WO2024098385A1

WO2024098385A1 - Fluid transportation system, gene sequencer, and fluid transportation method

Info

Publication number: WO2024098385A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/131406
Authority: WO
Inventors: 牛子华; 邢楚填
Original assignee: 深圳华大智造科技股份有限公司
Priority date: 2022-11-11
Filing date: 2022-11-11
Publication date: 2024-05-16

Abstract

A fluid transportation system, a gene sequencer, and a fluid transportation method. The fluid transportation system comprises: a fluid temporary-storage pool (107); a positive pressure source (106) operably connected to the fluid temporary-storage pool (107) and configured to provide a positive pressure to the fluid temporary-storage pool (107); a negative pressure source (104) operably connected to the fluid temporary-storage pool (107) and configured to provide a negative pressure to the fluid temporary-storage pool (107); and a liquid storage and control unit (113) operably connected to the fluid temporary-storage pool (107) and configured to store at least one liquid and control the transportation of the at least one liquid according to the pressure state of the fluid temporary-storage pool (107).

Description

Fluid transport system, gene sequencer and fluid transport method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of gas-liquid control technology, and in particular to a fluid transportation system, a gene sequencer, and a fluid transportation method.

Background technique

In some related technologies of gene sequencers, the fluid transport device of the gene sequencer usually adopts a power element such as a syringe pump, and uses the movement of the syringe piston to provide pressure to achieve fluid transportation. In other related technologies, the gene sequencer adopts a negative pressure pump and a buffer tank to provide negative pressure to transport fluid.

Summary of the invention

The inventors have found through research that when gene sequencers in related technologies use syringe pumps to provide positive or negative pressure to transport fluids, the syringes need to be operated frequently, and the number of times existing syringe pumps can be operated is relatively limited. Under frequent operation, the service life is short and needs to be replaced frequently, resulting in high equipment costs. Gene sequencers in other related technologies are difficult to achieve bidirectional flow of fluids in sequencing slides based on the unidirectional negative pressure characteristics of negative pressure pumps, which increases the complexity and difficulty of sequencing methods.

In view of this, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a fluid transport system, a gene sequencer, and a fluid transport method, which can help reduce equipment costs and meet the needs of bidirectional flow of fluid in a sequencing carrier.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a fluid transport system, comprising:

Fluid buffer pool;

A positive pressure source, operably connected to the fluid buffer pool and configured to provide positive pressure to the fluid buffer pool;

a negative pressure source, operably connected to the fluid buffer pool and configured to provide negative pressure to the fluid buffer pool; and

The liquid storage and control unit is operably connected to the fluid buffer tank, and is configured to store at least one liquid and control the transportation of the at least one liquid according to the pressure state of the fluid buffer tank.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The first control component is connected to the positive pressure source, the negative pressure source and the fluid buffer pool, respectively, and is configured to control the connection state between the positive pressure source and the fluid buffer pool and the connection state between the negative pressure source and the fluid buffer pool, so as to adjust the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool to a set pressure value or a set pressure range.

In some embodiments, the first control component includes:

The first control valve has a first port, a second port and a third port, wherein the first port and the second port are connected to the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source respectively, and the third port is connected to the fluid buffer pool.

The first control valve is configured to selectively open a flow path between the third port and the first port or a flow path between the third port and the second port.

In some embodiments, the first control valve further has a fourth port, the fourth port being in communication with the atmosphere, and the first control valve is configured to selectively open a flow path between the fourth port and the third port.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The pressure detection element is connected to the fluid buffer pool and is configured to detect the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool so as to control the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool through the first control component.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage and control unit comprises:

at least two liquid storage containers, configured to store at least two liquids, respectively; and

The second control component is connected to the at least two liquid storage containers and is configured to control the transportation of liquid between the at least two liquid storage containers and the wafer flow channel connected to the second control component according to the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool.

In some embodiments, the second control component includes:

The second control valve has at least two fifth ports and a sixth port, wherein the at least two fifth ports are respectively connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, and the sixth port is used to connect to the wafer flow channel.

The second control valve is configured to selectively open the sixth port and one of the at least two fifth ports.

In some embodiments, the second control valve further has a seventh port, and the fluid transport system further comprises:

a first flow path, wherein one end of the first flow path is connected to the seventh port, and the other end of the first flow path is connected to the fluid buffer pool;

The second control valve is configured to selectively connect the seventh port to one of the at least two fifth ports and the sixth port.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

A second flow path, one end of which is connected to the fluid buffer pool, and the other end of which is used to connect to the wafer carrier channel.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The fluid buffer area is arranged on the second flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The third control valve is disposed on the second flow path and is configured to control the opening and closing of the second flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The bubble sensor is provided on at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The waste liquid collection unit is operably connected to the fluid buffer pool and is configured to collect the waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool.

In some embodiments, the waste liquid collection unit comprises:

a waste liquid storage container, connected to the fluid buffer tank through a first waste liquid flow path; and

The waste liquid control valve is arranged on the first waste liquid flow path and is configured to control the opening and closing of the first waste liquid flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

At least two third flow paths, one end of the at least two third flow paths are connected to the fluid buffer pool, and the other end is respectively connected to the at least two liquid storage containers.

In some embodiments, the at least two third flow paths are respectively communicated with the gas phase spaces of the at least two liquid storage containers, and the at least two fifth ports are respectively communicated with the liquid phase spaces of the at least two liquid storage containers.

a waste liquid storage container configured to collect waste liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel; and

A fourth flow path, one end of which is connected to the seventh port, and the other end of which is connected to the waste liquid storage container.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

A fifth flow path, one end of which is connected to the waste liquid storage container, and the other end of which is used to connect to the wafer carrier flow channel.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The fluid buffer area is arranged on the fifth flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

The air bubble sensor is provided on at least one of the fourth flow path and the fifth flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises:

A liquid level detection element is connected to the fluid buffer pool and/or the waste liquid collection unit, and is configured to detect the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool and/or the waste liquid collection unit.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a gene sequencer is provided, comprising the aforementioned fluid transport system.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid transport method based on the aforementioned fluid transport system is provided, comprising:

By controlling the connection state between the positive pressure source and the fluid buffer pool and the connection state between the negative pressure source and the fluid buffer pool, the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool is adjusted to a set pressure value or a set pressure range;

The transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit is controlled by the gas pressure in the fluid buffer tank.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises a first control component connected to the positive pressure source, the negative pressure source and the fluid buffer tank respectively, and a pressure detection element connected to the fluid buffer tank;

The step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool to a set pressure value or a set pressure range includes:

Receiving a positive pressure building instruction for establishing a set positive pressure range, wherein the lower limit value of the set positive pressure range is P1 and the upper limit value is P2;

The first control component is configured to open the flow passage between the fluid buffer pool and the positive pressure source, and close other flow passages of the fluid buffer pool;

Turning on the positive pressure source so that the positive pressure source applies positive pressure to the fluid buffer pool;

The positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool is detected in real time by the pressure detection element, and it is determined whether the positive pressure P0 reaches the upper limit value P2, until the positive pressure P0 rises to the upper limit value P2, and then the positive pressure source is closed, thereby completing the positive pressure building.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool to a set pressure value or a set pressure range further includes:

During the use of the fluid buffer pool, the positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool is detected in real time by the pressure detection element, and it is determined whether the positive pressure P0 is lower than the lower limit value P1. If it is lower than the lower limit value P1, the positive pressure source is turned on until the positive pressure P0 rises to the upper limit value P2 and then the positive pressure source is turned off.

