Automatic sampling device of bioreactor

Abstract

The utility model provides an automatic sampling device for a bioreactor, which is used for conveying liquid in the bioreactor into a sampler and comprises a conveying pipe, a conveying pump arranged on the conveying pipe, an emptying pipe and an emptying pump arranged on the emptying pipe, one end of the conveying pipe is inserted into the bioreactor and located below the liquid level of liquid in the bioreactor, the other end of the conveying pipe is inserted into the sampler, and the conveying pump can drive the liquid in the bioreactor to be conveyed towards the direction of the sampler; one end of the emptying pipe is inserted into the bioreactor and is suspended above the liquid level of liquid in the bioreactor, the other end of the emptying pipe is communicated with the conveying pipe, the communication point of the emptying pipe and the conveying pipe is located between the bioreactor and the conveying pump, and the emptying pump can drive air above the liquid level in the bioreactor to be conveyed outwards. According to the automatic sampling device, the liquid in the bioreactor can be automatically sampled in a timed and quantitative manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an automatic sampling device for bioreactors. Background Technology

[0002] During the fermentation process in bioreactors, periodic sampling is frequently required. Currently, there are two common sampling methods: manual sampling and automated sampling. Manual sampling requires personnel to be on-site at set times, during which time they cannot perform other tasks. Various automated sampling devices are available. For example, there are independent sampling devices, but they cannot share data with the bioreactor's control unit, still require manual control of sampling timing, and occupy space, resulting in cost and space waste. There are samplers that use pipettes and peristaltic pumps for sampling, but they cannot eliminate residues in the sampling tube and cannot collect sterile samples, thus significantly limiting their use. There are also automated samplers with mechanical walls that extract samples from the tank using a sampling needle, but these are costly and not conducive to widespread adoption. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides an automatic sampling device for bioreactors. When the automatic sampling device automatically samples, it can achieve timed and quantitative aseptic sampling while avoiding contamination of the sample by residual materials.

[0004] This utility model solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0005] This invention provides an automatic sampling device for a bioreactor. The automatic sampling device is used to transport liquid in the bioreactor to a sampler. The automatic sampling device includes a delivery pipe and a delivery pump, an empty pipe, and an empty pump on the empty pipe. One end of the delivery pipe is inserted into the bioreactor and located below the liquid surface in the bioreactor. The other end of the delivery pipe is inserted into the sampler. The delivery pump can drive the liquid in the bioreactor to be transported towards the sampler. One end of the empty pipe is inserted into the bioreactor and suspended above the liquid surface in the bioreactor. The other end of the empty pipe is connected to the delivery pipe. The connection point between the empty pipe and the delivery pipe is located between the bioreactor and the delivery pump. The empty pump can drive the air above the liquid surface in the bioreactor to be transported outward.

[0006] In this technical solution, timed and quantitative automatic sampling of liquid in the bioreactor can be realized, and the pipeline is emptied by an emptying pump before and after sampling, so that the liquid sampled each time is fresh liquid in the bioreactor; throughout the entire fermentation process and sampling process of the bioreactor, the bioreactor is always in a closed environment, and the liquid in the bioreactor will not be contaminated by the outside world.

[0007] Preferably, the automatic sampling device includes a first adapter, which includes a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface that are interconnected; the delivery pipe includes a first output section and a second output section, one end of the first output section is inserted into the bioreactor, the other end of the first output section is connected to the first interface of the first adapter, one end of the second output section is connected to the second interface of the first adapter, and the other end of the second output section is inserted into the sampler; the third interface of the first adapter is connected to the end of the drain pipe away from the bioreactor.

[0008] In this technical solution, the connection between the drain pipe and the delivery pipe can be achieved through the first adapter.

[0009] Preferably, the automatic sampling device further includes a tube clamp that can be clamped onto the second output section.

