EP0176014B1 - 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
EP0176014B1
EP0176014B1 EP85111601A EP85111601A EP0176014B1 EP 0176014 B1 EP0176014 B1 EP 0176014B1 EP 85111601 A EP85111601 A EP 85111601A EP 85111601 A EP85111601 A EP 85111601A EP 0176014 B1 EP0176014 B1 EP 0176014B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
air
sample
liquid
mixing
jets
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EP85111601A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0176014A2 (en
EP0176014A3 (en
Inventor
Peter Scheffler
Wilfried Mauser
Thomas Grazianski
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Eppendorf SE
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Eppendorf Netheler Hinz GmbH
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Priority to AT85111601T priority Critical patent/ATE44888T1/en
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Publication of EP0176014A3 publication Critical patent/EP0176014A3/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 in a sample container, in particular in a ku. vette is introduced 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 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 the sample being mixed quickly .
  • the sample container which can be a standard vessel with a single liquid column, and / or essential parts of the device with which the air jets are directed onto the sample surface. be brought into contact with the sample container or the sample 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 an air humidity of approximately 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 beginning 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 to them.
  • 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 supplying 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 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.
  • an actuating side 15 is fastened by means of screws, which has an incision into which an eccentric 14 extends.
  • 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 temperature control chamber 8 is selected by means of 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 downwards out of the temperature control chamber 3 such 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 the 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 is pressed into the subchambers 6 and 7 via the connecting slots 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 .
  • Air jets alternately emerge from the air cannulas 4 and 5, the frequency and duration of which depend on the structure and mode of 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.
  • 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 mm 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 IOCM3 / sec .
  • 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 sample is alternately deformed in connection with the turbulence indicated by curved arrows in the manner indicated in FIG. 1, which leads to leads to a quick and effective mixing of the liquid sample, whereby due to the elevated temperature and the high humidity of the air jets there is no fear of a change in temperature or loss of liquid in the liquid sample.

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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 Kü- . vette 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 in a sample container, in particular in a Kü. vette is introduced 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 (EP-A 0098949, DE-A 1 598514), 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 (EP-A 0098949, DE-A 1 598514), 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 deforming an elastic container wall or by reciprocating the sample 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 caused to oscillate periodically 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 gestaltet, 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 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 ge- . richtet 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 the sample being mixed quickly . 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 liquid column, and / or essential parts of the device with which the air jets are directed onto the sample surface. be brought into contact with the sample container or the sample 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 the fact that the air jets are at a higher temperature than the sample liquid means that the liquid comes into contact with the sample liquid Air from the air jets does not cool the liquid sample as a result of evaporation.

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 an air humidity of approximately 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 Auftrittsöffnungen 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 beginning 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 to them.

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 zuführende 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 supplying 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 proceeds 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 Luftdurchtrittsöffnung für den Durchtritt der Luftstrahlen aufweisenden Abdekkung, 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 coming 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.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

  • Figur 1 zeigt in einer schematischen Teildarstellung, teilweise aufgebrochen eine Vorrichtung zum Mischen einer Flüssigkeitsprobe, die sich in einem ebenfalls dargestellten Probenbehälter befindet.FIG. 1 shows a schematic partial illustration, partially broken away, of a device for mixing a liquid sample, which is located in a sample container which is also shown.
  • Figur zeigt im Schnitt eine Prinzipdarstellung der in Figur 1 verwendeten Pumpe.Figure shows in section a schematic diagram of the pump used in Figure 1.
  • Figur zeigt in einer vereinfachten Schnittdarstellung die Temperierungskammer mit den Luftkanülen oberhalb eines eine Flüssigkeitsprobe enthaltenden Probenbehälters.Figure 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 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 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 Betätigungsteit 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. On the membranes 16, 17, an actuating side 15 is fastened by means of screws, which has an incision into which an eccentric 14 extends. 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 temperature control chamber 8 is selected by means of 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 Öff- _nungsquerschnittes 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 downwards out of the temperature control chamber 3 such 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 the 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 (Figur2) Luft komprimiert und dadurch aus diesem verdrängt und über die Verbindungsschläche 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 is pressed into the subchambers 6 and 7 via the connecting slots 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 correspondingly pressed out through the air cannulas 4 and 5, ie. H. Air jets alternately emerge from the air cannulas 4 and 5, the frequency and duration of which depend on the structure and mode of 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 IOCM3/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 mm 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 IOCM3 / sec . 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. Thus, the surface of the liquid sample is alternately deformed in connection with the turbulence indicated by curved arrows in the manner indicated in FIG. 1, which leads to leads to a quick and effective mixing of the liquid sample, whereby due to the elevated temperature and the high humidity of the air jets there is no fear of a change in temperature or loss of liquid in the liquid sample.

