Distribution nozzle for fluid medium, fluid medium distribution device and microbiological culture system

Abstract

A dispensing nozzle for a fluid medium, comprising: a receiving tube section comprising an inlet of the dispensing nozzle and configured to receive the fluid medium to be dispensed from the inlet such that the received fluid medium flows through the receiving tube section, the receiving tube section defining a receiving tube section cross-section at each location in its length direction; a distribution pipe section including an outlet of the distribution nozzle and configured to distribute the received fluid medium to be distributed away from the distribution nozzle via the distribution pipe section, the distribution pipe section defining a distribution pipe section cross-section at each location in its length direction; the receiving pipe section is connected with the distribution pipe section through the transition pipe section, and the area of the cross section of the receiving pipe section is smaller than that of the cross section of the distribution pipe section. According to the distribution nozzle disclosed by the utility model, the drip leakage of the outlet of the nozzle can be reduced on the premise of meeting a proper volume distribution rate, and a lower outlet flow rate can be provided to reduce bubbles possibly contained in a distributed fluid medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of fluid medium distribution, in particular to a distribution nozzle for fluid medium, and more particularly to a distribution nozzle for fluid medium such as culture medium solution. The utility model also relates to a distribution device and a microorganism cultivation system including the distribution nozzle. Background Art

[0002] In the field of fluid medium distribution, such as culture medium distribution, there is often a contradiction between the distribution rate, that is, the volume distributed per unit time, and the outlet flow rate of the distribution nozzle.

[0003] For example, for dispensing a common single-concentration culture medium solution containing deionized water and culture medium, a dispensing nozzle with a uniform diameter of approximately 4 mm is commonly used in the prior art. The specific connection method is to dispense the relevant solution from the relevant medium container through a peristaltic pump, a connecting hose, and a dispensing nozzle in sequence.

[0004] In one scenario, if a dispensing rate of 100 mL / s is desired, the nozzle's outlet diameter must be excessively large, provided the outlet flow rate is sufficiently low. Because the medium being dispensed often contains surfactants, which reduce its surface tension, an excessively large outlet diameter further makes it difficult to maintain the nozzle's capillary action. Consequently, in the common scenario of using existing nozzles, the dispensed medium is more likely to drip from the nozzle outlet, resulting in an unsatisfactory volume error in the dispensed medium (e.g., a ±1% volume error for a total dispense volume of 8 mL to 3700 mL).

[0005] In another case, in order to achieve a dispensing rate of 100 mL / s, the outlet flow rate of the dispensing nozzle must be excessively increased if the outlet diameter of the dispensing nozzle is sufficiently small. However, this practice results in excessive air bubbles being included in the dispensed medium leaving the dispensing nozzle and entering a corresponding container such as a bag, package, or bottle.

[0006] Both of the above-mentioned consequences are undesirable. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention addresses the aforementioned technical issues with existing dispensing nozzles for culture mediums and proposes an improved dispensing nozzle for fluid media, such as culture mediums. This nozzle can reduce dripping at the nozzle outlet while maintaining an appropriate volumetric dispensing rate, and can also provide a lower outlet flow rate to reduce bubbles that may be contained in the dispensed fluid medium.

[0008] To this end, the utility model provides a dispensing nozzle for a fluid medium, comprising:

[0009] a receiving pipe section, the receiving pipe section including an inlet of the dispensing nozzle, the receiving pipe section being configured to receive a fluid medium to be dispensed from the inlet so that the received fluid medium flows through the receiving pipe section, the receiving pipe section defining a corresponding receiving pipe section cross section at each position along the length direction of the receiving pipe section;

[0010] a distribution pipe section, the distribution pipe section comprising an outlet of the distribution nozzle, the distribution pipe section being configured to distribute the received fluid medium to be distributed out of the distribution nozzle via the distribution pipe section, the distribution pipe section defining a corresponding distribution pipe section cross section at each position in the length direction of the distribution pipe section; and

[0011] a transition pipe section, the transition pipe section connecting the receiving pipe section with the distribution pipe section,

[0012] in,

[0013] The cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving pipe section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distributing pipe section.

[0014] The present invention, by taking into account the relative size relationship between the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving pipe section and the cross-sectional area of ​​the distribution pipe section, is advantageous in that it helps to simultaneously ensure the desired average outlet flow rate, distribution volume efficiency and distribution accuracy by reducing dripping at the nozzle outlet and reducing the bubbles that may be contained in the distributed fluid medium, thereby meeting the fluid distribution needs in existing general scenarios.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the dispensing pipe section is configured to be large enough to avoid capillary action in the dispensing pipe section.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the cross-section of the distribution pipe section is circular.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention, the diameter of the dispensing pipe section is configured to be greater than or equal to 5.4 mm.

