Bioaerosol enrichment device

Abstract

This application relates to a bioaerosol enrichment device, specifically within the technical field of enrichment devices. The device includes an enrichment fan and a virtual impactor connected thereto. The enrichment fan draws bioaerosols from the environment into the virtual impactor. The virtual impactor comprises an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, a top cover, a base, and multiple cutter assemblies. The multiple cutter assemblies are vertically arranged on the outside of the inner cylinder and evenly distributed along its circumference. The outer cylinder surrounds the multiple cutter assemblies. An airflow cavity communicating with the inner side of the inner cylinder and the outer side of the outer cylinder is provided through the cutter assembly, with a gap between the airflow cavity and the outer cylinder. The top cover and base are respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the inner and outer cylinders, and the lower port of the inner cylinder extends to the outside of the base to form a secondary flow interface for connecting an external sampling module. This application, through a bioaerosol enrichment device that can be used in conjunction with a sampling module, meets the sampling needs of critical areas or special environments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of enrichment devices, and more particularly to a bioaerosol enrichment device. Background Technology

[0002] Microbial aerosols, containing bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, are widely present in indoor and outdoor environments and are key targets for environmental monitoring as they serve as vectors for respiratory infectious diseases. In scenarios such as early disease warning, they are often characterized by low concentrations, with some particles having concentrations below the detection limit, requiring extremely high sampling and detection sensitivity.

[0003] If the sampler is not used in conjunction with an aerosol enrichment device, it will face several challenges and poor detection results. First, the total capture volume is insufficient. Due to limitations in sampling flow rate and mechanism, the total amount of target particles is low, easily leading to "undetectable" problems. Second, matrix interference is significant. Samples mixed with impurities compete for reagents, interfere with detection, and reduce specificity. Third, microbial activity is easily lost. Rigid contact with the sampling medium leads to cell rupture and nucleic acid degradation, affecting the effectiveness of detection. Fourth, sampling efficiency is greatly affected by the environment, has poor stability, and insufficient data comparability.

[0004] In summary, individual sampling cannot meet the sampling needs of key areas or special environments, and the development of efficient combined enrichment devices is of great significance. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above problems, this application is made in order to provide a bioaerosol enrichment device that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0006] The bioaerosol enrichment device provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: A bioaerosol enrichment device, including an enrichment fan and a virtual impactor connected thereto; The enrichment fan is used to draw bioaerosols from the environment into the virtual impactor. The virtual impactor is used to concentrate and enrich bioaerosols that enter its interior, and includes an inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, a top cover, a base, and multiple cutter components. Multiple cutter assemblies are vertically arranged on the outside of the inner cylinder and evenly distributed along its circumferential direction. The outer cylinder is arranged around the outside of the multiple cutter assemblies, and the cutter assemblies are detachably connected to both the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The cutter assembly has an airflow cavity that is connected to the inner side of the inner cylinder and the outer side of the outer cylinder, and the airflow cavity is separated from the outer cylinder at the connection point. The top cover is disposed above the outer cylinder and is used to seal the upper port of the inner cylinder and support the enrichment fan. The air inlet of the enrichment fan is completely connected to the upper port of the cavity formed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder. The base is located below the outer cylinder and is used to seal the lower port of the cavity formed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder; the lower port of the inner cylinder extends to the outside of the base to form a secondary flow interface, and the secondary flow interface is used to connect to an external sampling module.

[0007] Optionally, the outer side of the inner cylinder is uniformly provided with a plurality of first slots for the air outlet side of the cutter assembly to be inserted into, and the air outlet side of the cutter assembly is connected to the inner side of the inner cylinder in sequence through a plurality of connecting holes provided on the side wall of the inner cylinder. The inner side of the outer cylinder is uniformly provided with a plurality of second slots for the air inlet side of the cutter assembly to be inserted, and the second slots penetrate the side wall of the outer cylinder, that is, the air inlet side of the cutter assembly can be connected to the outside of the outer cylinder through the second slots. Multiple first slots and multiple second slots are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and a sealing strip is provided at the connection between the cutter assembly and the communicating hole. The sealing strip is used to ensure the airtightness of the communication between the airflow cavity and the inner side of the inner cylinder. The air inlet side of the cutter assembly and both sides of the second slot are separated by gaps. That is, when the enrichment fan is working, external bioaerosols can enter the inner cylinder through the airflow cavity, and can also enter the cavity formed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder through the gaps between the cutter assembly and the second slot.

