A continuous centrifugation device

Abstract

The application relates to a continuous centrifugal device; the device comprises a solvent conveying unit and a multistage serial centrifugal unit, the solvent conveying unit is used for dynamically adjusting the ethanol / water ratio and temperature-controlling a sample solution, the multistage serial centrifugal unit is connected to the solvent conveying unit, and the multistage serial centrifugal unit is provided with a coaxial rotating annular layered structure, so that different molecular weight polysaccharides are synchronously precipitated under gradually increased ethanol concentrations. The application provides a device for continuously centrifuging and separating polysaccharides by dynamically adjusting ethanol concentrations, dynamically adjusting the ethanol concentrations by the solvent conveying unit, temperature-controlling a mixed solution, and combining the coaxial rotating annular layered structure of the multistage serial centrifugal unit to realize synchronous precipitation of different molecular weight polysaccharides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of bioactive substance separation technology, and more specifically, to a device for continuously centrifuging polysaccharides with dynamically adjusted ethanol concentration. Background Technology

[0002] As natural bioactive substances, polysaccharides' molecular weight distribution directly affects their pharmacological activity, necessitating purification and separation to obtain specific molecular weight fractions. Traditional alcohol precipitation methods for separating polysaccharides rely primarily on a single centrifugation combined with manual adjustment of the ethanol concentration, which has significant drawbacks.

[0003] On the one hand, repeated adjustments to the alcohol-water ratio and centrifugation to collect the precipitate are required, with each separation stage taking approximately 2-3 hours, making continuous fractionation impossible and the operation cumbersome. On the other hand, the separation precision is low; a single alcohol precipitation can only roughly separate high / low molecular weight components (e.g., >50kDa and <10kDa), with significant overlap in intermediate molecular weight distributions. Conventional single-layer centrifuges cannot adapt to dynamically changing ethanol gradients, and supernatant transfer relies on manual operation, easily leading to secondary dissolution or contamination of the precipitate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a polysaccharide separation device that can dynamically adjust the ethanol concentration, perform continuous centrifugation, and achieve precise fractionation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a continuous centrifugation device and its solvent delivery unit, multi-stage series centrifugation unit and automatic collection unit, which can achieve dynamic adjustment of ethanol concentration, continuous centrifugation and precise fractionation of polysaccharides.

[0005] This application provides a continuous centrifugation device, the technical solution of which is as follows: including:

[0006] A solvent delivery unit, which can prepare solutions according to requirements and deliver them in a directional manner;

[0007] A multi-stage series centrifuge unit, wherein the multi-stage series centrifuge unit is connected to the solvent delivery unit, and the multi-stage series centrifuge unit includes several coaxially rotating annular layered structures;

[0008] An automatic collection unit is connected to the multi-stage series centrifuge unit and is used to collect the precipitate inside the annular layered structure after centrifugation.

[0009] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the solvent delivery unit includes a sample container and a sample pump, wherein the sample container delivers the sample liquid to a primary centrifugation unit via a connecting pipe and the sample pump.

[0010] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the solvent delivery unit includes an ethanol tank, a proportioning valve, a mixing tank, a first four-way directional valve, a second four-way directional valve, a pumping pump, and a delivery pump.

[0011] The inlet of the proportional valve is connected to the ethanol tank via a pipe. One outlet of the proportional valve is connected to the first four-way reversing valve via a pipe. The outlet of the first four-way reversing valve is connected to the pump via a pipe. The pump is used to extract the supernatant after centrifugation in the secondary centrifuge unit. The other outlet of the proportional valve is connected to the mixing tank. The supernatant is mixed with ethanol in a specific ratio via the proportional valve and then transported to the mixing tank for mixing. The mixing tank is connected to the delivery pump via a pipe. The outlet of the delivery pump is connected to the inlet of the second four-way reversing valve via a pipe. The outlet of the second four-way reversing valve is connected to the tertiary centrifuge unit via a pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, this application also proposes that a mixer and a heating element are installed inside the mixing tank, and a temperature sensor is provided to monitor the temperature of the heated solution after stirring.

[0013] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the multi-stage series centrifuge unit includes a motor and centrifuge rings, and a centrifuge shaft is installed on the output shaft of the centrifuge; the centrifuge rings are provided in several sets, all of which can be detachably installed on the centrifuge shaft, and the top of the centrifuge rings is provided with an annular opening for liquid inlet and outlet.