[0018] The above-mentioned preferred distribution pipe section diameter can help ensure that the average outlet flow rate remains below 3 m / s.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the distributing nozzle of the present invention, the ratio of the length of the distributing pipe section to the diameter of the distributing pipe section is greater than 5.5.

[0020] The above-mentioned preferred ratio between the length of the distribution pipe section and the diameter of the distribution pipe section can help ensure that the difference in flow velocity between the radial inner portion and the radial outer portion of the distribution pipe section is sufficiently small.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving tube section is configured to be small enough to allow the fluid medium to be dispensed to be captured in the receiving tube section by capillary action.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the distributing nozzle of the present invention, the cross-section of the receiving pipe section is circular.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention, the diameter of the receiving tube section is configured to be less than or equal to 5.4 mm.

[0024] The above-mentioned preferred diameter of the receiving tube section can help further prevent dripping at the outlet of the dispensing nozzle through the capillary action of the receiving tube section.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention, the length of the receiving pipe section is configured to be greater than or equal to 40 mm.

[0026] The above-mentioned preferred length of the receiving tube section can further facilitate the realization of the capillary action of the receiving tube section under the above-mentioned preferred diameter of the receiving tube section.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the transition pipe section includes at least one section whose cross-sectional area increases monotonically.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the transition pipe section gradually expands from the receiving pipe section to the distribution pipe section in a form of monotonically increasing flow cross section.

[0029] The monotonically increasing cross section allows the fluid to flow more smoothly in the transition section and helps reduce bubbles generated in the distributed fluid.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the transition pipe section includes a tapered section having a tapered angle, wherein the tapered angle of the tapered section is 3° to 15°.

[0031] The above-mentioned preferred transition pipe section shape can help avoid or reduce the generation of new bubbles in the transition pipe section.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the transition pipe section further includes a first taper adjustment section located between the conical section and the receiving pipe section, and the taper of the first taper adjustment section is between the taper of the conical section and the taper of the receiving pipe section.

[0033] In addition to or instead of the previous preferred embodiment, according to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the transition pipe section also includes a second taper adjustment section located between the conical section and the distribution pipe section, and the taper of the second taper adjustment section is between the taper of the conical section and the taper of the distribution pipe section.

[0034] The provision of the above-mentioned taper adjustment section is beneficial to the integral molding and manufacturing of the dispensing nozzle, and can more smoothly change the flow direction of the dispensed fluid.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the distribution nozzle of the present invention, the receiving pipe section, the distribution pipe section and the transition pipe section are integrally manufactured as a single piece.

[0036] The dispensing nozzle designed in this way is easy to manufacture and can more easily obtain the desired shape and size of the pipe section.

[0037] In addition, the present invention also relates to a fluid medium dispensing device, wherein the fluid medium dispensing device comprises an inlet for receiving the fluid medium to be dispensed and the dispensing nozzle according to the above content as an outlet for the fluid medium.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a microorganism cultivation system, wherein the microorganism cultivation system comprises the fluid medium dispensing device described above and a peristaltic pump for dispensing a culture medium solution to an inlet of the fluid medium.

[0039] In summary, the present invention provides a dispensing nozzle for a fluid medium. This nozzle, by virtue of the shape of its various tube segments, helps reduce dripping at the nozzle outlet and provides a lower outlet flow rate, thereby preventing excessive bubbles in the dispensed fluid medium due to excessive flow rates. Furthermore, the dispensing nozzle's shape design, which is easily machined and manufactured, significantly improves the performance of the resulting dispensing nozzle during practical application without significantly increasing process costs and manufacturing difficulty, thereby meeting the common requirements for volumetric dispensing rate and accuracy in current application scenarios. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] This document includes the accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0041] The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

[0042] With reference to the above purposes, the technical features of the present invention are clearly described below, and its advantages are apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of example without limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0043] In the attached figure:

[0044] Figure 1 It is a front view schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the dispensing nozzle according to the present utility model.

[0045] Figure 2 The elastic flow rate variation in the case of using a peristaltic pump is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 The elastic flow volume change in the case of using a peristaltic pump is shown.

[0047] Figure 4 The graph shows the dispensing accuracy of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention under different dispensing volumes.