Receiving a negative pressure building instruction for establishing a set negative pressure range, wherein the upper limit value of the set negative pressure range is P3 and the lower limit value is P4;

The first control component is configured to open the flow channel between the fluid buffer pool and the negative pressure source, and close other flow channels of the fluid buffer pool;

Turning on the negative pressure source so that the negative pressure source applies negative pressure to the fluid buffer pool;

The negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool is detected in real time by the pressure detection element, and it is determined whether the negative pressure P0' reaches the lower limit value P4, until the negative pressure P0' drops to the lower limit value P4 and the negative pressure source is closed, thereby completing the negative pressure building.

During the use of the fluid buffer pool, the negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool is detected in real time by the pressure detection element, and it is determined whether the negative pressure P0' is higher than the upper limit value P3. If it is higher than the upper limit value P3, the negative pressure source is turned on until the negative pressure P0' drops to the lower limit value P4 and then the negative pressure source is turned off.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage and control unit comprises: at least two liquid storage containers storing at least two liquids respectively and a second control valve connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, at least two fifth ports of the second control valve are connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, a sixth port of the second control valve is connected to a wafer flow channel, the fluid transport system further comprises a second flow channel, one end of the second flow channel is connected to the fluid buffer pool, and the other end is connected to the wafer flow channel;

The step of controlling the transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool comprises:

Make the second control valve conduct the sixth port and one of the at least two fifth ports;

Through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool, the liquid in the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port connected to the sixth port is controlled to be transported to the wafer carrier flow channel, or the liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel is controlled to be transported to the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port connected to the sixth port.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises a first flow path, one end of the first flow path is connected to the seventh port of the second control valve, and the other end of the first flow path is connected to the fluid buffer pool;

Make the second control valve conduct the seventh port with one of the at least two fifth ports and the sixth port;

Through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool, the liquid in the wafer flow channel corresponding to the sixth port connected to the seventh port or the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port is controlled to be transported to the first flow path, or the liquid in the first flow path is controlled to be transported to the wafer flow channel corresponding to the sixth port connected to the seventh port or the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises: a waste liquid storage container connected to the fluid buffer tank via a first waste liquid flow path, and a waste liquid control valve is provided on the first waste liquid flow path;

Wherein, the fluid transportation method further comprises:

connecting the waste liquid control valve to the first waste liquid flow path;

The waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool is controlled to be transported to the waste liquid storage container via the first waste liquid flow path by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport method further comprises:

After cleaning the flow path in the fluid transport system, connecting the sixth port with one of the at least two fifth ports by the second control valve;

The residual liquid in the second flow path and the wafer carrier flow channel is blown out to the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port connected to the sixth port through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage and control unit comprises: at least two liquid storage containers storing at least two liquids respectively and a second control valve connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, at least two fifth ports of the second control valve are connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, and the sixth port of the second control valve is connected to the slide flow channel, and the fluid transport system further comprises at least two third flow paths, one end of the at least two third flow paths is connected to the fluid buffer pool, and the other end is respectively connected to the at least two liquid storage containers;

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes: a waste liquid storage container and a fourth flow path having two ends connected to the waste liquid storage container and a seventh port of the second control valve, respectively;

Wherein, the fluid transportation method further comprises:

Make the second control valve conduct the seventh port and one of the at least two fifth ports;

The gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool is used to control the liquid in the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port connected to the seventh port to be transported to the waste liquid storage container via the fourth flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises a fifth flow path, one end of the fifth flow path is connected to the waste liquid storage container, and the other end is used to connect to the slide flow channel;

wherein the second control valve is connected to the sixth port and one of the at least two fifth ports;

The gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool is used to control the liquid in the wafer flow channel to be transported to the waste liquid storage container via the fifth flow path.

In some embodiments, the fluid transport method further comprises:

The residual liquid in the second flow path, the wafer carrier flow path and the fifth flow path is blown out to the waste liquid storage container by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool.

Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source are operably connected to the fluid buffer pool, so that the fluid buffer pool can be adjusted to a required pressure state, thereby using the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool to control the transportation of at least one liquid stored in the liquid storage and control unit. Compared with the related art that uses a syringe pump to provide positive pressure or negative pressure to transport fluid, the embodiment of the present disclosure does not need to frequently operate the syringe, so it can achieve a longer service life and lower equipment cost, and can meet the bidirectional flow requirements of the fluid in the sequencing slide, thereby helping to reduce the complexity and difficulty of the sequencing method, and at the same time, it can also provide a more stable pressure and flow for the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure may be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the principles of some embodiments of the fluid transport system according to the present disclosure;

FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of some embodiments based on the principle shown in FIG1 ;

FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of other embodiments based on the principle shown in FIG1 ;

FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the principles of other embodiments of the fluid transport system according to the present disclosure;

FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structures of some embodiments based on the principle shown in FIG1 ;

FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the liquid storage container in the embodiment shown in FIG5 ;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of some embodiments of the fluid transport method according to the present disclosure;

FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a specific flow chart of step S10 in some embodiments of the fluid transport method of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a specific flow chart of step S10 in other embodiments of the fluid transport method according to the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the size of each part shown in the accompanying drawings is not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. In addition, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

Detailed ways

Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description of the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. The present disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure thorough and complete and to fully express the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the components and steps, the composition of the materials, the numerical expressions and the numerical values set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limiting.

The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different parts. The words "include" or "comprises" and similar words mean that the elements before the word include the elements listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of including other elements. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

In the present disclosure, when a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intermediate device between the specific device and the first device or the second device. When a specific device is described as being connected to other devices, the specific device may be directly connected to the other device without an intermediate device, or may not be directly connected to the other device but have an intermediate device.

All terms (including technical terms or scientific terms) used in the present disclosure have the same meanings as those understood by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or extremely formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

The inventors have found through research that when a gene sequencer in the related art uses a syringe pump to provide positive or negative pressure to transport fluid, the syringe needs to be operated frequently, and the number of times the existing syringe pump can be operated is relatively limited. The service life is short under frequent operation and needs to be replaced frequently, resulting in high equipment costs. Gene sequencers in other related technologies are difficult to achieve bidirectional flow of fluid in the sequencing slide based on the unidirectional negative pressure characteristics of the negative pressure pump, which increases the complexity and difficulty of the sequencing method.

FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the principles of some embodiments of the fluid transport system according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG1 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a fluid transport system, including: a fluid buffer pool 107, a positive pressure source 106, a negative pressure source 104, and a liquid storage and control unit 113. The fluid buffer pool 107 can be used to buffer fluids, such as gas, liquid, or a gas-liquid mixed fluid. The fluid buffer pool 107 can be used as a gas storage tank to stabilize the gas pressure when caching gas, and can be used to temporarily store waste liquid when caching liquid. In order to facilitate the operation of the fluid, more than two fluid interfaces can be set on the fluid buffer pool. In some embodiments, the fluid buffer pool 107 may include one or more containers, and may also include one or more sections of pipelines, etc.

