectively prevent liquid deposition and operate stably.
[0048] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a basic architecture is proposed in which liquid is driven to flow between the sample holding unit, the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit by a driving unit. However, in actual processing of liquids containing easily gelling substances such as proteins, unidirectional flow can easily lead to local blockage or precipitate accumulation on the membrane surface of the membrane filtration unit, thereby reducing filtration efficiency and affecting the continuous operation stability of the system.
[0049] To address this, this application further proposes a liquid anti-condensation system, in which the driving unit drives the liquid via gas, and the driving includes forward driving and reverse driving. In forward driving, the liquid flows from the sample holding unit to the membrane filtration unit; a portion of the liquid flows through the membrane of the membrane filtration unit, and the remaining liquid flows through the membrane filtration unit and then to the recovery unit. In reverse driving, the liquid flows from the recovery unit to the membrane filtration unit; a portion of the liquid flows through the membrane of the membrane filtration unit, and the remaining liquid flows through the membrane filtration unit and then to the sample holding unit.
[0050] Specifically, the driving unit uses gas to drive the liquid, meaning that the liquid flow in the system is not propelled by direct mechanical pump contact with the liquid, but rather by the pressure difference of the gas. For example, the pressure inside the container can be changed by injecting or extracting gas into the sample holding unit or recovery unit, thereby pushing or drawing in the liquid. This can be achieved using equipment such as air pumps, compressed gas sources, or vacuum pumps, and precise control of the liquid flow can be achieved by controlling the gas flow rate and pressure. Another approach is to introduce a section of gas into the pipeline as a gas-liquid interface, using the gas flow to indirectly push the liquid in front of it, creating a "gas lock" effect. This gas-driven method effectively avoids problems such as contamination, excessive shear force leading to sample damage, or bubbling that may result from direct contact between mechanical parts and the liquid, making it particularly suitable for processing biological samples.
[0051] The actuation mechanism includes both forward and reverse actuation, indicating that the system possesses bidirectional liquid flow capability. Forward actuation refers to the liquid flowing from the sample storage unit to the membrane filtration unit in the conventional filtration direction, while reverse actuation refers to the liquid flowing from the recovery unit to the membrane filtration unit in the opposite direction. This bidirectional actuation can be achieved by configuring the actuation unit to selectively apply positive pressure to the sample storage unit and negative pressure to the recovery unit (for forward actuation), or apply positive pressure to the recovery unit and negative pressure to the sample storage unit (for reverse actuation). This typically involves the combined control of multiple three-way valves and air pumps. Alternatively, by using one bidirectional air pump or two unidirectional air pumps in conjunction with corresponding valves, the liquid flow direction can be flexibly controlled by alternating pressurization or depressurization of the sample storage unit and the recovery unit.
[0052] In forward-driven filtration, liquid flows from the sample-holding unit to the membrane filtration unit. A portion of the liquid passes through the membrane of the membrane filtration unit, while the remaining liquid flows through the membrane filtration unit and towards the recovery unit. This is the primary filtration operation. The drive unit applies positive pressure to the sample-holding unit, causing the liquid to flow through a second conduit to the membrane filtration unit. At the membrane filtration unit, a portion of the liquid (i.e., the filtrate) permeates through the membrane and is discharged, while the remaining liquid (usually concentrate or incompletely filtered liquid) continues to flow along a third conduit towards the recovery unit. This design allows for shearing of the membrane surface during filtration, reducing initial precipitate buildup.
[0053] In reverse drive, liquid flows from the recovery unit to the membrane filtration unit. A portion of the liquid passes through the membrane of the membrane filtration unit, while the remaining liquid flows through the membrane filtration unit and then to the sample holding unit. This process is a membrane cleaning or backwashing operation. The drive unit applies positive pressure to the recovery unit, causing the liquid in the recovery unit to flow to the membrane filtration unit through the third conduit. At the membrane filtration unit, a portion of the liquid (usually backwash liquid or part of the filtrate) permeates through the membrane and is discharged, while the remaining liquid continues to flow along the second conduit to the sample holding unit. By switching the control mode of the drive unit, gas pressure is applied to the recovery unit, pushing the liquid in the recovery unit towards the membrane filtration unit, thereby backwashing the membrane surface and carrying the flushed material back to the sample holding unit.
[0054] Through the above technical solution, this application introduces a bidirectional driving mechanism, realizing the reciprocating flow of liquid on both sides of the membrane filtration unit, thereby effectively solving the problem of easy gel layer formation on the membrane surface during unidirectional filtration. Specifically, by driving the liquid with gas, the compressibility and flexibility of the gas can achieve stable control of the liquid flow rate and pressure, avoiding the drastic pressure fluctuations that may be caused by the direct action of a mechanical pump, thus protecting the structural integrity of the membrane filtration unit and reducing shear damage to easily gelling liquids. In the forward driving process, the liquid flows from the sample holding unit to the membrane filtration unit. By controlling the path of the liquid through the membrane filtration unit, some liquid is discharged through the membrane, while the remaining liquid carries the unretained substances to the recovery unit. This design utilizes the shear force of the fluid to flush the membrane surface, preventing the continuous accumulation of precipitates on the membrane surface. Furthermore, during the reverse drive process, the liquid flows from the recovery unit to the sample holding unit. By changing the flow direction, the pressure environment on both sides of the membrane filter unit is reversed. This reverse flushing action effectively removes the gel-like substances that adhered to the membrane surface during the previous forward filtration process, achieving self-cleaning of the membrane surface and thus maintaining the long-term filtration flux of the membrane filter unit. Through the alternating execution of forward and reverse drives, the system can dynamically adjust the flow field distribution inside the membrane filter unit, ensuring that the gel-like substances in the liquid are always in a flowing state, preventing them from settling or condensing into semi-solids inside the device. This significantly improves the reliability and processing efficiency of the system in handling complex biological tissue extracts. This bidirectional drive mechanism, within the basic architecture of the aforementioned liquid anti-condensation system, provides the membrane filter unit with effective anti-clogging and self-cleaning capabilities, extends the membrane's service life, and ensures continuous and stable system operation.
[0055] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a liquid anti-condensation method is proposed by connecting the sample holding unit, the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit through pipelines. However, in actual operation, due to improper volume ratios between the sample holding unit, the recovery unit and the pipelines and the membrane filtration unit, the liquid may experience unstable flow rate, uneven pressure distribution or excessive accumulation and condensation at the membrane filtration unit due to insufficient volume, thereby affecting the anti-condensation effect.
[0056] In this regard, this application further proposes that the volume of the sample holding unit is greater than 10 times the sum of the volumes of the second pipeline, the third pipeline and the membrane filter unit, and / or the volume of the recovery unit is less than or equal to the volume of the sample holding unit, and / or the volume of the recovery unit is greater than or equal to half the volume of the sample holding unit.
[0057] This technical solution aims to optimize the hydrodynamic characteristics of the liquid during circulation by precisely defining the volume ratio of each key component in the system, thereby effectively preventing precipitation. Specifically, the volume of the sample storage unit is greater than 10 times the sum of the volumes of the second and third pipelines and the membrane filter unit. This technical feature defines the proportional relationship between the volume of the sample storage unit and the volumes of other key components (second and third pipelines, and the membrane filter unit) within the system. As the main liquid storage and buffer area in the system, the volume design of the sample storage unit is crucial. Specifically, the volume of the sample storage unit can be greater than 10 times the sum of the volumes of the second and third pipelines and the membrane filter unit to ensure that the sample storage unit can provide sufficient liquid reserve and maintain stable fluid pressure and flow rate during liquid circulation. For example, the sample holding unit can be designed as a cylindrical or square container with a large diameter and height, its internal space sufficient to hold a large amount of liquid, and to reserve sufficient buffer volume for subsequent gas pressurization operations. This ensures that during the recovery step, the drive unit can impact the residual material in the membrane filter unit with a longer drive time and maintain a relatively high gas pressure (which also means near-maximum shear force). Alternatively, the sample holding unit can be composed of multiple interconnected sub-containers, and the required total volume is achieved by combining the volumes of these sub-containers, thereby satisfying the aforementioned volume ratio requirements.
[0058] Simultaneously, the volume of the recovery unit is less than or equal to the volume of the sample holding unit. This technical feature limits the volume of the recovery unit to no greater than the volume of the sample holding unit. The recovery unit is mainly used to receive liquid flowing out of the membrane filtration unit, and its volume design must be coordinated with the sample holding unit. Specifically, the volume of the recovery unit can be designed to be similar to or slightly smaller than that of the sample holding unit. For example, the recovery unit can adopt a similar geometry to the sample holding unit, but its overall dimensions (such as diameter and height) are less than or equal to the corresponding dimensions of the sample holding unit, thereby ensuring that its total volume does not exceed that of the sample holding unit. Alternatively, the recovery unit can be designed as a container with a specific effective volume. By accurately calculating its internal space, it can accommodate the liquid recovered from the membrane filtration unit while avoiding prolonged liquid retention within the recovery unit due to excessive volume.
[0059] Furthermore, the volume of the recovery unit is greater than or equal to half the volume of the sample holding unit. This technical feature stipulates that the volume of the recovery unit is not less than half the volume of the sample holding unit. This limitation aims to ensure that the recovery unit has sufficient receiving capacity. Specifically, the geometry of the recovery unit can be designed to be at least half the corresponding dimensions of the sample holding unit. For example, if the sample holding unit is cylindrical, the diameter and height of the recovery unit can be designed to be at least approximately 70% of the sample holding unit's dimensions to ensure that its volume meets the requirement of more than half the volume of the sample holding unit. Alternatively, the recovery unit can, through internal structural design, such as setting up a reasonable liquid level control mechanism, ensure that it can stably receive and store at least half the liquid volume of the sample holding unit under normal operating conditions, avoiding abnormal increases in system back pressure due to insufficient capacity.