[0048] List of reference numerals:

[0049] 100 dispensing nozzles;

[0050] 110 receiving pipe section;

[0051] 111 an inlet of a dispensing nozzle;

[0052] 120 distribution pipe section;

[0053] 121 an outlet of a dispensing nozzle;

[0054] 130 transition pipe section;

[0055] 131 tapered section;

[0056] 132 first taper adjustment section;

[0057] 133 second taper adjustment section;

[0058] D1 is the diameter of the distribution pipe section;

[0059] D2 is the diameter of the receiving pipe section;

[0060] L1 the length of the distribution pipe section;

[0061] L2 Length of the receiving pipe section;

[0062] θ is the taper angle of the transition pipe section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0064] Although the present invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that this description is not intended to limit the present invention to those illustrated embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0065] In order to facilitate explanation and accurately define the technical solutions of the present invention, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “inner” and “outer” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings with reference to their positions.

[0066] Various preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the dispensing nozzle of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] definition

[0068] The fluid medium referred to herein includes, but is not limited to, a culture medium in a gel or liquid state. Such a culture medium may, for example, contain nutrients and can be used for the growth of bacteria or microorganisms. Thus, such a culture medium is also referred to as a growth medium. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that different types of monomers grow in different types of media. Generally speaking, nutrient broths and agar plates are the most typical growth media for microorganisms. It will also be appreciated that some specific microorganisms or bacteria require specialized culture media for growth.

[0069] The following references Figure 1 A preferred but non-limiting embodiment of a dispensing nozzle 100 for fluid media according to the present invention will be described.

[0070] It should be noted here that the fluid medium herein includes various dispensable fluids, such as but not limited to culture medium solutions for microbial culture.

[0071] Generally speaking, in order to distribute such a culture medium solution for culturing microorganisms, a peristaltic pump for distributing the culture medium solution to an inlet of a fluid medium may be used.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the dispensing nozzle 100 is Figure 1 From top to bottom, the pipe includes a receiving pipe section 110, a distribution pipe section 120 and a transition pipe section 130.

[0073] The receiving tube section 110 includes an inlet 111 of the dispensing nozzle 100. The receiving tube section 110 is configured to receive the fluid medium to be dispensed from the inlet 111 such that the received fluid medium flows through the receiving tube section 110, which defines a receiving tube section diameter D2 and a corresponding receiving tube section cross section.

[0074] The dispensing pipe section 120 includes an outlet 121 of the dispensing nozzle 100. The dispensing pipe section 120 is configured to distribute the received fluid medium to be dispensed out of the dispensing nozzle 100 via the dispensing pipe section 120. The dispensing pipe section 120 defines a dispensing pipe section diameter D1 and a corresponding dispensing pipe section cross section.

[0075] The transition pipe section 130 connects the receiving pipe section 110 and the distribution pipe section 120 .

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown in , the cross-sections of the receiving pipe section and the distribution pipe section at various positions in the length direction may preferably be circular.

[0077] Likewise Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the transition pipe section 130 may also preferably be circular at various positions in the length direction.

[0078] It should be pointed out here that although the cross-sectional shape of each pipe section can be Figure 1 As in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG, a circular shape is selected, so that each tube segment has a cylindrical or conical form. However, the dispensing nozzle 100 of the present invention is not limited to embodiments in which at least a portion of the lengthwise section has a circular cross-section. In other preferred alternative embodiments, one or more tube segments of the dispensing nozzle 100 of the present invention may also have other cross-sectional shapes. Other shapes may include, but are not limited to, elliptical, oval, polygonal, and the like.

[0079] It should also be noted that although the cross-sections of the pipe sections may be of similar shape, e.g. Figure 1The shapes of the receiving pipe section 110, the distributing pipe section 120, and the transition pipe section 130 are all circular. However, in another preferred embodiment, the cross-sections of the distributing nozzle 100 of the present invention, or each pipe section itself, may have different cross-sectional shapes. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the receiving pipe section 110, the distributing pipe section 120, and the transition pipe section 130 may include a combination of two or more of circular, elliptical, oval, and polygonal shapes. For another example, in another preferred embodiment, the cross-sectional shapes of the receiving pipe section 110, the distributing pipe section 120, and the transition pipe section 130 may be the same, but the receiving pipe section 110, the distributing pipe section 120, and the transition pipe section 130 may have different cross-sectional shapes, including but not limited to two or more of circular, elliptical, oval, and polygonal shapes. For example, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving pipe section 110 may be one of circular, elliptical, oval, and polygonal, the cross-sectional shape of the distributing pipe section 120 may be another of circular, elliptical, oval, and polygonal, and the cross-sectional shape of the transition pipe section 130 may be a third of circular, elliptical, oval, and polygonal shapes.

