Multi-element gradient liquid preparation machine

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a multi-element gradient solution preparation machine, and relates to the field of solution preparation. The multi-element gradient liquid preparation machine comprises at least three branch pipelines connected in parallel and a main pipeline, each branch pipeline is sequentially provided with a pneumatic switch valve, a mass flow meter and a regulating valve in the liquid flow direction, and all the branch pipelines are sequentially connected in parallel, converged and connected into the main pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of solution preparation, and more specifically, to a multi-gradient solution dispensing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With economic development and social progress, industrial production in fields such as chemical engineering, biology, and pharmaceuticals often requires the preparation of mixed solvents in specific proportions. Currently, quaternary gradient elution automated dispensing machines are used in the purification of small nucleic acids in the development of novel pharmaceuticals, featuring high automation and high precision. This dispensing machine mainly consists of two pumps, two flow meters, and one mixer. It can only achieve fixed, equal-proportion dispensing and cannot perform gradient dispensing of multiple liquids simultaneously.

[0003] In addition, dispensing machines that can dispense multiple liquids usually mix multiple liquids together at the same time, which can lead to uneven mixing and inaccurate concentration detection results, thus affecting the accuracy of dispensing. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine that can achieve gradient dispensing of multiple liquids with high accuracy.

[0005] This application provides a multi-gradient liquid mixing machine, which includes at least three parallel branch pipelines and one main pipeline. Each branch pipeline is provided with a pneumatic switch valve, a mass flow meter and a regulating valve in sequence along the liquid flow direction. All the branch pipelines are connected in parallel and merged into the main pipeline.

[0006] In the above process, multiple branch pipelines introduce various liquids into the main pipeline for mixing. Pneumatic valves on each branch pipeline control the opening and closing of the pipeline. Mass flow meters detect the operating flow rate of the liquid in the pipeline, and regulating valves control the flow rate to achieve gradient changes in flow, thus realizing online gradient mixing of multiple liquids. This significantly reduces equipment costs, and the fact that the regulating valves are installed after the mass flow meters facilitates pressure backup and makes flow detection more stable. All branch pipelines are sequentially connected in parallel and then merged into the main pipeline. This segmented mixing method achieves effective mixing of different liquids, improves mixing uniformity, and ensures high accuracy in liquid mixing.

[0007] In one possible implementation, it includes n branch pipelines, n≧3, where the first branch pipeline and the second branch pipeline are connected in parallel and merged into the main pipeline, and the third branch pipeline, ..., the nth branch pipeline are then connected in parallel along the flow direction into the main pipeline.

[0008] In the above implementation process, a corresponding number of branch pipelines are set according to the requirements of the liquid type to achieve gradient liquid preparation of multiple liquids, and the accuracy of liquid preparation is high.

[0009] In one possible implementation, a mixer is installed at the position after each of the branch pipelines connected in parallel on the main pipeline.

[0010] In the above process, multiple branch pipelines are merged in stages. Each merged branch pipeline is mixed by the corresponding mixer, which ensures that the final mixture of multiple liquids is uniform.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the first end of each of the branch pipelines is connected to a stock solution tank for storing a single liquid, the stock solution tank having a nitrogen sealing function.

[0012] In the above process, the raw solutions for the multi-gradient dispensing machine all come from the raw solution storage tank. Since the raw solutions are usually organic solvents or other solutions, they need to be aseptically preserved. The solutions are all stored in a slightly positive pressure nitrogen-sealed environment (whose pressure fluctuations are small). The raw solution storage tank with nitrogen-sealing function can meet the above requirements. The nitrogen-sealing function of the raw solution storage tank can also be used to create a slightly positive pressure inside the tank to provide the power source for liquid movement. By controlling the regulating valve, the flow rate gradient can be achieved, and the liquid can be dispensed in a gradient within a certain flow range (from 0 to maximum flow rate) without the need for pumping.

[0013] In one possible implementation, at least one of the branch pipelines has a raw material storage tank connected in parallel to a cleaning tank for storing cleaning fluid, and the pipeline connected to the cleaning tank is equipped with a corresponding pneumatic switch valve.

[0014] In the above process, the cleaning tank is used to meet the reverse cleaning requirements of the raw liquid storage tank and the forward cleaning requirements of the branch pipeline.

[0015] In one possible implementation, a pressure transmitter is also provided between the pneumatic switch valve and the mass flow meter on each of the branch pipelines;

[0016] And / or, a check valve is also provided after the regulating valve on each of the branch pipelines;

[0017] And / or, at least one of the regulating valves on the branch pipeline is connected in parallel with another regulating valve.

