Incubator gas sampling pipeline anti-condensation system based on intelligent dew point management

Abstract

The application relates to an incubator gas sampling pipeline anti-condensation system based on intelligent dew point management, which comprises an incubator, a gas path input module, a gas path output module and an anti-condensation module. The output end of the gas path input module is connected with the incubator, the input end of the gas path output module is connected with the incubator, and the output end is suitable for being connected with a gas sampling device. The anti-condensation module comprises a self-limiting temperature heating tape and a heat insulation layer. The self-limiting temperature heating tape is wrapped outside the pipeline of the gas path output module, and the heat insulation layer is wrapped outside the self-limiting temperature heating tape. Through the collaborative design of the anti-condensation module, a sensor and a main controller, intelligent and accurate control of the incubator sampling pipeline anti-condensation is realized. First, the anti-condensation effect is remarkable, no condensate water is generated in the pipeline of the gas path output module, temperature monitoring and regulation can be completed without manual intervention, and the labor cost is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of incubator gas sampling technology, and in particular to an anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management. Background Technology

[0002] In cell culture and other processes, real-time and accurate monitoring of gas concentrations such as CO2 and O2 within the incubator is crucial. Currently, a common monitoring link is "incubator-pipeline-gas sampling port-concentration detector," where an external detector extracts gas from the incubator for concentration analysis. Since the gas inside the incubator is high-temperature saturated humid (typically 37℃, relative humidity >95%), when it flows through the connecting pipe between the incubator body (typically at room temperature, 20-25℃) and the gas sampling port, the pipe wall temperature is inevitably lower than the gas dew point, causing water vapor to condense and form condensate. Current technologies addressing this condensation problem only focus on control measures within the incubator interior, door, or interlayer (such as condensate collection, door heating to prevent condensation, and interlayer insulation optimization). This is a different technical area from the condensation problem in the monitoring link between the incubator and the gas sampling port, and cannot be directly applied or provide technical insights. It also fails to solve the problem of condensation caused by the dew point difference when high-temperature saturated humid gas flows through room-temperature pipes.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to avoid condensation in the gas sampling pipeline of the incubator for continuous and rapid concentration monitoring of incubator gas. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problem of water vapor condensation within traditional gas sampling pipelines, this invention provides an anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management, comprising: Incubator, gas input module, gas output module, and anti-condensation module; The output terminal of the gas input module is connected to the incubator; The input end of the gas output module is connected to the incubator, and the output end is suitable for connection to a gas sampling device; The anti-condensation module includes a self-regulating heating cable and a thermal insulation layer. The self-regulating heating cable covers the outside of the pipe of the gas output module, and the thermal insulation layer covers the outside of the self-regulating heating cable.

[0005] One possible implementation also includes: a pipe wall temperature sensor; The pipe wall temperature sensor is installed on the pipe of the gas output module; There are two pipe wall temperature sensors, which are respectively installed at both ends of the pipe of the gas output module.

[0006] One possible implementation also includes: an ambient temperature and humidity sensor; The ambient temperature and humidity sensor is located on the outside of the incubator.

[0007] One possible implementation also includes: a main controller; The main controller is electrically connected to the pipe wall temperature sensor, the ambient temperature and humidity sensor, and the self-regulating heating cable, respectively.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the output end of the gas output module is a through-plate connector.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the gas input module includes: a carbon dioxide input pipe, a nitrogen input pipe, and an air input pipe; The output end of the carbon dioxide input pipeline is connected to the incubator; The output end of the nitrogen input pipeline is connected to the incubator; The output end of the air input pipe is connected to the incubator.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the gas input module further includes: a flow regulating valve and a two-position two-way solenoid valve; There are two flow regulating valves, which are respectively installed on the carbon dioxide input pipeline and the nitrogen input pipeline; There are two two-position two-way solenoid valves, which are respectively installed on the carbon dioxide input pipeline and the nitrogen input pipeline, and the two-position two-way solenoid valves are located between the flow regulating valve and the incubator.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the air input module further includes an air pump; The air pump is installed on the air input pipe.

[0012] The beneficial effects of the anti-condensation system for gas sampling pipelines in incubators based on intelligent dew point management in this application embodiment are as follows: Through the collaborative design of the anti-condensation module, sensors, and main controller, intelligent and precise control of anti-condensation in the incubator sampling pipeline is achieved. Firstly, the anti-condensation effect is significant, ensuring no condensate is generated in the pipeline of the gas output module. Temperature monitoring and control can be completed without manual intervention, reducing labor costs. Specifically, the incubator provides a closed biological culture space, maintaining a preset temperature and humidity environment, and serves as the source carrier for gas sampling. The gas input module delivers gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and air to the incubator, adjusting the gas composition within the chamber to meet the environmental requirements of different cultured organisms. The gas output module establishes a gas channel between the incubator and the sampling device, stably exporting the gas to be analyzed from the chamber to the sampling equipment. The self-regulating heating cable of the anti-condensation module provides dynamic heat to the pipeline, automatically adjusting its heating power according to the pipeline temperature. The insulation layer uses a low thermal conductivity material to reduce heat loss from the heating cable to the environment, maintaining a stable pipeline wall temperature.