[0080] According to the concept of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving pipe section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distribution pipe section.

[0081] In the aforementioned embodiments where the cross-sectional shapes of the receiving and / or distributing pipe sections differ along their lengths, the phrase "the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving pipe section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distributing pipe section" should be understood herein to mean that the cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving pipe section at all locations along its length is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the distributing pipe section at all locations along its length. In other words, it can be understood that the maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving pipe section is smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the distributing pipe section.

[0082] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 In the embodiment in which both the receiving pipe section 110 and the distribution pipe section 120 have only circular cross sections, the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe section and / or the diameter D2 of the receiving pipe section mentioned above have their own clear geometric meanings.

[0083] It should be noted that in the aforementioned embodiments where the receiving pipe section 110 and the distribution pipe section 120 also include non-circular cross-sections, the diameter D2 of the receiving pipe section and / or the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe section should be understood as the equivalent diameter of such non-circular cross-sections. In this context, the equivalent diameter means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the non-circular cross-section having the equivalent diameter is the same as that of a circular cross-section having the corresponding diameter.

[0084] For example, in one embodiment, the receiving pipe segment 110 and / or the distributing pipe segment 120 may include a square pipe segment having a cross-sectional area A. The equivalent diameter of the square pipe segment is the diameter of a circular pipe segment having the cross-sectional area A. Thus, those skilled in the art can determine the equivalent diameter corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of an actual non-circular cross-sectional pipe segment based on the cross-sectional shape of the pipe segment.

[0085] The following targets Figure 1 However, it will be fully understood by those skilled in the art that by identifying the equivalent diameters of various non-circular cross sections, the following description of the dispensing nozzle 100 will be made with reference to FIG. Figure 1 The description of the embodiment in FIG. 1 is also applicable to a dispensing nozzle 100 having a non-circular cross-section.

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe segment and the corresponding distribution pipe segment cross section can be configured to be large enough to avoid capillary action in the distribution pipe segment 120. More specifically, the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe segment can be configured to be greater than or equal to 5.4 mm, for example 7.0 mm.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the length L1 of the distribution pipe section to the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe section may be greater than 5.5. For example, the length L1 of the distribution pipe section may be 40 mm.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter D2 of the receiving tube section and the corresponding receiving tube section cross-section can be configured to be small enough to allow the fluid medium to be distributed to be captured in the receiving tube section 110 by capillary action. More specifically, the diameter D2 of the receiving tube section is configured to be less than or equal to 5.4 mm, for example, 3.2 mm.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the length L2 of the receiving tube section may be configured to be greater than or equal to 40 mm, for example, 40 mm.

[0090] exist Figure 1 In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG, the transition pipe section 130 may gradually expand from the receiving pipe section 110 to the distribution pipe section 120 in the form of a monotonically increasing flow cross section.

[0091] More preferably, the transition duct section 130 may include a tapered section 131 having a tapering angle θ. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conical portion of the transition pipe section 130 located in the middle is the conical section 131, and the above-mentioned taper angle θ refers to Figure 1 The left side of the tapered section 131 is aligned with the left side of the tapered section 131 in the front view. Figure 1 The angle in the vertical direction, the taper angle θ can reflect the surface of the tapered section relative to Figure 1It is understood that if Figure 1 As in the embodiment implemented in FIG, when the tapered section 131 is in the shape of a right circular cone, the taper angle θ is equal to half of the cone apex angle of the cone.

[0092] It should be pointed out here that although Figure 1 The tapered section 131 shown in FIG. 1 includes only a single conical pipe segment having a single taper. However, in other embodiments, those skilled in the art may further provide multiple conical pipe segments connected to each other, each having a tapered angle that varies from top to bottom, as needed. The number of conical pipe segments may include, for example, two or three, and the taper of each pipe segment may differ, or at least partially differ, from the others.

[0093] Figure 1 , the tapered section 131 of the transition duct section 130 is a right circular cone. In this embodiment, the taper angle θ is constant at all positions along the length direction, and the hypotenuse of the taper angle coincides with the left side of the tapered section 131.

[0094] In another embodiment, the tapered section 131 of the transition duct section 130 is a multi-step convex cone. In this embodiment, the taper angle θ varies at at least a portion of the length, with the hypotenuse of the taper angle θ coinciding with the corresponding tangent line of the left side of the tapered section 131.

