Solution preparation device

Abstract

A solution preparation device that continuously supplies a solvent and a powder into a mixing vessel through a solvent supply passage and a powder supply passage, and prepares a solution of a set concentration by mixing the solvent and the powder in the mixing vessel, the solution preparation device comprising: a gas supply mechanism that supplies a gas to the powder supply passage and generates a flow of the gas along an inner wall surface of the powder supply passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a solution preparation apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Solution preparation apparatuses are widely used to continuously supply solvent and powder into a mixing container via solvent and powder supply channels, and to prepare solutions of a set concentration by mixing the solvent and powder in the mixing container. The solvent is, for example, purified water such as pure water, the powder is, for example, powdered culture medium, and the solution is, for example, a culture medium (culture solution).

[0003] In solution preparation apparatuses, various problems arise, such as powder adhering to the inner wall of the powder supply channel, causing narrowing or, in the worst case, blockage; or powder solidifying into lumps accidentally falling into the mixing container, leading to poor concentration control. These problems are exacerbated by the powder absorbing moisture evaporated from the mixing container. Therefore, Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 62-160129, 2001-025650, and 2007-152343 disclose techniques for suppressing moisture intrusion from the mixing container by supplying gas to the radial center of the powder supply channel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] While the technologies described in Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 62-160129, 2001-025650, and 2007-152343 can suppress the intrusion of moisture from the mixing container into the powder supply channel, their effect on preventing powder adhesion to the inner wall of the powder supply channel is limited because the powder is blown to the inner wall by gas flowing in the center of the powder supply channel. In particular, in the case of powders with high adhesion and low flowability, such as powder culture media, the powder is more likely to adhere to the inner wall of the powder supply channel; therefore, a fundamental solution is desired.

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a solution preparation apparatus capable of suppressing powder adhesion to the inner wall surface of a powder supply channel.

[0007] Methods for solving problems

[0008] The solution preparation apparatus of the present invention continuously supplies solvent and powder into a mixing container through a solvent supply channel and a powder supply channel, and prepares a solution of a set concentration by mixing the solvent and powder in the mixing container. The solution preparation apparatus includes a gas supply mechanism that supplies gas to the powder supply channel and generates gas flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

[0009] The preferred gas supply mechanism includes: a gas supply channel having a gas outlet opposite to the inlet of the powder supply channel; and a rectifier disposed between the inlet and the outlet, which rectifies the flow of gas flowing out of the outlet into flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

[0010] The preferred rectifying component is a plate-shaped component, which has a first hole formed along the shape of the inlet for the gas flowing out from the outlet to pass through.

[0011] The first hole is preferably an annular slit.

[0012] Preferably, the first hole is a plurality of round holes.

[0013] Preferably, in the plate-shaped component, a second hole for gas passage is also formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet.

[0014] The preferred rectifying component includes: a plate-shaped component having a hole for gas passage formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet; and a cover component that moves between a closed position of the closed hole and an open position of the open hole.

[0015] The preferred cover component moves between a closed position and an open position in conjunction with the action of the feeder that guides the powder stored in the hopper into the powder supply channel.

[0016] The preferred gas supply mechanism includes a gas supply channel having a gas outlet opposite the inlet of the powder supply channel, the gas supply channel being configured such that the flow of gas flowing out of the outlet becomes the flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

[0017] Preferably, the mixing container is provided with a gas exhaust port.

[0018] The preferred solvent is purified water, the powder is a powder culture medium, and the solution is a culture medium.

[0019] The preferred culture medium is continuously supplied from the mixing container to the culture tank.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] According to the technology of the present invention, a solution preparation apparatus is provided that can suppress powder adhesion to the inner wall surface of the powder supply channel. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the culture medium preparation apparatus and culture tank.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of a powder culture medium supply device.

[0024] Figure 3This is a diagram showing the area near the inlet of the powder culture medium supply channel.

[0025] Figure 4 It is a top view of a plate-shaped component with annular slits formed along the inlet of the powder culture medium supply channel.

[0026] Figure 5 This table represents examples, comparative examples A and comparative examples B, when using salt, powder culture medium A and powder culture medium B as powders.

