DE2027139A1 - Pressure pump system - Google Patents

Description

Pcrienianwalie

. Dr.-ing. WilheJn iH ^ el
DipK: ig. Wolf 'r;.i; . ■■: /]
b "Frankiuii a. ivi.V
Park street 13

6285 TECHNICON INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION, Tarrytown, N.Y., V.St.A,

Pressure pump system

The invention "relates to a pressure pump system that a liquid with a substantially constant flow rate pumps, with a pressure vessel having a liquid inlet device and a liquid outlet device having. The invention is also directed to such a pressure pump system, which in particular can be used with automatic sequential analyzers for blood samples.

Albeit pressure pump systems, as detailed below are known to be liquids in the nature of suitable color-producing reagents to convey automatic, sequentially operable blood sample analysis systems with constant flow rate, which are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 3 24-1 432,

However, it should be understood that certain significant problems arise with the use of the known pressure pump systems. It should be pointed out in particular that these known systems are based on covered, pressurized reagent containers with a relatively low reagent capacity, the problem arising that if the containers are not properly closed again after the reagent supply has been renewed, dangerous leakage, the reagent under high pressure

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can occur, whereby in turn the required constant reagent flow rate of the system is lost. In addition, since the reagent container with a relatively low capacity are pressurized, it goes without saying that the required periodic renewal of the reagent supply is a corresponding one periodic shutdown of the system requires what a results in undesirable loss of system working time.

The invention is therefore based on the object $ a new and To provide an improved pressure pumping system with a sealed pressure vessel, the vessel for which essentially constant flow rate of the liquid to be pumped ' is a sealed or closed pressure vessel. It is also intended to create a pressure pumping system, in which the reservoir for the liquid to be pumped is a substantially open, non-pressurized container is, the fluid supply in the same periodiech and comfortably without affecting the operation of the system should be renewable "

A pressure pump system should also be provided, since "ß Contains devices that automatically control the liquid level in the sealed pressure vessel in an uncomplicated manner check.

Furthermore, a pressure pump system is to be created that requires only readily available components, their reliability has been proven in production to ensure that the system operates satisfactorily, maintenance-free to be maintained over long periods of time.

It is also intended to provide a pressure pumping system which, in one embodiment, is completely enclosed and does not require any external system pressure source.

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ORIGINAL WSPEGTED -

Finally, one would like to create a pressure pumping system that is particularly, though not exclusively, for delivery of liquids in the nature of suitable color-producing reagents with essentially constant flow rate to automatic, sequentially operable, blood sample analyzer systems suitable is. .

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a pressure pump system of the type indicated at the outset, which is characterized by devices for introducing the medium into the container via the medium inlet devices, devices that use the A substantially constant pressure is applied to the container

Beat the medium out of this via the medium outlet devices to be pumped out at an essentially constant flow rate and by devices, which respond to the level of the medium in the pressure vessel and control the medium introduction devices in order to keep the medium level in a predetermined range within the pressure vessel.

The presently preferred new and improved pressure pump system according to the invention comprises a sealed pressure vessel with fluid inlet and outlet devices. There are pumping devices provided that the liquid to be pumped,

from a substantially open, non-pressurized one Direct containers through the inlet device into the sealed pressure vessel, and there are also devices provided, which pressurize the latter with a fairly constant pressure to flow the liquid through the outlet device to pump out of this. Fluid level control devices are arranged on the sealed pressure vessel and operable in such a way that they depend on the pump device from the liquid level in the sealed pressure vessel to control the latter in a predetermined range keep. In a first embodiment of the invention, the container pressure device is in the form of an independent source a suitable, under bridging, distinguishable medium,

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which is connected to the sealed pressure vessel, while in a second embodiment of the invention the pressure generating device takes the form of the pump device and liquid guide devices associated with it and with the Fluid level control device are operatively connected, are operable so that they pressurize the sealed pressure vessel through the pump device =

possible.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings ^ all of which can contribute to solution of the problem according to the invention from the description and the ^λ pictures arising details or features, and have been included in the application with the will to patenting "

Ea point

Figure 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a known Drucicpurapensystems ι

FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of a first embodiment a Druckpumpgnsystems that according to the invention is constructed wad works and

FIG. 3 is a scientific flow diagram of a second Embodiment of a pressure pump nsy st ems? that is constructed according to the invention and works "

Brief description of the known pressure pump system

Sin DruGkpumpensystsmj which is constructed according to known principles and. works and is only intended for use in liquid analysis systems, is indicated generally at 10 _o It>; azm e.g. from the specification "consisting of the IiSA patent application Serial Summer 712 431 g @ s © igt" ad is ₉ which the applicant g © iafet ₀

18 S 3 / U 4 1

In detail, 10, the pressure pump system a container 12 of a suitable neutral gas, which is under a suitable pressure, to, for example nitrogen init under a pressure of 154 kg / cm (2200 psi), which via a suitable D _r uckregulier ~ device 14 a branch line or manifold 16 is connected to maintain the latter under substantially constant pressure, on the order of, for example, 66.8 cm of mercury.