[0060] Through the above technical solution, this application effectively optimizes the hydrodynamic characteristics of the liquid during circulation by precisely limiting the volume ratio of key components in the liquid anti-condensation system, thereby significantly improving the anti-condensation effect. Specifically, the volume of the sample holding unit is more than 10 times the sum of the volumes of the second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the membrane filter unit, ensuring that the system has sufficient liquid buffer space, avoiding circulation pressure fluctuations caused by insufficient total liquid volume, and ensuring that there is enough liquid to continuously flush the membrane filter unit during forward and reverse filtration, effectively preventing liquid from settling on the membrane surface due to slow flow rate. More importantly, in the pressurization step, the sample holding unit can accommodate a large amount of positive pressure gas, and in the recovery step, it provides long-term and high-pressure gas impact and shear force, thereby efficiently recovering the gel-like substances and gas-liquid mixture in the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit. Meanwhile, the volume of the recovery unit is limited to be less than or equal to the volume of the sample holding unit, and greater than or equal to half the volume of the sample holding unit. This reasonably controls the overall liquid distribution of the system, preventing the risk of secondary precipitation caused by excessively large recovery units leading to prolonged liquid retention time, while ensuring that the recovery unit has sufficient capacity to smoothly receive the liquid flowing out of the membrane filtration unit, avoiding abnormal increases in system back pressure due to insufficient recovery space, which would affect the overall stability of the system. In summary, these volume ratio limitations collectively construct a stable fluid circulation environment. By balancing the liquid capacity between each unit, the continuity of liquid flow and pressure stability in the entire anti-precipitation system are ensured, effectively suppressing the precipitation and accumulation of gel-like substances from the perspective of system structural design.
[0061] In some embodiments described above, a method of connecting units via pipelines to prevent liquid sedimentation is proposed. However, during implementation, if the pipeline inner diameter is not properly designed, it can easily lead to excessively slow liquid flow or uneven local pressure distribution, resulting in liquid stagnation and sedimentation within the pipelines or units. Simultaneously, improper geometric design of the sample-containing unit and the recovery unit can affect the liquid flow state, causing dead zones and preventing complete liquid transport or recovery, thereby reducing the overall processing efficiency and reliability of the anti-sedimentation system. To address this, this application further proposes a liquid anti-sedimentation system that, through precise definition of the system's pipeline geometric parameters and unit structural proportions, aims to optimize the liquid flow dynamics within the system, thereby effectively suppressing sedimentation.
[0062] Specifically, the liquid anti-condensation system of this application includes: the inner diameter of the second pipeline is less than or equal to 1.5 mm; and / or, the inner diameter of the third pipeline is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the second pipeline; and / or, the inner diameter of the third pipeline is less than or equal to 5 times the inner diameter of the second pipeline; and / or, the length of the third pipeline is less than or equal to the length of the second pipeline; and / or, the third pipeline is disposed within the recovery unit and fixed against the wall; and / or, the aspect ratio of the recovery unit is less than 5; and / or, the aspect ratio of the sample holding unit is less than 5.
[0063] The inner diameter of the second conduit is limited to 1.5 mm or less to ensure sufficient flow velocity and generate the necessary fluid shear force, effectively preventing the adhesion and deposition of precipitates on the conduit wall. This conduit can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing manufactured using precision extrusion or stretching processes, with a smooth inner wall to effectively reduce fluid resistance; alternatively, glass or silicone tubing with a hydrophilic coating on the inner wall can be used to reduce the interaction between the liquid and the conduit wall, further inhibiting precipitation.
[0064] The inner diameter of the third pipeline is limited to be greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the second pipeline, and less than or equal to five times the inner diameter of the second pipeline. This relative proportion is designed to ensure a smooth transition of liquid from the membrane filtration unit to the recovery unit, avoiding pressure loss and sudden velocity drops caused by abrupt changes in pipe diameter, thereby maintaining the overall flow stability of the system. In practical applications, tapered transition joints or gradually changing inner diameter pipe sections can be used to achieve a smooth transition in pipe diameter, reducing fluid separation and eddies; alternatively, a modular design can be used to provide third pipeline components with various inner diameter sizes, which can be selected according to specific liquid properties and flow requirements to optimize fluid dynamics performance.
[0065] Meanwhile, the length of the third conduit is limited to be less than or equal to the length of the second conduit. This design aims to further reduce fluid resistance by shortening the liquid's path in the third conduit, thereby reducing pressure loss and flow rate reduction that could result from excessive conduit length, and ultimately improving the efficiency and stability of liquid delivery. This can be achieved through a compact system layout design, placing the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit as close as possible; or by using flexible tubing that allows for appropriate bending during installation to accommodate space constraints while maintaining the shortest effective length.
[0066] Furthermore, the third conduit is located within the recovery unit and fixed to the wall. This structural design effectively guides the liquid to flow smoothly along the inner wall of the recovery unit, reducing turbulence and dead zones that may occur within the unit, thus ensuring efficient and complete collection and preventing sedimentation caused by liquid stagnation. In terms of implementation, the end structure of the third conduit can be integrated into the inner wall of the recovery unit using injection molding or 3D printing technology, creating a smooth transition; alternatively, medical-grade adhesives or snap-fit structures can be used to fix the third conduit along the inner wall of the recovery unit, ensuring its stable position and not affecting fluid flow.
[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the aspect ratio of both the recovery unit and the sample holding unit is less than 5. By limiting the aspect ratio of these two units, the aim is to optimize the flow field distribution inside the container, ensuring uniform liquid flow and avoiding liquid stagnation or dead zones caused by improper container shape, thereby improving the system's liquid processing and recovery capabilities. The sample holding unit and recovery unit can be designed as flat, spherical, or wide-mouthed cylinders to reduce the aspect ratio; alternatively, baffles or a sloping bottom can be installed inside the container to further guide liquid flow and reduce dead zones.
[0068] Through the above technical solutions, this application effectively solves the problems of slow liquid flow rate, uneven local pressure distribution, and dead zones within the unit caused by unreasonable pipe inner diameter design in the prior art. Precise control of the inner diameter of the second pipe ensures high flow rate and shear force of the liquid in the critical transport path, significantly suppressing precipitation. The pipe diameter ratio and length relationship between the third and second pipes optimize the flow transition of the liquid between the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit, minimizing pressure loss and flow rate fluctuations. The fixed wall of the third pipe within the recovery unit further eliminates turbulence and dead zones during the recovery process, ensuring complete liquid recovery. Simultaneously, the low aspect ratio design of the sample holding unit and the recovery unit optimizes the flow field inside the container, avoiding liquid stagnation, thereby comprehensively improving the processing efficiency and operational reliability of the liquid anti-precipitation system, especially suitable for processing easily precipitating biomedical liquids.
[0069] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, liquid anti-condensation is achieved by cooperating with the drive unit and the membrane filter unit. However, in actual operation, the system is difficult to accurately sense the flow state and position of the liquid in the pipeline in real time, which makes it impossible to determine in time whether the liquid has condensed and blocked or whether the delivery has been completed, thereby affecting the accuracy and reliability of the automated control of anti-condensation treatment.
[0070] In response, this application proposes a liquid anti-condensation system, which further includes a first liquid level detection unit and a second liquid level detection unit. Both the first and second liquid level detection units are non-contact detection units; the first liquid level detection unit is disposed on the outer wall of the second pipeline, and the second liquid level detection unit is disposed on the outer wall of the third pipeline.
[0071] Specifically, the first and second liquid level detection units are sensors used to monitor the presence or level of liquid within the pipeline in real time. They convert the physical presence of liquid into electrical signals, providing feedback information about the liquid flow state to the control system. For example, an ultrasonic level sensor can be used, which calculates the liquid level by emitting ultrasonic pulses and receiving the sound waves reflected from the liquid surface. When liquid flows through the detection area, the propagation path or reflection characteristics of the ultrasonic waves change, indicating the presence of liquid. Another example is a photoelectric level sensor, which detects the liquid level by utilizing the differences in refraction or reflection of a light beam propagating in different media (such as air and liquid). When liquid arrives at or leaves the detection point, the change in the light signal is captured by the sensor. A capacitive level sensor can also be used, which determines the presence of liquid inside the pipe by detecting changes in the capacitance of the external pipe wall. Because liquid and air have different dielectric constants, the capacitance changes when liquid flows through the sensor area.
[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the first and second liquid level detection units are designed as non-contact detection units, meaning they do not need to directly contact the liquid in the pipeline during operation. This design avoids the detection device itself becoming a source of contamination, ensuring the purity of the processed liquid, which is especially crucial for biomedical samples. Simultaneously, non-contact detection effectively prevents the detection device from being clogged or corroded by precipitates in the liquid, thereby extending the equipment's lifespan and ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of the detection results.
[0073] The first liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the second pipeline, enabling the system to monitor the flow of liquid from the sample storage unit to the membrane filtration unit in real time. The second pipeline is the critical path connecting the sample storage unit and the membrane filtration unit; placing the detection unit here allows for timely acquisition of information such as whether liquid delivery has begun, whether the flow is continuous, and whether it has reached the inlet of the membrane filtration unit. By capturing the liquid level at this location, the flow rate and timing of liquid entering the membrane filtration unit can be accurately determined, providing a triggering basis for subsequent anti-condensation treatment logic, such as activating the membrane filtration unit or adjusting the driving force of the drive unit.
[0074] The second liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the third pipeline, enabling the system to monitor the flow of liquid from the membrane filtration unit to the recovery unit in real time. The third pipeline is the critical path connecting the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit; the detection unit here allows for timely acquisition of information on whether the liquid has passed through the membrane filtration unit and entered the recovery stage. By comparing the detection results of the first and second liquid level detection units, the system can effectively determine the liquid retention within the membrane filtration unit and whether there is a risk of blockage in the pipeline. For example, if the first liquid level detection unit detects liquid passage while the second liquid level detection unit does not detect liquid for an extended period, it may indicate a blockage in the membrane filtration unit or the third pipeline, thus achieving closed-loop monitoring of the entire liquid transport process.
[0075] By introducing a first liquid level detection unit and a second liquid level detection unit into the liquid anti-condensation system, and configuring both as non-contact detection units, respectively installed on the outer walls of the second and third pipelines, this application constructs a real-time liquid level sensing and feedback mechanism. Specifically, the first liquid level detection unit can monitor the flow state of liquid from the sample collection unit to the membrane filtration unit in real time, while the second liquid level detection unit monitors the flow state of liquid from the membrane filtration unit to the recovery unit in real time. This non-contact detection method effectively avoids direct contact between the detection device and the liquid in the pipeline, thereby preventing liquid contamination caused by contact or blockage and corrosion of the detection device by precipitates, ensuring the long-term stability and hygiene safety of the detection process, and is particularly suitable for the processing of biomedical samples. By monitoring the liquid level at these two key locations in real time, the system can obtain timely information on the flow of liquid throughout the entire anti-condensation treatment path. For example, when the first liquid level detection unit detects liquid flow, but the second liquid level detection unit does not detect liquid within the expected time, the system can determine that the membrane filter unit or the third pipeline may be experiencing condensation blockage, thus triggering an early warning or taking anti-condensation measures such as reverse drive, pressurization, and recovery. Furthermore, through feedback from the liquid level detection units, the system can accurately determine whether the liquid has completed its transport from the sample collection unit to the membrane filter unit, and from the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit, thereby optimizing the working sequence and intensity of the drive units and avoiding idling or over-drive. In summary, this technical solution solves the problem of existing systems' inability to accurately sense the liquid flow status and position within the pipeline in real time, significantly improving the automation control accuracy and reliability of anti-condensation treatment, enabling the system to respond to liquid condensation risks more intelligently and efficiently, and ensuring the smooth operation of the treatment process.
