Multi-channel circulation distributor for marine microorganism filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for collecting marine microorganisms are time-consuming, laborious, and often result in insufficient biomass for metagenomic studies, and existing in-situ filtration devices can only collect a limited amount of samples per deployment.
Innovation Solution
A large-flux in-situ filtration device utilizing a multi-channel circulation distributor driven by a deep-sea servo motor, which allows for continuous filtration across multiple filter films during a single deployment, enabling the collection of multiple sets of samples by switching between filter films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional CTD water sampler with deck filtration is used, then microorganism collection is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple independent filter film channels (first, second, third filter films) that can operate simultaneously. Each filter film is connected to separate flow channels controlled by circulation distributors, allowing parallel filtration operations that significantly increase productivity and reduce time consumption compared to single-filter deck filtration methods
Solution Approach 2:
The in-situ filtration device enables continuous filtration operation by circulating seawater through multiple filter films in sequence and parallel. The circulation distributor switches flow channels to maintain continuous filtration without interruption, eliminating the start-stop nature of conventional deck filtration and reducing overall time consumption
2Quantity of substance
If conventional in-situ filtration device is used, then some samples can be collected, but the amount of organisms obtained per deployment is relatively small
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple filter films (first, second, third filter films) with different pore sizes (e.g., 0.22μm, 0.45μm, 1.0μm) arranged in parallel channels. Each filter film collects organisms from separate flow channels, allowing simultaneous accumulation of diverse microbial biomass across multiple size fractions, thereby increasing total organism quantity and diversity per deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-filter to multi-dimensional filtration by adding multiple filter films with different pore sizes and multiple flow channels. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture organisms across various size classes simultaneously, increasing the quantity and diversity of collected biomass beyond what single-filter devices can achieve
3Quantity of substance
If deck filtration process is used, then microorganism collection is achieved, but pollution is caused during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration process is extracted from the deck environment and transferred to the in-situ deep-sea environment. By deploying the filtration device directly at the target depth, the system collects organisms directly from their natural habitat without transferring them to the deck, thereby eliminating pollution caused by deck filtration operations while maintaining effective sample collection
Solution Approach 2:
The in-situ filtration device acts as an intermediary between the deep-sea environment and the research laboratory. Instead of bringing organisms to the deck for filtration (which causes pollution), the device filters seawater directly at depth and retrieves only the filtered samples, serving as a mediator that separates the collection process from the polluted deck environment
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
The device efficiently collects a large amount of marine microbial samples in situ, reducing the need for deck filtration and providing sufficient biomass for genomics research, while minimizing pollution and workload.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor can be rotated by the deep-sea servo motor to switch the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
one water passage can be sequentially connected to eight water holes inside the lower cover when the rotor rotates for one cycle
Implementation Method 3
an inlet of the stainless steel gear pump may be connected to a seawater inlet
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of pipe connections below a side of the multi-channel circulation distributor may be respectively connected to inlets of the plurality of filter film holders
Data Source
AI summary
A large-flux in-situ filtration device for marine microorganism based on a multi-channel circulation distributor is provided, comprising an energy and control module, a circulation distribution module, a filtration module, a pump module, a filtration volume measurement module, a pipeline connection, and a main body support frame. The circulation distribution module may include a multi-channel circulation distributor, a deep-sea servo motor, etc. The filtration module may include a plurality of filter film holders. The pump module may include a stainless steel gear pump, a deep-sea drive motor, etc. The filtration volume measurement module may include a water meter, a camera, and an LED light.