[0014] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the inner side of the centrifugal ring is provided with a snap fastener for connecting springs, and a corresponding slot for engaging snap fasteners is provided on the centrifugal shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, the inner wall of the centrifugal ring is uniformly provided with grids for generating resistance to the separated liquid.

[0016] Furthermore, this application also proposes that the automatic collection unit includes: a linear module, a cylinder, the cylinder being vertically mounted on the linear module; a scraper bracket, the scraper bracket being mounted on the cylinder; a scraper, the scraper being connected to the scraper bracket, and a single set of scrapers corresponding to a single set of centrifugal rings.

[0017] As can be seen from the above, the continuous centrifugation device and its solvent delivery unit, multi-stage series centrifugation unit and automatic collection unit provided in this application include a solvent delivery unit that dynamically adjusts the ethanol ratio and controls the temperature of the mixed solution, a multi-stage series centrifugation unit that synchronously precipitates polysaccharides of different molecular weights through a coaxially rotating annular layered structure, and an automatic collection unit that collects the precipitates in each layer. This solves the problems of cumbersome operation and low separation accuracy of traditional methods, and has the effect of dynamically adjusting the ethanol concentration, continuous centrifugation and precise fractionation of polysaccharides. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments thereof.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the solvent delivery unit shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the solvent delivery unit shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-stage series centrifuge unit shown in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the centrifugal ring shown in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing tank structure shown in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 1-Solvent delivery unit, 11-Ethanol tank, 12-Sample tank, 121-Sample pump, 13-Dispensing valve, 14-Mixing tank, 141-Stirrer, 142-Heating tube, 143-Temperature sensor, 15-Recovery tank, 16-First four-way reversing valve, 17-Second four-way reversing valve, 18-Liquid extraction pump, 19-Infusion pump;

[0027] 2-Multi-stage series centrifugal unit, 21-Motor, 22-Centrifugal ring, 221-Snap fastener, 222-Spring;

[0028] 3-Automatic collection unit, 31-Linear module, 32-Cylinder, 33-Scraper bracket, 34-Scraper. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. The components of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent drawings. Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] In existing technologies, polysaccharide separation relies on a single centrifugation combined with manual adjustment of ethanol concentration, resulting in discontinuous separation processes and overlapping intermediate molecular weight distributions. Traditional methods require repeated adjustments to the alcohol-water ratio and manual transfer of the supernatant, leading to low operational efficiency and a high risk of secondary dissolution of precipitates. Conventional centrifugation equipment cannot adapt to dynamically changing ethanol gradients, making it difficult to achieve precise stratified precipitation of components with different molecular weights.

[0031] To address the aforementioned issues, the inventors observed that the polysaccharide precipitation process is controlled by an ethanol concentration gradient, with different molecular weight components forming precipitates at specific concentrations. Traditional single-cycle centrifugation cannot establish a continuous concentration gradient, resulting in limited separation accuracy. By introducing a dynamic solvent adjustment system, a progressively increasing ethanol environment can be established; a coaxial layered centrifugation structure allows different molecular weight components to precipitate simultaneously at their corresponding concentration layers; and an automated collection device is installed to avoid contamination caused by manual intervention. This combined solution effectively solves the problems of discontinuous separation and insufficient accuracy.

[0032] Therefore, as Figure 1-6 As shown, this application proposes a continuous centrifugation device, including a solvent delivery unit 1, a multi-stage series centrifugation unit 2, and an automatic collection unit 3. The solvent delivery unit 1 dynamically adjusts the ratio of ethanol to water and controls the temperature of the mixed solution; the multi-stage series centrifugation unit 2, through a coaxially rotating annular layered structure, simultaneously precipitates polysaccharides of different molecular weights at progressively increasing ethanol concentrations; the automatic collection unit 3 collects the precipitates within the layered structure in a tiered manner after centrifugation.