[0008] Optionally, the cutter assembly has a plurality of T-shaped inserts evenly arranged along its height on the air intake side. The T-shaped inserts are used to insert into the second slot, and cutting strips are provided on both sides to abut against the side walls of the second slot.

[0009] Optionally, the cutter assembly includes a first plate and a second plate; Both the first plate and the second plate are uniformly provided with multiple recessed areas along their height direction, and the corresponding recessed areas are relatively fitted together to form multiple airflow cavities.

[0010] Optionally, the air inlet port of the airflow cavity is arranged in a diffused manner along its air outlet direction.

[0011] Optionally, an insect-proof net is also fitted on the outside of the outer cylinder.

[0012] Optionally, multiple arc-shaped structures are uniformly arranged on the outer wall of the outer cylinder along its circumferential direction, and the multiple arc-shaped structures are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with multiple second slots, with the second slots located in the middle of the arc-shaped structures.

[0013] In summary, this application has the following beneficial technical effects: This application, through a bioaerosol enrichment device that can be used in conjunction with a sampling module, meets the sampling needs in key areas or special environments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the virtual impactor in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the inner cylinder, outer cylinder, and cutter assembly in an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of region A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cutter assembly in an embodiment of this application.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Enrichment fan; 2. Virtual impactor; 21. Inner cylinder; 211. First slot; 212. Secondary flow interface; 22. Outer cylinder; 221. Second slot; 222. Arc-shaped structure; 23. Top cover; 24. Base; 25. Cutter assembly; 251. Airflow cavity; 252. T-shaped insert; 253. Cutting strip; 26. Insect-proof net. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are one embodiment of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0018] This embodiment provides a bioaerosol enrichment device.

[0019] According to Figures 1 to 4 The bioaerosol enrichment device includes an enrichment fan 1 and a virtual impactor 2. The enrichment fan 1 is located on top of the virtual impactor 2 and is used to draw bioaerosols from the environment into the virtual impactor 2.

[0020] The virtual impactor 2 includes an inner cylinder 21, an outer cylinder 22, a top cover 23, a base 24, and multiple cutter assemblies 25. Both the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 are vertically arranged straight cylinders. The multiple cutter assemblies 25 are vertically arranged on the outside of the inner cylinder 21 and evenly distributed along its circumferential direction. The outer cylinder 22 is fitted over the outside of the cutter assemblies 25.

[0021] An airflow chamber 251 is horizontally provided inside the cutter assembly 25. The air outlet of the airflow chamber 251 is used to connect to the inside of the inner cylinder 21, and the air inlet is used to connect to the outside of the outer cylinder 22. The air inlet and the outside of the outer cylinder 22 are connected with a gap. That is, the bioaerosol from the outside can enter the inside of the inner cylinder 21 through the airflow chamber 251 through the connection, or enter the cavity formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 through the connection, and then be discharged by the enrichment fan 1.

[0022] Multiple first slots 211 are evenly arranged on the outer side of the inner cylinder 21 along its circumferential direction. The first slots 211 are used for the air outlet side of the cutter assembly 25 (i.e., the air outlet side of the airflow chamber 251) to be inserted. The air outlet side of the cutter assembly 25 is connected to the inner side of the inner cylinder 21 in sequence through multiple connecting holes provided on the side wall of the inner cylinder 21.