[0010] In this technical solution, when using an air purging pump to purge the pipeline, a pipe clamp can be used to clamp a certain position of the second output section, so that the air extraction suction force of the air purging pump can stop at the position clamped by the pipe clamp, forming a small extraction cycle, resulting in a better purging effect.

[0011] Preferably, the delivery pipe includes a main pipe and several branch pipes, one end of the main pipe is inserted into the bioreactor, the other end of the main pipe is connected to one end of the branch pipe, the delivery pump is disposed on the main pipe, and the end of the branch pipe away from the main pipe can be inserted into the sampler.

[0012] In this technical solution, multiple samplers can be used simultaneously or sequentially; or several branch pipes can be selected for sampling by inserting samplers.

[0013] Preferably, the conveying pipe further includes a second adapter, which is disposed between the main pipe and the branch pipe. The second adapter has several interconnected interfaces, and the ports of the main pipe and the branch pipe are inserted into the interfaces of the second adapter.

[0014] In this technical solution, the second adapter enables interconnection between the main pipe and several branch pipes.

[0015] Preferably, the automatic sampling device further includes several pipe clamps that can clamp onto the branch pipe.

[0016] In this technical solution, the tube clamp can be clamped onto the branch pipe according to the sampling requirements; no liquid will flow into the sampler from the branch pipe clamped by the tube clamp.

[0017] Preferably, the second adapter is a multi-channel switching valve.

[0018] In this technical solution, the second adapter adopts a multi-channel switching valve. By controlling the multi-channel switching valve, the main pipe can be selected to be connected to one or more branch pipes.

[0019] Preferably, the inner diameter of the branch pipe is less than 8 mm.

[0020] In this technical solution, the inner diameter of the branch pipe 14 is less than 8mm, which is more suitable for transporting spherical bacteria.

[0021] Preferably, the automatic sampling device further includes a controller, which is signal-connected to the delivery pump and the venting pump.

[0022] In this technical solution, the delivery pump and the evacuation pump are controlled by a controller to start up and run for a specific time, thereby enabling timed start-up for each sampling and quantitative control of the liquid volume sampled each time.

[0023] Preferably, the controller includes a control module and a control input panel, the control module being signal-connected to the delivery pump and the venting pump, and the control input panel being signal-connected to the control module.

[0024] In this technical solution, the control input panel can input multiple sets of data, such as sampling interval, venting volume, venting rate, sampling volume, and sampling rate, into the control module. This allows the control module to control the start-up time and running time of the delivery pump and venting pump, thereby achieving timed and quantitative sampling.

[0025] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of this utility model.

[0026] The positive and progressive effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0027] The aforementioned automatic sampling device for bioreactors can automatically sample the liquid in the bioreactor at regular intervals and in quantitative quantities. Before and after sampling, the pipeline is emptied by an emptying pump, so that the liquid sampled each time is fresh liquid from the bioreactor. Throughout the entire fermentation process and sampling process, the bioreactor remains in a closed environment, and the liquid in the bioreactor will not be contaminated by the outside world. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the automatic sampling device for bioreactors of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the control input panel of the automatic sampling device for the bioreactor.

[0030] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 2 of the automatic sampling device for bioreactors of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 3 of the automatic sampling device for bioreactors of this utility model.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] Bioreactor 100

[0034] First respirator 101

[0035] Sampler 200

[0036] Second respirator 201

[0037] Delivery pipe 1

[0038] First output segment 11

[0039] Second output segment 12

[0040] Supervisor 13

[0041] Branch pipe 14

[0042] Second adapter 15

[0043] Transfer pump 2

[0044] Drain pipe 3

[0045] 4 air pumps

[0046] First adapter 5

[0047] First Interface 51

[0048] Second interface 52

[0049] Third Interface 53

[0050] Pipe clamp 6

[0051] Controller 7

[0052] Control Module 71

[0053] Control input panel 72 Detailed Implementation

[0054] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0055] like Figure 1 The image shows an embodiment of the automatic sampling device for bioreactors of this invention.