[0018] In the above implementation process, the pressure transmitter is used to detect the pressure of the branch pipeline. The pressure value can be fed back to the automatic control box to determine whether it is within the normal operating pressure range. It is used to monitor and adjust the pressure of the branch pipeline. The one-way valve is used to prevent the liquid in the branch pipeline from flowing back into the original liquid storage tank. By using the regulating valve and another regulating valve connected in parallel, the flow rate adjustment range of the branch pipeline is made larger and the flow rate gradient change is more stable during the gradient adjustment process.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the end of the main pipeline is connected to a mixing tank for storing mixed liquids. The mixing tank is equipped with a defoamer and a bubble detector. The mixing tank is also connected to a qualified product tank for storing qualified liquids via an outlet pipeline.

[0020] In the above process, since the liquid may contain gas in the initial stage (original liquid) or generate gas during operation, a defoamer is installed on the mixed liquid storage tank. The defoamer, together with the bubble detector, removes the bubbles in the mixed liquid. The defoamer not only removes bubbles, but also provides a buffer for downstream processes.

[0021] In one possible implementation, conductivity meters are respectively installed at the position of the main pipeline near the inlet of the mixed liquid storage tank and at the position of the outlet pipeline near the outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank.

[0022] And / or, a transition valve is connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank.

[0023] In the above implementation process, by installing conductivity meters at the inlet and outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank, the conductivity or pH of the mixed liquid before and after defoaming can be detected to assess the concentration of the mixed liquid, which can serve as an auxiliary means to determine whether the liquid preparation is accurate; in particular, the conductivity of the mixed liquid flowing out of the mixed liquid storage tank can be used as a basis for judging whether the mixed liquid is qualified.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the mixed liquid storage tank is connected to a gas storage tank, and an exhaust valve is installed on the pipeline between the mixed liquid storage tank and the gas storage tank.

[0025] In one possible implementation, a qualified product valve is also provided on the liquid outlet pipeline;

[0026] And / or, the outlet pipeline is also connected to a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid, and a waste liquid valve is provided on the pipeline for connection.

[0027] In the above implementation process, since the concentration of the prepared liquid will fluctuate during the online liquid preparation process, a waste liquid valve and waste liquid pipe are added at the final outlet. When the mass flow meter detects abnormality or the conductivity or pH detected by the conductivity meter is abnormal, waste liquid can be discharged, which can ensure the accuracy of the concentration of the mixed solution entering the final outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a quaternary gradient liquid mixing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Icons: 01-First pneumatic switch valve; 02-First cleaning pneumatic switch valve; 03-First pressure transmitter; 04-First mass flow meter; 05-First regulating valve; 06-First check valve; 07-Second pneumatic switch valve; 08-Second cleaning pneumatic switch valve; 09-Second pressure transmitter; 10-Second mass flow meter; 11-Second regulating valve; 12-Second auxiliary regulating valve; 13-Second check valve; 14-Third pneumatic switch valve; 15-Third cleaning pneumatic switch valve; 16-Third pressure transmitter; 17-Third mass flow meter; 18-Third regulating valve; 19-Third check valve; 20-Fourth pneumatic switch valve; 21-Fourth pressure transmitter; 22-Fourth mass flow meter; 23-Fourth regulating valve; 24-Fourth auxiliary regulating valve ; 25-Fourth check valve; 26-First mixer; 27-Second mixer; 28-Third mixer; 29-First conductivity meter; 30-Transition valve; 31-Second conductivity meter; 32-Exhaust valve; 33-Qualified product valve; 34-Waste liquid valve; 35-Defoamer; 36-Bubble detector; 37-Mixed liquid storage tank; 41-First raw liquid storage tank; 42-First cleaning tank; 43-Second raw liquid storage tank; 44-Second cleaning tank; 45-Third raw liquid storage tank; 46-Third cleaning tank; 47-Fourth raw liquid storage tank; 48-Gas storage tank; 49-Waste liquid tank; 50-Qualified product tank; 51-First branch pipeline; 52-Second branch pipeline; 53-Third branch pipeline; 54-Fourth branch pipeline; 55-Main pipeline; 56-Discharge pipeline. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] First Embodiment

[0039] This embodiment provides a multi-gradient liquid mixing machine, which includes at least three parallel branch pipelines and one main pipeline. Each branch pipeline is equipped with a pneumatic switch valve, a mass flow meter, and a regulating valve in sequence along the liquid flow direction. All branch pipelines are connected in parallel and merged into the main pipeline.

