Mixing device for mixed liquids

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a formulation using a two-part system having a first part containing a first reagent and a second part containing a second reagent, the first and second reagents reacting upon mixing to produce an active ingredient of the formulation, and the formulation having a diluent, the apparatus having a primary chamber (104) for receiving a predetermined amount of the first part, a predetermined amount of the second part and a predetermined amount of the diluent, a reagent inlet (106) for depositing the first and second parts into the primary chamber, a diluent inlet (108) connected to a diluent supply to allow depositing diluent into the primary chamber, an outlet (118) for discharging the formulation from the primary chamber, and a flow control device (112) for depositing a volume of diluent into the primary chamber for a predetermined time upon connection of the diluent inlet to the diluent supply.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices for preparing formulations, such as two-part disinfectant systems, in which a first and a second reagent react upon mixing to produce the active ingredient of the formulation, and a diluent is added to adjust the formulation to a suitable concentration for use. [Background technology]

[0002] Many preparations containing active ingredients degrade over time, shortening the shelf life of the product. This is particularly true for disinfectants and sanitizers such as chlorine dioxide. In this case, the active ingredient is generated on demand in situ by mixing two reagents. An example is disclosed in WO 2005 / 11756. Chlorine dioxide can be generated, for example, by mixing a chlorite salt with an acid.

[0003] When preparing such preparations at the point of use, it is important to ensure that the preparation has a preferred active ingredient concentration. For example, in the case of a disinfectant composition, if the active ingredient concentration is too low, the disinfectant activity may be lost, and if the active ingredient concentration is too high, the preparation may be unpleasant or dangerous when used. Therefore, the user must follow certain instructions to ensure that the correct amount of reagent is added, that the correct amount of diluent is used, and that the reaction has occurred for a sufficient period of time. The user is required to follow several steps in a specific order and to implement one or more waiting periods. Thus, preparing such compositions is time-consuming, requires concentration, and can potentially lead to human error.

[0004] It is known to provide prepackaged amounts of the two parts of a two-part system that can be mixed with a desired amount of diluent, typically water. In one example, separate small packets are provided in which the two parts are packaged in the desired amounts. The user adds the appropriate amount of water to a container, adds the contents of the two packets, and waits a predetermined time for the reaction to occur. The user then adds a further predetermined amount of water to bring the preparation to the potent concentration before transferring or pouring the preparation into another container for use. In such systems, the user must carefully follow the instructions and ensure that sufficient time has elapsed before using the resulting preparation. In particular, it is not desirable to add the entire amount of diluent to the container before adding the reagent, as this would impractically slow the reaction rate and require the diluent to be added in two separate steps, although this is useful to ensure that the resulting solution is homogenous.

[0005] Another embodiment disclosed in WO 2017 / 060677 uses a dispensing capsule with two or more sealed dispensing chambers. Each dispensing chamber has a different substance that is dispensed into a primary chamber. When the cap is screwed or pushed onto the capsule, the dispensing chamber walls gradually collapse, rupturing the internal seal between the chambers, thus promoting premixing of the contents of the dispensing chambers to produce a concentrated reagent mixture. Further collapse of the walls as the cap is screwed or pushed breaks the external seal and expels the mixture into the primary chamber. This premixing accelerates the production of the activator. The reaction proceeds in the primary chamber with a predetermined amount of diluent, resulting in a sufficient concentration of the activator in this primary chamber.

[0006] Although these configurations have the advantage that preparation of the disinfectant solution can be performed relatively quickly by using precise amounts of concentrated reagent and without exposing the user to the concentrated reagent or concentrated reagent mixture, the user still must be mindful of a series of predetermined process steps and timing to ensure that the resulting disinfectant solution has an effective concentration of active agent. It is also important that the correct amount of diluent is present in the primary chamber so that the resulting formulation has the correct concentration.

[0007] WO 2014 / 032832 discloses an apparatus having a first and second reagent reservoir in a mixing tank. The mixing tank is provided with a main water inlet. The flow of reagent and water to the mixing tank is controlled by a valve system which simultaneously allows the reagent and water to flow into the tank. The valve system has a float switch which shuts off the water inlet when the contents of the mixing tank reach a predetermined volume and simultaneously opens the mixing tank outlet and discharges the contents into a separate container. With this apparatus, the filling rate of the mixing tank, and therefore the reaction rate of the diluted reagent, varies depending on the main water pressure, leading to inconsistent results. Furthermore, the apparatus requires a relatively complex valve system, which is costly and requires maintenance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 060677 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 032832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] Given this background, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for compounding a formulation that requires less user involvement and / or reduces the risk of human error. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims and preferred features are set out in the dependent claims.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for preparing a formulation using a two-part system having a first part with a first reagent and a second part with a second reagent, the first and second reagents reacting upon mixing to produce an active ingredient of the formulation, and the formulation comprising a diluent, the apparatus having a primary chamber for receiving a predetermined amount of the first part, a predetermined amount of the second part and a predetermined amount of diluent, a reagent inlet for delivering the first and second parts to the primary chamber, a diluent inlet connected to a diluent supply and enabling the diluent to be delivered to the primary chamber, a drain for draining the formulation from the primary chamber, and a flow control device for delivering a predetermined amount of diluent to the primary chamber for a predetermined time when the diluent inlet is connected to the diluent supply.

