EP0176014A2 - Method and device for mixing a liquid sample to be analysed - Google Patents

Method and device for mixing a liquid sample to be analysed Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0176014A2
EP0176014A2 EP85111601A EP85111601A EP0176014A2 EP 0176014 A2 EP0176014 A2 EP 0176014A2 EP 85111601 A EP85111601 A EP 85111601A EP 85111601 A EP85111601 A EP 85111601A EP 0176014 A2 EP0176014 A2 EP 0176014A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
air
sample
liquid
mixing
cannulas
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP85111601A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0176014A3 (en
EP0176014B1 (en
Inventor
Peter Scheffler
Wilfried Mauser
Thomas Grazianski
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Eppendorf SE
Original Assignee
Eppendorf Netheler Hinz GmbH
Eppendorf Geraetebau Netheler and Hinz GmbH
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Priority to AT85111601T priority Critical patent/ATE44888T1/en
Publication of EP0176014A2 publication Critical patent/EP0176014A2/en
Publication of EP0176014A3 publication Critical patent/EP0176014A3/en
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Publication of EP0176014B1 publication Critical patent/EP0176014B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/40—Mixers using gas or liquid agitation, e.g. with air supply tubes
    • B01F33/407—Mixers using gas or liquid agitation, e.g. with air supply tubes by blowing gas on the material from above

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed, in which the liquid sample is introduced into a sample container, in particular into a cuvette, and mixed by periodic air movement.
  • the invention further relates to a device for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed contained in a sample container, in particular a cuvette, in which an air movement can be generated above the sample surface.
  • a method of the type mentioned at the outset is designed according to the invention in such a way that air jets which shift the respective sample surface areas and generate turbulence in the liquid sample are directed alternately to different areas of the sample surface, the air jets preferably having a higher temperature than the sample liquid.
  • the movement and thus the mixing of the sample liquid takes place solely by alternately directing air jets onto different surface areas of the samples and thereby causing the sample liquid to move in a wave-like manner and thus to generate turbulence which results in rapid mixing of the sample .
  • the sample container which can be a standard vessel with a single column of liquid, and / or to make essential parts of the device with which the air jets are directed onto the sample surface in contact with the sample container or the sample bring, so that an effective and quick mixing of the liquid sample is achieved in a simple manner.
  • the evaporation of sample liquid when carrying out the mixing process can be further reduced by using air with a humidity of about 100% for the air jets, so that this saturated air does not absorb any moisture from the sample liquid.
  • the object on which the invention is based is also achieved with a device of the type mentioned at the outset by at least two air cannulas with their outlet openings above the sample container, which are connected to a pump device which alternately applies air pulses.
  • the mixing of a liquid sample to be analyzed can be carried out very easily without the opening of the sample container having to be sealed and without there being any contact between parts of the device and the sample container and / or the liquid sample must come.
  • the air to be supplied to the air cannulas can be conducted through a temperature chamber which can be heated in a controlled manner.
  • the air to be supplied to the air cannulas can be conducted through a humidification device, which can consist, for example, of a water bowl provided at the bottom of the temperature control chamber, through which the air is conducted.
  • a humidification device which can consist, for example, of a water bowl provided at the bottom of the temperature control chamber, through which the air is conducted.
  • the length and the clear cross section of the air cannulas can be chosen so that laminar air flows emerge from them.
  • the sample container can be covered with an air passage opening for the passage of the air jets, for example in the form of a film attached to the sample container or a resilient cover held on the device.
  • the device shown contains a temperature control chamber 3 and a pump 12 driven by a drive 20, which is connected to the temperature control chamber 3 via connecting hoses 10 and 11.
  • the pump 12 has two pump chambers 18, 19, each of which is closed with a membrane 16, 17.
  • This eccentric is seated on the shaft 13 driven by the drive 20 (not described in more detail) and is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.
  • the connecting hoses 10 and 11 are each connected to one of the chambers 18, 19 and lead in the tempering chamber 3 in subchambers 6, 7, and at a short distance above their bottoms. Air cannulas 4, 5 extend downward through these floors from the temperature control chamber 3, while the upper ends of the air cannulas 4, 5 end relatively far above the connections for the connecting hoses 10 and 11 in the subchambers 6 and 7.
  • the temperature control chamber 3 is surrounded by an electric heating jacket 26, and in its wall there is a temperature sensor 27, by means of which the heating of the temperature control chamber is selected via a schematically illustrated temperature controller 8 so that the desired temperature is maintained in the subchambers 6, 7 .
  • the air cannulas 4, 5 are led out downward from the temperature control chamber 3 in such a way that when a sample vessel 1 is positioned below the outlet openings of the air cannulas 4 and 5 they are in the area of the clear opening cross section of the sample container 1, but at the greatest possible distance from one another, while this Sample vessel 1 is covered by a cover 22, which is resiliently held on the temperature control chamber 3 and has through openings 23 for the air jets.
  • the drive 20 drives the shaft 13 and thereby rotates the eccentric 14, as a result of which air is compressed periodically in the chambers 18 and 19 (FIG. 2) and thereby displaced from it and pressed into the subchambers 6 and 7 via the connecting hoses 10 and 11 .
  • Water can be located at the bottom of these subchambers, so that the air supplied to the subchambers flows over this water and is humidified, while the air in the subchambers 6 and 7 is also heated to a temperature which is above the temperature of the sample to be mixed .
  • the dimensions of the air cannulas 4 and 5 are preferably chosen so that laminar flows emerge from them.
  • air cannulas with a length of 40 mm and a clear inner diameter of 0.8 were used for an exit velocity of the air jets of 1 m / sec to 2 m / sec with a volume of 5 cm 3 / sec to 10 cm 3 / sec mm used.
  • the laminar flow produced in this way resulted in effective mixing if the outlet ends of the air cannulas 4, 5 were 21 mm to 30 mm above the sample surface.
  • a sample container 1 for example a cuvette, containing a liquid sample 2 to be mixed is placed under the air cannulas 4 and 5, as is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3.
  • an air jet indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1
  • this air jet in the laterally offset, 1 'designated sample container, which is identical to the sample container 1, causes a deformation of the surface of the liquid sample designated 2', as indicated in Figure 1.
  • the surface of the liquid is thus alternately deformed test in connection with turbulence indicated by curved arrows in the manner indicated in Figure 1, which leads to a quick and effective mixing of the liquid sample, whereby due to the increased temperature and the high humidity of the air jets neither a temperature change nor a loss of liquid in the liquid sample is to be feared is.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
  • Mixers With Rotating Receptacles And Mixers With Vibration Mechanisms (AREA)

