A buffer type flow calibration device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of buffer type flow calibration device (100), the flow calibration device (100) includes buffer container (1), the buffer container (1) includes: with hollow fluid containing cavity (2);Liquid inlet (3), with fluid containing cavity (2) fluid communication;And liquid outlet (4), with fluid containing cavity (2) fluid communication, wherein, the fluid containing cavity (2) gradually increases along the direction of the cross-sectional area from liquid inlet (3) to liquid outlet (4), then gradually reduces again.The utility model's buffer type flow calibration device realizes the accurate flow calibration of peristaltic pump with small space, especially can avoid the deviation of sensor capture liquid level signal due to the non-continuous, pulsating effect of peristaltic pump, improve the accuracy and stability of calibration, while avoiding the problem of calibration distortion caused by bubble residue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the fields of biomedicine and pump calibration technology, and in particular to a buffered flow calibration device. Background Technology

[0002] A peristaltic pump, also known as a hose pump, is a new type of industrial pump that uses rotating rollers to cause a hose to move peristally, thus conveying liquids or slurries. As a fluid transport device, a peristaltic pump consists of a driver, a pump head, and a hose. Its working principle involves the pump head alternately squeezing and releasing the flexible delivery hose to pump fluid. Because the peristaltic pump operates through a sealed, flexible hose without contacting the fluid, it exhibits good GMP compliance and is often used in biopharmaceutical laboratories or production equipment.

[0003] When a peristaltic pump is working, the liquid or slurry being transported flows only within the hose and does not come into contact with other parts of the pump body. This prevents contamination of the pump body, and due to these characteristics, peristaltic pumps are widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. Furthermore, and importantly, peristaltic pumps can also achieve quantitative delivery.

[0004] Peristaltic pumps deliver fluid by creating positive and negative pressures through the alternating squeezing and releasing of a flexible tubing by multiple rollers in the pump head. Their inherent characteristic is a discontinuous, pulsating flow. However, in cell filling equipment, precise fluid delivery is often required. During delivery, variations in tubing elasticity, length, and installation can all affect delivery accuracy. Therefore, for high-precision quantitative fluid delivery, calibration is necessary before the process begins to determine the delivery volume per pump head rotation. This allows the automated control system to automatically control the peristaltic pump driver's actions according to process requirements. Chinese patent application CN 115583370 A discloses a volume calibration scheme using equal cross-sectional area tubing. However, due to the small cross-sectional area, long tubing is often required to meet calibration requirements, and both flat and coiled tubing occupy significant space. Chinese patent application CN 222247809U discloses a calibration scheme using bottles with staggered inlets and outlets and partitions. However, this method is not conducive to tubing layout, and the partitions may trap air bubbles, affecting calibration accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to at least partially overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a novel flow calibration device.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is also to provide a small-volume buffered flow calibration device.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is also to provide a buffered flow calibration device that can avoid deviations in the sensor's capture of liquid level signals due to the discontinuity and pulsation effect of the peristaltic pump, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of calibration.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is also to provide a buffered flow calibration device to avoid calibration distortion caused by residual air bubbles.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives or one of the objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0010] A buffered flow calibration device, the flow calibration device comprising a buffer container, the buffer container comprising:

[0011] It has a hollow fluid-containing cavity;

[0012] The inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid receiving cavity; and

[0013] The outlet is in fluid communication with the fluid receiving cavity.

[0014] The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid receiving cavity gradually increases and then gradually decreases along the direction from the inlet to the outlet.

[0015] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flow calibration device is used to calibrate the flow rate of a peristaltic pump.

[0016] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the inlet and outlet are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, and the outlet is arranged vertically above the inlet.

[0017] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the buffer container is configured to have a streamlined smooth transition from the inlet to the fluid receiving cavity and from the fluid receiving cavity to the outlet, and the inner wall surface of the fluid receiving cavity itself is also streamlined.

[0018] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the profile of the buffer container along the horizontal cross-section is elliptical; or

[0019] The fluid-containing cavity has an elliptical profile along its horizontal cross-section.

[0020] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flow calibration device further includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, wherein the inlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the outlet port.

[0021] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flow calibration device further includes a first bubble sensor and a second bubble sensor.

[0022] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, a first bubble sensor is disposed on the inlet pipe and a second bubble sensor is disposed on the outlet pipe.

[0023] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, a rectifier is provided in the fluid receiving cavity.

[0024] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the rectifier is disposed within the fluid receiving cavity near the inlet; and / or

[0025] The rectifier includes a central spoiler element and rectifier elements disposed on the outside or periphery of the central spoiler element.