[0027] Figure 6 It is a top view of a plate-shaped component with multiple round holes formed along the inlet of the powder culture medium supply channel.

[0028] Figure 7 It is a top view of a plate-shaped component with multiple round holes formed along the inlet of the powder culture medium supply channel, and also with round holes formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a plate-shaped component with a prominent central section.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a rectifier that includes a plate-shaped component and a cover component, with the cover component in a closed position that closes the hole formed in the plate-shaped component.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a rectifier that includes a plate-shaped component and a cover component, with the cover component in an open position where the hole formed in the plate-shaped component is open.

[0032] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates how multiple gas supply channels are arranged along the inlet of the powder culture medium supply channel.

[0033] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates how multiple gas supply channels are arranged along the inlet of the powder culture medium supply channel. Detailed Implementation

[0034] [First Implementation]

[0035] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the culture medium preparation apparatus 10 prepares culture medium CM. The culture medium preparation apparatus 10 is connected to the culture tank 11 and continuously supplies the prepared culture medium CM to the culture tank 11. The culture medium preparation apparatus 10 is an example of a "solution preparation apparatus" according to the technology of this invention. Furthermore, the culture medium CM is an example of a "solution" according to the technology of this invention. Additionally, in Figure 1The example given is one where the culture medium preparation device 10 is directly connected to the culture tank 11, but this is not the only possibility. A tank for temporarily storing the culture medium CM can be provided between the culture medium preparation device 10 and the culture tank 11.

[0036] In culture tank 11, for example, Chinese hamster ovary cells inoculated with an antibody gene are seeded. The Chinese hamster ovary cells are cultured in culture medium CM in culture tank 11. As described above, since culture medium CM is continuously supplied to culture tank 11 from culture medium preparation device 10, the culture of Chinese hamster ovary cells in culture tank 11 is a perfusion culture. Culture tank 11 is connected to a purification device (not shown). The purification device purifies the antibodies produced by the Chinese hamster ovary cells during culture, which are then used as raw materials for antibody drugs.

[0037] The culture medium preparation apparatus 10 includes a pure water storage tank 15, a mixing container 16, a powder culture medium supply device 17, and a gas supply device 18. The pure water storage tank 15 stores pure water PW. Pure water PW is an example of the "solvent" and "purified water" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0038] One end of the pure water supply channel 19 is connected to the pure water storage tank 15. The other end of the pure water supply channel 19 is connected to the mixing container 16. The pure water supply channel 19 is an example of the "solvent supply channel" involved in the technology of this invention. A pump and a flow meter (both omitted from the figure) are provided in the pure water supply channel 19. When the pump is driven, pure water PW in the pure water storage tank 15 is supplied to the mixing container 16 through the pure water supply channel 19. The flow meter measures the flow rate of pure water PW through the pure water supply channel 19. The pump is driven and controlled so that the flow rate of the flow meter is a set amount.

[0039] The mixing container 16, for example, is a wide cylindrical shape and is used to mix pure water (PW) and powdered culture medium (PM) to prepare a culture medium (CM) of a set concentration. A powdered culture medium supply channel 20, supplying powdered culture medium (PM) from a powdered culture medium supply device 17, is connected to the upper part of the mixing container 16. Furthermore, an exhaust port 21 is provided at the upper part of the mixing container 16 to discharge gas from inside the mixing container 16 to the outside. A filter 22 is built into the exhaust port 21. The filter 22 purifies the gas discharged from the exhaust port 21. More specifically, the filter 22 removes the powdered culture medium (PM) present in the gas discharged from the exhaust port 21. The powdered culture medium (PM) is an example of "powder" according to the technology of this invention. Furthermore, the powdered culture medium supply channel 20 is an example of a "powder supply channel" according to the technology of this invention.

[0040] The powder culture medium supply device 17 continuously supplies a predetermined amount of powder culture medium PM to the mixing container 16 via the powder culture medium supply channel 20. The powder culture medium supply device 17 consists of a hopper 25 storing the powder culture medium PM and a feeder 26 supplying the powder culture medium PM from the hopper 25 to the powder culture medium supply channel 20. The hopper 25 is, for example, cylindrical. A cartridge (not shown) containing the powder culture medium PM is installed in the hopper 25. The cartridge is replaceable. The powder culture medium PM is introduced from the cartridge into the hopper 25 without contact with external air. This maintains the sterility of the powder culture medium PM.