[0012] In this configuration, a precise amount of diluent can be added to the primary chamber by monitoring only the fill time of the diluent. In this manner, the user does not need to continuously monitor the fill process and does not need to measure the volume of diluent, simplifying the compounding process and reducing errors. Furthermore, a predetermined time for delivering a predetermined volume of diluent can be selected to optimize the reaction between the first and second reagents, for example, by avoiding premature dilution of the reagents.

[0013] The flow control device may be any flow control device capable of delivering diluent to the primary chamber at a predetermined inflow rate, so long as the delivery of diluent can be performed at a rate greater than the predetermined inflow rate and without any restriction. The predetermined inflow rate is preferably between 2.5 and 10 liters per minute. In one embodiment, the primary chamber has a volume of at least 10 L, the predetermined flow rate is 4.9 liters per minute, and the combined volume of the first and second portions is 200 mL. In this embodiment, the total fill time required to produce a final volume of 10 L of formulation is 2 minutes.

[0014] The first and second parts may be supplied in a package, such as a small sachet, containing a suitable amount of each of the first and second parts, which can be manually opened by a user to dispense each part into the reagent port. Alternatively, the device may include features that automate or assist the process of adding the first and second parts to the primary chamber.

[0015] For example, the device may have a receiving area adapted to receive a capsule having first and second cavities for holding the first and second portions, respectively, and may have an actuator adapted to dispense the first and second portions from the capsule to a reagent inlet, for example the actuator may be part of a closeable lid of the device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reagent inlet has a reaction chamber for receiving the first and second portions and the reaction chamber has an outlet for delivering a reagent mixture formed from the first and second portions to the primary chamber. The outlet can have a restricted orifice that releases the reagent mixture into the primary chamber at a controlled rate and / or a valve that controls the release of the reagent mixture from the reaction chamber. By keeping the reagents in the reaction chamber before dilution, the reaction proceeds more quickly and reduces the overall preparation time.

[0017] The flow control device preferably includes a fill valve that stops and starts the flow of diluent to the primary chamber. The fill valve may be manual, in which case the user operates the valve for a predetermined period of time as described in the operating instructions. Alternatively, the fill valve may be mechanically operated. For example, a solenoid controlled valve may be used as the fill valve.

[0018] The apparatus may include a control module configured to receive a reagent dispense signal corresponding to dispensing the first and second portions into the primary chamber and to operate the fill valve in response to the reagent dispense signal. The control module may indicate readiness to a user after a predetermined amount of diluent has been dispensed into the primary chamber, to notify the user that the dispense is ready to be prepared. The readiness indication may be an audio and / or visual indication via one or more indicator lights, a display screen and / or a display device such as a loudspeaker.

[0019] The control module may be configured to wait a predetermined waiting time after a predetermined amount of diluent has flowed into the primary chamber before sending a notification of completion of preparation, so that there is sufficient time for the reaction to occur.Similarly, the control module may be configured to wait a predetermined reaction time after receiving a reagent input signal before sending a predetermined amount of diluent into the primary chamber to react with the reagent before dilution.

[0020] In some embodiments, a predetermined amount of diluent is added to the primary chamber in two doses, before and after the addition of the first and second portions. That is, the control module receives a start input signal before the first and second portions are added to the primary chamber, and in response to the start input signal, operates the fill valve to dispense a first dose of diluent into the primary chamber. In response to a reagent dispense signal, operates the fill valve to dispense a second dose of diluent into the primary chamber, the combined volume of the first and second doses being equal to the predetermined amount of diluent. The control module can be configured to inform a user that the system is ready to fill after the first dose and to instruct the system to add the first and second portions to the primary chamber.

[0021] In another embodiment, a predetermined amount of diluent is added to the primary chamber in one dose, where the fill valve is operated in response to a reagent dispense signal to add the predetermined amount of diluent to the primary chamber, and the control module communicates to the user that the fill is ready, indicating that the first and second portions may be dispensed into the primary chamber before, after, or during the dispense of diluent. Effect of the Invention

[0022] The apparatus may incorporate a user input device which is operated by a user to provide a reagent dispense signal to the control module by way of a user interface. If the control module is configured to receive a start input signal, the user input device may also be operated by a user to provide a start input signal to the control module. The user interface may be, for example, a user operated button or switch or may be a touch screen which also acts as a pointing device.

