Device and method for continuous sampling of bioaerosol

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and specifically to a device and method for continuous sampling of a bioaerosol. The device comprises a sampling assembly, a liquid replenishment assembly, and a control assembly, wherein the sampling assembly comprises a sampling cup, and a blower and a sampling head which are located above the sampling cup; the liquid replenishment assembly comprises a liquid reservoir and a peristaltic pump; the control assembly comprises a liquid presence sensor and liquid level sensors; and the peristaltic pump and the blower are controlled to be started or stopped on the basis of signals emitted from the liquid presence sensor and the liquid level sensors, so as to implement normal operation of a sampling process. The present invention is used for solving the problems in the prior art of missed detection during bioaerosol collection, a collection device being incapable of performing long-time continuous sampling, and low collection efficiency due to being unable to achieve remote monitoring and real-time control of the sampling device. By means of the sampling assembly, the accuracy of sample collection is improved, and missed detection is avoided; by means of the liquid replenishment assembly, the effect of continuous sampling is achieved; and by means of the control assembly, automatic coordinated control of the sampling assembly and the liquid replenishment assembly is implemented, thereby improving sampling efficiency.

Description

A bioaerosol continuous sampling device and method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more specifically, to a bioaerosol continuous sampling device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Collecting and detecting airborne bioaerosols is an important method for monitoring the spread of airborne pathogens and bioaerosols. To avoid missing aerosol samples due to changes in bioaerosols in places such as hospitals, biopharmaceutical workshops, and laboratories, long-term continuous sampling of aerosols is required.

[0003] Currently, bioaerosol sampling devices typically struggle to achieve long-term automatic sampling. The main reasons are as follows: filtration-type sampling devices experience a significant decrease in sampling efficiency once the aerosol collected by the filter membrane becomes saturated, and the filter membrane must be replaced and eluted before sample testing can be performed; conventional wet sampling devices are difficult to use for long-term automatic sampling due to the uncertainty of liquid evaporation, and they also cannot perform real-time status monitoring and control of the device.

[0004] Existing bioaerosol collection methods suffer from several problems: missed detections; collection devices cannot continuously sample for extended periods, requiring intermittent fluid replenishment before sampling; and the inability to remotely monitor and control the sampling device in real time, as well as the inability to automatically replenish the sampling fluid. These issues contribute to the low efficiency of current bioaerosol collection methods and are problems that urgently need to be addressed in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the defects (deficiencies) of the prior art and provide a bioaerosol continuous sampling device and method to solve the problems of missed detection in existing bioaerosol collection; the inability of the collection device to continuously sample for a long time and the need for intermittent liquid replenishment before sampling; and the inability to achieve remote monitoring and real-time control of the sampling device and the inability to automatically replenish the sampling liquid, resulting in low collection efficiency of bioaerosols.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this invention is to provide a continuous bioaerosol sampling device, which includes a sampling component, a replenishment component, and a control component. The sampling component includes a sampling cup, a fan located above it, and a sampling head. The sampling cup is used to receive the sampling liquid, and the fan is used to generate an airflow rotating along the central axis of the sampling cup, causing the sampling liquid to react with particulate matter in the airflow to form an aerosol. The sampling head is used to collect aerosol samples. The replenishment component includes a storage bottle and a peristaltic pump. The storage bottle is used to store the sampling liquid, and the peristaltic pump is used to continuously replenish the sampling liquid to the sampling cup. The control component includes a low-liquid sensor and a liquid level sensor. The low-liquid sensor is located between the storage bottle and the peristaltic pump, and the liquid level sensor is located on the side wall of the sampling cup. The peristaltic pump and the fan are controlled to start and stop according to the signals emitted by the low-liquid sensor and the liquid level sensor to ensure the normal operation of the sampling process.

[0007] This system facilitates the collection of quantitative sampling liquid in the sampling cup, which reacts with particulate matter in the air being tested. A fan draws the air into the device, creating a cyclone above the sampling cup, separating dust particles that react with the sampling liquid and form an aerosol, thus improving sample collection accuracy. The sampling head samples high concentrations of airborne microorganisms, preventing missed detections. The liquid replenishment component automatically dispenses quantitative liquid after each sampling, ensuring continuous sampling. A control component enables combined automatic control of both the sampling and replenishment components, enhancing sampling efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, the fluid replenishment assembly also includes an infusion tube, a fluid replenishment port is provided on the upper edge of the sampling cup, the infusion tube is connected through the storage bottle, the peristaltic pump and the fluid replenishment port, and detection components are provided at both ends of the infusion tube that are connected to the fluid replenishment port and the storage bottle respectively.

[0009] It facilitates the delivery of sampling liquid from the storage bottle to the sampling cup via the infusion tube, and the low liquid sensor installed in the infusion tube helps to quickly determine whether the storage bottle is low on liquid; the detection components at both ends of the infusion tube can be used to quickly troubleshoot the cause of failure in the replenishment component, thereby improving the efficiency of the sampling device.