[0026] According to one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, the rectifier includes a circular baffle column, a first baffle, and a second baffle; the circular baffle column is located vertically above the liquid inlet, and the first baffle and the second baffle are arranged obliquely relative to the vertical direction and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the circular baffle column; or

[0027] The rectifier includes at least two layers of rectifier elements arranged in a vertical direction, and each layer of rectifier elements includes at least one baffle.

[0028] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1. This buffer-type flow calibration device is simple and reliable, and can measure the flow of a large volume within a limited space, thereby reducing relative error and improving accuracy;

[0030] 2. The buffered flow calibration device can buffer the fluid, avoiding the deviation of the sensor in capturing the liquid level signal due to the pulsation effect of the peristaltic pump. Through the specific structure and streamlined design of the buffer container / bucket, the liquid level can be raised slowly and the filling can be carried out sequentially from bottom to top. This ensures that the liquid level can reach the bubble sensor at the outlet pipe only after the buffer container is full, thus avoiding misjudgment.

[0031] 3. There are no air bubbles left in the buffer container. All structural features are streamlined and smoothly transitioned with upward curvature. There are no horizontal or inverted curved surfaces, thus avoiding air trapping. The air in the container has been purged before the liquid fills and reaches the sensor at the outlet and outlet pipe. Therefore, the measured volume is all liquid, making the measurement more accurate.

[0032] 4. Through the special design of the internal structure of the buffer container, the liquid inlet and outlet are perfectly aligned, which can also avoid the problem of liquid over-rushing when flowing into the buffer container. In particular, it can prevent the detection sensor (bubble sensor) from reaching the outlet liquid level before the liquid has filled the cavity. Therefore, it is not necessary to keep the cross-sectional area of ​​the entire metering section consistent as described in the prior art.

[0033] 5. The buffer container can be designed to be transparent, making it easy to observe the internal liquid flow and control the fluid speed to achieve the best control effect.

[0034] 6. The liquid in the buffer container / bucket can also be collected into a container connected to the inlet pipe by reversing the peristaltic pump. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is an overall cross-sectional view of the buffered flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 A front view of the buffer container of the buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 A perspective view of the buffer container of a buffered flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a front cross-sectional view of the buffer container of the buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of the buffer container of the buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a bottom horizontal cross-sectional view of the buffer container of the buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a top horizontal cross-sectional view of the buffer container of the buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 8 An embodiment of the buffered flow calibration device according to the present invention is shown being applied to the metering calibration of a peristaltic pump;

[0043] Figure 9 The liquid filling process of a buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the buffer container is partially filled with liquid;

[0044] Figure 10 The liquid filling process of the buffer flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the buffer container is filled with liquid and the metering is completed;

[0045] Figure 11 Another embodiment of the buffer container of the buffered flow calibration device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0046] Figure 12The layout of the buffered flow calibration device in consumables and equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0048] 100 Flow Calibration Device

[0049] 1. Buffer container

[0050] 2 Fluid Reception Chamber

[0051] 3. Liquid Inlet

[0052] 4 liquid outlet

[0053] 5 First baffle

[0054] 6 Second baffle

[0055] 7 Circular spoiler columns

[0056] 8. Liquid inlet transition zone

[0057] 9. Liquid discharge transition zone

[0058] 10 Inlet pipe

[0059] 11. Discharge tube

[0060] 12 First Bubble Sensor

[0061] 13 Second Bubble Sensor

[0062] 14 hoses

[0063] 15 pipe fittings

[0064] 16 Peristaltic Pump

[0065] 17. Liquid level. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the drawings.

[0067] This invention aims to design a closed-loop online flow calibration device that meets the requirements of small size, convenient pipeline and detection element layout, high flow rate, and minimal bubble generation, while also being clearly distinct from existing technologies mentioned in the background section. Furthermore, the flow calibration device needs to meet requirements such as high manufacturability, cost control, and biocompatibility.

[0068] The accompanying drawings illustrate a buffered flow calibration device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 1 It mainly includes a buffer container 1, an inlet pipe 10, an outlet pipe 11, a first bubble sensor 12, and a second bubble sensor 13. The inlet pipe 10 is in fluid communication with the inlet port 3, and the outlet pipe 11 is in fluid communication with the outlet port 4. The flow calibration device 100 also includes the first bubble sensor 12 and the second bubble sensor 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the first bubble sensor 12 is disposed on the inlet pipe 10, and the second bubble sensor 13 is disposed on the outlet pipe 11.