[0023] In the case of a device of the invention, the reagent dispensing signal may be generated without direct user input. For example, the device may include a dispensing sensor configured to detect an event associated with dispensing the first and second portions into the primary chamber and generate a reagent dispensing signal to the control module upon detection of the event. Where the device includes an area for receiving a capsule and an actuator for dispensing the first and second portions from the capsule, the dispensing sensor may be configured to detect actuation of the actuator and generate a reagent dispensing signal to the control module upon detection of actuation.

[0024] The device of the present invention may include a fault sensor that detects the presence of liquid in the primary chamber. The control module may be configured to receive a fault signal from the fault sensor and notify a user of the occurrence of a fault if the presence of liquid in the primary chamber is detected prior to operation of the fill valve. For example, the fault sensor may be a back pressure sensor that detects the back pressure of the liquid in the primary chamber at the diluent inlet.

[0025] The apparatus may include a data reading device, such as an RFID reader, for reading data from a data carrier in a package containing the first and / or second part. This data may relate to characteristics of the first and / or second part, such as chemical type, batch number, expiry date, shelf life, etc. The control module may be configured to receive the data from the data reading device, validate the data against one or more predefined criteria, and, if the data falls outside one or more criteria, inform a user that an error has occurred before operating the fill valve.

[0026] In the case of the device of the present invention, a drain port for emptying the primary chamber (emptying) can be provided. The drain port has a drain valve operable by the control module, so that the contents of the primary chamber can be emptied and drained automatically. For example, the control module can be configured to operate the drain valve to empty the primary chamber after a predetermined storage period of the preparation has expired.

[0027] A drain flow sensor can be provided to detect the flow of the formulation through the drain. The control module can be configured to determine a drain flow rate from the output of the drain flow sensor as the formulation is drained from the drain and record the drain flow rate. The recorded flow rate data can be used for stock control, audits, usage analysis, etc.

[0028] The drain may have a drain valve that may be operated by the control module to control flow through the drain. In this configuration, the control module may restrict flow through the drain when desired. For example, the control module may operate the drain valve to prevent flow through the drain when preparing a formulation.

[0029] Preferred features and / or optional features of each aspect and embodiment of the present invention may be used alone or in appropriate combination with other aspects and embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements or components, and in which:

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a series of steps in a method of operating the apparatus of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4A-4D show a series of steps in a method of operating the apparatus of FIG. [Figure 5-10] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a series of steps in a method of operating the apparatus of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] 1 shows an apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a tank 102 surrounding a primary chamber 104. A reagent inlet 106 is provided at the top of the tank 102 for adding a reagent to the primary chamber 104.

[0033] A diluent inlet 108 is provided for introducing a diluent liquid, such as water, into the primary chamber 104. The diluent inlet 108 may be connected to a diluent supply (indicated by arrow 110) which may provide a continuous supply of diluent. For example, the diluent supply 110 may be a mains water supply line. The flow of diluent from the diluent supply 110, through the diluent inlet 108, to the primary chamber 104 is controlled by a flow controller 112. The flow controller 112 includes a fill valve 114 and a flow restrictor 116. In this embodiment, the fill valve 114 may be operated by a user (such as by turning a handle or by a solenoid control) to start or stop the flow of diluent. The flow restrictor 116 restricts the flow rate of diluent into the primary chamber 104.

[0034] The device 100 further includes a drain 118 for discharging the contents of the primary chamber 104 after preparation of the formulation is complete. The flow of the drain 118 is controlled by a user operated drain valve 120.

[0035] The purpose of the device 100 of the present invention is to prepare a formulation using a two-part system having a first part with a first reagent and a second part with a second reagent. The first and second reagents are mixed to produce the active ingredient of the formulation, while the diluent dilutes the active ingredient to the appropriate concentration for its usefulness. At least one of the first and second parts, and preferably both, are present in liquid form.

[0036] The reagents used in the present system are those that, upon mixing, produce a disinfectant composition, such as, for example, chlorine dioxide or peracetic acid. Suitable reagents are known to those skilled in the art. For example, reagents that produce chlorine dioxide include chlorite / acid, chlorate / peroxide / acid, chlorite / hypochlorite / suitable buffer, etc. The reagents may be in concentrated form, so long as they are capable of rapidly producing the active agent upon mixing of the first and second parts.

