Bidirectional Sampling Pipeline Rinsing for Nanoparticle Residue Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample processors face inefficiencies in cleaning fluid pipelines, particularly for nanoparticles, requiring long cleaning times and excessive fluid use, which affects instrument flux and detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method and pipeline system utilizing forward and reverse rinsing steps with sheath and cleaning liquids, controlled by a switching device, and employing peristaltic or piston pumps for efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If only forward rinsing with sheath liquid is used, then the cleaning process is simple, but cleaning time is excessively long and residue rate for nanoparticles cannot meet requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse rinsing by pumping cleaning liquid from the flow cell end back through the sampling pipeline to the sample inlet end. This bidirectional cleaning approach (forward rinsing from sample inlet to flow cell, then reverse rinsing from flow cell to sample inlet) ensures that particles adhering to pipeline walls are effectively removed by changing flow direction, achieving residue rates below 0.1% for nanoparticles within 40 seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alternating forward and reverse rinsing cycles. The system performs multiple cycles of forward rinsing (30-60 seconds) followed by reverse rinsing (10-20 seconds), creating periodic flow direction changes that prevent particle deposition and ensure thorough cleaning. This periodic action maintains cleaning effectiveness while reducing total cleaning time compared to continuous single-direction rinsing.
2Reliability
If manual replacement of sample container with cleaning liquid container is performed, then cleaning can be achieved, but the operation is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cleaning liquid pipeline system into the existing sample processing system architecture. The same pump system, valves, and control mechanisms used for sample delivery are also used for delivering cleaning liquid. The sampling pipeline serves dual functions: transporting samples during analysis and receiving cleaning liquid for pipeline cleaning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual container replacement operations while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service cleaning by automatically switching from sample mode to cleaning mode through electronic control of valves and pumps. The control system automatically initiates the cleaning sequence, pumps cleaning liquid through the pipeline, and manages the rinsing cycles without requiring manual intervention to replace containers or initiate cleaning operations. This automation dramatically improves cleaning efficiency and reduces operational time.
3Reliability
If longer cleaning time is used to reduce nanoparticle residue rate, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but instrument flux is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse rinsing technique dramatically reduces the time required to achieve low nanoparticle residue rates. By pumping cleaning liquid in the opposite direction through the sampling pipeline, the system achieves residue rates below 0.1% for nanoparticles in just 40 seconds, compared to much longer times required by conventional forward-only rinsing. This bidirectional approach maintains high instrument flux by minimizing cleaning downtime while ensuring thorough particle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by overlapping cleaning operations with sample processing activities where possible. The automated cleaning system is triggered immediately after sample analysis completes, and the pump system transitions seamlessly from sample delivery to cleaning liquid delivery without idle time. This continuous operation ensures that cleaning is performed efficiently during instrument idle periods, maintaining high flux without compromising cleaning effectiveness.
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
Significantly reduces cleaning time and fluid consumption, improving cleaning efficiency and instrument flux while achieving residue rates below 0.1% for nanoparticles.
Implementation Method 1
providing a peristaltic pump, and performing the forward rinsing step or the reverse rinsing step by controlling the rotation direction of a roller of the peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
providing a piston pump, and alternately performing the forward rinsing step and the reverse rinsing step through reciprocating motion of a piston of the piston pump
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning a sampling pipeline of a sample processor, wherein the sampling pipeline communicates a flow cell to a sample source of the sample processor. The method comprises: a forward rinsing step of rinsing the sampling pipeline in a first direction by using a sheath liquid or a cleaning liquid different from the sheath liquid and provided via a cleaning liquid pipeline; and/or a reverse rinsing step of rinsing the sampling pipeline in a second direction opposite to the first direction by using the sheath liquid or the cleaning liquid. The present disclosure also provides a pipeline system for implementing the above method and a sample processor comprising the pipeline system. The method, pipeline system and sample processor according to the present disclosure have significantly improved cleaning effect.