[0095] Preferably, the taper angle θ of the transition pipe section 130, especially the tapered section 131 thereof, may be 3° to 15°, preferably 4° to 8°, for example 7°. When the taper angle is 4°, the total length L3 of the transition pipe section 130 of the dispensing nozzle 100 is more suitable for the size requirements of a relatively long dispensing nozzle 100. When the taper angle is 8°, the total length L3 of the transition pipe section 130 of the dispensing nozzle 100 is more suitable for the size requirements of a relatively short dispensing nozzle 100, thereby meeting the size of the transition pipe section 130 and the bubble. It should be noted that the taper angle θ shown in the drawings of this application is for better illustration of the meaning and position of θ and may deviate from the actual angle.

[0096] It should also be noted that the tapered section 131 of the transition duct section 130 may include the aforementioned conical shape, or may include a non-conical shape, such as but not limited to an elliptical cone or a pyramid.

[0097] In the embodiment where the tapered section 131 comprises a non-conical shape, the above-mentioned taper angle θ actually reflects the tapered section 131 in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 1The rate of change of the cross-sectional area at each horizontal position in the vertical direction (i.e., each position in the length direction of the dispensing nozzle 100) is the rate of change of the cross-sectional area at each horizontal position in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the conical section 131 is not conical but, for example, an elliptical cone or a pyramid, the above-mentioned taper angle θ can be understood as the taper angle θ of its equivalent conical section. An equivalent conical section refers to a section in which the rate of change of the cross-sectional area at each horizontal position in the vertical direction is equal to the rate of change of the cross-sectional area at each horizontal position in the vertical direction of the non-conical section. For example, in an embodiment in which the conical section 131 includes a triangular pyramid shape, the rate of change of the cross-sectional area of ​​the equivalent conical section at a certain horizontal position is equal to the rate of change of the cross-sectional area of ​​the triangular pyramid section.

[0098] In this case, the length L3 of the transition pipe section 130 may be 15.5 mm.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown in the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art can also adjust the conical section 131 and the Figure 1 Between the receiving pipe section 110 located above it and between the conical section 131 and Figure 1 There are respectively provided with taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 between the distribution pipe sections 120 located below the distribution pipe sections 120. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, in the taper adjustment section 132 between the receiving pipe section 110 above the transition pipe section 130, the taper of the transition pipe section 130 is changed from the taper of the receiving pipe section 110 ( Figure 1 The taper angle is 0°) gradually transitions to the taper of the tapered section 131 (ie, the taper angle θ), that is, the taper or taper angle gradually increases. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, in the taper adjustment section 133 between the distribution pipe section 120 below it, the taper of the transition pipe section 130 gradually transitions from the taper of the above-mentioned tapered section 131 (i.e., the taper angle θ) to the taper of the distribution pipe section 120 ( Figure 1The taper angle is 0°), that is, the taper or taper angle gradually decreases. However, it should be pointed out that the above-mentioned taper / taper angle changes of the taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 are only examples, and those skilled in the art can also choose various other common change methods according to actual needs to avoid the undesirable effects brought about by the sudden change of the taper angle. For example, in another preferred embodiment, the taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 may only have a taper between the tapered section 131 and the receiving pipe section 110 and the distribution pipe section 120, respectively, without ensuring that the taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 have continuous taper changes upstream and downstream. In other words, generally speaking, the tapers of the taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 only need to be between the tapered section 131 and the receiving pipe section 110 and between the tapered section 131 and the distribution pipe section 120, respectively. In addition, it should be pointed out that the above-mentioned taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 themselves are not necessary, especially when the taper angle θ is small. Those skilled in the art can also omit the above-mentioned taper adjustment sections 132 and 133 according to actual needs and only retain the conical section 131 with the above-mentioned taper angle θ.

[0100] It should also be pointed out here that, in the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, those skilled in the art may choose to design the total length of the tapered section 131 to be much larger than that of the taper adjustment section 132 or 133 , for example, two to five times larger.

[0101] Likewise Figure 1 As preferably shown in FIG, the receiving pipe section 110, the distribution pipe section 120 and the transition pipe section 130 are an integral single piece. In other words, the above pipe sections are made into one piece.

[0102] The dispensing nozzle 100 of the present invention can be used in, for example, a fluid medium dispensing device, wherein the fluid medium dispensing device includes an inlet for receiving the fluid medium to be dispensed and the dispensing nozzle 100 as an outlet of the fluid medium.