[0041] A feeder 26 is located at the lower part of the hopper 25. The feeder 26 is driven to continuously supply a set amount of powdered culture medium (PM) to the powdered culture medium supply channel 20. The powdered culture medium supply channel 20 is connected to a position off-center from the end of the feeder 26, on which the hopper 25 is located. Additionally, although not shown in the figure, a mixer for breaking up rat holes caused by prolonged use is introduced into the hopper 25. To improve the supply of powdered culture medium (PM), the diameter of the hopper 25 can be reduced towards the feeder 26, or the inner wall of the hopper 25 can be made to slide.

[0042] The gas supply device 18 includes a compressor for generating compressed gas, a dehumidifier for dehumidifying the compressed gas, and a tank for storing the dehumidified compressed gas. Throughout the preparation of the culture medium CM, the gas supply device 18 continuously supplies the compressed gas stored in the tank to the feeder 26 via the gas supply channel 27. The gas used as the source of the compressed gas is, for example, air or so-called inert gases such as nitrogen or argon. The gas supply device 18 and the gas supply channel 27 are related to the plate-shaped component 56 described later (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 Together, they constitute the "gas supply mechanism" involved in the technology of this invention.

[0043] A mixing container 16 is mounted on a mixer 30. A stir bar 31 is placed inside the mixing container 16. The stir bar 31 is elongated and cocoon-like, with rounded ends and a slightly bulging center. A magnet is built into the stir bar 31. The mixer 30 generates a magnetic force to rotate the stir bar 31. The mixer 30 mixes pure water (PW) and powdered culture medium (PM) to prepare culture medium (CM) by rotating the stir bar 31 at a set speed.

[0044] One end of the mixing container 16 is connected to a culture medium supply channel 32. The other end of the culture medium supply channel 32 is connected to the culture tank 11. Similar to the pure water supply channel 19, a pump and a flow meter (both omitted from the diagram) are installed in the culture medium supply channel 32. When the pump is driven, the culture medium CM in the mixing container 16 is supplied to the culture tank 11 through the culture medium supply channel 32. The flow meter measures the flow rate of the culture medium CM through the culture medium supply channel 32. The pump is driven and controlled so that the flow rate measured by the flow meter is a setpoint.

[0045] The flow rates of pure water PW and culture medium CM are set to values ​​that maintain a constant volume of liquid within the mixing container 16 from start to finish. More specifically, the flow rate of culture medium CM is set based on the sum of the flow rates of pure water PW and the supply volume of powdered culture medium PM. In practice, the weight of the mixing container 16 is measured using a weighing instrument, and the flow rates of pure water PW and culture medium CM are set in a manner that ensures a constant measured weight.

[0046] Furthermore, although the illustration is omitted, a filter is provided in the culture medium supply channel 32 to remove unwanted substances from the culture medium CM. Impurities include, for example, undissolved powdered culture medium PM. Additionally, a recovery tank for non-standard culture medium CM, such as culture medium CM of a concentration other than the set concentration, is connected to the culture medium supply channel 32. This prevents undesirable situations such as culture failure of Chinese hamster ovary cells from being supplied to the culture tank 11 with culture medium CM of a concentration other than the set concentration.

[0047] The pure water storage tank 15, mixing container 16, pure water supply channel 19, filter 22, culture medium supply channel 32, and gas supply channel 27 are all disposable and intended for single use only. Furthermore, the flow path from the pure water storage tank 15 through the pure water supply channel 19, mixing container 16, and culture medium supply channel 32 to the culture tank 11, as well as the powder culture medium supply channel 20 and gas supply channel 27, are all aseptically connected.

[0048] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the feeder 26 is divided into a first chamber 40 and a second chamber 41. The first chamber 40 is larger than the second chamber 41. The first chamber 40 is located directly below the hopper 25. Therefore, powdered culture medium PM falls from the hopper 25 into the first chamber 40. The second chamber 41 is located on the side of the powdered culture medium supply channel 20. Therefore, the inlet 42 of the powdered culture medium supply channel 20 is exposed in the second chamber 41. The inlet 42 is circular.