Bottles 18 and 20 with screw caps 22 and 24 are provided see and may contain liquids, e.g. color-correcting reagents for use in the liquid analysis system for the Pail that the latter comes from a blood sample analysis system exists as explained above. The interiors of the diesel cylinder are new due to the relatively short inlet pipe 26 and 28 connected to branch line 16.

An outlet line 30 connects the interior of the bottle 18 with the inlet of a flow resist coil 32, and one Line 34 connects the outlet of the spool to the liquid analyzer system. Likewise, an outlet line connects 36 the interior of the bottle 20 with the inlet of a flow resistance coil 33, and line 40 connects the outlet of the spool to the liquid analyzer system.

For use in a representative blood sample analysis system, the corresponding internal diameters of the flow resistance coils 32 and 38 are kept relatively small, e.g. mm order of 0.010 inch or 0.25, while their respective lengths are XIIR the liquids kept relatively large, 2 "B" in d.er order of 5334 mm (210 inches), ma the desired high flow resistance _uaa: in the. Achieve relatively low flow velocities at the same time. In addition, the corresponding flow velocity coils 32 and 38 are arranged in a temperature control bath, which is indicated in dashed lines at 42. and with a suitable temperature of sB * 37 ⁰ G works to get the through these coils

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BATH ORIGINAL

to keep the penetrating liquids at a fairly constant viscosity. If desired, the appropriate Bottles 18 and 20 and outlet lines 30 and 36 are placed as a whole in the temperature control bath v / earth »

In operation, the gas from the container 12 acts on the corresponding Interiors of fish 18 and 20 around the liquids from these bottles through the corresponding flow resistance coils 32 and 38 and from there to press through lines 38 and 40 with predetermined, fairly constant flow velocities »

The flow rates of the liquids through the corresponding flow resistance coils 32 and 38 are determined by the Hagen / Poiaeuille equation

Q =

128 uL
In this equation means

Q the flow velocity ι Δ ρ the pressure drop across the coil5 D the coil inside diameter 5 u the viscosity of the liquid 5 and 'L the' effective length of the coil '

Since the respective bottles 18 and 20 provide, during operation of the system at high pressure ^ ;, it is understood that any defective Wiederabdiehtung of the corresponding lid 22 and .24 _seconds after this the Reagensmittelvorrat renewed in the bottle by the operator of the system ₉ what did was = neuter also observed a dangerous leakage of the highly pressurized reagent leads _s which in turn simultaneously the required constant Eeegenzmittel-StrömungsgeschwvLndigkeit γ®τ! οτ®η goes in & CFAs entire system fails »As this not © Plasoken <~ ■

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ORIGINAL BATHROOM

nimble enough to have a somewhat limited capacity, it is also understandable that the corresponding reagents in these must be renewed periodically, and since the system is under pressure, requires this renewal of the reagent supply a shutdown of the system and thus at the same time an undesirable loss of working time of the system.

Reference is now made to FIG. A first embodiment of a new and improved pressure pump system with sealed Pressure vessel constructed and operated in accordance with the invention is indicated generally at 44 and has an open reagent container 46 on »The system can e.g. fairly constant flow rate is used in automatic sequential blood sample analysis systems as described in U.S. Patent 5,241,432, for example.

A pump, which may be of any suitable embodiment, is indicated at 48 and includes one Pump inlet line 50 extending into the lower part of the reagent reservoir 46 extends.

A pressure vessel is indicated at 52, and the Puapenauslaßleitung 54 extends into this to allow pumping of the reagent from the reagent reservoir 46 into the Allow pressure vessel 52 into it, which is clear in itself.

A container for a suitable, pressurized and chemically neutral gas, e.g. nitrogen under pressure of 154 kg / cm j 2200 pounds psi) is indicated at 56, and he is connected to the interior of the pressure vessel 52 via a suitable pressure regulating device 58 and a line 60, to apply a suitable pressure to the latter.

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An outlet conduit 62 extends from the lower portion of the pressure vessel 52 and a flow resistance coil 64 is connected to the outlet line. Preferably, a considerable part of the outlet line 62 and the entire length of the flow resistance coil 64 in one Temperature control bath device 66 immersed to control the temperature of the reagent flowing through these parts to be kept fairly constant, and in conjunction with the viscosity of the reagent keeps the pressure in the pressure vessel 52, the corresponding length and inner diameter of the Resistive flow coil 64 is the reactant average flow rate fairly constant through the coil, so that they are discharged from there to the blood sample analyzer can, as indicated by the arrow in the drawings.