The positive pressure source 106 is operably connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 and is configured to provide positive pressure to the fluid buffer pool 107. In some embodiments, the positive pressure source 106 may include an air pump in the form of a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, etc., or may include a pressure vessel such as an air tank. Taking the air pump as an example, the positive pressure source can provide a set positive pressure by opening and closing the air pump or adjusting the air pump control parameters, or by opening and closing or adjusting the opening of a control valve between the air pump or pressure vessel and the fluid buffer pool.

The negative pressure source 104 is operably connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 and is configured to provide negative pressure to the fluid buffer pool 107. In some embodiments, the negative pressure source 104 may include an air pump in the form of a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, etc., or may include a pressure vessel such as a negative pressure tank. Taking the air pump as an example, the negative pressure source can provide a set negative pressure by opening and closing the air pump or adjusting the air pump control parameters, or by opening and closing or adjusting the opening of a control valve between the air pump or pressure vessel and the fluid buffer pool.

The liquid storage and control unit 113 is operably connected to the fluid buffer tank 107, and is configured to store at least one liquid and control the transportation of the at least one liquid according to the pressure state of the fluid buffer tank 107. The at least one liquid here may include a sample solution, a reagent, a cleaning agent, etc. for testing.

In this embodiment, the positive pressure source and the negative pressure source are operably connected to the fluid buffer pool, so that the fluid buffer pool can be adjusted to a desired pressure state, thereby using the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool to control the transportation of at least one liquid stored in the liquid storage and control unit. Compared with the related art that uses a syringe pump to provide positive pressure or negative pressure to transport fluid, this embodiment does not need to frequently operate the syringe, so it can achieve a longer service life and lower equipment cost, and can meet the bidirectional flow requirements of the fluid in the sequencing slide, thereby helping to reduce the complexity and difficulty of the sequencing method, and at the same time, it can also provide a more stable pressure and flow for the system.

In some embodiments, the negative pressure source 104 and the positive pressure source 106 are different independent devices, which can be operated and controlled separately, or operated and controlled simultaneously or in conjunction. In other embodiments, the negative pressure source 104 and the positive pressure source 106 can also be implemented by the same device, for example, a double-head pump is used to achieve the output of positive and negative pressures.

In order to more conveniently adjust the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a first control component 131. The first control component 131 is connected to the positive pressure source 106, the negative pressure source 104 and the fluid buffer pool 107 respectively, and is configured to control the connection state between the positive pressure source 106 and the fluid buffer pool 107 and the connection state between the negative pressure source 104 and the fluid buffer pool 107, so as to adjust the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 to a set pressure value or a set pressure range.

In addition to controlling the connection state between the positive pressure source 106 and the fluid buffer pool 107 and the connection state between the negative pressure source 104 and the fluid buffer pool 107 through the first control component 131, in some embodiments, the positive pressure source 106 may have a cut-off function, so that when the positive pressure source 106 is not started, there is no connection between the positive pressure source 106 and the first control component 131. Similarly, in some embodiments, the negative pressure source 104 may have a cut-off function, so that when the negative pressure source 104 is not started, there is no connection between the negative pressure source 104 and the first control component 131.

In some embodiments, the positive pressure source 106 may include an air filter so that the air entering the fluid buffer tank is filtered gas. In other embodiments, the first control component 131 may include an air filter so that the air entering the fluid buffer tank is filtered gas.

FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments based on the principle shown in FIG1. Referring to FIG1 and FIG2, in some embodiments, the first control component 131 includes a first control valve 105. The first control valve 105 has a first port p1, a second port p2, and a third port p3. The first port p1 and the second port p2 are respectively connected to the positive pressure source 106 and the negative pressure source 104, and the third port p3 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107. The first control valve 105 is configured to selectively conduct the flow path between the third port p3 and the first port p1 or the flow path between the third port p3 and the second port p2.

The first control valve 105 here may include a reversing valve in the form of a solenoid valve, a pressure-breaking valve, a gas-controlled valve, a piezoelectric valve, etc. The first control valve 105 can connect the flow path between the third port p3 and the first port p1 in one control state, so that the fluid buffer pool 107 is connected to the positive pressure source 106; it can also connect the flow path between the third port p3 and the second port p2 in another control state, so that the fluid buffer pool 107 is connected to the negative pressure source 104.

2 , in some embodiments, the first control valve 105 further has a fourth port p4. The fourth port p4 is connected to the atmosphere 123, and the first control valve 105 is configured to selectively conduct the flow path between the fourth port p4 and the third port p3. The first control valve 105 can conduct the flow path between the fourth port p4 and the third port p3 in a control state, so that the fluid buffer pool 107 is connected to the atmosphere 123, so that the fluid buffer pool 107 returns to normal pressure.

In order to accurately control the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a pressure detection element 103. The pressure detection element 103 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 and is configured to detect the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107 so as to control the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107 through the first control component 131. In this way, when the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107 reaches the set air pressure, the positive pressure source or the negative pressure source can be closed in time, or the third port p3 of the first control valve 105 can be turned off, or when the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107 reaches the warning value, an alarm message can be issued through the alarm device.

In some embodiments, in addition to detecting the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107, the pressure detection element 103 can also save the air pressure data, compare the air pressure threshold, or transmit the pressure data or alarm prompt to the control element, etc. The pressure detection element 103 may include an air pressure sensor, an air pressure transmitter, etc.

The fluid buffer pool 107 can store a certain amount of waste liquid. In order to prevent the waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool 107 from exceeding the allowable amount, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the fluid transport system may further include a liquid level detection element 102. The liquid level detection element 102 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 and is configured to detect the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool 107. In this way, when the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool 107 reaches the set liquid level, the waste liquid can be discharged to the waste liquid collection device in time, or when the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool 107 reaches the warning value, an alarm message is issued through the alarm device.

In some embodiments, in addition to detecting the liquid level of the fluid buffer pool 107, the liquid level detection element 102 can also save the liquid level data, compare the liquid level threshold, or transmit the liquid level data or alarm prompts to the control element. The liquid level detection element 102 may include a contact liquid level meter such as a float, magnetic, capacitive, or magnetostrictive liquid level meter, or a non-contact liquid level meter such as an ultrasonic liquid level meter.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the liquid storage and control unit 113 includes: at least two liquid storage containers and a second control component 132. The at least two liquid storage containers are configured to store at least two liquids, respectively. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , three

liquid storage containers

115, 116, and 117 are shown, which can be used as a sample box for storing a sample solution, a test kit for storing a liquid reagent, and a cleaning box for storing a cleaning solution, respectively. The liquids here include but are not limited to sample solutions, liquid reagents, and cleaning solutions.

The second control component 132 is connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, and is configured to control the liquid to be transported between the at least two liquid storage containers and the slide flow channel 118 connected to the second control component 132 according to the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool 107. The slide flow channel 118 is a fluid channel in the slide module 111. The slide module 111 can be used to provide space for sequencing reactions, and it can be a slide with a single flow channel or a slide with multiple flow channels. In a slide with multiple flow channels, the multiple flow channels can be integrated flow channels in which multiple flow channel interfaces are combined into a common interface.