[0069] The buffer container 1 includes: a hollow fluid-containing cavity 2; an inlet 3 in fluid communication with the fluid-containing cavity 2; and an outlet 4 in fluid communication with the fluid-containing cavity 2. In particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid-containing cavity 2 gradually increases and then gradually decreases along the direction from the inlet 3 to the outlet 4.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the buffer container 1 has a bottle-like structure. Fluid flows into the bottle from the bottom opening in the direction indicated by the arrow. Because the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid receiving cavity 2 gradually increases, the liquid level can rise slowly to fill the bottle's volume before flowing out from the top opening. The volume of the buffer container is fixed, thus enabling single-step measurement. The key to this buffer container design is that the fluid flows in from the bottom inlet, slowly causing the liquid level to rise. Only when the fluid receiving cavity 2 is completely filled can it flow out from the top outlet. Air bubbles are unlikely to remain inside the bottle, and their presence will not affect the judgment and measurement.

[0071] like Figure 3 The image shows a front perspective view of the buffer container, which includes the buffer container 1, the fluid receiving chamber 2, the inlet 3, and the outlet 4. During operation, the liquid enters through the inlet and exits through the outlet after filling the container's internal volume.

[0072] According to this utility model, the flow calibration device 100 is used to calibrate the flow rate of the peristaltic pump 16. The inlet 3 and outlet 4 are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, and the outlet 4 is located vertically above the inlet 3. The buffer container 1 is configured to have a streamlined and smooth transition from the inlet 3 to the fluid receiving cavity 2 and from the fluid receiving cavity 2 to the outlet 4, and the inner wall surface of the fluid receiving cavity 2 itself is also streamlined. Figure 3-4 As shown, an inlet transition zone 8 is formed at the inlet 3, and an outlet transition zone 9 is formed at the outlet 4. Both are streamlined and smoothly transitioned.

[0073] Preferably, a rectifier is provided within the fluid receiving cavity 2. In some embodiments, the rectifier is located within the fluid receiving cavity 2 near the inlet 3; and / or the rectifier includes a central turbulence element and a rectifier element located outside or around the central turbulence element.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, this is a front sectional view of the buffer container. The fluid receiving cavity 2 of the buffer container 1 is provided with a left baffle, a right baffle, and a circular turbulence column 7 near the liquid inlet. These three features can disperse the liquid entering the buffer container into multiple thin streams, which then merge at the middle position of the fluid receiving cavity 2. Figure 5 This is a side sectional view of the buffer container, from... Figure 4 , Figure 5 It can be seen that the inner and outer contours of the buffer container are streamlined and smoothly transitioned, avoiding any perpendicularity to the liquid flow direction or at an inverted angle to prevent the formation of air bubbles. As shown in the figure, there is an angled transition between the inner cavity of the container and the inlet / outlet, designed to allow the fluid to transition slowly and prevent air bubble formation. The left and right baffles serve as the first baffle 5 and the second baffle 6, respectively, and together with the circular baffle column 7, they function to block, slow down, and divert the liquid.

[0075] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, the rectifier includes a circular baffle column 7, a first baffle 5, and a second baffle 6. The circular baffle column 7 is located vertically above the liquid inlet 3, and the first baffle 5 and the second baffle 6 are arranged obliquely relative to the vertical direction and symmetrically on both sides of the circular baffle column 7. The circular shape is more cell-friendly, avoiding damage to cells from large impact forces, while the curved surface ensures that the curvature is upward, preventing air entrapment and temporary bubble retention. However, the rectifier can also have other forms, such as... Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 Another type of buffer container structure is shown. The rectifier includes two layers of rectifier elements arranged in the vertical direction. Each layer of rectifier elements includes two baffles. The internal baffle design is also to achieve the function of buffering and avoiding the generation of air bubbles. Experimental verification shows that it can also achieve liquid buffering and flow calibration functions well.

[0076] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the outline of the buffer container 1 along the horizontal section is elliptical, and the outline of the fluid receiving cavity 2 along the horizontal section is also elliptical.

[0077] The following is combined with Figure 1 , 8-10 describes the working principle of the buffer flow calibration device of this utility model. By connecting the inlet pipe 10 and the outlet pipe 11 to the two ends of the buffer container respectively, the buffer container is connected in series in a closed pipeline kit. A bubble sensor is set not far from the buffer container in the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe respectively to detect whether the gas or liquid is passing through the pipeline.

[0078] The peristaltic pump 16 delivers fluid into and out of the buffer container 1 by alternately squeezing and releasing the hose 14 with rotating rollers. The hose 14 is connected to the inlet pipe 10 via a pipe connector 15. The peristaltic pump 16 can deliver both gas and liquid. Figure 9 , 10 The process of filling the buffer container with liquid is demonstrated. Before starting, the pipeline and the buffer container are filled with air and contain no liquid. When liquid enters the buffer container from the inlet pipe, the first bubble sensor 12 detects the liquid and notifies the control system to start metering. It also starts recording the number of rotations of the liquid delivery pump (peristaltic pump). The liquid rises and is divided into three streams when it reaches the first baffle 5 and the second baffle 6. The middle stream continues to rise to the circular turbulence column 7 and then splits into two streams on both sides. Figure 9 The direction indicated by the arrow shows the flow of liquid below the middle of the buffer container, eventually converging into a relatively flat liquid surface 17. Due to the increased cross-sectional area, the flow rate slows down, and the liquid surface rises slowly as liquid continues to flow in.