[0049] A first rotating plate 43 is provided in the first chamber 40. The first rotating plate 43 is a gear composed of a circular plate-shaped main body 44 and a plurality of protrusions 45. The protrusions 45 are portions that protrude radially from the outer periphery of the main body 44 at equal intervals. The first rotating plate 43 rotates counterclockwise at a set rotation speed. During this rotation, the first rotating plate 43 moves the powdered culture medium PM toward the second chamber 41 through the protrusions 45.

[0050] A second rotating plate 46 is provided in the second chamber 41. The diameter of the second rotating plate 46 is smaller than that of the first rotating plate 43. Like the first rotating plate 43, the second rotating plate 46 is a gear consisting of a circular plate-shaped main body 47 and a plurality of protrusions 48 that project radially from the outer periphery of the main body 47 at equal intervals. An inlet 42 is formed at an end eccentric to the rotation center of the second rotating plate 46. The protrusions 48 of the second rotating plate 46 engage with the protrusions 45 of the first rotating plate 43 at the boundary between the first chamber 40 and the second chamber 41. Thus, the second rotating plate 46 rotates clockwise following the counterclockwise rotation of the first rotating plate 43. During this rotation, the second rotating plate 46 conveys the powdered culture medium PM toward the inlet 42 via the protrusions 48. That is, the second rotating plate 46 scrapes the powdered culture medium PM within the second chamber 41 through the protrusions 48, thereby supplying the powdered culture medium PM to the powdered culture medium supply channel 20. That is, the feeder 26 is a disc feeder (also known as a benchtop feeder).

[0051] As an example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a gas outlet 55 of the gas supply channel 27 is positioned opposite the inlet 42. To prevent powdered culture medium (PM) from scattering around the inlet 42, the diameter of the outlet 55 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the inlet 42. Furthermore, a circular plate-shaped component 56 is positioned between the inlet 42 and the outlet 55. The diameter of the plate-shaped component 56 is slightly larger than the diameters of both the inlet 42 and the outlet 55. A pair of mounting plates 57 are connected to both sides of the plate-shaped component 56. The mounting plates 57 are fixed to the inner wall of the feeder 26.

[0052] As an example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the plate-shaped component 56 has a central portion 60, an outer peripheral portion 61, a slit 62, and a connecting portion 63. The outer peripheral portion 61 provides a mounting allowance for the mounting plate 57, which is mounted on the outer peripheral portion 61. The slit 62 is an opening through which gas flowing out from the outlet 55 passes. That is, the slit 62 is an example of the "first opening" involved in the technology of this invention. The connecting portion 63 is provided at two opposing portions that divide the slit 62 into two parts. The connecting portion 63 connects the central portion 60 and the outer peripheral portion 61.

[0053] The slit 62 is formed in an annular shape along the shape of the inlet 42 (here, it is circular). The inner circle of the slit 62, which forms the boundary with the central portion 60, has approximately the same diameter as the outlet 55. Conversely, the outer circle of the slit 62, which forms the boundary with the outer peripheral portion 61, has approximately the same diameter as the inlet 42. Through this slit 62, as... Figure 3 As indicated by the dashed arrow, this generates gas flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20. That is, the plate-shaped component 56 is an example of a "rectifier" according to the technology of this invention.

[0054] Next, the function of the above structure will be explained. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in the mixing container 16, pure water PW is supplied from the pure water storage tank 15 through the pure water supply channel 19. Furthermore, in the mixing container 16, powdered culture medium PM is supplied from the powdered culture medium supply device 17 through the powdered culture medium supply channel 20. In the mixing container 16, the pure water PW and the powdered culture medium PM are mixed by the mixer 30 and the stir bar 31, thereby preparing a culture medium CM of a predetermined concentration. The culture medium CM is continuously supplied from the mixing container 16 to the culture tank 11 through the culture medium supply channel 32.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, in the feeder 26 of the powder culture medium supply device 17, gas is supplied from the gas supply device 18 through the gas supply channel 27. Figure 3 As shown, the gas outlet 55 of the gas supply channel 27 is positioned opposite the inlet 42 of the powder culture medium PM in the powder culture medium supply channel 20. The gas flowing out of the outlet 55 is rectified to flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 through the slit 62 of the plate-shaped member 56 disposed between the inlet 42 and the outlet 55.