In FIG2 , the second control assembly 132 may include a second control valve 112. The second control valve 112 has at least two fifth ports p5 and a sixth port p6. The at least two fifth ports p5 may be connected to the at least two liquid storage containers through reagent needles 121, respectively, and the sixth port p6 is used to connect the slide channel 118. The second control valve 112 is configured to selectively conduct the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5.

The second control valve 112 can suck the liquid in the designated liquid storage container into the wafer carrier flow channel 118 or discharge the liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel 118 into the designated liquid storage container by selectively opening the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5.

The second control valve here may include a solenoid valve or a rotary valve or a combination of a solenoid valve and a rotary valve, and may also include a peristaltic pump assembly. The second control valve may include a closed port or an air port, and may be switched to the closed port to form a closed flow channel at a certain moment, or may be switched to the air port to inhale or exhaust gas.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the second control valve 112 further has a seventh port p7. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further comprises a first flow path 114. One end of the first flow path 114 is connected to the seventh port p7, and the other end is connected to the fluid buffer tank 107. The second control valve 112 is configured to selectively connect the seventh port p7 to one of the at least two fifth ports p5 and the sixth port p6.

When the seventh port p7 is connected to one of the at least two fifth ports p5, the liquid in the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 can be sucked into the first flow path 114, so that the liquid can be temporarily stored by the first flow path 114, or the liquid or gas can be transported to the fluid buffer pool 107 by the first flow path 114; the liquid temporarily stored in the first flow path 114 can also be transported to the corresponding liquid storage container.

When the seventh port p7 is connected to the sixth port p6, the liquid in the wafer carrier channel 118 can be sucked into the first flow path 114, so that the liquid can be temporarily stored in the first flow path 114, or the liquid can be transported to the fluid buffer pool 107 by the first flow path 114; the liquid temporarily stored in the first flow path 114 can also be transported to the wafer carrier channel 118.

In order to facilitate driving the liquid flow of the wafer flow channel 118 by the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool 107, referring to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a second flow path 127. One end of the second flow path 127 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107, and the other end is used to connect to the wafer flow channel 118. When the second control valve 112 conducts the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5, and the fluid buffer pool 107 is at a set positive pressure, the positive pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107 can be used to discharge the liquid in the wafer flow channel 118 to a designated liquid storage container. When the second control valve 112 conducts the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5, and the fluid buffer pool 107 is at a set negative pressure, the liquid in the designated liquid storage container can be sucked into the wafer flow channel 118.

By adjusting the positive pressure or negative pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107, precise control of the transfer direction and transfer amount of the liquid in at least one of the first flow path 114, the wafer carrier flow path 118 and the second flow path 127 can be achieved.

Considering that the state of the fluid in the system has a certain influence on the precise transportation of the fluid and the accuracy of sample detection, for example, bubbles in the fluid may have an adverse effect on factors such as the stable transportation of the fluid, the resistance encountered by the fluid, and the accuracy of sample detection in the slide flow channel 118. Therefore, referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments, the fluid transportation system also includes a bubble sensor 122. The bubble sensor 122 can be arranged on the first flow path 114, or on the second flow path 127. The bubble sensor 122 can monitor the bubbles contained in the liquid in the flow path. The bubble sensor 122 can also send an alarm message through an alarm device when the bubbles reach a warning value. The bubble sensor 122 may include a bubble sensor based on infrared, capacitance or ultrasonic detection principles.

In order to process the waste liquid in the fluid buffer tank 107, referring to FIG1 , in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a waste liquid collection unit 129. The waste liquid collection unit 129 is operably connected to the fluid buffer tank 107 and is configured to collect the waste liquid in the fluid buffer tank 107.

1 and 2, in some embodiments, the waste liquid collection unit 129 includes: a waste liquid storage container 109 and a waste liquid control valve 108. The waste liquid storage container 109 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 through a first waste liquid flow path 120. The waste liquid control valve 108 is disposed on the first waste liquid flow path 120 and is configured to control the on-off of the first waste liquid flow path 120.

The waste liquid control valve 108 can realize the discharge control of the waste liquid in the fluid buffer tank 107. In some embodiments, the waste liquid control valve 108 can include a reversing valve in the form of a solenoid valve, a pressure-breaking valve, a gas-controlled valve, a piezoelectric valve, etc.

The waste liquid storage container 109 may have one or more interfaces, which can be used to receive and store all or part of the waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool 107, and can also be used to discharge the stored waste liquid. The waste liquid storage container 109 can also be used to store waste liquid in the flow path of other components in the fluid transport system. The waste liquid storage container 109 can be set inside or outside the instrument, or directly discharged to an external waste liquid treatment system using a waste liquid interface. In some embodiments, the waste liquid collection unit 129 may include one or more waste liquid storage containers 109, or may not include a waste liquid storage container 109.

1 and 2, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system may further include a liquid level detection element 102 connected to the waste liquid collection unit 129. The liquid level detection element 102 is configured to detect the liquid level in the waste liquid collection unit, such as the waste liquid in the waste liquid storage container 109. In this way, when the liquid level in the waste liquid storage container 109 reaches a set liquid level, the waste liquid can be discharged to the outside in time, or when the liquid level in the waste liquid storage container 109 reaches a warning value, an alarm message is issued through an alarm device.

In some embodiments, in addition to detecting the liquid level of the waste liquid storage container 109, the liquid level detection element 102 can also save the liquid level data, compare the liquid level threshold, or transmit the liquid level data or alarm prompts to the control element. The liquid level detection element 102 may include a contact liquid level meter such as a float, magnetic, capacitive, or magnetostrictive liquid level meter, or a non-contact liquid level meter such as an ultrasonic liquid level meter.

In addition, according to functional requirements, the waste liquid collection unit 129 may also include an air purification device for purifying the gas discharged from the waste liquid storage container 109 for harmless discharge; or include secondary overflow prevention equipment for preventing waste liquid from overflowing.

Referring to FIG1 , in order to achieve accurate and effective control of fluid transport in the fluid transport system, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system may further include a control unit 101. In FIG1 , the control unit 101 may be connected to at least one of the positive pressure source 106, the negative pressure source 104, the first control component 131, the second control component 132, and the waste liquid reversing valve 108, may be connected to at least one of the pressure detection element 103 and the liquid level detection element 102, and may be connected to the waste liquid storage container 109. In FIG1 , the signal connection is drawn with a dotted line to distinguish it from the fluid channel drawn with a solid line.

The control unit 101 can control the pump assembly, valve assembly and other devices connected to the signal by issuing control instructions individually or simultaneously, and can also realize processing functions such as receiving, saving and analyzing data. The control unit 101 can be a local controller or microprocessor set in the fluid transportation system, or a communication interface that can be connected to a network control platform.