[0056] In the bioreactor 100, samples need to be extracted periodically into the sampler 200 during fermentation. Through... Figure 1 The automatic sampling device shown can automatically sample the liquid inside the bioreactor 100. This automatic sampling device includes a delivery pipe 1, a delivery pump 2, an empty pipe 3, and an empty pump 4. The delivery pump 2 is mounted on the delivery pipe 1, and the empty pump 4 is mounted on the empty pipe 3. One end of the delivery pipe 1 is inserted into the bioreactor 100 and located below the liquid surface of the bioreactor 100, while the other end of the delivery pipe 1 is inserted into the sampler 200. The delivery pump 2 can drive the liquid inside the bioreactor 100 towards the sampler 200. One end of the empty pipe 3 is inserted into the bioreactor 100 and suspended above the liquid surface of the bioreactor 100, while the other end of the empty pipe 3 is connected to the delivery pipe 1. The connection point between the empty pipe 3 and the delivery pipe 1 is located between the bioreactor 100 and the delivery pump 2. The empty pump 4 can drive the air above the liquid surface inside the bioreactor 100 to be transported outwards.

[0057] The transfer pump 2 is clamped onto the transfer pipe 1. When the transfer pump 2 is not operating, the transfer pipe 1 is disconnected. The drain pump 4 is clamped onto the drain pipe 3. When the drain pump 4 is not operating, the drain pipe 3 is disconnected. When automatic sampling is required, firstly, the drain pump 4 is started and rotated counterclockwise, causing the liquid below the liquid surface in the bioreactor 100 to be drawn out through one end of the transfer pipe 1 and returned to the bioreactor 100 along the transfer pipe 1 and drain pipe 3, filling the drain pipe 1 and transfer pipe 3 with fresh liquid, ensuring that the subsequently extracted liquid is fresh liquid from the bioreactor 100. Then, the drain pump 4 stops operating, and the transfer pump 2 starts operating, drawing liquid from the bioreactor 100 and delivering it to the sampler 200 connected to the other end of the transfer pipe 1. When the volume of sampled liquid reaches the sampling requirement, the transfer pump 2 is turned off. Then, the vent pump 4 is started and rotated clockwise to extract the air above the liquid surface in the bioreactor 100 through one end of the vent pipe 3, and return it to the bioreactor 100 along the vent pipe 3 and the delivery pipe 1. Finally, while the vent pump 4 is rotating clockwise, the delivery pump 2 is started to extract the air above the liquid surface in the bioreactor 100 and also to discharge the remaining liquid in the delivery pipe 1 into the sampler 200, ensuring that the next sampling will not be affected by the remaining liquid.

[0058] The aforementioned automatic sampling device can automatically sample the liquid in the bioreactor 100 at regular intervals and in quantitative quantities. Before and after sampling, the pipeline is emptied by the evacuation pump 4, so that the liquid sampled each time is fresh liquid from the bioreactor 100. Throughout the entire fermentation process and sampling process of the bioreactor 100, the bioreactor 100 is always in a closed environment, and the liquid in the bioreactor 100 will not be contaminated by the outside world.

[0059] Among them, the delivery pump 2 and the venting pump 4 can be peristaltic pumps to realize the transfer of liquid or air in the venting pipe 3 and the delivery pipe 1.

[0060] The connection between the drain pipe 3 and the delivery pipe 1 is achieved through the first adapter 5. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the first adapter 5 includes a first interface 51, a second interface 52, and a third interface 53 that are interconnected; the delivery pipe 1 includes a first output section 11 and a second output section 12. One end of the first output section 11 is inserted into the bioreactor 100, and the other end of the first output section 11 is connected to the first interface 51 of the first adapter 5. One end of the second output section 12 is connected to the second interface 52 of the first adapter 5, and the other end of the second output section 12 is inserted into the sampler 200; the third interface 53 of the first adapter 5 is connected to the end of the drain pipe 3 that is away from the bioreactor 100.