Abstract

A process for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed with periodic air movements includes the steps of placing the sample in a sample container and alternately directing air jets onto different regions of the surface of the sample, wherein the air jets displace the surface regions and produce turbulence in the sample. An apparatus is provided for practicing the process.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Mischen einer zu analysierenden Flüssigkeitsprobe, bei dem die Flüssigkeitsprobe in einen Probenbehälter, insbesondere in eine Küvette eingebracht und durch .periodische Luftbewegung gemischt wird.The invention relates to a method for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed, in which the liquid sample is introduced into a sample container, in particular into a cuvette, and mixed by periodic air movement.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung eine Vorrichtung zum Mischen einer in einem Probenbehälter, insbesondere einer Küvette enthaltenen, zu analysierenden Flüssigkeitsprobe, in dem oberhalb der Probenoberfläche eine Luftbewegung erzeugbar ist.The invention further relates to a device for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed contained in a sample container, in particular a cuvette, in which an air movement can be generated above the sample surface.

Bei bekannten Verfahren und Vorrichtungen dieser Art (EU-OS 0 098 949, DE-OS 1 598 514), wird das Probengefäß abgedichtet und die zwischen Abdichtung und Probenoberfläche befindliche Luftsäule in periodische Schwingungen versetzt, so daß die Flüssigkeitsprobe im Probenbehälter entweder durch Verformung einer elastischen Behälterwand oder durch Hin- und Herbewegung der Probe zwischen den beiden Schenkeln des U-förmigen Probengefäßes, dessen einer Schenkel in der vorstehend erläuterten Weise abgedichtet und dessen anderer Schenkel offen ist, in periodische Schwingungen versetzt und so eine Mischung bewirkt wird.In known methods and devices of this type (EU-OS 0 098 949, DE-OS 1 598 514), the sample vessel is sealed and the air column located between the seal and the sample surface is set in periodic vibrations, so that the liquid sample in the sample container either by deformation of a elastic container wall or by moving the sample back and forth between the two legs of the U-shaped sample vessel, one leg of which is sealed in the manner explained above and the other leg of which is open, is set in periodic vibrations and a mixture is thus brought about.