[0037] 1, it is advantageous to select the flow restriction device 116 so that when the fill valve 114 is opened, a known, predetermined flow rate of diluent flows into the primary chamber 104, so long as the diluent supply 110 is capable of supplying diluent at a rate equal to or greater than that permitted by the flow restriction device 116. This simplifies the process of filling the primary chamber 104 with a desired amount of diluent, since a known amount of diluent flows for a predetermined period of time. In this manner, the diluent filling step can be performed by a user by opening the fill valve 114, waiting the predetermined period of time, and then closing the fill valve, without the user having to periodically physically measure the liquid volume or continuously monitor the system during the fill period.

[0038] The flow restrictor 116 may use a restricted orifice of any suitable size to restrict the liquid flow, although other suitable types of flow restrictor 116 may be used.

[0039] In one embodiment, the diluent supply 110 is a main water supply, the primary chamber has a nominal volume of 10 L, and the first and second parts of the two-part system are packaged in small pouches of 100 ml each. In this case, the flow rate is preferably limited by a flow restrictor 116 to a maximum of 4.9 L / min, which is below the normal flow rate from the main water supply (e.g. in the UK, the typical unrestricted main water flow rate is 10-15 L / min). Thus, in normal use, the presence of the flow restrictor 116 would result in a flow rate of 4.9 L / min into the primary chamber 104.

[0040] Reference is now made to Figure 2. The device 100 can be used to prepare a disinfectant composition as described below.

[0041] First, in step 201, a user opens the fill valve 114, and water flows from the water supply line 110 into the primary chamber 104 through the diluent inlet 108 at a flow rate set by the flow restrictor 116. In step 202, the user waits for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, in step 203, the user closes the fill valve 114. In this manner, the first or first batch of diluent is dispensed into the primary chamber 104. The volume of the first batch of diluent is the product of the flow rate of the flow restrictor 116 in step 202 and the predetermined time. For example, if the flow rate is 4.9 liters / min and the predetermined time is 1 minute, the amount of the first batch dispensed is 4.9 L.

[0042] Reagent is then added to the primary chamber 104 in step 204, where the user opens a small pouch containing a predetermined amount of the first and second parts and pours the contents into the primary chamber 104 via the reagent inlet 106. In step 205, the user waits a predetermined reaction time, which is indicated in the instructions and depends on the reaction rate and the concentrations of the first and second parts. It should be understood that no waiting time is required in step 205.

[0043] After reagent has been added and any required reaction time has elapsed, a second charge of diluent is added to the primary chamber 104. Thus, the user opens the diluent fill valve 114 in step 206, waits a predetermined time in step 207, and closes the diluent fill valve 114 in step 208. As before, the volume of this second charge is the product of the flow rate through the flow restrictor 116 in step 207 and the predetermined time, e.g., if the flow rate is 4.9 liters / minute and the predetermined time is 1 minute, then the second charge will be 4.9 L.

[0044] Thus, steps 201-208 add a total of 9.8 L of diluent to which a first 100 mL portion and a second 100 mL portion are added, resulting in a total of 10 L of formulation in primary chamber 104 at the end of step 208. Next, step 209 follows where the user dispenses / drains the desired volume of formulation through drain port 118 by operating drain valve 120.

[0045] It should be noted that in its simplest form, the device 100 is 100% mechanical, with the fill valve 114 and the drain valve 120 being manual. The user can use an external clock to set the predetermined time, following the instructions. However, in a variant, the device 100 can have a built-in timer that can be preprogrammed with the correct time intervals and can also remind the user to take the necessary action at the correct time. Also, the fill valve 114 can be solenoid operated and controlled by a timer, allowing the user to control the start of the timer to keep the fill valve 114 open for the desired time.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the apparatus 100a according to the present invention, which is similar to the first embodiment (only the differences will be described below). In this second embodiment, the fill valve 114 is operated by a control module 130, which is connected to a user interface 132 and provides user commands to the control module 130, which in turn provides the same to an indicator device 134 to provide instructions to the user. The indicator device 134 may be one or more lights, a display screen, an audio output, or a combination of these, and may be implemented or integrated into the user interface 132, such as a touch screen. The control module 130 is preferably a microprocessor module, although it is possible to operate the control module 130 via other means. The control module 130 is preprogrammed with the correct sequence of steps and the desired fill and wait times to accurately dispense the desired composition.

[0047] Continuing with reference to Figure 4, to prepare a formulation using the device 100a of Figure 3, the user first checks that the device 100a is intact and that the drain valve 120 is closed, then presses the "start" button on the user interface 132, in step 301, which causes a start input signal to be transmitted to the control module 130. Upon receiving the start input signal, the control module 130 causes the fill valve 114 to open for a predetermined first fill time and then close again, in step 302, thereby filling the primary chamber 104 with a precise volume of diluent for a first fill. The volume of this first fill is determined by the flow rate of the flow restrictor 116 and the length of the first fill time.