[0061] The first adapter 5 allows for communication between the drain pipe 3 and the delivery pipe 1. The first adapter 5, drain pipe 3, and delivery pipe 1 can all be made of plastic. For ease of observation, the first adapter 5, drain pipe 3, and delivery pipe 1 can all be made of transparent material.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic sampling device also includes a tube clamp 6, which can be clamped onto the second output section 12. When using the evacuation pump 4 to evacuate the pipeline, the tube clamp 6 can be used to clamp a certain position on the second output section 12, so that the air extraction suction force of the evacuation pump 4 stops at the position clamped by the tube clamp 6, forming a small extraction cycle and improving the evacuation effect. Preferably, the tube clamp 6 is clamped on the second output section 12 near the first adapter 5. The tube clamp 6 is preferably a Robert clamp that can withstand high-temperature sterilization.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic sampling device also includes a controller 7, which is signal-connected to the transfer pump 2 and the empty pump 4. The start-up time and running time of the transfer pump 2 and the empty pump 4 are controlled by the controller 7 to achieve timed start-up for each sampling and quantitative control of the liquid volume sampled each time. The controller 7 can also be integrated with the control system of the bioreactor 100 for data sharing, and the sampling time and sampling conditions can be set according to the fermentation process.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the controller 7 includes a control module 71 and a control input panel 72. The control module 71 is connected to the delivery pump 2 and the emptying pump 4 via signals, and the control input panel 72 is connected to the control module 71 via signals. Figure 2As shown, the control input panel 72 can input multiple sets of data, such as sampling interval, venting volume, venting rate, sampling volume, and sampling rate, to the control module 71. This allows the control module 71 to control the start-up time and running time of the delivery pump 2 and the venting pump 4, so as to achieve timed and quantitative sampling.

[0065] To prevent internal pressurization in the bioreactor 100, the bioreactor 100 is equipped with a first breather 101. Similarly, to prevent internal pressurization in the samplers 200, each sampler 200 is equipped with a second breather 201.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] Most of the structure of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1. The difference is that the automatic sampling device in this embodiment can be used for sampling by multiple samplers 200.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the delivery pipe 1 includes a main pipe 13 and three branch pipes 14. One end of the main pipe 13 is inserted into the bioreactor 100, and the other end of the main pipe 13 is connected to one end of the branch pipe 14. The delivery pump 2 is installed on the main pipe 13, and the end of the branch pipe 14 away from the main pipe 13 can be inserted into the sampler 200.

[0069] The automatic sampling device can use three samplers 200 to sample simultaneously, or use three samplers 200 to sample sequentially; or select one or two branch pipes 14 to insert into the sampler 200 for sampling.

[0070] To enable flexible sampling, three tube clamps 6 can be configured. The tube clamps 6 can be attached to the branch tube 14 as needed. When the branch tube 14 is clamped by the tube clamps 6, no liquid will flow into the sampler 200. Preferably, the tube clamps 6 are Robert clamps that can withstand high-temperature sterilization.

[0071] The inner diameter of branch pipe 14 can be determined according to the type of liquid being transported. For example, if the liquid being transported is cocci, the inner diameter of branch pipe 14 should preferably be less than 8 mm.

[0072] When the first adapter 5 is installed, the main pipe 13 is divided into a first output section 11 and a second output section 12, and the first adapter 5 is located between the first output section 11 and the second output section 12.

[0073] like Figure 3As shown, the delivery pipe 1 also includes a second adapter 15, which is disposed between the main pipe 13 and the branch pipes 14. The second adapter 15 has four interconnected interfaces, and the ports of the main pipe 13 and the branch pipes 14 are inserted into the interfaces of the second adapter 15. Through the second adapter 15, interconnection between the main pipe 13 and the three branch pipes 14 can be achieved. The second adapter 15 can be made of plastic. For ease of observation, the second adapter 15 can be made of transparent material.