Claims (11)

1. Process for mixing a liquid sample which is to be tested, in which the liquid sample is placed in a sample container, particularly in a cuvette, and mixed by periodic air movement, characterised in that the jets of air displacing the appropriate surface regions of the sample, and producing turbulences in the liquid sample are directed alternately on different regions of the sample surface.
2. Process according to claim 1, characterised in that heated air with a temperature above the temperature of the sample liquid is used for the air jets.
3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that air with an air moisture of approx. 100% is used for the air jets.
4. Process according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the air jets are directed in the form of laminar flows onto the sample surface.
5. Device for mixing a liquid sample to be analysed which is contained in a sample container, particularly in a cuvette, in which an air movement can be produced above the surface of the sample, characterised by at least two air tubules (4, 5) which are connected to a pump device (12) which charges them alternately with air impulses.
6. Device according to claim 5, characterised in that the pump device (12) operates with a frequency of 9 Hz to 14 Hz.
7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the air to be supplied to the air tubules (4, 5) can be fed through a controlled heatable temperature-regulating chamber (3).
8. Device according to claim 7, characterised in that the air to be supplied to the air tubules (4, 5) can be fed through a humidifier.
9. Device according to claim 8, characterised in that the humidifier consists of a water dish provided on the bottom of the temperature-regulating chamber, over which the air is passed.
10. Device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the length and the clear cross-section of the air tubules (4, 5) is selected so that laminar air flows issue from them.
11. Device according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterised by a cover (22) with 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)

Priority Applications (1)

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

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19843434931 DE3434931A1 (en) 1984-09-22 1984-09-22 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MIXING A LIQUID SAMPLE TO BE ANALYZED
DE3434931 1984-09-22

Publications (3)

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EP0176014A2 EP0176014A2 (en) 1986-04-02
EP0176014A3 EP0176014A3 (en) 1987-04-29
EP0176014B1 true EP0176014B1 (en) 1989-07-26

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EP85111601A Expired EP0176014B1 (en) 1984-09-22 1985-09-13 Method and device for mixing a liquid sample to be analysed

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US (1) US4664526A (en)
EP (1) EP0176014B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6180026A (en)
AT (1) ATE44888T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3434931A1 (en)

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DE4232096A1 (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-03-31 Boehringer Mannheim Gmbh Method and device for the contactless automatic mixing of a reaction mixture in an analysis device
DE4306085A1 (en) * 1993-02-26 1994-09-01 Max Planck Gesellschaft Method and device for mixing liquids in microtiter plates
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
DE102012023900A1 (en) 2012-12-07 2014-06-12 Meiko Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg delivery unit
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JPS61501167A (en) * 1984-02-01 1986-06-12 ヒユレツト，ウイリアム・チエスタ− Clinical analyzer and method

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE3571768D1 (en) 1989-08-31
EP0176014A2 (en) 1986-04-02
ATE44888T1 (en) 1989-08-15
EP0176014A3 (en) 1987-04-29
JPH0578779B2 (en) 1993-10-29
DE3434931C2 (en) 1987-10-08
JPS6180026A (en) 1986-04-23
DE3434931A1 (en) 1986-03-27
US4664526A (en) 1987-05-12

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