[0048] Next, in step 303, the control module 130 causes the indicator device 134 to provide an audio and / or visual "reagent ready to fill" message to the user, prompting the user to add reagent to the primary chamber 104 via the reagent inlet 106, as described above. In step 304, the user is prompted to add reagent as described above. Next, in step 305, the user presses the "Confirm" button on the user interface 132, which causes a signal to be received by the control module 130. After receiving the signal to dispense reagent, in step 306, the control module 130 causes the fill valve 114 to open for a second predetermined fill time and then close again, filling the primary chamber 104 with the correct amount of diluent for the second instalment. If desired, the control module 130 can wait a predetermined reaction time after receiving the signal to dispense reagent before opening the fill valve 114 in step 306. Finally, in step 307, the control module 130 communicates "ready to compound" to the user via the indicator device 134.

[0049] Additionally, the user interface 132 and control module 130 may be configured to allow the pressing of a single operating button to initiate the start of the process in step 301 and to confirm that the reagent has been added in step 305.

[0050] In the embodiment of Figures 1-4, a flow control device 116 is used to ensure that a predetermined volume of diluent is dispensed into the primary chamber for a predetermined time, provided that the unrestricted flow rate of the diluent supply 110 exceeds the flow rate of the flow restrictor 116. The tank 102 may be designed to allow visual checking of the liquid level in the primary chamber 104, such as by forming the tank entirely or partially out of a transparent material and showing level indicators corresponding to possible liquid levels after the first and second doses, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, a level gauge and / or electronic level sensor may be provided, allowing the user to identify an inaccurate fill due to the diluent supply 110 flow rate dropping below the flow rate of the flow restrictor 116, or due to component failure or other error.

[0051] 5 shows a third embodiment of the device 100b according to the invention, which is similar to the second embodiment (only the differences will be described). In this third embodiment, the flow restriction device 116 is omitted and the flow control device 112 consists only of a fill valve 114, which is operated by a control module 130 to stop and start the flow of diluent to the primary chamber 102.

[0052] The apparatus 100b includes a diluent inlet flow sensor. In this embodiment, the sensor is an inlet pressure sensor 136 that detects the pressure of the diluent flowing between the fill valve 114 and the diluent inlet 108 when the fill valve 114 is open. The control module 130 receives the inlet pressure signal from the inlet pressure sensor 136 and determines a diluent inlet flow rate based on the inlet pressure signal. The control module 130 then determines and dynamically adjusts the number of times the fill valve 114 opens based on the inlet flow rate so that a desired amount of diluent can be introduced into the primary chamber 104. The control module 130 is also configured to notify a user of the malfunction via the indicator device 134 if the inlet pressure falls outside of a predetermined range. In one embodiment, the predetermined pressure range corresponds to an acceptable flow rate range of 2.5 to 10 liters per minute. However, flow rates outside this range can be accommodated depending on the size and chemical type of the primary chamber 104.

[0053] In this embodiment, the apparatus 100b also includes a backpressure sensor 138 that detects the backpressure between the diluent inlet 108 and the fill valve 114. The backpressure sensor 138 is a fault sensor that can detect the presence of liquid in the primary chamber 104 and generate a fault signal to the control module 130. If the control module 130 detects the presence of liquid in the primary chamber 104 prior to operation of the fill valve 114, it will notify the user via the indicator device 134 that a fault has occurred, i.e., that the primary chamber 104 has not been emptied prior to the start of the brewing process.

[0054] The method of preparing a formula using the system 100 of Figure 5 is generally similar to that of the system 100a of Figure 3, except that during the first and second fills, the control module 130 monitors the water flow using the inlet pressure sensor 136 to calculate the end of the fill time and closes the fill valve 114 after the proper amount of diluent has been added. Additionally, during the first and second fills, the control module 130 monitors the inlet pressure sensor 136 and the backpressure sensor 138 to provide a signal indicating an out of range dose or unexpected backpressure, as described above.

[0055] The inlet pressure sensor 136 and the back pressure sensor 138 may be a single sensor unit, or multiple different sensors may be used. Any suitable type of flow sensor may be used in place of the inlet pressure sensor to ascertain the inlet flow rate, which may be measured directly (such as by a turbine sensor) or indirectly (such as by a pressure sensor). Similarly, the back pressure sensor 138 may be replaced by any suitable type of fault sensor capable of detecting liquid in the primary chamber 104. Examples include a resistance-based liquid sensor or a float switch-based sensor. The fault sensor may be located at or near the bottom of the primary chamber 104.

[0056] 6 shows an apparatus 100c according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the third embodiment (only the differences will be described).