The liquid level control devices are indicated schematically at 68. They are the pressure vessel 52 and the Associated with pump 48, as indicated by control line 70 which extends between the parts and it controls! the level of the reagent in the pressurized. holder by suitable control of the operation of the pump. It should be noted that the fluid level control devices may consist of any suitable design, ζ .Β® from photoelectric or float-operated switching devices, which in turn switch the pump 48 on and off as a function of the level of reagent in the pressure vessel 52 can, in order to obtain the reagent center and borrow it, at one to hold a predetermined location or within a predetermined range in the container »

Ss is now on the embodiment of the pressure pump system with referenced sealed pressure vessel according to the invention, which is indicated generally at 72 in Figure 3 «. It should be noted that this embodiment includes many of the components of the system form of Figure 2 and that these components in both figures

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are identified by the same reference numerals.

In the system configuration 72 of FIG. 3, however, the pump is 48 can be operated continuously and a three-way valve 74 is placed in the pump inlet line 50 to allow the reagent flow to steer through this line. In detail, the three-way valve 74 includes a valve port 76, which in communication stands with the atmosphere, and the valve mentioned can be used in a first position to reduce the To connect valve port 76 to pump inlet line 50, with the result that air is pumped into the pressure vessel 52 instead of the reagent, the valve can also operate in a second position to close the valve port 76 and allow the reagent to agent from the reagent reservoir 46 into the pressure vessel 52 can be pumped.

Preferably, the three-way valve 74 is operated by a valve actuation solenoid 78 is set to its first and second positions, and it should be noted that the vent is actuating solenoid again via the control line 70 from the fluid level control device 68 is controlled so that the valve is only moved to its second position when when the reagent level in pressure vessel 68 drops below the predetermined point, thereby refilling of the reagent is made possible in the pressure vessel 52 via the pump 4.8. ■ ■

On the other hand, when the three-way valve 74 is in the first Position is, causes the operation of the pump 48 that the pressure vessel 52 is hit with Drucklbe, whereby'die separate pressure generating devices 56, 58 and 60 of the system version 44 of FIG. 2 can be avoided.

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- ίο -.

A pressure relief valve 60 is in the top wall of the pressure vessel 52 is provided to regulate the pressure that is built up in the container by the pump 48 when the three-way valve 78 is in its first setting.

Way of working

During operation of the system embodiment 44 of FIG. 2, the pressurization of the pressure vessel 52 with an essentially constant pressure through the pressure generating devices 56, 58 and 60, that the reagent from this with an im essentially constant flow rate over the. Outlet line 62 and flow resistance coil 64 to the blood sample analyzer system is pressed.

As soon as the reagent level within the pressure vessel falls below a predetermined point, which is determined by the position and / or arrangement of the liquid level control device 68 relative to the pressure vessel, this control device punctures, in order to excite the pump 48 and the reagent supply in the pressure vessel 52 to be filled from the open reagent reservoir 46. When this reagent replenishment has been carried out to the extent necessary to return the reagent level in the pressure vessel 52 to or above the predetermined point, the liquid level control device 68 comes back into operation to switch off the pump 48 and to keep it switched off until a reagent refill in the pressure vessel 52 is required again.

The operation of the system embodiment 72 of Figure 3 is in general of the system to that 44 of Figure 2 is similar, with the exception that in which the pump 48 former continuously developed and both periodically fills the Reagenzmittelvorrat in the pressure vessel 52, and the latter with an Pressurized to keep the reagent at a constant flow

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speed to the connected blood sample analysis system to pump.

With respect to the operation of system embodiment 72 of Figure 3, it should be noted in particular that when the reagent level is up at or above the predetermined point in the pressure vessel 52, the fluid level control device 68 punctures the valve actuation solenoid 73 to switch and to move the three-way valve 74 into its first kinstellage. This allows the pump 48 air pump through ax valve opening 76 into pressure vessel 52, to pressurize the latter with the predetermined pressure determined by the setting of the pressure relief valve 80 xst.

On the other hand, if the heagenzmittel level in the pressure vessel 52 drops below the predetermined point, it is understood that the liquid level control device 68 comes into operation, to switch the valve actuation solenoid 78 and the three-way valve 74 to its second setting position so that the pump 43 removes the reagent from the open reagent supply container 4ό can pump into the pressure vessel 52 so that the keagent supply is appropriately replenished in this.