[0023] Multiple second slots 221 are also evenly arranged on the inner side of the outer cylinder 22 along its circumferential direction. The second slots 221 correspond one-to-one with the first slots 211 and are used for insertion into the air inlet side (i.e., the air inlet side of the airflow chamber 251) of the cutter assembly 25. The second slot 221 penetrates the side wall of the outer cylinder 22, meaning that the air intake side of the cutter assembly 25 can be connected to the outside of the outer cylinder 22 through the second slot 221; at the same time, gaps are provided on both sides of the connection between the second slot 221 and the cutter assembly 25 to ensure that when the enrichment fan 1 is working, the external bioaerosol can enter the inner side of the inner cylinder 21 through the airflow cavity 251 and the connecting hole, or enter the cavity formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 through the gaps on both sides.

[0024] In actual implementation, a sealing strip is provided at the connection between the air outlet side of the cutter assembly 25 and the connecting hole. The sealing strip is used to ensure the tightness of the connection between the air outlet end of the airflow chamber 251 and the connecting hole, so as to prevent the bioaerosol entering the airflow chamber 251 from leaking into the cavity formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 through the connecting hole.

[0025] In order to ensure the connection stability of the cutter assembly 25 and the second slot 221 while ensuring the gap setting, multiple T-shaped inserts 252 are evenly arranged on the air intake side of the cutter assembly 25 along its height direction. The T-shaped inserts 252 are used to insert into the second slot 221, and cutting strips 253 are provided on both sides of the T-shaped inserts 252 to abut against the side walls of the second slot 221.

[0026] At this time, an air intake channel is formed between the adjacent T-shaped inserts 252 to allow external bioaerosols to enter. The T-shaped inserts 252 also create a gap between the air intake side of the cutter assembly 25 and the inner wall of the outer cylinder 22, so that external bioaerosols can enter the airflow chamber 251 and also enter the cavity formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22.

[0027] Meanwhile, in order to reduce the resistance of airflow entering the airflow cavity 251 through the second slot 221, multiple arc-shaped structures 222 are uniformly arranged on the outer side wall of the outer cylinder 22 along its circumferential direction. The multiple arc-shaped structures 222 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple second slots 221, and the second slots 221 are located in the middle of the arc-shaped structures 222.

[0028] Reference Figure 5 The cutter assembly 25 includes a first plate and a second plate, which are arranged opposite to each other and each has a plurality of recessed areas evenly arranged along the height direction. The corresponding recessed areas fit together to form an airflow cavity 251.

[0029] In order to ensure that the air diffuses stably and evenly into the airflow cavity 251, reduce kinetic energy loss, and ensure that the airflow flows along the inside of the airflow cavity 251, thereby ensuring that the bioaerosol particles move inward and do not escape outward, the air inlet port of the airflow cavity 251 is arranged in a diffused shape along its direction of air outlet.

[0030] Reference Figure 2 The top cover 23 is disposed above the outer cylinder 22 and is used to block the upper port of the inner cylinder 21 and to support the enrichment fan 1. The air inlet of the enrichment fan 1 is completely connected to the upper port of the cavity formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22.

[0031] The base 24 is located below the outer cylinder 22 and is used to seal the lower port of the cavity formed between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22. The lower port of the inner cylinder 21 extends to a secondary flow interface 212 located outside the base 24. The secondary flow interface 212 is used to connect an external sampling module so that the sampling module can directly sample the bioaerosol enrichment device and improve the sampling efficiency.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 To prevent flying insects, fluff, etc. from entering the airflow cavity 251 or getting stuck between the two sides of the cutter assembly 25 and the second slot 221 and affecting the efficiency of the enrichment device, an insect-proof net 26 is also fitted on the outside of the outer cylinder 22.

[0033] When bioaerosols are being enriched and sampled, the enrichment fan 1 is started, and the bioaerosol particles enter the second slot 221 along with the airflow. At this time, the large bioaerosol particles are more likely to maintain their original direction of motion due to their large inertia, and thus enter the inner cylinder 21 directly through the airflow cavity 251.

[0034] Small bioaerosol particles, due to their low inertia, are not easy to maintain their original direction of motion. Therefore, they enter the cavity between the inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 22 through the gap between the cutter assembly 25 and the second slot 221, and are then discharged by the enrichment fan 1. Thus, large bioaerosol particles are enriched in the inner cylinder 21, while small bioaerosol particles are discharged, achieving the enrichment and sampling of large bioaerosol particles.