[0057] In this embodiment, as illustrated in WO 2017 / 060677, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the tank 102 has a receiving area 140 for receiving a capsule 142 with a first cavity 144a and a second cavity 144b, each having a first portion and a second portion. The cavities 144a, 144b have collapsible walls and are sealed at their bottom ends with a foil seal 146. Each cavity has a burst pin 148 extending downwardly towards the foil seal 146.

[0058] The device 100c also has an actuator in the form of a piston 150 which deposits the first and second parts from the capsule 142 into the reagent inlet 106. The piston 150 is attached to a lid 152 which is raised to access the receiving area 140 and the capsule 142 is inserted and closed, with the piston 150 exerting pressure on the walls forming the cavities 144a, 144b, causing them to begin to collapse. This results in an increase in pressure within the cavities 144a, 144b, and the foil seal 146 initially begins to move away from the dividing member separating the cavities 144a, 144b, but remains attached to the periphery of the capsule 142. This allows some mixing and reaction to occur while the first and second parts remain within the capsule. As the piston 150 is subsequently pressed further into the capsule 142, the burst pin 148 contacts the foil seal 146, causing the foil seal 146 to rupture or break away from at least a portion of its periphery, thereby allowing the mixture of the first and second parts to flow through the reagent inlet 106 and into the primary chamber 104. Advantageously, the lid 152 is connected to the reservoir 102 by a hinge (not shown), allowing the lid 152 to be opened and closed while still attached to the reservoir 102.

[0059] The device 100c is provided with a reagent dispense sensor 154 which detects the movement of the piston 150 and communicates a reagent dispense signal to the control module 130. In this embodiment, the reagent dispense sensor 154 takes the form of a microswitch which is activated when the lid is closed. In this arrangement, the control module 130 can determine when the lid 152 is closed, triggering the release of liquid from the capsule 142. Upon opening of the lid 152, the reagent dispense sensor 154 returns to a reset state, thereby enabling the control module 130 to determine when a new capsule 142 is inserted.

[0060] In this embodiment, after the reagent has been dispensed into the primary chamber 104, the required amount of diluent is dispensed into the primary chamber 104 at one time. Thus, to dispense the formulation, the user first ensures that the drain valve 120 is closed and then loads the capsule 142 into the receiving area 140. The user then closes the lid 152 and activates the burst mechanism, forcing the piston 150 into the capsule 142, dispensing the contents into the primary chamber 104 as described above. This action causes the reagent dispense sensor 154 to send a reagent dispense signal to the control module 130, which opens the fill valve 114 and initiates the diluent fill. As with the previous embodiment, the control module 130 monitors the dispense flow rate and closes the fill valve 114 after the required amount of diluent has been added.

[0061] It is understood that other types of reagent dispensing sensor 154 may be used. For example, an optical sensor may be used to detect the rate of fluid flow from the capsule 142. One or more sensors may also be used to detect faults or to initiate the control module 130 at the start of operation. For example, a microswitch or proximity detector may be used to detect the presence of the capsule 142 in the receiving area 140.

[0062] 7 shows an apparatus 100d according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the fourth embodiment but additionally uses an RFID data reader 160 for reading data from a data carrier having an RFID tag 162 attached to the capsule 142 when the capsule 142 is in position within the receiving area 140.

[0063] Data 162 encoded on tag 162 provides information regarding the characteristics of the reagent within capsule 142. For example, the data may include the chemical species (such as the composition and concentration of the reagent), batch number, expiration date of the capsule (based on the potential shelf life of the reagents prior to mixing), and the shelf life of the resulting formulation, which can be used to determine the expiration date of the formulation based on the time and date of formulation.

[0064] The control module 130 is configured to receive the data from the data reader 160 and validate the data against one or more predetermined criteria. If the data does not meet the one or more predetermined criteria, the control module 130 will inform a user via the indicator device 134 that an error has occurred.

[0065] In use, when the capsule 142 is loaded into the receiving area 140, the data on the tag 162 is read and the control module 130 uses the indicator device 134 (which in this embodiment has a display) to verify the date and time of the capsule 142 and the chemical data of the capsule. After diluent has been added and the formulation is ready for use, the control module 130 causes the indicator device 134 to display, record and verify a countdown indicating the remaining shelf life of the formulation along with the chemistry and lot number. If the capsule 142 has expired the control module 130 will indicate that an error has occurred.

[0066] The data in tag 162 can also detail the dwell times and diluent fill times required for the exact formulation. These details can be used by control module 130 to set the proper wait times and fill volumes for various steps in the formulation sequence. Configured in this manner, machine 100d can automatically adapt to different chemical species, for example, blending cleaning solutions, disinfecting solutions and rinsing solutions in the same machine.