[0010] Furthermore, the fan includes an air inlet and an air outlet arranged diagonally. The air inlet is located at the lower edge of the fan, corresponding to the position of the liquid replenishment port; the air outlet is located at the upper edge of the fan, corresponding to the position of the sampling head.

[0011] The diagonally distributed air inlets and outlets help prevent the particulate matter from failing to fully react and bind with the sampling liquid, thus ensuring the accuracy of aerosol collection. The vertical alignment of the liquid replenishment port and the air inlet allows the sampling liquid to react immediately with the particulate matter that has separated and adhered to the sampling cup wall when injected, thereby shortening the sampling time. The vertical alignment of the sampling head and the air outlet allows sufficient time for the sampling head to form a high-concentration aerosol after the particulate matter and sampling liquid react before sampling, thus improving sampling accuracy.

[0012] Furthermore, the control component also includes a control circuit board and a fault indicator light. The fault indicator light is used to indicate that the sampling liquid in the storage bottle is insufficient and that the sampling cup is full of replenished sampling liquid. The control circuit board is connected to the peristaltic pump, the fan, the fault indicator light, the liquid shortage sensor, and the liquid level sensor, and is used to compare whether various signals coexist and analyze and process the transmission order of various signals in order to control the normal operation of the sampling device.

[0013] It facilitates automatic control of various components through the control circuit board, and issues warnings through fault indicator lights when the sampling liquid in the storage bottle is insufficient or the sampling liquid in the sampling cup does not meet the quantitative value, so as to ensure that the sampling device can achieve continuous sampling and improve the efficiency of the device.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a wireless transmission module and a remote monitoring system. The wireless transmission module is located next to the control circuit board and is used to transmit wireless signals to the remote monitoring system to realize the real-time transmission of the sampling device's working status data to the remote monitoring system.

[0015] It is beneficial to transmit the signals on the control circuit board to the remote monitoring system wirelessly through the wireless transmission module, so as to realize the remote real-time control of the sampling device and thus improve the application flexibility of the sampling device.

[0016] A method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols is also provided, comprising the aforementioned sampling device:

[0017] S1. After the power is connected, the fan will draw in the gas from the area to be sampled through the air inlet located on the side wall of the sampling cup;

[0018] S2. The gas drawn into the space between the fan and the sampling cup is thrown against the wall of the sampling cup by the fan during rotation.

[0019] S3. After the fan has been running for M seconds, a quantitative sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup. After the sampling liquid comes into contact with the wall, it reacts and combines with the dust particles.

[0020] S4. The fan continues to run and gradually forms a rotating air column, causing the sampling liquid, after reacting and combining with the dust particles, to form an aerosol above the sampling cup;

[0021] S5. The sampling head located above the sampling cup remains in the aerosol for sampling;

[0022] S6. Replace the sampling head after sampling is completed. The gas that has been sampled is discharged from the air outlet located above the fan, and the sampled liquid that has completed the reaction is discharged from the liquid outlet at the bottom of the sampling cup.

[0023] This method allows the air to be tested to be drawn into the device first through the above steps, then react with the sampling liquid, and the resulting aerosol is collected, thus avoiding the problem of missed detection in bioaerosol collection.

[0024] Furthermore, step S2 specifically includes:

[0025] S21. The fan uses a high-speed rotating impeller to accelerate the gas drawn in through the air inlet to meet the air flow requirements of the air inlet;

[0026] S22. After the sampling head is connected to the sampling cup, the gas drawn in by the fan can flow downwards in a spiral along the wall of the sampling cup, forming a cyclone;

[0027] S23. During the rotation of the dust-laden gas, centrifugal force is generated, which throws particles with a density greater than that of the gas toward the wall of the sampling cup, causing them to combine with the sampling liquid, thereby completing the sampling.

[0028] This facilitates the separation of particulate matter in the air through the above steps, allowing the sampling liquid to react fully with the particulate matter, thereby improving the sampling accuracy of the aerosol.

[0029] Furthermore, step S3 specifically includes:

[0030] S31. Turn on the instrument switch, the fan starts running, and the peristaltic pump starts running for N seconds until the low-liquidity sensor detects that the infusion tube is full of sampling liquid and sends a full liquid signal to the control circuit board; otherwise, the control circuit board sends an alarm signal to the fault indicator light after N seconds, indicating that the fluid replenishment is abnormal.

[0031] S32. After receiving the full liquid signal, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to continue running to fill the sampling cup with a capacity P(L), where t(s) is the time required for the peristaltic pump to completely fill the sampling cup; The S infusion tube (m2) is the cross-sectional area of ​​the infusion tube, and the V (m / s) is the flow rate of the sampling liquid in the peristaltic pump;

[0032] S33. During the operation of step S32, the low liquid level sensor in the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the sampling cup once: if the low liquid level sensor sends a low liquid shortage signal to the control circuit board, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to continue running for Δt seconds (Δt < t); if the low liquid level sensor sends a low liquid full signal to the control circuit board, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to stop after running for a total of t seconds.