[0056] By allowing gas to flow along the inner wall 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20, powder adhesion to the inner wall 65 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as before, by allowing gas to flow along the inner wall 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20, the intrusion of moisture from the mixing container 16 into the powder culture medium supply channel 20 can also be suppressed. Therefore, the possibility of various problems arising, such as narrowing of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 or, in the worst case, blockage, or accidental falling of solidified powder culture medium (PM) into the mixing container 16, leading to poor concentration control, can be reduced.

[0057] To generate gas flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20, it is simply considered to increase the gas flow rate. However, if the gas flow rate is increased, the powder culture medium PM diffuses in a mist form, adhering to the top plate and inner wall of the mixing container 16, thus becoming insoluble in pure water PW. Consequently, it is difficult to prepare culture medium CM at a set concentration. Therefore, in the technology of the present invention, the gas flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 is generated by a gas supply mechanism without increasing the gas flow rate.

[0058] according to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The plate-shaped member 56, formed along the shape of the inlet 42, through which the annular slit 62 for the gas flowing from the outlet 55 passes, can smoothly rectify the flow of the gas from the outlet 55 into a flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20. Furthermore, according to the annular slit 62, the gas flowing from the outlet 55 can be directed towards the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 without waste.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, a gas vent 21 is provided in the mixing container 16. Therefore, the gas supplied to the mixing container 16 through the gas supply channel 27 and the powder culture medium supply channel 20 can be discharged to the outside, and the pressure inside the mixing container 16 can be kept constant.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the solvent is pure water (PW), the powder is powdered culture medium (PM), and the solution is culture medium (CM). Therefore, the essential culture medium (CM) can be prepared relatively stably over a long period of time.

[0061] Powdered culture medium (PM) has relatively high hygroscopicity, making it prone to adhesion and solidification. Furthermore, PM has a relatively high bulk density, resulting in low flowability. Therefore, as in this example, when using PM as the powder, the advantage of inhibiting PM adhesion to the inner wall 65 of the powdered culture medium supply channel 20 is even more pronounced.

[0062] As an example, Figure 5Table 68 shows examples, comparative examples A and B, using salt, powder culture medium A, and powder culture medium B as powders. Examples are examples of supplying gas to a powder supply channel using the technology of the present invention, resulting in gas flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel. Comparative example A is an example of conventional technology where gas is supplied to the powder supply channel, but no gas flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel is generated. Comparative example B is an example where no gas is supplied to the powder supply channel, and no gas flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel is generated. Furthermore, powder culture medium A is Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) manufactured by Thermo Fisher Sientific Inc., and powder culture medium B is BalanCD CHO Feed 4 manufactured by FUJIFILM Irvine Sientific.

[0063] The flow function is an indicator of the flowability of powder; the higher the value, the higher the flowability. Powders with a flow function less than 1 do not flow. Conversely, powders with a flow function greater than 10 flow very easily. In the flow function chart, salt has a flow function of 10, powder culture medium A has a flow function of 6, and powder culture medium B has a flow function of 2. Therefore, salt has the highest flowability, and powder culture medium B has the lowest flowability.

[0064] Regarding the examples, Comparative Example A, and Comparative Example B, three powders were fed into a mixing container through a powder supply channel for 1 hour. Then, the weight of the powder adhering to the inner wall of the powder supply channel was measured.

[0065] In the case of salt with the highest fluidity, the amount of powder adhering to the inner wall of the powder supply channel was less than 0.1g in any of the examples, Comparative Example A, and Comparative Example B. In the case of powder culture medium A, the amount was 0.1g in the example, 2g in Comparative Example A, and 6g in Comparative Example B. In the case of powder culture medium B with the lowest fluidity, the amount was 0.4g in the example, 7g in Comparative Example A, and 15g in Comparative Example B. Therefore, it was confirmed that the effect of suppressing powder adhesion to the inner wall of the powder supply channel can be achieved by using gas flowing along the inner wall of the powder supply channel. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the advantage of low-fluidity powder in suppressing powder adhesion to the inner wall of the powder supply channel is more significant.

