Air sample collection adapter

Abstract

An air sampling adapter is provided that airtightly houses an air sampling unit that remotely samples air in a target zone via a pipe. The air sampling adaptor of the present invention comprises a main part including a housing and a base part including a fixing means configured to fix an air sampling unit within the housing, a first end having an inlet for sampled air and a first locking mechanism switchable between an open state and a sealed state during sample collection, and a second end having an outlet for air and a second locking mechanism switchable between an open state and a sealed state during sample collection. The air sampling adaptor is detachable from a pipe connecting to a zone of interest and is configured such that, when detached, the first and second locking mechanisms are locked in an airtight closed position, allowing for clean transportation.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of airborne particle detectors, and more generally to the field of air sample collection units for use in air quality detection devices and methods. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased global awareness of microbial contamination. Furthermore, more and more industries are moving towards aseptic manufacturing to limit the impact of airborne microbial-laden particles on product quality and safety. Although new technologies are beginning to emerge to detect these particles in real time, in many cases samples were required to be collected by standard methods (parallel or serial) to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.

[0003] Conventional sample collection units generally consist of air microbial sample collection devices that use nutrient Petri dishes to detect the presence of microorganism-containing particles in the air.

[0004] It is vital that the operation of the sample collection unit is carried out in a clean environment. If not handled properly, there is a risk of contamination of the sample source and the sample collection unit, which may lead to inaccurate results. For this reason, the sample collection unit is handled in a clean room, which is costly and requires a lot of planning and manual expertise to prevent contamination. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a device that is compatible with standard sample collection devices and can be used either independently of or in conjunction with the sample collection device.

[0006] In this regard, the main object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and more specifically to provide an apparatus which allows the sample collection unit to be used and moved without contaminating the sample collection unit or the sample source. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above objectives are achieved by a device according to the invention, which acts as an adapter for receiving a standard sample collection device and can be used either independently of said sample collection device or in connection with said sample collection device.

[0008] The present invention not only allows for the collection of sample air from a sterile environment, but also allows for the manipulation and exchange of sample media, such as agar plates, in a non-sterile environment. This unique feature is particularly advantageous in small scale production environments, such as robotized separation devices, as it eliminates the need for a highly purified environment around the separation device to prevent sample contamination during exchange.

[0009] Generally, the present invention comprises an adapter device, preferably for serial connection, which allows the sample collection unit to be used and moved without contaminating the sample collection unit or the sample source, such that the sample collection unit can be transported through dirty environments without risk of contamination.

[0010] It is more cost-effective and takes up less space than clean rooms because it eliminates the need for clean rooms and only requires a small separator, which can be installed in lower grade clean rooms or dirty environments.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is an air sampling adaptor for airtightly housing an air sampling unit for remotely sampling air in a target zone via a pipe, comprising a main part including a housing and a base part including fixing means configured to fix the air sampling unit within said housing, a first end comprising an inlet for sampled air and a first locking mechanism switchable between an open state and a sealed state during sampling, and a second end comprising an air outlet and a second locking mechanism switchable between an open state and a sealed state during sampling, characterized in that the air sampling adaptor is detachable from the pipe connecting to the target zone and, when detached, the first and second locking mechanisms are locked in a sealed state allowing for hygienic transport.

[0012] The first and second ends preferably include fittings for connection to a pump and / or a duct connecting to a target zone.

[0013] The air sample collection adapter is preferably an adapter for serial connection for sampling airborne microorganisms.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second end locking mechanism is a quick release locking mechanism.

[0015] The first end locking mechanism preferably comprises mated upper and lower parts each including a hole and a hole closure module.

[0016] The upper and lower pieces are preferably attached to one another via a threaded mechanism.

[0017] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when assembled, the holes in the upper and lower pieces align to form an air passageway.

[0018] Each hole closure module is preferably a sliding tongue-like structure having an opening that can be moved linearly such that the opening is aligned with the hole in the part to which it is attached to open the passageway and is fully out of position to close the passageway.

[0019] The upper and lower pieces are preferably attached together with a gap between the two hole closure modules.

[0020] A second aspect of the invention is an airborne particle detection station comprising a chamber for containing air to be analysed, a pump for drawing air from the chamber, and an air sample collection adaptor according to the first aspect.