[0033] The solvent delivery unit 1 is a functional module that can adjust the mixing ratio of ethanol and water in real time and maintain a stable solution temperature. Specifically, it can be implemented using a proportional valve 13 and a mixing tank 14. The proportional valve 13 adjusts the input ratio of the two liquids according to a preset program, and the mixing tank 14 ensures solution homogeneity through stirring and heating. This unit provides a precise solvent environment for multi-stage centrifugation, preventing concentration fluctuations from causing a shift in the precipitation critical point. The multi-stage series centrifugation unit 2 is a motor 21 consisting of multiple coaxially mounted ring-shaped layered structures. Specifically, it can be implemented using a detachable centrifugal ring 22 and a drive shaft. As the centrifugal ring 22 rotates with the shaft, it forms independent centrifugal chambers, each corresponding to a different ethanol concentration gradient. This structure allows polysaccharides of different molecular weights to precipitate simultaneously at their corresponding concentration levels, breaking through the separation level limitations of a single centrifugation. The automatic collection unit 3 is an actuator capable of collecting precipitates layer by layer. Specifically, it can be implemented using a linear module 31 driving a scraper 34 to move axially along the centrifugal ring 22. The scraper 34 contacts the inner walls of different centrifugal rings 22 through lifting and translating movements, peeling the precipitate to the collection container. This unit avoids the risk of contamination introduced by manual operation and ensures the purity of the precipitate.

[0034] Specifically, solvent delivery unit 1 sequentially delivers prepared ethanol solutions of different concentrations to each stage of the centrifugation unit. In the multi-stage series centrifugation unit 2, the centrifuge shaft drives the annular layered structure to rotate at high speed. In an environment of progressively increasing ethanol concentration, polysaccharides of different molecular weights are deposited on the inner wall of the corresponding centrifugation ring 22 according to their precipitation critical points. After centrifugation, the scraper 34 of the automatic collection unit 3 moves along the linear module 31 to the target centrifugation ring 22, and is driven by cylinder 32 to descend and contact the inner wall of the ring, scraping off the precipitate and introducing it into the collection device. The entire process forms a closed-loop process of dynamic adjustment, synchronous precipitation, and precise collection.

[0035] Compared to existing technologies, traditional methods require manual transfer of the supernatant and reconstitution of ethanol concentration after each centrifugation, leading to operational interruptions and low efficiency. This solution utilizes a multi-stage series centrifugation unit 2 to achieve continuous concentration gradient changes, enabling different molecular weight components to precipitate in layers during a single centrifugation process. Existing equipment relies on manual collection of precipitates, which is prone to cross-contamination between layers. This solution employs an automated collection mechanism to achieve precise, layered collection, avoiding human error.

[0036] Through the above technical solutions, this application achieves dynamic and continuous adjustment of ethanol concentration, ensuring that polysaccharides of different molecular weights precipitate at the optimal concentration environment; it achieves multi-stage synchronous separation through a coaxial layered centrifugation structure, eliminating the overlapping distribution of intermediate molecular weight components; and it uses an automated collection device to replace manual operation, preventing secondary dissolution or contamination of the precipitate during transfer. This device significantly improves the continuity and accuracy of polysaccharide separation and reduces operational complexity.

[0037] This application further proposes a solvent delivery unit 1 including an ethanol tank 11, a sample tank 12, a sample pump 121, a proportioning valve 13, a mixing tank 14, a first four-way reversing valve 16, a second four-way reversing valve 17, a liquid extraction pump 18, and a liquid delivery pump 19. The sample tank 12 delivers the sample liquid to the primary centrifugation unit via connecting pipes and the sample pump 121. The inlet of the proportional valve 13 is connected to the ethanol tank 11 via a pipe. One outlet of the proportional valve 13 is connected to the first four-way reversing valve 16 via a pipe. The outlet of the first four-way reversing valve 16 is connected to the pump 18 via a pipe. The pump 18 is used to extract the supernatant after centrifugation in the secondary centrifuge unit. The other outlet of the proportional valve 13 is connected to the mixing tank 14. The supernatant is mixed with ethanol in a proportional ratio through the proportional valve 13 and then transported to the mixing tank 14 for mixing. The mixing tank 14 is connected to the delivery pump 19 via a pipe. The outlet of the delivery pump 19 is connected to the inlet of the second four-way reversing valve 17 via a pipe. The outlet of the second four-way reversing valve 17 is connected to the tertiary centrifuge unit via a pipe.