Bei diesem bekannten Verfahren ist es somit erforderlich, eine Abdichtung des Probenbehälters vorzunehmen, um eine oberhalb der Probenoberfläche befindliche Luftsäule in periodische Schwingungen versetzen zu können, was nicht nur verhältnismäßig aufwendig ist, sondern auch Dichtungsprobleme zur Folge haben kann. Ferner sind Spezialprobenbehälter erforderlich, die entweder U-förmig sind oder eine elastisch verformbare Wand aufweisen.In this known method, it is therefore necessary to seal the sample container in order to be able to periodically vibrate an air column located above the sample surface, which is not only relatively complex, but can also result in sealing problems. Special sample containers are also required, which are either U-shaped or have an elastically deformable wall.

Es ist Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein einfaches Verfahren und eine einfache Vorrichtung zum Mischen einer zu analysierenden Flüssigkeitsprobe in einem Standardgefäß zu schaffen, mit deren Hilfe ein berührungsloses Mischen erfolgt, ohne daß Dichtungsprobleme auftreten.It is an object of the invention to provide a simple method and a simple device for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed in a standard vessel, with the aid of which non-contact mixing takes place without sealing problems occurring.

Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird ein Verfahren der eingangs erwähnten Art erfindungsgemäß derart ausgestaltet, daß auf unterschiedliche Bereiche der Probenoberfläche abwechselnd die jeweiligen Probenoberflächenbereiche verlagernde, in der Flüssigkeitsprobe Turbulenzen erzeugende Luftstrahlen gerichtet werden, wobei die Luftstrahlen vorzugsweise eine höhere Temperatur als die Probenflüssigkeit haben.To achieve this object, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is designed according to the invention in such a way that air jets which shift the respective sample surface areas and generate turbulence in the liquid sample are directed alternately to different areas of the sample surface, the air jets preferably having a higher temperature than the sample liquid.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren erfolgt also das Bewegen und damit das Durchmischen der Probenflüssigkeit allein dadurch, daß auf unterschiedliche Oberflächenbereiche der Proben abwechselnd Luftstrahlen gerichtet und dadurch die Probenflüssigkeit in eine wellenförmige Bewegung versetzt und damit Turbulenzen erzeugt werden, die ein schnelles Durchmischen der Probe zur Folge haben. Um diesen Mischvorgang durchzuführen, ist es nicht erforderlich, den Probenbehälter, der ein Standardgefäß mit einer einzigen Flüssigkeitssäule sein kann, abzudichten und/oder wesentliche Teile der Einrichtung, mit der die Luftstrahlen auf die Probenoberfläche gerichtet werden, in Berührung mit dem Probenbehälter oder der Probe zu bringen, so daß auf einfache Weise eine wirksame und schnelle Mischung der Flüssigkeitsprobe erreicht wird.In the method according to the invention, therefore, the movement and thus the mixing of the sample liquid takes place solely by alternately directing air jets onto different surface areas of the samples and thereby causing the sample liquid to move in a wave-like manner and thus to generate turbulence which results in rapid mixing of the sample . In order to carry out this mixing process, it is not necessary to seal the sample container, which can be a standard vessel with a single column of liquid, and / or to make essential parts of the device with which the air jets are directed onto the sample surface in contact with the sample container or the sample bring, so that an effective and quick mixing of the liquid sample is achieved in a simple manner.

In vielen Fällen ist es erforderlich, die Flüssigkeitsprobe sowohl während des Mischvorganges als auch während der Analyse auf einer konstanten Temperatur zu halten, und dadurch, daß die Luftstrahlen eine höhere Temperatur als die Probenflüssigkeit haben, wird erreicht, daß die in Berührung mit der Probenflüssigkeit kommende Luft der Luftstrahlen die Flüssigkeitsprobe nicht infolge Verdunstungswirkung abkühlt.In many cases it is necessary to keep the liquid sample at a constant temperature both during the mixing process and during the analysis, and because the air jets are at a higher temperature than the sample liquid, it is achieved that the air of the air jets coming into contact with the sample liquid does not cool the liquid sample as a result of the evaporation effect.

Die Verdunstung von Probenflüssigkeit bei Durchführung des Mischvorganges kann noch zusätzlich dadurch vermindert werden, daß für die Luftstrahlen Luft mit einer Luftfeuchtigkeit von etwa 100% verwendet wird, so daß diese gesättigte Luft keine Feuchtigkeit aus der Probenflüssigkeit aufnimmt.The evaporation of sample liquid when carrying out the mixing process can be further reduced by using air with a humidity of about 100% for the air jets, so that this saturated air does not absorb any moisture from the sample liquid.

