Pressure-Maintaining Enzymological Measurement for In-Situ Deep-Ocean Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring microbial extracellular enzyme activity in deep ocean environments fail to accurately capture in-situ conditions due to atmospheric pressure and temperature, limiting our understanding of microbial life processes and enzyme activities.
Innovation Solution
A full-ocean-depth fidelity enzymological measurement device comprising a pressure-maintaining sampling bottle, transfer equipment, enzymological reactor, and heat preservation and enzyme activity detection equipment, allowing for in-situ pressure and temperature conditions during sample collection, transfer, and enzymological reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional atmospheric pressure measurement methods are used, then the measurement device can operate at atmospheric pressure, but the enzyme activity data cannot represent in-situ deep ocean conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from atmospheric pressure to full ocean depth pressure (0-11000 meters). The pressure-maintaining sampling bottle, transfer equipment, and enzymological reactor are designed to maintain in-situ pressure throughout the sampling and measurement process, enabling accurate enzyme activity measurement under true deep ocean conditions rather than atmospheric pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure-maintaining transfer equipment as an intermediary component that connects the pressure-maintaining sampling bottle to the pressure-maintaining enzymological reactor. This intermediary ensures continuous pressure maintenance during sample transfer, bridging the gap between sampling and measurement while preserving in-situ conditions
2Measurement precision
If in-situ pressure and temperature conditions are maintained throughout sampling and measurement, then accurate enzymological data can be obtained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into distinct functional segments: a pressure-maintaining sampling bottle for sample collection, pressure-maintaining transfer equipment for sample transport, and a pressure-maintaining enzymological reactor for measurement. Each segment independently maintains pressure, allowing the complex function of in-situ measurement to be achieved through modular, manageable components rather than a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-maintaining transfer equipment serves multiple functions: it transfers samples from the sampling bottle to the enzymological reactor, maintains pressure throughout the transfer process, and provides thermal insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while achieving comprehensive in-situ measurement capability
3Reliability
If the sampling bottle is designed to maintain pressure, then in-situ samples can be obtained, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-maintaining sampling bottle is pre-configured with pressure maintenance capability before sample collection. The sealing structures and pressure maintenance mechanisms are prepared in advance, allowing the operator to simply deploy the bottle and collect samples without needing to manually establish or maintain pressure during the sampling operation itself
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
Enables accurate measurement of microbial extracellular enzyme activities under true ocean depth conditions, providing critical data for microbial life process analysis and resource utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a piston, wherein the piston is used for pressing a sample in the pressure-maintaining sampling bottle
Implementation Method 2
the plug and the piston are both provided with sealing rings for sealing
Implementation Method 3
the heat preservation and enzyme activity detection equipment is configured to perform heat insulation, fluorometric measurement and enzyme activity calculation on the sample
Data Source
AI summary
A full-ocean-depth fidelity enzymological measurement device for microbial extracellular enzyme is provided, comprising a pressure-maintaining sampling bottle, pressure-maintaining transfer equipment, a pressure-maintaining enzymological reactor, and heat preservation equipment and enzyme activity detection equipment. The pressure-maintaining enzymological reactor comprises a barrel body, a plug, polytetrafluoroethylene gaskets, an O-ring, a piston, a high-pressure straight-through valve, and a high-pressure connector. The pressure-maintaining enzymological reactor is in a closed barrel body shape and is internally provided with the piston, and the plug and the valve are arranged at each of two ends of the pressure-maintaining enzymological reactor; and the valve is connected to the pressure-maintaining transfer equipment through the high-pressure connector. According to the full-ocean-depth fidelity enzymological measurement device provided by the present disclosure, full-ocean-depth (0-11000 m) sample pressure-maintaining sampling and transferring can be achieved; and sample collection, transferring and enzymological reaction can be conducted under in-situ pressure and temperature conditions.