[0033] S34. During the detection process in step S33, the high liquid level sensor in the liquid level sensor performs a secondary detection on the liquid level of the sampling cup; if the high liquid level sensor sends a high-level low liquid signal to the control circuit board, the peristaltic pump continues to run in step S32; if the high liquid level sensor sends a high-level full liquid signal to the control circuit board, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to stop running immediately and sends an alarm signal to the fault indicator light.

[0034] S35. The sampling liquid in the sampling cup is filled with a quantitative value P (L).

[0035] This allows for the continuous and quantitative injection of sampling liquid into the sampling cup through the above steps, thereby achieving a long-term and uninterrupted sampling effect of the sampling device.

[0036] Furthermore, the specific steps for troubleshooting abnormal fluid replenishment in step S31 include:

[0037] S311. When the fault indicator light illuminates, it indicates that there is no liquid flow in the infusion tubing, and it is determined that the fluid replenishment component has malfunctioned.

[0038] S312. The control circuit board checks whether there is liquid at the connection point of the infusion tube to the storage bottle. If not, the fault is determined to be due to insufficient sampling liquid in the storage bottle. After the staff removes the storage bottle, the alarm status is deactivated and the fault indicator light is turned off. If yes, the storage bottle fault is ruled out, and the next step of fault cause investigation is carried out.

[0039] S313. The control circuit board confirms whether there is liquid at the infusion port of the sampling cup connected to the infusion tube. If so, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormal liquid shortage sensor. After the sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup, the staff replaces the liquid shortage sensor, deactivates the alarm, and turns off the fault indicator light. If not, the next step of fault cause investigation is performed.

[0040] S314. The control circuit board confirms whether the peristaltic pump is working properly. If yes, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormal liquid shortage sensor. After the sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup, the staff replaces the liquid shortage sensor, clears the alarm, and turns off the fault indicator light. If no, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormal peristaltic pump. The control switch of the control circuit board is turned off, and the staff repairs and replaces the peristaltic pump.

[0041] This facilitates the step-by-step elimination of the cause of the fault after the fault indicator light comes on, thereby quickly determining the cause of the fault and making the maintenance and repair of the sampling device simpler.

[0042] Furthermore, before step S33 begins a detection, the specific installation steps of the liquid level sensor include:

[0043] S331. The sampling cup has three triangularly distributed holes pre-drilled before installation to install a device for detecting the position of the sampling liquid in the sampling cup;

[0044] S332. The liquid level sensor includes two sensors, one low liquid level sensor and one high liquid level sensor. After the electrodes of the two sensors are bent for the first time, they are respectively inserted into the left and right holes in the reserved hole.

[0045] S333. The electrodes of the two sensors are bent a second time at the left and right holes respectively. After the two bending processes of the high liquid level sensor are completed, it is inserted into the middle hole, so that the three electrodes of the two sensors are exposed outside the three reserved holes.

[0046] S334. Connect the three electrodes to the corresponding parts of the USB interface of the sampling cup via wires, and place them into the slots under the holes, and fix them with hot melt glue.

[0047] This allows for adaptive adjustments to the installation of the liquid level sensor on the sampling cup through the above steps, enabling the sampling cup to maintain quantitative detection of the sampled liquid while also reducing the cost of the sampling cup.

[0048] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the sampling component fully reacts and combines the particulate matter in the air to be tested with the quantitative sampling liquid, and the combined solution forms an aerosol, thereby improving the accuracy of sample collection; the sampling head samples high concentrations of airborne microorganisms, avoiding missed detections; the liquid replenishment component realizes automatic quantitative liquid extraction after each sampling, thereby achieving continuous and uninterrupted sampling; and the control component realizes joint automatic control of the sampling component and the liquid replenishment component, thereby improving sampling efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the sampling device structure of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the installation of the liquid level sensor of the present invention on the sampling cup.

[0051] Figure 3 is a gas path diagram in the sampling cup of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 4 is a liquid flow diagram in the sampling cup of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the control circuit board connection of the present invention.

[0054] Figure labeling: Power supply 12, control circuit board 18, data cable 33, USB interface 35, wireless transmission module 16, remote monitoring system 38, sampling head 32, fan 20, storage bottle 4, infusion tube 15, low liquid sensor 14, high liquid level sensor 34, low liquid level sensor 36, peristaltic pump 5, sampling cup 32, liquid outlet 37, air inlet 24, air outlet 29, liquid replenishment port 23. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. To better illustrate the following embodiments, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions; it is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings. Embodiment 1

