Auto Sampler Flow Path Washing with Item-Based Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic analyzers face challenges in improving throughput while minimizing cleaning fluid consumption and preventing carry-over, which can lead to measurement errors due to insufficient washing times for sample introduction units.
Innovation Solution
A flow path washing method for an auto sampler that adjusts the flow velocity of cleaning fluids based on specific washing patterns for each measurement item, using a control unit to optimize washing between measurements, thereby balancing throughput and fluid consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the processing time per sample is shortened to improve throughput, then the productivity increases, but the washing time becomes insufficient and carry-over increases causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by making the cleaning fluid supply conditions variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the flow rate and supply time of cleaning fluid based on the specific measurement items being analyzed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize washing effectiveness for each sample type while maintaining high throughput, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes parameters (flow rate, supply time, temperature) of the cleaning fluid based on the measurement items. By storing multiple sets of supply conditions corresponding to different measurement items and selecting appropriate conditions dynamically, the system achieves effective washing without extending processing time, thus maintaining both high throughput and measurement accuracy.
2Loss of substance
If the cleaning fluid consumption is reduced, then the loss of substance decreases, but the washing effectiveness becomes insufficient and carry-over increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes cleaning fluid parameters (flow rate, temperature, supply time) based on the specific measurement items and carry-over risks. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system achieves effective washing with minimal cleaning fluid consumption, preventing both waste and insufficient washing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit selects appropriate cleaning fluid supply conditions based on information about the measurement items and potential carry-over risks. This feedback mechanism ensures that cleaning fluid is used efficiently - enough to prevent carry-over but not excessive to cause waste.
3Reliability
If the flow velocity of cleaning fluid is increased to reduce carry-over, then the washing effectiveness improves, but the cleaning fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the flow velocity parameter of cleaning fluid dynamically based on the measurement items and carry-over risks. High flow velocity is applied only when necessary for high-risk measurements, while lower flow velocity is used for routine measurements, optimizing both washing effectiveness and fluid consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow path washing method and apparatus for an auto sampler in which, when a cleaning fluid supplied to a flow path which is switched between a first flow path including a nozzle for aspirating a sample and a sample loop for holding the aspirated sample, and a second flow path including a washing tub for washing at least an outer wall of the nozzle, a control unit changes a flow velocity of the cleaning fluid supplied between measurement of a first measurement item and measurement of a second measurement item based on washing information showing washing patterns corresponding to measurement items of the sample, including at least one of first washing information showing a washing pattern corresponding to the first measurement item of the sample and second washing information showing a washing pattern corresponding to the second measurement item to be measured subsequent to the first measurement item.