This is of particular interest and advantage in both Pampel systems 44 uii 72 the fact that the height or pressure column of the reagent in the pressure vessel 52 in no way Kritiscc is related to the constant pressure and pump operation of the system to achieve the constant reagent flow rate, "which is why it does not have to be strictly controlled" This means that the use of fluid control devices with particularly accurate working characteristics and consequently high costs become superfluous. In particular, it is noted that the entire additional Pressure drop that is generated by crude this reagent pressure column within the pressure vessel 52 and / or the change in this total additional pressure drop, as they are

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BAD ORlGiMAL

even with a relatively large variation in reagent level, they are too small compared to the total system pump pressure to have no appreciable effect on the reagent flow rate out of the system. This applies in particular to the proposed pump systems in which the qq total volume of the pressure vessel 52 is 50 ml. Particularly in connection with the pump system embodiment 44 of FIG. 2, it should be noted that the discharge pressure of the pump. 48 is by no means critical, since this pump is only used periodically to refill or renew the reagent supply in the pressure vessel.

In addition, it should be understood that both system designs work according to the invention so that the very important problems related to the dangerous leakage of the under high pressure reagent and the resulting loss of the required constant flow rate of the pump system, as well as the periodic system shutdown for reagent renewal are completely avoided. These problems occur when using screw caps provided reagent containers, which are indicated at 18 and 20 in the drawing of the known pressure pump system of Figure 1 are indicated. It should be particularly noted that da3, because the pressure vessel 52 of the system according to the invention is preferably a factory sealed container, reagent leakage from it is highly unlikely is during the periodic replenishment of the reagent , can advantageously be carried out periodically in the open reagent reservoir 46 without this Folding circuit of the system is required.

Although it is stated above that the liquid level control device 68 immediately responds to a reagent level at a predetermined point in the pressure vessel 52, it should be noted that the liquid level control device in the usual way has suitable time delay devices can be assigned to their circuit

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to delay a predetermined amount and a "commute" to prevent.

Even if the new and improved pressure pump system is included sealed pressure vessel according to the invention in connection with the pumping of a reagent with a constant Flow rate to a blood sample analyzer system has been described, it should be noted that the system according to the invention in a wide range of other different applications for pumping liquids can be used.

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Claims (7)

Claims \ S pressure pump system for pumping a medium with an essentially constant flow rate, which has a pressure vessel with medium inlet devices and medium outlet devices, characterized by means for introducing the medium into the container (52) via the Medium inlet devices, devices (56,4-8) which keep the container (52) at a substantially constant pressure act on the medium from this via the medium outlet devices (62) pump out at a substantially constant flow rate and through devices (68), which respond to the level of the medium in the pressure vessel (52) and the medium introduction devices (48,74) control to keep the mediucs level in a predetermined range to be kept inside the pressure vessel. 2. Pressure pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that that the medium introducing devices comprise a substantially open, unpressurized container (46) for the Have medium and pumping devices (48) which do not pressurized container (46) and the pressure vessel (52) are assigned to remove the medium from the former (46) to transfer to the latter (52). 3. Pressure pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that that the control devices medium state control devices (68) which are operatively associated with the pressure vessel (52) and responsive, when the medium level in the latter at a predetermined point drops to actuate the medium-insertion devices (48,74) to allow them to the Medium 0 0 9 8 8 3 / U k 1; _BAD OPlGlNAL Fill up the supply of pressure vessel (52). 4. printing pucipensystems; according to claim 1, ά a α- u r c π marked, ά'ό3 pressurize the devices AEEN pressure vessel (52) having a, ira substantially constant pressure, a source (5 NC) have a Xediums under pressure that is different from the Xedium to be pumped, and that means (58,60) connect the pressure medium source (56) to the pressure vessel (52). 5. Pressure pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that that the Xediumseinführvorrichtur.gen a container (46) for the medium, that the Kediumseinführvcreinrichtungen and the devices for loading the pressure vessel with a constant pressure pump devices (46) with an inlai device (50), which is in the container {-6} for aaedium extend and an outlet device (34), which extends into the pressure vessel (52), since Aediuras guide devices (74) are arranged in the Pusipeneinla ^ device (50) and in a first setting position of air in the feeder:; feed the inlet device, pressurize the Γ-ru ^ kr e container by means of the pump devices and in a second position of the feed the medium from aez. Guide the media container into the air inlet device so that the fan devices can introduce the medium into the pressure vessel, so that the devices (7C) control the media level in the pressure vessel (52) with the media Connect slide devices (74) to operate the latter between their first and second positions depending on the media level in the pressure vessel (52) and that devices (80) are connected to the pressure vessel (52) to prevent the pressure in this exceeds a predetermined maximum. BATH ORIGINAL 0 0 9 8 δ 3 / U 4 T 6. Pressure pump system according to claim 5, characterized in that that the pump devices (48) operate continuously during the operation of the system (72). 7. Pressure pump system according to claim 4, characterized by medium flow resistance devices (64) with a predetermined inner diameter for the flow and predetermined length, which is with the Pressure vessel outlet devices (62) are connected and through temperature control devices (66) associated with the devices (64) are operatively linked to increase the temperature of the medium flowing through these devices to an im to keep essential constant value. ReFu / Lo BATH ORIGINAL 009883 / U41 Lee on the side