[0056] As shown in Figures 1-5, this embodiment provides a continuous bioaerosol sampling device, which includes a sampling component, a replenishment component, and a control component. The sampling component includes a sampling cup 32, a fan 20 located above it, and a sampling head 32. The sampling cup 32 is used to receive the sampling liquid. The fan 20 is used to generate an airflow rotating along the central axis of the sampling cup 32, causing the sampling liquid to react with particulate matter in the airflow to form an aerosol. The sampling head 32 is used to collect aerosol samples. The replenishment component includes a storage bottle 4 and a peristaltic pump 5. The storage bottle 4 is used to store the sampling liquid, and the peristaltic pump 5 is used to continuously replenish the sampling liquid to the sampling cup 32. The control component includes a low-liquidity sensor 14 and a liquid level sensor. The low-liquidity sensor 14 is located between the storage bottle 4 and the peristaltic pump 5, and the liquid level sensor is located on the side wall of the sampling cup 32. The peristaltic pump 5 and the fan 20 are controlled to start and stop according to the signals emitted by the low-liquidity sensor 14 and the liquid level sensor to ensure the normal operation of the sampling process.

[0057] In this embodiment, the sampling cup 32 simultaneously incorporates both gas and liquid transport. The gas transport includes an air inlet 24, a fan 20, the sampling cup 32, and an air outlet 29. The liquid transport includes a storage bottle 4, a delivery tube 15, a peristaltic pump 5, a replenishment port 23, the sampling cup 32, and an outlet 37. Specifically, the control circuit board 18 adds the sampling liquid from the storage bottle 4 into the sampling cup 32. During sampling, the liquid level sensor on the sampling cup 32 monitors the liquid level in the cup in real time. When the liquid level is insufficient, the sampling liquid is automatically replenished. When the liquid level in the sampling cup 32 is excessive or the liquid level in the storage bottle 4 is insufficient, sampling is stopped, thereby maintaining the sampling liquid in the sampling cup 32 within a stable liquid level range.

[0058] In this embodiment, the fan 20 provides the air power source for the sampling device, using a high-speed rotating impeller to accelerate the gas and meet the airflow requirements of the instrument's air inlet 24. After the sampling head 32 is connected to the sampling cup 32, the airflow drawn in by the fan 20 can flow spirally downwards along the wall and cylinder towards the sampling cup 32. When it reaches the bottom, it forms a vortex at the center of the bottom of the cup and flows upwards, exiting from the center of the top of the cup. The dust-laden gas will generate centrifugal force during the rotation, throwing particles with a density greater than that of the gas towards the wall of the sampling cup 32, where they combine with the sampling liquid, thereby completing the sample collection.

[0059] In this embodiment, the main function of the peristaltic pump 5 is to transport the sampling liquid from the storage bottle 4 to the sampling cup 32. The control circuit board 18 is connected to the USB interface 35 of the sampling cup 32 via the data cable 33, and receives the liquid volume signal of the sampling cup 32 in real time, so as to ensure that the control circuit board 18 makes feedback in real time according to the feedback information to ensure that the sampling liquid volume is maintained within the specified liquid volume range.

[0060] In this embodiment, the main function of the sampling cup 32 is to combine the sampling liquid with the air particles to be tested, and to monitor the liquid volume in the sampling cup 32 in real time, transmitting this information to the control circuit board 18 in a timely manner to maintain the sampling liquid at the specified volume and ensure the normal operation of the sampling task. Simultaneously, after sampling is completed, the sample liquid can be removed through the outlet 37 without disassembling the sampling cup 32. The functions of each component in the sampling cup 32 are as follows: the sampling cup 32 collects particles thrown against the cup wall under centrifugal force, ensuring thorough mixing with the sampling liquid to complete sample collection and preservation; the high liquid level sensor 34 monitors whether there is too much sample liquid in the sampling cup 32; the USB interface 35 of the sampling cup 32 transmits the liquid volume information in the sampling cup 32 to the control circuit board 18; the low liquid level sensor 36 monitors whether the liquid volume in the sampling cup 32 has reached the specified range; and the outlet 37 allows for the acquisition of the collected sample liquid at any time without disassembling the device.

[0061] The fluid replenishment assembly also includes an infusion tube 15. The upper edge of the sampling cup 32 is provided with a fluid replenishment port 23. The infusion tube 15 is connected through the storage bottle 4, the peristaltic pump 5 and the fluid replenishment port 23. Detection components are provided at both ends of the infusion tube 15 that are connected to the fluid replenishment port 23 and the storage bottle 4, respectively.

[0062] In this embodiment, the infusion tube 15 is used to deliver sampling liquid that is automatically replenished to the sampling cup 32. The liquid shortage sensor 14 detects in real time whether there is sampling liquid in the infusion tube 15. When the liquid shortage sensor 14 detects that there is sampling liquid in the infusion tube 15, the sampling device operates normally. When the liquid shortage sensor 14 detects that there is no sampling liquid in the infusion tube 15, the liquid shortage sensor 14 sends an alarm signal to the control circuit board 18, the control circuit board 18 terminates the continued operation of the sampling device, and the fault indicator light illuminates.