[0066] Furthermore, the culture medium CM is continuously supplied from the mixing container 16 to the culture tank 11. Therefore, it can handle perfusion culture and can carry out culture for a relatively long period of time that is close to the living environment.

[0067] (Variation Example 1)

[0068] As an example of the "first hole" involved in the technology of this invention, an annular slit 62 formed along the shape of the inlet 42 is exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. As an example, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the plate-shaped component 70, the "first hole" can be a plurality of circular holes 71 formed along the shape of the inlet 42. The plurality of circular holes 71 serve as outlets for gas. Therefore, with this structure, the gas flowing out from the outlet 55 is also rectified to flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20, thus suppressing the adhesion of powder to the inner wall surface 65.

[0069] (Variation Example 2)

[0070] As an example, such as Figure 7 As shown in the plate-shaped component 75, a circular hole 76 for gas passage can also be formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet 42. The circular hole 76 is an example of a "second hole" according to the technology of this invention. According to the circular hole 76, gas is also supplied to the radial center of the powder culture medium supply channel 20, thus effectively suppressing moisture intrusion from the mixing container 16 into the powder culture medium supply channel 20 compared to the case without the circular hole 76. Furthermore, it is possible to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The central portion 60 of the plate-shaped component 56 shown forms a "second hole" such as a circular hole 76.

[0071] (Variation Example 3)

[0072] As an example, Figure 8 The plate-shaped component 80 shown is with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The plate-shaped component 80 with an annular slit 62 shown has a substantially similar structure, but differs from the plate-shaped component 86 in that it has a central portion 81 protruding toward the outlet 55. The central portion 81 is R-machined to have a smooth shape without corners and guides the gas flowing from the outlet 55 to the slit 62. According to the plate-shaped component 80 with this central portion 81, the flow of gas flowing from the outlet 55 can be more smoothly rectified into flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20.

[0073] The plate-shaped component 56, etc., can be installed as a cover at the inlet 42 or at the outlet 55. In any case, the arrangement of the plate-shaped component 56, etc., between the inlet 42 and the outlet 55 remains unchanged.

[0074] [Second Implementation]

[0075] As an example, Figure 9 and Figure 10The rectifying component 85 shown in the second embodiment includes a plate-shaped component 86 and a cover component 87. In the plate-shaped component 86, a circular hole 88 for gas passage is formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet 42. The circular hole 88 is funnel-shaped, with its diameter gradually narrowing from the outlet 55 side to the inlet 42 side. The circular hole 88 is an example of a "hole" according to the technology of this invention.

[0076] The cover member 87 is spherical, with its lower part embedded in the circular hole 88 and its upper part housed in the cylindrical receiving portion 89 provided in the plate-shaped member 86. On the inner wall surface of the receiving portion 89, four protrusions 90 are formed at 90° intervals at the center in the height direction for holding the cover member 87.

[0077] The cover component 87 moves in conjunction with the action of the second rotating plate 46 of the feeder 26. That is, as... Figure 9 As shown, during the period when the protrusion 48 of the second rotating plate 46 has not rotated to the position of the inlet 42, the cover member 87 is in the closed position of the closed circular hole 88. In contrast, as... Figure 10 As shown, when the protrusion 48 of the second rotating plate 46 is rotated to the position of the inlet 42, the cover member 87 is moved to the open position of the open circular hole 88 by being pushed upward by the protrusion 48 towards the outlet 55 side. When in this open position, the cover member 87 is held by the protrusion 90 of the receiving portion 89.

[0078] The cover component 87 is located at Figure 10 In the open position shown, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the gas flowing from the outlet 55 passes through the gap between the cover member 87 and the inner wall of the receiving portion 89 and the circular hole 88, becoming a flow along the inner wall 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20. Additionally, when the cover member 87 is located... Figure 9 In the closed position shown, the gas flowing out from the outlet 55 will also leak slightly into the gap between the inner wall of the cover part 87 and the receiving part 89 and into the round hole 88.