Es hat sich gezeigt, daß eine besonders gute Mischwirkung erreicht wird, wenn die Luftstrahlen in Form laminarer Strömungen auf die Probenoberfläche geleitet werden, da sich dann eine besonders gute Impulsübertragung von den Luftstrahlen auf die Probenflüssigkeit ergibt.It has been shown that a particularly good mixing effect is achieved if the air jets are directed onto the sample surface in the form of laminar flows, since this results in a particularly good momentum transfer from the air jets to the sample liquid.

Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird auch mit einer Vorrichtung der eingangs erwähnten Art gelöst durch mindestens zwei mit ihren Austrittsöffnungen oberhalb des Probenbehälters angeordneten Luftkanülen, die mit einer sie abwechselnd mit Luftimpulsen beaufschlagenden Pumpeinrichtung verbunden sind.The object on which the invention is based is also achieved with a device of the type mentioned at the outset by at least two air cannulas with their outlet openings above the sample container, which are connected to a pump device which alternately applies air pulses.

Mit dieser Vorrichtung kann in gleicher Weise, wie vorstehend in Zusammenhang mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren beschrieben, sehr einfach das Mischen einer zu analysierenden Flüssigkeitsprobe vorgenommen werden, ohne daß die Öffnung des Probenbehälters abgedichtet werden müßte und ohne daß es zu einer Berührung zwischen Teilen der Vorrichtung und dem Probenbehälter und/oder der Flüssigkeitsprobe kommen muß.With this device, in the same way as described above in connection with the method according to the invention, the mixing of a liquid sample to be analyzed can be carried out very easily without the opening of the sample container having to be sealed and without there being any contact between parts of the device and the sample container and / or the liquid sample must come.

Es hat sich gezeigt, daß ein besonders wirksames und schnelles Mischen einer Flüssigkeitsprobe dann erreicht wird, wenn die Pumpeinrichtung mit einer Frequenz von 9 Hz bis 14 Hz arbeitet.It has been shown that a particularly effective and rapid mixing of a liquid sample is achieved when the pump device operates at a frequency of 9 Hz to 14 Hz.

Um die Luft für die Luftstrahlen auf eine Temperatur oberhalb der Temperatur der Probenflüssigkeit anzuwärmen, kann die den Luftkanülen zuzuführende Luft durch eine geregelt beheizbare Temperierungskammer leitbar sein.In order to heat the air for the air jets to a temperature above the temperature of the sample liquid, the air to be supplied to the air cannulas can be conducted through a temperature chamber which can be heated in a controlled manner.

Zum Befeuchten der Luft kann die den Luftkanülen zuzuführende Luft durch eine Befeuchtungseinrichtung leitbar sein, die beispielsweise aus einer am Boden der Temperierungskammer vorgesehenen Wasserschale bestehen kann, über die die Luft geleitet wird.To humidify the air, the air to be supplied to the air cannulas can be conducted through a humidification device, which can consist, for example, of a water bowl provided at the bottom of the temperature control chamber, through which the air is conducted.

Da es sich gezeigt hat, daß der Mischvorgang sehr günstig abläuft, wenn die Luftstrahlen aus laminaren Strömungen bestehen, können die Länge und der lichte Querschnitt der Luftkanülen so gewählt werden, daß aus ihnen laminare Luftströme austreten.Since it has been shown that the mixing process takes place very cheaply when the air jets consist of laminar flows, the length and the clear cross section of the air cannulas can be chosen so that laminar air flows emerge from them.

Um den in Berührung mit der Probenoberfläche kommenden Fremdluftanteil aus der Umgebungsluft gering zu halten, kann der Probenbehälter mit einer Luftdurchtrittsöffnungen für den Durchtritt der Luftstrahlen aufweisenden Abdeckung, etwa in Form einer am Probenbehälter befestigten Folie oder einer an der Vorrichtung gehalterten, federnden Abdeckung abgedeckt sein.In order to keep the proportion of external air from the ambient air that comes into contact with the sample surface low, the sample container can be covered with an air passage opening for the passage of the air jets, for example in the form of a film attached to the sample container or a resilient cover held on the device.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand der Figuren näher erläutert.