[0063] In this embodiment, in addition to the low liquid sensor 14 located next to the peristaltic pump 5, detection components are also provided at the connection ports of the infusion tube 15 and the storage bottle 4, as well as the connection ports of the infusion tube 15 and the replenishment port 23 of the sampling cup 32. These components can determine whether the infusion tube 15 contains liquid flowing through different sections, thereby quickly identifying the specific fault location when the fault indicator light is on.

[0064] In this embodiment, the capacity of the storage bottle 4 can be designed according to the implementation situation. Since the higher the temperature and the lower the humidity, the faster the evaporation rate of the sampling liquid, before customizing the capacity of the storage bottle 4, an evaporation rate table of the sampling liquid under different temperature and humidity conditions can be prepared. Based on the local temperature and humidity and the actual sampling time, the amount of sampling liquid that needs to be pre-stored in the storage bottle 4 can be calculated. For example, if the evaporation rate of the sampling liquid at a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 30% RH is 0.5 ml / min, and the expected sampling time is 3 days, then the storage bottle 4 needs to be pre-filled with at least 2.16 liters of sampling liquid (3*24*60*0.5 / 1000=2.16).

[0065] The fan 20 includes an air inlet 24 and an air outlet 29 arranged diagonally. The air inlet 24 is located at the lower edge of the fan 20, corresponding to the position of the liquid replenishment port 23. The air outlet 29 is located at the upper edge of the fan 20, corresponding to the position of the sampling head 32.

[0066] In this embodiment, when sampling begins, the fan 20 starts operating simultaneously. The fan 20 draws air in through the air inlet 24. Under the action of the fan 20, the airflow accelerates as it enters through the air inlet on the cup wall. Under the action of centrifugal force, it rotates downward along the cup wall, forming an outer vortex along the sampling head 32 and moving downward along the axial direction of the sampling cup 32. The gas entering the bottom of the sampling cup 32 forms an upward vortex in the axial direction of the central axis of the sampling cup 32, and finally passes through the fan 20 and is discharged from the air outlet 29. The effect of the outer vortex downward and the inner vortex upward in the sampling cup causes the dust-laden gas to be thrown out and form an aerosol.

[0067] The control component also includes a control circuit board 18 and a fault indicator light. The fault indicator light is used to indicate that the sampling liquid in the storage bottle 4 is insufficient and that the sampling cup 32 is full of replenished sampling liquid. The control circuit board 18 is connected to the peristaltic pump 5, the fan 20, the fault indicator light, the liquid shortage sensor 14, and the liquid level sensor. It is used to compare whether various signals coexist and to analyze and process the transmission order of various signals in order to control the normal operation of the sampling device.

[0068] In this embodiment, when the instrument is plugged into the power supply 12 and the instrument switch is turned on, the control circuit board 18 controls the fan 20 to run and simultaneously controls the peristaltic pump 5 to run for N seconds until the low liquid sensor 14 detects liquid in the infusion tube 15. The control circuit board 18 receives a signal from the low liquid level sensor 36. When the low liquid level sensor 36 detects no liquid, it starts the peristaltic pump 5 to replenish liquid; when the low liquid level sensor 36 detects liquid, it stops replenishing liquid. If the low liquid level sensor 36 malfunctions, the peristaltic pump 5 continues to replenish liquid, causing excessive liquid in the sampling cup 32. When the control circuit board 18 receives a signal from the high liquid level sensor 34 that liquid is detected, it terminates sampling, stops the fan 20 and the peristaltic pump 5, and the fault indicator light illuminates. During the sampling process, when the control circuit board 18 receives a signal from the low liquid sensor 14 that no liquid is detected in the infusion tube 15, it terminates sampling, stops the fan 20 and the peristaltic pump 5, and the fault indicator light illuminates.

[0069] It also includes a wireless transmission module 16 and a remote monitoring system 38. The wireless transmission module 16 is located next to the control circuit board 18 and is used to transmit wireless signals to the remote monitoring system 38 so as to realize the real-time transmission of the sampling device's working status data to the remote monitoring system 38.

[0070] In this embodiment, the wireless transmission module 16 adopts wireless WiFi or 4G communication mode. During the sampling operation, each sensor continuously transmits signals to the control circuit board 18, and the control circuit board 18 simultaneously transmits signals to the remote monitoring system 38 through the wireless transmission module 16. The remote monitoring system 38 can monitor the working status of the sampling device, including the sampling start time, sampling operation time, sampling stop time, fault information and alarm time, and store the working status data of the sampling device on the server. Example 2

[0071] This embodiment also provides a method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols, wherein the sampling device is described above:

[0072] S1. After the power supply 12 is connected, the fan 20 draws in the gas from the area to be sampled through the air inlet 24 located on the side wall of the sampling cup 32;

[0073] S2. The gas drawn into the space between the fan 20 and the sampling cup 32 is thrown against the wall of the sampling cup 32 by the fan 20 during rotation.

[0074] S3. After the fan 20 has been running for M seconds, the sampling cup 32 begins to inject a quantitative sampling liquid. After the sampling liquid comes into contact with the wall, it reacts and combines with the dust particles.