[0038] The proportional valve 13 is a fluid control device with a dual-outlet structure, specifically an electromagnetic proportional regulating valve, which controls the flow distribution ratio of the two outlets via an electrical signal. This device is used to dynamically adjust the mixing ratio of ethanol and supernatant to create a gradient increase in ethanol concentration. The first four-way reversing valve 16 is a fluid direction switching device with four connection ports, specifically a rotary four-way valve, used to switch the liquid flow direction of the pump 18, enabling path selection for supernatant recovery and input to the mixing tank 14. The second four-way reversing valve 17 has the same structure as the first four-way reversing valve 16 and is used to control the transport path of the mixture to the next-level centrifuge unit. The pump 18 is a liquid transfer device with negative pressure extraction function, specifically a peristaltic pump, used to transfer the supernatant after centrifugation from the secondary centrifuge unit to the mixing tank 14. The delivery pump 19 is a liquid transfer device with positive delivery function, specifically a gear pump, used to pressurize and transport the solution in the mixing tank 14 to the next-level centrifuge unit.

[0039] Specifically, sample pump 121 delivers the initial polysaccharide solution from sample tank 12 to the primary centrifuge unit for initial centrifugation. When the supernatant from the primary centrifuge enters the secondary centrifuge unit, pump 18 is activated to extract the supernatant and directs it to proportional valve 13 via the first four-way reversing valve 16. Proportional valve 13 adjusts the mixing ratio of ethanol input from ethanol tank 11 to the supernatant according to a preset program, forming a higher concentration ethanol solution. The mixed solution undergoes homogenization in mixing tank 14 and is then delivered by pump 19 via the second four-way reversing valve 17 to the tertiary centrifuge unit. This process forms a closed-loop cycle between the multiple centrifuge units, with the supernatant from each unit being pumped to the next for remixing and centrifugation, thus achieving a gradual increase in ethanol concentration. The supernatant from the final centrifuge unit is recovered to recovery tank 15 via an independent pipeline to avoid cross-contamination. In summary, through the above scheme, except for the top-level centrifuge unit, the supernatant after centrifugation in the n-level centrifuge units is mixed with ethanol through the proportional valve and then transported to the mixing tank for mixing, and then transported to the n+1-level centrifuge unit. In this embodiment, there are a total of 5 centrifuge units. The last level, i.e., the 5-level centrifuge unit, is connected to the recovery tank 15 through a liquid pump and pipe, and the supernatant of the last level is extracted and recovered.

[0040] Compared to existing technologies, traditional polysaccharide separation devices rely on manual step-by-step adjustment of ethanol concentration. Each stage of separation requires stopping the machine to transfer the supernatant and re-prepare the solution, resulting in low separation efficiency due to operational interruptions. The existing single-layer motor 21 cannot achieve multi-stage series connection, and the supernatant transfer process easily leads to sediment loss or contamination. This solution achieves automatic gradient adjustment of ethanol concentration during centrifugation through the linkage control of proportional valve 13 and four-way reversing valve. The mixing tank 14 serves as an intermediate buffer container to ensure the accuracy of solution ratio. The coordinated operation of the pump 18 and the pump 19 enables continuous transfer of supernatant between multi-stage centrifugation units, eliminating errors caused by manual intervention.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem that traditional devices cannot dynamically adjust the ethanol concentration gradient, achieving automatic incremental control of ethanol concentration during polysaccharide separation. The series operation of multi-stage centrifuge units enables continuous transfer and remixing of the supernatant, avoiding the risk of secondary dissolution of precipitates due to manual operation. The combined application of proportional valve 13 and four-way reversing valve ensures that the solution ratio accuracy reaches within ±2%, enabling precise precipitation and separation of polysaccharides of different molecular weights at their corresponding ethanol concentrations.

[0042] This application further proposes that the mixing tank 14 is equipped with a stirrer 141 and a heating tube 142, and is equipped with a temperature sensor 143 for monitoring the temperature of the heated solution after stirring.

[0043] The mixer 141 is a device that achieves uniform mixing of liquids through mechanical motion. Specifically, it can be a paddle-type mixer with an adjustable rotation speed of 50-300 revolutions per minute, used to eliminate the concentration gradient generated when mixing ethanol and the supernatant. The heating element 142 is an element that converts electrical energy into heat energy to heat the liquid. Specifically, it can be a coiled stainless steel heating element with a power density controlled at 2-5 kilowatts per square meter, used to compensate for temperature drops caused by solvent evaporation or environmental heat dissipation during mixing. The temperature sensor 143 is a detection device that monitors changes in liquid temperature in real time. Specifically, it can be a PT100 platinum resistance thermometer with a measurement accuracy of ±0.5℃. The detection signal forms a closed-loop temperature control circuit with the heating element 142 through a PID controller.