[0013] Other features and aspects of this application will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0015] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the connection of an anti-condensation system for a gas sampling pipeline in an incubator based on intelligent dew point management, according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0017] It should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model or 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 utility model.

[0018] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0019] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0020] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well-known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the anti-condensation system for the gas sampling pipeline of the incubator based on intelligent dew point management in this application embodiment includes: an incubator 10, a gas input module, a gas output module 31, and an anti-condensation module. The output end of the gas input module is connected to the incubator 10, the input end of the gas output module 31 is connected to the incubator 10, and the output end is suitable for connection to a gas sampling device. The anti-condensation module includes a self-regulating heating cable 40 and a thermal insulation layer 50. The self-regulating heating cable 40 covers the outside of the pipeline of the gas output module 31, and the thermal insulation layer 50 covers the outside of the self-regulating heating cable 40.

[0022] In this specific embodiment, through the collaborative design of the anti-condensation module, sensor, and main controller, intelligent and precise control of the anti-condensation of the sampling pipeline of the incubator 10 is achieved. Firstly, the anti-condensation effect is significant, ensuring no condensation is generated in the pipeline of the gas output module 31. Temperature monitoring and control can be completed without manual intervention, reducing labor costs. Specifically, the incubator 10 provides a closed biological culture space, maintaining a preset temperature and humidity environment, and serves as the source carrier for gas sampling. The gas input module delivers gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and air to the incubator 10, adjusting the gas composition within the chamber to meet the environmental requirements of different cultured objects. The gas output module 31 establishes a gas channel between the incubator 10 and the sampling device, stably exporting the gas to be analyzed from the chamber to the sampling equipment. The self-regulating heating cable 40 of the anti-condensation module provides dynamic heat to the pipeline, automatically adjusting its heating power according to the pipeline temperature. The thermal insulation layer 50 uses a low thermal conductivity material to reduce heat loss from the heating cable to the environment, maintaining a stable pipeline wall temperature.

[0023] The self-regulating heating cable 40, pipe wall temperature sensor 61, and ambient temperature and humidity sensor 62 are all electrically connected to the main controller via cables. Based on the signal provided by the ambient temperature and humidity sensor 62, the main controller calculates the current ambient dew point temperature (T_dew) in real time and dynamically sets the target temperature according to the formula (T_set) = T_dew + ΔT (where ΔT is a safety margin of 3~5℃). Subsequently, the main controller dynamically adjusts the power output to the self-regulating heating cable 40 through a PID (proportional-integral-derivative) control algorithm, keeping the pipe outer wall temperature (T_pipe) stably maintained near T_set. This ensures that the pipe inner wall temperature is always higher than the dew point of the flowing gas, fundamentally preventing condensation.

[0024] The gas path system operates as follows: CO2, N2, and other process gases enter the incubator 10 via their respective gas paths and through a through-plate pagoda connector. The gas flow is precisely set by the flow regulating valve 211, controlled by a two-position two-way solenoid valve 212, and then flows through hose connectors and subsequent pipelines, ultimately being completely mixed and continuously introduced into the incubator 10 to create and maintain the required gaseous environment for cell culture. Simultaneously, an external concentration detector continuously extracts the mixed gas within the incubator via another path, through the through-plate pagoda connector and gas sampling port, for real-time component analysis, thereby achieving closed-loop monitoring and feedback regulation of the entire culture environment.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, the system further includes: two pipe wall temperature sensors 61, each located at one end of the pipe of the gas output module 31. The sensing end of the pipe wall temperature sensor 61 is in close contact with the outer wall of the pipe to ensure accurate acquisition of the actual pipe wall temperature. The two sensors are respectively installed at the input end of the gas output pipe near the incubator 10 and the output end near the sampling device, covering the entire length of the pipe for temperature monitoring and avoiding monitoring blind spots caused by local temperature differences within the pipe. This provides direct data for condensation prevention and control, avoids blind heating, ensures that the pipe wall temperature is always above the dew point, and the sensors at both ends cover the entire length of the pipe, allowing for timely detection of the risk of condensation due to excessively low local temperatures.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, it also includes: an environmental temperature and humidity sensor 62, which is set outside the incubator 10 and can simultaneously collect temperature and relative humidity data of the external environment; the sensor does not directly contact the sampling pipe, but monitors the external environmental parameters of the pipe, providing an environmental reference for judging the risk of condensation.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, it further includes a main controller, which is electrically connected to the pipe wall temperature sensor 61, the ambient temperature and humidity sensor 62, and the self-regulating heating cable 40.