[0075] S4. The fan 20 continues to run and gradually forms a rotating air column, so that the sampling liquid that reacts and combines with the dust particles forms an aerosol above the sampling cup 32;

[0076] S5. The sampling head 32, located above the sampling cup 32, remains in the aerosol for sampling;

[0077] S6. The sampling head 32 that has completed sampling is replaced. The gas that has completed sampling is discharged from the air outlet 29 located above the fan 20, and the sampled liquid that has completed the reaction is discharged from the liquid outlet 37 at the bottom of the sampling cup 32.

[0078] Step S2 specifically includes:

[0079] S21. The fan 20 uses a high-speed rotating impeller to accelerate the gas drawn into the air inlet 24 to meet the air flow requirements of the air inlet 24;

[0080] S22. After the sampling head 32 is connected to the sampling cup 32, the gas drawn in by the fan 20 can flow downwards in a spiral along the wall of the sampling cup 32 to form a cyclone.

[0081] S23. During the rotation of the dust-laden gas, centrifugal force is generated, which throws particles with a density greater than that of the gas toward the wall of the sampling cup 32, causing them to combine with the sampling liquid, thereby completing the sampling.

[0082] Step S3 specifically includes:

[0083] S31. Turn on the instrument switch, the fan 20 starts running, and the peristaltic pump 5 starts running for N seconds until the low liquid sensor 14 detects that the infusion tube 15 is full of sampling liquid and sends a full liquid signal to the control circuit board 18; otherwise, the control circuit board 18 sends an alarm signal to the fault indicator light after N seconds, indicating that the fluid replenishment is abnormal.

[0084] S32. After receiving the full liquid signal, the control circuit board 18 controls the peristaltic pump 5 to continue running to fill the sampling cup 32 with a capacity P(L), where t(s) is the time required for the peristaltic pump 5 to completely fill the sampling cup 32; The S infusion tube 15 (m2) is the cross-sectional area of ​​the infusion tube 15, and the V (m / s) is the flow rate of the sampling liquid in the peristaltic pump 5;

[0085] S33. During the operation of step S32, the low liquid level sensor 36 in the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the sampling cup 32 once: if the low liquid level sensor 36 sends a low liquid shortage signal to the control circuit board 18, the control circuit board 18 controls the peristaltic pump 5 to continue running for Δt seconds (Δt < t); if the low liquid level sensor 36 sends a low liquid full signal to the control circuit board 18, the control circuit board 18 controls the peristaltic pump 5 to stop after running for a cumulative t seconds;

[0086] S34. During the detection process in step S33, the high liquid level sensor 34 in the liquid level sensor performs a secondary detection on the liquid level of the sampling cup 32; if the high liquid level sensor 34 sends a high-level low liquid signal to the control circuit board 18, the peristaltic pump 5 continues to run in step S32; if the high liquid level sensor 34 sends a high-level full liquid signal to the control circuit board 18, the control circuit board 18 controls the peristaltic pump 5 to stop running immediately and sends an alarm signal to the fault indicator light;

[0087] S35. The sampling liquid in the sampling cup 32 is filled with a quantitative value P (L).

[0088] The specific steps for troubleshooting abnormal fluid replenishment in step S31 include:

[0089] S311. The fault indicator light illuminates, indicating that there is no liquid flow in the infusion tube 15, and it is determined that the fluid replenishment component has malfunctioned.

[0090] S312. The control circuit board 18 checks whether there is liquid at the connection between the infusion tube 15 and the storage bottle 4. If not, it is determined that the fault is caused by insufficient sampling liquid in the storage bottle 4. After the staff removes the storage bottle 4, the alarm state is deactivated and the fault indicator light is turned off. If yes, the fault of the storage bottle 4 is ruled out and the next step of fault cause investigation is carried out.

[0091] S313. The control circuit board 18 checks whether there is liquid in the replenishment port 23 of the sampling cup 32 connected to the infusion tube 15. If so, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormality of the liquid shortage sensor 14. After the sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup 32, the staff replaces the liquid shortage sensor 14, deactivates the alarm, and turns off the fault indicator light. If not, the next step of fault cause investigation is performed.

[0092] S314. The control circuit board 18 confirms whether the peristaltic pump 5 is working properly. If yes, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormality in the liquid shortage sensor 14. After the sampling liquid in the sampling cup 32 is injected, the staff replaces the liquid shortage sensor 14, clears the alarm, and turns off the fault indicator light. If no, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormality in the peristaltic pump 5. The control switch of the control circuit board 18 is turned off, and the staff repairs and replaces the peristaltic pump 5.

[0093] Before step S33 begins a detection, the specific installation steps of the liquid level sensor include:

[0094] S331. The sampling cup 32 has three holes arranged in a triangular shape before installation, so as to install a device for detecting the position of the sampling liquid in the sampling cup 32;

[0095] S332. The liquid level sensor includes two sensors, a low liquid level sensor 36 and a high liquid level sensor 34. After the electrodes of the two sensors are bent for the first time, they are inserted into the left and right holes in the reserved hole respectively.