  • Figur 1 zeigt in einer schematischen Teildarstellung, teilweise aufgebrochen eine Vorrichtung zum Mischen einer Flüssigkeitsprobe, die sich in einem ebenfalls dargestellten Probenbehälter befindet.
  • Figur 2 zeigt im Schnitt eine Prinzipdarstellung der in Figur 1 verwendeten Pumpe.
  • Figur 3 zeigt in einer vereinfachten Schnittdarstellung die Temperierungskammer mit den Luftkanülen oberhalb eines eine Flüssigkeitsprobe enthaltenden Probenbehälters.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.
  • Figure 1 shows a partial schematic representation, partially broken away, a device for mixing a liquid sample, which is in egg nem sample container is also shown.
  • Figure 2 shows in section a schematic diagram of the pump used in Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 shows a simplified sectional view of the temperature control chamber with the air cannula above a sample container containing a liquid sample.

Die dargestellte Vorrichtung enthält eine Temperierungskammer 3 und eine von einem Antrieb 20 angetriebene Pumpe 12, die über Verbindungsschläuche 10 und 11 an die Temperierungskammer 3 angeschlossen ist.The device shown contains a temperature control chamber 3 and a pump 12 driven by a drive 20, which is connected to the temperature control chamber 3 via connecting hoses 10 and 11.

Wie in Figur 2 zu erkennen ist, weist die Pumpe 12 zwei Pumpenkammern 18, 19 auf, die jeweils mit einer Membran 16, 17 verschlossen sind. An den Membranen 16, 17 ist mittels Schrauben ein Betätigungsteil 15 befestigt, das einen Einschnitt aufweist, in den sich ein Exzenter 14 erstreckt. Dieser Exzenter sitzt auf der vom nicht näher beschriebenen Antrieb 20 angetriebenen Welle 13 und wird in Richtung des in Figur 2 gezeigten Pfeiles gedreht.As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pump 12 has two pump chambers 18, 19, each of which is closed with a membrane 16, 17. An actuating part 15, which has an incision into which an eccentric 14 extends, is fastened to the membranes 16, 17 by means of screws. This eccentric is seated on the shaft 13 driven by the drive 20 (not described in more detail) and is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG.

Die Verbindungsschläuche 10 und 11 sind jeweils an eine der Kammern 18, 19 angeschlossen und führen in der Temperierungskammer 3 in Teilkammern 6, 7, und zwar in geringem Abstand oberhalb von deren Böden. Durch diese Böden erstrecken sich Luftkanülen 4, 5 nach unten aus der Temperierungskammer 3 heraus, während die oberen Enden der Luftkanülen 4, 5 verhältnismäßig weit oberhalb der Anschlüsse für die Verbindungsschläuche 10 und 11 in den Teilkammern 6 und 7 enden.The connecting hoses 10 and 11 are each connected to one of the chambers 18, 19 and lead in the tempering chamber 3 in subchambers 6, 7, and at a short distance above their bottoms. Air cannulas 4, 5 extend downward through these floors from the temperature control chamber 3, while the upper ends of the air cannulas 4, 5 end relatively far above the connections for the connecting hoses 10 and 11 in the subchambers 6 and 7.

Die Temperierungskammer 3 ist von einem elektrischen Heizmantel 26 umgeben, und in ihrer Wandung befindet sich ein Temperaturfühler 27, mit dessen Hilfe über einen schematisch dargestellten Temperaturregler 8 die Beheizung der Temperierungskammer so gewählt wird, daß in den Teilkammern 6, 7 die gewünschte Temperatur aufrechterhalten bleibt.The temperature control chamber 3 is surrounded by an electric heating jacket 26, and in its wall there is a temperature sensor 27, by means of which the heating of the temperature control chamber is selected via a schematically illustrated temperature controller 8 so that the desired temperature is maintained in the subchambers 6, 7 .

Die Luftkanülen 4, 5 sind derart nach unten aus der Temperierungskammer 3 herausgeführt, daß sie sich beim Positionieren eines Probengefäßes 1 unterhalb der Austrittsöffnungen der Luftkanülen 4 und 5 im Bereich des lichten Öffnungsquerschnittes des Probenbehälters 1, jedoch in möglichst großem Abstand voneinander befinden, während das Probengefäß 1 von einer an der Temperierungskammer 3 federnd gehalterten Abdeckung 22, die Durchtrittsöffnungen 23 für die Luftstrahlen aufweist, abgedeckt wird.The air cannulas 4, 5 are led out downward from the temperature control chamber 3 in such a way that when a sample vessel 1 is positioned below the outlet openings of the air cannulas 4 and 5 they are in the area of the clear opening cross section of the sample container 1, but at the greatest possible distance from one another, while this Sample vessel 1 is covered by a cover 22, which is resiliently held on the temperature control chamber 3 and has through openings 23 for the air jets.