[0076] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a first liquid level detection unit and a second liquid level detection unit are proposed to monitor the liquid. However, in actual operation, it is often difficult to directly determine the specific state of the liquid inside the system by relying solely on the trigger signal of the liquid level detection unit, which makes it impossible for the system to accurately identify whether the liquid exists, thereby affecting the precise control of the subsequent anti-condensation treatment process.
[0077] In response, this application further proposes a first liquid level detection unit and a second liquid level detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of liquid.
[0078] The first and second liquid level detection units are used to "detect the presence or absence of liquid," meaning they determine whether liquid exists at a specific location and output a binary signal: "liquid present" or "liquid absent." This differs from measuring liquid level height or flow rate; it provides a clear judgment about the presence of liquid. Given that both the first and second liquid level detection units are non-contact detection units mounted on the outer wall of the pipeline, their implementation can include, but is not limited to, the following: One implementation method is optical detection, such as a photoelectric sensor. Infrared or visible light is emitted from one side of the pipeline's outer wall and received from the other. When liquid is present in the pipeline, the refraction, reflection, or absorption characteristics of the light change, causing a change in the intensity of the received light signal, thus determining the presence or absence of liquid. Alternatively, the principle of total internal reflection can be utilized; when liquid is present, light is refracted at the interface between the pipe wall and the liquid, resulting in a decrease in light intensity at the receiving end. Another implementation method is ultrasonic detection. Ultrasonic waves are emitted from the outer wall of the pipeline and received after passing through the pipe wall and the internal medium (liquid or air). Because liquids and air attenuate and propagate ultrasound differently, the presence of liquid within the pipeline can be determined by analyzing the characteristics of the received signal (such as amplitude attenuation and propagation time). Another approach is to use capacitive detection. Electrodes are placed on the outer wall of the pipeline; when liquid is present, the liquid, acting as a dielectric, changes the capacitance between the electrodes. By detecting changes in capacitance, the presence or absence of liquid can be determined. This clearly defined function allows the system to obtain direct and reliable information about the liquid state within the pipeline, providing fundamental control signals for subsequent anti-condensation treatment processes.
[0079] By clearly defining the functions of the first and second liquid level detection units as detecting the presence or absence of liquid, this application overcomes the problem that relying solely on the trigger signal of the liquid level detection unit makes it difficult to accurately determine the specific state of the liquid. Specifically, when the first liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the second pipeline and the second liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the third pipeline, the system can obtain binary information on the presence or absence of liquid in the second and third pipelines in real time and accurately. This clear "liquid present" or "liquid absent" state judgment avoids inaccurate system control caused by ambiguous signals or misjudgments. For example, when a "liquid absent" state is detected, the system can immediately stop the operation of the drive unit to prevent the drive unit from running dry or gas from entering the membrane filter unit and causing damage; when a "liquid present" state is detected, it can ensure that the drive unit operates when there is liquid available for processing. This makes the control logic of the anti-condensation treatment process clearer and the response more timely, effectively avoiding problems such as equipment running dry, processing interruption, or low efficiency caused by inaccurate liquid state judgment, thereby improving the operational stability and processing efficiency of the entire liquid anti-condensation system.
[0080] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a pinch-off unit is proposed to control the on / off state of the pipeline. However, in actual liquid processing, relying solely on a single pipeline control is insufficient to address the accuracy issues of liquid level monitoring under complex fluid conditions. Furthermore, the lack of a dynamic compensation mechanism for liquid loss or insufficiency within the system leads to pipeline blockage or processing interruption when processing liquids that are prone to precipitation, such as those containing proteins. If the liquid volume in the system is insufficient or the liquid level detection position is inappropriate, it is difficult to achieve a long-term and stable anti-precipitation effect.
[0081] In response, this application further proposes a liquid anti-condensation system, in which the pinch-off unit is disposed on the second pipeline and located between the first liquid level detection unit and the sample holding unit. The system also includes a replenishment pipeline, a replenishment valve and a replenishment tank. One end of the replenishment pipeline is connected to one end of the replenishment valve, and the other end of the replenishment valve is connected to the replenishment tank. The other end of the replenishment pipeline is disposed in the sample holding unit, and the replenishment tank contains replenishment liquid.
[0082] Specifically, a pinch-off unit is a device used to control the opening and closing of a fluid passage. Its specific placement on the second pipeline aims to optimize the accuracy of liquid level detection and enhance the system's control over fluid flow. Placing the pinch-off unit between the first liquid level detection unit and the sample container effectively isolates the impact of pressure fluctuations within the sample container on the liquid level detection area of the first liquid level detection unit, ensuring the stability of the detection signal. The pinch-off unit can employ an electromagnetic pinch valve, using electromagnetic force to control the valve body to clamp or release the second pipeline, thus closing or opening it. This method offers advantages such as fast response and precise control. Alternatively, the pinch-off unit can also utilize a microfluidic chip integrated valve, using a micropump or microactuator to drive microstructure deformation, thereby controlling the fluid passage in the second pipeline. This method is suitable for micro-fluid handling and offers high integration.
[0083] like Figure 5As shown, the replenishment pipeline, replenishment valve, and replenishment tank together constitute a liquid replenishment system, used to replenish the sample storage unit with liquid as needed during system operation. The replenishment pipeline is the channel for liquid transmission, the replenishment valve controls the opening and closing of the replenishment, and the replenishment tank stores the liquid to be replenished. This design provides the system with dynamic liquid volume adjustment capability to cope with liquid loss or insufficiency. The replenishment pipeline can use corrosion-resistant, biocompatible silicone tubing or Teflon tubing to ensure the purity and stability of liquid transmission; alternatively, the replenishment pipeline can also use rigid plastic tubing (such as PEEK or PP tubing), connected to the replenishment valve and sample storage unit via compression fittings or threaded connections, to provide better structural stability. The replenishment valve can be a solenoid valve, controlling the opening and closing of the valve through an electrical signal to achieve precise replenishment volume control; alternatively, the replenishment valve can be a peristaltic pump valve, controlling the flow and direction of the liquid through the rotation of the peristaltic pump to achieve continuous or intermittent replenishment. A replenishment tank can be a reservoir bottle with a sealed cap, made of inert materials such as glass or polypropylene to prevent contamination or evaporation of the replenishment solution; alternatively, it can be a replaceable pre-filled bag for easy replacement and maintenance, and to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
[0084] The end of the replenishment tubing extends directly into the sample container, ensuring the replenishment solution is injected directly and effectively into the container and thoroughly mixed with the existing liquid. This direct injection method helps to rapidly dilute any locally high concentrations of precipitate within the container and ensures uniform distribution of the replenishment solution, thereby improving the anti-precipitation effect. The other end of the replenishment tubing can be designed with a beveled end or a multi-hole nozzle to promote diffusion and mixing of the replenishment solution within the container; alternatively, the other end can be fixed to the side wall or bottom of the container using snap-fit, threaded, or adhesive methods to ensure stable positioning. The replenishment solution is a pre-prepared liquid used to replenish liquid losses within the system or dilute precipitates. Its properties should be compatible with the liquid being processed and should not affect subsequent analysis or processing. The presence of the replenishment solution is fundamental to achieving a dynamic replenishment mechanism. The replenishment solution can be pure water or a buffer solution used to dilute the sample or maintain the pH of the system; alternatively, the replenishment solution can be a solution containing a specific diluent or anti-precipitant, specifically designed to dissolve or inhibit precipitate formation.
[0085] Through the above technical solution, this liquid anti-caking system significantly improves the system's operational reliability and anti-caking effect by introducing a refined positioning layout and dynamic liquid replenishment mechanism into the system architecture. Specifically, the pinch-off unit is placed on the second pipeline, located between the first liquid level detection unit and the sample container unit. This layout allows the pinch-off unit to effectively isolate pressure fluctuations within the sample container unit, preventing them from interfering with the detection results of the first liquid level detection unit. When the first liquid level detection unit needs to accurately measure the liquid level, this positioning design of the pinch-off unit ensures that the fluid state in the detection area is relatively stable, thereby improving the accuracy of liquid level detection, avoiding misjudgments caused by abnormal pressure, and providing reliable liquid level information for subsequent liquid processing operations. Simultaneously, by introducing a replenishment pipeline, replenishment valve, and replenishment tank, a closed-loop liquid replenishment system is constructed. When the system is in operation, such as during the membrane filtration step, when liquid is lost due to filtration or when the effective liquid volume decreases due to caking, the system can, as needed, control the replenishment pipeline through the replenishment valve to accurately inject replenishment liquid from the replenishment tank into the sample container unit. The other end of the replenishment pipeline is directly located inside the sample container, ensuring that the replenishment solution can be quickly and uniformly mixed with the liquid in the sample container. This dynamic replenishment mechanism effectively solves the problem of pipeline blockage or processing interruption caused by insufficient liquid volume. Especially when processing liquids that are prone to precipitation, such as those containing proteins, the timely injection of replenishment solution can dilute local high concentrations of precipitates, reducing the risk of condensation into a semi-solid state from the source. In summary, this technical solution optimizes the layout of the pinch-off unit to ensure the accuracy of liquid level detection and introduces a dynamic replenishment system to maintain sufficient liquid in the system. Thus, with the dual guarantee of accurate liquid level monitoring and sufficient liquid volume, it achieves long-term stable treatment of easily precipitating liquids, effectively avoiding pipeline blockage and processing interruption, and improving the operating efficiency and reliability of the entire liquid anti-precipitation system.
[0086] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a driving unit is proposed to drive the liquid to flow between the sample holding unit, the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit. However, in practical applications, how to achieve efficient forward and reverse driving of the liquid through a simple and reliable fluid control structure, and ensure the pressure stability of the system under different operating conditions, is a direction that needs further optimization in the prior art.