[0035] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A bioaerosol enrichment device, characterized in that: It includes an enrichment fan (1) and a virtual impactor (2) connected to it; The enrichment fan (1) is used to draw bioaerosols from the environment into the virtual impactor (2); The virtual impactor (2) is used to concentrate and enrich the bioaerosols that enter its interior. It includes an inner cylinder (21), an outer cylinder (22), a top cover (23), a base (24), and multiple cutter assemblies (25). Multiple cutter assemblies (25) are vertically arranged on the outside of the inner cylinder (21) and evenly distributed along its circumferential direction. The outer cylinder (22) is arranged around the outside of the multiple cutter assemblies (25). The cutter assemblies (25) can be detachably connected to both the inner cylinder (21) and the outer cylinder (22). The cutter assembly (25) has an airflow cavity (251) that is connected to the inner side of the inner cylinder (21) and the outer side of the outer cylinder (22) through it, and the airflow cavity (251) and the outer cylinder (22) are connected with a gap. The top cover (23) is disposed above the outer cylinder (22) to block the upper port of the inner cylinder (21) and to support the enrichment fan (1), and the air inlet of the enrichment fan (1) is completely connected to the upper port of the cavity formed between the inner cylinder (21) and the outer cylinder (22); The base (24) is located below the outer cylinder (22) and is used to seal the lower port of the cavity formed between the inner cylinder (21) and the outer cylinder (22); the lower port of the inner cylinder (21) extends to the outside of the base (24) to form a secondary flow interface (212), and the secondary flow interface (212) is used to connect to an external sampling module.

2. The bioaerosol enrichment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the inner cylinder (21) is uniformly provided with a plurality of first slots (211) for the air outlet side of the cutter assembly (25) to be inserted, and the air outlet side of the cutter assembly (25) is connected to the inner side of the inner cylinder (21) in sequence through a plurality of connecting holes provided on the side wall of the inner cylinder (21). The inner side of the outer cylinder (22) is uniformly provided with a plurality of second slots (221) for the air intake side of the cutter assembly (25) to be inserted, and the second slots (221) penetrate the side wall of the outer cylinder (22), that is, the air intake side of the cutter assembly (25) can be connected to the outside of the outer cylinder (22) through the second slots (221); Multiple first slots (211) and multiple second slots (221) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and a sealing strip is provided at the connection between the cutter assembly (25) and the communicating hole. The sealing strip is used to ensure the airtightness of the communication between the airflow cavity (251) and the inner side of the inner cylinder (21). The air inlet side of the cutter assembly (25) and both sides of the second slot (221) are separated by a gap. That is, when the enrichment fan (1) is working, the external bioaerosol can enter the inner cylinder (21) through the airflow cavity (251), and can also enter the cavity formed between the inner cylinder (21) and the outer cylinder (22) through the gap between the cutter assembly (25) and the second slot (221).

3. The bioaerosol enrichment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cutter assembly (25) has a plurality of T-shaped inserts (252) evenly arranged along its height direction on the air intake side. The T-shaped inserts (252) are used to insert into the second slot (221), and both sides are provided with cutting strips (253) for abutting against the side walls of the second slot (221).

4. The bioaerosol enrichment device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The cutter assembly (25) includes a first plate and a second plate; Both the first plate and the second plate are uniformly provided with a plurality of recessed areas along their height direction, and the corresponding recessed areas are fitted together to form a plurality of airflow cavities (251).

5. The bioaerosol enrichment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air inlet port of the airflow chamber (251) is arranged in a diffused manner along its air outlet direction.

6. The bioaerosol enrichment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer cylinder (22) is also fitted with an insect-proof net (26).

7. The bioaerosol enrichment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Multiple arc-shaped structures (222) are uniformly arranged on the outer wall of the outer cylinder (22) along its circumferential direction. The multiple arc-shaped structures (222) are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the multiple second slots (221), and the second slots (221) are located in the middle of the arc-shaped structures (222).

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