[0096] S333. The electrodes of the two sensors are bent a second time at the left and right holes respectively. After the two bending processes of the high liquid level sensor 34 are completed, it is inserted into the middle hole, so that the three electrodes of the two sensors are exposed outside the three reserved holes.

[0097] S334. Connect the three electrodes to the corresponding parts of the USB interface 35 of the sampling cup 32 via wires, and place them into the slots under the holes, and fix them with hot melt glue.

[0098] In this embodiment, before starting the instrument, sufficient sampling liquid needs to be added to the storage bottle 4. The sampling cup 32 is then screwed clockwise onto the sampling head 31. The storage bottle 4 and peristaltic pump 5 are connected by an infusion tube 15, which is inserted into the replenishment port 23 of the sampling head 31. The USB interfaces of each sensor are connected by a data cable. The power adapter is connected to the power supply 12, and the instrument switch is turned on. The control circuit board 18 controls the peristaltic pump 5 and the fan 20 to start running simultaneously. The sampling liquid is transported from the storage bottle 4 to the replenishment port 23 through the infusion tube 15. When the sample liquid flows out, it is combined with the air drawn in from the air inlet 24 by the fan 20 and enters the sampling head 31 together. During this process, the sample liquid is fully mixed with large particles thrown out by centrifugal force in the air and enters the sampling cup 32 in a spiral shape, completing the sampling. During device operation, if the low-liquidity sensor 14 detects no liquid in the infusion tube 15, it sends a signal to the control panel 18 indicating that the sampling liquid volume in the storage bottle 4 is insufficient. The electronic control unit then controls the instrument to stop operating, and the fault indicator light 39 illuminates. If the liquid volume in the sampling cup 32 is excessive, it can be detected by the high-liquidity sensor 34. The signal transmitted to the electronic control unit will also cause the electronic control module to control the instrument to stop operating, and the fault indicator light 39 will illuminate. When it is necessary to remove the sample for testing, turn off the instrument switch, stop sampling, remove the sample liquid from the sampling cup 32 from the outlet 37, transfer it to a cryovial for storage or send it for testing, and then reopen the device to start a new round of sampling.

[0099] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the technical solution of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the claims of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A continuous bioaerosol sampling device, characterized in that, The system includes a sampling component, a replenishment component, and a control component. The sampling component includes a sampling cup, a fan located above it, and a sampling head. The sampling cup is used to receive the sampling liquid. The fan generates an airflow that rotates along the central axis of the sampling cup, causing the sampling liquid to react with particulate matter in the airflow to form an aerosol. The sampling head is used to collect aerosol samples. The replenishment component includes a storage bottle and a peristaltic pump. The storage bottle is used to store the sampling liquid, and the peristaltic pump is used to continuously replenish the sampling liquid to the sampling cup. The control component includes a low-liquid sensor and a liquid level sensor. The low-liquid sensor is located between the storage bottle and the peristaltic pump, and the liquid level sensor is located on the side wall of the sampling cup. The peristaltic pump and the fan are controlled to start and stop according to the signals from the low-liquid sensor and the liquid level sensor to ensure the normal operation of the sampling process.

2. The bioaerosol continuous sampling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid replenishment assembly also includes an infusion tube. The upper edge of the sampling cup is provided with a fluid replenishment port. The infusion tube is connected through the storage bottle, the peristaltic pump and the fluid replenishment port. Detection components are provided at both ends of the infusion tube that are connected to the fluid replenishment port and the storage bottle, respectively.

3. The bioaerosol continuous sampling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fan includes an air inlet and an air outlet arranged diagonally. The air inlet is located at the lower edge of the fan, corresponding to the position of the liquid replenishment port; the air outlet is located at the upper edge of the fan, corresponding to the position of the sampling head.

4. The bioaerosol continuous sampling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control component also includes a control circuit board and a fault indicator light. The fault indicator light is used to indicate that the sampling liquid in the storage bottle is insufficient and that the sampling cup is full of replenished sampling liquid. The control circuit board is connected to the peristaltic pump, the fan, the fault indicator light, the liquid shortage sensor, and the liquid level sensor. It is used to compare whether various signals coexist and to analyze and process the transmission order of various signals in order to control the normal operation of the sampling device.

5. A continuous bioaerosol sampling device according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a wireless transmission module and a remote monitoring system. The wireless transmission module is located next to the control circuit board and is used to transmit wireless signals to the remote monitoring system so as to realize the real-time transmission of the sampling device's working status data to the remote monitoring system.