Im Betrieb treibt der Antrieb 20 die Welle 13 und dreht dadurch den Exzenter 14, wodurch periodisch in den Kammern 18 und 19 (Figur 2) Luft komprimiert und dadurch aus diesem verdrängt und über die Verbindungsschläuche 10 und 11 in die Teilkammern 6 und 7 gedrückt wird. Am Boden dieser Teilkammern kann sich Wasser befinden, so daß die den Teilkammern zugeführte Luft über dieses Wasser strömt und befeuchtet wird, während die Luft in den Teilkammern 6 und 7 darüber hinaus auf eine Temperatur erwärmt wird, die oberhalb der Temperatur der zu mischenden Probe liegt.In operation, the drive 20 drives the shaft 13 and thereby rotates the eccentric 14, as a result of which air is compressed periodically in the chambers 18 and 19 (FIG. 2) and thereby displaced from it and pressed into the subchambers 6 and 7 via the connecting hoses 10 and 11 . Water can be located at the bottom of these subchambers, so that the air supplied to the subchambers flows over this water and is humidified, while the air in the subchambers 6 and 7 is also heated to a temperature which is above the temperature of the sample to be mixed .

Infolge des in den Teilkammern 6 und 7 bei Zufuhr von Luftimpulsen von den Kammern 18 und 19 erhöhten Druckes wird entsprechend Luft durch die Luftkanülen 4 und 5 nach unten herausgepreßt, d.h. aus den Luftkanülen 4 und 5 treten abwechselnd Luftstrahlen aus, deren Frequenz und Dauer vom Aufbau und der Betriebsweise der Pumpe 12 abhängt. Es sei erwähnt, daß jeweils beim Herauspressen von Luft aus einer der Luftkanülen über die andere Luftkanüle wieder Luft in die zugehörige Teilkammer und über den Verbindungsschlauch in die zugehörige, von einer Membran verschlossenen Kammer der Pumpe zurückgesaugt wird.As a result of the increased pressure in the subchambers 6 and 7 when air pulses are supplied from the chambers 18 and 19, air is pressed out through the air cannulas 4 and 5 downwards accordingly, ie air jets, their frequency and Duration depends on the structure and operation of the pump 12. It should be mentioned that each time air is pressed out of one of the air cannulas, air is sucked back into the associated subchamber via the other air cannula and, via the connecting hose, into the associated chamber of the pump which is closed by a membrane.

Die Abmessungen der Luftkanülen 4 und 5 werden vorzugsweise so gewählt, daß aus ihnen laminare Strömungen austreten. In einem Ausführungsbeispiel wurden hierzu für eine Austrittsgeschwindigkeit der Luftstrahlen von 1 m/sec bis 2 m/sec bei einem Volumen von 5 cm3/sec bis 10 cm3/sec Luftkanülen mit einer Länge von 40 mm und einem lichten Innendurchmesser von 0,8 mm eingesetzt. Bei der so erzeugten laminaren Strömung ergab sich eine wirksame Durchmischung, wenn sich die Austrittsenden der Luftkanülen 4, 5 21 mm bis 30 mm oberhalb der Probenoberfläche befanden.The dimensions of the air cannulas 4 and 5 are preferably chosen so that laminar flows emerge from them. In one exemplary embodiment, air cannulas with a length of 40 mm and a clear inner diameter of 0.8 were used for an exit velocity of the air jets of 1 m / sec to 2 m / sec with a volume of 5 cm 3 / sec to 10 cm 3 / sec mm used. The laminar flow produced in this way resulted in effective mixing if the outlet ends of the air cannulas 4, 5 were 21 mm to 30 mm above the sample surface.