[0103] Furthermore, the dispensing nozzle 100 of the present invention can also be used in a microorganism culture system, wherein the microorganism culture system includes a fluid medium dispensing device containing the dispensing nozzle of the present invention and a peristaltic pump for dispensing culture medium solution to the inlet of the fluid medium.

[0104] When the dispensing nozzle of the present invention is used to dispense a fluid medium, the fluid medium can preferably be dispensed at a volume dispensing flow rate of 33 mL / s to 100 mL / s.

[0105] As mentioned above, the dispensed fluid medium includes, but is not limited to, a culture medium solution.

[0106] For example, for a volumetric dispensing rate of 100 mL / s, the dispensing nozzle of the present invention can achieve a relatively low outlet flow rate of nearly 3 m / s to avoid the undesirable inclusion of excessive bubbles in the dispensed fluid medium, while maintaining a volumetric dispensing accuracy of ±1% within a range of 8.0 mL to 3700 mL. This allows a volumetric dispensing rate of 100 mL / s to dispense 100 mL, 225 mL, and 3700 mL of single-concentration culture medium solutions within 3, 5, and 37 seconds, respectively. At the same time, the volumetric dispensing accuracy can be maintained within a ±1% margin of error, thus complying with relevant standards.

[0107] Dispensing Nozzle Design Examples

[0108] The specific structural design of the dispensing nozzle 100 according to the present invention is described below with reference to an actual application scenario.

[0109] In this nozzle design, it has three parts: a receiving pipe section 110, a transition pipe section 130 and a distribution pipe section 120. According to this specific design example, the receiving pipe section 110 and the distribution pipe section 120 are respectively cylindrical pipe sections, and the transition pipe section 130 includes a conical section.

[0110] For the receiving pipe section 110 , the diameter of the receiving pipe section 110 is D2 , and the length of the receiving pipe section 110 is L2 .

[0111] The diameter D2 of the receiving tube section 110 mainly depends on the properties of the fluid medium being dispensed, such as the culture medium aqueous solution, and the capillary phenomenon of the inner surface of the nozzle. The capillary length k that ensures the capillary action can be defined by the following formula:

[0112]

[0113] Where γ is the surface tension of a specific solution, in N / m. For DI (deionized) water, at 20°C, γ is 0.0728 N / m.

[0114] g is the gravitational acceleration constant;

[0115] ρ is the density of the solution, in kg / m 3 , for DI water it is 1000kg / m 3 , for concentrate it is 1120kg / m 3 .

[0116] In order to capture the solution in the upper part of the nozzle 100, the radius of the receiving tube section 110 should be set to be no greater than the capillary length k. Therefore, D2 can be defined by the following formula:

[0117]

[0118] For DI water, the diameter D2 of the receiving pipe section 110 can be calculated as follows:

[0119]

[0120] For the concentrated liquid, the diameter D2 of the receiving pipe section 110 can be calculated as follows, assuming that there are some surfactants in the medium, so γ 浓缩液 =0.6γ DI , that is, its surface tension γ 浓缩液 reduce:

[0121]

[0122] When using a peristaltic pump to transport a solution, there is a certain negative flow in the elastic flow of the peristaltic pump. Figure 2 As shown, the horizontal axis is the time point and the vertical axis is the volume flow rate. The volume curve obtained by integrating the time is as follows: Figure 3 As shown in FIG, wherein the abscissa is time and the ordinate is cumulative dispensed volume. Therefore, there is a withdrawal volume V1 in the elastic flow, which requires L2 to have sufficient redundancy to further buffer the withdrawal volume V1 to prevent air from flowing back into the pump tube.

[0123] Therefore, L2 can be defined by the following formula:

[0124]

[0125] Among them, n is the number of redundant buffers, the default value is 1;

[0126] V1 is the withdrawal amount of the elastic flow of the peristaltic pump. In the test, for a pump tube with a diameter of 3.2 mm, Figure 3 As schematically shown in FIG, V1 is approximately 0.05 mL; therefore, if the pump tube diameter is 9.6 mm to accommodate a maximum volumetric dispensing rate of 100 mL / s, V1 can be 0.45 mL;

[0127] V2 is the volume of the solution that the transition pipe section 130 can retain. Therefore, when the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe section 120 is 5.4 mm and the diameter of the receiving pipe section 110 is 3.2 mm, V2 = 0.116 mL (the length of the transition pipe section is 7.8 mm).