6. A method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols, characterized in that, Includes the sampling device according to any one of claims 1-5: S1. After the power is connected, the fan will draw in the gas from the area to be sampled through the air inlet located on the side wall of the sampling cup; S2. The gas drawn into the space between the fan and the sampling cup is thrown against the wall of the sampling cup by the fan during rotation. S3. After the fan has been running for M seconds, a quantitative sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup. After the sampling liquid comes into contact with the wall, it reacts and combines with the dust particles. S4. The fan continues to run and gradually forms a rotating air column, causing the sampling liquid, after reacting and combining with the dust particles, to form an aerosol above the sampling cup; S5. The sampling head located above the sampling cup remains in the aerosol for sampling; S6. Replace the sampling head after sampling is completed. The gas that has been sampled is discharged from the air outlet located above the fan, and the sampled liquid that has completed the reaction is discharged from the liquid outlet at the bottom of the sampling cup.

7. The method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step S2 specifically includes: S21. The fan uses a high-speed rotating impeller to accelerate the gas drawn in through the air inlet to meet the air flow requirements of the air inlet; S22. After the sampling head is connected to the sampling cup, the gas drawn in by the fan can flow downwards in a spiral along the wall of the sampling cup, forming a cyclone; S23. During the rotation of the dust-laden gas, centrifugal force is generated, which throws particles with a density greater than that of the gas toward the wall of the sampling cup, causing them to combine with the sampling liquid, thereby completing the sampling.

8. The method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols according to claim 1, characterized in that, Step S3 specifically includes: S31. Turn on the instrument switch, the fan starts running, and the peristaltic pump starts running for N seconds until the low-liquidity sensor detects that the infusion tube is full of sampling liquid and sends a full liquid signal to the control circuit board; otherwise, the control circuit board sends an alarm signal to the fault indicator light after N seconds, indicating that the fluid replenishment is abnormal. S32. After receiving the full liquid signal, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to continue running to fill the sampling cup with a capacity P(L), where t(s) is the time required for the peristaltic pump to completely fill the sampling cup; The S 输液管 (m 2 ) represents the cross-sectional area of ​​the infusion tube, and V (m / s) represents the flow rate of the sampling fluid in the peristaltic pump; S33. During the operation of step S32, the low liquid level sensor in the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level of the sampling cup once: if the low liquid level sensor sends a low liquid shortage signal to the control circuit board, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to continue running for Δt seconds (Δt < t); if the low liquid level sensor sends a low liquid full signal to the control circuit board, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to stop after running for a total of t seconds. S34. During the detection process in step S33, the high liquid level sensor in the liquid level sensor performs a secondary detection on the liquid level of the sampling cup; if the high liquid level sensor sends a high-level low liquid signal to the control circuit board, the peristaltic pump continues to run in step S32; if the high liquid level sensor sends a high-level full liquid signal to the control circuit board, the control circuit board controls the peristaltic pump to stop running immediately and sends an alarm signal to the fault indicator light. S35. The sampling liquid in the sampling cup is filled with a quantitative value P (L).

9. A method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols according to claim 8, characterized in that, The specific steps for troubleshooting abnormal fluid replenishment in step S31 include: S311. When the fault indicator light illuminates, it indicates that there is no liquid flow in the infusion tubing, and it is determined that the fluid replenishment component has malfunctioned. S312. The control circuit board checks whether there is liquid at the connection point of the infusion tube to the storage bottle. If not, the fault is determined to be due to insufficient sampling liquid in the storage bottle. After the staff removes the storage bottle, the alarm status is deactivated and the fault indicator light is turned off. If yes, the storage bottle fault is ruled out, and the next step of fault cause investigation is carried out. S313. The control circuit board confirms whether there is liquid at the infusion port of the sampling cup connected to the infusion tube. If so, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormal liquid shortage sensor. After the sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup, the staff replaces the liquid shortage sensor, deactivates the alarm, and turns off the fault indicator light. If not, the next step of fault cause investigation is performed. S314. The control circuit board confirms whether the peristaltic pump is working properly. If yes, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormal liquid shortage sensor. After the sampling liquid is injected into the sampling cup, the staff replaces the liquid shortage sensor, clears the alarm, and turns off the fault indicator light. If no, the fault is determined to be due to an abnormal peristaltic pump. The control switch of the control circuit board is turned off, and the staff repairs and replaces the peristaltic pump.

10. A method for continuous sampling of bioaerosols according to claim 8, characterized in that, Before step S33 begins a detection, the specific installation steps of the liquid level sensor include: S331. The sampling cup has three triangularly distributed holes pre-drilled before installation to install a device for detecting the position of the sampling liquid in the sampling cup; S332. The liquid level sensor includes two sensors, one low liquid level sensor and one high liquid level sensor. After the electrodes of the two sensors are bent for the first time, they are respectively inserted into the left and right holes in the reserved hole. S333. The electrodes of the two sensors are bent a second time at the left and right holes respectively. After the two bending processes of the high liquid level sensor are completed, it is inserted into the middle hole, so that the three electrodes of the two sensors are exposed outside the three reserved holes. S334. Connect the three electrodes to the corresponding parts of the USB interface of the sampling cup via wires, and place them into the slots under the holes, and fix them with hot melt glue.

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