[0044] Specifically, after ethanol and the supernatant from the centrifuge unit are injected into the mixing tank 14 in a specific ratio, the stirrer 141 drives the impeller to continuously stir at a preset speed, causing the two liquids to form a homogeneous mixed phase within 20-40 seconds. The heating element 142 dynamically adjusts its output power based on real-time data from the temperature sensor 143 using a PID algorithm, stabilizing the temperature of the mixed solution within a set value ±1℃. When the ambient temperature is lower than the target temperature, the heating element 142 activates compensating heating; when the temperature rises due to an exothermic reaction during mixing, the system automatically reduces the heating power or activates the heat dissipation device. Thus, the viscosity, surface tension, and other physicochemical parameters of the mixed solution are maintained within their optimal range, preventing unintended dissolution or aggregation of polysaccharide molecules due to temperature fluctuations.

[0045] Compared to existing technologies, traditional mixing tanks 14 rely solely on natural convection for solvent mixing, resulting in a mixing time of 3-5 minutes and a lack of active temperature control, leading to a deviation of ±5℃ between the actual solution temperature and the set value. This solution, through the synergistic effect of mechanical stirring and closed-loop temperature control, reduces the mixing time to 10%-20% of the original time, while simultaneously reducing temperature fluctuations by over 80%, effectively eliminating the risk of degradation of temperature-sensitive polysaccharides during the mixing stage.

[0046] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves precise and stable control of the solution temperature during the mixing process of ethanol and supernatant, avoiding the decrease in ethanol diffusion rate caused by local low temperature and the breakage of polysaccharide molecular chains caused by local high temperature. The concentration gradient formed by the mixed solution under isothermal conditions has a strict correspondence with the rotation speed parameters of the subsequent centrifugation unit, enabling polysaccharides of different molecular weights to complete directional precipitation in the corresponding centrifugation ring 22 in the designed order.

[0047] This application further proposes a multi-stage series centrifuge unit 2 including a motor 21 and centrifuge rings 22. A centrifuge shaft is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 21. Several sets of centrifuge rings 22 are provided, all of which can be detachably mounted on the centrifuge shaft. The inner side of the centrifuge rings 22 is provided with a buckle 221 for connecting springs 222, and a corresponding groove for engaging the buckle 221 is provided on the centrifuge shaft. An annular opening for liquid inlet and outlet is provided at the top of the centrifuge rings 22. In this embodiment, five sets of centrifuge rings 2222 are provided, including a first layer (10% ethanol) for separating macromolecular polysaccharide precipitates, a second layer (25% ethanol) for separating medium molecular weight components, a third layer (50% ethanol) for separating medium and low molecular weight polysaccharide components, a fourth layer (65% ethanol) for further separating low molecular weight polysaccharides, and a fifth layer (80% ethanol) for separating small molecular weight polysaccharides.

[0048] The centrifugal ring 22 refers to an annular centrifuge container, which can be made of stainless steel with an annular cavity diameter of, for example, 200 mm. A detachable structure allows for dynamic adjustment of the centrifugation stages. The latch 221 is a locking mechanism with a spring 222, specifically a combination of a spring 222 steel sheet and a protruding claw. During installation, the spring 222 compresses to generate a locking force, ensuring the centrifugal ring 22 is axially fixed at 5000 rpm. The groove refers to an array of grooves on the surface of the centrifuge shaft, specifically equidistant trapezoidal grooves with a spacing of, for example, 50 mm, used to mechanically interlock with the latch 221. The annular opening is a fluid channel circumferentially located at the top of the centrifugal ring 22, specifically a 5 mm wide annular slit, used for continuously inputting the mixed solution and outputting the supernatant during centrifugation.