[0128] therefore,

[0129]

[0130] In short, to meet redundancy and commercial requirements, the diameter D2 of the receiving tube segment 110 is set to 3.2mm, and the length L2 is set to 40-50mm to capture DI or medium (concentrate or single-strength), further achieving a dispensing accuracy of ≤±1%. Experiments have shown that DI water with a viscosity of 1.0mPa*s and concentrates with a viscosity of 2.8mPa*s can be captured in the 3.2mm diameter receiving tube segment 110. Furthermore, the 50mm length provides approximately 50% redundancy, ensuring that no bubbles return to the tube when the peristaltic pump stops and fluid fluctuations occur in the nozzle.

[0131] For the distribution pipe section 120 , the diameter of the distribution pipe section 120 is D1 , and the length of the distribution pipe section 120 is L1 .

[0132] The diameter D1 of the dispensing pipe section 120 is defined by its output dispensing flow rate Q, e.g., 100 mL / s, and velocity u, e.g., 3 m / s, as shown in the following formula. In the current medium dispensing process, the maximum dispensing flow rate is set to 100 mL / s, and the output velocity of the new nozzle is set to 3 m / s to prevent foaming in the sample bag or container. Therefore, D1 is set to ≥ 6.8 mm.

[0133]

[0134] The actual diameter D1 of the distribution pipe section 120 may be set to 7.0 mm to leave a redundancy.

[0135] At low flow rates, such as 33 mL / s, for DI water, D1 is calculated to be 4.0 mm, which is less than the capillary length of 5.4 mm. Therefore, the DI water will be trapped in the nozzle's distribution section. In this case, the nozzle exit velocity cannot be reduced to 3 m / s. This means that D1 should be set to no less than 5.4 mm.

[0136] As for the length L1 of the distribution pipe section 120, given the diameter D1 of the distribution pipe section 120, it depends on Q. Referring to the nozzle exit velocities corresponding to different Q and L1 under experimental conditions, it can be found that, for a given Q, the distribution pipe section length L1 is a polynomial of the velocity u. For example, for a maximum Q of 100 mL / s, the quadratic coefficient is 3.4234, the linear coefficient is 43.343, and the constant term is 147.56.

[0137] The length L1 of the distribution pipe section 120 can be set to 40 mm, so that the nozzle output speed is close to 3 m / s, and there is no foam or little foam when the culture medium distribution speed is 100 mL / s.

[0138] Another consideration is the velocity distribution across the nozzle outlet cross-section. Sometimes, while the average velocity at the outlet meets the requirements, the velocity at the center is still high, resulting in some foam. Therefore, the velocity distribution standard deviation (SD) is used to assess the distribution. Generally, a relative standard deviation (RSD) of the output velocity distribution of around 30% is considered acceptable. Therefore, for a media distribution velocity requirement of 3 m / s, an SD of 1.0 can be considered acceptable. In other words, when L1 / D1 is greater than 5.5, the outlet velocity SD can be less than 1.0 for varying flow rates and D1, and L2 can be greater than or equal to 40 mm.

[0139] For the transition pipe section 130, the length L3 of the transition pipe section 130 is defined by the following formula:

[0140]

[0141] in,

[0142] θ is the transition pipe section relative to Figure 1 The inclination angle of the nozzle to the vertical direction is kept in the range of 4° to 8°, preferably 5° to 7°, so that the high-speed flow can be dispersed, thereby ensuring that the speed of the distribution flow at the nozzle output is low. In addition, there is also less risk of some foaming due to low pressure during this transition.

[0143] If θ is set to 7°, then L3 can be calculated as:

[0144]

[0145] Using a dispensing nozzle constructed according to the above-mentioned design features, a single concentration of BPW (buffered peptone water) can be dispensed at a dispensing speed of 33-100 mL / s, with a volume dispensing accuracy of ≤±1%, and no or little undesirable foaming in the sample bag or container.

[0146] Fluids such as deionized water and concentrates or single-concentration BPW can be dispensed using this nozzle for peristaltic pump calibration, media dispensing, and deionized water dispensing, with a maximum dispensing rate of 100 mL / s. During the dispensing process, since the fluid is pumped by a peristaltic pump, the flow rate or velocity of the fluid fluctuates. Therefore, when the peristaltic pump stops, the fluid in the tube will retract. This poses a challenge to trap the deionized water or media in the nozzle to improve dispensing accuracy.