[0087] To address this issue, this application proposes a liquid anti-condensation system, in which the drive unit is the core component. Its main function is to generate and control the flow of fluid to achieve the transport, circulation, and pressure regulation of liquid between different units (such as the sample holding unit, membrane filtration unit, and recovery unit). By precisely controlling the direction and pressure of the fluid, it ensures the effective movement of the liquid within the system and prevents condensation. The drive unit can include the following three configuration options.
[0088] likeFigure 6 As shown, in the first configuration, the drive unit includes a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, a third three-way valve, and a unidirectional pump. A three-way valve is a valve with three fluid ports, typically including a common port, a normally open port, and a normally closed port. Its function is to switch the fluid path according to a control signal, achieving fluid guidance, diversion, or cutoff. For example, when the valve is in one state, the common port is connected to the normally open port and disconnected from the normally closed port; when the valve switches to another state, the common port is connected to the normally closed port and disconnected from the normally open port. The implementation of a three-way valve can include, but is not limited to, solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, or microfluidic chip integrated valves. Solenoid valves control the movement of the valve core through electrical signals, pneumatic valves control the movement of the valve core through air pressure, and microfluidic chip integrated valves achieve precise control of minute fluids through microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. A unidirectional pump is a pump that can only generate fluid pressure in one direction. Its characteristic is that the fluid can only flow from the inlet to the outlet and cannot flow in the opposite direction. Its function is to provide stable unidirectional fluid power to the system. One-way pumps can be implemented in various ways, including but not limited to peristaltic pumps, diaphragm pumps, gear pumps, or plunger pumps. Peristaltic pumps generate fluid movement by squeezing a tubing; diaphragm pumps propel fluid through the reciprocating motion of a diaphragm; gear pumps transport fluid through the rotation of gears; and plunger pumps generate high-pressure fluid through the reciprocating motion of a plunger. In this configuration, the outlet of the one-way pump is connected to the common port of a first three-way valve. The normally open and normally closed ports of the first three-way valve are respectively connected to the normally open ports of a second and third three-way valve. The common ports of the second and third three-way valves are the first and second ports of the drive unit, respectively. The first and second ports are the interfaces connecting the drive unit to external pipelines; they are the output terminals from which the drive unit applies positive or negative pressure to the sample collection unit, recovery unit, or membrane filtration unit. The normally closed ports of the second and third three-way valves are connected to atmospheric pressure, which refers to a state similar to atmospheric pressure. Atmospheric pressure is typically used for pressure relief or balancing of the internal system pressure to prevent damage from excessively high or low pressure and to ensure smooth fluid flow along a specific path.
[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, in the second configuration, the drive unit includes a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, and a one-way pump. The outlet of the one-way pump is connected to the normally open port of the first three-way valve, the common port of the first three-way valve is connected to the common port of the second three-way valve, the normally open port and the normally closed port of the second three-way valve are the first port and the second port of the drive unit, respectively, and the normally closed port of the first three-way valve is connected to atmospheric pressure.
[0090] like Figure 8As shown, in the third configuration, the drive unit includes a first three-way valve, a second three-way valve, and a bidirectional pump. A bidirectional pump is a pump capable of changing the fluid direction according to a control signal; that is, it can deliver fluid in both forward and reverse directions. Its function is to provide flexible bidirectional fluid power and simplify pipeline design. The implementation of a bidirectional pump can include, but is not limited to, reversible peristaltic pumps, reversible diaphragm pumps, or reversible gear pumps. Reversible peristaltic pumps change the fluid direction by changing the motor rotation direction; reversible diaphragm pumps achieve bidirectional fluid delivery by controlling the reciprocating motion of the diaphragm; and reversible gear pumps switch the fluid direction by changing the gear rotation direction. In this configuration, the two outlets of the bidirectional pump are connected to the normally open ports of the first and second three-way valves, respectively. The common ports of the first and second three-way valves are the first and second ports of the drive unit, respectively. The normally closed ports of the first and second three-way valves are connected to atmospheric pressure.
[0091] Through the above technical solution, this application provides a drive unit with simple structure, reliable control and effective realization of efficient forward and reverse driving of liquid, which significantly improves the operational stability and flexibility of the liquid anti-condensation system.
[0092] In the first embodiment, a combination of a unidirectional pump and three three-way valves is used. The first three-way valve precisely distributes the output flow of the unidirectional pump, while the second and third three-way valves control the pressure at the two ports respectively. This allows for alternating positive and negative pressure control of the two ports by switching the valves while the unidirectional pump is continuously operating. This configuration effectively drives the liquid to reciprocate between the sample holding unit and the recovery unit, ensuring continuous fluid circulation and effectively preventing sedimentation. Simultaneously, by connecting some normally closed valve ports to atmospheric pressure, excessive pressure within the system can be released promptly, preventing pressure buildup and damage to the system, thus improving the system's safety and stability.
[0093] In the second embodiment, a simplified connection between a unidirectional pump and two three-way valves is used. The first three-way valve switches the pump output to atmospheric pressure, and the second three-way valve directs the fluid to different ports. This design, while ensuring the driving function, further simplifies the system piping complexity, reduces control difficulty and cost, and still achieves effective control of fluid direction and pressure, meeting the requirements for liquid anti-condensation.
[0094] In the third implementation, a bidirectional pump is used in conjunction with two three-way valves. By directly utilizing the bidirectional pump's directional characteristics and the normally closed port pressure relief function of the valves, pressure control of both ports can be achieved more directly and quickly. This method has significant advantages in scenarios requiring rapid response to changes in drive direction, such as when quickly switching between forward and reverse filtration, providing faster response speed and higher control accuracy. By connecting the normally closed port to atmospheric pressure, the system can quickly return to equilibrium pressure in non-driven states, avoiding the risk of liquid misflow or precipitation due to residual pressure, further enhancing system reliability.
[0095] In summary, the drive unit of this application, through its ingenious combination of valves and pumps, effectively solves the problems of difficult flow direction control and pressure accumulation in complex pipelines, providing an efficient, stable and reliable fluid drive solution for liquid anti-condensation systems.
[0096] In some of the solutions mentioned above in this application, a liquid anti-condensation system composed of a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filter unit, and a recovery unit is proposed to achieve liquid filtration and circulation. However, in actual operation, relying solely on simple pipeline connections and basic drive methods is insufficient to effectively address the problem of gel-like substances in the liquid accumulating and clogging on the surface of the membrane filter unit. This leads to a decrease in system processing efficiency after long-term operation, and even defects such as pipeline condensation causing processing interruption.
[0097] To address this issue, this application proposes a method for treating a liquid anti-condensation system, comprising: a forward filtration step, a reverse filtration step, a pressurization step, and a recovery step. Figure 9 As shown.
[0098] In the forward filtration step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, at which point the drive unit propels the liquid in the sample container to the membrane filter unit. The open state of the pinch-off unit means that it allows the liquid to flow freely in the second conduit. This can be achieved in various ways; for example, if the pinch-off unit is a solenoid valve, it can be kept normally open by de-energizing it; or, if it is a pneumatic valve, it can be kept open by removing the gas pressure. The drive unit can propel the liquid flow by, but is not limited to, applying positive pressure gas to the sample container, such as by using an air pump or compressed gas source to fill the sample container with gas, thereby pushing the liquid from the sample container through the second conduit to the membrane filter unit; or, generating negative pressure downstream of the membrane filter unit or at the recovery unit, such as by using a vacuum pump to draw the liquid from the sample container to the membrane filter unit. This step aims to transport the liquid to be treated from the sample container to the membrane filter unit for preliminary filtration and separation.
[0099] In the reverse filtration step, the pinch-off unit is also set to the open state, and the drive unit drives the liquid in the recovery unit to flow to the membrane filter unit. Similar to the forward filtration step, the open state of the pinch-off unit ensures the flow of liquid in the second pipeline. The drive unit drives the liquid in the recovery unit to flow to the membrane filter unit, which can be achieved by: applying positive pressure gas to the recovery unit, for example, by using an air pump or compressed gas source to fill the recovery unit with gas, thereby pushing the liquid from the recovery unit to the membrane filter unit through the third pipeline; or by generating negative pressure at the sample holding unit, for example, by using a vacuum pump to draw the liquid from the recovery unit to the membrane filter unit. This step uses the reverse-flowing liquid to flush the membrane surface of the membrane filter unit to remove gel-like substances that may have adhered to the membrane surface during the forward filtration process, thereby restoring the membrane permeability.
[0100] In the pressurization step, the pinch-off unit is set to the closed state, and the drive unit supplies positive pressure gas to the sample container unit. Setting the pinch-off unit to the closed state means that it blocks the liquid flow in the second pipeline. This can be achieved by applying electricity to the pinch-off unit to change it from a normally open state to a closed state; for example, if the pinch-off unit is a solenoid valve, it is closed by energizing it; or, if it is a pneumatic valve, it is closed by applying gas pressure. The drive unit supplies positive pressure gas to the sample container unit, which can be achieved by continuously filling the sample container unit with gas using an air pump to increase its internal pressure; or by connecting a high-pressure gas source and supplying gas at a preset pressure to the sample container unit under control. This step, by applying high pressure to the sample container unit, aims to further compress the liquid or gas within the sample container unit towards the membrane filter unit, helping to squeeze out residual substances on the membrane surface and providing driving force for subsequent recovery steps. Through the preceding forward and reverse filtration steps, the liquid level in the sample holding unit is greatly reduced, and most of the liquid flows away through the filter membrane. Therefore, the space for the sample holding unit to hold gas is also greatly increased. After the pressurization step is completed, sufficient gas can be output to maintain the high pressure for a period of time during the recovery step, which greatly increases the shear force on the residual material.
[0101] In the recovery step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the drive unit drives the liquid in the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit. The open state of the pinch-off unit ensures the flow of liquid in the second pipeline. The drive unit can drive the liquid in the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit in the following ways: using positive pressure gas applied to the sample holding unit in the pressurization step to push the remaining liquid through the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit; or, by generating negative pressure at the recovery unit, such as by using a vacuum pump to draw the liquid in the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit. This step aims to recover as much residual liquid and substances in the membrane filter unit as possible to the recovery unit, ensuring effective circulation of liquid within the system and reducing retention and sedimentation inside the membrane filter unit.