[0067] The control module 130 can also use the received data to detect that a capsule 142 has been loaded with a different chemical species than that used in the previous process, and, if appropriate, prompt and assist the user in flushing the primary chamber 104.

[0068] Although RFID is a convenient way to communicate data from capsule 142 to device 100d, different machine-readable data formats such as bar codes or matrix codes may also be suitably used, and such use of the data reader is not limited to the embodiment using capsule 142. Furthermore, it is equally possible to provide a suitable data carrier on the reagent packaging, such as a small pouch or bottle, and to provide the data reader in a convenient location on device 100d so that the data can be read from the packaging prior to use.

[0069] The control module 130 may also count the number of cycles that have been performed and may prompt the user to flush and / or descale the primary chamber 104 .

[0070] 8 shows a sixth embodiment of an apparatus 100e according to the present invention, which is similar to the fourth embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

[0071] In a sixth embodiment, the tank 102 is provided with a drain 164 to drain the contents of the primary chamber 104. The drain 164 can be connected to a main drain or to a waste container as required. The flow of the drain 164 is controlled by a drain valve 166 operated by the control module 130.

[0072] The control module 130 is configured to automatically open the drain valve 166 when the preparation's shelf life expires, draining any remaining liquid from the primary chamber 104. In this manner, a user is prevented from inadvertently using a preparation that is too old for its effectiveness.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain valve 120 is also operated by the control module 130. This allows the control module 130 to ensure that the drain valve 120 is closed before the fill valve 114 opens, thereby ensuring that the risk of spillage or overflow is reduced, and that the drain valve 120 is kept closed during filling and dwell times before the preparation of the compounded liquid.

[0074] The user may drain the formulation by using a suitable button or other control to instruct the control module 130 to open the drain valve 120, or by manually toggling the drain valve 120. If the flow rate at the drain 118 is constant, the drain 120 acts as a flow sensor. Thus, the control module 130 can set the open time of the drain valve 120 to allow a predetermined amount of formulation to be drained, or measure the time the drain valve 120 is open if the open time is controlled by the user, or determine and record the amount of formulation to be drained if the drain valve 120 is manually toggled. A dedicated flow sensor or flow controller (not shown) may also be used to achieve this functionality. The data obtained can be analyzed to set the volume of formulation required for cleaning and disinfection in a particular environment, for stock management (such as automatically sequencing new capsules or other reagent packages), or for auditing purposes (such as changes during cleaning being detected by changes in the volume of formulation used).

[0075] Fig. 9 shows a device 100f according to a seventh embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment described above with reference to Fig. 6 (only the differences are described below). In this embodiment, the reagent inlet 106 has a reaction chamber 170 below the receiving area 140, so that the first and second parts are received by the reaction chamber 170 upon their release from the capsule 142. The reaction chamber 170 has an outlet in the form of a restricted orifice 172, through which the preparation in the reaction chamber 170 can flow at a controlled rate into the primary chamber 104. In this configuration, the reagents mix and react in the reaction chamber 170 before being diluted in the primary chamber 104. That is, the preparation time is shortened because the reaction time of the concentrated reagent is shortened, and the diluent introduction can be performed simultaneously without negatively affecting the reaction time.

[0076] Figure 10 shows an eighth embodiment of the device 100g according to the present invention, which is a variation of the seventh embodiment shown in Figure 9. In this case, flow through the drain of the reaction chamber 170 is controlled by a drain valve 174 operated by the control module 130. In this configuration, the residence time of the concentrated reagent in the reaction chamber 170 can be precisely controlled by the control module 130, allowing for optimization of compounding times for different chemical species. It should be noted that the features and the like described above in different embodiments can be used in combination in ways other than those shown in the drawings. For example, the reaction chamber configurations of Figures 9 and 10 can be used in any other embodiment of the present invention. The capsule configurations shown in Figures 6 to 10 can be used in the configurations of Figures 1 and 3 as well, and conversely, when a small bag, bottle or package is used, the capsule configurations of Figures 6 to 10 do not need to be used. More broadly speaking, the various features and the like shown in each embodiment can be used in any combination depending on the situation.

[0077] Further variations are possible. For example, a diluent inlet with a flow restrictor can be provided with a variable flow rate controllable by the control module, allowing for fast or slow fill operations as the case may be, and / or to compensate for differences in diluent source supply pressures. In an automated system under the control of the control module, the capsules or other reagent packages can be automatically dispensed at the appropriate time to dispense the formulation. Alternatively, each reagent can be stored in separate reservoirs in large quantities, and dispensing valves can be used to dispense aliquots of each reagent into the primary and reaction chambers as needed, under the control of the control module. It is within the scope of the invention to use the device to dispense formulations in a one-part system where the active ingredient is added directly to the reagent inlet and then dilution occurs in the primary chamber.