[0074] In other embodiments, the number of branch pipes 14 can also be designed according to the sampling needs; the structure of the second adapter 15 and the number of pipe clamps 6 also correspond to the number of branch pipes 14.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] Most of the structure of this embodiment is the same as that of embodiment two, except that the second adapter 15 of the automatic sampling device in this embodiment is a multi-channel switching valve.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, the second adapter 15 is a multi-channel switching valve, which is connected to the controller 7 via a signal. The multi-channel switching valve can switch the connection between the main pipe 13 and the three branch pipes 14, allowing the main pipe 13 to be connected to one, two, or three branch pipes 14.

[0078] This multi-channel switching valve allows for flow path switching controlled by either a stepper motor or a solenoid valve. It is commercially available, such as the Smart SV-04M multi-channel switching valve manufactured by Nanjing Runze Fluid Control Equipment Co., Ltd.

[0079] When a multi-channel switching valve is used as the second adapter 15, it is no longer necessary to use the pipe clamp 6 to clamp the branch pipe 14 when switching the flow path.

[0080] This utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any changes in its shape or structure fall within the protection scope of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of this utility model, but all such changes and modifications fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic sampling device for a bioreactor, the automatic sampling device being used to transport liquid within the bioreactor to a sampler, characterized in that, The automatic sampling device includes: The delivery pipe and the delivery pump installed on the delivery pipe are provided. One end of the delivery pipe is inserted into the bioreactor and located below the liquid surface of the bioreactor. The other end of the delivery pipe is inserted into the sampler. The delivery pump can drive the liquid in the bioreactor to be delivered towards the sampler. An empty pipe and an empty pump installed on the empty pipe are provided. One end of the empty pipe is inserted into the bioreactor and suspended above the liquid surface in the bioreactor. The other end of the empty pipe is connected to the delivery pipe. The connection point between the empty pipe and the delivery pipe is located between the bioreactor and the delivery pump. The empty pump can drive the air above the liquid surface in the bioreactor to be transported outward.

2. The bioreactor autosampling apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The automatic sampling device includes a first adapter, which includes a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface that are interconnected; the delivery pipe includes a first output section and a second output section, one end of the first output section is inserted into the bioreactor, the other end of the first output section is connected to the first interface of the first adapter, one end of the second output section is connected to the second interface of the first adapter, and the other end of the second output section is inserted into the sampler; the third interface of the first adapter is connected to the end of the drain pipe away from the bioreactor.

3. The bioreactor autosampling apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The automatic sampling device also includes a tube clamp that can be clamped onto the second output section.

4. The bioreactor autosampler of claim 1, wherein: The delivery pipe includes a main pipe and several branch pipes. One end of the main pipe is inserted into the bioreactor, and the other end of the main pipe is connected to one end of the branch pipe. The delivery pump is installed on the main pipe, and the end of the branch pipe away from the main pipe can be inserted into the sampler.

5. The bioreactor autosampling apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The delivery pipe also includes a second adapter, which is disposed between the main pipe and the branch pipe. The second adapter has several interconnected interfaces, and the ports of the main pipe and the branch pipe are inserted into the interfaces of the second adapter.

6. The bioreactor autosampling apparatus of claim 5, wherein: The automatic sampling device also includes several pipe clamps, which can clamp onto the branch pipe.

7. The automatic sampling device for bioreactors as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The second adapter is a multi-channel switching valve.

8. The bioreactor autosampler of claim 4, wherein: The inner diameter of the branch pipe is less than 8 mm.

9. The bioreactor autosampler apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The automatic sampling device also includes a controller, which is signal-connected to the delivery pump and the venting pump.

10. The bioreactor autosampling apparatus of claim 9, wherein: The controller includes a control module and a control input panel. The control module is connected to the delivery pump and the venting pump, and the control input panel is signal-connected to the control module.

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