[0040] In one possible implementation, it includes n branch pipelines, where n ≥ 3. The first branch pipeline and the second branch pipeline are connected in parallel and merge into the main pipeline. The third branch pipeline, ..., the nth branch pipeline are then connected in parallel along the flow direction into the main pipeline. A mixer is installed after each parallel branch pipeline on the main pipeline. Specifically, from the flow direction of the main pipeline, each branch pipeline is connected sequentially to merge into the main pipeline. After the first branch pipeline, a mixer needs to be installed before connecting the next branch pipeline for each additional merging branch pipeline.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the first end of each branch pipeline is connected to a stock solution storage tank for storing a single liquid, and the stock solution storage tank has a nitrogen sealing function. At least one branch pipeline has a stock solution storage tank connected in parallel to a cleaning tank for storing cleaning fluid, and the pipeline connected to the cleaning tank is equipped with a corresponding pneumatic switch valve.

[0042] In one possible implementation, a pressure transmitter is also installed between the pneumatic switching valve and the mass flow meter on each branch pipeline; a check valve is also installed after the regulating valve on each branch pipeline; and at least one regulating valve on a branch pipeline is connected in parallel with another regulating valve.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the end of the main pipeline is connected to a mixed liquid storage tank for storing mixed liquids. The mixed liquid storage tank is equipped with a defoamer and a bubble detector. The mixed liquid storage tank is also connected to a qualified product tank for storing qualified liquids via an outlet pipeline. The outlet pipeline is also equipped with a qualified product valve. The outlet pipeline is also connected to a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquids, and the pipeline used for connection is equipped with a waste liquid valve.

[0044] In one possible implementation, conductivity meters are installed at the inlet of the main pipeline near the mixing tank and at the outlet of the outlet pipeline near the outlet of the mixing tank, respectively. The conductivity meters can also be directly inserted into the inlet and outlet of the mixing tank to determine the accuracy of the mixed liquid preparation. A transition valve is connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet of the mixing tank.

[0045] In one possible implementation, a mixing tank is connected to a gas storage tank, and an vent valve is installed on the pipeline between the mixing tank and the gas storage tank.

[0046] In one possible implementation, it also includes a control system, which consists of an automatic control box containing a PLC and automatic control components. The system is controlled by setting parameters through this automatic control system. During operation, the control system compares the flow rate value fed back from the mass flow meter with the set flow parameters and controls the opening of the regulating valve to achieve the preset mass flow rate. The solution is then staged and mixed in a mixer. After thorough mixing, conductivity or pH is measured to assist in verifying the accuracy of the solution preparation.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1 As one implementation method, this embodiment provides a quaternary gradient liquid mixing machine, which includes 4 branch pipelines and 1 main pipeline, and also includes 12 pneumatic switching valves, 4 mass flow meters, 6 regulating valves, 4 pressure controllers, 4 check valves, 3 static mixers, 1 defoamer, 1 bubble sensor, etc. installed on the aforementioned pipelines.

[0048] Looking from top to bottom, the four branch pipes are, in order, branch pipe 51, branch pipe 52, branch pipe 53, and branch pipe 54.

[0049] The first branch pipeline 51 is connected to a first raw material storage tank 41 for storing acetonitrile. Along the liquid flow direction, a first pneumatic switch valve 01, a first pressure transmitter 03, a first mass flow meter 04, a first regulating valve 05, and a first check valve 06 are arranged in sequence. The first raw material storage tank 41 and the first pneumatic switch valve 01 downstream of it are connected in parallel to a first cleaning tank 42 for storing cleaning fluid. A corresponding first cleaning pneumatic switch valve 02 is arranged on the pipeline connected to the first cleaning tank 42.

[0050] The first end of the second branch pipeline 52 is connected to a second raw material storage tank 43 for storing sodium chloride solution. Along the liquid flow direction, a second pneumatic switch valve 07, a second pressure transmitter 09, a second mass flow meter 10, a second regulating valve 11, and a second check valve 13 are arranged in sequence. The second raw material storage tank 43 and the second pneumatic switch valve 07 are connected in parallel to a second cleaning tank 44 for storing cleaning solution. A corresponding second cleaning pneumatic switch valve 08 is arranged on the pipeline connected to the second cleaning tank 44. The second regulating valve 11 is connected in parallel to a second auxiliary regulating valve 12.

[0051] The first end of the third branch pipeline 53 is connected to a third raw material storage tank 45 for storing sodium hydroxide. Along the liquid flow direction, a third pneumatic switch valve 14, a third pressure transmitter 16, a third mass flow meter 17, a third regulating valve 18, and a third check valve 19 are arranged in sequence. The third raw material storage tank 45 and the third pneumatic switch valve 14 downstream of it are connected in parallel to a third cleaning tank 46 for storing cleaning fluid. A corresponding third cleaning pneumatic switch valve 15 is installed on the pipeline connected to the third cleaning tank 46.