Bei in Betrieb befindlicher Vorrichtung wird unter die Luftkanülen 4 und 5 ein eine zu mischende Flüssigkeitsprobe 2 enthaltender Probenbehälter 1, etwa eine Küvette gebracht, wie dies in den Figuren 1 und 3 angedeutet ist. Tritt dann aus der Luftkanüle 4 ein in Figur 1 durch einen Pfeil angedeuteter Luftstrahl aus, so wird die Oberfläche der Probenflüssigkeit 2 in der angedeuteten Weise verformt, während bei Austritt eines Luftstrahls aus der anderen Luftkanüle, die in Figur 1 zu diesem Zweck mit 5' bezeichnet und seitlich versetzt dargestellt ist, dieser Luftstrahl in dem seitlich versetzt dargestellten, mit 1' bezeichneten Probenbehälter, der mit dem Probenbehälter 1 identisch ist, eine Verformung der Oberfläche der mit 2' bezeichneten Flüssigkeitsprobe hervorruft, wie sie in Figur 1 angedeutet ist. Somit erfolgt abwechselnd eine Verformung der Oberfläche der Flüssigkeitsprobe in Verbindung mit durch gekrümmte Pfeile angedeuteten Turbulenzen in der in Figur 1 angedeuteten Weise, was zu einem schnellen und wirksamen Durchmischen der Flüssigkeitsprobe führt, wobei infolge der erhöhten Temperatur und der hohen Luftfeuchtigkeit der Luftstrahlen weder eine Temperaturänderung noch ein Flüssigkeitsverlust in der Flüssigkeitsprobe zu befürchten ist.When the device is in operation, a sample container 1, for example a cuvette, containing a liquid sample 2 to be mixed is placed under the air cannulas 4 and 5, as is indicated in FIGS. 1 and 3. If an air jet, indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1, then emerges from the air cannula 4, the surface of the sample liquid 2 is deformed in the manner indicated, while when an air jet emerges from the other air cannula, which is shown in FIG. designated and shown laterally offset, this air jet in the laterally offset, 1 'designated sample container, which is identical to the sample container 1, causes a deformation of the surface of the liquid sample designated 2', as indicated in Figure 1. The surface of the liquid is thus alternately deformed test in connection with turbulence indicated by curved arrows in the manner indicated in Figure 1, which leads to a quick and effective mixing of the liquid sample, whereby due to the increased temperature and the high humidity of the air jets neither a temperature change nor a loss of liquid in the liquid sample is to be feared is.

Claims (11)

1. Verfahren zum Mischen einer zu analysierenden Flüssigkeitsprobe, bei dem die Flüssigkeitsprobe in einen Probenbehälter, insbesondere in eine Küvette eingebracht und durch periodische Luftbewegung gemischt wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auf unterschiedliche Bereiche der Probenoberfläche abwechselnd die jeweiligen Probenoberflächenbereiche verlagernde, in der Flüssigkeitsprobe Turbulenzen erzeugende Luftstrahlen gerichtet werden.1. A method for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed, in which the liquid sample is introduced into a sample container, in particular into a cuvette, and mixed by periodic air movement, characterized in that the respective sample surface areas are alternately shifting to different areas of the sample surface and produce turbulence in the liquid sample Air jets are directed. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß für die Luftstrahlen erwärmte Luft mit einer Temperatur oberhalb der Temperatur der Probenflüssigkeit verwendet wird.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that heated air is used with a temperature above the temperature of the sample liquid for the air jets. 3. Verfahren nach Apspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß für die Luftstrahlen Luft mit einer Luftfeuchtigkeit von etwa 100% verwendet wird.3. The method according to Apspruch 1 or 2, characterized in that air with a humidity of about 100% is used for the air jets. 4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Luftstrahlen in Form laminarer Strömungen auf die Probenoberfläche geleitet werden.4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the air jets are directed onto the sample surface in the form of laminar flows. 5. Vorrichtung zum Mischen einer in einem Probenbehälter, insbesondere in einer Küvette enthaltenen, zu analysierenden Flüssigkeitsprobe, in dem oberhalb der Probenoberfläche eine Luftbewegung erzeugbar ist, gekennzeichnet durch mindestens zwei mit ihren Austrittsöffnungen oberhalb des Probenbehälters (1) angeordneten Luftkanülen (4, 5), die mit einer sie abwechselnd mit Luftimpulsen beaufschlagenden Pumpeinrichtung (12) verbunden sind.5. Device for mixing a liquid sample to be analyzed contained in a sample container, in particular in a cuvette, in which an air movement can be generated above the sample surface, characterized by at least two air cannulas (4, 5) arranged with their outlet openings above the sample container (1). which are connected to a pump device (12) which alternately applies air pulses to them. 6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Pumpeinrichtung (12) mit einer Frequenz von 9 Hz bis 14 Hz arbeitet.6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the pump device (12) operates at a frequency of 9 Hz to 14 Hz. 7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die den Luftkanülen (4, 5) zuzuführende Luft durch eine geregelt beheizbare Temperierungskammer (3) leitbar ist.7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the air cannulas (4, 5) to be supplied air through a controlled heatable temperature chamber (3) can be conducted. 8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die den Luftkanälen (4, 5) zuzuführende Luft durch eine Befeuchtungseinrichtung leitbar ist.8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the air channels (4, 5) to be supplied air can be guided by a humidification device. 9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Befeuchtungseinrichtung aus einer am Boden der Temperierungskammer (3) vorgesehenen Wasserschale besteht, über die die Luft geleitet wird.9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the humidification device consists of a water bowl provided at the bottom of the temperature control chamber (3), through which the air is passed. 10. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Länge und der lichte Querschnitt der Luftkanülen (4, 5) so gewählt ist, daß aus ihnen laminare Luftströme austreten.10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the length and the clear cross section of the air cannulas (4, 5) is selected so that laminar air flows emerge from them. 11. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 10, gekennzeichnet durch eine Luftdurchtriffsöffnungen aufweisende Abdeckung (22) für den Probenbehälter (1).11. The device according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized by a cover (22) having air passage openings for the sample container (1).
EP85111601A 1984-09-22 1985-09-13 Method and device for mixing a liquid sample to be analysed Expired EP0176014B1 (en)