[0079] Figure 10 The fluid receiving chamber 2 is filled with liquid, and the liquid level reaches the position of the second bubble sensor 13. At this point, the second bubble sensor 13 sends a signal to the control system to indicate that liquid metering has ended and records the number of rotations of the peristaltic pump. The distance between the first bubble sensor 12 and the second bubble sensor 13 is fixed, and the volume between them is also fixed. Using this fixed volume and the number of rotations of the peristaltic pump, the flow rate per unit number of rotations or the flow rate per unit time when the speed is constant can be calculated.

[0080] Figure 10 The location and layout of the buffered flow calibration device in the consumables are shown. The buffer container, together with the closed disposable tubing package and the corresponding dispensing equipment, enables flow calibration of each set of consumables, thereby achieving accurate quantitative filling.

[0081] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0082] 1. This buffer-type flow calibration device is simple and reliable, and can measure the flow of a large volume within a limited space, thereby reducing relative error and improving accuracy;

[0083] 2. The buffered flow calibration device can buffer the fluid, avoiding the deviation of the sensor in capturing the liquid level signal due to the pulsation effect of the peristaltic pump. Through the specific structure and streamlined design of the buffer container / bucket, the liquid level can be raised slowly and the filling can be carried out sequentially from bottom to top. This ensures that the liquid level can reach the bubble sensor at the outlet pipe only after the buffer container is full, thus avoiding misjudgment.

[0084] 3. There are no air bubbles left in the buffer container. All structural features are streamlined and smoothly transitioned with upward curvature. There are no horizontal or inverted curved surfaces, thus avoiding air trapping. The air in the container has been purged before the liquid fills and reaches the sensor at the outlet and outlet pipe. Therefore, the measured volume is all liquid, making the measurement more accurate.

[0085] 4. Through the special design of the internal structure of the buffer container, the liquid inlet and outlet are perfectly aligned, which can also avoid the problem of liquid over-rushing when flowing into the buffer container. In particular, it can prevent the detection sensor (bubble sensor) from reaching the outlet liquid level before the liquid has filled the cavity. Therefore, it is not necessary to keep the cross-sectional area of ​​the entire metering section consistent as described in the prior art.

[0086] 5. The buffer container can be designed to be transparent, making it easy to observe the internal liquid flow and control the fluid speed to achieve the best control effect.

[0087] 6. The liquid in the buffer container / bucket can also be collected into a container connected to the inlet pipe by reversing the peristaltic pump.

[0088] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A buffer-type flow calibration device (100), characterized in that, The flow calibration device (100) includes a buffer container (1), which comprises: It has a hollow fluid-containing cavity (2); The inlet (3) is in fluid communication with the fluid receiving cavity (2); and The outlet (4) is in fluid communication with the fluid receiving cavity (2). The cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid receiving cavity (2) along the direction from the inlet (3) to the outlet (4) gradually increases and then gradually decreases.

2. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow calibration device (100) is used to calibrate the flow rate of the peristaltic pump (16).

3. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inlet (3) and outlet (4) are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, and the outlet (4) is located vertically above the inlet (3).

4. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer container (1) is configured to have a streamlined smooth transition from the inlet (3) to the fluid receiving cavity (2) and from the fluid receiving cavity (2) to the outlet (4), and the inner wall surface of the fluid receiving cavity (2) itself is also streamlined.

5. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer container (1) has an elliptical profile along its horizontal cross-section; or The fluid-containing cavity (2) has an elliptical profile along its horizontal cross section.

6. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow calibration device (100) further includes an inlet pipe (10) and an outlet pipe (11), the inlet pipe (10) being in fluid communication with the inlet port (3), and the outlet pipe (11) being in fluid communication with the outlet port (4).

7. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow calibration device (100) also includes a first bubble sensor (12) and a second bubble sensor (13).

8. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: A rectifier is installed inside the fluid containment cavity (2).

9. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rectifier is positioned within the fluid receiving cavity (2) near the inlet (3); and / or The rectifier includes a central spoiler element and rectifier elements disposed on the outside or periphery of the central spoiler element.

10. The buffered flow calibration device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rectifier includes a circular baffle column (7), a first baffle (5), and a second baffle (6); the circular baffle column (7) is located vertically above the liquid inlet (3), and the first baffle (5) and the second baffle (6) are arranged obliquely relative to the vertical direction and symmetrically arranged on both sides of the circular baffle column (7); or The rectifier includes at least two layers of rectifier elements arranged in a vertical direction, and each layer of rectifier elements includes at least one baffle.

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