[0102] Through the above technical solution, this application constructs a closed-loop processing flow including forward filtration, reverse filtration, pressurization, and recovery, fundamentally solving the problem of liquid clogging caused by gel accumulation on the membrane filter unit surface. The forward filtration step achieves preliminary filtration and separation, laying the foundation for subsequent processing. The reverse filtration step uses reverse-flowing liquid to flush the membrane surface, effectively removing the gel-like substances adhering to the membrane surface during forward filtration, thereby restoring membrane permeability. The pressurization step, by applying high pressure to the sample holding unit, not only helps to squeeze out residual substances on the membrane surface, preventing further coagulation, but also provides a strong driving force for the recovery step. The recovery step ensures effective recovery and circulation of liquid within the system, avoiding liquid retention and sedimentation inside the membrane filter unit. Combined with the first and second liquid level detection units in the liquid anti-condensation system, the flow state of the liquid in the second and third pipelines can be monitored in real time, providing precise feedback and control basis for the execution of the above processing method. By combining alternating forward and reverse driving with pressurized assistance, the system achieves dynamic maintenance and efficient utilization of the membrane filter unit, effectively breaking the deposition equilibrium of gel substances on the membrane surface, significantly improving the stability and reliability of the system in treating easily precipitated liquids such as those containing proteins, extending the service life of the membrane filter unit, and ensuring the continuity of the treatment process.
[0103] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a technical concept is proposed to achieve anti-condensation by driving the liquid to circulate between the sample holding unit, the membrane filtration unit and the recovery unit through a driving unit. However, in actual operation, due to the lack of a real-time monitoring and dynamic adjustment mechanism for the system status, the system cannot accurately determine whether the liquid in the container is exhausted, resulting in the continued driving operation after the liquid is drained. This not only wastes energy, but may also damage the driving unit or pipeline due to dry running. Furthermore, there is a lack of active replenishment methods when the liquid is insufficient, making it difficult to maintain a continuous and stable anti-condensation effect of the system.
[0104] In response, this application further proposes a processing method that includes: an empty bottle determination step, in which the drive unit supplies positive pressure gas to the sample holding unit or the recovery unit to determine whether the sample holding unit or the recovery unit is empty; and / or, a pre-liquid replenishment step, in which the liquid replenishment valve is opened before the pressurization step to replenish the sample holding unit with replenishment liquid.
[0105] The empty bottle detection step aims to determine whether the sample holding unit or recovery unit is empty by introducing positive pressure gas into the container. Specifically, this step can be implemented in several ways. For example, the drive unit can apply positive pressure gas to the sample holding unit or recovery unit and determine this by monitoring whether the first and second liquid level detection units are triggered. If the container is empty, the first and second liquid level detection units will remain in a liquid-free state and will not be triggered; if the container contains liquid, the gas drives the liquid through the second or third pipeline, causing the first and second liquid level detection units to change from a liquid-free state to a liquid-containing state, thus triggering the detection.
[0106] The pre-filling step involves adding replenishing fluid to the sample holding unit by opening the replenishing valve before the pressurization step. The replenishing valve can be of various types, such as a solenoid valve, pneumatic valve, or peristaltic pump, to precisely control the flow rate and volume of the replenishing fluid. The replenishing fluid can be a buffer solution, diluent, or solvent compatible with the liquid to be processed, and its function is to ensure that the sample holding unit maintains a sufficient liquid volume throughout the subsequent processing. For example, replenishment can be done using a preset replenishing volume, or the replenishing volume can be dynamically adjusted based on the system's operating status (such as feedback from the liquid level detection unit).
[0107] Through the above technical solutions, this application constructs a closed-loop monitoring and adaptive adjustment mechanism for system operation. The empty bottle detection step utilizes the physical characteristic of the drive unit supplying positive pressure gas to the sample holding unit or recovery unit. By monitoring pressure changes or fluid states, it can accurately identify whether the liquid in the container has been emptied, thereby avoiding equipment wear and ineffective energy consumption caused by continuous drive in a liquid-free state, ensuring the safety and energy efficiency of system operation. The pre-liquid replenishment step actively replenishes liquid to the sample holding unit by opening the replenishment valve before the pressurization step. This design effectively addresses the problem of insufficient liquid volume caused by liquid consumption, ensuring a sufficient liquid base for subsequent pressurization and recovery steps, thus maintaining the continuity and stability of the system's anti-condensation treatment. For example, in the forward or reverse filtration step, if the system detects insufficient liquid volume, it can replenish liquid in time before the pressurization step, avoiding poor pressurization effect or inability to perform subsequent operations due to insufficient liquid volume. By organically combining empty bottle detection and pre-liquid replenishment, the system achieves a transformation from passive operation to active state perception and dynamic replenishment, significantly improving the reliability, efficiency, and equipment lifespan of liquid anti-condensation treatment.
[0108] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, liquid anti-condensation is proposed through steps such as forward filtration, reverse filtration, pressurization and recovery. However, in actual operation, due to differences in liquid properties, pipeline conditions or processing progress, a single fixed process is often difficult to cope with complex dynamic conditions, which can easily lead to problems such as low processing efficiency, membrane filter unit blockage or incomplete liquid recovery.
[0109] In response, this application further proposes a liquid treatment method for a liquid anti-condensation system, the method comprising: stopping the forward filtration step if a first specific condition is met; and / or stopping the reverse filtration step if the first specific condition is met; and / or setting the pinch-off unit to the closed state if a second specific condition is met, otherwise continuing the forward or reverse filtration step; and / or setting the pinch-off unit from the closed state to the open state if a third specific condition is met; and / or determining whether the sample holding unit or recovery unit is empty if a fourth specific condition is met; and / or performing a pre-filling step before the pressurization step if a fifth specific condition is met.
[0110] The first specific condition refers to a state where the system detects an anomaly or reaches a preset threshold during forward filtration (also a type of forward drive) or reverse filtration (also a type of reverse drive). For example, sensors can monitor in real time for abnormal pressure increases or significant flow rate decreases in the pipeline, or the first or second liquid level detection unit can detect no change in liquid level within a specific time period. Furthermore, a maximum running time can be set; when the filtration step's running time exceeds this preset value, the first specific condition is considered met. When this condition is met, the forward or reverse filtration step is terminated, meaning the currently ongoing liquid filtration operation is immediately stopped. This can be achieved by sending a stop command to the drive unit to stop driving liquid flow, or by controlling the pinch-off unit to immediately close, thereby blocking the liquid flow path in the second pipeline.
[0111] The second specific condition refers to a state in which the system determines it needs to temporarily block the liquid flow during the filtration process. For example, this might be based on the triggering status of the first or second liquid level detection unit, indicating an abnormal liquid flow; or it might be triggered based on system pressure monitoring, when the pressure reaches a certain critical value. Alternatively, this condition can be triggered based on a preset number of cycles or processing stages. When this condition is met, the pinch-off unit is set to the closed state. The pinch-off unit is typically a valve or clamp valve; its closed state means the second pipeline is blocked, and liquid cannot pass through. This can be achieved through electromagnetic, pneumatic, or mechanical control to ensure reliable closure of the flow path. If the second specific condition is not met, the system maintains the original filtration process, and the drive unit continues to drive the liquid to flow in the second pipeline until this step is completed or other termination conditions are met.
[0112] The third specific condition refers to the system's determination that liquid flow can be restored after the pinch-off unit is in the closed state. For example, this might be based on the pressurization step having run for a specific duration, or the pressure in the sample container unit having reached a specific value. Alternatively, it can be determined by monitoring the pressure difference between the sample container unit and the recovery unit to reach a specific value. When this condition is met, the pinch-off unit is switched from the closed state to the open state. The open state of the pinch-off unit signifies that the second pipeline is now unobstructed, and liquid can flow through again. This can also be controlled electromagnetically, pneumatically, or mechanically to ensure the valve is fully open and the normal flow path is restored.
[0113] The fourth specific condition refers to the system's need to confirm whether there is still liquid in the sample holding unit or recovery unit. For example, this might be triggered at the end of the filtration or recovery process, or when an anomaly is detected. Whether the unit is empty can be determined by the first or second liquid level detection unit not being triggered within a specific time period. Alternatively, a certain pressure can be applied by the drive unit, and pressure changes or flow rates can be monitored; if there is no significant flow rate or a rapid increase in pressure, the unit is considered empty.
[0114] The fifth specific condition refers to the system's determination that liquid needs to be replenished before the pressurization step. This might be based on the trigger time difference between the first and second liquid level detection units, system runtime, or a preset replenishment cycle. When this condition is met, the pre-replenishment step is executed, which involves replenishing the sample holding unit with replenishment liquid through replenishment pipelines, valves, and a reservoir. This can be achieved by controlling the opening time or flow rate of the replenishment valve to ensure sufficient liquid volume before pressurization. For example, the opening duration of the replenishment valve can be precisely controlled based on a preset replenishment volume or feedback from the liquid level detection units.
[0115] Through the above technical solution, this application introduces multiple specific condition judgment mechanisms to achieve intelligent dynamic control of the liquid anti-condensation treatment process. By setting a first specific condition in the forward or reverse filtration step, filtration can be stopped in a timely manner based on real-time detection results, avoiding excessive load on the membrane filter unit or liquid loss due to over-treatment. The flexible switching of the pinch-off unit state through a second specific condition allows for dynamic adjustment of pipeline on / off based on system operating status, thereby optimizing the fluid path and ensuring the system maintains a high-efficiency anti-condensation effect under different operating conditions. Controlling the pinch-off unit from closed to open through a third specific condition achieves a smooth transition between pressurization and recovery processes, effectively preventing the impact of pressure fluctuations on the system. Triggering an empty bottle judgment through a fourth specific condition allows for real-time monitoring of the liquid level in the sample holding unit and recovery unit, ensuring the system stops driving in a timely manner when liquid is depleted, avoiding idling losses. Performing a pre-liquid replenishment step before pressurization through a fifth specific condition automatically replenishes liquid based on real-time feedback from system operation, thereby maintaining the fluidity of the liquid within the system and reducing the risk of condensation from the source. Overall, this solution embeds logical judgments into each processing stage, enabling the system to adapt and adjust, significantly improving the stability and reliability of the processing, and effectively solving the problem that a single fixed process cannot cope with complex dynamic working conditions.