[0021] The air sample collection adapter is preferably placed in-line between the chamber (20) and the pump. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] Further advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting description of at least one embodiment of the invention which refers to the attached drawings, in which:

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a typical installation of an air sampling adapter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 shows a side cross-sectional view of an air sample collection adapter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic exploded view of an air sampling adaptor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 4A-4C show three different views of a first end of an air sampling adapter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] This detailed description does not illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner, as any feature of an embodiment can be advantageously combined with any other feature of a different embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the airborne particle detection station 1 comprises a chamber 20 for containing air to be analyzed, a pump 30 for drawing air from the chamber 20, and an air sample collection adapter 10 according to the present invention. The air sample collection adapter 10 is preferably disposed in series between the chamber 20 and the pump 30, and preferably comprises a first duct 21 for connecting the sample collection adapter 10 for series connection to the chamber 20, and a second duct 31 for connecting the sample collection adapter 10 for series connection to the pump 30 and through which the drawn-in air passes.

[0026] It is important to note that in the above invention, the air sample collection adapter 10 can be used in two ways: either as a stand-alone unit or incorporated into a real-time airborne particle detection station 1, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0027] When used in the real-time airborne particle detection station 1, the air sample collection adaptor 10 is removably mounted, preferably in-line, between the chamber 20 and the pump 30, which is configured to draw air from the chamber 20 through the air sample collection adaptor 10 and the air sample collection unit 11 housed therein, such that the air from the chamber 20 drawn by the pump 30 passes through the air sample collection unit 11. In this way, the air sample collection unit 11 can be positioned within the air sample collection adaptor 10 to collect airborne particles passing through the air sample collection unit 11, which can then be moved for analysis elsewhere.

[0028] In other words, the air sample collection adapter 10 for serial connection is used to prevent contamination of the sample in the air sample collection unit 11 when the sample is transported to the separation device. This makes it possible to collect samples in any environment, not just in a clean room.

[0029] In order to reduce and possibly eliminate the risk of contamination, air tightness between the air sample collection adapter 10 and the chamber 20 (or duct 21) is important, and perfect air tightness is necessary to be able to remove or move the air sample collection adapter 10 without risk.

[0030] Thus, a first aspect of the invention is a removable air sample collection adaptor 10 with a mechanism including an airtight lock that can be opened to allow air to pass (during sample collection) and closed to isolate the internal space. Preferably, the air sample collection adaptor 10 is provided with two lock mechanisms 12, 13, one for the air inlet and one for the air outlet, to keep the air sample collection unit 11 contained within the air sample collection adaptor 10 isolated.

[0031] Furthermore, to prevent contamination of the chamber 20 when the serial air sample collection adapter 10 is removed, the sample source outlet, i.e., duct 21 in FIG. 1, is provided with a locking mechanism to keep the sample air closed to prevent leakage and contamination.

[0032] 2 and 3 show an air sample collection adapter 10 with an air sample collection unit 11 in two different views. Any air sample collection unit that meets the dimensional requirements can be used. The recommended dimensions are 130mm diameter and 125mm height, and generally the adapter can be sized to fit any sample collection unit. The present invention can be adapted to any type of sample collection unit, including a petri dish.

[0033] The in-line air sampling adapter 10 connects any air sampling unit 11 to a sampled air source 20 using fittings 14 that allow for an airtight connection. The locking mechanisms 12, 13 of the adapter 10 allow the air sampling unit 11 to be transported cleanly through non-sterile environments between collection and analysis sites without risk of contamination.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the air sample collection unit 11 is placed in the air sample collection adaptor 10. Locking mechanisms 12, 13 make the air sample collection adaptor 10 airtight, allowing for sanitary transportation and allowing air to pass through for sample collection.

[0035] The air sampling adapter 10 is configured to airtightly accommodate an air sampling unit 11 for remotely sampling air in a chamber 20 via a pipe 21, and comprises a main part 15 comprising a cylindrical housing and a base part 16 including fixing means 161 configured to fix the air sampling unit 10 within the housing 15, a first end 17 comprising an inlet 14 for sampled air and a first locking mechanism 12 configured to be switchable between an open state and a sealed state during sample collection, and a second end 18 comprising an air outlet 14' and a second locking mechanism 13 configured to be switchable between an open state and a sealed state during sample collection.

[0036] The air sample collection adapter 11 is removable from the duct 21 connecting to the chamber 20, and the first and second locking mechanisms 12, 13 are configured to lock in a sealed state when the air sample collection adapter 11 is removed, thereby enabling it to be transported in a clean manner.