[0049] Specifically, when motor 21 drives the centrifuge shaft to rotate multiple sets of centrifuge rings 22 synchronously, the mixed solution is continuously injected into the centrifuge rings 22 through the annular opening. The centrifuge rings 22 are axially positioned by the elastic interlocking of spring 222 and buckle 221 with the centrifuge shaft groove. Under the action of centrifugal force, polysaccharides of different molecular weights precipitate in a gradient on the inner wall of the centrifuge rings 22. When it is necessary to adjust the separation level, the spring 222 and buckle 221 can be manually pressed to release the mechanical constraint, and the centrifuge rings 22 can be moved axially along the centrifuge shaft to the target groove position and relocked. The annular opening remains open during centrifugation, allowing the supernatant to be continuously discharged tangentially to the next centrifuge unit, avoiding manual transfer operations.

[0050] Compared to existing technologies, traditional motors 21 employ a fixed single-layer drum structure, which cannot add or remove centrifugation stages according to separation requirements, and the transfer of supernatant requires manual operation after machine shutdown. This solution achieves dynamic expansion of centrifugation stages through a combination structure of a detachable centrifugal ring 22 and a centrifugal shaft with a slot, while the annular opening design ensures synchronous centrifugation and liquid transfer, eliminating the risk of sediment loss due to manual intervention.

[0051] Through the above technical solution, this application enables the number of centrifugal rings 22 to be freely configured according to separation requirements, satisfying the synchronous precipitation and separation of polysaccharides of different molecular weights within multi-stage centrifugal rings 22. The elastic snap-fit ​​structure 221 of the centrifugal rings 22 ensures mechanical stability during high-speed rotation, and the annular opening design enables continuous operation of centrifugation and liquid transport, effectively preventing secondary dissolution or contamination of precipitates during the transfer process.

[0052] Based on the above embodiments, the inner wall of the centrifugal ring 22 is uniformly provided with grids 223 for generating resistance to the separated liquid. The grids 223 generate resistance to the liquid during centrifugation, thereby creating a centrifugal effect during rotation. As the equipment rotates, the liquid rotates, resulting in a centrifugal effect. The core function of the grids 223 is to apply controllable resistance to the liquid flowing within the ring during high-speed centrifugation. When the equipment drives the centrifugal ring 22 to rotate at high speed, the liquid within the centrifugal ring 22 tends to move tangentially under inertia (i.e., maintain its original motion tendency). At this time, the uniformly distributed grids 223 form a regular inner wall turbulence barrier. When the liquid flows through the grids, its streamlines are significantly altered, the flow path is obstructed and lengthened, and some kinetic energy is converted into turbulent energy dissipation. More importantly, the blocking effect of the grids 223 effectively resists the "lag" tendency of the liquid due to inertia, forcing the liquid to overcome its internal viscous resistance more quickly and follow the rotation of the centrifugal ring more closely.

[0053] This application further proposes an automatic collection unit 3 including a linear module 31, a cylinder 32 vertically mounted on the linear module 31, a scraper 34 bracket 33 mounted on the cylinder 32, a scraper 34 connected to the scraper 34 bracket 33, and a single set of scrapers 34 corresponding to a single set of centrifugal rings 22.

[0054] The linear module 31 refers to a linear motion mechanism driven by the motor 21 to achieve horizontal axial movement. Specifically, it can be implemented using a combination of ball screw and guide rail. Its function is to provide a horizontal movement path for the scraper 34 support 33, covering all centrifugal rings 22, ensuring the collection range is aligned with the centrifugal axis. The cylinder 32 is an actuator that uses pneumatic pressure to achieve vertical lifting. Specifically, it can be implemented using a double-acting cylinder 32 in conjunction with a solenoid valve. Its function is to adjust the height of the scraper 34 support 33 to maintain a constant contact pressure between the scraper 34 and the opening of the centrifugal rings 22, avoiding scratch damage or incomplete collection. The scraper 34 support 33 is the support structure that carries the scraper 34. Specifically, it can be implemented using an aluminum alloy material and a quick-release interface design. Its function is to adapt to different numbers of centrifugal rings 22 layers through modular installation, meeting multi-stage separation requirements. Among them, the single set of scrapers 34 corresponding to a single set of centrifugal rings 22 means that the number of scrapers 34 matches the level of centrifugal rings 22 one by one. Specifically, it can be achieved by using a structural design in which independent scrapers 34 are embedded in the annular opening. Its function is to avoid mixing of precipitates from different levels during the collection process and eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.