[0116] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a liquid level detection unit is proposed to monitor the liquid flow state to achieve anti-condensation control. However, in actual operation, due to differences in liquid viscosity, flow resistance or pipeline conditions, it is often difficult to accurately determine whether the system is in an abnormal state by relying solely on a single liquid level trigger signal. This results in the system being unable to stop ineffective operations in time or adjust the operating strategy when necessary, thereby affecting the efficiency and reliability of anti-condensation treatment.
[0117] In response, this application further proposes processing methods including: If the first specific condition is met, the forward filtering step is terminated. And / or, if a first specific condition is met, the reverse filtering step is aborted. And / or, if the second specific condition is met, the pinch-off unit is first set to the closed state; otherwise, the forward filtering step or the reverse filtering step continues. And / or, if a third specific condition is met, the pinch-off unit is set from the closed state to the open state. And / or, if the fourth specific condition is met, determine whether the sample holding unit or the recovery unit is empty. And / or, if the fifth specific condition is met, the pre-infusion step shall be performed before the pressurization step.
[0118] Specifically, the first specific condition includes: during the forward filtration step, the first liquid level detection unit is triggered for the second time; and / or, the first specific condition also includes: during the reverse filtration step, the second liquid level detection unit is triggered for the second time. This condition aims to detect whether the reciprocating flow of liquid in the pipeline achieves the expected circulation effect, or whether there is abnormal liquid retention or backflow. For example, during the forward filtration step, when liquid flows from the sample unit to the membrane filtration unit, the first liquid level detection unit is triggered for the first time (changing from a liquid-free state to a liquid-containing state). If the liquid continues to flow to the membrane filtration unit and then to the recovery unit, a second trigger (from liquid present to liquid absent) will occur when all the liquid has passed through the first liquid level detection unit. This indicates that all the liquid has passed through the first liquid level detection unit, at which point the forward filtration step is stopped (and the subsequent reverse filtration step begins). Some liquid remains in the membrane filtration unit and the third pipeline, reducing the amount of liquid adhering to the walls of the recovery unit and making more efficient use of the membrane filtration capacity. Otherwise, if all the remaining unfiltered liquid is allowed to flow to the recovery unit, the membrane filtration unit will be unfiltered for a longer period, reducing filtration efficiency and making the filter cake layer on the membrane filtration unit more firmly attached, making it more difficult to be washed away by the reverse filtration step, thus reducing the subsequent filtration flux. A similar technical principle applies to the reverse filtration step. Therefore, by monitoring the number of triggers of the liquid level detection unit, the system can determine whether to stop the current filtration step to avoid unnecessary energy consumption or further sedimentation. The liquid level detection unit can use non-contact detection methods such as optical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or capacitive sensors.
[0119] The second specific condition includes: the absolute value of the time difference between the first triggering moment of the first liquid level detection unit and the first triggering moment of the second liquid level detection unit is greater than a first specific duration. This condition is used to assess the smoothness of liquid flow in the pipeline. The system records the precise timestamps when the first and second liquid level detection units first detect liquid and calculates the absolute value of the time difference between them. If this time difference exceeds a preset specific duration, it indicates that the time required for liquid to flow from one detection point to another is too long, which may indicate that the liquid viscosity is too high, there is a blockage in the pipeline, or the flow resistance is abnormally increased. For example, in the forward filtration step, when liquid flows from the sample unit to the membrane filtration unit, the first liquid level detection unit is triggered for the first time. As all liquid has flowed through the first liquid level detection unit, it is triggered a second time. However, if the amount of liquid remaining in the membrane filtration unit and the third pipeline is too small, although some liquid continues to pass through the membrane, the remaining liquid is mostly a gel-like substance. Under normal driving pressure, it cannot continue to flow to the recovery unit, or the slow flow cannot reach the detection point of the second liquid level detection unit, thus failing to trigger the second liquid level detection unit for the first time. In this case, the system will control the shut-off of the pinch-off unit (and activate the subsequent pressurization and recovery steps) to significantly adjust the fluid path or pressure distribution, thereby addressing potential flow anomalies. The first specific duration can be set experimentally or through simulation based on liquid properties, pipeline design, and expected flow rate.
[0120] The third specific condition includes: the pressurization step has run for a second specific duration, and / or the pressure in the sample holding unit has reached a first specific pressure, and / or the pressure difference between the sample holding unit and the recovery unit has reached a second specific pressure. This condition is used to ensure that the pressurization step can achieve its expected physical driving effect. The system monitors the duration of the pressurization step to ensure that it runs for the preset specific duration; it uses pressure sensors to detect in real time whether the pressure in the sample holding unit has reached a preset specific value; and it detects whether the pressure difference between the sample holding unit and the recovery unit has reached a preset specific value. Only when all or some of these conditions are met is the pressurization step considered to have been fully executed, and the air pressure in the sample holding unit has reached the maximum possible value. At this time, the pinch-off unit is opened, and the drive unit can impact the residual material in the membrane filter unit with the highest air pressure (which also means the maximum shear force), causing it to be recovered to the recovery unit. The second specific duration, the first specific pressure, and the second specific pressure can all be calibrated according to actual application requirements and system performance.
[0121] The fourth specific condition includes: if the sample holding unit is under positive pressure and the recovery unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, and the first liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within the third specific time period; and / or, the fourth specific condition also includes: if the recovery unit is under positive pressure and the sample holding unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, and the second liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within the fourth specific time period. This condition aims to determine whether the sample holding unit or recovery unit is empty or severely blocked by combining the pressure status and liquid level detection results. For example, when the sample holding unit is under positive pressure and the recovery unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, liquid should flow from the sample holding unit to the recovery unit, and the first liquid level detection unit should be triggered within the expected time. If the first liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within the specific time period, it may indicate that the sample holding unit is empty or the pipeline is severely blocked. Conversely, the opposite is also true. Through this comprehensive judgment of multiple parameters, the system can promptly detect and handle empty bottles or blockages, avoiding ineffective operations. The fourth specific time period can be set according to the system response speed and liquid flow rate.
[0122] The fifth specific condition includes: the absolute value of the time difference between the first triggering of the first liquid level detection unit and the first triggering of the second liquid level detection unit is greater than the fifth specific duration. This condition is similar to the second specific condition, but triggers different subsequent operations in different application scenarios. Here, when slow liquid flow is detected (excessive time difference), the system will first perform a pre-filling liquid step before the pressurization step. This helps to improve flowability by adding liquid when the liquid viscosity is too high or the pipeline resistance is high, thereby optimizing the subsequent pressurization and filtration effects. The fifth specific duration can also be set according to system requirements.
[0123] Through the above technical solution, this application proposes a more intelligent and adaptive liquid anti-condensation treatment method. This method achieves refined management of the liquid anti-condensation system's operating status by introducing multi-dimensional specific condition judgment logic. By monitoring the triggering frequency of the liquid level detection unit, it can effectively identify whether the reciprocating flow of liquid in the pipeline has achieved the expected circulation effect, thus timely stopping the filtration step when the first specific condition is met, avoiding energy loss caused by ineffective circulation. By calculating the time difference between the triggering times of the first and second liquid level detection units, the smoothness of liquid flow can be quantitatively evaluated. When the difference exceeds a specific duration, the system triggers the closure of the pinch-off unit through the second specific condition, or triggers the pre-liquid replenishment step through the fifth specific condition. This mechanism of dynamically adjusting the system state based on the flow time difference can effectively address the flow lag problem caused by changes in liquid viscosity. By introducing pressurization duration, pressure value, and pressure difference as the third specific condition, it ensures that the system can achieve sufficient physical driving force during the pressurization step, thereby switching the pinch-off unit state when necessary to optimize fluid distribution. By monitoring whether the liquid level detection unit is triggered within a specific time period, and combining this with the internal pressure status of the system, it is possible to accurately determine whether the sample holding unit or recovery unit is empty or blocked. This allows for timely status warnings or interventions when the fourth specific condition is met. These technical features together constitute a closed-loop logic control system, enabling the system to dynamically adjust its operating strategy based on real-time detected physical parameters. This significantly improves the system's robustness and processing accuracy when handling easily precipitating substances such as protein suspensions, effectively solving the problem of accurately judging abnormal system states relying solely on a single liquid level trigger signal, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of anti-precipitation treatment.
[0124] In some of the solutions described above in this application, a recovery step is proposed to transfer the liquid in the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit. However, in actual operation, due to the viscous or easily precipitated properties of the liquid, it is often difficult to ensure that the liquid remaining in the membrane filter unit is completely removed by simply relying on the recovery action. This results in some liquid remaining inside the membrane filter unit, which in turn causes clogging or precipitation problems in the subsequent processing.
[0125] In this regard, this application further proposes that, in the recycling step, after the clamping unit is set to the open state, the driving unit continues to provide positive pressure to the sample-containing unit until the sixth specific condition is met, at which point the recycling step ends.
[0126] Specifically, the recovery step aims to redirect the liquid from the membrane filtration unit to the recovery unit. During this process, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state. This pinch-off unit is typically an electrically controlled valve, which is normally open when not energized, allowing liquid to flow; when energized, its internal mechanism actuates, closing the pipeline. Therefore, setting it to the open state ensures it is in a state of being unenergized or released from closure, thus guaranteeing the second pipeline remains unobstructed, providing a pathway for liquid to flow from the membrane filtration unit to the membrane filtration unit, and from the membrane filtration unit to the recovery unit. Alternatively, the pinch-off unit can be a mechanical valve, controlled by external mechanical operation (e.g., a manual knob or pneumatic / hydraulic actuator). Setting it to the open state means mechanically adjusting its valve core to a position allowing fluid flow.
[0127] Building on this, the positive pressure maintained by the drive unit continues to be applied to the sample container. The drive unit's role is to provide power to propel the liquid flow. In this scenario, the drive unit applies positive pressure to the sample container, typically by injecting gas (such as air or an inert gas) into the container. This positive pressure acts on the liquid surface within the sample container, thus propelling the liquid forward along the piping system. The drive unit can be an air pump, which maintains a continuous positive pressure supply to the sample container by controlling its operating state and output pressure. Alternatively, the drive unit can be a piston pump or peristaltic pump, which directly or indirectly applies pressure to the liquid within the sample container through its mechanical motion. While maintaining positive pressure, these pumps continue to operate, keeping the pressure inside the sample container higher than the pressure in other parts of the system to ensure a continuous flow of liquid.
