Microorganism Sorting via Isokinetic Sampling and Dual Flow Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microorganism sorting systems for water treatment, such as ballast water treatment systems, face challenges in accuracy, speed, and cost due to reliance on laboratory-based methods and flow cytometry, which lack viability determination and portability for field use.
Innovation Solution
A microorganism evaluation system with isokinetic probes and dual viewing sections of varying flow rates to separate and evaluate microorganisms based on size and motile response, allowing for real-time, high-throughput sorting and analysis of live organisms within a fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory-based methods are used for microorganism sorting, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow processing speed and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual laboratory-based mechanical sorting methods with an automated optical sorting system that uses light sources, detectors, and control mechanisms to identify and sort microorganisms, thereby increasing processing speed while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using optical properties (light absorption, scattering) rather than manual visual inspection, enabling high-speed automated detection and sorting of microorganisms based on their optical characteristics
2Productivity
If flow cytometry systems are used for microorganism evaluation, then productivity is improved through higher throughput, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to determine viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different evaluation criteria to different aspects of microorganism analysis: optical properties for high-speed identification and viability indicators (such as intracellular particles or metabolic activity) for accuracy, combining both approaches to achieve high throughput with reliable viability determination
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary viability indicators (such as staining agents or metabolic markers) that can be detected optically, allowing the flow cytometry system to determine viability without sacrificing throughput
3Measurement precision
If laboratory-based evaluation systems are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional integrated system that combines sample processing, optical detection, viability assessment, and data analysis in a single portable device, eliminating the need for separate laboratory equipment while maintaining comprehensive evaluation capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of microorganism sorting and evaluation by enabling effective separation and analysis of live organisms, improving compliance assessment in water treatment processes while reducing costs and increasing portability.
Implementation Method 1
an isokinetic probe positioned so as to sample from the first fluid flow so as to provide the second fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid flow supplies and passes through the first viewing section, the first fluid flow defining a first fluid flow rate, a relatively smaller second viewing section, wherein a second fluid flow supplies and passes through the second viewing section, the second fluid flow defining a second fluid flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A microorganism evaluation system comprising a first viewing section, wherein a first fluid flow supplies and passes through the first viewing section, the first fluid flow defining a first fluid flow rate, a relatively smaller second viewing section, wherein a second fluid flow supplies and passes through the second viewing section, the second fluid flow defining a second fluid flow rate, and an isokinetic probe positioned so as to sample from the first fluid flow so as to provide the second fluid flow.