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AT85111601T ATE44888T1 (en) 1984-09-22 1985-09-13 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MIXING A SAMPLE OF LIQUID TO BE ANALYZED.

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DE19843434931 DE3434931A1 (en) 1984-09-22 1984-09-22 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MIXING A LIQUID SAMPLE TO BE ANALYZED
DE3434931 1984-09-22

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EP0176014A2 true EP0176014A2 (en) 1986-04-02
EP0176014A3 EP0176014A3 (en) 1987-04-29
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EP (1) EP0176014B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6180026A (en)
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EP0281958A2 (en) * 1987-03-07 1988-09-14 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Device for controlling the temperature and mixing the contents of the vessels of a micro-titration plate
EP0589363A1 (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-03-30 Boehringer Mannheim Gmbh Method and device for automatic mixing without contact of a reaction mixture in a analysing device
WO1994019097A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-09-01 MAX-PLANCK-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V. Process and device for mixing liquids in microtitration plates
US9298397B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2016-03-29 Globalfoundries Inc. Nonvolatile storage thresholding for ultra-SSD, SSD, and HDD drive intermix

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US5595707A (en) * 1990-03-02 1997-01-21 Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. Automated biological reaction apparatus
US6565533B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2003-05-20 Novus International, Inc. Inoculation apparatus and method
US8323984B2 (en) * 2002-12-19 2012-12-04 Beckman Coulter, Inc. Method and apparatus for mixing blood samples for cell analysis
US7648678B2 (en) 2002-12-20 2010-01-19 Dako Denmark A/S Method and system for pretreatment of tissue slides
DE102004028303A1 (en) * 2004-06-11 2005-12-29 Roche Diagnostics Gmbh Method and device for detecting analytes
DE102005034175A1 (en) * 2005-07-21 2007-01-25 Roche Diagnostics Gmbh Method and device for generating a moist air flow with defined relative humidity
EP3603787A1 (en) * 2012-04-18 2020-02-05 Life Technologies Corporation Methods and apparatus for gas stream mass transfer with a liquid
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EP0281958A3 (en) * 1987-03-07 1989-03-22 Hoechst Aktiengesellschaft Device for controlling the temperature and mixing the contents of the vessels of a micro-titration plate
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US9298397B2 (en) 2013-11-12 2016-03-29 Globalfoundries Inc. Nonvolatile storage thresholding for ultra-SSD, SSD, and HDD drive intermix

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3571768D1 (en) 1989-08-31
ATE44888T1 (en) 1989-08-15
EP0176014A3 (en) 1987-04-29
JPH0578779B2 (en) 1993-10-29
EP0176014B1 (en) 1989-07-26
DE3434931C2 (en) 1987-10-08
JPS6180026A (en) 1986-04-23
DE3434931A1 (en) 1986-03-27
US4664526A (en) 1987-05-12

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