[0079] Thus, by including a plate-shaped member 86 with a circular hole 88 for gas passage formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet 42, and a cover member 87 that moves between a closed position of the closed circular hole 88 and an open position of the open circular hole 88, it is also possible to suppress the adhesion of powdered culture medium PM to the inner wall surface 65 of the powdered culture medium supply channel 20. Furthermore, the following effect can be obtained: the vibration of the cover member 87 when it moves between the closed and open positions shakes off the powdered culture medium PM adhering to the plate-shaped member 86, etc.

[0080] The cover member 87 moves between the closed and open positions in conjunction with the action of the feeder 26. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate mechanism for moving the cover member 87, which simplifies the structure of the culture medium preparation apparatus 10. In addition, the cover member 87 is not limited to the spherical shape shown, but may also be hemispherical or the like.

[0081] [Third Implementation]

[0082] In the above embodiments, the flow of gas along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 is generated by a rectifier such as the plate-shaped component 56, but it is not limited to this. As an example, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, gas flow along the inner wall 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 can also be generated by configuring the gas supply channel. Additionally, Figure 12 This is a view of inlet 42 from the side of mixing container 16.

[0083] exist Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the third embodiment, a plurality of gas supply channels 95 are arranged at a position where the flow of gas exiting from the outlet 96 becomes a flow along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20, specifically, at a position along the shape of the inlet 42. The plurality of gas supply channels 95 can be gas supply channels branching from a single gas supply channel connected to a gas supply device 18, or gas supply channels connected to multiple gas supply devices 18 respectively. By including such a gas supply mechanism with multiple gas supply channels 95, as indicated by the dashed arrow, the flow of gas along the inner wall surface 65 of the powder culture medium supply channel 20 is also generated, which can suppress powder adhesion to the inner wall surface 65.

[0084] In the above embodiments, gas is continuously supplied to the feeder 26 during the preparation of the culture medium CM, but this is not a limitation. Gas may also be supplied to the feeder 26 intermittently.

[0085] The shape of entrance 42 can be set to circular, but it is not limited to this. It can be an ellipse, or a regular octagon or other polygonal shape.

[0086] As an example of feeder 26, a disc feeder is shown, but it is not limited to this. It can also be a screw feeder (also called a helical feeder) that continuously supplies a set amount of powdered culture medium PM to the powdered culture medium supply channel 20 by rotating a helical screw driven by a motor. Alternatively, it can be a rotary feeder, a belt feeder, a vibrating feeder, etc.

[0087] In the above embodiments, purified water (PW) is exemplified as the solvent and purified water, but it is not limited to this. Distilled water or water for injection (WFI) may also be used. Furthermore, in the above embodiments, culture medium (CM) is exemplified as the solution, but it is not limited to this. The solution may also be a buffer solution such as an antibody drug. Therefore, the powder is not limited to the exemplified powder culture medium (PM), but may also be a powder that constitutes a solid component of a buffer solution.

[0088] Based on the above records, one can master the techniques described in the following notes.

[0089] [Note 1]

[0090] A solution preparation apparatus continuously supplies solvent and powder into a mixing container via a solvent supply channel and a powder supply channel, and prepares a solution of a predetermined concentration by mixing the solvent and the powder in the mixing container. The solution preparation apparatus comprises:

[0091] A gas supply mechanism supplies gas to the powder supply channel and generates a flow of the gas along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

[0092] [Note 2]

[0093] According to the solution preparation apparatus described in Appendix 1, the gas supply mechanism includes:

[0094] A gas supply channel having a gas outlet opposite the inlet of the powder supply channel; and

[0095] A rectifier is disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and rectifies the flow of the gas flowing out of the outlet into a flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

[0096] [Note 3]

[0097] According to the solution preparation apparatus of Appendix 2, the rectifying component is a plate-shaped component, which has a first hole formed along the shape of the inlet for the gas flowing out from the outlet to pass through.

[0098] [Note 4]

[0099] According to the solution preparation apparatus described in Appendix 3, the first orifice is an annular slit.

[0100] [Note 5]

[0101] According to the solution preparation apparatus described in Appendix 3, the first hole is a plurality of circular holes.

[0102] [Note 6]

[0103] According to any one of Appendix 3 to 5, in the solution preparation apparatus, a second hole for the gas to pass through is also formed in the plate-shaped member at a position opposite to the central portion of the inlet.