[0055] Specifically, after centrifugation, the linear module 31 moves the cylinder 32 and scraper 34 support 33 horizontally along the centrifugal axis, aligning the scrapers 34 sequentially with the annular openings of each centrifugal ring 22. The cylinder 32 drives the scraper 34 support 33 to descend to a preset height, inserting the scrapers 34 into the centrifugal ring 22 and mechanically scraping the precipitate from the annular opening into the collection container. Since each centrifugal ring 22 is equipped with an independent scraper 34, when the linear module 31 moves to the next centrifugal ring 22, the corresponding scraper 34 performs the same action, achieving step-by-step stratified collection. The one-to-one correspondence between the centrifugal rings 22 and the scrapers 34 ensures that the precipitate only contacts the corresponding scraper 34, avoiding mixing of components with different molecular weights.

[0056] Compared to existing technologies, traditional devices rely on manual operation of the motor 21 and manual scraping of the precipitate, which poses an exposure risk and can easily lead to precipitate dissolution or contamination. This solution achieves fully automated positioning and collection through the coordinated movement of the linear module 31 and the cylinder 32, eliminating the need for manual intervention. In existing technologies, the single scraper 34 structure cannot accommodate multi-stage centrifugal rings 22, while this solution, with its independent scraper 34 design, can directly match the dynamically changing ethanol gradient separation stages, ensuring independent collection of precipitate from each stage.

[0057] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of secondary contamination of precipitates caused by manual operation and realizes fully automated stratified collection of precipitates from multi-stage centrifugal rings. The one-to-one correspondence between the scraper and the centrifugal rings avoids cross-mixing of components from different layers, improving separation accuracy. The modular scraper support design allows for flexible expansion to adapt to different configurations of centrifugal rings, ensuring device compatibility.

[0058] 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 continuous centrifuge device, characterized in that: include: A solvent delivery unit, which can prepare solutions according to requirements and deliver them in a directional manner; A multi-stage series centrifuge unit, wherein the multi-stage series centrifuge unit is connected to the solvent delivery unit, and the multi-stage series centrifuge unit includes several coaxially rotating annular layered structures; An automatic collection unit is connected to the multi-stage series centrifuge unit and is used to collect the precipitate inside the annular layered structure after centrifugation.

2. The continuous centrifuge device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The solvent delivery unit includes a sample container and a sample pump. The sample container delivers the sample liquid to the primary centrifugation unit via a connecting pipe and the sample pump.

3. The continuous centrifuge device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The solvent delivery unit also includes an ethanol tank, a proportioning valve, a mixing tank, a first four-way reversing valve, a second four-way reversing valve, a pump, and a delivery pump. The inlet of the proportional valve is connected to the ethanol tank via a pipe. One outlet of the proportional valve is connected to the first four-way reversing valve via a pipe. The outlet of the first four-way reversing valve is connected to the pump via a pipe. The pump is used to extract the supernatant after centrifugation in the secondary centrifuge unit. The other outlet of the proportional valve is connected to the mixing tank. The supernatant is mixed with ethanol in a specific ratio via the proportional valve and then transported to the mixing tank for mixing. The mixing tank is connected to the delivery pump via a pipe. The outlet of the delivery pump is connected to the inlet of the second four-way reversing valve via a pipe. The outlet of the second four-way reversing valve is connected to the tertiary centrifuge unit via a pipe.

4. The continuous centrifuge device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mixing tank is equipped with a stirrer and a heating element, and a temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature of the heated solution after stirring.

5. The continuous centrifuge device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The multi-stage series centrifugal unit includes a motor and centrifugal rings, and a centrifugal shaft is installed on the output shaft of the centrifuge; several sets of centrifugal rings are provided, all of which can be detachably installed on the centrifugal shaft, and an annular opening for liquid inlet and outlet is provided on the top of the centrifugal rings.

6. The continuous centrifuge device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner side of the centrifugal ring is provided with a snap fastener for connecting springs, and a corresponding slot for engaging snap fasteners is provided on the centrifugal shaft.

7. The continuous centrifuge apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the centrifugal ring is uniformly provided with grids to generate resistance to the separated liquid.

8. The continuous centrifuge apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that: The automatic collection unit includes: Linear module, A cylinder, which is vertically mounted on the linear module; Scraper bracket, the scraper bracket being mounted on the cylinder; A scraper, the scraper being connected to a scraper bracket, and each set of scrapers corresponding to a single set of centrifugal rings.

Images