For example, in the process of establishing and applying the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool 107, the control unit 101 can obtain the pressure state in the fluid buffer pool 107 through the pressure detection element 103, and control the positive pressure source 106, the negative pressure source 104 and the first control component 131 to realize the pressure building process. By utilizing the positive or negative pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 and controlling the second control component 132, temporary storage and transportation of one or more liquids at different positions of the flow channel can be realized. For example, the liquid is allowed to enter the wafer carrier flow channel 118 in the wafer carrier module 111 from a designated liquid storage container, or enter a designated liquid storage container from the wafer carrier flow channel 118, or be discharged into the fluid buffer pool 107, etc.

According to the pressure data sent by the pressure detection element 103, the control unit 101 can promptly send out an alarm message through an alarm device or terminate the operation of some components or the entire fluid transportation system when the pressure reaches a warning value.

FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of other embodiments based on the principle shown in FIG1. Referring to FIG1, FIG2 and FIG3, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a fluid buffer area 110. The fluid buffer area 110 is disposed on the second flow path 127. The fluid buffer area 110 can be used to cache or store liquids, such as caching reagents that need to be recovered or storing cleaning fluids, so that after the biochemical reaction is completed in the slide module 111, the fluid in the fluid buffer area can be pushed back to the slide flow path or the reagent box. The fluid buffer area 110 here can be a container, a section of a pipeline, or a part of a slide.

Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 , the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 further includes a third control valve 124. The third control valve 124 is disposed on the second flow path 127 and is configured to control the on-off of the second flow path 127. The third control valve 124 may include a solenoid valve, a piezoelectric valve, a pneumatic reversing valve or other reversing valves. The third control valve 124 can realize the switching between the pressure building process of the fluid buffer pool 107 and the fluid driving process in the second flow path 127 by controlling the on-off of the second flow path 127.

Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the principles of some other embodiments of the fluid transport system according to the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments based on the principle shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure of the liquid storage container in the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

Compared with the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the positions and connection relationships of the fluid buffer pool 107, the liquid storage and control unit 113, the wafer carrier module 111, the fluid buffer area 110, the waste liquid storage container 109, etc. in the embodiment shown in FIG4 are different.

Referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes at least two third flow paths 125. One end of the at least two third flow paths 125 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107, and the other end is connected to the at least two liquid storage containers. In this way, by controlling the second control component 132, the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 can be used to directly drive the liquid in a liquid storage container to flow to the wafer flow channel 118 through the third flow path 125, or the liquid in a liquid storage container can be sucked into the fluid buffer pool 107.

With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the at least two third flow paths 125 are communicated with the gas phase space of the at least two liquid storage containers respectively, and the at least two fifth ports p5 are communicated with the liquid phase space of the at least two liquid storage containers respectively. Specifically, the interface 126 of each liquid storage container can be formed into a sealing structure. At least two fifth ports p5 can connect reagent needle assembly 121, and reagent needle assembly 121 is passed through interface 126, and its liquid suction port is located at a lower position, so that it remains below the liquid level and is communicated with the liquid phase space of the liquid storage container. The ports of at least two third flow paths 125 can pass through interface 126, and be located at a higher position, so that it remains above the liquid level and is communicated with the gas phase space of the liquid storage container.

Referring to FIG5 , in some embodiments, the second control valve 112 further has a seventh port p7. The fluid transport system further includes: a waste liquid storage container 109 and a fourth flow path 114′. The waste liquid storage container 109 is configured to collect waste liquid in the wafer flow channel 118. One end of the fourth flow path 114′ is connected to the seventh port p7, and the other end is connected to the waste liquid storage container 109.

When the seventh port p7 is connected to one of the at least two fifth ports p5, the liquid in the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 can be sucked into the fourth flow path 114', so that the fourth flow path 114' can be used to temporarily store the liquid, or the fourth flow path 114' can be used to transport the liquid and gas to the waste liquid storage container 109; the liquid temporarily stored in the fourth flow path 114' can also be transported to the corresponding liquid storage container.

When the seventh port p7 is connected to the sixth port p6, the liquid in the wafer carrier channel 118 can be sucked into the fourth flow path 114', so that the fourth flow path 114' can be used to temporarily store the liquid, or the fourth flow path 114' can be used to transport the liquid to the waste liquid storage container 109; the liquid temporarily stored in the fourth flow path 114' can also be transported to the wafer carrier channel 118.

In FIG5 , the fluid transport system may further include a fifth flow path 128. One end of the fifth flow path 128 is connected to the waste liquid storage container 109, and the other end is used to connect to the wafer flow channel 118. In this way, the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool 107 can be used to drive the liquid in the wafer flow channel 118 to be discharged to the waste liquid storage container 109.

4 and 5, in some embodiments, a fluid buffer area 110 may be further provided on the fifth flow path 128. The fluid buffer area 110 may be used to cache or store liquids, for example, to cache reagents that need to be recovered or to store cleaning fluids, so that after the slide module 111 completes the biochemical reaction, the fluid in the fluid buffer area is pushed back into the slide flow path or the reagent box.

In some embodiments, the bubble sensor 122 may be disposed on at least one of the fourth flow path 114' and the fifth flow path 128. The bubble sensor 122 may monitor the bubbles contained in the liquid in the flow path. The bubble sensor 122 may also send an alarm message through an alarm device when the bubbles reach a warning value.

1 to 3 , the embodiments shown in FIG4 and FIG5 may also include a liquid level detection element 102. The liquid level detection element 102 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 and/or the waste liquid collection unit, and is configured to detect the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool 107 and/or the waste liquid collection unit.

The fluid transport system of the above embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various devices or systems that require fluid transport, such as gene sequencers. Therefore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, a gene sequencer is also provided, including the fluid transport system of any of the above embodiments.

FIG7 is a flow chart of some embodiments of the fluid transport method according to the present disclosure. With reference to the fluid transport system of any of the aforementioned embodiments and FIG7, the present disclosure provides a fluid transport method, including step S10 and step S20. In step S10, the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 is adjusted to a set pressure value or a set pressure range by controlling the connection state between the positive pressure source 106 and the fluid buffer pool 107 and the connection state between the negative pressure source 104 and the fluid buffer pool 107. In step S20, the transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit 113 is controlled by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107.

This embodiment can adjust the fluid buffer pool to a desired pressure state by controlling the connection state between the positive pressure source and the fluid buffer pool and the connection state between the negative pressure source and the fluid buffer pool, thereby controlling the transportation of at least one liquid stored in the liquid storage and control unit by using the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool. Compared with the related art that uses a syringe pump to provide positive pressure or negative pressure to transport fluid, this embodiment does not need to frequently operate the syringe, so it can achieve a longer service life and lower equipment cost, and can meet the bidirectional flow requirements of the fluid in the sequencing slide, thereby helping to reduce the complexity and difficulty of the sequencing method.

FIG8 is a specific flow chart of step S10 in some embodiments of the fluid transport method according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG8, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a first control component 131 connected to the positive pressure source 106, the negative pressure source 104 and the fluid buffer pool 107, and a pressure detection element 103 connected to the fluid buffer pool 107. Accordingly, the step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 to a set pressure value or a set pressure range in step S10 may include steps S11 to S16.

In step S11, a positive pressure building instruction for establishing a set positive pressure range is received, wherein the lower limit of the set positive pressure range is P1 and the upper limit is P2. The positive pressure building instruction may be issued by the control unit 101 or input by the operator.