[0037] FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the first locking mechanism 12 at the first end 17 .

[0038] The first locking mechanism (also referred to as upper mechanism 12) preferably comprises an upper part 121 and a lower part 122, the upper part 121 being connected to a fitting 14 (preferably a KF-25 fitting) so as to be connectable to the duct 21 and the chamber, and the lower part 122 being connected to the housing 15 of the air sampler compatible adapter 10 via a screw.

[0039] The upper and lower parts 121, 122 are preferably attached to one another via a screw mechanism 123, which is locked / unlocked by slightly twisting the two parts.

[0040] Each part 121, 122 has holes 1211, 1221 that define the air passageway, and these holes line up when the two parts 122, 122 are attached together. Each part 121, 122 also has a hole closing module 1212, 1222 that hermetically closes the air passageway with a rubber O-ring disposed around the hole.

[0041] 4, the hole closing modules 1212, 1222 have a sliding tongue with an opening that can be moved linearly to align with the hole 1211, 1221 in the attached part to open a passageway, or moved completely out of position to close the passageway. The hole closing modules 1212, 1222 can alternatively perform a circular or similar motion.

[0042] The upper part 121 and the lower part 122 are attached together with a gap 19 between the two hole closing modules 1212, 1222, which acts as a safety zone. In fact, when the user wants to stop collecting and remove the adapter, both hole closing modules 1212, 1222 are closed, creating a buffer zone of uncontaminated air, further protecting the inside of the enclosure.

[0043] The second end 18 is provided with fastening means 161 and is connected to the pump 30 by the same locking mechanism as the first end 17. However, since this is the outlet and the air flow is the exhaust air flow, a quick release fitting is preferred as shown in the figure.

[0044] It has an adapter 11 with two different locking mechanisms 12, 13 at the inlet and outlet, the first locking mechanism improving air tightness and the quick release fitting at the outlet reducing the overall complexity of the device.

[0045] While the embodiments have been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are possible to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the scope of the present disclosure. This is particularly true, for example, of the various devices that may be used.

Claims

1. An air sampling adapter (11) for airtightly accommodating an air sampling unit (10) for remotely sampling air in a target zone via a pipe (21), comprising: a main part (15) including a housing; a base (16) including fixing means (161) configured to fix the air sample collection unit (10) within the housing (15); a first end (17) including a sampled air inlet (14) and a first locking mechanism (12) that can be switched between an open state during sample collection and a sealed state; a second end (18) including an air outlet (14') and a second locking mechanism (13) that can be switched between an open state during sample collection and a sealed state; The air sample collection adapter (11) is detachable from a pipe (21) connected to a target zone, and when detached, the first and second locking mechanisms (12, 13) are locked in a sealed state, allowing the air sample collection adapter to be transported in a clean manner.

2. 2. An air sampling adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the first end (17) and the second end (18) are provided with fittings for connection to a pump and / or a duct (21, 31) leading to the zone of interest.

3. 3. An air sampling adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air sampling adapter (11) is an adapter for serial connection for sampling airborne microorganisms.

4. 3. An air sampling adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism (13) at the second end (18) is a quick release locking mechanism.

5. 3. An air sample collection adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the locking mechanism (12) at the first end (17) comprises an upper part (121) and a lower part (122) combined with each other, each of which comprises a hole (1211, 1221) and a hole closing module (1212, 1222).

6. 6. An air sampling adapter according to claim 5, wherein the upper part (121) and the lower part (122) are preferably attached to each other via a screw mechanism (123).

7. 6. An air sampling adapter according to claim 5, characterized in that when assembled, the holes (1211, 1221) in the upper part (121) and the lower part (122) are aligned to form an air passageway.

8. 8. An air sample collection adapter according to claim 7, wherein the hole closure module (1212, 1222) is a sliding tongue-like structure having an opening which can be moved linearly and which opens the passage when aligned with the hole (1211, 1221) of the part to which it is attached, and closes the passage when fully displaced.

9. 3. An air sampling adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper part (121, 122) and the lower part (122) are attached together with a gap (19) between the two hole closing modules (1212, 1222).

10. 3. An airborne particle detection station comprising a chamber (20) for containing air to be analyzed, a pump (30) for drawing air from the chamber (20), and an air sample collection adapter (11) according to claim 1 or 2.

11. 11. An airborne particle detection station according to claim 10, wherein the air sample collection adapter (11) is preferably arranged in line between the chamber (20) and the pump (30).

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