[0028] In this specific embodiment, the main controller is based on a microcontroller or PLC. It receives sensor data through wires or wireless modules and sends control signals to the self-regulating heating tape 40. It can acquire the pipe wall temperature at both ends of the pipe and the temperature and humidity data of the external environment in real time. It has a built-in dew point algorithm to calculate the dew point temperature of the sampled gas based on the ambient temperature and humidity.

[0029] In one specific embodiment, the output end of the gas output module 31 is a through-plate connector.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, the gas input module includes a carbon dioxide input pipe 21, a nitrogen input pipe 22, and an air input pipe 23. The output end of the carbon dioxide input pipe 21 is connected to the incubator 10, the output end of the nitrogen input pipe 22 is connected to the incubator 10, and the output end of the air input pipe 23 is connected to the incubator 10. The three independent pipes can be turned on individually or in combination to meet the gas requirements of different cultured objects such as aerobic, anaerobic, and cell cultures, thereby improving the versatility of the incubator 10.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, the gas input module further includes: a flow regulating valve 211 and a two-position two-way solenoid valve 212. There are two flow regulating valves 211, which are respectively installed on the carbon dioxide input pipeline 21 and the nitrogen input pipeline 22. There are two two-position two-way solenoid valves 212, which are respectively installed on the carbon dioxide input pipeline 21 and the nitrogen input pipeline 22. The two-position two-way solenoid valves 212 are located between the flow regulating valve 211 and the incubator 10.

[0032] In this specific embodiment, the gas concentration inside the chamber is kept stable to avoid sudden increases or decreases in concentration caused by flow fluctuations. The valve core is controlled by an electromagnetic coil to switch between the on and off states of the pipeline. It is installed between the flow regulating valve 211 and the incubator 10, which can quickly cut off the supply when a certain type of gas is not needed, thus avoiding gas waste and facilitating rapid switching of the culture environment.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the air input module further includes an air pump 231, which is installed on the air input pipe 23. The air pump 231 provides stable pressure and flow rate for the air input through its compressive action, overcoming the resistance of the air pipe and filtration system, ensuring sufficient oxygen supply within the incubator 10. Simultaneously, the power of the air pump 231 can be adjusted to maintain a slightly positive pressure environment inside the incubator, preventing the entry of external contaminated air.

[0034] The various embodiments of this application have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, nor are they limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A condensation prevention system for gas sampling pipelines in an incubator based on intelligent dew point management, characterized in that, include: Incubator, gas input module, gas output module, and anti-condensation module; The output terminal of the gas input module is connected to the incubator; The input end of the gas output module is connected to the incubator, and the output end is suitable for connection to a gas sampling device; The anti-condensation module includes a self-regulating heating cable and a thermal insulation layer. The self-regulating heating cable covers the outside of the pipe of the gas output module, and the thermal insulation layer covers the outside of the self-regulating heating cable.

2. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Pipe wall temperature sensor; The pipe wall temperature sensor is installed on the pipe of the gas output module; There are two pipe wall temperature sensors, which are respectively installed at both ends of the pipe of the gas output module.

3. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: Ambient temperature and humidity sensor; The ambient temperature and humidity sensor is located on the outside of the incubator.

4. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Main controller; The main controller is electrically connected to the pipe wall temperature sensor, the ambient temperature and humidity sensor, and the self-regulating heating cable, respectively.

5. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output end of the gas path output module is a through-plate connector.

6. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas input module includes: a carbon dioxide input pipe, a nitrogen input pipe, and an air input pipe; The output end of the carbon dioxide input pipeline is connected to the incubator; The output end of the nitrogen input pipeline is connected to the incubator; The output end of the air input pipe is connected to the incubator.

7. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gas input module also includes: a flow regulating valve and a two-position two-way solenoid valve; There are two flow regulating valves, which are respectively installed on the carbon dioxide input pipeline and the nitrogen input pipeline; There are two two-position two-way solenoid valves, which are respectively installed on the carbon dioxide input pipeline and the nitrogen input pipeline, and the two-position two-way solenoid valves are located between the flow regulating valve and the incubator.

8. The anti-condensation system for incubator gas sampling pipelines based on intelligent dew point management according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air input module also includes: an air pump; The air pump is installed on the air input pipe.

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