[0128] The application of continuous positive pressure is not indefinite, but continues until a sixth specific condition is met, at which point the recovery step ends. This sixth specific condition is the termination condition used to determine whether the recovery step is complete. This condition can be set based on various parameters. For example, it can be set to a preset specific duration for which the drive unit continuously applies positive pressure. When this duration is reached, the system determines that recovery has been sufficiently completed, thus ending the step. Alternatively, the sixth specific condition can be based on feedback from internal pressure or liquid level sensors. For example, when the pressure in the membrane filter unit or the third pipeline reaches a certain stable value, it indicates that most of the liquid has been discharged; or when the second liquid level detection unit does not detect a liquid level within a specific time, it indicates that the membrane filter unit and the third pipeline have been emptied, at which point the recovery step can end.
[0129] Through the above technical solution, in the recovery step, this application effectively solves the problem of incomplete liquid residue in the membrane filter unit by continuously maintaining positive pressure on the sample holding unit after the pinch-off unit is opened. This continuous positive pressure driving mechanism, based on the recovery step, further utilizes the pressure difference to continuously push the residual liquid in the membrane filter unit towards the recovery unit. This forced pressure driving method can more effectively overcome the viscous resistance of the liquid itself, ensuring that the liquid inside the membrane filter unit is more thoroughly discharged. Especially for liquids that are prone to condensation or have high viscosity, this continuous positive pressure can actively "flush" and discharge the residues adhering to the membrane filter unit and pipeline walls, significantly reducing the risk of clogging and condensation. Simultaneously, by setting a sixth specific condition as the trigger point for ending the recovery step, precise control of the recovery process is achieved. This closed-loop control based on specific conditions ensures that the drive does not stop prematurely before the liquid is completely recovered, and avoids meaningless continuous pressurization, thereby optimizing the system's operating efficiency and energy consumption while ensuring the cleanliness of the membrane filter unit.
[0130] In some of the solutions described above in this application, a recovery step is proposed to recover the liquid in the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit. However, in actual operation, due to complex situations such as the liquid being viscous, prone to condensation, or having changes in pipeline resistance, it is often difficult to ensure that the liquid remaining in the membrane filter unit is completely removed if the recovery is ended by a preset fixed time or a simple logic. This results in the liquid remaining in the membrane filter unit and condensing, which in turn affects the continuity of subsequent processing and the stability of the system.
[0131] In this regard, this application further proposes that the sixth specific condition is that the driving time for which the driving unit continues to provide positive pressure to the sample-capacitance unit exceeds the sixth specific duration.
[0132] This sixth specific condition aims to provide a clear and flexible termination criterion for the recovery step, ensuring the thoroughness of liquid recovery or timely cessation in abnormal situations. Specifically, the sixth specific condition can include various judgment logics. For example, it can be set to consider recovery complete or the maximum allowable drive time reached when the recovery step's running time reaches a preset specific duration value. This specific duration value can be optimized through experiments or simulations based on factors such as liquid properties, system pipeline resistance, drive unit's driving capability, and membrane filter unit's volume. Furthermore, the sixth specific condition can also be based on system state parameters. For example, when the pressure difference between the membrane filter unit and the recovery unit tends to stabilize and falls below a certain threshold, it indicates that the liquid has been substantially recovered; or, when the liquid level in the recovery unit reaches a preset value, or when no more liquid flows out of the membrane filter unit, this can also be used as a condition for ending recovery.
[0133] "End of recovery step" refers to the normal termination of the recovery operation, meaning the system has successfully transferred the liquid from the membrane filter unit to the recovery unit and is ready to proceed to the next treatment stage. The end of the recovery step typically signifies that the system has reached the expected cleanliness level, and the residual liquid in the membrane filter unit has decreased to an acceptable level. This can be achieved through internal system logic determining that all recovery conditions have been met, or through manual confirmation and a termination command from the operator.
[0134] The condition "driving for more than a specific duration" serves as a safety mechanism or efficiency guarantee, limiting the continuous operating time of the drive unit during the recycling step. When the drive unit continues operating during the recycling step for more than a preset specific duration, the system will forcibly terminate the recycling step. This effectively prevents the system from idling or engaging in ineffective driving for extended periods due to abnormal conditions such as pipe blockage, excessively high liquid viscosity, or drive unit malfunction, thereby protecting the drive unit, reducing energy consumption, and preventing prolonged system stagnation. This specific duration is typically greater than the time required for normal recycling but less than the time that could cause system overload or damage.
[0135] Through the above technical solution, this application provides a dynamic and robust termination logic for the recovery step. By setting the termination criterion of the recovery step to meet a sixth specific condition, namely stopping when the recovery step is completed normally or the drive duration reaches a specific threshold, the system can dynamically adjust the recovery duration according to the actual operating status. This design not only effectively solves the precipitation problem caused by liquid residue in the membrane filter unit due to insufficient recovery time, ensuring the cleanliness of the membrane filter unit, but also prevents the system from idling for a long time or being over-pressurized under abnormal operating conditions by introducing a drive duration limit. Thus, while ensuring the cleanliness of the membrane filter unit, it improves the operational reliability, safety, and operational efficiency of the entire liquid anti-precipitation system.
[0136] In some of the embodiments described above in this application, a liquid replenishment step is proposed to maintain the liquid balance in the system. However, in actual operation, the setting of the liquid replenishment amount often lacks flexibility. If the liquid replenishment amount is fixed or lacks a basis, the system may not be able to accurately compensate for the liquid loss caused by the membrane filtration process when processing biological tissue extracts of different concentrations or properties, thereby affecting the anti-coagulation effect or causing fluctuations in processing efficiency.
[0137] In this regard, this application further proposes that the amount of fluid replenished in the pre-replenishment step is adjusted according to the size of the time difference, and / or that the amount of fluid replenished in the pre-replenishment step does not exceed a specific value, and / or that the amount of fluid replenished in the subsequent replenishment step is a fixed value.
[0138] Specifically, the replenishment volume in the pre-replenishment step is adjusted based on the time difference. This technical feature aims to achieve dynamic and adaptive adjustment of the pre-replenishment volume to cope with real-time changes in liquid loss within the system. By associating the replenishment volume with a specific time difference, the system can accurately replenish liquid based on actual operating conditions (such as filtration efficiency, liquid flow rate, etc.), avoiding the inaccuracies caused by a fixed replenishment volume. For example, this can be achieved through a preset functional relationship or lookup table, calculating the required replenishment volume based on the linear, non-linear, or piecewise function relationship between the time difference and the replenishment volume; a larger time difference indicates potentially greater liquid loss or lower filtration efficiency, thus increasing the replenishment volume accordingly, and vice versa. Furthermore, machine learning models can be used for training and prediction. During system operation, data such as time difference, liquid properties, and membrane filtration status are collected to train the model to predict the optimal replenishment volume. When a new time difference occurs, the model can output the corresponding replenishment volume. Here, the time difference refers to the absolute value of the time difference between the first liquid level detection unit being triggered for the first time and the second liquid level detection unit being triggered for the first time.
[0139] Regarding the pre-filling liquid step, ensuring the replenishment volume does not exceed a specific value, this technical feature sets a safety upper limit for the pre-filling liquid volume. This is designed to prevent excessive replenishment due to abnormal conditions (such as sensor malfunction or calculation errors), thereby avoiding system pressure imbalance, liquid overflow, or adverse effects on subsequent processing, ensuring the stability and safety of system operation. For example, a hard upper limit value can be set in the control program. After calculating the pre-filling liquid volume, it is compared with this specific value. If the calculated value exceeds the specific value, the actual replenishment volume is limited to that specific value. Alternatively, this can be achieved through physical limits or flow control devices. For example, the opening time of the replenishment valve or the running time of the flow pump is limited to a maximum value, ensuring that the total replenishment volume will not exceed the preset specific value under any circumstances.
[0140] Regarding the fixed replenishment volume in the post-replenishment step, this technical feature specifies that the replenishment volume in a specific stage of the system processing flow is preset and constant. This helps maintain standardized liquid replenishment during specific, controllable phases of system operation, simplifies control logic, and ensures predictability of liquid balance during that phase. For example, a constant value can be directly set in the system control program. When the post-replenishment step is executed, the system will replenish according to this fixed value, precisely controlling the replenishment volume by controlling the opening time of the replenishment valve or the running time of the replenishment pump. Alternatively, this can be achieved through a pre-calibrated metering device, such as using a fixed-volume metering chamber that is filled and emptied each time a post-replenishment step is performed, thereby ensuring that the replenishment volume is always a fixed value.
[0141] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem in the prior art that the replenishment volume setting lacks flexibility, cannot accurately compensate for liquid loss, and thus affects the anti-caking effect or causes fluctuations in treatment efficiency. Specifically, by correlating the replenishment volume in the previous replenishment step with the time difference (e.g., the time interval between the triggering of the first liquid level detection unit and the second liquid level detection unit), the system can assess the liquid loss in real time. When the time difference is large, it indicates that there may be a lot of liquid loss or abnormal flow rate during membrane filtration, and the system will increase the replenishment volume accordingly, thereby achieving on-demand replenishment and effectively avoiding the risk of precipitation due to insufficient replenishment. Conversely, when the time difference is small, the replenishment volume is reduced to avoid excessive replenishment and increased system burden. This dynamic adjustment mechanism significantly improves the accuracy of replenishment and the adaptability of the system. At the same time, by setting an upper limit for the previous replenishment volume, the safety of the replenishment process is ensured, preventing excessive replenishment due to abnormal conditions from affecting the system pressure balance or causing overflow, thus ensuring the stable operation of the system. Furthermore, the use of fixed-value replenishment in the post-replenishment step maintains system stability through a standardized replenishment strategy at a specific stage of the system's processing flow. This combined dynamic and static replenishment strategy—dynamic adjustment of pre-replenishment and fixed replenishment of post-replenishment—ensures both the flexibility of the processing to handle different operating conditions and the stability and predictability of system operation, thereby effectively improving the reliability and efficiency of liquid anti-caking treatment. Combined with the aforementioned liquid anti-caking system, particularly the first and second liquid level detection units, as well as components such as replenishment pipelines, replenishment valves, and replenishment tanks, this solution can more accurately sense changes in the liquid state within the system and perform intelligent replenishment control accordingly, further optimizing the performance of the entire anti-caking system.
[0142] The following example will provide a more detailed explanation of the above technical solution: In a biological sample processing laboratory, a biological tissue extract containing a high concentration of protein needs to be membrane filtered. This liquid is highly prone to forming gel-like precipitates when left to stand or flowing slowly, and may coagulate into a semi-solid inside the tubing and membrane filter, causing the filtration process to be interrupted. To solve this problem, the laboratory adopted a liquid anti-coagulation system.