[0147] Using this nozzle, a single concentration of BPW was dispensed at a dispensing speed of 50 to 100 mL / s, and a dispensing accuracy of ≤±1% was obtained at different total dispensing volumes, such as Figure 4 Correspondingly, only a small amount of foam was found in the sample bag or container. Figure 4 In, V A 、VB 、V C 、V D 、V E They respectively refer to the distribution areas of the dispensing accuracy values ​​of each test when the total dispensing volume is 90 mL, 100 mL, 225 mL, 1000 mL and 3700 mL.

[0148] Using this nozzle, COMSOL flow simulation results show that at a dispensing volumetric flow rate of 100 mL / s, the average linear velocity of the fluid across the entire outlet cross-section at the outlet 121 of the dispensing nozzle can be maintained at 2.75 m / s. This is comparable to the average outlet fluid linear velocity of 2.63 m / s for the prior art dispensing nozzle at a flow rate of only 33 mL / s. Furthermore, during use of this particular dispensing nozzle 100, the dispensing accuracy also achieved 0.59%, meeting the aforementioned dispensing accuracy requirements.

[0149] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ aspects, features and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide further embodiments.

[0150] Various changes can readily be made to the embodiments described herein in light of the above detailed description.

[0151] In general, in the claims, the terms used should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A dispensing nozzle (100) for a fluid medium, comprising: a receiving pipe section (110), the receiving pipe section (110) comprising an inlet (111) of the dispensing nozzle (100), the receiving pipe section (110) being configured to receive a fluid medium to be dispensed from the inlet (111) so that the received fluid medium flows through the receiving pipe section (110), the receiving pipe section (110) defining a corresponding receiving pipe section cross section at each position in a length direction of the receiving pipe section (110); a distribution pipe section (120), the distribution pipe section (120) comprising an outlet (121) of the distribution nozzle (100), the distribution pipe section (120) being configured to distribute the received fluid medium to be distributed out of the distribution nozzle (100) via the distribution pipe section (120), the distribution pipe section (120) defining a corresponding distribution pipe section cross section at each position in the length direction of the distribution pipe section (120); and a transition pipe section (130), wherein the transition pipe section (130) connects the receiving pipe section (110) and the distribution pipe section (120), in, The cross section of the receiving pipe section is smaller than the cross section of the distribution pipe section.

2. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The cross-sectional area of ​​the distribution pipe section is configured to be large enough to avoid capillary action within the distribution pipe section (120).

3. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The cross section of the distribution pipe section is circular.

4. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The diameter (D1) of the distribution pipe section is configured to be greater than or equal to 5.4 mm.

5. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The ratio of the length (L1) of the distribution pipe section to the diameter (D1) of the distribution pipe section is greater than 5.

5.

6. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The cross-sectional area of ​​the receiving tube section is configured to be small enough to allow the fluid medium to be dispensed to be captured in the receiving tube section (110) by capillary action.

7. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The cross section of the receiving pipe section is circular.

8. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 7, It is characterized in that The diameter (D2) of the receiving tube section is configured to be less than or equal to 5.4 mm.

9. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The length (L2) of the receiving tube section is configured to be greater than or equal to 40 mm.

10. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The transition pipe section (130) includes at least one section whose cross-sectional area increases monotonically.

11. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The transition pipe section (130) gradually expands from the receiving pipe section (110) to the distribution pipe section (120) in a form of monotonically increasing flow cross section.

12. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 11, It is characterized in that The transition pipe section (130) includes a tapered section (131) having a tapered angle (θ), wherein the tapered angle (θ) of the tapered section (131) is 3° to 15°.

13. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 12, It is characterized in that The transition pipe section (130) further includes a first taper adjustment section (132) located between the tapered section (131) and the receiving pipe section (110), wherein the taper of the first taper adjustment section (132) is between the taper of the tapered section (131) and the taper of the receiving pipe section (110); and / or, The transition pipe section (130) further includes a second taper adjustment section located between the tapered section and the distribution pipe section (120), wherein the taper of the second taper adjustment section is between the taper of the tapered section (131) and the taper of the distribution pipe section (120).

14. The dispensing nozzle (100) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The receiving pipe section (110), the distribution pipe section (120) and the transition pipe section (130) are an integrated single piece.

15. A fluid medium distribution device, in, The fluid medium dispensing device comprises an inlet for receiving the fluid medium to be dispensed and a dispensing nozzle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 as an outlet for the fluid medium.

16. A microbial culture system, in, The microorganism cultivation system comprises the fluid medium dispensing device according to claim 15 and a peristaltic pump for dispensing a culture medium solution to an inlet of the fluid medium.

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