[0052] The first end of the fourth branch pipeline 54 is connected to the fourth raw liquid storage tank 47 for storing aqueous solution. Along the liquid flow direction, the fourth pneumatic switch valve 20, the fourth pressure transmitter 21, the fourth mass flow meter 22, the fourth regulating valve 23, and the fourth check valve 25 are arranged in sequence. The fourth regulating valve 23 is connected in parallel with the fourth auxiliary regulating valve 24.

[0053] The tail ends of the fourth branch pipeline 54 and the third branch pipeline 53 are connected in parallel and merged into the main pipeline 55. Looking along the liquid flow direction, the main pipeline 55 is sequentially connected to the first mixer 26, the tail end of the second branch pipeline 52 connected in parallel to the main pipeline 55, the second mixer 27, the tail end of the first branch pipeline 51 connected in parallel to the main pipeline 55, the third mixer 28, the first conductivity meter 29, and the inlet of the mixed liquid storage tank 37. A transition valve 30 is connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank 37. The outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank 37 is connected to a qualified product tank 50 for storing qualified liquid through an outlet pipeline 56. The outlet pipeline 56 is sequentially connected to the second conductivity meter 31 and the qualified product valve 33. The outlet pipeline 56 is also connected to a waste liquid tank 49 for storing waste liquid after the qualified product valve 33, and a waste liquid valve 34 is installed on the pipeline. The mixed liquid storage tank 37 is equipped with a defoamer 35 and a bubble detector 36. The mixed liquid storage tank 37 is connected to a gas storage tank 48. An exhaust valve 32 is installed on the pipeline between the mixed liquid storage tank 37 and the gas storage tank 48.

[0054] In this embodiment, the different liquids in the four storage tanks are processed through their respective branch pipelines and then thoroughly mixed by a mixer in sequence. After mixing, they are defoamed and then the waste liquid and qualified liquid are switched and output using waste liquid valve and qualified product valve.

[0055] The specific process is as follows: First, 1 mol of sodium hydroxide and water are drawn into the main pipeline 55 via the fourth branch pipeline 54 and the third branch pipeline 53, and then mixed in the first mixer 26. Next, 4 mol of sodium chloride solution is drawn into the main pipeline 55 via the second branch pipeline 52, and together with the mixture from the first mixer 26, it is drawn into the second mixer 27 for mixing. Then, acetonitrile is drawn into the main pipeline 55 via the first branch pipeline 51, and together with the mixture from the second mixer 27, it is drawn into the third mixer 28 for mixing. The acetonitrile is drawn in last to reduce the precipitation of sodium chloride by acetonitrile.

[0056] In summary, the multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine of this application embodiment can realize the gradient dispensing of multiple liquids, and the dispensing accuracy is high.

[0057] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine, characterized in that, It includes at least three parallel branch pipelines and one main pipeline. Each branch pipeline is equipped with a pneumatic switch valve, a mass flow meter, and a regulating valve in sequence along the liquid flow direction. All the branch pipelines are connected in parallel and merged into the main pipeline.

2. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It includes n branch pipelines, n≧3. The first branch pipeline and the second branch pipeline are connected in parallel and merged into the main pipeline. The third branch pipeline, ..., the nth branch pipeline are then connected in parallel along the liquid flow direction and enter the main pipeline.

3. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A mixer is installed at the position after each of the branch pipelines connected in parallel on the main pipeline.

4. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned branch pipelines is connected at its first end to a raw material storage tank for storing a single type of liquid, and the raw material storage tank has a nitrogen sealing function.

5. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one of the branch pipelines has a raw material storage tank connected in parallel to a cleaning tank for storing cleaning fluid, and the cleaning tank is connected to a pipeline with a corresponding pneumatic switch valve.

6. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure transmitter is also installed between the pneumatic switch valve and the mass flow meter on each of the branch pipelines; And / or, a check valve is also provided after the regulating valve on each of the branch pipelines; And / or, at least one of the regulating valves on the branch pipeline is connected in parallel with another regulating valve.

7. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipeline is connected to a mixed liquid storage tank at its end. The mixed liquid storage tank is equipped with a defoamer and a bubble detector. The mixed liquid storage tank is also connected to a qualified product tank for storing qualified liquid via an outlet pipeline.

8. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, Conductivity meters are installed at the positions of the main pipeline near the inlet of the mixed liquid storage tank and the outlet pipeline near the outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank, respectively. And / or, a transition valve is connected in parallel between the inlet and outlet of the mixed liquid storage tank.

9. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mixed liquid storage tank is connected to a gas storage tank, and an exhaust valve is installed on the pipeline between the mixed liquid storage tank and the gas storage tank.

10. The multi-gradient liquid dispensing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outlet pipeline is also equipped with a qualified product valve; And / or, the outlet pipeline is also connected to a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid, and a waste liquid valve is provided on the pipeline for connection.

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