[0143] The system includes a sample holding unit for holding the biological sample liquid to be processed. A drive unit is connected to the sample holding unit via a first conduit, providing the power for the liquid flow. The sample holding unit is connected to a membrane filtration unit via a second conduit; the membrane filtration unit is the core component for actual filtration and separation. The membrane filtration unit is then connected to a recovery unit via a third conduit, which collects the liquid processed by the membrane filtration unit or any remaining liquid that did not pass through the membrane. Finally, the recovery unit is connected back to the drive unit via a fourth conduit, forming a complete liquid circulation loop.
[0144] To effectively prevent sedimentation, the system incorporates a pinch-off unit in the second pipeline. This pinch-off unit remains open under normal operating conditions, allowing liquid to flow freely. However, when specific operations are required or an anomaly is detected, the pinch-off unit can be energized by the circuitry to rapidly shut off the second pipeline, blocking liquid flow. The pinch-off unit is designed with a pinching capacity greater than the maximum driving capacity of the drive unit, ensuring reliable liquid closure upon shutdown.
[0145] In practice, the drive unit typically employs a gas-driven approach, applying positive or negative pressure to the sample container to propel the liquid. In forward drive mode, the drive unit pushes the liquid in the sample container through the first and second pipelines towards the membrane filtration unit. In the membrane filtration unit, a portion of the liquid is filtered out through the membrane, while the remaining liquid continues to flow through the membrane filtration unit and enters the recovery unit, completing this process through the third pipeline. To further prevent sedimentation, the system periodically performs reverse drive. In reverse drive mode, the drive unit pushes the liquid in the recovery unit towards the membrane filtration unit through the third pipeline. A portion of the liquid may again flow through the membrane of the membrane filtration unit, while the remaining liquid flows through the membrane filtration unit and returns to the sample container through the second pipeline. This continuous forward and reverse circulation keeps the liquid dynamic throughout the system, significantly reducing the likelihood of gel-like substances settling and coagulating.
[0146] To optimize anti-condensation performance, the system's piping design has been carefully considered. For example, the inner diameter of the second piping is limited to 1.5 mm or less to ensure sufficient flow velocity and reduce residence time. The inner diameter of the third piping is typically greater than or equal to that of the second piping, but less than or equal to five times its inner diameter, to balance flow velocity and flow rate. Furthermore, the length of the third piping is typically less than or equal to that of the second piping, and it can be installed inside the recovery unit and fixed to the wall to further optimize fluid path and reduce dead zones. The volume of the sample holding unit is designed to be greater than ten times the sum of the volumes of the second, third, and membrane filtration units to ensure sufficient liquid for long-term circulation. The volume of the recovery unit is less than or equal to the volume of the sample holding unit, but greater than or equal to half its volume, to accommodate different liquid volumes at different treatment stages.
[0147] The system is also equipped with a first liquid level detection unit and a second liquid level detection unit, both of which are non-contact detection units. The first liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the second pipeline to monitor the liquid state in the second pipeline in real time. The second liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the third pipeline to monitor the liquid state in the third pipeline. These detection units can determine whether there is liquid in the pipeline, thus providing a basis for the intelligent control of the system. For example, when the drive unit is working but the detection units have not detected liquid flow for a long time, the system can determine that there may be a blockage or insufficient liquid and trigger the corresponding processing procedure. The pinch-off unit is usually installed on the second pipeline, between the first liquid level detection unit and the sample holding unit, so as to precisely control the liquid flowing out of the sample holding unit when necessary.
[0148] In some cases, the system may also include a replenishment line, a replenishment valve, and a replenishment tank. One end of the replenishment line is connected to one end of the replenishment valve, and the other end of the replenishment valve is connected to the replenishment tank, which stores replenishment liquid. The other end of the replenishment line is located inside the sample holding unit. When the system detects that the liquid level in the sample holding unit is insufficient, it can open the replenishment valve to replenish liquid to the sample holding unit, ensuring the continuous operation of the anti-condensation cycle.
[0149] Compared to traditional biosample processing systems, this system significantly improves the ability to handle liquids with a high risk of precipitation by constructing an actively circulating liquid path and combining it with a controllable pinch-off unit and real-time liquid level monitoring. Traditional systems often rely on unidirectional pumping or intermittent operation, which can easily lead to prolonged stagnation of liquid in tubing and membrane filters, accelerating precipitation and clogging. This system, through continuous forward and reverse drive, keeps the liquid in a constant flow state, effectively preventing the formation of precipitates. The introduction of the pinch-off unit allows the system to isolate specific tubing sections for localized pressurization or cleaning when necessary, without interrupting the entire processing flow—something typically difficult to achieve in traditional systems. Furthermore, the application of a non-contact liquid level detection unit provides non-invasive real-time monitoring, enabling the system to detect potential problems earlier and take preventative measures, reducing the need for manual intervention and the risk of processing failure.
[0150] The above are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A liquid anti-condensation system, characterized in that, The liquid anti-condensation system includes a pinch-off unit, a drive unit, a sample holding unit, a membrane filtration unit, a recovery unit, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, and a fourth pipeline. The drive unit is connected to the sample container unit through the first pipeline. The sample holding unit is connected to the membrane filtration unit via the second pipeline. The membrane filtration unit is connected to the recovery unit via the third pipeline. The recycling unit is connected to the drive unit via the fourth pipeline. The pinch-off unit is installed on the second pipeline. The pinch-off unit is set to a normally open state. After the pinch-off unit is powered on, the second pipeline enters a closed state.
2. A liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping capacity of the clamping unit is greater than the maximum driving capacity of the driving unit. And / or, the driving unit drives the liquid via gas. And / or, the liquid does not pass through the first pipeline and the fourth pipeline.
3. A liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The volume of the sample-holding unit is greater than 10 times the sum of the volumes of the second pipeline, the third pipeline, and the membrane filtration unit. And / or, the volume of the recycling unit is less than or equal to the volume of the sample holding unit. And / or, the volume of the recycling unit is greater than or equal to half the volume of the sample holding unit.
4. A liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the second pipeline is less than or equal to 1.5 mm. And / or, the inner diameter of the third pipe is greater than or equal to the inner diameter of the second pipe. And / or, the inner diameter of the third pipe is less than or equal to 5 times the inner diameter of the second pipe. And / or, the length of the third pipeline is less than or equal to the length of the second pipeline. And / or, the third pipeline is disposed within the recycling unit and fixed to the wall. And / or, the aspect ratio of the recycling unit is less than 5. And / or, the aspect ratio of the sample-containing unit is less than 5.
5. A liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid anti-condensation system further includes the first liquid level detection unit and the second liquid level detection unit. Both the first liquid level detection unit and the second liquid level detection unit are non-contact detection units. The first liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the second pipeline. The second liquid level detection unit is installed on the outer wall of the third pipeline.
6. A liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The clamping unit is disposed on the second pipeline and is located between the first liquid level detection unit and the sample holding unit. And / or, the liquid anti-condensation system further includes a replenishment pipeline, a replenishment valve, and a replenishment tank, wherein one end of the replenishment pipeline is connected to one end of the replenishment valve, and the other end of the replenishment valve is connected to the replenishment tank. And / or, the other end of the replenishment pipeline is disposed within the sample holding unit. And / or, the replenishment tank contains replenishment liquid.
7. A liquid treatment method for a liquid anti-caking system, wherein the liquid anti-caking system is as described in any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that, The processing method includes: In the forward filtration step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the drive unit drives the liquid in the sample holding unit to flow to the membrane filtration unit. In the reverse filtration step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the drive unit drives the liquid in the recovery unit to flow to the membrane filtration unit. In the pressurization step, the clamping unit is set to the off state, and the driving unit supplies positive pressure gas to the sample holding unit. In the recovery step, the pinch-off unit is set to the open state, and the liquid in the membrane filtration unit flows to the recovery unit.
8. A liquid treatment method for a liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The processing method includes: If the first specific condition is met, the forward filtering step is terminated. And / or, if a first specific condition is met, the reverse filtering step is terminated. And / or, if a second specific condition is met, the pinch-off unit is first set to the off state; otherwise, the forward filtering step or the reverse filtering step continues to be executed. And / or, if a third specific condition is met, the pinch-off unit is set from the closed state to the open state. And / or, if a fourth specific condition is met, determine whether the sample holding unit or the recycling unit is empty. And / or, the liquid treatment method further includes a pre-liquid replenishment step, which is performed first before the pressurization step if a fifth specific condition is met.
9. A liquid treatment method for a liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The first specific condition includes: during the forward filtration step, the first liquid level detection unit is triggered for the second time. And / or, the first specific condition further includes: during the reverse filtration step, the second liquid level detection unit is triggered a second time. And / or, the second specific condition includes: the absolute value of the time difference between the moment when the first liquid level detection unit is first triggered and the moment when the second liquid level detection unit is first triggered is greater than the first specific duration; And / or, the third specific condition includes: the pressurization step has been running for a second specific duration, and / or the pressure of the sample holding unit has reached a first specific pressure, and / or the pressure difference between the sample holding unit and the recovery unit has reached a second specific pressure. And / or, the fourth specific condition includes: if the sample holding unit is under positive pressure and the recovery unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, and the first liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within a third specific time period, And / or, the fourth specific condition further includes: if the recovery unit is under positive pressure and the sample holding unit is under negative pressure or atmospheric pressure, and the second liquid level detection unit is not triggered for the first time within the fourth specific time period, And / or, the fifth specific condition includes: the absolute value of the time difference between the moment when the first liquid level detection unit is first triggered and the moment when the second liquid level detection unit is first triggered is greater than the fifth specific duration.
10. A liquid treatment method for a liquid anti-condensation system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, In the recycling step, after the clamping unit is set to the open state, the driving unit continues to provide positive pressure to the sample receiving unit until the sixth specific condition is met, at which point the recycling step ends. The sixth specific condition is that the driving time for which the driving unit provides positive pressure to the sample-holding unit exceeds a sixth specific duration. And / or, the amount of fluid replenished in the pre-replenishment step is adjusted according to the magnitude of the time difference. And / or, the amount of fluid replenishment in the pre-replenishment step does not exceed a first specific replenishment amount. And / or, the liquid treatment method further includes a post-liquid replenishment step, wherein the amount of liquid replenished in the post-liquid replenishment step is a fixed value.