[0078] Further modifications and variations not expressly described herein may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100 Apparatus, diluent supply section 100a~100g equipment 102 Tank, primary chamber 104 Primary room 106 Reagent inlet 108 Diluent inlet 110 Arrow, diluent supply, water supply line 112 Flow Control Device 114 Filling valves, diluent filling valves 116 Flow Restrictor 118 Discharge port (drainage port) 120 Release valve, drain valve, drain port 130 Control Module 132 Interface, user interface 134 Indicator Device 136 Inlet pressure sensor 138 Backpressure Sensor 140 Receiving Area 142 Capsules 144a First cavity 144b 2nd cavity 146 Foil sticker 148 Burst Pin 150 piston 152 Lid 154 Reagent input sensor 160 Reading device, data reading device 162 RFID tags, data 162 Tags 164 Drain 166 Drain valve 170 Reaction Chamber 172 Restricted Orifice 174 Drain valve 201~209 Process 301~307 Process

Claims

1. A preparation device for preparing a preparation liquid using a two-component system having a first part containing a first reagent and a second part containing a second reagent, wherein the first reagent and the second reagent react upon mixing to produce an active ingredient of the preparation liquid, and the preparation liquid has a diluent, The preparation device is a primary chamber for receiving a predetermined amount of the first part, a predetermined amount of the second part, and a predetermined amount of the diluent; a reagent inlet for introducing the first part and the second part into the primary chamber; a diluent inlet connectable to a diluent supply unit for introducing the diluent into the primary chamber; a drain outlet for draining the preparation liquid from the primary chamber; a flow control device configured to introduce a predetermined volume of the diluent into the primary chamber at a predetermined time when the diluent inlet is connected to the diluent supply unit; and The preparation device further includes a receiving area for receiving a capsule having a first cavity for storing the first part and a second cavity for storing the second part, respectively, and an actuator capable of dispensing the first part and the second part from the capsule to the reagent inlet, and the actuator is part of a lid that can close the preparation device A preparation device characterized by the above.

2. The flow control device is a flow restriction device configured to allow the diluent to flow into the primary chamber at a predetermined flow rate, and when the diluent supply unit has an unrestricted input flow rate greater than the predetermined input flow rate, the flow restriction device is configured to allow the diluent to flow into the primary chamber at the predetermined input flow rate. The preparation device according to claim 1, comprising a flow restriction device.

3. The preparation device according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined input rate is 2.5 to 10 liters per minute.

4. The reagent inlet has a reaction chamber for receiving the first part and the second part, and the reaction chamber has an outlet for sending a reagent mixture generated from the first part and the second part to the primary chamber. The preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The preparation device according to claim 4, wherein the outlet has a restriction orifice for discharging the reagent mixture into the primary chamber at a controlled flow rate.

6. The flow control device has a filling valve that operates to stop and start the flow of the diluent into the primary chamber. The preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The preparation device according to claim 6, wherein the filling valve is a manual valve.

8. The compounding device according to claim 6, having a control module configured to receive a reagent delivery signal corresponding to the delivery of the first portion and the second portion to the primary chamber, and to operate the filling valve in response to the delivery signal.

9. The compounding device according to claim 8, wherein the control module is configured to provide a preparation indication to the user after the predetermined amount of diluent has been introduced into the primary chamber, indicating that the compounded liquid is ready for use.

10. The compounding device according to claim 8, wherein the filling valve operates in response to the reagent delivery signal to introduce the predetermined volume of diluent into the primary chamber.

11. The compounding device according to claim 8, having a delivery sensor configured to detect an event corresponding to the delivery of the first portion and the second portion to the primary chamber, and to transmit the reagent delivery signal to the control module upon detection of this event.

12. The compounding device according to claim 11, wherein the delivery sensor is configured to detect the operation of the actuator and to transmit the reagent delivery signal to the control module upon detection of this operation.

13. The compounding device according to claim 8, having a diluent input flow sensor, wherein the control module receives an input flow signal from this input flow sensor and determines the diluent input rate based on this input flow signal.

14. The compounding device according to claim 8, having a failure sensor configured to detect the presence of liquid in the primary chamber, and wherein when it is detected that liquid is present in the primary chamber before the filling valve operates, the control module receives a failure signal from this failure sensor and provides a failure indication to the user.

15. Having a data reading device configured to read data regarding the characteristics of the first portion and / or the second portion from a data carrier of the capsule containing the first portion and / or the second portion, and wherein the control module, before operating the filling valve, receives the data from the data reading device, confirms the data against one or more predetermined criteria, and provides an error indication to the user if the data does not meet one or more predetermined criteria.

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