In step S12, the first control component 131 is made to open the flow channel between the fluid buffer pool 107 and the positive pressure source 106, and close other flow channels of the fluid buffer pool 107. When building pressure, the fluid buffer pool 107 needs to be in a closed state and not communicated with other components (such as the second control component 132 and the waste liquid reversing valve 108).

In step S13 , the positive pressure source 106 is turned on so that the positive pressure source 106 applies positive pressure to the fluid buffer pool 107 .

In step S14, the positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool 107 is detected in real time by the pressure detection element 103. In this process, the value of the positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool 107 can be collected once in each collection period (for example, 0.05, 0.1 or 0.3 seconds, etc.).

In step S15, it is determined whether the positive pressure P0 has not risen to the upper limit value P2. If not, the process returns to step S14; if it has risen to the upper limit value P2, the process turns to step S16. The determination operation can also be performed in real time, for example, using a cycle that is the same as or different from the acquisition cycle.

In step S16, the positive pressure source 106 is turned off, thereby completing the positive pressure build-up.

Taking into account that the positive pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 will be continuously consumed during use and the positive pressure will gradually decrease, in some embodiments, in step S10, the step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 to a set pressure value or a set pressure range may also include: during the use of the fluid buffer pool 107, the positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool 107 is detected in real time by the pressure detection element 103, and it is determined whether the positive pressure P0 is lower than the lower limit value P1. If it is lower than the lower limit value P1, the positive pressure source 106 is turned on, and the positive pressure source 106 is turned off after the positive pressure P0 rises to the upper limit value P2.

FIG9 is a specific flow chart of step S10 in some other embodiments of the fluid transport method according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG9, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes a first control component 131 connected to the positive pressure source 106, the negative pressure source 104 and the fluid buffer pool 107, and a pressure detection element 103 connected to the fluid buffer pool 107. Accordingly, the step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 to a set pressure value or a set pressure range in step S10 may include steps S11' to S16'.

In step S11', a negative pressure building instruction for establishing a set negative pressure range is received, wherein the upper limit value of the set negative pressure range is P3 and the lower limit value is P4. The negative pressure building instruction can be issued by the control unit 101 or input by the operator.

In step S12', the first control component 131 is made to conduct the flow channel between the fluid buffer pool 107 and the negative pressure source 104, and close the other flow channels of the fluid buffer pool 107. When building up pressure, the fluid buffer pool 107 needs to be in a closed state, and not communicated with other components (such as the second control component 132 and the waste liquid reversing valve 108).

In step S13’, the negative pressure source 104 is turned on so that the negative pressure source 104 applies negative pressure to the fluid buffer pool 107.

In step S14', the negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool 107 is detected in real time by the pressure detection element 103. In this process, the value of the negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool 107 can be collected once in each collection cycle (for example, 0.05, 0.1 or 0.3 seconds, etc.).

In step S15', it is determined whether the negative pressure P0' has not dropped to the lower limit value P4. If it has not dropped to the lower limit value P4, the process returns to step S14'; if it has dropped to the lower limit value P4, the process turns to step S16'. The determination operation can also be performed in real time, for example, using a cycle that is the same as or different from the acquisition cycle.

In step S16', the negative pressure source 104 is turned off to complete negative pressure building.

Considering that the negative pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 will be continuously consumed during use and the negative pressure will gradually increase, in step S10, the step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 to a set pressure value or a set pressure range may also include: during the use of the fluid buffer pool 107, the negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool 107 is detected in real time by the pressure detection element 103, and it is determined whether the negative pressure P0' is higher than the upper limit value P3, if it is higher than the upper limit value P3, the negative pressure source 104 is turned on, and the negative pressure source 104 is turned off after the negative pressure P0' drops to the lower limit value P4.

In the above-mentioned pressure building process, accurate configuration of the set pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 is achieved through real-time detection of the pressure detection element in conjunction with the positive pressure source or negative pressure source and the gating function of the first control component 131.

1 to 3, in some embodiments, the liquid storage and control unit 113 may include: at least two liquid storage containers storing at least two liquids respectively and a second control valve 112 connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, at least two fifth ports p5 of the second control valve 112 are connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, and a sixth port p6 of the second control valve 112 is connected to the wafer flow channel 118. The fluid transport system further includes a second flow path 127, one end of which is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107, and the other end is connected to the wafer flow channel 118.

Correspondingly, step S20 may include: making the second control valve 112 connect the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5; controlling the liquid in the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 connected to the sixth port p6 to be transported to the wafer carrier channel 118 through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107, or controlling the liquid in the wafer carrier channel 118 to be transported to the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 connected to the sixth port p6.

In FIGS. 1 to 3 , the fluid transport system may further include a first flow path 114 . One end of the first flow path 114 is connected to the seventh port p7 of the second control valve 112 , and the other end is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 .

Accordingly, step S20 may include: connecting the seventh port p7 with one of the at least two fifth ports p5 and the sixth port p6 by the second control valve 112. By controlling the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107, the liquid in the wafer flow channel 118 corresponding to the sixth port p6 connected to the seventh port p7 or the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 is transported to the first flow path 114, or the liquid in the first flow path 114 is transported to the wafer flow channel 118 corresponding to the sixth port p6 connected to the seventh port p7 or the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5.

In order to effectively discharge the waste liquid, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes: a waste liquid storage container 109 connected to the fluid buffer pool 107 through a first waste liquid flow path 120, and a waste liquid control valve 108 is provided on the first waste liquid flow path 120. Accordingly, the fluid transport method may further include: connecting the waste liquid control valve 108 to the first waste liquid flow path 120; and controlling the waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool 107 to be transported to the waste liquid storage container 109 via the first waste liquid flow path 120 through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107.

When the set time is reached or the liquid level monitoring element 102 in the fluid buffer pool 107 detects that the liquid level has reached the set value, the waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool 107 can be transported to the waste liquid storage container 109 via the first waste liquid flow path 120 by switching the waste liquid control valve 108. If the liquid level monitoring element 102 detects that the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool 107 or the waste liquid storage container 109 has reached the warning value, an alarm message will be issued through the alarm device.

In the above embodiment, the fluid transport method may also include: after cleaning the flow path in the fluid transport system, connecting the sixth port p6 with one of the at least two fifth ports p5 by the second control valve 112; through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107, the residual liquid in the second flow path 127 and the carrier flow channel 118 is pushed out to the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 connected to the sixth port p6, thereby realizing reagent recovery.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, in some embodiments, the liquid storage and control unit 113 includes: at least two liquid storage containers for storing at least two liquids respectively and a second control valve 112 connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, at least two fifth ports p5 of the second control valve 112 are connected to the at least two liquid storage containers, and the sixth port p6 of the second control valve 112 is connected to the wafer flow channel 118. The fluid transport system also includes at least two third flow paths 125, one end of the at least two third flow paths 125 is connected to the fluid buffer pool 107, and the other end is respectively connected to the at least two liquid storage containers.

In FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, in order to effectively discharge waste liquid, in some embodiments, the fluid transport system further includes: a waste liquid storage container 109 and a fourth flow path 114' whose two ends are respectively connected to the waste liquid storage container 109 and the seventh port p7 of the second control valve 112. Correspondingly, the fluid transport method may also include: connecting the second control valve 112 to the seventh port p7 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5; and controlling the liquid in the liquid storage container corresponding to the fifth port p5 connected to the seventh port p7 to be transported to the waste liquid storage container 109 via the fourth flow path 114' through the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107.

Furthermore, the fluid transport system may further include a fifth flow path 128, one end of which is connected to the waste liquid storage container 109, and the other end of which is used to connect to the wafer flow channel 118. Accordingly, the second control valve 112 is connected to the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5; the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107 controls the liquid in the wafer flow channel 118 to be transported to the waste liquid storage container 109 via the fifth flow path 128.

In the above embodiment, the fluid transport method may also include: after cleaning the flow path in the fluid transport system, connecting the second control valve 112 to the sixth port p6 and one of the at least two fifth ports p5; and blowing the residual liquid in the second flow path 127, the wafer flow channel 118 and the fifth flow path 128 to the waste liquid storage container 109 through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool 107.

In this specification, multiple embodiments are described in a progressive manner, and the focus of each embodiment is different, and the same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. For the method embodiment, since its overall and the steps involved correspond to the content in the system embodiment, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the partial description of the system embodiment.

So far, various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed here.

Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified or some technical features may be replaced by equivalents without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

A fluid transport system, comprising:

Fluid buffer pool (107);

A positive pressure source (106), operably connected to the fluid buffer pool (107), configured to provide positive pressure to the fluid buffer pool (107);

A negative pressure source (104), operably connected to the fluid buffer pool (107), configured to provide negative pressure to the fluid buffer pool (107); and

The liquid storage and control unit (113) is operably connected to the fluid buffer tank (107), and is configured to store at least one liquid and control the transportation of the at least one liquid according to the pressure state of the fluid buffer tank (107).
The fluid transport system according to claim 1, further comprising:

The first control component (131) is connected to the positive pressure source (106), the negative pressure source (104) and the fluid buffer pool (107) respectively, and is configured to control the connection state between the positive pressure source (106) and the fluid buffer pool (107) and the connection state between the negative pressure source (104) and the fluid buffer pool (107) so as to adjust the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) to a set pressure value or a set pressure range.
The fluid transport system according to claim 2, wherein the first control component (131) comprises:

The first control valve (105) has a first port (p1), a second port (p2) and a third port (p3), wherein the first port (p1) and the second port (p2) are connected to the positive pressure source (106) and the negative pressure source (104) respectively, and the third port (p3) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107).

The first control valve (105) is configured to selectively open a flow path between the third port (p3) and the first port (p1) or a flow path between the third port (p3) and the second port (p2).
The fluid transport system according to claim 3, wherein the first control valve (105) further has a fourth port (p4), the fourth port (p4) is connected to the atmosphere (123), and the first control valve (105) is configured to selectively open the flow path between the fourth port (p4) and the third port (p3).
The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising:

The pressure detection element (103) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107) and is configured to detect the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool (107) so as to control the air pressure of the fluid buffer pool (107) through the first control component (131).
The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid storage and control unit (113) comprises:

at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), configured to store at least two liquids respectively; and

The second control component (132) is connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), and is configured to control the transport of liquid between the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117) and the wafer flow channel connected to the second control component (132) according to the pressure state of the fluid buffer pool (107).
The fluid transport system according to claim 6, wherein the second control component (132) comprises:

The second control valve (112) has at least two fifth ports (p5) and a sixth port (p6), wherein the at least two fifth ports (p5) are respectively connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), and the sixth port (p6) is used to connect to the wafer carrier flow channel.

The second control valve (112) is configured to selectively open the sixth port (p6) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5).
The fluid transport system according to claim 7, wherein the second control valve (112) further has a seventh port (p7), and the fluid transport system further comprises:

A first flow path (114), one end of the first flow path (114) is connected to the seventh port (p7), and the other end is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107);

The second control valve (112) is configured to selectively connect the seventh port (p7) to one of the at least two fifth ports (p5) and the sixth port (p6).
The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising:

A second flow path (127), one end of the second flow path (127) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107), and the other end is used to connect to the wafer carrier channel (118).
The fluid transport system according to claim 9, further comprising:

The fluid buffer area (110) is arranged on the second flow path (127).
The fluid transport system according to claim 10, further comprising:

The third control valve (124) is disposed on the second flow path (127) and is configured to control the opening and closing of the second flow path (127).
The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising:

A bubble sensor (122) is provided on at least one of the first flow path (114) and the second flow path (127).
The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, further comprising:

The waste liquid collection unit (129) is operably connected to the fluid buffer tank (107) and is configured to collect waste liquid in the fluid buffer tank (107).
The fluid transport system according to claim 13, wherein the waste liquid collection unit (129) comprises:

A waste liquid storage container (109), connected to the fluid buffer pool (107) via a first waste liquid flow path (120); and

The waste liquid control valve (108) is arranged on the first waste liquid flow path (120) and is configured to control the opening and closing of the first waste liquid flow path (120).
The fluid transport system according to claim 7, further comprising:

At least two third flow paths (125), one end of the at least two third flow paths (125) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107), and the other end is respectively connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117).
The fluid transport system according to claim 15, wherein the at least two third flow paths (125) are respectively connected to the gas phase space of the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), and the at least two fifth ports (p5) are respectively connected to the liquid phase space of the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117).
The fluid transport system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second control valve (112) further has a seventh port (p7), and the fluid transport system further comprises:

A waste liquid storage container (109) configured to collect waste liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel (118); and

A fourth flow path (114'), one end of the fourth flow path (114') is connected to the seventh port (p7), and the other end is connected to the waste liquid storage container (109).
The fluid transport system of claim 17, further comprising:

A fifth flow path (128), one end of the fifth flow path (128) is connected to the waste liquid storage container (109), and the other end is used to connect to the wafer carrier flow channel (118).
The fluid transport system of claim 18, further comprising:

The fluid buffer area (110) is arranged on the fifth flow path (128).
The fluid transport system according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising:

The bubble sensor (122) is disposed on at least one of the fourth flow path (114') and the fifth flow path (128).
The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 13 to 20, further comprising:

The liquid level detection element (102) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107) and/or the waste liquid collection unit (129), and is configured to detect the liquid level in the fluid buffer pool (107) and/or the waste liquid collection unit (129).
A gene sequencer, comprising:

The fluid transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 21.
A fluid transport method based on the fluid transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising:

By controlling the connection state between the positive pressure source (106) and the fluid buffer pool (107) and the connection state between the negative pressure source (104) and the fluid buffer pool (107), the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) is adjusted to a set pressure value or a set pressure range;

The transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit (113) is controlled by the gas pressure in the fluid buffer tank (107).
The fluid transport method according to claim 23, wherein the fluid transport system further comprises a first control component (131) connected to the positive pressure source (106), the negative pressure source (104) and the fluid buffer pool (107) respectively, and a pressure detection element (103) connected to the fluid buffer pool (107);

The step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) to a set pressure value or a set pressure range comprises:

Receiving a positive pressure building instruction for establishing a set positive pressure range, wherein the lower limit value of the set positive pressure range is P1 and the upper limit value is P2;

The first control component (131) opens the flow passage between the fluid buffer pool (107) and the positive pressure source (106), and closes other flow passages of the fluid buffer pool (107);

Turning on the positive pressure source (106) so that the positive pressure source (106) applies positive pressure to the fluid buffer pool (107);

The positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool (107) is detected in real time by the pressure detection element (103), and it is determined whether the positive pressure P0 reaches the upper limit value P2, until the positive pressure P0 rises to the upper limit value P2, and then the positive pressure source (106) is closed, thereby completing the positive pressure building.
The fluid transport method according to claim 24, wherein the step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) to a set pressure value or a set pressure range further comprises:

During the use of the fluid buffer pool (107), the positive pressure P0 of the fluid buffer pool (107) is detected in real time by the pressure detection element (103), and it is determined whether the positive pressure P0 is lower than the lower limit value P1. If it is lower than the lower limit value P1, the positive pressure source (106) is turned on until the positive pressure P0 rises to the upper limit value P2, and then the positive pressure source (106) is turned off.
The fluid transport method according to claim 23, wherein the fluid transport system further comprises a first control component (131) connected to the positive pressure source (106), the negative pressure source (104) and the fluid buffer pool (107) respectively, and a pressure detection element (103) connected to the fluid buffer pool (107);

The step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) to a set pressure value or a set pressure range comprises:

Receiving a negative pressure building instruction for establishing a set negative pressure range, wherein the upper limit value of the set negative pressure range is P3 and the lower limit value is P4;

The first control component (131) opens the flow channel between the fluid buffer pool (107) and the negative pressure source (104), and closes other flow channels of the fluid buffer pool (107);

Turning on the negative pressure source (104) so that the negative pressure source (104) applies negative pressure to the fluid buffer pool (107);

The negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool (107) is detected in real time by the pressure detection element (103), and it is determined whether the negative pressure P0' reaches the lower limit value P4, until the negative pressure P0' drops to the lower limit value P4, and then the negative pressure source (104) is closed, thereby completing the negative pressure building.
The fluid transport method according to claim 26, wherein the step of adjusting the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) to a set pressure value or a set pressure range further comprises:

During the use of the fluid buffer pool (107), the negative pressure P0' of the fluid buffer pool (107) is detected in real time by the pressure detection element (103), and it is determined whether the negative pressure P0' is higher than the upper limit value P3. If it is higher than the upper limit value P3, the negative pressure source (104) is turned on until the negative pressure P0' drops to the lower limit value P4, and then the negative pressure source (104) is turned off.
The fluid transport method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the liquid storage and control unit (113) comprises: at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117) storing at least two liquids respectively and a second control valve (112) connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), at least two fifth ports (p5) of the second control valve (112) are connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), a sixth port (p6) of the second control valve (112) is connected to a wafer carrier flow channel (118), and the fluid transport system further comprises a second flow path (127), one end of the second flow path (127) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107), and the other end is connected to the wafer carrier flow channel (118);

The step of controlling the transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit (113) by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) comprises:

Make the second control valve (112) conduct the sixth port (p6) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5);

By means of the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107), the liquid in the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) connected to the sixth port (p6) is controlled to be transported to the wafer carrier flow channel (118), or the liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel (118) is controlled to be transported to the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) connected to the sixth port (p6).
The fluid transport method according to claim 28, wherein the fluid transport system further comprises a first flow path (114), one end of the first flow path (114) is connected to the seventh port (p7) of the second control valve (112), and the other end is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107);

The step of controlling the transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit (113) by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) comprises:

The second control valve (112) connects the seventh port (p7) with one of the at least two fifth ports (p5) and the sixth port (p6);

By means of the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107), the liquid in the wafer flow channel (118) corresponding to the sixth port (p6) connected to the seventh port (p7) or the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) is controlled to be transported to the first flow path (114), or the liquid in the first flow path (114) is controlled to be transported to the wafer flow channel (118) corresponding to the sixth port (p6) connected to the seventh port (p7) or the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5).
The fluid transport method according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the fluid transport system further comprises: a waste liquid storage container (109) connected to the fluid buffer pool (107) through a first waste liquid flow path (120), and a waste liquid control valve (108) is provided on the first waste liquid flow path (120);

Wherein, the fluid transportation method further comprises:

Allowing the waste liquid control valve (108) to communicate with the first waste liquid flow path (120);

The waste liquid in the fluid buffer pool (107) is controlled by the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) to be transported to the waste liquid storage container (109) via the first waste liquid flow path (120).
The fluid transport method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, further comprising:

After cleaning the flow path in the fluid transport system, the second control valve (112) is connected to the sixth port (p6) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5);

Through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107), the residual liquid in the second flow path (127) and the carrier flow path (118) is blown out to the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) connected to the sixth port (p6).
The fluid transport method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the liquid storage and control unit (113) comprises: at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117) for storing at least two liquids respectively and a second control valve (112) connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), at least two fifth ports (p5) of the second control valve (112) are connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117), and a sixth port (p6) of the second control valve (112) is connected to a wafer flow channel (118), and the fluid transport system further comprises at least two third flow paths (125), one end of the at least two third flow paths (125) is connected to the fluid buffer pool (107), and the other end is connected to the at least two liquid storage containers (115, 116, 117) respectively;

The step of controlling the transport of at least one liquid in the liquid storage and control unit (113) by the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) comprises:

Allowing the second control valve (112) to communicate between the sixth port (p6) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5);

By means of the gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107), the liquid in the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) connected to the sixth port (p6) is controlled to be transported to the wafer carrier flow channel (118), or the liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel (118) is controlled to be transported to the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) connected to the sixth port (p6).
The fluid transport method according to claim 32, wherein the fluid transport system further comprises: a waste liquid storage container (109) and a fourth flow path (114') having two ends respectively connected to the waste liquid storage container (109) and a seventh port (p7) of the second control valve (112);

Wherein, the fluid transportation method further comprises:

Make the second control valve (112) conduct the seventh port (p7) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5);

The gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) is used to control the liquid in the liquid storage container (115, 116, 117) corresponding to the fifth port (p5) connected to the seventh port (p7) to be transported to the waste liquid storage container (109) via the fourth flow path (114').
The fluid transport method according to claim 33, wherein the fluid transport system further comprises a fifth flow path (128), one end of the fifth flow path (128) is connected to the waste liquid storage container (109), and the other end is used to connect to the wafer carrier flow channel (118);

wherein the second control valve (112) is connected to the sixth port (p6) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5);

The gas pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107) is used to control the liquid in the wafer carrier flow channel (118) to be transported to the waste liquid storage container (109) via the fifth flow path (128).
The fluid transport method according to claim 34, further comprising:

After cleaning the flow path in the fluid transport system, the second control valve (112) is connected to the sixth port (p6) and one of the at least two fifth ports (p5);

The residual liquid in the second flow path (127), the wafer carrier flow path (118) and the fifth flow path (128) is blown out to the waste liquid storage container (109) through the air pressure in the fluid buffer pool (107).