[0104] [Note 7]

[0105] According to the solution preparation apparatus described in Appendix 2, the rectifying component includes: a plate-shaped component having a hole formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet for the gas to pass through; and

[0106] The cover component moves between a closed position that closes the hole and an open position that opens the hole.

[0107] [Note 8]

[0108] According to the solution preparation apparatus of Appendix 7, the cover component moves between the closed position and the open position in conjunction with the action of a feeder that introduces the powder stored in the hopper into the powder supply channel.

[0109] [Note 9]

[0110] According to the solution preparation apparatus described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0111] The gas supply mechanism includes a gas supply channel having a gas outlet opposite the inlet of the powder supply channel.

[0112] The gas supply channel is configured such that the flow of the gas exiting the outlet becomes a flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

[0113] [Note 10]

[0114] The solution preparation apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 9, wherein the mixing container is provided with an exhaust port for the gas.

[0115] [Note 11]

[0116] The solution preparation apparatus according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 10, wherein the solvent is purified water and the powder is a powder culture medium.

[0117] The solution is a culture medium.

[0118] [Note 12]

[0119] According to the solution preparation apparatus of Appendix 11, the culture medium is continuously supplied from the mixing container to the culture tank.

[0120] The technology of the present invention can also be appropriately combined with the various embodiments and / or variations described above. Furthermore, it is not limited to the embodiments described above; various structures can be adopted as long as they do not depart from the main idea.

[0121] The above descriptions and illustrations are detailed explanations of the parts involved in the technology of this invention, and are merely one example of the technology of this invention. For example, the descriptions related to the above structure, function, effect, and effect are only one example of the structure, function, effect, and effect of the parts involved in the technology of this invention. Therefore, without departing from the spirit of the technology of this invention, unnecessary parts can be deleted, new elements can be added, or replacements can be made to the above descriptions and illustrations. Furthermore, to avoid cumbersome descriptions and to facilitate understanding of the parts involved in the technology of this invention, relevant explanations such as common technical knowledge that do not require special explanation in enabling the implementation of the technology of this invention have been omitted from the above descriptions and illustrations.

[0122] In this specification, "A and / or B" has the same meaning as "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it can be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, when "and / or" is used in this specification to represent three or more items together, the same concept as "A and / or B" can also be applied.

[0123] All documents, patent applications and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as the specific documents, patent applications and technical standards described therein.

Claims

1. A solution preparation apparatus, comprising continuously supplying solvent and powder to a mixing container via a solvent supply channel and a powder supply channel, and preparing a solution of a predetermined concentration by mixing the solvent and the powder in the mixing container, wherein... The solution preparation apparatus includes a gas supply mechanism that supplies gas to the powder supply channel and generates a flow of the gas along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

2. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The gas supply mechanism includes: A gas supply channel having a gas outlet opposite the inlet of the powder supply channel; and A rectifier is disposed between the inlet and the outlet, and rectifies the flow of the gas flowing out of the outlet into a flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

3. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The rectifier is a plate-shaped component, and the plate-shaped component has a first hole formed along the shape of the inlet for the gas flowing out from the outlet to pass through.

4. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The first hole is an annular slit.

5. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The first hole consists of multiple circular holes.

6. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, In the plate-shaped component, a second hole for the gas to pass through is also formed at a position opposite to the central part of the inlet.

7. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The rectifier component includes: A plate-shaped component has a hole formed at a position opposite to the center of the inlet for the gas to pass through; and The cover component moves between a closed position that closes the hole and an open position that opens the hole.

8. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The cover component moves between the closed position and the open position in conjunction with the action of the feeder that guides the powder stored in the hopper into the powder supply channel.

9. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The gas supply mechanism includes a gas supply channel having a gas outlet opposite the inlet of the powder supply channel. The gas supply channel is configured such that the flow of the gas exiting the outlet becomes a flow along the inner wall of the powder supply channel.

10. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The mixing container is provided with an exhaust port for the gas.

11. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The solvent is purified water, and the powder is a powder culture medium. The solution is a culture medium.

12. The solution preparation apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The culture medium is continuously supplied from the mixing container to the culture tank.

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